We're Here!

So the reason I haven't posted anything since February is because we've been busy moving, but now that we're finally in Arizona, we have some fun things to share. It has been a time for starting fresh and we've enjoyed many "firsts". The night after we moved in Hannah lost her first tooth! It was so loose and I tried to pull it out, but she kept panicking so I told her to wiggle it around some more and as she did it popped right out! She has been waiting for this since Kindergarten when her friend lost her first tooth. So we had to get a picture and share with you all...she made me promise!

Another exciting "first" is that Brynlee started sitting up on her own. She also started sucking her finger, which is so adorable. None of her sisters did that...it is so endearing and she is SO happy! I'll go in her room and find her sucking that finger, staring at the ceiling, content as can be. She may wish she hadn't found her finger!

After the first few days of settling in to our new home, all of us were ready to get out into the warmth and sunshine that is Arizona and do some exploring. We found a family favorite, a dirt trail into the wild desert that we see from our backyard. We see lizards, coyotes and lots of cactus in many varieties. The desert is actually a very beautiful place and it blooms! Many of the cactus actually get flowers on them in the early spring. Who knew ( probably everyone, but it was new to us)!

The landscape on our new favorite hiking trail standing by some very tall, very old Saguaro cacti. It takes one year for them to grow one inch! The girls are fascinated with all of the types of cacti, although they are most in awe of the "jumping" cholla as we've heard them called. When touched their needles actually stick to your skin. OUCH! We've been talking to the kids about not touching the cactus becasue of their pokey needles and as we were driving, Addie saw a Saguaro up close and said, "Momma, you can't touch that. It has noodles on it. It will poke you." Now all the girls call the needles "Noodles"! We don't have a picture of it, but Janessa and I have started reading time every day, so she could be reading in 3-4 months on her own. She is so eager to learn and be able to read. She begs for the next lesson before we've even finished the one we're working on!

We stay busy, learn something new everyday, and look forward to many more adventures and "firsts" here.

Cousin Time

Shawn and Cami won a cruise through Shawn's work and I was lucky enough to be able to help them out for a couple days and watch their adorable kids, Annie, 3, and Ethan 15 months. It was quite the sight too! I had under my roof 6 kids all 6 years and under! It was only crazy at bath and bedtime. The rest of the time we had a blast. The girls would all run off and play in their imaginary wonderland and Ethan ("E") and I would talk trucks and balls and play hide and seek. I would highly recommend watching nieces and nephews to anyone. It gives you quite an insight into their unique and wonderful personalities and now when I see them, they don't run and hide!

"E" with his "ruck" and "Socca boll"

All the kids had to take turns holding Brynlee

Brynlee with Cousin Annie...what an adorable, sweet Miss Independece

What a face!

At four months, you'd think she'd be used to my goofy face by now! She's probably thinking, "Wow, I think I'd better smile so my weirdo mom will leave me alone!" In all seriousness, she does this face everytime she sees something interesting (aka weird/strange). She's so stinking cute! She must get it from BJ's side of the family! No offense, Nana and Papa!

Yucky RSV

Before you look at this and think, "Tami and BJ are so cruel! What are they doing to that poor baby?" Please read on.

As most of you know, we are still in the thick of RSV season. With three older sisters always loving on her, it was almost inevitable Brynlee was going to get at least one cold this season. After two weeks of a runny nose, I took her in thinking she may have a sinus or ear infection. I was shocked to hear she had RSV because I had not heard any wheezing. But with the Dr's trusty stethoscope (why don't they give out these and the ear scopes, you know like one per household) it was evident Brynlee had RSV and needed the neb. BJ took this during one of the treatments because he thought it was amusing. It really was too! She'd hold her mouth wide open the entire time! Sweet little Brynlee, she was such a trooper and even smiled for us as she sat there with the horribly uncomfortable mask on her face.

Sledding with the cousins

For the New Year (yes, I am just getting to it, give me a break Tiff!), we accompanied BJ on a business trip to Utah and while there we stayed with his awesome brother and sister-in-law and enjoyed the snow. We made a snow man with all the kids (eight to be exact!) and enjoyed some sledding (if you count being pulled behind an ATV as sledding-all the fun without the effort!) as well. It was so fun to be around family we don't see as much as we'd like. The kids disappeared during the day to playand us adults lived on junk food and Settlers at night. Thanks Jen and Trav...it was a blast! Here's some memories we have to share:

Driving with Dad is a real treat




Run, Mason, Run! Tami, you throw like a girl!

The Cutest four year olds ever...


The cutest toddlers ever!

The most patient, tame kitten I've ever seen

Cute girl cousins

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with the warmth of the Christmas Spirit. We certainly enjoyed our celebrations. Children make this time of year so special and wondrous. Because we did not send out cards this year, we wanted to post a few updated photos of our family and catch you up on the goings on in our lives.

The biggest piece of news is that we will be moving come the end of February. BJ got a job at the beginning of November with Medtronic. He will be selling defibrillators to hospitals in Utah and Arizona. He is very excited about this and is learning all he can about the heart and the machines he will be selling. He has hooked everyone in the family up so far and our hearts are all in excellent health! We will miss our stomping grounds here as it had been home since we were both young, but we look forward to meeting new people and the new adventures this move will bring.

We love you all so very much and appreciate your support and friendships throughout the years. You have truly made our lives blessed. We hope you and yours a wonderful year ahead. Most of all, wish you enough.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hannah (6), Janessa (4), and Addie (2)

BJ's favorite baby pose of Brynlee (2mo)

Thanksgiving in New Mexico

We spent Thanksgiving this year at Uncle Shawn and Aunt Cami's house in warm NM with their two adorable kiddos. We had so much fun playing, eating, talking and even more eating. Nana and Papa came too so the whole Austin clan was there; even Scott pariticipated via letter! It was a great time and the girls loved playing with their cousins and the extra attention they all recieved. There were six adults and six children, good odds for all!

Papa helping prepare "the bird". Who knew turkeys could be so light of foot?!

The infamous "Kid's Table"

Puzzle Time with Papa

Nana was a monster for at least 3hours that day...and apparently a very scary one!




Thanks Shawn and Cami! It was a blast! By the way, would you mind sending me a copy of Papa and the Dancing Turkey? I need that one for sure!