Hudson's Knotts Birthday

Hudson turned 3! So of course we had to celebrate!!!

What better way than to take he and his cousin Lauren to Knotts?

Hugs and thank yous for the Toy Story 3 memory game- then we were off.

Lauren was much more brave than Hudson and rode the first ride solo, but after he saw how much fun she had he gave it a whirl.

They rode around and around

Stopped for a snack after a few rides


Went up and down some more

Then posed for a final picture
We ended the day off with chicken nuggets from McDonald's- which has been Hudson's favorite lunch for the last 6 months or so. Hudson is a busy and smart boy and also a good big brother. He has impressed me with how well he does with London. He may be a little stinker sometimes, but he brings lots of laughs to our family and we can't imagine how dull our family would be without him.

Hudson is 3 Part #2

On Hudson's actual birthday we had an impromptu birthday party at the park. I whipped up some cupcakes, invited some friends, and off we went. He loved decorating his cupcake and playing with his friends.

Shane, the son of a photographer (http://www.chelseabphotography.com/) being a ham for the camera.

That evening we rushed down and joined up with the other Salmon clan at Newport and rode around in the harbor and looked at all the lights on the homes and boats. Hudson and Darin share a birthday, so it was fun celebrating together.

Trent, Hudson, Bruin and Trey

Capri and Julia

Birthday Boy Hudson with his M&Ms that he DID NOT share!
It was his birthday, so I let that slide this time :)

Check me out!

My name is London, I'm 7 months old! I love life and my mom is always saying that I'm such a good girl. I love to smile at her because then she holds me tight and gives me kisses all over my face and that makes me laugh.

This month: I started army crawling, I have to move quickly when I see a book or paper on the floor that I want to eat-cuz mom usually gets it before I can, I like to rock on my knees, I can pull off a hat or hair bow just about as quick as mom can put them back on me (the picture below proves it!), I love to make lots of fun noises like dada, dado, goga, ma (I think I'll make my mom wait a little longer for mama), I can just about sit on my own-but I still fall over and my mommy always come and picks me up when I do that, my mom and dad started feeding me this mashed up yucky food at dinner time- I'll swallow it once in a while, but its much more fun spitting it out. I miss my brother and sister when they are gone- I'm not sure where they go all day, but my favorite is when they come home and hug me and hold me and talk to me- they are so funny! I'll let you know what I figure out this month-everyday I figure out so much, I just love life!!!

Hike

My mom called me up and asked me if we wanted to join her and Jessica for a hike, so off we went. We made it to the top of the hill with all the kids. I love having time with my mom to relax and talk. Life is busy, and taking time to get outside and enjoy nature just made for a beautiful day.

Thanksgiving & Christmas set up

We spent Thanksgiving Day with the Salmon clan- always tons of fun :) After dinner we gathered around each said 2 things we were thankful for. There are so many things that I am thankful for this year: being a mother is at the top of the list, having a wonderful husband who holds the priesthood and provides for our family, for each of my children, our home, my best friend/sister Janell, all of my family, for the gospel that brings me joy and peace, and the list could go on forever!

I am so thankful that my kids have so many cousins to enjoy and play with- look at them all!!!

Bruin and Capri were so happy to meet their cousin Kai for the first time. He will be well loved in this family for sure!

I am blessed with these 4 beautiful children.

The morning after Thanksgiving the kids woke us up and were begging to set up for Christmas, so we did. We are enjoying every moment that this season brings. Family, love, Christ, joy, happiness, peace, and fun of course!

Tis the season- spread the joy!

My Zoo meets the L.A. Zoo

The kids had the day off school, so we decided to head to the zoo for the day. It brought me back to when Capri was a newborn and we had zoo passes and went all the time. Now life has gotten so hectic that Hudson is almost 3 and has never been! He's my biggest animal lover, so I knew he would love it. Here are the kids in front of the bird show- one of our favorites :)

We saw many animals, but it was so neat that the kids could sit so close to this orangutan. We enjoyed our visit until the Orangutan did some "unmentionables." If you are interested in the "unmentionables" just ask one of my kids about it and I'm sure they will share the disgusting story with you.
After the zoo we headed over to eat our picnic lunch at a little train park down the street. Here are the kids pretending that the train is coming after them.
Capri pretending to drive the train. I'm not really sure what she's holding-may be a break? But, it is a cute picture of her so who cares right?

I managed to get a picture of all 4 kids looking at the camera. Some kind of miracle. We are looking forward to another visit to the zoo very soon- now that we have our passes again. Hope we can find the time to go visit our favorite orangutan ;)

A Return Visit

I found an awesome deal for a night at the Blue Lantern, the place we loved so much when we went away in January before London was born, so I snatched up a room as quick as I could. I hoped that family would help us out so Kirk and I could get away for a night, and like always they stepped up to the plate and took the kids for us. Here are a few pics from our night away.

Grubbing on the yummy breakfast

Ready for a bike ride. Gotta mention it was way easier this time without a 6 month pregnant belly!

Before we left we went down to the beach to sit on the rocks. There were tons of huge rocks stacked in crazy ways. This was one of my favorites.


I decided we ought to add our own to the mix. I went with a few peitite rocks.

And, Kirk went with some huge boulders. Reinforces that men and women are very different, but that makes it all more fun :)

I love spending time with my man with no distractions. Its much needed once in a while. Still can't believe I got so lucky to marry such an awesome man and that I get to spent the rest of my life with him.

Salmon Escape

Its become a tradition for the entire Salmon crew to go away for a night on Thanksgiving weekend and just spend time together for a night. June and Scott get us the hotel as an early Christmas gift and plan lots of family fun. We did it a few weeks early this year because Erika is due with baby Kai right around Thanksgiving, and they didn't want to miss the fun.

We had beautiful weather and enjoyed some time outdoors in the spa/pool. Only in California right? Meanwhile....

the boys played basketball. We've pretty much got a full basketball team worth of boys. It was so fun watching them play their own game. It wasn't easy when they were all toddlers, but they really are so lucky to have eachother- I love it!!!

For dinner we did HomeTown buffet which was a perfect choice for a huge group like we are- I think the count is up to 26 when we are all together! No waiting, just get whatever you want and how much you want :) The kids loved it!

After dinner the kids cuddled up to watch Toy Story 3! Grandma and Grandpa picked a good one- its the kids' new favorite movie.

The morning started with breakfast and a game of Bunco. Again, its so fun that the kids are getting old enough to enjoy playing games. The Salmon family loves games!
On the way out we stopped at a little nature preserve- the kids had fun looking at the stuffed animals and real snakes.

We walked around together and just enjoyed one another. I love my family and feel so blessed to have them.

Halloween Fun

Halloween 2010

London the Ladybug 6 months, Capri as Alice 6 years, Bruin as Justin Bieber almost 8, Hudson as Charlie Brown almost 3!

Visiting my kids in their classrooms is always such a fun experience. I love seeing them in a different environment.

At their school instead of celebrating Halloween, they call it Literature day and may choose a character from the book they bring in. Capri dressed up as Alice from Alice in Wonderland showing me her favorite part of the story- Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

Hudson and Lauren at Trunk or Treat

Capri and Julia at Trunk or Treat.

Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year, we decided not to let the kids Trick or Treat. I don't even think they cared- they got plenty of goodies and had fun with their cousins.

London 6 Months!

Its hard to believe that London has already made it half way to 1 year! At 6 months old she is still just such a happy girl. She is easy going on every level, which is so helpful when she is the youngest of 4!!! She sleeps all night, usually takes 2 naps a day, but it doesn't bother her when I forgo her nap for an emergency shopping trip or wake her up mid-nap to go pick up the kids from school. I love everything about her, and she brings so much joy to our home.
She is almost getting a hang on the sitting thing this month. I'm thinking that by the end of the month she will have mastered it.
London enjoys being on her tummy more now that she can turn in circles and reach things that she wants. She is getting really strong and even starting to tuck her knees under now. Its not going to be long before she is really moving. I'm enjoying every moment of low mobility- no rush!!
During the days London, Hudson and Mommy enjoy our time together. Hudson is really good to her and loves sharing his toys as you can see. Hudson can get in his words, "wondon" laughing by jumping around and talking to her.
London loves taking baths with her big sister. Capri holds onto her tight and is so helpful. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful, happy girl in our family. We love you LONDON ELAINE!!!

9th Anniversary

I have been married for 9 years now to one of the most wonderful men around. I realized this year that Kirk has been a part of my life for about 1/2 of my lifetime thus far! When I was only 15 I spotted this handsome young man and knew I had to have him :)

We have accomplished some wonderful things this year together. At the top of my list this year is me completing my bachelors degree, and having our 4th child! So we decided to celebrate.

We booked a room up in Big Bear for a night, and this is the view from our room.

The Knickerbocker inn was a fun little place to stay. Our room was over 700 square feet, had a beautiful view and my favorite is the spa tub. The dinner there was delish!
We enjoyed the relaxing feel and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Thank you Kirk for being there for me and supporting me in all that I want to do. You take wonderful care of our family and I admire and respect you in so many ways. I'm looking forward to making many more memories with you. Next year we enter the double digets, so we will make it another trip to remember :)

Every girl's dream party!

Its hard to believe that my little Capri is 6 years old! She is still one of the sweetest girls around. She is doing so well in school and making lots of new friends. We celebrated her birthday with a SPA Party with all of her best friends.

The fun began with a good foot soak and mani and pedis

Next, the hair. These fun girls from my ward were awesome to come to help. There was no way I could have done this without them!

Finishing touches, the Makeup.

While waiting the girls did a toast, sipped on some sparkling cider out of their fancy glasses, and had some appetizers including pigs in a blanket and fruit kabobs.

All the cute girls all fancied up.

Making a wish :)

I think her wish came true. She is still talking about how fun her party was.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEETEST CAPRI! MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!