Thursday, January 27, 2011

Goodbyes suck...

It happens every year. And it never gets any easier no matter how many times we go through it. I knew this day was coming, in fact I've been dreading it since the day we got home from Japan at the end of October. This time it just came too fast. This off season was by far the shortest we've ever had, and now he's gone, back to Japan this morning for another baseball season. The first day is always the hardest...dropping him off at the airport, watching the kids hug him one last time, waving goodbye as he walks with all his luggage, it just sucks. I hate it. I cry every time. You would think I would be tougher at this by now. But no. Tears streaming down my face. And then the sweetest thing, our precious 3 year old boy looks at me and says with a hug, "Don't cry mom-mom, it's OK, I am here. Don't be sad, I love you." And of course I cry even more. And now he's off. Off to prepare for another baseball season, and another few months that we will be apart as a family. I know it will go by fast, I know we will be over there with him before we know it, I know I won't be crying tomorrow, I know we will get through it. Just today, the reality of it all, saying goodbye, it just sucks.

We love and miss you Bri, words can't describe what's it's like without you here, we hate being away from you. But we are so proud of you and all that you do for our family. Thank you, thank you so much. Work hard and go get 'em, we can't wait to get out there with you.

Your biggest fans...

Monday, January 24, 2011

First Field Trip...

Back in November, Austin had his first ever school field trip. He was in heaven. He even got to ride a school bus for the very first time. I was lucky enough to have been picked as a parent chaperone, so I got to go with him and witness all the excitement. It was the best. All the kids were beaming with joy riding the bus, they couldn't sit still! It was incredibly cute watching them! Other than the fact that the field trip was only a 10 minute bus trip to the dentist to have their teeth checked (seriously, what kind of field trip is that?!!!), the kids didn't seem to care, they loved it anyways!! It was a fun morning spent with Austin and his classmates, I look forward to chaperoning field trips as long as I can :)

So excited to get on the bus!

Austin and his class loading onto the bus!

Couldn't have been happier sitting on the bus!

They LOVED looking out the window...and not being in car seats!

With their "prizes" from the dentist!

Austin's class on their first field trip!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

New Year's Eve 2011!

Can't believe it is 2011!! We rang in the New Year at the Putz's 5th annual New Year's Eve party! Every year they go all out and host an amazing night for all of our friends, it never disappoints, thanks you guys! This year was pretty darn cold out, but that didn't stop us! We laughed, danced, hung out and had some serious fun until the wee hours of the morning! The perfect way to ring in the new year!

We were so thankful that Brian's parents were able to stay over at our house and watch our kids as we were out celebrating!! Thanks you guys, you are the best!! The kids loved that Grandma and Papa got to stay over, they were in heaven!

We wish everyone a happy, healthy, exciting and adventurous 2011!!!
CHEERS!!!!

Brooke, Olivia and Austin celebrating New Year's Eve with Papa & Grandma!!

Kicking off the evening!!

Wes & Marie!

Bri & me!

My beautiful sister-in-law and I!!

Wes, Marie, me & Brian!

The brothers!

Me & the gorgeous host Kelsey...who's 5 months pregnant with her 4th!!!

Me, Kelsey and Marie...so lucky to have these girls in my life :)

Cari & Carly!

The dancing has begun!!!

The whole crew ringing in the New Year!

HAPPY 2011!!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Christmas 2010...

We had a great Christmas this year! Waking up and watching our kids tear open their presents was a gift in itself. They got so excited and had so much fun, and getting to be apart of our niece's first Christmas, it was all just priceless! Santa totally delivered this year, he was a huge hit! We spent the morning in our Christmas jammies (all of us!), watched the kids play with their presents, had a yummy breakfast together and then got ready for our big Christmas dinner! Brian went all out on dinner this year, he planned the menu, cooked most of it himself, and I must say, it was down right delicious! Way to go babe! It was such a great Christmas, we couldn't have asked for a better day!

Brooke getting some assistance from her cousin Olivia!

Grandma, Olivia & Austin admiring the presents!

Check out their enthusiasm!

What can it be?!

oooohhh....aaahhhh!!!

Brookie the present getter!

Literally jumping off the ground he was so excited for his new toy from Uncle Wes & Auntie Marie!


Brooke couldn't put down her new purse from Aunt Marie and Uncle Wes even while playing ball! Such the tomboy/girlie girl!


So excited to get her own doggy!

Austin waited all December for this...the one thing he asked for from Santa...a racing track...he was SO thrilled when he got it!


Hanging out Christmas morning!

Hunter got a present too!

Hanging out Christmas day!

It was such a beautiful Christmas too!
Grandma, Austin Hunter, Sammy, Uncle Wes, Oliva, and Papa!

Sammy, Uncle Wes & Olivia enjoying a much warmer Christmas then they are used to!

Brooke & Olivia racing down the hall!

The girls checking out Brookie's new doll from Grandma and Pop-Pop!

Our chef!

The Christmas table!

So lucky to have them in town with us!!
Auntie Marie, Olivia & Uncle Wes!


The girls hanging out...


Brooke showing Olivia who's boss! And Olivia just like "Whatever Brooke!"


These two just crack me up together!


The Putz Family came over to join us for Christmas dessert later in the day!! Austin loves Kaeyln & Lauren!!

Who put the mistletoe over these 3?!!!

Ethan had quite the Christmas spirit!! It was hugs all around from him!!

Ethan making his move on Brookie!

Brooke wasn't too sure about it!

Olivia and Grandma!

Brooke looking guilty as she's trying to sneak in some playtime with Austin's racing track!

The Falkenborg Christmas 2010!

Merry Christmas!!!