A Great Weekend

We spent most of it outdoors

at the park,

going for walks,

playing soccer,

jumping on the tramp,

etc. etc.

This afternoon was great.

After church, we headed up to the Bountiful Temple for a nice stroll.

This time, we remembered to grab the camera.

Tired... Time to Go Home

We ended the day by baking and gorging ourselves on milk and cookies.
(we all felt better after that!)

Merry Christmas Ya'll

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday!

LOVE

The Oakes Family

Happy Halloween 2009

We had a lot of Halloween fun this year. Enjoy the pics...

At Lagoon's Frightmares

Trick or treat

There are more pics on my facebook page. Too many to post here.

On a side note - we had to say goodbye to Rainbow House. After renting from Alisa and Tyler for 8 months (it was only supposed to be 2), it was time to start the demolition and remodel. Unfortunately we still haven't heard back on our short-sale offers, so we get to rent a little bit longer. Yes, that means we get to move our stuff once again. sigh

Anyway... we're all doing well and enjoying this wonderful time of year (my favorite!)

Another Year Older...

31 feels OK, I guess.

I had a wonderful birthday.
Ryan surprised me by taking the day off, which meant I got to sleep in.

Summer eventually came to wake me up with some flowers that she picked out.

She and Daddy had decorated the kitchen with balloons and happy birthday signs.

Joshy and Summer helped Daddy make some very delicious and colorful waffles

(we love food coloring around here!)

We took a fun hike, even though it was a bit chilly and rainy.

There were tons of grasshoppers and crickets and beetles

(yikes! I tried not to be too scared)

Later that night, Ryan and I dropped off the kids and went to dinner just to two of us.

What a GREAT day!

The Best Mother's Day Gift...

For Mother's Day, I got front row tickets to see my favorite band, Keane.

Kimi and I got all gussied-up, left the kids, and off we went!

Their tour bus

Look how close we were!

The band

Tim on the keyboard

There's Tom, the lead singer. I'm so giddy!

Thanks, Ryan, for a much needed GNO!

Happy Birthday to Me...

Well, as of yesterday, the 9th, I'm officially 30 years old. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm definitely a little more worried about wrinkles (I now wear sunscreen - remember those days of laying out in the sun slathered in baby oil?), I dye my graying hair, my knees are creeky (is that from the old cheerleading days or from running?), and I honestly feel my metabolism creeping to a grinding halt.

My twenties were fun... college, getting married, living in LA enjoying 2 incomes and the freedom of being just a couple, then buying and fixing up a house and squeezing out a couple of kids. Good times.

But... I must say that I'm glad those things are behind me and I'm grateful for the milestones that lie ahead.

The Cut Heard 'Round My World...

YAY - I found the camera, FINALLY!

So here is one of the changes made around here lately...

I chopped my hair.

(and I feel a little silly posting all these photos of myself, but upon multiple requests, here goes...)

(cheese!)

So, I like it.

Ryan - not so much.

And Summer like to mess it up.

Luckily, it's fast and easy - nice!