Our Easter

We had a great Easter this year!  It started with our annual egg hunt at my mom's clubhouse on Saturday.  Ashlee opted out of this venture - choosing to play in her softball game instead.  She has decided that she is getting too old for egg hunting.  So I took her place because I LOVE hunting for chocolate!  Nolan was most pleased with himself this year because he found a "silver egg"!  He's been after one for the past 3 years.  There are only 3 and you can trade it in for a huge chocolate bunny - he even shared it with me!  By the way Ashlee's game was amazing - tied up and went into extra innings. So fun for them!  We even got to see a lot of it after our egg hunting.  

Sunday morning we were awaken at the crack of dawn by our kids (much like every other house in the world) to enjoy the Easter bunny festivities.  We had toaster waffles for breakfast since I neglected to grocery shop before the weekend and then we were off to church - 5 minutes late as always!  We met up with Ryan's family at his Grandpa's retirement home for Easter brunch.  Haidyn and I got a mid afternoon nap while Daddy took the big kids on a bike ride.  

Four Generations of Dunn Boys

Ryan, Dennis, Nolan, Ken & Terrell

And it wouldn't be a holiday without someone getting sick - we put Nolan to bed early with a fever once again.  We didn't sleep much last night.  But at least it was a relaxing and fun weekend.  We need to get used to lack of sleep anyways - right?

Happy Palm Sunday!

Happy Haidyn Once Again!

Here she is - Miss Happy!  Long overdue for her 3 year photos.  

To see more click HERE!

Opening Day Madness!

Yesterday was opening day for baseball/softball season!  It is always a CRAZY day!  The kids love it though and get really pumped up for the season!  It all starts at 8:00 am - parade of all the teams, opening ceremonies at the park, lots of early morning candy, and then of course each of then have a game!  

This year Ashlee is on the team Lightning.  She has a few of her friends from class on her team and Principal Reed is her coach - so she's pretty excited.  The weather was rainy on and off so I didn't take my camera to their games today.  Ashlee pitched the first inning of her game (in the rain).  She was cold, wet and a little nervous but she still managed to strike out a batter.  Not bad for our "girly girl"!  Even with a few tears and frozen fingers from the freezing rain, she managed to get a hit and eventually bring in a run for her team.  Way to go Ash!

LIGHTNING - Girl's Softball - Minors - 2009

Nolan is on the Florida State Seminoles this year.  He didn't know anyone on his team.  And to our surprise, our little bashful dude wasted no time making new friends.  Nolan is such a natural out there on the field!  He loves the game and is so focused!  It's the perfect sport for our concentrated little man.  He plays first base amazingly well and seems to be really understanding the game this year.  He is new to Minor League this year and with that comes the infamous pitching machine.  It's a little intimidating for these pro-tee-ballers but Daddy is taking Nolan to the batting cages today for some more practice.

FLORIDA STATE - Little League Baseball - Minors A - 2009

Baseball season is always stressful and go-go-go!  But with all the stresses of life right now, this is exactly what we need!  

Our kids are awesome!

My Patient

Today is my birthday.  How does a mother of (almost) four spend her birthday?  Why, at home with a sick kiddo of course!  My morning started off great and then....the call came.  Nolan was in the nurses office with a fever.  I should have half expected it, it's been making it's way around the neighborhood. When I got to the school to pick him up, he said he was sorry and he hoped he didn't get me sick on my birthday.  He's such a sweet guy!  

My little man refused to take a nap.  Instead he wrapped up in a blanket and started on a 3-D puzzle - but guess what?  He didn't get too far before his little aching body fell asleep.  He's a pretty good patient, I have to admit.  I'm so sad for my sweet little man.  I hope he feels better soon.

"P" is for Princess!

Today for Haidyn's preschool our lesson was on the letter "P".   Fortunately, we have an all girls preschool at this time, so we were able to celebrate the letter "P" the best us girls know how - WE HAD A PRINCESS PARTY!  We curled hair, put on some sparkles, dressed in princess attire, made magic princess wands and ate popcorn for our afternoon snack.  Haidyn had so much fun!  The only way I could coax her into bed tonight was by promising to have another princess party very soon.

"P" is for Princess!

Princess Haidyn 

Princess Sydnie

Princess Noelle 

Princess Abby

Princess Chloe

The Princesses dancing at their ball! 

(Princess Paige's presence has been requested at the next ball)

What Makes It All Better?...

We have been dealing with a lot of stress in our lives.  But today I sat back and really noticed what I love.

• I love when I'm staring off into space in deep thought and Haidyn comes and put's her happy pizza face in mine!

• I love that when Nolan walks in the room he always touches my belly and asks if the baby's awake.  He loves to feel her move.
  

• I love that Ashlee leaves me little notes like these:  "Dear Mommy, I love you very much.  I love you as much as the earth itself.  I  know our baby has good health.  I watch you as the stars go by and you know that Daddy wears diamond ties.  (???)  I love you mommy. Love your eldest daughter, Ashlee"
  

• I (kinda) love that this baby does acrobats inside me at night while I'm trying to sleep - it means she's healthy

• I love that Ryan cleaned the garage today and told me to go lay down and rest.
  

• I love that my mom has been so supportive and takes my phone calls even when she's working. And that when I don't call her, she calls to check on me.
  

• I love that my magnolia tree is in bloom.
  

• I love that the dog and cat have become best friends.
  

Today, I am thankful for what is truly important. 

(and yes, my tree is one of those things)

10 Years of Bliss...

Ryan and I just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary!  We had a great time alone together - and we needed it.  Times have not been easy for our family these past few months.  It was just what we needed to de-stress, reconnect and just enjoy each other!  We sent our kids off to friends and family for the weekend.  Frugal us, had a gift card for a great dinner and a gift card to the movies.  It was the perfect "get away" for us, given our current situation.  Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible!

February 14, 2009

xoxo

Discovering With Cousins...

Today we met my sister Tammi and her family in Sausalito for a day at the Kids Discovery Museum.  It was so nice to get out of town and the weather was spectacular!  Thanks for inviting us!  We had so much fun!

Ashlee (9), Nolan (7), Shad (3), Kaihla (19 mos.), Haidyn (3)

Nolan Michael

I finally had a chance to take Nolan out for a photo shoot.  He's so handsome!

Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away

Haidyn loves to be outside and even the rain can't keep her away.  The other day Ashlee bundled her up and took her out to jump and play in the rain.  That child has way too much energy!

Haidyn and Her Kitty

Haidyn is in love with Antonio, our kitty.  She is a bit too love-y with him at times - a little 'Lennie-ish'.  But good ol' Antonio takes it without any complaints.  He seems to like the extra affection.

Tree Deal!

Due to the crappy economy, most of us are pinching pennies this year.  If you are looking to save a little on your Christmas tree this year go check out 'Wise Buys' in Roseville.  They just got a shipment of 700 trees and all of them (6 - 12ft.) are only $9.98!  We drove out this morning and got one for us and one for  my parents.  Just thought I would pass on a good deal for those who are interested!  Better hurry - I heard they sold out their last shipment in 3 days.

Our annual tradition is to drive up to Apple Hill to cut down our tree.  But this year value outweighed our tradition.

'Wise Buys'

1159 Roseville Square

Corner of Douglas & Harding

Thank You

I just want to say thank you to my husband and to everyone who has been so concerned over my health lately.  This pregnancy has been a rough road these past few weeks.  Ryan has been amazing!  He's Mr. Mom, Mr. Dad, Mr. Nurse and so much more.  Today he took me to the hospital and I was given fluids for my dehydration and some nausea medication.  I truly hope that I can not only start to feel better, but start to enjoy this FINAL pregnancy.  

Thanks again for all of your concern - we (me and little fetus) will be okay~  Kimberly

Thank you Ryan - I know it's been hard for you but I love you   =0)  

SURPRISE!

We were surprised too!  

It's time to share the news as I can no longer hide it.  My belly is growing and I have been so sick that people are beginning to worry.  Yes, it is true - baby number 4 will be arriving hopefully sometime before July 4, 2009!  

The kids are very excited while Nolan is already planning for bunk beds - he just knows it's going to be a baby brother.  

I guess we'll be needing a new license plate soon.  Any suggestions???  

Haidyn Turns Three!

I can't believe our baby girl is 3!  Exactly one week after Nolan's birthday, we celebrate Haidyn's!  This year they each had small parties with their friends and then one Saturday we had my parents and Ryan's parents over for pizza to celebrate both their birthdays.  

Haidyn loves her new Dora bike from Papa Dennis & Gramma Jan.

My mom bought her an American Girl (Bitty Baby) with matching Christmas clothes - too cute!

And our little mastermind loves his new Erector Set!

Haidyn's Dora Party:  We had the party last Friday morning.  It was a Dora fiesta!  We had a small jumper, a pinata and for lunch we made tostadas.  It was lots of fun.  Here's Haidyn waiting for her friends to arrive for the party - she was having a hard time being patient.

Haidyn's famous tongue - so purty!

Cousin Shad beating up Dora.

"Thank you friends for all the fun presents!  We had a fun day!" ~Haidyn

Trick-or-Treat

Every year we carve pumpkins the day before Halloween - which is Nolan's birthday!

Halloween night was fun!  We went over to the Dyers' house for dinner with our Allaire Circle Family and then off we went to find the candy.  This was Haidyn's first year where she really understood what was going on.  She loved it!  After every house she would ask, "Mommy, can I go trick-or-treating again?"  She wanted to be assured that this venture would never end!

  Of course it did and she was thrilled with her loot!  

When we got home we had a ton of candy to hand out to other trick-or-treaters.  So, Ashlee and Nolan plopped themselves on the front porch and took over the task - it was great!  

Backed Up Blog...

I am so behind on blogging!  I don't know where to begin and there is so much I will have to just leave out - I can't find the time these days.  I will start with the Piano Recital.

Ashlee has been in piano now for about 3 years.  This was her first recital.  We were all so nervous for her.  Papa Dennis, Grandma Carolyn and Papa Larry came to support the kids too.  Here is a little clip of one of the songs she played.  She did great and recovered from her little mishap marvelously!  (notice no music, she played by memory)

Nolan has been in piano for about 3 months now.  He is learning fast and seems to really enjoy it. I was so proud of him!  Nolan does not like to be in the spotlight (like his sister).  The fact that he not only got up there, but performed wonderfully is just amazing to me.  Our little man is maturing.  Unfortunately, Haidyn was being a handful during Nolan's performance so I don't have his recording on my camera.  Daddy did video the entire performance on our camcorder, but I have yet to figure out how to upload those files.  So here is a photo (of his back - sorry)

Miles, Nolan, Raelynn & Ashlee

Thanks Carrie, for teaching our kids to play piano and enriching our home with the sound of music!!!