Another Ella First

Ella's first Facebook post. We are so proud. 

Beary Cute

We went to Build-a-Bear a couple of weeks ago and spent way too much money but with results like these maybe it was worth it.

I could not resist the idea of surprising them with a visit to Build-a-Bear. No reason to. Nobody's birthday. No holiday. Just because. They were thrilled. And truth be told, so was I. I've been wanting to take my kids for years. 

So now we have Fluffy, Polar and Jasmine (her name is always changing) living (and sleeping) with us. 

She's One!!

Oh my baaaybyyy,

I will tell you right here and now that this past year has been theee fastest year of my entire life! Wow! I know I say that a lot but I just can't believe my baby is numero UNO!

We took a TON of pictures during Ella's party. Enjoy.

PaRtY goers.

We had an ice cream bar with cup cakes.

Some of Ella's grandparents.

We were all so excited to see how Ella would react to her very own cake since she is such a foodie.  She didn't disappoint. She loved every bite.

Face first!

Maxwell decided he needed some cake as well.  

 Ella is a good sharer. :)

Noah doing his best Mexican pinata impression.

All clean!

Some things about Ella {by her big brother, Kyle}

(1 year old)
What Ella likes to do.
She likes the light.
She likes to climb up the stairs.
(She started climbing up stairs when she was about 10 moths old and learned to crawl down a month or two later.  We can't keep her off them.)
She likes dogs.
(She says "dah,dah,dah..." over and over while signing dog on her chest.)
She likes to play with me.
(She loves her big brother and will dive out of my arms to get to his.)
She's always hungry.
 (Not much more to say about that. The girl loves her food.)
She likes to walk with me.
(She is a sucker for anyone that will take her for a "walk".)
She likes to talk.
(She is a funny talker and likes to make sounds at the back of her throat.)
She likes to crawl.
She is very funny.
She does not like eggs.
 (The only thing we've found that she will reject.)
She likes to scream.
 (She screams when she is happy and/or mad.  None of my babies have been so LOUD and thats saying a lot. My babies have all been noisy.)

Ella has been a sweet happy baby.  She has been fun since she is more open to strangers and likes to do things on her own. Not as much of a mama's girl.

Disclaimer: I realize that there is not one picture of Ella's daddy in this post. I feel very bad about this...

 We love him still.

Lots of Firsts

My tiny men are off to start another year of school. It's is very bittersweet for me. Noah will be starting his FIRST day of FIRST grade and his FIRST day of all day school. Kyle will will be starting his FIRST day of third grade and both both boys start their FIRST day at their new school. 

Both of them were pretty nervous and Kyle said his stomach felt funny (Mine too, Son. Mine too.).

I pray everyday that they make friends and are happy at school. I love these two angel boys so much and nothing makes me happier than to see them enjoying themselves and feeling confident. 

Good luck, boys!

He's Official!

Kyle was baptized bright and early July 6th, 2013 at 9:00am in the Hunter West Stake Center. 

He very much looked forward to his baptism day.

Kyle and Hayden Loader

Kyle and Kylee Soholt

Fresh from the font.  He seems happy.

I let Kyle choose who he wanted to give a talk and he chose Julia. She did a great job too.

We had a brunch right after at the church's/ pavillion. Most of our family was there (even the Schroeders. Can't believe I didn't get a pic of Kyle and Will. :( We also missed the Tracey Hind family.) 

We gave Kyle a journal and had everyone write a message at the front for the baptism boy. 

We are so proud of Kyle and his decision to follow the example of the Savior and to be a great example to his younger siblings.  What a spectacular kid you are, Kyle!

Last day of School (and Orchard Elementary)

First Day of 2nd Grade

   

Last Day of 2nd grade

Look at how much my big guy grew.
Kyle did very well in school this year.  Ms. Barber could not say enough good about him.  HE had a bit of a rough time enjoying school though.  I felt he wasn't challenged enough. I'm praying next year he will get a teacher that can engage his smart little mind.





When the bell rang at the end of school many of the kids were cheering and clapping. Not my Kyky. He was long faced and melancholy about leaving his school of three years.

 First day of Kindergarten

Last day of Kindergarten

Noah not only grew physically this year but he grew a lot academically.  His ABC's are stronger and he is reading some.  His teacher always said Noah is a sweet boy that likes to daydream.  Adam says that Noah reminds him of himself.

Noah too was sad to leave Orchard Elementary. He just kept saying how much he was going to miss his friends.

The kiddergarten did an end of year program which I always enjoy.  They did a slide show asking the kids what they wanted to be when they grew up. Noah's answer? A Lego designer. Pretty good considering some of friends wanted to be dog walkers and waiters. :)

Kyle's 8th birthday

What a big boy I have!!  

EIGHT! 

Its so bitter sweet. I love having such a great helper.  Kyle is a great big brother. Always watching out for his siblings, helping me keep track of them.  I have seen a lot of growth in Kyle over the past year. He's a kid I can depend on.

But he's also not my tiny baby boy anymore.

 Mind you, he will ALWAYS be my baby, just not so tiny...

 

 We went to ToysRus because I got him a Galaxy Squad Lego that wasn't exactly what he wanted and I knew that. So I told him we could go get what he wanted. When we got there we told them it was his bday so they gave him a balloon and crown. I had to get this picture because the poor sentimental me just kept thinking, this may the last time he will happy wearing a paper crown in public. Basically losing his child like innocence. I know, I'm silly.

We are into nontraditional cakes birthday cakes at the Shiflett house and this year was no exception.

Kyle chose this watermelon cake since he is a super fan of watermelon. 

 It was super fun to make and EAT!

Kyle also got to chose where we had dinner. He always asks if we can go to Chili's...always. So it was no surprise that he chose it for his bday dinner.  

Kyle got Legos for his birthday. No, we are not out of the Lego phase and I do plan on being out in the foreseeable future. Whatever makes my baby happy.

Happy Birthday to my Kiksy Sticks. You are an amazing kid. We love you!

Favorite book is your favorite....

...color?... purple

....food?...pizza, Mommy's Alfredo

least favorite food... 

...TV show?... Lego videos

what are you really good at?... riding my bike/scooter

Who is your best friend?... Nathaniel, Caleb and Liam

What makes you happy? Being with my family and looking at my Pokemon cards.

Favorite animal: wolf

favorite thing to do: Play with Pokemon cards

Favorite movie: Kronk's New Groove

What do you and your mom do together: tickle sessions

What do you and your dad do together:  build Legos

What is your favorite sport: baseball

Where is your favorite place to go: camping (Coyoye Gulch) and Legoland/Disneyland

Favorite book: anything I can read but I really like Calvin and Hobbs

What do you want to be when you grow up? scientist (chemistry)

A Great Weekend

Memorial weekend for the Shiflett's traditionally consists of a few days camping and hiking at beautiful Kodachrome National Park.  This year would be different however.  We are in the midst of showing/selling our home of  8 years.  We had a lot success with our showings and got a couple of offers so we didn't feel like packing and all the while trying to keep our house immaculate.

So while we felt bad missing out on tradition, we had a wonderful weekend just being together.