Family Vacation part II !

I am going to try to do this in a few posts because we took a lot of pictures and it was so much fun I want to do it justice. We boarded the cruise ship on Oct. 25th at 2:30. We were so lost, the ship was huge and being first time cruisers we kind of had to stumble around and figure out how things are done. We found our rooms and they were awesome! I am so glad we had 2 because then we could watch our own shows and get away from each other. I think at times it was the best thing for all of us!!! We sailed for 2 days south along the baja penninsula and each day it got warmer and hotter! While aboard we got to play put put golf, swim and go on a water slide! We watched a bunch of drunk people sing karoke and ate some of the best food ever! The kids enjoyed camp carnival most of the sailing days which provided activities for their specific ages....you have to see some of the pictures from the camp activities, they really do a great job. My favorite part was the dining room. We ate there 70% of the time for the ease of ordering and having your food brought to you. There was also a buffet style of eating but with the 3 kids that was hard to carry all the food/drinks and have everyone be happy. Dinner time we got to pick a starter each and a main dish and a fabulos dessert. All of it was mouth watering. There was one night that was cruise elegant and it was like prom on the ship, I felt underdressed in my sunday clothes that is how fancy people got. One other luxury was the fact they clean your room 2 times a day! They also leave a cute towel animal every night on the end of your bed, one night they left a monkey hanging from the lights. On Tuesday was our first port day in Puerto Villarta Mexico, and I will tell you about that in my next post.

Family Vacation!

First Disney Land then a Cruise to the Mexican Riviera! 10 days of Fun, Fun, Fun! We flew into Long Beach and stayed at the Carousel Inn right across the street from Disney Land! Diane and Taylor (Grandma and Aunt) meet us there and even had joining rooms with us! We had 2 day park hopper passes and our first day at Disney Land was on Friday. Because Diane had ankle surgery and had a wheel chair we got to go to the front of all the lines!!! (If I have any suggestions about going to disney land take someone with you that needs a wheel chair!) My favorite ride was the Peter Pan one, Zack liked the Buzzlight year where you got to shoot targets. Chazz loved Jedi Training and Zyan loved getting a makeover at the Bibbidy Bobity botique. Zoey loved all the lights and music! Now that I have been to Disney Land I would love to compair it to Disney World....Maybe that is the making for another family vacation!! I am posting the cruise pictures seperate...I am all out of Bloggin time.

Notice anything different????

Zoey Lou

Is she really 7 months old? She is still not rolling over but she sits up like a champ. Her sqeaks and squeels melt our hearts. We really love having her in our family and cant wait to see all the fun she adds to us. I had to visit teach today and it turned into almost 2 hours long...I guess we are chatty patties, and Zoey went with me and missed her morning nap. I put her in the jumperoo to get some work done and came back to her sawing logs!! It was so cute I have to take a picture!

Chazz

Chazz is so excited to be in Pre-Kindergarden Preschool! I think he may already be ready for Kindergarden!(minus a few social/behavioral skills...lol). He can already write his name and count to 35 with no mistakes! He is smart incognito, meaning he would never let on that he is. He is so funny lately he is such a sneek, I often catch him with popcicles he didnt ask for or watching tv with out asking etc. I love his independance! His first soccer game is on Saturday so we will see how this year is...Oh yeah I am the coach (look out).

Zyan

Zyan is loving first grade! I thought I would be so happy to have her in school all day long;however, I do miss her so by the end of the school day. She is such a smarty pants and does very well in school. She is a great big sister to Chazz and Zoey.

HOW TO GET A BLACK EYE.

My first black eye. I will teach everyone the quikest way to achieve this look.

STEP ONE

First, Find Daddy's exercise band in the laundry room.

STEP TWO.

Second, Make your sister jealous because you found Daddy's exercise band and she doesn't have it.

STEP THREE

Third, Stretch exercise band to it's absolute maximum by pulling until your sister gets smart and lets go to watch you fall on your face and quiver with pain.


I WILL NOT LOOSE!

Where did July go?

We have had the most fun summer! We have had what seems like an endless vacation with so many fun things done with family and friends....the list started at Cherry Hill to celebrate Zyan and Chazz finnishing school, and being great students. The next weekend was a celebration of Mac's birth with boating with the Maughn family at Willard Bay. Then came the 4th of July weekend with a reunion at Mike and Erins...we had a dinner with Bryson's (our nephew) birth family. Then on the 4th we had a fun BBQ with the New Peak Circle gang! The next weekend was a fun time at Raging Waters and then some fun times at the Herriman beach with a Trip to Yuba Lake with our neighbors.(These two beaches dont even compair, Yuba was way nicer...maybe it was the boats.) This past weekend we had a family reunion at plain city utah and a bithday party for my AZ nephews! Monday we went to Lagoon, and then back to the Herriman beach! With all these outdoor activities why am I not TAN???? I will post some pictures later when I have some more time.!

Our Best Husband/Dad in the World!

Were so glad when Daddy comes home! Glad as we can be! We clap our hands and shout for joy and climb up on his knee, we wrap our arms around his neck and hug him tight like this. We pat his cheeks and give him what? A GREAT BIG KISS. I have watched Zack grow in the past 6 years in to a very admirable father. His strong personality may fool some but the closest to him know that he is the most loving, caring, cuddly Daddy. Our kids simply adore him. He trys his hardest to make sure that they know and can feel his love. What more could a Mother ask for. I love how he teaches them the Gospel and shows them by example how to strive to follow our Heavenly Father. Thanks Zack for all you do & Happy Fathers day!

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Backyard Addition!

Zack has been hard at work in our own yard! He created a cool fire pit area and planted some trees around it. I am amazed at his creativity and love for landscaping. I planted some seeds with the kids and a few veggie starts, one has already been eaten by bugs :(. We love the summer and spending time in the outdoors, and now I love spending time in MY backyard! Our goal is to have a back yard you can feast on. So far we have strawberries, raspberries and black berries that come back every year. Hopefully we can get some berries to harvest this year, so far the strawberries are looking good (and tasting good too!). Also my herb garden is looking good too, with spearmint, chives, and sage going strong....basil, thyme and rosemary on the way!! We hope to add a grape vine this year when zack makes us some shade over our patio (I cant think of the word he always uses for it.). Also there are dreams of an apple tree, peach tree and or a pear tree, wish us Luck!!

Harry Potter Fans!

I love 4 year old imaginations!! Who needs to buy costumes when they dream up things around the house you already have! Zack whittled the kids each their own wands and they were so excited to "cast" deuling spells at each other! My family loves HARRY POTTER!

Mother's Day!

Happy Mothers day to all of you Mothers out there! I have had a great day, this morning Zack filled my order of pancakes and bacon! Then I was presented with my Mothers Day gifts! Two bird houses (Zack helped Zyan and Chazz each make me one), a flower pen Zyan made at school, and a heart with hand prints Chazz made a school. It was a very relaxed morning for me and I loved it! Later we went to Diane and Gordons for Dinner, then to visit baby Mac with Josh and Cali.
Motherhood is such a fun blessing! It amazes me how fast children grow and learn, and how you love each of your children.
I also am greatful for the examples of Mothers I have in my life, My own Mom, Diane, My sisters and My sister in laws and great friends. I love watching and learning from all of them.
So at the end of this day I am greatful for the time I have to spend with my children and for the time my children get to have me as a mother!

Out with the OLD!

I have been inspired by my sister-in-law Michelle, and my friend Missy to do a little re-decorating. I just moved to my home 1 year ago and I have finnally became so bored with one of the bathrooms(I have had the same decor for at least 5 years) I decided to spice it up a little bit. I am in the process of removing and painting so here is the before and I will present the after when I am finnished.......here is to a short redecorating(hopefully Zack wont step in and rip up the floor!(maybe I wouldnt mind..hehehe)).

My Birthday!

Well yesterday I turned 28 years old, I really dont feel like I am that old because I certianly don't act my age! I was totally suprised yesterday morning when I woke up Zack gave me some vague instructions to get ready like I was going out on a date and not to eat anything, and to be ready by 8:30. He then took ALL of the kids and left to go to his parents. Then my friend Lisa came over and I was totally suprised. She planned with Zack to get my friends together and eat breakfast on my birthday! Then at 9 am my friend Missy came over and that was another great suprise. We went out to eat at IHOP and met my other friend Griselda. It was so much fun to have a girls date on my birthday, we even went shopping afterwards! Its been way to long for me to have a totally kid free morning with my friends, what a great Birthday Suprise!! Then after that Zack and I ate dinner together at Chili's while our other good friends B.J. and Christy let our Zy and Chazz play with their kids. I also got some cool messages today on my phone which was accidentally left at my mother in laws.....Thanks for the birthday wishes Taylor and Abble!
Each year on my birthday I take the time to reflect on my life and this year I have come to the conclusion that I am blessed beyond measure! I have a great family and extended family, a beautiful healthy baby, a loving husband and great friends. I am also blessed that our business is still going well in this struggling economy. I am so glad that I have the gospel in my life and that I know Heavenly Fathers plan of happiness for all of us. Thanks to all of the people in my life that make it such a happy one!

Family Fun!

We have been on a roller coaster ride of visits and visiting my family from Nebraska this month. It all started the last weekend of March with my Mom coming in town for Zoeys blessing and the next weekend my Oldest sister Heidi and her family, then I had my 10 year class reunion in Nebraska. I sure dont have any home sickness for my family right now I am satisfied with all of the fun I have had with them in the past 3 weeks. Now that will just have to last me until October. While in Nebraska I got to see my Dad(its been like 5 years!) That was wonderful, just to see him, I talk to him frequently, but a face to face beats that hands down. I also got to see my Grandma, my biannual visit to her. She was excited to see/hold Zoey and take some cute pictures. Other than that I have been playing catch up on cleaning up after company and getting back into the swing of things on my own. I almost forgot, thanks for the cute Easter dresses Dad and Sara, they are so stinking cute in them!

Fun Family Pictures!

Well we are having a ton of fun with having a new baby around. We dont get out much but we are lucky to have a lot of fun around our house. This week we saw good weather which has alluded the Salt Lake Valley for some time now, so my kids got on their swim suits and ran in our sprinklers.(it was only 50 degrees!) We are blessed that Zyan and Chazz get along together so well. This morning Chazz made me laugh, he came out wearing Zacks shoes! So I had to take a picture of that. Zoey is 3 weeks old this week and she is making a special place in all our hearts. What a joy it is to have a new baby in our house, before long she will be walking, talking, and getting into everything. I am making sure I treasure the time I have with her while she is so small. I had to add a picture of her sleeping, she will not allow me to swaddle her arms in, she will protest until they are out by her head, I think I remember feeling them in my hips when she was inside.

Time to play Catch UP!!!

Well, time sure does fly when you have kids, especially a new born in the mix. I have been to tired to post, but a ton has happened since the last post. First on the 6th of March Zyan turned 6. I cannot believe that I am a mother of a 6 year old, am I really that OLD??? lol. She is and has always been a joy in our lives and we are so greatful she is in our family. For Zyans birthday she wanted a bigger bike, it was kind of silly watching her peddle 100 mph on a tiny bike, now she has a pink beach comber with flowers on it. We still need to find a basket to fullfill her bike request. During the bike shopping Zack decided I needed a bike, he brought home one for ME! ( Well take a look at the picture and you will see, Its really a bike for him that I will be able to ride! What a stinker.) Zoey went to the Dr. She has almost gained back her birth weight, she is a quarter of an inch taller and is in the 90% of girls her age. She had to get her heal poked and she cried soooo stinking hard that she was gasping for her little breaths, I felt so mean allowing it to happen.( wait until she gets her shots, yuck). So in the midst of all of this Zoey is up every 2-3hours each night and she stays awake for about 40min each time, I am so sleepy but I have read the first book in the Twilight series and am on the second book now. I think I am intoxicated with Edward! lol

Baby Zoey

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Zoey Lou Hinckley

She is FINNALLY here! She was born Monday Feb. 23rd at 7:45. She was 9 lbs and 21.5 inches. She has a headfull of dark hair and cute little dimples! We brought her home today at 10 am. We are both doing fine and are kicking back and relaxing together tonight.

Happy Birthday Chazz!

Chazz is finnally 4 years old! I cant believe it was 4 years ago he was cut out of my stomach and found his way into all of our hearts! This year he was anxiously awaiting his bicycle, which he got first thing this morning. He is excited to have his favorite food, pizza, for dinner and to pick out a special movie to watch this afternoon. He thinks all of is presents are so cool and since his family birthday party on the 8th, they are all he talks about and plays with.
He was super excited to get some packages in the mail from Grandma Deb and from Grandpa Jim. Mom he already has polished off half his box of fruit snacks!!
He will have his final party with his friends on Saturday at McDonalds (which is also Zyans friend party so I can just relax after the baby), so that will be a huge sigh of relief for me. Zack made me promise not to have seperate parties next year and just celebrate on their birthdays, I dont know if that will happen because I love to celebrate their birthdays and have a special party for their friends and for the family. I think he gets tired of hearing about presents and toys...etc.
Chazz has grown so much this year, I think that his milestones have been....1. Learning all of his shapes and colors 2. He can count to 20 by himself and sometimes higher 3.He has learned all about playing pretend 4. He can spell his name and identify those letters 5. He is simply growing like a weed!!

One Busy Week ahead!

I am all ready for the baby to come, but this last week is jam packed with Chazz's 4th Birthday, Dr. appointments and Birthday Parties! I would usually welcome the baby earlier (well who am I kidding I would love to have it any day), but I have a lot of things going on this week that need to be done before the little one arrives. We are still stuck on middle names for the two we have picked out... Zoey ? and Boaz ?. I really want the names to flow and have a great meaning, so I better get crackin on that too.

10 days left!

I have 10 days until my scheduled surgery. I am having contractions that take my breath away and every once in a while they are stronger than that. I almost went in to get checked out, to see if I am dialated, but I dont want to jump the gun here, the hospital is an expensive place to visit, and just be sent home. I noticed them starting last night at 8 and they are still going on pretty regularly, I am just waiting for intensness now. Last night I woke up at 3:30 to go to the potty and sat up too fast, which gave me a huge contraction. It woke me up enough to take a shower, do some dishes and laundry. I think today I will vacume and try to get some other things done just incase these contractions lead to something. ( I kind of hope they do they are really annoying). right now they are spaced pretty evenly at about 6 minuets and last 1-3 minuets. time will tell!

Nursery is Done!

Its done for now unless I put on some bedding and hang some pictures. Its so pretty and clean looking. I cant wait to bring the baby home to it.

Nursery Update

Well we have been working hard all week. Mostly Zack has done it, but I feel guilty not helping him, so I end up in there working away. I only last a few hours and my back starts to sting in pain so I lay down and get up and check the progress. Its amazing what Zack can do, he is so talented and creative. I definatly grabbed myself a good one. I only have 17 days left until my c-section so I am certian we will have the project completed, I am only concerned about what bedding to put on the bed. My Dad thinks its a girl, but my body is telling me that this is one tough cookie for a girl, but I would love to be proven wrong....either way I will be elated to have another person in our family.

On to the next Project!!!! 21 days to arrival!

Well now that the Nursery is cleared out, we can start on it. Today Zack and I spent an hour and a half this morning getting the room ready to paint and to get new wood flooring......And the race is on, will we finnish before the baby comes????? Notice the floor is ready!