Slide Rock

On our last day, we went to Slide Rock in Sedona. It was fun but we had to be so careful, because it is called "Slide" Rock for a reason.

We ended the trip with a birthday celebration for our little Josephine, who turned 1 year old the day before we left.

Reed Family Vacation 2009

In July the Sammy Reed family, Robert Reed family and Scott Reed family all met in San Antonio for what is hopefully to be a yearly (or maybe every other year) event. It was the first time we've done this in 5 years and the first time since all the granddaughters were born. And let's be honest, is it really a vacation if kids are there? :) But we had such great time getting to be with everyone and the girls played so well together. We sure wish we could be closer to Uncle Scott, Aunt Feather (not a typo, that's what Maia calls her) and little Lauren. But the fact that we don't get to see them that often, does make the time that we do spend together that much sweeter.


So out of about 30 shots, these are the best we got. Oh well, they still look super cute even though we couldn't get them to ever all look at the camera the same time.

These pics were all taken as we were getting ready to head to Sea World. We have more pictures from there, but they're on our other (cheaper) camera. So those will be posted at a later date.







Sweet cousin Lauren

XOXOXO

Last day of Preschool

This year, Maia started preschool. We loved having her at First Pres and she loved being there. She has grown and matured so much over the last year and we just can't believe how much time is flying by! Her class ended the year off right with an Ice Cream Sundae Party! We really appreciate her teachers working with her and having patience with her. And teaching them educational things as well as teaching them about the love of Christ.


Mrs. Noemi and Maia


Maia and Mrs. Katie

Happy 4th Birthday Maia!

On May 18th, Maia celebrated her 4th birthday surrounded by those who love her most. We celebrated with most of the Rydell's, Reed's and Mayo's at the park. She had a blast and it was so good getting to catch up with family we don't get to see very often. These are less than 1% of all the pictures we took, but I thought I'd save us all some time. :)




Doesn't get much sweeter people.


Maia pushing Josie, but clearly paying attention to Dawson!

Fun in the sun...not so much

So Maia's party with her friends was supposed to be a sort of water-themed party. Well of course the rain chose that day to make an appearance and the sun decided to dissappear for the day. So, we just made the best of it and let Maia's friends play on the swing set, trash her bedroom and of course, Karoke! A fun time was had by all, even the parents. Thanks to all who came and helped make Maia's 4th birthday a special one, despite the uncooperative weather!


Think she's excited to blow out her candles?




Kevin & Alivia Williams watch as Avery & Amber Ruiz sing us a little something

We haven't forgot about our faithful followers

Fear not blog devotees! We haven't forgot about you! We have been having some major computer issues, and to make a long story short, haven't been able to access our photos in a while. Rob is still in the process of getting things restored again. But, hopefully we'll have some new photos up this week so keep checking back. We love you all and hope everyone is having a fantastic summer and staying cool!

Maia-isms, 2nd edition

Most of you know that my little Maia is a finger-sucker.  This has never bothered me, but she is getting a little old so I'm trying to slowly retrain her, if you will.  So here is the set up for this edition's scene.  I'm in the kitchen washing dishes and Maia has just woken up from her nap and is laying on the kitchen floor sucking her fingers.

Mar: Maia, why don't you go back to bed if you're still tired.

Maia: I'm not still tired.

Mar: Then why are you laying on the floor sucking your fingers?

Maia: Because that's just what I do.

Enough said I guess because that was the end of that discussion.

Maia-isms

Several times a week, Maia will say something that will have Robert and I just cracking up or staring at each other in disbelief.
So here is the first of what I am sure is to be many installments of her "quotable quotes"

Setting: Some friends were over and the dad was outside with their three children and my two children while the mom and I were inside, giving her a haircut (me giving, her receiving). Their seven week old baby was crying and this is the conversation that followed...

Maia: Why is she crying?
Kevin: Because she is hungry.
Maia: My mom has milk in her twittles, maybe she could feed her.
Kevin: Well Mrs. Elizabeth has milk in her twittles too so she can probably feed her.

People, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what "twittles" are. So evidently Maia is signing me up to be a wet nurse.

Mother's Day 2009

What a terrific mother's day I had with my husband and precious daughters. I feel so blessed to be called the mother of these two little girls and I am thankful for the privilege.




Last year on Mother's day we were just a couple of months away from expecting our sweet Josie. She has only added joy to our family and we just can't get enough of her chubby little cheeks and beautiful blue eyes.




With the birth of Maia, I became a mother 4 years ago and she has truly changed my life. There isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't make us laugh about something funny she says or does. We just adore her witty personality and tender heart.

Just thought I'd give you folks a couple pics of Josie's hair and show you what I have to "try" to fix every day!





Maia started swim lessons at the YMCA this week and really loves it.

Already making friends


Check out those long legs!