Monday, April 27, 2009

And It Begins...

After a couple awesome summers on boats with family and friends Mark and I gave in and got one of our own!!!

We had to test it out so we went to the Utah Lake last Saturday... (other lakes still have ice on them). The outside temp was 62 and the water was in the upper 40's. I wasn't planning on getting in the water but the wake was just too sweet to pass up.

I will apologize in advance... this will monopolize most of our families activities this year... so excited... come with us... seriously!!! We are going to have a killer summer!





Great-Grandpa Horton

Last week we visited Grandpa and Grandma Horton. It was a beautiful day outside so Grandpa took the kids around in the wheelbarrow and wagon. I was a little nervous with him pushing the wheelbarrow... he just had back surgery a few months ago and is still a little weak so I helped them make the transition to the wagon. These are some precious pictures with Great-Grandpa... I am so glad I have a phone that takes pictures when I forget my camera.

The Wheelin Jazz

Todd and Anna invited us to a Wheelin Jazz benefit game. It was super cool. These guys are amazing. The game was full of bloopers and fun. I would love to go watch real game and see what this team can do.


Nate, Mason and Iree watching the game.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Easter Sunday

On our walk to the park... So many beautiful spring flowers were out. I love Spring!
Heather and I had to beg Jacob to pose in the flowers. He finally gave in.

Easter Morning

Iree and Jacob woke up so early... they were very excited to see what the Easter Bunny left in their baskets. We have a little rule that you have to wait for the whole family before you can go downstairs and check out your loot. After an hour of waiting for Dad and Mason to wake up they were able to see what the Easter Bunny left. Their baskets were hidden along with tons of candy filled eggs. Here are some pj pictures...with lots of bed head.


I LOVE WHERE I LIVE!

I am loving spring and loving all the parks just a walk away. I rarely miss a day without spending an hour at a park. This park just opened and I love it... It has a sandy beach on the lake, two basketball courts, an awesome playground, swings, and lots of grass for a picnic. All just a 3 minute walk from my house... I can't wait for the warm weather... I am ready!!

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Mark's Trip to Colorado

Mark went to Colorado for his sister Alex's 21st Birthday. They rented a condo and went skiing/snowboarding as a family. I relaxed at home with 3 sick kids, they watched movies and I read two books.

Mark always has a fun time laughing with his family.

Cory, Matt, Alex and Randy waiting to go skiing!

Alex posing in her ski gear...

Spring???

We had 2 weeks of amazing weather and now this... I guess we have to make the best of it! Soon enough the kids won't want to be outside because it is too hot.


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Bad Dreams

Our little girl is afraid of the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny and the latest, Leprechauns. I think it is because all of these figures come in to our home at night... very scary to my 4 year old.

Because of this, she rarely sleeps in her room. She ends up sleeping on the bottom bunk with Mason, and at some point in the night she sleeps on my floor then after several attempts to climb in between Mark and I, I usually give in because of exhaustion and then she is breathing in my face. A couple of times I have ended up sleeping on the floor myself. I cannot stand kids in my bed.

Last night after prayers... we were tucking the kids in and Ireland started to cry. Mark was holding her and asking what was wrong. She said, "I don't want to go to sleep because then I have bad dreams." Jacob leaned his head over the rail of his top bunk and said, "I have a strategy you can use." (yes he said strategy) He went on to say that when you have a bad dream you can pray to Heavenly Father and ask him to send you good dreams. He said it works for him. Ireland and Mark said a prayer and asked for good dreams.

I love it when you have proof that your kids do hear some of what you say...

Usually I just see proof of the negative things I say and do like..

Mason saying, "Oh My Gosh" a little too much. I guess I do also! On top of that Ireland is constantly putting Mason and her stuffed animals in time out. (Don't know where she learned that) And Jacob holding his hand above his head and saying to Iree, "I've had it up to here." Woops... I got that one from my mom.

All in all... It was so nice to hear Jacob giving his little sis some great advice!


Spring 2009

Michelle and her kids (Scott, Sunny, Sammy, Sawyer, and Spencer) came to visit for their Spring Break. We had a blast at the parks, riding bikes, roasting marshmallows, playing at the Sand Dunes and just hanging out. We had a great time and can't wait for her to visit again

Monday, March 09, 2009

We had Heidi's girls for the weekend.
We had fun with the cousins...Movie Night, Dinosaur Museum, Hanging out at Andy's and a birthday party for Parker.


March 9th,
One year ago today,

We have had a long year of tears, emotions, memories and all the firsts without Dave. Heidi and the kids experience this every minute and have handled it very well. Daily I think of him and his family. Just the other day, in a conversation with Mark, I thought, "Just ask Dave... he would know." I caught myself before I said it. I often do this and then remember he is gone.

Through this experience I feel a desire to make things matter. Life isn't just about existing... We are here to learn, experience, create meaningful relationships, and in my opinion enjoy life to the fullest.

This picture was taken at Dave's Life Celebration. A few months later I noticed Dave on the screen behind our family. This is our only Kirby family picture with us all as adults.


Monday, March 02, 2009

"Escape Artist"
Lessons Learned!

We took a little weekend trip to St. George and Zions.

The first morning at the hotel Jacob and Iree woke up early because they were so excited. I wanted to let Mark and Mason sleep a little longer so I took Jacob and Iree down to breakfast and left Mason in the care of my sleeping husband.

At some point Mason woke up, didn't wake up his dad and went looking for mom. I guess two guys found our little boy in his pajamas wondering the halls by himself and saw our door open slightly. They knocked on the door but Mark didn't answer.(Mark is a very deep sleeper and it takes him a few minutes to reach consciousness) Luckily Chuck and Heather were in the room next to us and Chuck came to the door to see who was knocking. He claimed Mason.

Talk about a scare! My little boy wondering the halls of a huge hotel!
So I have learned a few valuable lessons. Mason is no longer an infant... he is a very curious , smart, daredevil little boy that I cannot leave "unattended" for a second. Second lesson... don't leave children with sleeping husband! Third lesson... Hotel doors are NOT toddler proof!!

Zion's National Park







Swimming Pool Fun

Mason sporting his bright white tummy. So Cute!


The hot tub was huge and not too hot. The kids loved taking little breaks to warm up a bit. The other pool was outdoors and pretty warm but the outside temp was only in the low 60's


Jacob always has a blast with the Farnworth boys. He thought he was pretty funny floating around in that pink floaty.


Iree was all smiles... We all love that!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

He's Back...

It has been a little over 6 months since Mark's shoulder surgery. He just got the release to start playing and he took that seriously. He has been a baller lately... Volleyball, Basketball, and a little Hockey.

Friday, he played in the University of Utah alumni match. It was his first real game and I have to admit I was more nervous than he was. I thought for sure he was going to hurt his shoulder again or totally get killed!!! But as usual he played consistent, controlled, great volleyball minus a little power. I love being married to an awesome volleyball player. Can't wait to play some outdoor tournaments together this summer.


Good-Ole Church Basketball. Mark is pretty new to the sport but he picks up fast and plays feet above these old men. His "hops" always impress me. It has been fun watching him play lately... The kids and I love cheering him on.

Go Dad!!

Monday, February 02, 2009

My Little Comedian!

We were headed out the door to church... I told Mace to go get his shoes and this is how he came back.
He was laughing so hard... he could hardly stand. He does a lot of this lately... I think he is quickly becoming our little comedian. Always trying to make us laugh.


I have nieces old enough to babysit!!!
Yahoo!!


Lasca and Brogan helped me out this busy weekend... It totally helps that Mason thinks they are awesome!! They call Mace "Giggle Man" and that is pretty much all he does when they are around. Thanks Girls!!!

Heather's Closing Ceremony

The Ceremony was so good... laughing and crying! It brought back some raw emotions about my brother Dave. It will always be hard to understand why such young vibrant people are taken home so early.

Afterward we went to the Olive Garden and had a great time laughing and remembering. You girls are great... You too Sam!