HAPPY NEW YEAR

As this year comes to a close, I'd like to reflect a bit.....wow! It went by so darn quickly. I can't believe the little girls are walking - seems like we just went to Par's babyshower where her and Jessica had dueling bellies. 2008 brought us little Leighton - whom we can't wait to meet. Britten started Kindergarten. Hailey moved into her big girl bed. Chris secured full-time employment. I saw Montana! It was a memorable year.

I hope everyone has a prosperous 2009. If all goes well, we'll be having a one-of-a-kind "Lutz Kid" reunion with their kids and grand-parents, and parents, and cousins and cousins and aunts and uncles and extended family in June....in honor of the first graduate of the next generation - Little Laci. 2009 will also bring a couple more nieces/nephews to our family...can't wait.

Here are a few pics of the kids/cousins from x-mas and Thanksgiving. First, Hailey and her new cradle and baby from Grandpa, Britten and his new dinosaurs, Kiersten and Brooklyn at Grandma's and Amber and Britten riding Dolan's Harley.

Happy New Year to all.

NOVEMBER

So crazy that November is already 1/2 way over. It has been a busy month. For eleven years, there was only 1 November birthday to fuss about. Now there are 5! Yes, amazing. It's up there with June/July for business. Of course there's also Veteran's Day, Election Day and Turkey Day. It has become quite a popular month. With that note, Happy Scorpio's to Preston, Psalms, Kiersten and Brooklyn.
We took some time earlier this month and went up to the cabin. We played tourist in Murphys and at Big Tree State Park. I'll let you figure out which pictures are which. Yes, those trees are big.
We're looking forward to our trip southeast (of here) for Thanksgiving. It'll be cool to see Brooklyn again. We have all sorts of car activities for the kiddies. No home yet for Jackson so if there are any volunteers...he's a very lovely, nice, big, brown dog.
The kids are doing terrific. Kindergarten and Britten get along well. Hailey has done a terrific job adjusting to pre-school and making friends without her brother. Britten can read some words and is doing great sounding out bigger words. Hailey can write her name with help and is making progress daily.
We're looking forward to June 13ish for the great big family reunion. And of course, Laci's graduation. It's going to be a one-of-a-kind event with all 8 kids, the outlaws plus their kids together. We're hoping for 4 generations!
We hope Grandpa Paul feels better and hope everyone has a thankful, safe and wonderful Thanksgiving...Go Lions!

CAKE WALK

Britten won a scary castle cake at a cake walk at his school last night. It was kind of fun - reminded me of the 'ole days. Also have Hailey in her trendy Sarah Palin glasses. The camera didn't do it justice. n real life, the similarity was remarkable. Finally is a picture of the kids in San Francisco a few weeks ago. We went there for Fleet Week to watch the Blue Angels' Air Show and see all the sights and sounds.
Hope all is well with everyone. Our thoughts are with Grandpa's Bruce & Paul. Have a speedt recovery and to all, have a safe Halloween.

FIRST DAY

Britten survived his first day of Kindergarten today. Actually, we all survived his first day. Here are a couple pics of Hailey, our rock star, Britten with his best buddy Hailey and with his best Pal Tyler.
ROCK ON!

COW-KIDS

Someone asked us to post a couple more pics from our trip. Here's a couple of the kids driving our horses on our wild west cook-out trip in Jackson. Each child had a chance to control the two incredibly beautiful and large horses pulling our wagon. Their names were "smith" and "wesson". Our cowboy in charge of the wagon was Clint.

Britten starts Kindergarten on Tuesday. It's a pretty exciting milestone. Both kids will have a bit of adjusting to do. Hope all is well with everyone.

BOZEMAN

Chris hasn't gotten around to updating our GPS link but we did make it to Bozeman, Montana yesterday. We drove through Yellowstone and watched Old Faithful. The kids and the parents were equally impressed. Chris and I saw a Bear in Big Sky - we're thinking it was a Brown Bear or a Grizzly but we're not sure. We also saw a herd of Mule Deer just before leaving Yellowstone. Hailey was sleeping (thankfully) but Britten was pretty excited.

Weather has been terrific. Had our first thunderstorm today. Kids liked the lightening but not the thunder. We also toured the Musuem of the Rockies at Montana State University. WOW! We highly recommend it to all between the ages of 3 and 300.

Here are a couple pics we chose to share. The kids in a meadow near Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Forest, the kids in Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Forest, Chris and the kids at an ice cream shop in Jackson and Heidi & Hailey at the Continental Divide (pretty obvious). We crossed it 3 times but only got out for a picture once.
We'll be leaving Montana sometime on Saturday and work our way back to the beautiful Bay Area. We miss Big Jack! Congratulations to the NAA family and their wonderful news. Maybe they'll update their blog so everyone can be happy for them.

NEWS FROM THE ROAD

Well we're having a blast and learning so much about this part of the country. Kids have a whole bunch of facts to share about salt, trains, beavers, antlers and buffalo. We've been tracking our trip with Chris' slick GPS program. So now all of you can share in our journey. Kids haven't been sleeping very well so they're kind of cranky - but I guess that's to be expected. Chris and I will be celebrating our 8th anniversary tomorrow - WOW! Happy B-day to Uncle Justin too.
It's beautiful country out here. Star Valley, Wy is my favorite so far. Leave for Montana via Yellowstone on Wednesday. Talk at y'aw later.

Check out this site for more....

Hallford Road Trip 2008

Fairy Land

Took the kids to a place called Fairyland this weekend. It's in Oakland and has been around since about 1950. Supposedly it was the inspiration for Disneyland but I can't legitimize that by any means. The kids, however, had a great time. Here are a few snapshots of our day.
Next weekend we go to the circus. It's making a stop in P.Hill so we have to go. Not sure if it's traditional or modern or what. Hopefully it will be fun for the kids and hopefully there will be cotton candy b/c that's what it's all about.


Not too much going on here. Kids are growing, still healthy and happy, so can't complain. Chris is waiting to find out about his full-time position at the county. Heidi is trying to get mid-year evaluations complete at her job....5 more days. The oleander is coming back in the backyard by the canal - the county flood control district came through a few weeks back and cut out all the vegetation growing on the fence smaller than 4-inches in diameter. The chickens are still finicky and laying only when they feel like it. Jackson is good but not getting as much attention as he'd like.
We're getting geared up for our road trip. The kids get to see where Louis & Clark made some of their historic adventures and see some of the most pristine country in this nation. Can't wait!!
Happy July B-day's to Amber, Siven and Uncle Ben (the silly uncle). Happy Anniversay to Par & Justin on 8/1 and Happy b-day to Justin on 8/5. Adios.

JULY ALREADY?

I'm not sure where June went. I guess it probably passed while I was out buying cards for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Father's Day....for all those that I was able to - to all those that I missed....sorry - it's been very busy.

So - Happy (belated) Anniversaries to Angel & Jeff, Nathan & Amanda and Susan & Thomas. Happy (belated) Birthday's to Britten, Austin, Paradise, Braden, Amber, Siven, Ben. I feel like I missed someone.

Another heat wave is upon us here in the Bay Area. It probably doesn't compare to 120 degrees in Lake Havesu but triple digit is hot anywhere to me. It's supposed to cool a little bit by this weekend - which is timely since the kids will be outside all day at a swim meet with the Taylors while Chris and I go rafting. It's the trip where we crashed badly last year. We are going to conquer 'the mother' this year.

We have plans for a family road trip to Wyoming and Montana in August. Should be a lot of fun and a lot of quality time before Britten starts kindergarten. Hope to see some great sites in Yellowstone. Some great history with respect to the Oregon Trail and Louis and Clark. Can't wait!
Hope everyone had a safe 4th and that all are staying cool this summer.
Oh yeah - the pictures: first, Austin's Star Wars Birthday Cake; Halloween in July - the kids showing off their costumes; The kids and their friends for our pre-parade breakfast on the 4th.

IT'S JUNE

I can't believe it's already mid-June. Happy Anniversary's to the Lutz's and Taylor's. Sorry we didn't call or write but you were definitely in our thoughts.
Weather here in California is crazy. Fires are popping up everywhere and there is a dangerously low moisture content in the soil and plants. It's been hot and windy as well. We could really use some rain but not to the degree of the folks in the mid-west.
Britten recently celebrated his 5th birthday. We had a small family event at his grandparents' house. It was so nice. His favorite super heroes, Buzz, Superman and Spiderman showed up. The cake was a hit as well - Good Job Dian!!!
Tonight Britten celebrated his pre-school graduation. It was so cute and very special. He is looking forward to kindergarten, as are we. His new school has an excellent reputation and the teachers are wonderful. Hailey will have to survive the drama of pre-school without her big brother. It will be very different for her.
Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful fathers in my family but mostly to my Dad and my husband. The best fathers in the world. I love you both.

Until next time, Take care, stay cool and don't play with matches.

Happy May

Life is good. Everyone is doing well. Just staying busy enjoying Spring and trying not to drive if we can help it. Gas prices are just outrageous. Cheapest place I found today was $4.07. RIDICULOUS!
Kids are doing well. Britten is all registered for Kindergarten. Starts in late August. Hailey still has 2 yrs. She probably thinks she'll be going right after B goes...poor kid. Finally gave Britten a major haircut last night. Hailey wanted one too but I can't bare to cut her hair. Britten now thinks he's Superboy b/c his hair is so different. It'll be good for the summer and it grows so fast.
Jackson and the chickens are well. The girls are laying again. Chris and I are off to Vegas next weekend for a wedding. Should be fun. Hope all is well with la familia. Hasta.

FINALLY

In case you're wondering, you didn't miss an update. We have many excuses but won't share them because we may need to use them in the future for a much longer delay in our BLOGGER responsibility. We have many thank you's to share. Easter was soooo perfect. Everyone dutifully came with their salad, bucket goody, cute little child... etc. If you want to see pictures, you'll have to check out Paradise's site because that was so last month. Since then, Laci has broken her arm but it's very pinkilicious. Speaking of pinkilicious, thanks to everyone for Hailey's birthday gifts. She is working on her thank you pictures but it's a bit slow.
We had wonderful weather last weekend and took a trip to the beach with Angel and the boys. It was awesome. The kids played in the waves and sand. We got a lot of sun and relaxation. It was well deserved!
Psalms' baby is due shortly. We are on pins and needles awaiting the news of our new little niece or nephew. Chris and I are planning a Vegas trip next month for a friends' wedding. It'll be a nice, short, well-earned get-away for us. I think we get to watch the Taylor boys next month too...how fun! See Angel - I haven't forgot.
Happy April B-days to Dad, Kyle and Hailey. And in case we find ourselves in the hot seat again, Happy May Days to all the mothers, a second one to my mother, to Suzie, Laci, Joe and Dick - and of course to the new little baby.

GETTING READY

We are so ready for Easter and the family. It's going to be a lot of fun and hopefully very memorable for the little cousins. What a wonderful tradition. We're hoping for good weather but you never can tell.
Safe traveling to everyone and don't forget to call Grandpa Bruce and wish him a Happy 80th B-day.

CASUALTY IN THE COOP

Well, we're officially in compliance with county ordinance 15849 - or something like that. Chicken #6 passed away on Saturday. Our first casualty of the bunch. Very close to their 3 yr anniversary. The remaining 5 are quite full of spirit so we'll see what happens. We haven't uncovered the cause of death yet as autopsy results are pending. We were told they should take about 4-6 weeks before we'll know. It's quite tragic as you can imagine. Chris and I had a somber, but not sober, moment with the Reverend Jack Daniels to mourn her passing. The kids just wondered, and wondered, and then wondered some more..."but where did she go?" She was one of two we called "Pinky". Now there's only 1.
It's been a lovely late winter here. The daffidils are in full bloom. We are SOOOO looking forward to Easter and seeing a bunch of the familia. It's still not too late to RSVP.

The first picture is where it all happened - the coop. The second is "big boy Jackson" - he's about 25 lbs overweight, but as far as we can tell, had nothing to do with 'the incident'. Finally, two tired little toddlers about to embark on lunch - also with an alibi for the tragedy.

Happy President's Day to all those Presidents out there.

Super Pics

I promised Par to post some pics from Super Sunday. It took a week but here they are...not too exciting but better than nothing.
Happy February Birthdays to Chris, Nathan, Dian and Donna. Happy Valentine's Day to Chris!!

SNOW DAY

We took the kids to the cabin this past weekend and were greeted with about 10 inches of snow. More fell the first night we were there. The kids had a terrific time making a snow man, snow angels and sledding down the neighboring hill. I was impressed with their courage to slide down on the saucer all by themselves. We also spent some time in Sonora with the family. The kids just love Uncle Don.
The first picture above is of Hailey on her bike from Christmas. Then come the cabin pictures. First is Britten going down the hill on the saucer - which eventually broke and then is a pic of B on an old sled. We have a picture of Britten 6 months old on this same sled in the snow but I think it's on a different hard drive so it'll have to wait. I do have a hard copy in case anyone is really interested.... And of course the kids and their snow-person.

Click here for more pics

Happy Birthday to Rayann.

SuperBowl Party at our house. Bring your own designated driver. Until next time.....