Happy Inauguration Day

So to be honest, I didn’t vote for the chap, but on this day, all that is put behind us, and we join as a nation to back the President of the United States 100%! My kids are super excited with the new president and like millions of kids across the country, got to watch the ceremony and Obama's speech in class. I myself was in a 5th grade classroom as we watched history unravel today, as the nation welcomed the 1st black president of the United States. After the speech, the teacher of the class I was in told the kids that they would probably remember this day for the rest of their lives. Although they may not have been entirely interested today, as they get older and learn more about the world, they will realize the importance of the day and remember being in that 5th grade room. So true!! We often remember crazy details of important events for years and years! So on the way home tonight, I grilled my kids about what they had learned today. I was asking them questions and asked Cayd if he remembered learning how many presidents we have had. He was convinced Obama was number 5!! Aubrey corrected him but he was sure . . . No way mom, he is #5. . . President Lincoln, President Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, President Hinkley (the former president of our church) President Bush, and Obama (which would actually make 6)!! I assured him that Obama was the 44th and those former presidents were just memorable to him . . . . Fine mom! Name the others!! . . . haha, sadly I realized I suck and rambled out just a handful of other former presidents! I guess I should buy those president cards and together Cayden and I can learn something :) Welcome President Obama!!


After 100 picture attempts, this is the best I got! The kids werent thrilled, but certainly a cool one to have years down the road!

Going on Vacation with BIG Kiddos

We leave for our big Family Cruise on Friday and I am so, so, so, beyond excited to go on a vacation with self sufficient kids! We have gone on 2 of these family cruises . . . once when Aubrey was 2, and once when Cayden was 2 (Aubrey 5)! I know I had fun on those trips, but I cant imagine how great it will be with my big kids!! They can both swim, and walk, and play without my constant guidance. I dont need to worry about adjusting to different sleeping arrangements, napping, changing diapers, crabby babies, late dinners and most important, I wont have to fear they will fall overboard (okay, maybe still with Cayden who will most definitely go looking for trouble)!! Did I mention I am stoked?? Here are a couple picts of those past trips! They definitely were cuter back then, but so much more work!! Bring on the vacation :)

Lissa's Public Comment

For some reason I wasnt able to comment directly on Lissas post so this seemed like the next easiest option. . . .Congrats on wedding descisions - we all know how decisive our little Lissa can be - glad you were able to choose so quickly!! We are excited for your big day and will be sure to mark the calendar!! I took the virtual tour of your wedding location and it looks beautiful - its very familiar, and I am sure I have been there for a wedding before?? Who Knows!! Let me know if I can do anything for ya - like book a florists, hairstylist, or help with the invites :)

Life with a 2nd Job

I had a rough start but am happy to report I have survived week 2 with a second job.Things started rocky. . . I some how managed to miss my very first day at my new job. . . .who does that?? I got a message on my cell that Monday morning asking where I was. . . guess some one forgot to tell me when I started! And although that totally wasnt my fault, it started this new chapter in my life off on the wrong path. 10 days later. . . .I think I have adjusted to it all! Learning new faces, knowing my new responsibilities, juggling my old responsiblities, my family, and my attitude! My social life, tv watching and running have been put on the back burner til I figure out how to create a couple more hours in the day (or maybe more than a couple. . . the kids start softball and soccer next month)! My apologies for all those who I may neglect by default . . . hopefully June will be here before we know it :)

Happy 2009 . . . no sugar, no soda, too much running. . . it's bound to be an exciting year!!

Like most, I got lost in the festivities of December and have neglected my blogging duties :) All in all, 2008 ended great!! We were lucky to spend lots and lots of time with our friends and family this holiday season and look forward to a new year and many more adventures! Here are a few of Decembers highlights













Some friends and I took our crew of kiddos to the last Festival of Lights at the Wild Animal Park! As always, the lights were fun but my kids especially loved the face painting, snowy hill and hot cocoa!


Like always, Christmas at the Kelly house treated us well! I am truely blessed and have a family who definitely has the givng aspect of the season mastered!! We planned Christmas to be small since we my whole family leaves on a 7 day cruise in a couple weeks . . . . surprise surprise the Kellys dont do anything small . . . I am lucky to be in such a wonderful family with parents who take good care of their kiddos!! Besides the cruise, my favorite present is a toss up between my new dishwasher (what could possible be in the running with a dishwasher you ask??) Yep. . . my new Uggs! Cant wait til I have the sizing issue worked out and I get to have warm feet :)


























Molly and Shawna did the flowers for a good friends wedding, and the day after Christmas turned mom and dad's house into a mini flower shop. We all tried to be helpful but basically watched as talented Molly created! Like always, her flowers turned out amazing and mom and dad are finding out the real reason they put in a ginormous fridge . . .















We rang in the New Year with Auntie Molly and Shawna, Cousin James, and Aub's friend Jamie at Legoland! We got there late in the afternoon, rode a couple of rides, ate apple fries (one must do if you ever visit Legoland), and then gathered for the 2009 Lego brick falling (Yeah, we never found this) and fireworks display at midnight (6pm kid time)! Legoland was beyond crowded and loud (a trillion kids blowing those noisy horns!! YIKES!) but we had lots of fun taking pictures and being silly!















We then went to Islands for dinner and then back to mom and dads for our traditional appearance in the spa, and played wii til midnight!!
I hope everyones new year has started off exceptional and you havent quit on those new year resolutions quite yet :)