Katherine's 7th Birthday

I asked Katie if she wanted High School Musical or Hannah Montana "That Dolphin one over there" was her reply. Cute

Katie with her blue tounge!

Katie & her Dolphin Plymobil set. Elena loved sitting next to her and watch her open her pressies

At IHOP the birthday girl

The Parker Family at IHOP

Katie in Uncle Brad's Wildcat gear, on the morning of her birthday, after a fun sleepover at Brad & Kacie's ;D

Katie & her birthday cake at her party at Brewers Fayre with all her school friends

Playing with one of her friends on the toys

Katherine celebrated her 7th birthday in April, and because we would be away over Easter she had her birthday party with her friends before we left. She was really indecisive over what to do, you know how they are they think about it all year, and then when it came to the crunch she couldnt choose. So because we were going away I talked to her best friends Mum (whose birthday is only a few days away from Katies) and decided to save money and have a joint birthday party at Brewers Fayre. They had a great time. It was a mixed party this year, but we kept the numbers low and it was a great success. She got tonnes of lovely presents and had a very happy evening.

She actually turned 7 while we were in Utah, and it did prove to be a concern as we wanted to get her a large present (Playmobil Stables) but its way too big for a suitcase and cheaper to buy in England, so pointless buying it over there. So we got her some smaller things instead. Its hard trying to plan to do things and give her a choice when she has no idea where she is going to, but she asked if we could eat out for breakfast, and go swimming. They were her wishes. We were able to fulfill both, on recommendation from her uncles that IHOP tasted better than Dennys (we had never been to IHOP for some reason!) and everyone was so great to make it to breakfast that morning. What a treat! She really loved it, and was surprised when the staff came out to sing Happy Birthday and give her an icecream (icecream for breakfast???) her Uncle Achim would be proud!

Then everyone came to Clearfield Aquatic Center for a swim, and Katie really loved it. In fact all of them did. She went down the slide with Auntie Elisha! Lauryn got to race Daddy in the lap pool, and won ;D Thanks Travis ;D

She finished her day with Pizza and presents at the grandparents and everyone got nice blue tounges from the frosting on her dolphin birthday cake. What a great day!!

I just want to say how much I love my Kat. She is developing well at school and despite some recent challanges she is learning alot about how to cope with opposition, and also to take care of her body. I am pleased with all her progress at school and at swimming, and I love it when she helps me out at home. She really has alot of affection for Jacob, and really likes it when she is awake first and gets to play with him before everyone else gets out of bed. They are 2 peas in a pod.

I love you sweetheart xx

USA Vacation

Our family at Salt Lake Temple

Jacob wanted his own photo with the Temple. My precious boy x

The kids all waiting excitedly for the Joseph Smith movie

In the Bobsled at Park City Olympic Park

We had a great trip during April. Our trip was all about the kids, so in that regard it was a success. They came home happy and positive. It was so good to visit with friends and spend time with the Parker family. They all dealt with it in their own little ways, I found it interesting how each one of them responded to the situation. The children really liked the sunny weather and also the snow, and we had some great experiences in Salt Lake City. It was good for us as parents to have those special experiences with our children. I was especially touched at their response to the church experiences they had.

March

The kids having a picnic inside

Josh & Jacob being cute

A sunset pic I took thru the trees at the Pine Woods

The kids on an adventure......

Joshua & Jacob being my cute boys

Here is some pics from the last month that I downloaded from my camera. We finally decided to bite the bullet and take the kids back to Utah for Easter. It'll be a good trip for them, but already I am feeling like we are never going to fit everything into the 2 weeks. Whatever we need to do for them will come first though and is top priority. They are excited and worried at the same time. It will be a big deal for them.

Josh stunned us by passing his Level 1 & 5 meters at swimming. And being moved up into the next class. He is awesome. I stupidly tried to move them all to a different day of swimming (but at the same place) in an effort to have them all swimming at the same time, instead of us hanging out at the Pool half the night on Fridays. It was not to be. Although Lauryn loved the teacher of her class, and she was suggesting that Lauryn should actually be on Level 7 not 5 as she has just been on, Katie & Josh however didn't like it one bit. Josh's class for some reason had massive kids in it, and they were doing stuff he has no chance of doing yet. It was annoying and frustrating for Travis (who was doing all the watching I was doing paperwork!) that Josh new teacher just stood there rolling her eyes because he couldn't do anything she was asking. I didnt like that. So we moved them back to Fridays. The swimming co-ordinator was mad at me, but she had said we could switch them back if we wanted, and to be honest I rather they 'liked' their swimming teachers and lessons than hated them. I pay the Pool enough money every 10 weeks so they can live with it ;D

Lauryn also came home with her 200 meters certificate this week. They are my super swimmers.

Grandpa Robert Roland Parker

This post is a tribute to our Grandpa Parker who died this past week. We are so sad that the last time we got to see him (above) was over 3 years ago. We love him so much and we will miss him with all of our hearts. He was an inspiration to us both and our lives have been made better because he was in them. We named Jacob Robert after Grandpa (& my dad) so at least his name will go on in our family! We will love you forever Grandpa x

Lauryn gets her National Swim Level 5!!!!

Friday was testing day, and unfortunantly due to Jacob's sickness I missed it! But she was so excited about getting this far, and its a great boost to her confidence. She is the fastest swimmer in her group and often catches the person in front and has to slow down. Travis and I are always telling her to swim around them LOL ;D

At least this week is 'Free swimmming' with it being half term, so we will be meeting the cousin's at the Pool in Formby and she will be able to show me what she has done. She is looking forward to racing her cousins in the big pool. ;D

Valentine's Day

These are my beautiful roses.......................

OK so we had planned a romantic night out, without the kids, but had to cancel at the last minute, as Jacob started throwing up, he had caught the dreaded 24 hr stomache bug that was going around and had previously hit Katherine & Joshua. (Lauryn & I had the honors of catching it the next day!) I felt so bad for my poor little guy, Travis took the 3 older ones to their swimming lessons, and I stayed home and cuddled my baby. I supose by now we are prepared for this kind of thing, and though disappointing, it didn't matter really. (and on the plus Jenni has offered to watch them another night)

We had Els the next day, while Jen & Pete went to the temple, it was hilarious walking around the shops with all the kids and my neice. We got ALOT of stares. You know - like how did we manage to have 2 babies, that obviously were not twins, but not a big enough gap to physically possibly happen!!! LOL. It was pretty hilarious. She should have been wearing a T-shirt that said "I'm the neice" ;D

You didn't know they had so much talent?!

caught in the act!

playing the demo!

Katherine gets a Hair cut!!! (finally...)

Cheeky Girl!

Katherine & her missing tooth

Beautiful girl of mine x

Katherine finally got her hair cut for the first time in about 3 years! At least! Her hair was so long, but it was in bad shape and we (Kate & I) finally realised/came to terms with that something had to be done about it. She was very brave and had at least 4 inches off. Its so much better and very cute. It will grow back soon, I promise... x

Not my Favourite time of the year!

It might be cold outside but that doesn't stop my boys!

Jacob proves that even 17 month olds can use a rowing machine!

Josh wanted a pic of him and Hallie to take to preschool

Jacob loves talking to Daddy on the phone ;D

Its always hard to move on after Christmas, and we had such a good one in our home. But School starts again for everyone and it keeps everyone busy. Travis has just finished his exams - they were no fun, but then when are they! He is glad that he is now done with all his Math classes for the rest of his degree! YAY! Lauryn had an Egyptian Gods project at school and she did really well. It was her first one. Everyone is back in swimming lessons and progressing well. Katie & Lauryn are in the big pool swimming laps, and Josh is now swimming without any kind of aid. I am really proud of all of them. Jacob & I have started swimming weekly with the girls (Jen & Christine) and their babies. I am hoping it will help him with the water. He doesn't like it too much!

Primary is keeping my busy and out of trouble. I feel like I am finally getting on my feet. Who knew that it would take over my life! But I am learning alot and that can only be a good thing. If anyone has any cute ideas for a Valentine's Sharing Time, please let me know!!!

Happy New Year

Pictures with my awesome brothers Mike & Pete, and sisters Louise & Jen
With Mummy


So we had a really great New Years. It was the best. New Years Eve was spent at my brothers house, with all the family, Louise & her family who had arrived that afternoon and waiting the arrival of Pete & his family flying in that evening. It was so good, hanging out with them all again. The kids played lots of games, on the Wii, watched Wall-e and we ate the usual food you have to eat at new years. Jacob got tired so I spent the last hour or so holding him while he slept. I was so tired anyway it didnt matter. Yeah old fogie that I am now. We did have some fireworks but it was so cold, who really cared about going out side and freezing to the bone to watch some meager display courtesy of tesco. No thanks. We were quite happy watching the BBCs coverage of London Eye & Big Ben anyway. What a way to bring in the new year. ;D The big boys went off to play footy with the Ward, and Davina and I slobbed around chatting till lunchtime, when I figured I'd better get on with it and cook the dinner! Oops that I had put the Ham in, WAY too late, so we had sausages with our dinner, and the Ham was saved for our Sunday lunch get together with the family anyway. Nevermind the company was great and that was all that mattered. In the evening we got to witness my nephew Luke's baptism at church, that was great. Over the last couple days its been pretty intense all being together, and I will miss them all so much. But I have plenty of memories and thats what matters. We will miss Noah & Maya playing and Maya walking around after Jacob calling him every 5 seconds. I have a pretty treasured experience on Sunday night when the 5 of us were with Mum for a little while. xxx

Christmas Season

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas season, and hope that its a joyful time for you all, with lots of love from Travis, Amy, Lauryn, Katherine, Joshua & Jacob xxx

"He didn't have warm blankets,

Or a soft & cuddly bed

He had a manger filled with hay

And swaddling clothes instead

He didn't have a stocking

Stuffed full with candy & treats

But shepherds came to visit Him

Through Bethlehems dark streets

He didn't have a christmas tree

With coloured twinkling lights

He had a new and special star

Shining in the night

He had but few of earthly things

On that first christmas day

But He came bringing love from God

And gives it still today!"

My Girls

Here are my beautiful girls in their school photo 2008 ;D