MONKEYHOUSE

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY IZZY AND INDY

2012-09-03T20:39:00.002-07:00

I can remember it like it was yesterday, the day I found out we were having TWINS. My mom said I turned as white as the sheets on the ultrasound bed. I'm not sure what emotion flooded me first, but it all went as fast as it came the first moment I saw and held the two tiniest babies I had seen. Indigo 4lbs 5oz and Izabelle 4lbs 3oz. of absolute perfection. The last 15 years have gone by way to quickly and our tiny babies are growing into beautiful young ladies. We are so proud of both girls, they exceed our expectations continuously and really have made being parents seem easy. I am so grateful for the joy they bring to our family. Happy Birthday IZABELLE CLAIRE and INDIGO MARIE. We LOVE LOVE LOVE you.

Vacation Synopsis

2012-07-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

The last year we have been very fortunate to go on a few trips, some long, some short, some with extended family others with just us. All of them were fantastic and fun in one way or another. Lots of memories made and quality time spent together, which is all that matters.

LAKE POWELL

At the end of summer last year we got to go to Lake Powell with Rob's siblings minus one. Our brother in-law Clays parents (Gail and Al) welcomed all of us onto their houseboat for a week in HEAVEN.

Slept under the stars everynight. Megan loved all the Bats :)

On our way back we stayed with Pat and Megan in Phoenix for a few more nights. Gregg and Lindsay also got to stay one more night in which we celebrated Gregg’s birthday and Pat and Megans 1 year anniversary

While Staying with Pat and Megan we were able to go see my parents new home and help them move in. We also got to see my sister Gina and her kids along with a uncle and some family friends who all helped my parents drive out from Colorado.

We stopped and picked up my dad his favorite cake from Baskin robbins ato celebrate his birthday.

FATHERS DAY

A few mo's earlier for Father’s Day we rented a cabin in Gatlinburg for the weekend. This was our first trip up to the Smoky Mountains and it was Beautiful. We did alot of hiking, fishing, and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and didn't even put a dent in what you can see. We can't wait to go back.

FIRST BEAR ENCOUNTER

CLINGMANS DOME the highest point in TN. 6,643 ft

OCTOBER BREAK

We were able to go to Rob's cousin Garrick's wedding. Out West we headed to Indian Wells, CA

It was HOT but absolutly beautiful. Welcome to the family Marisa.

We were missing a few figures at the wedding, Chris, Abby and Gracie weren't able to come due to being to close to Abby's due date ( Eli was born that weekend). Clay and Jamie were unable to make it due to Jamie starting Chemo. She was on our minds and in our hearts the whole time. Pat had these shirts made for us to wear. Jamie is now cancer free and was absoultly AMAZING through out the whole process. Needless to say we all are so happy she is doing well and healthy again!

We did get to meet Nicki and Ryan's Daughter

EMI who is a DOLL.

Rob getting his baby fix.

SPRING BREAK

We went back west again and spent the week with my parents and explored AZ, caught a spring training game of Rob's Favorite team The Dodgers against The Rockies and got to see Pat and Megan a few times again.

These are the pictures Izabelle took

ROB AND IZABELLE

Went to NYC and spent time with Jamie and Clay.

It was fun for Rob to get to spend some one on one time with Izzy (Indigo chose not to go), but he said she was pretty quiet the whole time. We think she missed Indigo; they have never been apart for more than a day.

These are all pictures Izabelle took

View from Jamie's Office

Jamie's office at NBC

Perks of having a Aunt at NBC

Lego Store

CELL PHONES

2012-07-08T08:18:00.002-07:00

It has been way to long since I have done a post, so long that when I logged in they had all these changes. Now I have to learn how to do this all over again...LESLIE where are you :) I am more then a year behind so I think I'll start with whats going on now and randomly post events that made it to my long term memory.

For Izabelle, Indigo and Sophia the BIGGEST event recently was they got their own cell phones. For Rob and I this is a BIG step as we are not big fans of teens, kids and electronic devices. I despise texting and how the majority of kids see this as the only means of communication. It's also my pet peeve when I see kids hanging out with friends and all they do is text other people, I find it extremely rude and I feel bad for the fact that these kids can't live in the moment always distracted, therefore in my opinion not able to connect and develop meaningfully relationships. I could go on and on of all the ways I feel these devises are destroying our youth, but I'll spare everyone for now. So you might be thinking if you can't stand them so much why did we give in? Good question. This is not their first cell really, we have had one extra cell that was given to the girls on a as needed basis ( going to the movies with friends, staying after school or going to a birthday party) type reasons. This has worked fine, but with some big changes coming up like the twins entering High school, yes that's right you read it correctly they will be in HIGH SCHOOL and Sophia entering in Middle School, yep again Middle school. Our babies are growing up. So it was time to have three instead of one extra so that when they are spread out all over Hendersonville, we still have excess to communicate with them. So we have given into the mainstream, and I guess it will be just fine. As long as they don't turn into those kids hopefully we have drilled cell phone manners in deep enough. According to the girls, we do however have some pretty strict rules. One being when they are home the phones stay on a shelf in the kitchen and at night they stay on the shelf (it’s amazing to me that they will get texted at 2am on a school night, really what the heck). We have heard the argument that they need them for a alarm clock and we have heard many parents give this as a excuse too (we are kind of known for being the strict parents, which I think is hilarious) really alarm clock, so we went and bought these really ancient plug in the wall ones it's amazing how well they work. All I can say is keep us in your prayers :).

School Year ROUND UP/ Brag time

2011-07-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Kids School Year at a glance. I was really bad at taking pictures this year.

Izabelle (07) with her indoor soccer team for the school fundraiser they lost in the championship game, but had a great time. If I remember right they were the" Lil Rappers"

Sebastien at Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby He built a Dinosaur Car

Sophia's 4th grade class collected items for the Humane Society

Induction into National Honors Society

Indigo got a award for going to state in Cross Country and one for being a Athlete and having a 3.5 or higher

Sophia's Book Float
for the 4th grade Parade

Izabelle and Indigos Soccer Team in The Championship Game (White and Black)

THEY WON!!!!

IZZY played on a swollen ankle that she hurt in the game the night before.

Indigo and Izabelle at Vanderbilt for the Duke Tip Awards they both received awards for their scores on the SAT

Sebastien at his End of the Year Field Trip, Cosmic Bowling

Rob and Sophia Won the Dance Contest at the Daddy Daughter Dance

Indigo and Izabelle at the school awards, can't remember what what they got, sad I know.

Hanging out at Lunch after awards with friends.

I know there are many things and events that went on during the school year, but I either forgot the camera or the pictures just didn't turn out. Either way I think all of the kids had a great school year!

Camera FUN

2011-04-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

So this is what I found when I downloaded my pictures...this is just a few out of about 50. Too funny.

Fall Break In October

2011-04-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures today too. Man have I been slacking.
This year for Fall break we first went to Chattanooga, Tn to the Aquarium. Sebastien was in Heaven. The weather was awesome, the first night we walked around the downtown and the kids had a good time being silly.
Then we went to DC where we stayed at Hotel Mark and Julia. They were great to let us crash and fill their house with the good ole smell of JET FUEL courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Can't complain to much we did fly for FREE. Mount Vernon I could have spent all day here. We loved it. National Cementary View

Where we were able to see Rob's Grandparents Marker.

Then we went to Niagara Falls to end our week. The kids wanted to use their passports so we went to see it from Canada, Everyone says that's the better side anyway....and it was Of course we went on the Maid of the Mist

Tahoe in March

2011-04-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

THE CABIN For Spring Break we went to Tahoe, one of our favorite places. Rob has been going to this Cabin since he was a kid, a tradition his mother started, one I hope we can continue for our kids. We had such a fantastic time. Even with out "wi-fi" which Izabelle pointed out within seconds of entering the cabin. Not only were we excited to see the faces instead of the tops of our kids heads ;)they were finally all old enough to enjoy skiing and the beauty of the mountains covered with snow. Riding up on one of the lifts Sebastien said to me " mom it's so peaceful". Gotta love it. Getting ready for Day ONE of SKIING DAY ONE a SUCCESS DAY TWO A little wet and rainy, but we still had fun. Taking a little break. Indigo dropped the phone in the snow, so now the texting wasn't working, but hey Izzy was still smiling eventhough she really now was cut off from her friends The Rain turned to SNOW

Relaxing time LOOK who was waiting for us to come back from a half day of skiing..UNCLE CLAY with lots of SNOW BALLS. We had a great snow ball capture the Shovel game.Oh and he brought this ridiculous puzzle! That we soon all got hooked on Then Look who else came for the weekend.Uncle Pat and Aunt Megan... and Aunt Jamie and of course we had to play RISK Rob's friend from Highschool Dan came up with his kids for a Night from Reno. We even got him sucked into wanting to help finish the puzzle Clay brought.
>

We even got to see our Friends Mike and Heather and thier kids Cole and Caroline. We were able to get some sking in with them while Sophia and Sebastien did ski school with Cole and Caroline.

Double Digits

2011-01-19T10:43:00.001-08:00

We have always called Sophia our binary baby because her birthday date is... 01-10-01, and this year she entered into double digits she turned 10. Sophia almost always has a smile on her face and loves to dance. A few years ago I posted a video of her dancing to her own beat literally.. We added the music, but when we filmed it she was just dancing, as she still does most everyday. So we put her in dance this last year. She has been taking her classes with her Best friend Leah and another friend Lauren and they have all really enjoyed it. She is taking Tap, Ballet, and Jazz.
This was on her actual Birthday she lucked out with a snow day and school being cancelled for 4 days.. Rob built a fire and we had I think at one point 16 kids at our house.
A Debit card for her birthday with $$$ on it.
Her Mustache Bowling Birthday Party.

Recital 2010

RECAPS of the last Year

2011-01-18T17:51:00.001-08:00

So I have covered summer, family weddings, I&I turning 13 now lets see what Sophia and Sebastien have been up to.
We will Start with Sebastien. This last year he turned 7 and like most 7 year old boys all he wants to do is, well, FISH of course.
Sebastien is obsessed with FISHING. We thought it was a phase when he was 3. In school he has to write in his daily Journal and his teacher loves that everyday he writes about FISH, in art he only draws FISH and any project he does the topic is FISH. We tell our friends he likes to fish. They just smile and say yea little boys do, but no he really likes to fish. Sebastien's cub scout pack was going on a overnight camping trip and canoe ride, but since Rob was at work he went with his best buddy Luke and his father Greg. When they came to pick him up, Sebastien had all his fishing stuff ready. He asked Mr. Greg if he could bring his stuff to fish and Greg said of course. I warned Greg that he may not want that because he might have a hard time tearing Sebastien away from fishing. His reply, "Ah, he'll be fine." The next evening when Greg dropped Sebastien off he said, "man your not kidding he really loves fishing." He said that not only was Sebastien trying to catch a fish in puddles next to the campsite, but that he fished for 5 hours off the back of the canoe on the way down the river. So we're thinking maybe this is not a phase after all. Plus his middle name is Brody after "Chief Brody" in JAWS (which Uncle Pat let him watch at the ripe age of 2). So we are wondering when did this start?

Maybe it started here??????

Or possibly here

This is when he started getting competitive. My parents came for a visit along with my Nephew Trevor (10). Rob and my Dad took the kids fishing and Trevor caught not only the first catch of the day , but his first catch ever. Needless to say Trevor was pretty excited, but for little Sebastien instead of being excited for his cousin he said, "well I caught that one last week." What a STINKER. I wish I could find the picture of Trevor with his big catch. I think my Dad must have it.

Or here when he would find a lure that was left at the park and then would attach it to a stick to fish.

While the girls are swimming when we go out on the lake Sebastien fishes.

or maybe he caught the fever in Florida with his Uncles?

After fishing ALL day

Or maybe when he would wake up at the crack of dawn to fish at the pond before it got to hot.
Notice he didn't even change out of his PJ's

Should we be Surprised He wanted to be a fishermen for Halloween?

Thanksgiving wouldn't of been the same if he didn't make a catch at Uncle Chris's House in Kansas! Oh and on our drive there we stopped at some po'dunk gas station in the middle of Nowhere, Missouri that is not only a gas station, but also a grocer, hunting and fishing supply store. Sebastien bought a minnow trap that then for the next 4 hours every pond we passed he asked if we could stop and see if it worked. Wish I took a picture!

And you'll never guess what kind of cake he wanted for his Birthday.

Not only did he want a FISH theme birthday, he asked for a bait bucket and casting net. Thanks Uncle Pat for the Net and Yes he did get a bait bucket from us.

Since it's winter and he can't fish he has resorted to catching them on games..

PAT AND MEGAN

2011-01-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

In July we went to Florida for Rob's youngest brothers Wedding... Oh, how old I feel. Pat was 13 when Rob and I got married, the same age as the twins now. CRAZY.
We went for a week and rented a house with Rob's other siblings. It was on the water and a few blocks from the beach. It really was perfect. Thanks to Jamie and Clay who did the leg work on that.

We Have Teens in The House

2010-09-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Playing CATCH up!On September 3rd we woke up with two Teenagers in the House, scary right. I find it hard to wrap my head around the fact Indigo and Izabelle are 13. Being official teenagers they wanted a Birthday Party Bash (which Rob agreed to and I agreed to have only when Rob would be able to be present for said bash), so 40 invites went out for a party to be held at our House..scared yet..I was, but I also thought there is no way everyone will come. HAHAHA I was wrong! We had 34 kids come for what turned out to be a WONDERFUL party. We had 4 square, ping pong, volleyball, trampoline jumping, dancing and just hangin out all going on for 3 fun hours! I think Rob and I had as much fun if not more watching all the dynamics of 13 year olds. We also figured out how we have been in denial about how we were at the same age. Funny how things come around. On a side note after downloading the pictures you are about to see I felt like that grandpa in the commercial who wanted a redo party for his grandson because the pictures didn't turn out so well,it really is frustrating.

SUMMER TIME

2010-07-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our Summer is almost over! We only have two more weeks of summer fun before school starts. It really has flown by and to be honest I'm not really ready for it to be over. Last summer we had the kids do a tennis camp at Indian Lake Swim and Tennis Club down the street. We loved it so much that this summer we made the wonderful decision to join. The kids dove right into the swim team and loved doing tennis again. But, I think what they enjoyed most was jumping into the pool after sweating it-out on the tennis courts and hanging out with all their friends. I have enjoyed sitting pool side or court side (in my fabulous purple sun hat) watching the kids and chatting with friends. My parents came out over the 4th of July and stayed for a week. They brought with them my nephew Trevor and Niece Brianna. We had a great time going to the pool, movies, and made a trip to Holiday World Water Park (which was a blast)! Needless to say we have had a fantastic summer so far!! Next week we will end our summer with a trip to Florida for Uncle Pat's Wedding and will get home the day before school starts. That's when the craziness really begins...

Awards From Swin Season

They had a great swim season and their swim team, The Warriors ended with a Undefeated season. I think Sebastien may of found his sport. He had a great season with lots of 1st 2nd and 3rds! He went to city meet against 100+ kids and got 9th in Back Stroke and his Individual Medley. He received 11th in Free and his relay Team placed 2nd. The Girls all had a great season as well and ended city meet shaving 3-4 seconds off their best times. We had an award night for our club where they gave out personal awards... Indigo's was the water Bender Award. Izzy's was Secret Keeper, Sophia was the Belly Flop Queen (at the end of practice they always have a belly flop contest), and Sebastien got the Adventures of Sebastien Barnett Award (he tells a lot of stories during practice). He also got the Chief Award for being a good team leader.

They Got Their Braces OFF

Nashville/Hendersonville Flood

2010-05-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Click on title to go to a Video on some of the flooding going on around us and Nashville. Our house is fine, we are on a hill, but we have many friends with flooded homes or basements. We continue to keep in our prayers everyone who has been effected by this.

SNOW DAYS GALORE

2010-02-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Since Christmas break the kids have yet to have a FULL week of school. What I have discovered is that this school district cancels school for the forecast of snow. We have averaged TWO yes TWO days of school a week Since Jan. There were only Two days that we actually got some snow, thankfully there was enough to play in, still not Colorado snow, but we did manage to sled and build a snowman. It was fun to see the entire neighboorhood out enjoying the rare snow accumulation. The Snowman Sebastien and his pal Luke started at our house and rolled down the hill to Lukes House. It took alot of teamwork to put it together. Seb and Luke building a snow fort in our yard Pause music at the end of page before playing to hear.I took these using Izzys Flip which I love. I think I use it more then she does. This video Sebastien wanted Izabelle and her friend to push and let it roll like in Indian Jones, It didn't really work like he wanted.

2010-01-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to the High-school basketball game to watch Sophia dance with the high-school dance team, The Golden Girls. She went to a dance clinic that was a fundraiser for the team on Saturday, where she was able to watch the girls practice and then learned this dance. She had a great time and is now determined to become a "GOLDEN GIRL." She is in the second group that dances to "Can't Touch this" in the second row. Her BF Leah is in front of her. You can see they have arm warmers on that are black and black leggings with side pony tails(scroll down to bottom of page and mute the music before pressing play)

2010-01-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

Ok so it's been awhile since my last Blog..Time has seem to get the better of me. I can't believe we have already started a new year. This last year as with many, our kids have grown so much. The twins wear 8 1/2 women's in shoes and are only 12, I'm really not liking this not because this means they will be taller then me, but because they are wanting to wear MY shoes. have I mentioned I don't share well (my sisters can vouch for this).
I don't even know where to start. I have been busy with college, coaching two soccer teams (crazy, I know), running kids to and from dance, sporting events, parties and helping out when I can in Sophia and Sebastien's classes. Izabelle Got hit with the Swine flu in September the day we were to have her Birthday slumber party, and then again in October this time I got it along with Sebastien who also had pneumonia, this was not fun. Then Rob got vertigo and was sick for over a mo. which is not really good when your a pilot. The only good thing about it was we got to have him home for a few weeks. So needless to say we spent alot of time at the doctors. I'm glad it all past and we are ALL healthy. So here are some pictures to give you all a glimpse of our crazy monkeyhouse.

Rob and I were cleaning the garage and this is what we found, why they don't use the trash can right beside the freezer I'll never know.

Sebastien confessed to the Popsicle sneaking mess

The twins 12th Birthday parties.

Sophia watching Indigos presentation and resting after the whole school walked (1 mile) to the Historic Rock castle for a field trip and presentations by the search students on life in the 1800's

Indigo as a professional mourner at the Rock castle field trip to which she was a wealth of information and took her role very seriously

Izabelle showed kids how they cooked and churned butter during the 1800's

Field Day tug a war. This is highly competitive between the classes.

2010-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

At Aunt Lindseys Wedding to Uncle Gregg

Uncle Clay and Aunt Jamie

Aunt Abby and Kids

Halloween

My parents come for a visit

Sebastien turns 6 Happy Birthday

Sebastien and his Buddies plus one girl LILLY whom he has a crush on.

Izabelle and Seb waiting for Sophia and her dance studio to march by during the Christmas parade

Sophia and her best friend Leah

Sophia Turns 9 HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Sophia and Leah showing off the pom-pom scarves they all made

Volunteering at Second Harvest for the Pound for Pound Challenge on Biggest Loser

FIRST TRIATHLON

2009-08-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

The girls did their first kids TRI and they did AWESOME, we are so very proud of them. They had to wake up at 5:30am to be there at 6:30 for a start time at 7am. I think that we may have started something. Indigo finished and asked when the next race is. I love it. The only problem is now I have to do one.. that was the deal. I hope I enjoy it as much as they did. So all in all I think this was a very successful first. Way to go Girls!!

Before Race

Sophia getting set up

Indigo first swimmer out of the water (4laps)

Izabelle second (4 laps)

Getting ready for Run

Izabelle so happy she got out before Indigo

Indigo was first to the bikes, but put on her shorts backwards twice and couldn't get her shoe tied, this was soso hard to watch, but also very funny

Sophia done swimming(2laps) and off to get ready for bike(2miles)

Izabelle off for her 2 mile run after her 4 mile bike

Indigo starting her 2 mile run

Sophia got done with her bike and now starting her 1 mile run

Izabelle with about 50 yards left- Love the smile.

Indigo coming in for a strong finish

Sophia with about 25 yards left

And they Finish WHOO_WHOO

Sophia going strong still (playing the WII with Sebastien), but Indigo and Izabelle are out!

Sophia Rose Turns 8

2009-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Sophia through the years This year I let Sophia have a party outside the home. We went to a ceramic studio and painted. It was so nice and low maintenance; I didn't even make a cake. She wanted a big cookie that she had fun decorating. So her party was a complete success with lots of giggling and smiles. Sophia's temperament has stayed the same since she was a baby. She is easy to please and laid back. She still will fall asleep quickly and loves to snuggle. Sophia is the most caring and sensitive one out the bunch. She always makes sure everyone else’s needs our meet before her own. She is vibrant and full of life. I still love watching her dance the girl has got rhythm. We are so blessed to have her in our family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIA

The Day Sebastien and I got home from the Hospital

CHRISTMAS

2009-01-04T21:26:00.001-08:00

We hit the Jackpot this year for the Holidays! Rob was home for Thanksgiving, Christmas eve and Christmas Morning, he had to go to work that afternoon, but we were just so happy to have him home for most of it. We even got to ring in the New Year with him. Needless to say we had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Sophia and Sebastien talking to Santas Workshop at the TNG Childrens Christmas Party

Sebastien's 5th Birthday

2009-01-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

When he was a Baby 5 years ago

With His New Fishing Vest

Sebastien had a fishing theme party, we made tackle boxes and then filled them up with bait ( gummy worms and gummy fish). Then off to fishing they went. All the kids had such a good time fishing and eating the bait.

Sebastien picked his other love Indiana Jones for his cake

He wanted fish cookies to bring to his class, so he helped me make these and insisted on the worms

HALLOWEEN

2008-11-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

2008-11-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

2008-11-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

CHEETAH GIRLS

2008-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT CHEETAH-LICIOUS
So the girls got lucky! Wednesday morning I was able to get free tickets for the Cheetah Girls’ concert held later that night. The concert hall sent the TN Guard free tickets as a “thank you” for the kids who have had a deployed parent. We could have collected six tickets for all of us, but Rob opted to have a “boy’s night-in” with Sebastien. When the girls came home from school, we told them they were going to have a girl’s night out with me. (We didn't tell them where we were going, just that we would have fun!) So, the girls and I drove downtown Nashville to the Summet Center and they said, “We’re going to a Predators game? Without Dad.” I replied, “Noo, you'll see when we get inside.” We walked inside and they see Cheetah Girls shirts for sale and turned to me and said, “You’re kidding right… is it a real concert?” That’s when I was smothered with hugs and surrounded by priceless smiles. We had such a BLAST! I will say, I was impressed with the concert. We had unbelievably great seats! This was definitely a night to remember.

This is before the girls figured-out what we were doing at Summet Center. That's why they're flashing the "I'm not sure why I'm smiling" smile.

Not great pictures, but the girls wanted me to take some of the stage