It's NICE to be important, but It's more important to be NICE!

Andrew's 4

2011-02-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

My baby is growing up. It seems like yesterday...

And now he's 4!

All about Andrew:
He is very independent.
He loves the color orange.
He has the most beautiful blue eyes and cutest dimples!
He loves to play the game cube or WII.
He is Mom's little buddy.
He loves his blue blankie.
He can write his name and is doing awesome in pre-school.
He is good at all sports - already.
He is a joy to have.
He still loves Lightening McQueen.
He wanted a Chick Hicks Birthday Party. Here is what I came up with. We made everything at the party green to keep our theme:

Race on over for Andrew’s

“Chick Hicks” Birthday Party

It doesn’t “Mater” if you

don’t know who Chick is…

He sometimes takes

Lightening McQueen by surprise.

Introducing CHICK HICKS,

Andrew’s favorite green car!

We had a lot of fun at the party playing lots of games; bowling, tire toss, air hockey, and doing the parachute!

Happy Birthday Tiki Lou!

Fun Filled February

2011-02-20T10:12:00.001-08:00

DAREMarshall graduated from the DARE program at school! Dare teaches the kids how to be prepared to say no in bad situations where drugs and alcohol are involved.
Define
Assess
Resolve
Evaluate

Basketball for all...

Hilary is playing Jr. Jazz

Marshall is playing on a Competitive team "The Force" with two games every Saturday.
Andrew brings his basketball to every game to shoot before, at half time and after the game!

Celtic Storm Soccer

Hilary's team took a trip to Vegas to play in a tournament. They barely missed the finals by one goal =(. She got to stay with the team this time so we had some family time with out her.

We all enjoyed the warm weather and were pleased to find Calli's bear after we left her at the field for two days.

We went to Red Rock Canyon and hiked Ice Box Canyon Trail. It was not very warm and there was water involved. Calli took it upon herself to play in the stream despite the thousands of times I asked her not to! Andrew was obsessed with throwing rocks. He kept falling because he would try to pick rocks up while running. It was hilarious.

Your caught - you turkey!

The End. Nice and Dirty!

Isla Mujerhas, MEXICO

2010-04-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 15th Anniversary Baby!
Thanks for taking me to a little piece of paradise to celebrate!
(We went in February 2010 but our Anniversary is October 14th.)

Isla Mujeres is a small beautiful island located a short ferry ride from Cancun. The island is seven kilometers [five miles] long and less than one kilometer wide however most visitors never leave the small town located at the west end of the island.

Isla Mujeres has a rich history filled with pirates and marauding buccaneers. As the story goes in 1517 a Spanish butcher by the name of Francisco Hermandez de Cordoba happened upon the island searching for slaves for Cuban mines, the Spanish already in the process of decimated the indigenous population of that island. Unfortunately the slavers found nothing but old statues which they perceived to be statues of women, thus the name of the island, "Isle of Women".(I think that is why Adam wanted to go here - to the Island of Women. Ha Ha.)

The transportation on the Island is walking, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters or a cab. It is amazing how many people and things the people of the Island can get on a scooter. We enjoyed many walks into the town to eat, shop and hang out at the beach.

We got up one morning to go Scuba Diving and walked to the Marina to find out that the winds were to strong to take the boat out. We made the best of the day by exploring the whole west end of the Island and enjoying a day at the beach. We did get to scuba later in the week. It was amazing, the water was so clear.

At the beach I got my fantastic hair do. It was perfect, I didn't have to do my hair the rest of the time we were there!

Crusin in Style!

We rented a golf cart to cruise the island in for a day. We looked all over for the Church. We finally found it in the middle of a neighborhood. Yes, it is in a house and the sister missionaries live there.

MAYAN RUINS

The Ruins are on the south end of the Island.

Isla Mujeres has one small archaeological site, which happens to be located at the most easterly point of Mexico. The Mayans, being astute celestial observers built a structure there for some unknown reason although the fact that sunlight hits this point first every morning might have something to do with it. It is also thought the structure may have been used as an observation post/lighthouse as well as a communication post being able to signal both boats and people on the mainland.

The structure is believed to be dedicated to the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of Fertility. Remnants of traditional ceremonies combined with Catholic overtones have been passed down from generation to generation and there are still Mayans alive today who practice the fertility ceremonies.

In 1988 Hurricane Gilbert hit the island hard and reeked havoc on the site but the site has been cleaned up and "renovated".

When we went to the south end of the Island to see the Mayan Ruins we hiked down the rocks to the ocean. In this picture we were looking back toward the west end of the Island. Dreamy water, don't you think? This is definitely one of the best places I have got to visit.

My baby is 3

2010-04-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

Andrew is obsessed with Lightening McQueen. I like to spoil my baby so we had an awesome Race Car Party. We watched Cars, made race cars and raced. At the end of the race all the boys got a piston cup.

Some of the fun details:

Friends: Max and Connor

Excited Birthday Boy

Max and Andrew making race car sounds

Running as fast as they can ~ watch out mom!

Personalized license plates

Racing with Eli and making race car noises

Tire cupcakes
Wishes for being the fastest race car ever!

Happy Birthday Tiki Boo!

Teeth

2010-04-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

I think this is the first of many visits to the orthodontist to come...

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Calli has started to lose her teeth and they are coming in big and sideways.

The JOYS of growing up!

Nice Family Christmas 2009

2010-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve we set out cookies and chocolate milk for Santa.

Christmas morning our kids slept in! We didn't get up until 8:00. Then the truth came out. Hilary got up at 2:00 AM to check out her goods. She was so tired that she slept in. What a great Christmas Day. We stayed home all day. I watched movies and just relaxed. I have NEVER stayed home the whole Christmas Day in ALL my life. It was nice.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Sorry about no Christmas Card this year.

Christmas 2009 Parties!

2010-01-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

Arrington Family Christmas Party

Great Grand Kids with Great Grandam Faith

Calli was so excited to sit on Santa's lap and then he called her name - Melt Down. I am not sure what happened. When it was Andrew's turn she finally went up with him. She was still nervous.

Hi Five Santa!

Hill Bill

~The Talent Show~
Since I was little we always did a talent show at the Christmas Party. Usually it is singing and or playing the piano.

This is my cousin Casey's talent. He made a set of chimes this year so he had some family members demonstrate his "talent". Left to right: Casey, Uncle Burt, Cousin Ryan, Jeff my Dad, Auntie Ann, Uncle Cam. Great job guys.

Hilary and Marshall's talent: the Piano. They both played different versions of Carol of the Bells and their duet.

Bullock Family Christmas Party

The Bullock party used to be on Christmas Eve but since all the grandkids started having kids it was time to change the tradition. We always sing Christmas songs, eat dinner and do a gift exchange with the kids. This year the kids were dancing in the middle of the room while some of the adults were singing. Thanks Mandi, Mom and Aunt Linda.

Great Grand Kids

Cookies anyone?

Nice Family Christmas Party

Grandpa & Grandma Nice, Great Grandma Poppleton

The NICE boys

Steph

Christina & Eliza

Calli and Andrew enjoying their gifts from Grandma. Thanks they love them!
Arrington Christmas Eve Party

The Kids eargly await for their girts.

Dad, Mom, Jeffrey, Jane, Grandma Dona, Jim & Josh

Jeff Jr., Jake & Jim
I love the cute shirts that the twins got from Santa!
"All mommy wants for Christmas is a Slient Night"

Happy Hilary! ~ Thanks Molly.

Grandma Julie gave all the grandkids matching jammies, books and a stuffed animal to go with the book.

Festival of Trees

2009-12-30T21:58:00.001-08:00

My sister in law, her sister and I entered the Festival of Trees this year. What a great experience.

The best of all - it SOLD!

Thankful! November 2009

2009-12-30T20:39:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for:

Thanksgiving Art Projects

Other "wonderful" people cooking dinner!

Pink Gloves

Hilary and Sweet Cheeks Corinne

Animals

The AZ ZOO in November!

Cousins, Aunts, Uncles & Grandparents

By Age - Hilary, Marshall, Corinne, Miles, Calli, Andrew & Simeon

In n Out Burger without the wait - 3 times!

Teeny Tiny Twins

2009-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Marshall and Jeffrey

Hialry and Jeffrey

Uncle Jim and Josh - Oh how SWEET!

"Trick or Treat Smell my Feet" HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-12-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

Calli is hilarious to go trick or treating with. She is so angelic even as a pumpkin and when the people hold out the bowl for Calli to choose... she is all in. Hand full after hand full.

Buzz Light Year Eli, Lightening McQueen - VROOM VROOM Andrew, Black Ballerina Cats Faith and Molly, Fairy Princess Paige and Princess Pumpkin Calli.

It was so much fun to trick or treat with the Arrington Cousins this year.

The Twins - October 30th 2009

2009-12-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

Introducing: Jeffrey and Jane Arrington

Cute outfits!

My older bro Jeff and his wife Susan are having twins... and they are here! Jane was born first weighing 4 lbs 13 oz followed by little brother Jeffrey III weighing 4 lbs 10 oz. They spent a couple weeks in the NICU but are home now and doing great. My sister in law is amazing. She is such a great mom.

What a cute little guy - look at those old man wrinkles. Dad loves his only son - for sure!

Every minute I can get my hands on them I do. At the Christmas party the other night I was not helping out with our own kids and Adam told me to put down the baby. I guess you could say I am obsessed. I got to watch them the other day - they were so good for their Aunt Jody. They took turns eating and sleeping. I'm sure that's what happens at home, right Sue?

Wow, that takes talent.

About 6 weeks old!

Happy 16th Jakers!

2009-11-02T11:51:00.001-08:00

My little "but not so little" bro is 16! My mom wanted to throw him a surprise party so she enlisted my help as usual. Don't get me wrong, I love throwing parties. (It is the only way my house gets really really clean.)

As he entered he didn't do a great job at pretending he didn't know. Later he told me one of his friends told him about the party - Teenagers!

Highlights of the party:

Eating Pizza
Singing Happy Birthday with a bunch of teenagers
Watching them "cuddle" and "flirt" with each other
Playing the UNWRAP game to find a Coldstone gift card at the end
Watching the boys wrestle for the Coldstone gift card

Happy Birthday Jake!

Fall is in the Air

2009-11-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Arrington Grandkids

Grandma Julie took the cousins to pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch. After 2 wagons full and a lot of running around everyone got their perfect pumpkin. Fall just isn't Fall without Football!

It's a witch hunt! For family night we went to Gardner Village to see the witches. We went on a witch scavenger hunt. The kids had a blast searching for the silly witches...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Unfortunately I have been very sick for this Halloween week. Despite the sickness for family night we attended a night out at the local park. My kids had fun pumpkin bowling, listening to stories in the cometary, getting their fortunes told by sixth graders and watching the fire department drop pumpkins from the top of their ladder. Marshall insisted they were the pumpkins that were stolen from our front porch - yes the ones Grandma Julie got for us at the pumpkin patch. We had to explain that fire men probably wouldn't steal from the neighborhood. I was in charge of Hilary's and Marshall's parties at school and from bed Tuesday morning I had to call for help. This is not something I normally do. No, I don't think I had the swine flu but something along that line.

I did make it to Calli's parade and class party where I got to experience a little of how she is at school. As you can see she is right up there with her teacher while she is reading the class a story. This is her friend that always asks me if Calli can play, No wonder they are friends. Andrew had fun doing all the activities but after 3 hours we were both spent.

Back to School

2009-11-02T11:48:00.004-08:00

Marshall 5th Grade

Hilary 6th Grade

Calli 1st Grade

Andrew and I will have a lot of time to spend together while the kids are at school. I can't wait! This year our schools went to traditional. I am so excited to have more time off in the summer when we can play outside in the sun.

Cowabunga!

2009-11-02T11:48:00.003-08:00

Marshall

Hilary

Max & Andrew Rosie and Kate

Calli - this is the only photo I got of Calli. She loves Cowabunga so much that I never see her when we are there.

The Nice Cousins

2009-10-03T20:06:00.001-07:00

(This is as official as a picture gets with this bunch!)

Zach, Calli, Simeon, Corinne, Marshall
Miles, Cody, Eliza, Andrew, Hilary

I just need to laugh...

2009-09-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

The morning started off with COLD! It is finally here. Yesterday it was 90 degrees and today maybe 50. I dropped off the kids at school and headed down the road home. Andrew in the back seat said "diet coke"? So, we headed down to sonic to utilize the drink sticker that makes Route 44's a buck. We came home and stayed in our PJ's until noon. I did some wash and then I quickly realized I needed diapers and a prescription and Calli was going to be home in 15 minutes. I jumped in the shower and the bus pulled up right as I was getting out. Needless to say I had to run my errands. I usually do these without the company of my darling Calli but I decided to take her to Toys R US and Target. BAAAAD IDEA!

You know when your child asks you questions over and over until they get the answer thy want to hear? Well, that is Calli but on steroids. The questions get tiresome. Especially,"Can I play with a friend?" So, at Toys R Us (the place I purchase diapers with my rewards =) ) she would not listen to me at all. People must think I am crazy and the worst mom. I am very vocal because I am afraid of losing her at a store. It starts out something like this: Calli (in a sweet voice), Calli (a little more firm), Calli (demanding), and finally CALLI where are you? (almost yelling. We get done and I noticed they charged me a dollar too much, yes a dollar. If I am going to drive all the way to Toys R Us I am going to get my dollar back no matter how bad the kido is being!

We get into the car and guess what Calli says, "Can I play with a friend when we get home?" AHHHHHH!!!

Our next stop is Target. I stragetically walk through the store to the pharmacy to hit all of the clearence endcaps I can without really stoping. We get to the pharmacy and the girl working ignores me. She walks around, I think pretending she is working, and then acts like she didn't see me standing there. I say "I need to pick up a perscription," "Last name?" she says. "Nice." No one ever get's it right. It is so simple, just the way it sounds, N I C E - not the way I sound. While she is getting the perscription Calli starts to scream. There is blood everywhere. The girl loudly tells me her nose is bleeding. I look at her and say, "do you have a kleenex?" It doesn't stop and Calli won't let me help her. She thinks if she continues to wipe it will stop. So, screaming I rush her to the bathroom where it continues to bleed all over the sink. It finally stops and we head back to get some popsicles and cheetoes. We get checked out and are leaving the store and Calli stops to check out her nose in the window mirror. You know, the one we all check our selves out in as we pass and hope no one is on the other side watching us. She is making the funniest faces while she is trying to see UP her nose. After about a minute, I start to laugh at her. All of the sudden there is a knock on the other side of the glass. Calli was very confused. Oh what people must think of her!

Earlier this week her teacher sent home a note saying that her class is the most challenging she has ever had in 39 years of teaching. I've heard that one before.

Today I am frusterated, happy, angry, laughing, questioning... Thanks to all who accept Calli for who she is. Also for accepting me for who I am - a mother trying to figure this girl out. I know sometimes Calli and I can be high maintence but hey we are a package deal. Thanks for the friendships and encouragement.

I just need to laugh... Calli named her baby dolls Jody and Adam. So cute and Adam is wearing the most beautiful white dress!

Disaster Stirkes the Nice Family

2009-09-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

As the old saying goes: "Bad things happen in threes!"

Andrew and I were taking a shower one morning, while I was getting out I heard a big thud and I just knew it was bad. As I picked him up I could see his skull and LOTS of blood. I do not do well in those kinds of situations. I grabbed a towel wrapped him up laid him on the floor took off my towel and put pressure on his head. I had him hold it there while I threw on some clothes and frantically looked for the phone. The first person I thought of was our neighbors the Allen's. I dialed their number several times to get... "this local call now requires ten digits" WHAT? It was about 3 days into the new change and it was not registering. So I called my friend Sarah. She happily answered the phone and rudely I interupted and said "Andrew fell in the shower and cut his head open." She immediately came over thinking I was exagerating. NOPE, it was worse than she thought, but luckily she didn't mention that. Shaking I drove us to the hospital while she took care of Andrew. So, here are a few lessons learned while we were at the hopital:
1. Head wounds bleed like crazy and then stop.
2. Little boys with their skull showing still have no fear and climb all over the chairs and jump off in the emergency waiting room.
3. The needle is the worst part until they strap your baby to a board and he is screaming for his Mommy.
4. A sucker and teddy bear doesn't make a child like those people who just tourtered him.
5. It isn't about how many stitches for some doctors, it is about the ruler. Aparently Andrew's wound was over an inch long, WOW.

I was taking Marshall to baseball practice when I stopped for a little family crossing the entrance to the park. All of the sudden I heard this big BANG and then I realized it was us. Some one slammed into us. He was not paying attention - NO SKID MARKS. The speed limit on 1300 East is 35 MPH. I am assuming he was going at least 35. Marshall was a little shaken up, Calli and Andrew had no idea what was going on and I was way sore. One of the dads from Marshall's team was a life saver. He came and stayed with me and helped me with the kids until the police said I was OK to go. The next day I went to the Dr. and everything checked out great. I was still way sore so the Dr. ordered me some physical therapy. It was great, a few weeks of massages every other day. After a long process of getting the car fixed, it still isn't all the way fixed to my satisfaction. I have a really annoying creek in the drivers window or door. I need to get it back in but I can't be without my car. I am afraid it will never be the same.

I really, really, really HATE willow trees! All of the neighbors surrounding our house seem to have them.

Baseball, Birthday and Boys

2009-09-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bubby Boy. Double digits, the big 10!

Marshall plays baseball for the Tough Country Predators. He plays first base, pitcher and outfield. Marshall's goal for this year was to hit a home run. In the last game his team played Marshall crunched the ball into left field for his first home run of the season. Great job Marsh!
For Marshall's birthday we took the baseball team to the Buzz game. What a great group of boys. They had so much fun trying to get baseballs from the players. At the end of the game one of the players game Marshall a bat. You couldn't wipe the grin off his face. Marshall's birthday falls right close to his cousin Fatih's and Uncle Josh's. We celebrated their birthdays at the cabin. Thanks to Aunt Susan we had a great piniata for the kids to wack at.

A week off Kindergarten...

2009-08-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Calli had a week off Kindergarten in the month of May for testing. I decided that we would fill the week with fun activities to keep her busy and keep mom from going crazy! Here are some of the fun activities we did:

Thomas the Train in Heber, Utah

There was a petting zoo at the train station. Andrew was horrified of the animals and Calli tried to tell him it was OK to touch them. She probably would have rode them.

Children's Museum

Calli loves to play dress up. At the Childrens Museum her favorite thing to do is to be the mail lady. She dresses up and delivers and collects all the mail. Today she decided to do it farm style dressed as a cow eating some home grown carrots!

Andrew loves to play with the balls he was at the ball station for hours. Then of course he headed to the kitchen to play a little house (his and Calli's favorite thing to play).

The Cabin

What a fun week off school!

Hot for a Day?

2009-07-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

We have had some pretty crazy weather this year. It seems like we skipped spring, my favorite time of year. It got real hot and then came the rain. One Hot May day we were at Grandma Julie's so we took advantage of the weather and broke out the kiddie pool. All the cousins were having so much fun. Calli asked grandma to get her a cup to play with in the water - Watch out everyone, here comes the water fight!
Eli was a little timid with all the kids and the water. He wouldn't get close to the water.

Cute Molly was having some trouble with her swimsuit bottoms.

Calli's best side!

Photo Shoot by Hilary

2009-07-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hilary dressed Andrew up in his Mexican Soccer uniform we brought him from Puerto Vallarta. She took him in the back yard, set up a goal and went to town. Here are the results:
What is up with the tongue hanging out? I guess he is really concentrating.
Pretty impressive for a rookie!

Pine Wood "DADS" Derby

2009-07-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Marshall took second place last year and all he could talk about was beating the boy who took first. Well, this year Marshall and his dad worked a lot harder on their, oh I mean Marshall's car. Last year they made the car in just one day after returning home from Maui on the red eye. This year they were confident that their hard work would pay off and they would take home the championship. After a very interesting (I use this word because the bracket was all messed up) way of teaming up the cars. Marshall came in second place again. He did win last years champion so that made it all good. Great job "4"!

Junior Achievement City

2009-07-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

In 5th grade the kids get to be an "ADULT" for a day. They go to Junior Achievement City where they get to be bankers, city workers, restaurant workers, DJ's, newscasters ect... It was so much fun. I wish they could do it for a couple days so they could really understand what they were doing better.
Hilary was a teller at Zions bank. Adam and I got to oversee Questar Gas and Rocky Mountain Power. The kids had a blast sending bills, collecting money, depositing money, doing payroll, ect... It was amazing how real everything was. What a great opportunity for the kids

Hilary's Job as a Teller at Zions Bank

Hilary hard at work.

Kimberly with Zions Bank and Amanda with Salt Lake City School District

Ausitn one of our meter readers.

Hilary is still talking about how fun this experience was. I can't wait to volunteer again next year when Marshall is in 5th grade!

Great Indead

2009-07-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Great Grandma Faith is 91 years old. She is my grandma and I love her with all my heart. My grandpa passed away last September and boy does she miss him. I try to visit her as much as possible. Every time we visit I try to take a picture of my kids with her.
I love you Grandma!

The Vally of FUN in the SUN!

2009-07-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

I truly love to visit Arizona. I love everything about it: shopping, the sun, and fun activities. But, the thing I love the most is the family we get to be with when we are there. I don't have a sister so I cherish Adam's sister Jen. She is a great example and a great friend. These are the sweet kids we are grateful to call our cousins...

SimeonCorinne "sweet cheeks"Miles "smiles"
Uncle JoeyAunt Jen aka "Aunt GEM"

We always stay busy no matter what it is we are doing. Here are some of the highlights of our trip:

Opening game of the Arizona Diamond Backs. We all got a free D-Backs t-shirt.

Playing at the Park

Swimming in the pool - which isn't heated and not so warm in April!

Climbing the rock wall at Bass and Pro Shop

Ok, most of you know how competitive our family is. We love to play games or do activities but most of all we like to win. I believe this comes from Adam's side of the family. One member of the family (I won't mention names) says, "If your not cheating your not trying!"

So, all the kids were doing the rock wall and of course everyone wants to be the best, go the fastest or just get to the top FIRST. With one exception, Miles. He loves video games way more that physical activities. We tried to motivate him by telling him which level he was at and what he had to do to get to the next level. The girls go first, Corinne and Hilary. Hilary's legs are about twice the length of Corinne's but that didn't stop her. Neither of the girls made it to the top the first time. Then it was the boys turn. Miles only made it to "level one" and was done. Marshall didn't make it much further. Then the girls wanted another shot. Miss long and lean was victorious and made it to the top. Corinne was so close - a couple more inches of height and arm length and she would be right there. Marshall couldn't be shown up by his sis so he tried again too. He made it about as far as Corinne, same problem. I have a feeling next visit to AZ we will end up at the Bass and Pro Shop climbing wall! The kids did great. I love the determination each one of them has, especially sweet cheeks.

Adult night out at the D-backs game against the Dodgers

Manny Ramirez -one of twenty-five people to have hit over 500 career home runs. His 20 career grand slams are the most by any active player, and the second most all-time, behind Lou Gehrig's 23.

(Adam had me take a bunch of pictures of him, he must be important. Of course he is blog worthy so I googled him.)

Bowling!

Calli won the first game by one pin beating Hilary 124 to 123! Great job girls. Gotta love those bumpers. Calli is queen of picking up the spare.

Oh and we can't forget the story of "2 for 1" (what a great deal) while bowling. There was a split (one pin on each side of the lane) so Jen and myself had the bright idea to bowl at the same time so we could pick up the spare and beat Adam. It worked, and we didn't even get caught!

Easter 2009
Hutchinson KidsNice Kids
Disclaimer: Calli isn't flipping you off. She points with that finger.

Activities for the day included:

-egg hunt
-listening to the Hutchinson kids sing in church
-bunny banana cake
-fun and games

We have so much fun being silly I had to share these priceless photos!

Wow, if you made it all the way through this post you are a true and committed blog reader. I had so many fond memories I couldn't leave any of them out!

It's been awhile...

2009-07-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I liken my blog to scrapbooking. I try to record all the "Nice" memories on my blog since I have no time for scrapbooking anymore. I now feel I have no time for blogging either. We are so busy just like everyone else and blogging gets put on the back burner. I keep saying that one day I will print my blog in a book - what a wonderful idea. I guess I need to update regularly so I will have the precious memories to actually make the book. I am re commiting to my blog - publicly!

I love reading my friends and family's blogs they are so uplifting and inspiring. I need to incorporate more than just photos and explanations. I need to express my thoughts and feelings. I am not so great at this. When I used to scrapbook I would always do the journaling last. I also had a journaling consultant. She would help me express what I wanted to say so it was pleasing to read and so it flowed. I have been inspired by my fellow bloggers and I hope I can share better in the future.

School Pictures

2009-05-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is why I don't care much for school pictures.
Smile pretty Calli!%*@?

I'm back...

2009-03-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

I went to WW last night. I LOVE IT!
I am recommitted to eating healthier and smaller portions. What a great program to get an invaluable education in nutrition. If anyone has thought about doing this... DO IT. It is great to do it with someone so you have support through those tough times. (Thanks) I sound like an advertisement. I am so excited to feel good again!

Naughty Naughty

2009-03-26T14:10:00.001-07:00

I really think I HATE popcorn!

Pre-school already?

2009-03-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Andrew and his cousin Molly went to pre-school for two days. Kyra has a child development class that they were holding a preschool in and she asked if Andrew and Molly would like to do it. Andrew thought he was SOOOOO BIG! He got on "backpack" of course and headed out the door. He grabbed Molly's hand and off they went. Neither cried or took a second look back at us Mom's. Calli being the helpful big sister wanted to make sure Andrew and Molly got safely inside.

Get your backpack on Molly.

OK, lets go

Oh cute, they are holding hands.

Thanks Kyra, they had a great time!

Blue and Gold Banquet

2009-03-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

Congrats Marshall for earning his BEAR! The theme for the Blue and Gold this year was American ABC's. I had fun being on the committee for planing the banquet (I love that stuff). It turned out awesome. The kids had a blast playing some kick ball in the gym after the meeting.

I am so proud of how hard Marshall works on his scouts. He misses a lot of scouts for sports but he makes up for it at home. He earned his Bear 6 months before he advances to Webelos. Great Job Marshall!

Las Vegas

2009-03-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

We hit Vegas two times in one month (January - I know I'm a little behind). Here are highlights from our two trips:

Happy New Year!
Our kids love to swim
We went bowling - about 6 games each
Adam bowled 5 YES 5 strikes in a row
Hilary played some awesome keeper in her soccer tournament
Circus Circus
Shopping for Jody
M-n-M World

5 strikes - check it out!

Shreadin - well sort of!

2009-03-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love to snowboard. Disclaimer - I hate getting ready to go snowboarding and thinking about the cold. Once I get up on the mountain I remember why I love it so much. It is so beautiful and peaceful when the mountains are blanketed with beautiful white powdery snow.

Adam

Marshall

Hilary

Hilary, Amanda and Madelyn

Happy Birthday Andrew!

2009-02-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

How old are you Andrew? "TWOOOOOOOOO"

What happened to your cake Andrew? "Hilary was reading her book and I just couldn't wait, it smelled so good!"

"What happened to the frosting Mom?" Cooking just isn't my thing!

It was such a fun day for Andrew. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to him every chance they got. By the time we sang Happy Birthday with the candle in the cake he was just not interested in the cake anymore. Everyone else enjoyed it.

We can't forget one of the highlights of the day - when Debbie was dropping off the carpool she took Andrew out for Birthday Ice Cream!

"Naa Noo (Thank You) Debbie for taking me out for Ice Cream with the big kids!"

We also had a party for Andrew on Sunday for all of the family. It was a Sponge Bob Party. I tried to be creative and make jelly fish out of pink balloons. Andrew was so excited when everyone was singing Happy Birthday to him.

Happy February! (Since I am a little late for Valentines Day)

2009-02-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hilary (and I) won first place for our Valentines Day box. My favorite part is Buggsy the mouse. You can't see the picture very well but it is a computer (Dad's idea of course) and you pull down the screen on the monitor to put in the Valentines. We won a Symphony Bar for our hard (FUN) work. Here is the Valentine Shelf and my newest favorite spot to decorate - my light fixture.

PJ Tradition

2009-02-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning 2008!

Christmas Kids!

2008-12-24T10:54:00.003-08:00

Arrington Family Christmas Party

2008-12-24T10:53:00.001-08:00

We have been doing this Christmas Party for years - as long as I can remember. I remember when my Great Grandpa Arrington used to come. I thought he was so old. He was 96.

This was the first party without Grandpa Irby. I was having a hard time wanting to go. My Aunt Karen and Uncle Burt were in charge of the party this year and did something real special. My Grandpa was a HUGE golfer. He golfed into his 90's. My Grandma wanted to give the clubs to one of the Grandsons but who? So my Aunt and Uncle figured out that there was one club for each Grandson Grandpa had. What are the odds? They did a cute presentation where each boy got to draw a number to see what club they got. Of course there was a poem to go with the presentation. For the Grandaughters they made this beautiful shadow box frame of some of Grandpa's things. There was a golf tie, a tee, a ball, a score pencil and of course a business card from Grandpa's State Legislature days. What a treasure. There was also a poem that when along with the gift. Thanks for the wonderful gift Grandma, and for Burt and Karen for putting it together.

The tradition at the party is that all the kids perform their talents. My kids lucked out since we forgot the piano music. We then sing until SANTA hears us and enters for the annual sit on Santas lap. The kids had a great time. Next year my Mom and Dad are incharge so we all know what that means, Jody is planning the party! It is a good thing I love to do parties!

Our Family's Christmas Card

2008-12-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

31,465 miles driven on vacation, to work, shopping and around the town.

1825 showers taken by the entire Nice family.

365 days of Andrew’s survival as Calli’s little brother.

360 rides on the school bus for Calli but thankfully only one time she got off the bus with just her pants on – we’re working on that one!

281 dollars spent on gas at the Bullfrog marina since ours was stolen out of our boat.

105 hours spent coaching Marshall’s teams – Adam is a great and dedicated Father.

62 Blog entries – Jody’s new form of scrapbooking. Nicestfamily.blogspot.com

58 soccer games played by Hilary – 2 out of state &3 in state tournaments. She took 1^st place in all but one she took 2^nd. Go Avalanche!

51 baseball games played by Marshall on three different teams; Predator’s, SEV Angels and SEV All-Star team which they took 2^nd place in the State of Utah. Great Job Bubby!

48 Sundays of 9:00 church with tired kids – and we’re still going!

21 pounds of candy on Halloween accumulated by the Nice family.

15 Alta grey gremlin football games for Marshall. They took 2^nd place in their division.

10 days spent at Lake Powell a family favorite.

6 stockings hung by the chimney with care

4 wonderful kids that we are proud of and love with all our hearts.

2 happy parents.

1 Baby Jesus that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. LOVE, The Nicest Family

Baking Christmas Treats

2008-12-24T10:46:00.001-08:00

I decided to get into the spirit this year by doing some baking. I dipped double stuffed oreos in white chocolate and made mint brownies. YUM YUM! Marshall and I had fun taking pictures of the creations.

My Three Trees & The Christmas Shelf

2008-12-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love to decorate Christmas Trees. I have 3 trees in my house, one at Adam's work and Hilary and I decorate my Grandma Faith's tree every year.

Kids Tree in the BasementFormal Tree in the Living Room
Country Tree in the Family Room. (This is the last year of this tree. I made all of the wood ornaments on the tree - traced, cut out, sanded, painted, sanded, stained, added wire and fabric ties. I have had this tree for 10 years and I'm ready for a change.)
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Saint Nick soon will be here!

512 K Christmas Party

2008-12-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

What a great Christmas Party we had this year for Adam's work. We invited all the families of our employees and went to Apple Spice Junction where we had the whole place to ourselves. We got the kids gingerbread houses to create and keep them busy. It worked and was a huge hit!

Temple Square

2008-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

As a Young Women Class we visited Temple Square. We enjoyed looking at the beautiful lights, luminaries and manger scenes from all over the world.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2008-12-22T17:41:00.000-08:00

What a dream come true. No kids, No house work, No responsibility, beautiful weather, the SUN, the beach, and the best of all Adam all to myself for a whole week!

La Panaderia (The Bakery) WOW!
They had the most amazing pasteries I have ever tasted. We hit the bakery at least 4 times while we were there. We brought some home to share with our family.

This is the transportation we took to get where we needed to go. Adam loved riding the bus, it reminded him of being in Brazil. This is a picture of Old Vallarta or The Romantic Zone.

Los Arcos - our first scuba diving spot.

Enjoying a private beach "Las Caletas" after scuba diving our second time =).

The Malecon or boardwalk.

The Zip Line was my favorite activity. We did 2 days of Zip Line. The second day we rode mules up the mountain to the top of the Zip Line.

Swimming with Dolphins was Adam's favorite activity. It was amazing, the dolphins weigh 500 pounds each.

Thanks for the awesome week Adam!

Piano Recital 2008

2008-12-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

Classic piano recital photo's.

Hilary played Joy to the World

Marshall played Little Drummer Boy

They did awesome - especially since I feel like have to get on them about practicing all the time (this is my payback for when I wouldn't practice as a kid). Great job guys.

Old Friends - Good Times!

2008-12-20T16:30:00.001-08:00

Adam introduced me to facebook in October. I guess he didn't want me to do any housework or cook dinner for a few weeks. I love it! It was so fun to find some of my college friends. We got together and had lunch at my house to catch up. It was so great to see everyone. Since then, they posted some fun pictures of us on a cruise we took for spring break in 1994.

Can you tell who is who?Jody, Julie, Mikel, Shannon

Valley of the SUN

2008-12-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

I truly am a warm weather person so any chance I get to visit Phoenix - I'm there! Hilary had a soccer tournament (in October) so my Mom, Calli, Andrew, Hilary and I made the LOOOOONG drive. We picked up Michelle and Em from their short flight to spend the last part of the trip with us.

Congrats to Avalanche for taking 2nd place in the 12 Year old division (they play up a year)!

Hilary played goalie most of the tournament. She only gave up one goal (no one could have stopped it). The one game she came out for a quarter she scored a goal - Nice Job Hill-Bill!

Thanks Mom for coming and helping me with the kids. I loved spending time with you.The highlight of the trip - MAKUTU'S ISLAND!
This place "Rocks". It is an indoor playground that looks like the jungle. It is full of mazes, slides, a small zip line and food of course. The best part about it is that s can participate in the fun.

Happy Anniversary Adam, thanks for the beautiful flowers!
I love you more and more every day.You can't go to Phoenix and not spend time with the cousins oh and SWIM!

Fall Shelf

2008-12-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

Reflections - Winner!

2008-12-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Hilary!

This is the picture Hilary entered into reflections at her school. The theme was "Wow" and her category was photography.

ReachThe beautiful trees reach to the sky, WOW!

PARK CITY, UTAH

2008-12-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

Fall is in the air! In September we visited Park City for a weekend stay. We rode the Alpine Slide, the new Roller Coaster, ate Carmel Apples and just enjoyed the beauty of the mountains we live in.

I love to take pictures of flowers. This is one I took while we were in Park City. How beautiful!

I LOVE my kids!

2008-12-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Random shots of SILLY kids.

These pictures are what life is all about. I love to be a mother and see my kids having fun, being silly and just being kids.

Gremlin Football "Go Alta Grey"

2008-12-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

What a great football season! I really enjoyed football this year. It was Marshall's second year as a gremlin so of course he had way more playing time. Marshall's team was 7-2 in the regular season. They made it to the playoffs and faced the two teams they lost to in the regular season. The first team they played was Bingham, they won 6-0. The championship game was against Grantsville. This team was unstoppable. They didn't lose a game all season AND they didn't get scored on all season. Alta had their work cut out for them. Well, unfortunately those stats for Grantsville stuck for the cahmpionship game but Alta Grey Gremlins played their hearts out. I would have been OK with a touchdown - forget the win. Marsahll was crushed after the game. We both sobbed. I am so proud of Marshall and I love that he is so passionate. Great Job Bubby!

The one thing that I love about Marshall and his sports is that he is always with his Dad. Adam is such a wonderful father and coach. So many parents tell me they want him to coach their child over and over again.

It is such a sweet relationship that Adam and Marshall have developed from sharing the experiences of being on a team, hard work, tired muscles, losing and winning. Marshall looks up to his Dad like he is the greatest person in the whole world. Thanks for all you do for our kids Adam. You are truly loved.

Halloween 2008

2008-12-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween was so much fun this year. We started the morning off going to get Cruella and her puppies pictures taken at Inkley's - they turned out fabulous! We then went to the kid's school for the Halloween Parade.

It never ceases to amaze me how smart Calli really is. As we were walking in she saw a little boy that was her same age and said Hi to him. This is very normal for her. Then she started saying his name, "Hi Michael." His mom and I looked at each other in amazement. His name was Michael and when Calli took off her hat he knew who she was. About a half hour later we figured out that they are in Kindergarten together. Being a mother of a delayed child little things like this are cause for CELEBRATION. They recognized each other not in their regular environment. WOW, great job Calli and Michael.

After we left the parade Calli asked me why I didn't come to her school's parade?#*@? Confused I told her I didn't know about it. She felt sad when her mom wasn't there. WOW - I was so happy, she feels real feelings at the appropriate times. I was feeling horrible about the situation so I talked to the teacher about it, I was afraid I lost the note about it. I wasn't such a bad mom after all, parents weren't really invited.

We went to Grandma Faiths next to have some yummy lunch together from Zupas. It was great to visit with Grandma. She misses Grandpa so much. I wish I could spend more time with her.

Off to the Wentworth for trick or treating festivities and visiting Grandma Dona aka "Devil." (I dressed her up in my devil costume from last year!) Grandma Julie, Faith, Molly, Susan and Jeff met us there. My kids got so much candy they didn't need to go out again. But of course we did anyway. Grandma Nice came to help Curella chase the puppies around the neighborhood. What a work out. We didn't make it that far but Calli scored. At every house she would take a handfull of candy. Most everyone thought she was so cute - but not mom. After we were done, Our cousin "Cowgirl" Eliza came to visit. Well, how do you measure a successful Halloween? By weighing how much candy you accumulated... 7 lbs for Hilary, 3 lbs for Marshall and 21 lbs total for all the candy combined. This translates into 5 lbs of weight gain for mom!

Halloween Party!

2008-11-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

The Men

The Ladies

Jody and Adam

Nanette and Mike

Stephanie and Lori

Sarah and Kelly

Baby's got back!

Matt

Connie and David

Richard and Becky

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I got nominated to continue the "Draper Friends" Halloween Party since the Moore's moved. (Lisle and Tammie you were invited but I thought your party was on the same night - oops) It was fun to see everyone's costumes. Thanks for coming at the last minute - next year will be better.

Cinderella "Faith" you have to get your chores done if you want to go to the ball!

2008-11-07T08:47:00.003-08:00

I was watching my nieces and Molly spilled some popcorn on the floor. Faith was trying to help her clean them up. I said "Faith do you want to do something really fun?" I got out the vacuum out and she ate it up. It was perfect and so cute that she was dressed as Cinderella!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Summer Time at The Cabin

2008-10-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

My parents purchased a Cabin on the river a few years ago. This summer mostly my brothers helped remodel it. It has been a fun place to go hang out with family and friends. We look forward to more great times and memories. Thanks Mom and Dad. Most of all thanks to all of my brothers for their hard work to make the place look great.

Jeff, Mom and Faithers cleaning up

Josh, Kyra, Faith and Paige havin some FUN

Jon (Paige), Mandi, Adam & Jody
(Where is Eli?)

Sleepy Hilary and Marshall ~ Relaxed Dad

Marshall and Jon Floating the river

Calli LOVES Faith ~ Camp fire FUN

Andrew in the baby swing ~ Kamikaze Calli ~ Uncle Jim

Calli Cakes ~ Aunt Suzie

Molly Ollie ~ Calli Wallie ~Uncle Jakers ~ Bubby Boy

Hilary and Marshall learned to drive
the four wheeler this summer!
Watch Out!

A friendly little game of Penny Hockey

Hilary and Amanda's beauty schoolPlaying in the River

Fun on the four wheelersLaughing and Screaming Baby Boys

The Hamblin chica's first Marshmallow roast Jake, Jayson and Landon chillinGrandma Julie and Hill Bill

We can't wait untill next year!

Saying "Good Bye"

2008-10-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful service. My Grandpa was an amazing man. The funeral was held in his church where he spent the last 40+ years serving, it was such a comfort to have the funeral there. What great memories shared by all who spoke, prayed or sang. He will be greatly missed, especially by Jake.

My Bro's (Handsome in suits!)
Jim, Jeff, Josh, Jake & Jon

My Sister-in-law's

The Arrington Family

The "other" brother and sister - Kyra and Nate

Sweet Grandma Faith and her best buddy Jake!

We will miss you Grandpa Irby!

Irby N. Arrington

2008-09-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

My grandpa returned to our Father in Heaven last Saturday. What joy he must be experiencing. I miss him. It is hard to separate my feelings of loss with my feelings of happiness for him. He was definitely ready to leave this life. He will be greatly missed by all who are still here. I was teaching a lesson on Sunday to my Young Women about Service in the Community. I told them about my Grandpa and what a great example of service his life was. His obituary confirms that.

Irby N. Arrington "Gone Golfing" Irby N. Arrington, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2008. Irby was born September 18, 1917 to Cammon A. Arrington and Vivian Hickman Arrington in Milford, Utah. He was married to Faith Jeter Arrington on Sept. 8, 1937 in Evanston, WY. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Irby is survived by his sweet, loving wife, Faith; children, Ann (Bill) Massey, Cammon (Jan) Arrington, Jane (Frank) Hines, Burt (Karen) Arrington and Jeff (Julie) Arrington; brother, Burton Arrington; brother-in-law, Curtis McCullough, and many nieces and nephews. Irby was the "Best Grandpa in the World" as attested by his surviving 20 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Irby was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, two brothers, and one grandchild. Irby was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served diligently as a counselor in two Bishoprics, counselor in a Stake Presidency, Bishop, Sunday School Teacher and held various other positions. He loved working with the youth in his ward and always expressed they were the "finest kids anywhere." He had great compassion for everyone. Irby enjoyed participating in many fun activities over the years. Golfing was #1, but he also loved fishing, bowling, boating, hunting and especially being with his family at his Wanship cabin for special days and "Hot Macaroni." Irby was a man of many accomplishments. He served his country during World War II in the US Army. He was an entrepreneur in the Dry Cleaning business ultimately building a successful family enterprise. He was an active member of the Cottonwood Heights Community Council and instrumental in the development of the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center and member of the Lions Club. He served on the Salt Lake County Board of Golf, and was a board member of the March of Dimes. He was a Utah State Legislator for six years and sponsored legislation that led to the "Baby Your Baby" program. Irby leaves a legacy of love for his family. He taught us to work hard, be happy, care for others and be compassionate. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Vernon Liu, Dr. Michael Wall and the Healthsouth Staff for the dedicated care they gave our father. A viewing for family and friends will be held Wednesday, September 24th from 6-8:00 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Mortuary, 3115 E. 7800 S. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25th, 11:00 a.m. at the Butler 12th Ward, 2695 E. 7000 S. with a viewing prior from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery.

Who is that kid?

2008-09-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of summer we had several friend and neighbors ask us, "Who is that kid?", about Andrew. I never realized how much he really changed in 11 months. Where did my dark haired boy go?

Welcome to Holland

2008-09-16T13:30:00.001-07:00

I was chatting on the phone to one of my friends the other day. We were talking about how there are some people who are home bodies. I told her that I am not one of them even though she may think so.

I expressed to her the hard time I had when Calli was little so I stayed away from doing things with other people and their kids. I had a hard time keeping her contained, she was a runner. She took off if she was free. I had a hard time because I was afraid of what other people would think about her. Just by looking at her you would think she was as normal as they come.

I have been through the grieving process many times with Calli, and I will probably go through it many more in her lifetime. A few examples of what I am talking about is when Calli will be around other kids her same age and they are so much more advanced than her. She was not able to attend a 4 year old preschool class. She had to repeat 3 year old preschool because she wasn't ready to move on.

This is definitely one of my biggest challenges in life, being Calli's Mom. It is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done to watch her progress. Many of us take it for granted that our kids just automatically learn things that are age appropriate. I have had to change my thinking completely about children. When I see a child screaming or acting bad for their parents I don't think what a horrible parent they are since they can't control their child. I used to. It is really sad to me that sometimes I can see that Calli is irritating others, mostly s, and I tell them that she is border line autistic and their demeanor suddenly changes. They are not as judgmental if they know something is wrong.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has accepted Calli for who and what she is and taught your children that it is OK to be different and accept her. I truly believe that my other children and those who associate with Calli will be better people for it. It is hard, my kids know that the most, but we are truly blessed that she is a part of our lives. I want to share this story with everyone. It sums up the way I feel better than I could ever put it.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by
Emily Perl Kingsley.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

I'm going to KINGERGARDEN!

2008-09-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Calli is officially in Kindergarten. She is going to a diagnostic class with other delayed peers. The teachers are amazing. What a great thing our Public School System is. My child would not be where she is today without the great programs she is able to attend.

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-09-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

What a fun day. My husband is the most amazing man in the whole world. He took the day off to spend with me. So here is what we/I did:
1. Started the day off with a manicure and pedicure!
2. Went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory with my Mom and Adam (I think Andrew had the most fun)
3. Shopping at the Mall
4. We stopped off for a visit with my Grandpa Irby
5. Came home to my wonderful kids
6. Got lots of cute birthday surprises and phone calls from my wonderful friends and family
7. My cute Sister in law did a tribute to me on her blog! Funny picture - check it out http://awesomearringtons.blogspot.com/

I am so grateful for everyone. Thanks for making my birthday great.