The Young Family Five

Snow Dayz (March 2011)

2011-10-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

We live Southern Cali so most would think we don't get to see the snow very much... but it just so happens Mt. Baldy is about 15 min from our house. They get a ton of snow up there so we get the best of both worlds... a warmer winter down at our house and the snow when we feel like being cold!

We had a great time lunching and sledding on boogie boards. There was no one around and we had first tracks on the hill .It was Sergio's first time seeing snow and he was tripping! His lil paws got cold so he sat on the blanket... he's such a baby!

January & February (2011)

2011-10-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

So the month of January was a blur to me... I was sick for 29 days straight... like really sick with
The Super Flu, So if anything did happen I wouldn't remember it anyways:)

Now February is a different story... I love this month. Not only cuz of valentines day ( I love making the valentines for the kids classes:) but because it is Rivers birthday month! This year we didn't throw him a big party because I was so sick I couldn't plan one in time. We did do a small family one which was fine since he was turning 3 he really didn't seem to care if it was big or small as long as there was cake.

Oh ya and it was Sergio's 3rd birthday too!!!

We also had a great time making and giving out the valentines we made this year:)

December

2011-05-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

We have been really busy with life and I rarely get on the computer... so we are gonna play a lil catch up
Last December was a lot of fun!

Treyton wow-ed us with his perfect report card (yet again:) we are so proud!

Vance had a pajama themed christmas party in his kindergarten class.

He had such a good time with his best bud Diego. He couldn't stop talking about how cool it was to wear his pajamas to school. We LOVE his teacher Mrs. Brown, she did a wonderful job (as always) with the party... how she deals with all those kids on a daily basis baffles me... my kudos to all teachers... especially the kindergarten ones!

Sergio remains our favorite son:) and he learned how to play the piano:) j/k

We were so Lucky to have Papa Jack drive all the way down from Santa Cruz for

a visit while Tutu was in Hawaii.

It was nice since we stayed home this year and didn't

get to see any other family over the holidays.

thanks Papa Jack!

We took him over to Bass Pro Shop... if you haven't been to one.. umm you need to go!

it is the craziest outdoor gear/hunting/boating Mecca!

They had a super cool christmas section this year with games, crafts and

the train the kids could play with the boys loved it

Hello my name is Alicia, and I am a Christmas Crafting Addict.

I got crazy making these magazine trees... so fun!

We have THE BEST neighbors ever so the boys and I made

a large amount of cookies and delivered them to all the people on our street...

those who know me well... know that baking in NOT my thing

but they turned out great *It was a Christmas Miracle*

This year we did something different.. I am a big fat full green tree lover I usually only like white lights and pretty glass ornaments.. River was still in the stage of touching/breaking everything so jeremy had a great idea to used some recycled wood to make a tree. I used recycled paper for the

garland, so if River ripped it I could just put more up.

It turned out really well, I even agreed to colored lights... they sorta grew on me:)

Sergio hated these things.. and yes I put them on him all month :)

We had a very fancy candle lit Christmas dinner the boys even used glass plates.. well the big boys did:) if you have or know people who have boys you will know that this "fancy" dinner is not something we get often but they did a great job being reverent and keeping their elbows off the table..

River only blew out the candles 700 times:)

This year was fun cuz River totally knows who Santa Clause is (he calls him Santa Cruz) and he calls Santa Cruz... Santa Clause :). He talked about how he was gonna come down the chimney and bring him a jesse doll from Toy Story and he did... when santa drank his milk and ate his cookies and the reindeer nibbled on their carrots River couldn't have been more jazzed! The excitement spewing from that lil guy was amazing... I wish I could bottle that up :)

The kids got everything they wanted and had a wonderful christmas! hope you all did too!!!

We had a GREAT new year's eve! We stayed home and had a dance party... with our pals Tori and Aeson. The lil guys were dancing fools. I was loving all the food... I am a big fan of finger foods:)

This is Vance "staying awake" for 12:00... poor guy missed it by a lil bit :)

Thank Tori and Aeson for coming to the sleep over New Years Style!! we love you guys!

We give thanks

2010-12-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

We usually go to Santa Cruz for this holiday but we couldn't make it up there this year:( we were sooo sad.. but we were lucky cuz there was enough room at my brothers thanksgiving table for us! My mom and Dad were there too so it worked out well.

We made some Thanksgiving crafts including the headbands these dorky kids are wearing:)

My brother and My sis in law Kay made a wonderful dinner for us and we were so THANKFUL they had us over! (even Sergio got to come!) thanks Swalm family for everything you guys are the best!!

**** ps I want to give a shout out to Merissa and Niles Barry who had there beautiful Baby girl Eden Autumn Barry ON Thanksgiving! we are so bummed we werent in the Cruz to meet her but we hope we can see her very soon! Love you guys!!!

Not so dirty 30

2010-12-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Yes you heard right... I am now 30 years old!

I am not sure how this happened but it did and now I am starting a new decade.

It feels weird to say I am 30 since I never really got used to saying I was 29!

I woke up (I got to sleep in!) on my special day to a beautiful breakfast my husband made and had a whole day of just relaxing and being happy!

Like last year I made my boys take me to my fav restaurant for dinner... Chevys and like last year Jeremy laughed at me. But it is fine... I live in a house full of boys... I get laughed at pretty much all day:)

It has been a full year now since I started talking about my art school.... I still very much want to do it, I just got side tracked with life.
At this point we are so up in the air about where we are going to live next I would hate to start a school only to have to close it.
Hopefully this next year brings us the answers to our questions and then I can really put this art school into play... wherever we live;)
My boys are all getting so big and independent I am seeing more and more that I am going to need to have something to do with my (free) time... And I am excited about that!
So heres to my thirties may they be some great years!

My nieces play!!!

2010-12-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

My talented niece Emily was in a the play "The Ransom of Emily Jane"

we went down to Palm Dessert for the evening to see her.

She did an outstanding job as "Mrs Chatterly"!

The big boys were enthralled with seeing her up there,

River shouted her name, clapped and played on the chairs... you cant take that kid anywhere!

I see a long acting career in Emily's future!!!

Halloween!!!!!

2010-12-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween everyone!

My mom came down for Vances actual birthday which is

Halloween so we got to do a lil pumpkin carving with her:)

on Vance's real birthday we made him a very special birthday breakfast and he got to open his family presents.. he loved them all!

the boys costumes were of course RUN DMC... this top pic was from the dress up day at school

I had to add all these pic cuz they never broke character ... they loved being theses guys!

Our friends the Fudge family came over to join us for Trick or Treating

we had a lot of fun trying to keep track of 6 kids running from house to house:)

After a long night of candy gathering, candy sorting and candy eating ....we finally got the kids to bed... the problem with halloween is that it got right in the way of the World Series... which Jeremy was glued to since his boys the Giants were playing... but all was well cuz we have DVR :)
hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween!!

Vances Birthday

2010-12-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Vance had a lovely Halloween theme party the weekend before Halloween.

I thought he would be over that theme by now

but he LOVES his birthday is on Halloween:)

we had lots of friends come and my brother and his family

made a weekend of it my sis in law was a major help thanks Kay!!

happy birthday my love!!

I cant even start to explain how much I love Fall...

I think some of you know already but I love the

smells ,the colors, the leaves falling, the decorating, the crafts ahh I could go on.. .

I took this a bit ago but this was one of Jeremys first pumpkins he

grew in our garden they turned out sooo beautiful and big!

we did one of my fav crafts ... cheese cloth ghosts... they turned out so cute:)

It is still very warm here still, so the trees on my street don't know to have their leaves turn those beautiful colors and fall to the ground so I can make crap with them... hopefully nature with get it together soon!

Happy fall everyone!

Pumpkin patch

2010-12-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

(Ahh so to go way back into October...)

We went to our pumpkin patch in Apple Valley. We love it there cuz it's never crowded and it has the best back drop:) we had a great time goofing around and going thru the corn maze, just like last year we were in there for quite a while and at the end the boys were playing "Marco Polo" with this other family so we could get outta there:)

Santa Cruz wedding style

2010-11-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

In Late September we headed to Santa Cruz for a BRIEF trip.. I say "brief" cuz we literally were there for a few days and we had a packed few days.. so Santa Cruzers that we didn't get to see ...we are soooo sorry and plan to come up this spring!

We went to a beautiful wedding in the redwoods...

Matt and Mandy were married in a sweet ceremony

on Matt's family's property in Scotts Valley.

Jeremy was asked to perform "into the mystic" for the father daughter dance ... he did a beautiful job! I didn't get any pix but when I figure out how to do a video on here I will post it.

our pals Niles and Merissa plus one lil girl in the belly!

Brothers from another mother

Although the temps were super high these two stayed cool with their water cooler talk

I heart Mindy and Daniel

awe the sweetest brand new baby! only a month old.. I seriously would have stolen her!

we made our way creek side

even though this was forbidden...

jeremy decided to boat around the pond

shh don't tell anyone

Where were the kids while we were having all this fun you ask?! being baby-sat by their wonderful Aunt Heather, cuzins and Papa Jack! Thanks guys!

Awwwwe then the beach.. oh how we have missed you 12th ave!!!

we had a great full day at the beach with the Martins and The Harris Family

the crew of boys Trey Vance Cameron and Joe

And we couldnt leave with out seeing the newest lil additions to the old NSV crew...

Zachary and Cameron!!

congrats Jacqui and Andrew!! they are so cute and if I didn't already have too many boys I would have tried to steal them... they smelled really good.

ummm come on... too cute!!!

See ya later Santa Cruz til next time!

Soccer Time!

2010-11-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

So Jeremy is couching Vances soccer team "The Lions" and he is doing a Great job! its so cute to see him out there with all those lil guys:)
we have a lil website you should check out to see all the pix of the games...
http://thesixlittlelions.shutterfly.com

Schoooooooollllllll!!!

2010-11-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am happy to share the kids started school- Vance is a big Kindergartner and Trey a big 4th grader... yay for school...

I guess they weren't as excited as I was:)

the last bit of summer

2010-11-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well heres a bit of summer stuff we did...

We had my niece Emily for a week ...so we checked out Hollywood with my Pal Tori and her son Aeson I didnt get any shots of them but they were both looking cute as always:)

We had lots a fun looking at all the stars and the foot/hand prints and all the crazies that hang out down there!

We had a lemonade stand

we made these guitars out of shoe boxes

Jeremy grew this Garden

I was sick of hearing the kids saying they were bored so... we had a "Boredom Jar" filled with little strips of paper with things to do when the kids say they were bored.. some were good like "a trip to the $ store" ... "go play legos for 20 min" ... " draw a comic strip of a family member" and some were not so great like" put all your brother(s) clothes away"... "pick up the back yard" etc ... the kids would have to take their chances if they told me they were bored!

We figured out ways to stay cool in our Back yard

Slip n slides and snow cones... awe yaa!

I may have a permanent scar from that slip n slide :/

We did get to use our neighbors pool when ever we wanted which was nice cuz we wanted to use it a lot... it was great cuz the boys know how to swim soooo well now and they were soo tired every night!!!

we have the best neighbors ever! thanks Harmon Fam!

We cant believe summer is over!

Geez that was fast hope you had a good one

T.A.H.O.E.

2010-11-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

In early August I took the boys by myself to Tahoe to visit my family... we had fun times and beautiful warm weather which we were grateful for! Being with my mom and sister and Swimming in Tahoe makes me feel anew:)

My old Pal, Mitch is a fireman up in Tahoe so he invited me and my boys and Alec over to the fire house they had a lot of fun holding the big hose and spraying into the forrest with it! he let them run around the garage and check out all the gear it was a nice thing to get those boys energy out! Thanks Mitch!!

And of course we couldn't miss any beach time.. we were there almost everyday with my mom and sister and the boys!

One day we met up with my buddy Dustin Evans and his gorgeous daughter Elle! I was of course ready to steal her when Dustin looked away but chicken out at the last min:)

Happy 4th!

2010-10-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely 4th- My pal Tori and her son Aeson came over and my bro and his family stayed for the weekend- we had a fun afternoon of slip n slides and a night full of sno cones and fireworks!

Santa Cruzy

2010-09-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Geez its been a while! We have been super busy! The summer has come and gone but wanted to share our trip to Santa Cruz at the end of June...

We hit the beach as much as we could! A Bunch of our friends met us there...thanks to Adrienne,Uncle Scott Burke, Jack, The Hurleys, The Longs, and The Martins for soakin up the sun with us!

We went to San Francisco (without the kids thanks to PAPA and TUTU!!) for a reception of our friends Niles and Merissa. It was an unnaturally hot day in SF but beautiful all the same- I didn't get one pic of jeremy and my night out... but we had a great time getting dressed up and spending the night with our friends! Congrats Niles and Merissa!!

After our wonderful trip to santa cruz we headed down the coast on Hwy 1 ... we wanted to find a camping spot somewhere by the beach but we ended up in the mountains near Big Sur.

It worked out perfect we found this amazing lil camp site by this river it was so loud at night it sounded like a freeway! As I got into the tent with my five guys (the 5th being Serg.) I was feeling so lucky ... mostly cuz their hot boy heat kept me warm but also cuz camping with your family is the best!!

There were a few biting flys in the morning and a bit of poison oak so we made it just a one nighter... which was fine:)

It didn't take us long to pack up and head out... inside of going back down to the ocean , we headed thru the mountains to go to Santa Barbara. We drove thru this Army training base ... I didn't get any pics but the kids loves seeing all the big tanks driving around and all the training buildings and thousands of tents set up. We made our way to Santa Barbara and it was a beautful day! we spend the afternoon beaching at this really cool dog beach and watched the sunset .

We had such a fun filled time seeing all our friends !! come visit us down here!!

Treyton is 9!

2010-07-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ahh my little boy turned 9 on June 3rd! We asked him what he wanted this year and he said his own room... (he was sharing a room with Vance) So thats what he got- since we were doing that and also going to go on a big trip to Santa Cruz right after school ended we decided to just do a small bbq with our friends The Fudge Family! oh how we love The Fudges! we had such a nice evening playing on the homemade slip n slide;) (thanks Jeremy) I cant believe my lil guy is 9! so crazy!! on top of all of it He made honor roll again with a 4.0! such a smarty pants, and also got his acceptance letter to the GATE PROGRAM! we are sooo proud of him!

memorial weekend

2010-07-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

We went to our friend Marcia's house in Thousand Oaks for the weekend. We met up with my sister and brother and their families! it was really fun we beached and stayed up late! we had a super time! thanks Marcia for all the fun you ARE the best hostess ever!!!

Lets play catch up.... there's always something going on...

2010-05-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well it has been SO long since my last post! a lot has happened... heres a short (or long really:) lil story of our goings ons....

We got a dog from a shelter!! His name is Sergio and he is the love of our lives!! a real stuffed animal that walks around and only barks at birds and when River is getting too rough :p we found his dislike for other dogs but we are working on getting him some puppy play dates

he loves us so much...we joke we have become those weird people who take pictures of their dog and text them back and forth... but it is true.

We dont know how we lived without him! he is PERFECT addition to our family!

A while ago Jeremy left for two weeks to go work for his lovely Step mom Mary:) and build her new Ice cream shop:) yay! while he was gone... I had some amazing So. Cal friends coming to help me!

My pal Nicole came with her girlfriend Sarah and they played with the kids.

Then a few days later Alexa an amazing artist came over to give them a "real" art lesson they had so much fun.

River was so into he wanted to keep painting so the next day I let him paint the brick fence with water... a much easier clean up:)

After all that everyone got sick... they all took a turn which was nice cuz I was alone and it was overwhelming a lil bit:) but as river finally took his turn I got my turn at the same time! It was awful we got it the worst... thank goodness Jeremy got home right around then and took care of us.

We had big plans for easter with my brother and his fam and they were ruined cuz of us being sicky:( I tried my hardest to get better so the big boys could have Easter still... but it was hard. we dragged ourselves (meaning river and I) off the couch and dyed eggs with the big boys...

poor guy was so sick he lasted about 20 min then back on the couch.

We did get a burst of energy for a few to do a hunt the next day

but then it was back on the couch for the next 4 days...

Once we all got thru it ...we got back to normal life....

We went to the Annual Lemon Festival... last year they had a great performer:) but this year we focus on going on rides.. River was having fun!

We also went to the Observatory in LA and saw the Hollywood sign with the boys...they had so much fun. Sergio loved all the people. I thought it was crazy how many people talk to you when u have kids but when you have a dog people chase you to chat.. weird ;p

We couldn't love our house any more... we have been working so hard on it ! Our flowers are all blooming and beautiful and soooo glad it is finally spring. we even started a fruit veggie garden, cant wait to eat our own stuff!

Trey is doing great in baseball...He is on the Giants and we couldn't be more proud... the other kids on his team aren't as proud.. guess being a Giant isn't cool down here in So Cal:) most kids wanted to be Angels:)

Even Sergio enjoys the games!

River just enjoys Sergio!

I have been doing Pre-school at home with Vance... he is starting Kindergarten in the fall.. he couldn't be more ready! or really I couldn't be more ready! :)

River is.. well at the stage where he knows everything, tries to do everything and falls down while doing it all... umm I think it is called the terrible two's... yep!

Next is Mothers Day....

We had plans to go to my brother Nathan's in Palm Desert for the weekend.... but River had a fever so Jeremy stayed behind with him and I took the big boys... we had a great time with his beautiful wife and kids and we got to spend time with my Aunt Debi and cousin Caitlin and swim in their pool.... hooray!

*thank you Nathan and Kay for being the best host's ever!!!

Finally the end...

Jeremy was gone again for another couple weeks to work in Santa Cruz. Nicole stopped by again and rocked out with us....

and Alexa came a couple times and played with the boys ... you have no idea how much u guys helped me! I love ya!!

My Pal Aly flew in later that week, we never actually got to finish a sentence cuz the kids wanted to be with her as much as I did but we still had fun:)

we had so much fun! thanks Aly for helping SO much with the kids and the doggy at the games and at home!

you are such an amazing friend!

There it is... ur all caught up.... we have a huge summer ahead so come on back and check us out! xoxo

Baby Time

2010-03-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

While in Tahoe for Megan's going away party I was able to sneak down to Lincoln to my Cousin-in-Law (Carrie)'s Baby shower. Her lil boy Cole will be here so soon!!!

I was really nice to see all my wonderful family. We had a really nice time. My cousins Megan and Camie and my auntie Laurie all did a beautiful job! Miss you guys already!

Adorable Baby Levi awake...

and two seconds later asleep...

I wish I could do that!

a beautiful quilt my Auntie Laurie made!

Three out of four of the Golden Girls:)

Cant wait for that baby Carrie and Bryson!!! We love you!!

Jamaican Me Crazy...

2010-03-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is Megan McCarthy Hicks.. and she is leaving for the Peace Corps...

This post isn't about how Megan is one of the most selfless people, giving away more than two years of her life to help those who are in need... all the way in Jamaica... No, this about how much fun we had right before she left...

It all started a month or so ago when our friend Jenny started to plan a going away party. Megan knew she was having a get together but didn't know who was coming. I wasn't going to be able to make it. I knew from the minute I told Jenny that, I was going to be sooooo sad for missing this last chance to Meg before she left. I just didn't know how I was going to get up there. With the help of friends coordinating rides:) and Jeremy pushing me to go I was able to head up to Tahoe for the big surprise! Megan had friends surprising her throughout the day on friday...that night some friends were taking Megan bowling and that is where I surprised Megan! It was soooo awesome she had no idea I was coming. there were tears!!! lots of happy tears!!

We actually talked the night before and she was trying not to rub it in about her weekend she thought I wasn't coming to:) haha! she was a little mad at me for lying to her. But she got over it:)

Meg's surprise party at The Moose Lodge was Saturday night... she didn't think she was having a "party" party she thought we were all going bar hopping... she thought a bunch of people couldn't come like her mom who supposedly had to work:) so when Jenny just needed to stop by the Moose lodge for a sec, Meg had no idea everyone and their sister (thanks Nicole for coming:) was inside waiting for her . We had a great time she was so surprised! everyone did a great job and I think she felt very loved!

Megan we all love you so very much! good luck!!!!!

***A very big thanks to Adrienne and Jay for letting me use some of their awesome pics! thanks for capturing so much fun!!

This is Ground Control to Major Tom....

2010-03-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

River turned two on Feb. 21st, so we had a birthday party that weekend for him. The party was outer space theme... It was outta this world:) We originally planned for the party to be at the park down the street (it was 75* the week before!) but of course it rained the whole night before.. so it was way too soggy and cold! It worked out fine... unlike last years party rain out , our house down here is a billion times bigger:) this was the smallest party I have ever had for the boys but we were surrounded by really great people! The fudge family, Tori and Aeson, my mama, my brother and his girls made the trip, but I didnt get any pics of his beautiful family; (!
We had a craft that actually went pretty well,some snacks and lots of running around! River "The Birthday Grump" made his appearance, just as he did last year... actually all of my kids are super grumpy at their parties... hmm. Anyways Mr. No Nap Fit Thrower hung in till the last hour of the party then crashed. Nothing like passing out at your own party! He's lucky we didn't draw all over his face:)

Ruthie!

Crazy boyz!

Sarah!

Tori and Aeson!

Justice!

I want to thank my mom for traveling from Tahoe to spend time with us and help out!

I love u Mumzy!

Dont know why you say good bye... I say hello

2010-02-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Young Fam 5 made the trip... yet again, up north to see our wonderful friends and family.. we did miss some (Long Fam I swear next time!!!)

We planned the trip so we could be in town for our family's christmas gift exchange (which was so great.. our family is soooo the best gift givers ever!! thanks everyone!!) and for Heather's birthday party- we were so glad we could make it! It was filled with 8th grade dance decorations, wonderful food, lots of laughing and don't forget the Dancing!!! ahh soo much dancing!

River showed us moves we have never seen a almost two year old do... that boys got rhythm... plus he was wearing an early b-day present from his auntie.. The Cutest Hat Ever!!! thanks H:)

Happy Birthday Heather xoxo

Our week was packed with visits!

We had a super fun play date & dance party with our friends Kristen and Sophia thanks for having us over! I am bummed I didnt get any pics! :(

We also got to catch up with The Denton Girls!

we had so much fun .. but it just makes me miss them!

We stopped by a super bowl party at our friend Matt's house.. where we heard the announcement of his and Mandy's engagement! Congrats you two!!!! Sorry we had to jet out so quickly after! We are so happy for you!!

*I want to say how much we miss the Hurley fam too... I left ur house seriously bummed.. we miss you guys soooooooo very much!!

And Hey Aly your new house is so cute, your dog is so cute and you are so cute... I love you and miss you so!

At the end of our Trip we headed to San Francisco to see a couple friends.

We met up with my girlfriend Adrienne who lives in the most amazing building in North Beach! If your gonna live in SF I swear this is the place:)

how did Andy Warhol get in the pic?!

This is the view from her roof, the building in the right corner is owned by Frances Ford Coppola!

This bookstore is right across the street and was full of Beatnik history!

The boys were so good all day... no crying or whining we were amazed!!

We stopped by Coit Tower the view was awesome!

River was not feeling the elevator operater and gave him the evil eye the whole way down the tower:)

Around the corner from her house is China Town and they were getting ready for Chinese New Year so everything was all decorated so cool

Shark Fin's!! sooo gross!

Then later after saying goodbye to Adrienne... we said hello to Kim!

I hadn't seen Kim since we moved so I was soooo happy!!

After a yummy dinner filled with the screeching sounds of River's melt down ( I couldn't blame him we had been going since 10:30 am!) we walked by this pirate store that contained THE costume Max wore in the movie Where The Wild Things are.. we are huge fans so it was super cool for us!

And River eventually gave up:)

We headed back to Santa cruz for the night then left for So Cal the next day... the drive went well my kids are used to it by now:) Hope to see you Nor Cal folks again soon xoxo

Party Time.. Excellent

2010-01-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Everyone!!

We had a very eventful night with the boys at home:) since we didn't have a baby sitter... we decided to have a house dance party. We got all dressed up and pushed the furniture back and made all sorts of yummy snacks. The kids thought is was so fun that we had "hors devours" for dinner and got to drink cider out of fancy glasses:) we dance from 6 til really late... like 9PM :) River was passed out and the boys were in there jammies by ten. I promised they could stay up but both were out by 11:30 ... as was I:) we are party animals!

And we all know when the cheese ball is gone the party is OVER!

The Youngs wish everyone a healthy and happy new year and a shout out to my pal Jig who has to share is birthday with new years day... happy birthday buddy:)

Feliz Navidad

2010-01-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas ya'll!

The Young Family Five headed up to Tahoe after much debate... we were not looking forward to the 9 hour drive with the boys. Of course... we are so glad we went... we had so much fun.

We got in late at night and saw these little guys... they were just welcoming us I guess:) River was diggin 'em and barking at them. We tried to tell him there weren't dogs but he didn't seem to care.

and once we got settled the grandparents presented this... we might be the last people on earth without one! The kids were just a "little" excited :)

And when we woke we saw this:)

This a view from the back yard... u can see where that fire was a few years ago:(

Nana set up all the kids with ginger bread house kits... River did the best job... he just ate everyones candy

Alec.. he is getting soo big!

That night was Jeremy and my anniversary... yep two days before christmas... dont even ask.. we eloped:) Nana baby sat and we were free for the night! yay!

We introduce River to snow. He loved it and ate it and got so cold and wanted to leave it:)

Auntie Nicole and perfect puppy Hanna!

The big boys meaning Jeremy and Uncle Phil built a sledding hill in the back yard but of course it wasn't just a sledding hill... the boys were riding on wheel-less skate boards down ...

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner at my parents house then off to Nicole's before Santa gets there:)

Hooray! Santa did come even though we were all on the naughty list!

I was hoping for a better shot but this is what they look like in the morning:)

Baby loves his Uncle Phil and Hanna

After a great morning it was a wonderful christmas dinner ... My grandma joined us I didn't get a pics but we were so excited she came! We love you Grandma Sandy!

Nicole and phil are the best hosts ever!

Thanks Nana and Papa for taking such good care of us and talking us into coming... it was exactly where we needed to be;)

We Are Thankful For...

2009-12-12T18:06:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful house on our beautiful street...

waking up to snow on the mountains we can see from our yard...

a bit of the forest in the middle of a busy city where I get to run...

Vance loving Soccer and being a great player...

River not always running on the field and trying to play... and sometimes even sitting and letting us watch Vance play soccer...

Treyton being so awesome and making Principals honor roll...

We are Thankful for The Martins Hosting another beautiful Thanksgiving in Santa Cruz.... and...

River looking like he is eating cat food but really it is his Yogo's (phew)...

the boys being so well behaved...

Joe being such a fun and patient cuzin...

Hannah for just being perfect Hannah...

Rivey for counting for a game of hide and seek all by himself...

cuzin pyramids...

funny faces at the table...

our baby boyfriend...

We are thankful for Jack and Mary and their baby sitting skills and comfy lodgings... and...

rainy walks in Scotts valley...

Hannah for reading and being so sweet to River...

the cuzin love...

and last but not least for my favorite lil guys who sat thru an hour of me barking orders to smile for our christmas photo shoot! everyone was crying by the end! I am so mean :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

29 and Feelin Fine

2009-11-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Well Wednesday Nov 4th was the day I turned 29...

I had a really bad day! I told some it was the worst day ever.. but that is silly.. I have had worse days.. this one was just so fresh! As you all know I love my children even on bad days- I have explained it this way.. My kids make me laugh and make me cry... make me gasp and make me proud... I guess they are doing their job-

I won't go too deep into the dreadful day of... cleaning up after Treyton being sick (poor guy) or the two little ones "dumb and dumber"... (yes I called my kids dumb... if you were here that day you would too!) I swear Vance and River were fighting ( literally) for the title of worst child of the year ( I know there is an award for that!)... Vance, clearly the winner- although River wasn't far behind-

So I decided that I was changing my birthday to Saturday.. and I can do that cuz it was MY birthday! Saturday ended up really nice... I got to sleep in, the kids were well behaved, Vancey scored some goals at his soccer game and we went out to my favorite Restaurant for dinner... don't laugh.. cuz Jeremy was like... you can go anywhere and you want to go there?! umm yes I love chips and salsa!!!

I guess my kids aren't all bad!

Cheers... Señor Jeremy!

If Vance was like this always.. my life would be much easier but not half as exciting :)

Treyton looked more Like... Señor Boy George

Señor River's sweatshirt looked like a poncho!

29 and Feelin Fine... the Midori Margarita helped with that!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyways I usually don't care about my birthday.. it is so close to Vance's I usually forget about it until the 3rd but this year was a little different - the last year of my 20's... I am not worried about being 30.. actually I am excited for people to take me more seriously as a mom and maybe my voice will change so people who call my house wont ask if my mother is home.. but I know that one is just wishful thinking- but 29 is a big birthday I think...

I have been thinking so much about how different I am since entering my 20's, I was a new mom... trying to act like an adult even though I was far from one! oh wait... even though I am a seasoned mom.. I still pretend I am an adult:)

but really though... I feel the 20's are a time where you change the most- now that I am 29 I am starting to feel like I finally get it.. what is "it" you ask... well I think I am figuring out who I am- I am a wife and a mother, yes but me as a human... I always ask myself what I want to be when I grow up before... as a kid and teenager... I wanted to be an actress- I even moved to LA after high school to accomplish that ... but big bad hollywood scared the crap outta me and I got outta there and moved to santa cruz where I met Jeremy a few months later... the rest is history!

Now that I am a bigger kid:) I still think about what I want to be.. well for now-

I am starting an art class for elementary school age kids... called "The Blank Canvas Children's Art School " I am getting all the permits and stuff in order and trying really hard to get my plan together.. I already have three kids who want to sign up... not counting my kids:) I will be teaching all sorts of Art-tastic things- and I cant wait to get it started!

I cant believe after 29 years I am finally finding something I know I will be good at (besides being a mom:) Hooray to growing old and getting it together!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Two Birds.... One Stone...

2009-11-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

As most of you know .... Vances Birthday is on Halloween.. This year we did it right! We went to Disneyland to celebrate !

I wanted to show the picture that sums up the entire weekend first... Fun was had

My wonderful in-laws.. Jack and Mary or (Papa and Tutu:) came into town to help celebrate...

Friday night they joined us in some present opening and yummy dinner... where the waiter sang happy birthday in Italian to Vance... Vance wasn't into it and made a weird face the whole time! We were dying!

The next day was Halloween so I got the boys all dressed up and ready to go hit the park

Yay Disneyland!!!

My little Birthday Boy!

Jeremy invited his mustache along

The kids were having so much fun! I think the adults were too!

Nice shot Papa!

If Vance does it River has to also!

After all day being toted around River was still all smiles!

he did get a little tired though and slept for a couple hours which gave us some time to run around with the Big boys

this is so cute.. but look at Vance's face.. he seems a little scared! :)

The decorations were so awesome-The Haunted Mansion the best! the laser light show and fire works finished the night off with a bang.. (sorry I had to say that:)

We had the best Time ever- Vance said it was the best day of his life! Jack and Mary were so awesome and stayed behind with the kids when they needed a break ... thanks guys you were so much fun and so helpful!! You made Vance's birthday and our Halloween the greatest!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

the Young family Five looooves October!!!

2009-10-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

First we decorated our front porch... Vance helped me out a ton!

Then we headed to the pumpkin patch.. I do have to say I missed the ocean being in the distance but this pumpkin patch was pretty awesome- on a farm in a town called Apple Valley .

The muffin pumpkin

There was the most elaborate Corn maze I have ever been in... no I am not kidding we were in there for 45 minutes! It reminded me of "The Shining"... thank goodness it wasn't snowing *yikes!*

The boys had so much fun trying to figure out how to get out but River decided to try the easy way and kept running thru these holes in the bottom of the corn... perfect size for him.. but as we chased him we would get hit in the face with corn... he is so sneaky

We finally made it out and the boys wanted to do it again... ya right!

River loved talking to all the scarecrows...

Then we carved our pumpkins... Rivey did a good job supervising and keeping us happy:)

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!!!!

The Young Boy's Break down...

2009-10-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Lately the big boys have been helping so much... they want to get River out of his crib in the morning and push him in the swing- Usually when the house gets quiet that means trouble is a brewin... but lately I go and find all three of the boys sitting together and just hanging out- I look at them and imagine what it will be like in 10 years when Treyton is at college... when I imagine that, I have to also remind myself to go back to this memory of the boys sitting small to tall playing-

Treyton continues to amaze us with his smart brain, and silly personality,we are so proud of him!

Vance is in the stage of asking us the strangest questions ... oh how that little mind works;) He would stay outside from morning to night if we let him, collecting bugs and lizards and making little homes for them- He is really liking soccer - it is a really good sport for him cuz running around is his specialty!

River is talking up a storm... my favorite things he says are... Trech (Vance) di do (thank you) da com (you're welcome) he says lots of things plain as day but I love when he thinks he is talking and it sounds like another language-

He has grown really scared of the vacuum.. I don't make it any easier cuz I laugh when he runs and hides, but it is hilarious! He also is a big pretender and will pretend to be asleep but if he is tired at all he will actually fall asleep.. anywhere on the wood floor face down... on a pile of laundry... in the grass... he is so funny:)

Well we miss everyone and hope you're all doing well drop me a line sometime so I know you are still out there!

love ya!

Into the Mystic...

2009-09-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Our families have lost a few important people these last couple months... First I lost my Grandpa Wayne.. He was an amazing guy always making me laugh, he was full of love! My Grandma Sandy is doing a great job truckin along and we want her to know how strong we think she is xoxo!!!

Then Jeremy Lost his Grandma, Charlotte... she lived a great long life and we are making sure to take good care of her roses!

We miss both of you very much!

This last weekend we Celebrated a life that was taken a bit too soon... Lee Draper lost his battle with Leukemia on 9/9/09

We went up to Santa Cruz to attend his Memorial- Lee didn't want anything sad and it sure wasn't! He had planned an all day music festival on his beautiful property in Scotts Valley- Sue, his wife made sure it was a day filled with music and love from his close friends and family - It couldn't have been more beautiful... Our friend Tim organised a house band that played some great songs thru out the day-

Tim and Linda performed a perfect song (no pic.. but it couldnt have been any sweeter)

Lil Matt and Bill Abraham got up there and sang their hearts out -

super cute!!!!

even Jeremy and I got up there and sang.. ( with River in tow of course)

it was fun to be a part of the day:) Jeremy blew everyone away with his performance of Into the Mystic... Jeremy originally was going to be up there all by himself but the house band just happened to know the song and accompanied him... it was magical and perfect! I am searching for a video of it that I will post cuz a picture just doesnt capture how great it really was! Plus later He got to jam with the house band!

(Jeremy in right corner playing)

We spent the day roaming around the spectacular forrest home that Lee and Sue Draper created together- It was overwhelming to see so many people there to celebrate one man... but from talking to all those people I see how important each and every friendship was to Lee-

The Big boys were running around all day with all our friends... they had such an awesome time finding frogs and playing in the creek and pond- I could tell it was fun by how dirty Vance's clothes were!

We were so glad we made it up to spend time with Jack and our good friends (we miss you guys sooooo much)

(the old NSV crew:)

(the pals are back together just like old times)

It was a great day and I know Lee was smiling down...

We send all our love to Sue, Matt, Mandy, Kelsey & family!

Love, Love will keep us together....

2009-09-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Kay And Nathan

September 19th,2009 Palm Springs Ca.

This weekend we celebrated the marriage of my big brother and his lovely Bride ~

Despite the 100* plus weather, we had a beautiful time in Palm Springs! We had the greatest dinner and good music and to top it off everyone got to go swimming!

The ceremony was perfect ....their vows... couldn't have been sweeter... I have never seen my brother so happy;) we are lucky enough to not only gain a new sister/ daughter /aunt in law but we get a adorable new niece Evie... ummm I couldn't love her more! Hooray to the happy new Family!!!

Yay Uncle Phil "the baby wrangler"

Alec and the Flower girls Emily and Evie

Best Man Uncle James and My Bro

my new niece Evie

Kay and her dad Joe

The best Mexican food ever!!

The Ace of Cakes... baker Nicole!

Our Dj for the night

My baby cousin Molly

Every single one of the Grandchildren!

The Party was over for these two!

Everyone worked so hard to make this day happen- the Whole family got involved... Thanks to my parents for everything you did, Nicole for the awesome cake,Uncle James for your lovely house, Nancy for the beautiful flowers, Jeremy for the music, Joe for the perfect ceremony, my kids for not jumping in the pool til it was time:) and everyone else who made this day so perfect!

We wish Nathan and Kay

love and luck on your new journey together!!!!

The children are our future....

2009-09-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll !

Treyton started 3rd grade!! He is loving school so much... his school has turned into a "Smart School" which means every child has a laptop and every class has this thing in the front of the room the size of a chalk board that is actually a computer screen.. you can write on with with special pens and it is linked up with the teachers computer.. I am not explaining the awesome-ness that it really is though:) we are the only school in the area with this new technology - I cant wait to see how this takes learning to a whole notha level!

We are already knee deep into homework and learning:) and Treyton seems to be loving the challenge... he has a fundraiser he has started and is super excited about it..

the more items he sells the more he could win some amazing prizes! If you would like to help raise money for our school we would really appreciate it! It is super cheap! You can go to this website and take a look- (click shop online now)

http://www.signaturefundraising.com

If you find anything... when you are ready to check out just fill in Trey's info into the space on the right

Treyton Young

Sierra Vista Elementary

Upland CA

*The last day of ordering is Sept 14th*

I would never post something like this if I wasn't fully behind it... Our school is so awesome and we are so lucky to be going there- these fundraisers help fund our kids education!!!

Cuz.. Like I said.... The children are our Future.... :) Thanks!!

P.S. we will owe you big time...and promise to support any fundraisers you have:)

These are a few of our favorite things....

2009-08-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

Ahhh.... This summer has been such a great one! We have been traveling all over California since June and finally had some time at home... then the kids got bored! so I gave them an assignment... I told them to take the camera and take pictures of 10 things they loved and tell me why they loved them... *note Jeremy was out of town or he would have been in all the pictures!*

Treyton Empire loves...

My sunglasses cuz they are white and cool

My Legos cuz I can build all day and not be bored

My pogo stick cuz it was my cousins

My I-dog cuz I love to dance

Pirate flag... cuz Pirates are awesome

My webkin "Chili Dog" Cuz it is

the closest thing to a dog that I can have (so dramatic!)

The Star Wars picture... cuz It's Star Wars!!!

the tree in the back yard cuz of the shade

it gives and the baby has his swing on it

The ceramic hand I made in Art preschool cuz I got to make it all by myself and my hand was so little then

My brothers cuz even though they are loud and annoying and take my stuff ... they are fun to play with-

Vance Lennon Loves...

My Red Wagon cuz I can pull the baby in it and fill it with dirt-

My Webkin "Sophia"... Cuz Sophia gave it to me

My fish "Ninja turtle" cuz she grew up to be big

My scooter cuz this might be the last summer I use it

My skateboard cuz I like to learn cool tricks like a real skateboarder who gets money to skate

The fisherman cuz it shows us when it is really windy

The lizards cuz there are a million that live here and I catch them all day but mommy makes me free them

My bat and the grass in the back yard cuz my daddy plays with me

The leaves cuz they are green and shiny

when mommy sings to River cuz he sings too

Here Comes the Bride

2009-08-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

After a year of anticipation the day was finally here for my pal Aly! After a awesome rehearsal dinner so yummy and fun, I spent the night at Aly's parents house with the bridesmaids - The day of the wedding was filled with getting our hair done and being pampered... thanks Wendy! The day went really smooth, Aly was so calm and collected... not that I was surprised... she is nothing like me:) She even asked me to do her make up .. I was very honored! We got ready at the Church , she looked absolutely gorgeous! a perfect bride! The sweetest part was when her dad, Kerry came in the room... they cried and made everyone else cry- The ceremony was sweet and Aly and Bret looked so beautiful together.. but the real fun was at the reception- It was held at Wendy and Kerry's Beautiful Tahoe home not only was it just perfectly scenic but easily one of the most fun receptions I have ever been at- Great food great friends great fun!- We danced all night long-

(this is Kathleen on the right, she took most of the amazing pix!)

Congrats Aly and Bret... The Young Family Five Love you!

Tahoe Yay!

2009-08-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Youngs Headed up to Tahoe For Aly's wedding and we ended up staying a week and a half Jeremy flew home early so I stayed at my moms and beached... it was so nice! Since we were there my nephew Alec stayed with us too and just so happened my niece was in town from Palm desert- so we had a full house of kids! I didnt want them to be bored so we had "camp" all week- (the kids named it)

we played games and did crafts, the Yoga classes were everyones fav though:)

There was this awesome hail/ rain storm the kids played in for hours

Rufus loves to sleep with the boys

The week also landed on my sisters birthday we had a BBQ for her, my Grandma and Uncle came up to celebrate

We met up with Amber and her family at the river- We love Mycie... she is too cute! ( Amber we love you too:)

On my last day I left the big boys to take a hike with my dad and caught up with my pal Gloria at the beach with the baby... he slept the whole time...

then off to lunch with Nicole and Sarah... it takes coming to Tahoe to see my friends who live 45 min. from me...

I packed the Truck and piled in my niece and three boys.... I won't say that the 8 hour drive was easy.. I will say it was memorable... and I will also say.. I hope I never have to do it alone again...

Aly's Last Weekend of Freedom!

2009-08-04T13:30:00.002-07:00

Yes.... this was the best weekend ever! My pal Aly and the most fun bunch of gals got together to celebrate Aly's Last days of freedom! We were so lucky to have gotten a rad beach house thanks to Megan's parents... thanks guys! So we beached and gamed and laughed and cocktail'd and danced and bar hopped and danced some more.. and cocktail'd some more:) I cant even tell you how great it was- I was soaking it all in... since it might be the last time in a long time I got to do this! I want to thank Heather and Megan and Erin for all you did! and thanks Kathleen for the great pictures!