The Greers

Daniel Browning reunion 2011

2011-07-09T09:50:00.001-07:00

Olivia and Kaylee headed the construction of the castle. Some might say it was a master piece. But that would have been Lea and I. I can't wait to see these girls grow older together.

Cousins, cousins and more cousins. That is all you need to have a great time at the beach.

Julia and Knomeo (so Olivia named it) were digging in the sand at the beach in California. This was Julias first time to see the beach since we left the girls behind last year.

It wasn't just the kids having fun. I love our family. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to come and make this a trip we will never forget.

Dr Jacob Browning- June 24, 2011

2011-07-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Jacob finished Pharmacy school and was given his doctorate. He was hooded by my older brother Dr. Adam Browning. What an amazing accomplishment, I'm so proud of you. But for some reason I still remember you jumping off the furniture in your underwear with a towel around your neck like a cape. Man have you come along way. I love you. Rachel

"I'll remember this forever"

2011-07-09T09:15:00.001-07:00

We took the family to Winslow Arizona to jump off the cliffs at clear creek. This is a place Anthony and I used to go when we were dating. The batman graffite is new.

The kids had a great time swimming and jumping. You could see a fish swim by now and then. The fish were as big as the kids so they were naturally affraid. I just told them to let dad jump first, that he would scare away the fish. And if the fish ate him then surely they wouldn't be hungry for our boney boys. :)

Thomas had the most fun and is by far the bravest. He said "I'm going to remember this forever." That was my favorite part of the trip. I bought a swimming suit that is supposed to slim your figure but all it did was shove the fat up my back and out the top. But having this memory with my kids is worth a photo of me in a swim suit on the internet. :)

Cub Scout Day Camp June 2011

2011-07-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to go with Josh to day camp this year. I am so proud of the young man he has become and enjoyed seeing him be so happy. With archery, bb gun, swimming, water balloons what little boy wouldn't have fun.

Our 1st Cruise May 2011

2011-07-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Anthony and I got the chance to get away thanks to some loving family that watched our kids. We dressed up for the formal night, then went to the bow and pretended we were on the Titanic.

The cruise went to Mexico and stopped off in Catalina for some ziplinning. :) Best part of the trip!

In Ensenada we took the tour to the La Buffadora blow hole. Out of 3 in the world we've seen 2. The best part of this trip was the funny bus driver. Who was so gracious he shared his Fritos.

We had a great time, and smuggles some switch blades home for the boys. Now I can check that off my list of things never done.

Olivia turned 3!!!

2011-04-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

Olivia took her cousins to the Encanto Park for her Birthday.

They had bracelets to ride all the rides you wanted.

We would ride a few rides, go get wet, have a snack, and then repeat for the whole afternoon. It was a 3 year olds dream come true.

How many girls can 1 helicopter hold? We definately tested the max.

Big thanks to Patience, Kaylee, and Gabriella for helping make this birthday special

Easter 2011

2011-04-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

We stripped them down, and gave them food coloring. The kids only gave Julia the yellow in case she spilled it.

Thomas named his egg, Fro, Josh named his Super Egg, and Nathan named his Nathan Jr.
Best of all we went to the Easter Pagent in Mesa. Olivia was sad and had her hands on her face and said, oh no they are being mean to Jesus. I love these kids more than life itself.

Happy Birthday Thomas

2011-01-31T10:29:00.001-08:00

11!! Thomas is looking forward to scouts and going on a real campout without mom and dad. I swear I just had him, time goes to fast.

She's 1!!!

2011-01-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

It seems like a bigger deal knowing she is the last. I officially no longer have an infant. She is a Toddler! yeah!!

There is still much to learn, like how to use a fork. This is the best way to get the perfect size bite.

Christmas lights

2010-11-27T20:05:00.001-08:00

I love Christmas lights. I think they are better than presents... We put up the tree tonight. I was hoping to put the little ones to bed and lay by the lights with my hubby. But before I knew it all the kids brought their pillows and blankets and were laying under the tree. At least they get it honest. Happy Holidays!!

Joshua's 9th

2010-11-24T15:35:00.001-08:00

Joshua invited his best friends over for a night at jumpstreet, followed by pizza, cake, and video games. I love simple and easy to please. Thanks to all that came and made Joshua's day special. Happy Birtday #2

Student of the Month

2010-11-14T09:14:00.001-08:00

Yeah Nathan!!! I'm glad you are at least good at school. :) We love you. Congratulations!!!

Halloween

2010-11-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

The crew before we trick or treated....

And after.....
Julia's 1st Halloween was a success. She enjoyed lots of chacolate then fell into a coma. Personally that is a successful Halloween to me.

Olivia's wearing a pixie costume but she thinks she's a butterfly. :)

Corn Maze

2010-10-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Every Fall I love to go to the corn maze. Yes, I'm trailor trash. But with pigs, chickens, hay fights, and ropes to climb, who wouldn't have a good time. It finally feels like fall. Break out the pumpkin bread and hot chocolate!

Thomas's Arrow of Light

2010-10-17T07:22:00.001-07:00

Thomas, Congratulations on a job well done. You are turning into an exceptional kid, if I do say so myself. And ruggedly handsome too, I might add.
We love you- Mom

Julia 8 months

2010-10-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes I know she is 8 months, but I was waiting for a time to get the whole family together and have everybody matching. It turns out there is no time and the boys don't want to look like the girls.... go figure.

Students of the Month

2010-08-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

I don't need people to tell me how wonderful my kids are.... but it doesn't hurt :)

16 years and counting

2010-08-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

I can still remember wanting to be with him every second of the day, and when we slept I wanted to be snuggled up to him as much as possible. It hasn't always been easy but definately worth it. I love you more than life itself. Thanks for a great 16 years. love Rachel

Our first appartment. We went back a couple weeks ago, taking a stroll down memory lane. It wasnt much better then.

Going Crazy!!!

2010-08-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yes this is a picture of trash less than a foot from the trash can. I have been yelling at my kids constantly lately, and was thinking I may need to be medicated or something, but.... Me being medicated isn't going to fix some things. It's not me, it's THEM.

Mom this is amazing! It just keeps comming and comming, and its so soft and fluffy.

First Day of School

2010-08-09T21:38:00.001-07:00

New shoes and all... Here goes nothing.

Thomas's Webelo Badge August 5, 2010

2010-08-09T21:36:00.001-07:00

The mom's always get the pin, but the credit actually goes to Anthony. Congrats Thomas and Thankyou Anthony.

Happy 6th Nathan - August 4, 2010

2010-08-09T21:28:00.002-07:00

After our breakfast of champions (oatmeal, mickey pancakes, and reeses)we went to Dave and Busters. Nathan was surprisingly good at the claw and won a basketball and some things for Olivia. Then we ate luch at McDonalds, and finished the day with cake, icecream and nerds for dinner. Oh what it is like to be 6.

2010-08-09T21:28:00.001-07:00

July 29, 2010 Puddle Hopping

2010-08-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

Growing up my mom used to take us to play in the puddles after it rained. We never had puddles like this!

24th of July in Snowflake/ Taylor

2010-07-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Willis Farm. The kids rode horses, barrel trains, hay rides, held frogs,ran through the corn maze and the best part was getting muddy in the rain. Thomas chased the money calf, and Joshua and Nathan chased chickens in the local family rodeo. We had a great time, big thanks to mom and dad Greer.

May 13, 2010 Joshua's Wolf

2010-07-30T22:58:00.001-07:00

Yeah Josh!! You are turning in to a great young man. I'm so proud of you. Thanks for choosing me to be your mom.

June 24-28 Disney Land

2010-07-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

You may notice we don't have the girls in any pictures. The family voted and they were left at home. We are eternally greatful to the Grovers. And had a blast riding rollercoasters with the boys.

1st Oreo :)

2010-07-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

The doctor said 1 new food a week. She didn't say what kind.

June 15, 2010 The best part of my life-

2010-07-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

People make comments whenever we go to the store about having so many kids. But I can't imagine not having them. They are what I live for.

June 10-12 Cub Scout Day Camp

2010-07-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Over the last 2 years Thomas has come home from camp just raving about how much fun he had. This year was Joshua's first time to go. I don't think he was disappointed

Happy Second Birthday Olivia

2010-07-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

We had our traditional Mickey Mouse Pancakes, (my mom did them for each of our birthdays growing up)
I can't believe how fast 2 years has gone!

The kiddos.

2010-04-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a nice Easter Swim in AZ.

Julia - 8 weeks

2010-04-04T17:21:00.001-07:00

Girls!!

2010-03-19T15:03:00.001-07:00

After having 3 boys, I was sure we would be seeing blood on a regular basis. But it is our little girl that gets hurt the most. She must have my grace. It looks bad but we just held pressure and gave her some candy. Candy fixes everything.

Baby Julia- Jan 27th

2010-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

Julia weighed in at 9 pounds, and was 21 inches. I am glad to say the hard part is over. Almost 4 weeks later now and parts are starting to feel better. Julia will be our last baby so we are enjoying spoiling her. Everyone always says the last one is the most spoiled and after letting her sleep with us most of the last 4 weeks, the theory is holding true. I am enjoying the long hours of carrying her around because she cryies if you put her down. Yes, it is my own fault.

Thomas' B-Day Party

2010-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

Thomas and his very best friends, had a sleepover, which included alot of junk food and staying up very late playing games. Then Anthony out of the kindness of his heart (or the whip I carry) took them to Castles and Coasters today. Thomas is becoming a great kid as he gets older and is a great help with Olivia and shopping. I don't know what I would do without you. I love you.-mom

Christmas 2009

2010-01-23T21:22:00.001-08:00

We are very lucky to have family close by. We did our traditional gingerbread houses. Each year gets better and better. After 34 years of practice, Adam still wows us.

Student of the Month - Dec 16,2009

2010-01-23T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yeah! He is a good kid, and I have proof. Nathan is the kind of kid that spends playtime on the wall on occasion. And I have heard more than once, I can't help it he was talking to me first.

I am very proud of you!

Oh Nathan!!

2010-01-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

Nathan is my child that takes 30 minutes to get dressed, and 20 to brush his teeth. Of course we were running behind getting ready for church, when Nathan comes down stairs like this. I couldn't yell. I wanted to cry, but instead got the camera. You are a special boy Nate!

Joshua's Baptism - Dec 5,2009

2010-01-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

Joshua's Baptism was very special to me. He had been looking forward to it for a long time. I'm not exactly sure why. Because when you ask him, he doesn't really have an answer. But it is the right thing to do, so why not. Then after he was baptized during his confirmation. He looked at me with tears in his eyes. I knew he felt the spirt that was so strong. And knew exactly why we get baptized. Afterward he came to me and gave me the biggest hug, and didn't let go. Josh has a special spirit and I know Heavenly Father is proud of him.

Going to the Zoo

2010-01-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Nathan's field trip. I followed (chased)a group of 5 year olds around the zoo for several hours. All while they talked about poop and butts the entire time. I did love spending time with Nathan, and was so proud of him for letting the bird sit on him and feed him. (One of my phobias)

Joshua's Birthday- Nov. 15, 2009

2010-01-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

Josh was disappointed to miss out on the raingutter ragatta in scouts this year. So we just had our own for his birthday. All his friends were given boat kits as invitations, then showed up for the race. That lasted all of 30 minutes then we played balloon games. We love you Josh.

November Swimming

2009-11-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

So, it is getting that cold time of year in the valley. The time that you put an extra blanket on the bed, when you actually wear pants. The time you go swimming,,,,???? Well, that is what the boys thought would be a good idea to do today.

All because two kids met on a small town saturday night!

2009-10-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

I was looking at pictures and wanted to go back and look at how the boys looked near Olivia's current age of 1 & 1/2. They all have some similar features, but also definately have their own distinctive look.

Then I wanted to compare them to now. They definately are growing up, changing and maturing.

Looking back made me think about all the fun times we have had as a family and I look forward to many more. All because some crazy, small-town boy saw a new girl drive into town for a dance on a saturday night. That crazy boy chased her down, literally, in his truck, then stalked her at the dance until she realized maybe there might be more to this. This led to that, and that led to this:

All because two kids met on a small town saturday night!

We finally got a new home!!!!!!

2009-10-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

We sold our home a few months ago, thinking it was a buyers market and would be easy to get another. Not so!!! Sure, there are many homes for sale and many that look like great prices, but they are all bank owned or short sales (sellers with multiple mortgages trying to get the banks to agree to let them out of them for less than they owe, the bank controls this one also). With the help of my good friend Alyssa as our agent, she took use to dozens and dozens of homes to look at. So many of them looked good on paper, but then looking at them they were all stripped. People literally yank out their cabinets, shutters, ceiling fans, basically anything of value and sell them before they are kicked out. It was somewhat demoralizing. We had a couple of deals not work out. We bid on this one almost 4 months ago and it finally went through. And it actually was not stripped at all.

The boys and all of us plan to spend a lot of time here in the pool.

We are happy to be able to move into a place we hope to stay for the rest of the kids schooling and childhoods. We love our area and this place was just a few miles away. The kids will finish out the school year in their current school before moving to the new one next year.

We are happy to find a place, but moving means we will be in a new ward at church and have to leave our current one. We have loved our ward and the friends we have gained and grown attached to. We don't want to lose any of them.

Students of the month!!!!

2009-10-25T21:35:00.001-07:00

The School year has started. The boys are busy with their classwork, scouts and city soccer. Josh and Thomas were both recently students of the month at their school.

They have an assembly in the gym where the kids get announced and given their awards. Then they get a special lunch with mom. Anthony and I are very happy that we have boys that are respectful and behave in class, all while exceling and making many good friends.

Fall Saturdays Part 2

2009-10-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Fall saturday afternoons and evenings are full of ASU football. Anthony and his dad have been going since he was small. Our boys now love to go. They don't plan on ever stopping this tradition.

Fall Saturdays Part 1

2009-10-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday mornings all fall are full of Soccer. This season all three boys are old enough to play, and Anthony is coaching Josh's team. Add in keeping track of Olivia and it makes for some very hectic 3 game saturday mornings. But the boys love it, so we do it.

Thomas' Bear

2009-09-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Last month at pack meeting Thomas achieved his bear in cub scouts. Way to go! I love you-mom

Friday Nights

2009-09-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is what Friday night looks like at our house. We are so lucky to have good friends, with good kids. A little wii, pokemon, ds games and alot of sugar makes for a great Friday night.

First Day of School 2009

2009-08-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Nathan's first day of Kindergarten started off ruff. I thought he was doing great and looked back as I was leaving and he had the quivering lip. Then suddenly he bolted for the door. As the tears began to fall he said, "I'm scared" How could a mother leave under those conditions? It all turned out well. I picked him up and he had a big smile and a new stuffed wild cat. All the boys talked non stop for the first hour then began eating. I forgot how hungry they get at school.

Nathan's 5th Birthday

2009-08-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Nathan has been counting down his birthday since last Sept. So we gave him the best birthday ever. He invited friends to see G-Force, swimming at the pool, McDonalds and cake. And that was just the beginning. Then Uncle Jake came over and hosted a sleepover for the cousins and we had pizza and more cake. Not to mention the traditional Mickey Mouse Pancakes. Then we spent the day at Wet N Wild. The best part was shopping with Grandpa, he came home covered in chacolate! As any kid who goes out with Grandpa Browning does. Happy Birthday Kid!!!

Camping in Sedona- July 10,2009

2009-08-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

We went to Chaves Crossings Campsite in July with the Brownings. I think we proved that all we need to have fun is a creek full of water, some cousins, and watermellon!

Garth Greer Reunion 2009 - North Oregon Coast

2009-06-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the 09 Garth Greer Reunion. This year we had it on the north Oregon coast in a town called Rockaway Beach. Anthony's sister Debby has lived in Oregon for years, and she put it on. The kids had never flown before and they were real excited to do so. Here's some pictures of them on the plane.

Here is a picture looking back at our beach from the end of a jetty.

Anthony's parents traveled with us. The first thing we did was stop off at the cheese factory in Tillamook and eat ice cream.

The oregon coast is beautiful country and home of such movie classics as Goonies!!!

This is a lighthouse that we visited.

We had lots of fun with all our cousins.

Olivia even had a bit of fun running on the beach.

The boys built many sand castles. We actually had a big family sand castle contest one night. Nathans below was one of the winners.

Thomas and Josh braved the cold waters as much as we would let them.

We spent time flying kites on the beach.

This is Anthony's money shot. The boys and him were out on the end of a jetty, and all three boys started yelling 'Killer Whales'. Three Killer Whales were making their way out of the bay into the open ocean. They were only about 25-30 feet from where the boys were sitting. That was a real cool experience for them. The Oregon cousins said they had not seen killer whales in 17 years of being there, so it is a pretty rare chance.

Here is a look down the coast the morning we were leaving (the clearest day of the whole trip). The inland bay in the background is the bay the killer whales were leaving, the same one family members had been kayaking in earlier the same day!!!!

We went on a train ride along the coast.

One of the best things we did was go on this hike to a waterfall. The trail was full of Salmon berry bushes, which were good to eat. The forest was really like a jungle to us AZ folk.

Some trouble makers have a hard time reading warning signs.

The last day we headed up the coast to Astoria and stopped off at an old army base, Fort Stevens. We had a picnic and enjoyed everything they had to show us.

Overall, the trip was tiring, but we had a good time seeing all our family and made many memories we will have forever.

The New Dog - MAX

2009-06-17T19:26:00.001-07:00

This is Max, or as Nahan calls him, Super Puppy!!!! He is the newest edition to our family. We convinced Anthony that we deserve a puppy to play with and raise. He gave in after awhile and now we have Max. He is half pomeranian, half shitzu, and we love him. We don't know if he is the smartest dog in the world, but he doesn't bark outside (a big plus since we have had him sleeping outside)

Spring Soccer

2009-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

We made it through another season of Soccer. Josh and Thomas both played at the same field this year, which made it easier on us. Anthony had to threaten to not Coach to get them at the same field, but whatever it takes. Thomas played in the 9-10 yo's league for the first time. He was put on a team that had a lot of church friends from other wards which was nice. They only lost one game and he learned a lot. His age is finally just a boys league instead of co-ed, so the intensity was raised a bit.

Anthony coached Josh's team this year. He feels more comfortable with the 7-8 yo's, and it was his 4th year coaching. Josh's team had 7 of 11 members being girls, which he laughed about at first. They did great, only losing 2 games (we know they don't keep score, but we do). Josh is getting better and better each season, learning to take it more serious. Nathan was too young to play, so he was one of dad's assistant coach's. He was a big help at practice, and only had to be asked to get off the playing field during games about a dozen times. Fall Soccer will be here before we know it and Nathan will be old enough to play. Having 3 boys in three different leagues is going to be hard.

Josh's Beary Good Reader Ceremony

2009-06-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

The first graders at Frontier have a reading program called the Beary Good Reader. If they read a certain numbers of books throughout the year, they get prizes. The largest prize is for kids that read over 200-twenty minute time periods through out the year. Josh read 260+, so he got the big prize. Josh did it all on his own also, because we don't count reading to our kid like many of the other parents do. Josh also doesn't get to count his time reading scriptures with the family in the morning. So Josh's reading is all on his own, and we are very proud of him for doing so.

Nathan Graduated from Preschool

2009-06-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile between posts. I am going to catch up.

Last month Nathan Graduated from Preschool - YIPPEE!!! He is so excited to be able to go to regular school with his older brothers next year. He had a great time in preschool this year. One of the kids has a dad who is a reporter for Channel 12, so their little ceremony was on the nightly news, which was pretty cool for a 4 year old.

Olivia's 1st Birthday

2009-04-28T22:10:00.002-07:00

We celebrated Olivia's Birthday with the traditional Mickey Mouse Pancakes!! We had cake, presents and balloons. What more could a girl ask for. Olivia got her first baby doll, thanks Aunt Lea. And a shopping basket that we have already put several miles on. Olivia is walking very well, and speaks some... Besides calling the boys "guy" she very distinctively grabed her hind end and said "poop". That's my princess!! We love you Olivia!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

I tried a new system of color coding the eggs this year. Each kid had 2 colors and could only seek their colors. This way the older boys actually had to hunt for the eggs instead of just keeping them in sight for Nathan and Olivia. Grandpa Browning hid Thomas's eggs and we were still finding them a week later. He definately earned every piece of candy he got.

Great Grandpa Browning's

2009-03-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

We went to New Mexico to visit my grandpa. He is 80 now and still out hikes the rest of us. He built seats on his golf cart (with seat belts) for the grandkids. Then took them 4 wheeling in it. He doesn't golf but bought that special for the kids. He showed us all the trails he has cleared and the fire wood that he chopped and rocks he moves to make roads. He also showed us the extra room he built on his house with wood panneling he cut for the cellings. He is an amazing man and works harder at 80 than anyone I know. He taught the boys how to play 42 (dominoes from when he was a kid) and washers (like horse shoes). The boys played and hiked for hours. Grandpa even let the boys go out when the deer came down to take pictures. Thanks Grandpa for the many things you have done for me.--Rachel

Spring Break

2009-03-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

I took the older boys to Castles N Coasters for spring break and we road rides until we were sick then the boys kept on. Thomas has a cast iron stomach and rode everything several times. Josh.. not a fan of the boat that swings you back and forth but still rode the free fall and log ride enough to get our moneys worth on those two rides alone. Me...I'm the coolest mom ever now, even though the free fall makes me scream.

Johnny Appleseed

2009-02-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

A week ago the first grade kids had their annual 'Tea at the Whitehouse' event. This is where they pick a historical figure, learn about the person throughout the week, and then dress up like them and have a program that us adults attend and go "ohhhh, look how cute". It is a neat thing the 1st grade classes do. When talking over people that Josh could be, he decided that he wanted to be Johnny Appleseed, because he wants to where a pot on his head like a hat. Yeah, it was as easy as that to decide. Who would have known? Josh had mom and dad there, along with grandma and grandpa Greer. It was a fun event.

Oreo's are yummy!!!

2009-02-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Guess who loves Oreo's?? Olivia!! I don't know if she likes the black part better than the white part. From the look of it, she likes both. We will work on table manners later in life.

Birthday Party for Thomas

2009-01-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

I have to start out with a cute picture of Olivia in her shades. She rules the house.

Thomas is turning 9 next wednesday. He had his birthday party on friday night. He invited three of his best friends (Parker, Creighton, and Michael) to go to Crackerjax to play goofy golf and ride the go-karts and bumper boats. Josh got to go also. The way there and back, 5 boys had their Pokemon books out and traded Pokemon the whole trip. I don't see why they love those cards so much, but they are all into it. Once at Crackerjx, we were there for over 3 hours, and I think everyone had a good time.

This picture is the boys getting ready for golf. They thought they had it all figured out. It quickly turned into speed golf and something I havn't seen. They soon found themselves on the ground, trying to pray that their balls would go where they needed them to go, and if it didn't, they would try to blow behind it to keep it from going backwards. It didn't work very well.

Here the boys are in line for the bumper boats. I don't see many frowns.

Later on, I caught Thomas and Josh running around with their arms around each other getting ready to ride again. As the parent, it is nice to see that even with Tom's good friends there, Tom and Josh are still best friends.

I have to admit that after the first round of go-karts, I thought they were going to kick all 5 of the boys out of the park. The go-karts are not supposed to be bumper-karts. Tom's friend Parker was a very aggressive driver, it must be that go-kart he got for Christmas. They all started basically ramming each other fighting for position going around the turns. I was waiting for the guy in charge to stop and throw them all out, but the teenager just let them go at it. It was fun to watch. Those poor cars are in bad shape.

Back to the house for some ice cream cake and presents.

They spent the rest of the night staying up and playing what boys are addicted to, the Wii and video games. This morning they woke up and were playing some more.

The house is put back together now, and everyone is a little tired, but this was a birthday party that Thomas really enjoyed.

BASKETBALL SEASON!!!!

2009-01-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

It is basketball time of year again for us. We are lucky that #3 and #8 are on the same team this year, as that won't be able to happen much with their age difference. Josh decided to try it out this year also. He hasn't played in a league before, but he is having fun and catching on. Thomas is very competitive and loves to play. So, this is what our next 7 saturdays will consist of. Nathan gets a bit bored watching because he wants to play, and Olivia is a handful, but we love watching the games.

Globetrotters

2009-01-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Last saturday, after a morning full of basketball practice, we took the family downtown to watch the Harlem Globetrotters! They put on a good show. The boys were laughing pretty hard, as were the adults also. Olivia handled it real well except for when the cotton-candy guy came by yelling "COTTON CANDY!" right in her ear. He scared her pretty good. I believe the highlights were people getting their pants pulled down while trying to shoot freethrows and the little blow-up guy that ate a person wearing a Washington Generals jersey. Those poor Generals, they just havn't been able to get a win in over 40 years. A good time for all. I recommend it at least once for everyone.

OLIVIA

2009-01-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

Olivia decided that she doesn't like us to feed her, she wants to do it herself. She did well, and it kept her busy for about 30 minutes. She wouldn't eat mac-n-cheese at all until she could do it herself. We are going to have an independent one here.

Olivia has a good time playing hide and seek. She isn't fast enough to get away and really hide yet, but she does like to peek around the doors.

SNOW

2009-01-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

We headed up to Grandma and Grandpa Greers house and played in the snow after Christmas. These city boys don't know what to do with it at first, but they figure it out pretty fast. The first picture is as close as Anthony got to a sled. He says he is brittle in his old age.

Rachel was all over the slopes, and she has the bruises to prove it. Everyone had a great time enjoying something that we never see at our home, SNOW!

Christmas Time 2008

2009-01-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you have only one Nintendo DS. You get all four kids trying get a turn on it. This was a problem that Santa helped us out with this Christmas.

Santa helped out Nathan with his own DS, which he was very pleased with.

Josh and Tom were very happy with their Wii. (Dad seems to like it a bit also.)

Olivia enjoyed playing with the boxes and trying to eat the wrapping paper.

And this is where they have been for the last week, sitting in front of the TV on the pullout couch playing Wii. A successful Christmas for all. I can't wait for school to start!

I had to throw in a picture of Super Nathan, because he is just so cute!!!

Family Photos

2008-12-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

We went to Sears to attempt the family photo. Olivia did great surprisingly. And Thomas was the one who wouldn't smile. After all the money we spent on dental care this year I wanted to see some teeth!! This is what we got.

Gingerbread houses

2008-12-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

We had a good time with the gingerbread houses this year. After the sugar rush we went and looked at some christmas lights. We then finished the night by watching Polar Express and having hot chocolate and popcorn. I think that should be a new tradition.

2008-11-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Olivia 6 months old, learning to crawl. Her hobbies include drooling and chewing. Her favorite past times are chasing her brothers in her walker and eating paper products.