The Johnston 6

Avalyn's 6th Birthday Party!

2012-01-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

Avalyn has shared her party since she was 2, so this year I decided to let her have her own! She invited all the girls in her class and a few other girl friends. It was a bit last minute, the invitations were passed out on the Wed. before the party- I was shocked when 9 out of the 11 girls rsvp'd and came! Add all our little family friends to the mix and it was quite the party. I could have never pulled this off without all the help I had from my mom, sister Christine, niece Hadley and best friend Bekah! We pulled it off and the girls had a great time. It was a fashion show party! Everyone came dressed up and we did nails, hair, make-up and glitter. They went through all of Avalyn's dress up clothes and all changed several times throughout the party.

Fun on the runway!

The beautiful Birthday Girl!

The other Birthday girl, still wearing her crown from school, she was pretty clueless to the fact that it wasn't her party.

We rolled out a white strip (of house wrap- left over from our old house) down our entry way, threw colors and markers out and let the girls have at it! They loved this and were actually quiet for a little while.

Hadley busy doing Bianca's hair!

Practice on the Runway!

Avalyn recieved so many beautiful presents!

We were so excited and so thankful Christine and Hadley were able to come (from Denton) to the party!

Mau Mau and Avalyn with her first big girl Bible!

Went simple on the cake for this one, just pink with little fashion Barbies- not a single crumb left over!

Music and Bubbles going- fashion show time!

Cambria had other ideas for the runway!

A Birthday night out!

2012-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

This does not happen very often, but I had a groupon (that expired on that night) and we decided to go out as a family and celebrate Avalyn and Cambria's birthdays! They each opened a couple presents- thanks to sales, and craigslist (the American Girl stuff)! It was not a calm meal and keeping the little one's in their seats was not easy(booths work best with these girls and so do restraunts that you don't have to wait for food), Kyle and I were definitely ready to get out of there. Oh well, Happy Birthday Girls I hope you enjoyed our night out and you are always worth the trouble for special times like this!

Finally got to eat and get out of there as quickly as possible. Ainsley would stay seated- there were dwars filled with peppermints that she thought she wanted (but kept spitting them out). Cambria wasn't into staying put either.

Then I let Gavin have my camera (still my old little one) and Avalyn had fun taking pictures with her new gifts!

Cambria is 4!!!!

2012-01-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's been 4 years!!! What a sweet blessing this one has been to us over the past 4 years! There have been lot's of new things Cambria is doing now and we are so proud. She is LOVING school and improving all the time. She is feeding herself, drinking water out of a sippy cup (at school), following more direction, communicating more all the time, and working on potty training! Over the past few months she has become more affectionate and loves to give (and get) "squeezes" from the people she knows best and she loves to "snuggle" with me! She is crazy about plastic animals, Sea World and birthdays, she is constantly singing something, jumping up and down and still LOVES to have people blow in her face and ear. She is as strong as can be- built like her daddy, but loves to talk about being pretty and being a princess (still talking about being Cinderella for Halloween). Cambria is definitely one of a kind, a sweet joyful spirit who is loved so much by all of us! Happy Birthday Cambria!!! PS I can't wait to get my camera back, but this will have to do for Cambria's birthday this year.

Cambria's birthday was on a Thursday, she had a fun time at school and didn't want to take her hat off. She loves birthdays and this was her day. Kyle had to be at school, so we just did a few little things at home.

Mau Mau brought Cambria a balloon, which made her really excited!

Mau Mau also brought a present, she was so excited to open it!

Mau Mau had to help a bit, but once she saw what was inside she was sooooo happy!

a "baby" ballooga whale, "baby" shamu and her favorite "baby" dolphin!

Mau Mau also brought a beautiful cupcake! She was so excited about everyone singing to her and all the candles!

We gave her several chances to blow out the candles, but couldn't quite figure it out.

This was as close as she came to eating it.

Ainsley and the other kids LOVED it!

Just like you!

2012-01-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

Gavin was watching some TV and Ainsley decided to join him, she LOVES her big brother!

Basketball!

2012-01-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

Gavin has been asking to play basketball again. He was so excited that the season finally started. He is doing Upwards this time and it has been great! His coach is amazing and one of the boys in his school class is on his team. He is doing great and improving alot since his first season last year in NE.

I did my best to take a few pictures, but my old camera does not do motion.

Ainsley decided to join brother during half time!

Ainsley enjoyed being at the game, especially when she found my stask of lolly-pops!

Gavin's friend, on his team, from his school class has a sister that's in Avalyn's school class! She is having so much fun hanging out with Maddie at the games.

Gavin is so excited Grandpa gets to come to his games!

POTTY Time!

2012-01-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Why NOT? We decided, while Kyle had one more week of Christmas break and the big kids were back at school we would go for potty training Ainsley. Kyle's never potty trained a kid, he was definitely due for this experience. We can't wait to not buy diapers (or at least as many) anymore! She's been holding it alot and taking her diaper off when she gets wet, so we thought it wouldn't hurt to try- not to mention she's as independent as they come and if she wants something she usually finds a way. It was a bit messy at first, very frustrating but the little victories over the first couple days made us decide we were NOT going back. After just a few days she was on her own, going on the little potty and usually without being told. I was surprised at how similar she was to Avalyn, when it came to potty training- hated being asked to go, hated the pull-up and after a week sleeping dry (most nights). Way to go Ainsley!!!! Now onto Cambria...

I had NO intentions on starting Cambria, till later- or at least till her teachers thought she was read (I thought I was at least 6 months away from that). I had no desire to potty train both at the same time, well I was wrong. The week we started Ainsley I got a call from her teacher. They decided to give it a try at school and then let me know how it went. She did pretty well and after just a few days was able to go to school without a diaper! After a week they told me to give it a go at home, party of me was not ready, but we are doing it! She will now pee on the potty, sometimes she even asks to do it, but for the most part if we ask her and she doesn't fight us it's time- we definitly have to stay on top of her or we'll be cleaning up another mess! Now #2 is a whole other story (she has never gone #2, even while in a diaper, at school), she has no desire to do it in the potty. Hoping she holds it till bed time is our way of dealing with it for now, she just will not do it when she is on that potty. We are sticking to it and it might take a while, but we are very proud of her!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

2012-01-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

This New Years Eve was spent at our house with my parents (who didn't make it till midnight), my best friend Bekah and her daughter Alyssa! It was a good time. We let the kids stay up late and do sparklers. The big kids made it till almost midnight, before falling asleep and the little ones till 10!

Ainsley enjoyed the sparklers!

Cambria liked the idea of the sparklers, she liked watching them, but she wanted nothing to do with holding one. She did want to run away;)

Avalyn and Alyssa have become really good friends! Bekah and I look at them and can't believe we had daughters just a few months apart, we are so excited they get to grow up together!

....and then the next morning my camera no longer worked. Not the best way to start the New Year- hoping it is fixed soon and doesn't cost too much!

One last trip 2011

2011-12-31T11:04:00.000-08:00

This was our last trip to Sea World in 2011. My mom and I decided to take advantage of the amazing weather and our season passes (that would soon end) and head on out to Sea World (with EVERYONE else in SA). We've been quite a bit this year and we have never seen it so busy. Not too much of a big deal, we just saw all the shows Avalyn had missed (from getting sick), let the kids run around a bit and they were able to ride one ride (after a 30 min. wait). Ainsley stayed home with Daddy, this worked out great with all the waiting we did- we had to go to the shows 20 min. ahead to get seats. The shows and kids were great and we called this season at Sea World a huge blessing!

I left my camera at home, I just didn't want to deal with it and how many pictures does one need at the same place?! We did use my mom's phone for a few. Big Bird- placed in the absolutely WORST place for a picture, Avalyn LOVES meeting characters and wanted a picture with him!

Feeding the ducks- alot cheaper than the dolphins;) Cambria enjoyed this and even left the ducks her little lizard she was playing with (glad she recovered quickly from that loss- there was no recovery for the tiny little thing).

Avalyn was just in awe of this girl at the beluga whale and dolphin show, she was so excited to meet her. She does this rope/ hula hoop routine in the air!

The strange glowing angel lady in the front!

American Girl Surprise!

2011-12-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

SURPRISE!

This was such a fun surprise! My Nana LOVED American Girl dolls and I grew up with my Samantha doll and was fortunate to recieve most of her collection from Nana and my parents. She was my favorite doll and I played with her all the time. I still have her and she is now Avalyn's (and Kanani's best friends). I have been hiding the catalogue for years, until I thought Avalyn was mature enough to handle one- she cut Samantha's bangs when she was little. I finally let her see a catalogue in the fall and she was in LOVE! She wanted Kanani and that was it. I told her when she was 6, but Kanani would be gone before then so I let her ask Santa (Avalyn's birthday is Jan. 23). She was a big surprise on Christmas morning. I also decided that I wanted to surprise Avalyn with a visit to the American Girl store in Dallas for her birthday. She had no clue that such a place existed. American Girl is so much more than when I was little, my Nana and I would have loved this place back then. We probably wouldn't be back up that way before her birthday, so we headed to Denton with my sister and decided to make it a girl's day out at the galleria in Dallas. I wasn't able to get reservation for lunch (we'll be going back for that), but we made the most of it! It was a great day and Avalyn was so happy!

Still in a bit of shock as we walked in, I gave her a present! Matching American Girl Place (Dallas) shirts (I got on a Ciber Mon. sale) and earings for Kanani- yes the pierce the dolls ears there.

Going up to the boutique!

Waiting in line to get Kanani's ears' pierced!

Such a neat place, can't wait to go back- hopefully at a less busy time!

Ready to shop at the galleria- Avalyn has always LOVED to shop!

Avalyn and Milla (my sister's foreign exchange student from Italy) eating lunch!

In their new matching shirts on a lion Avalyn just had to have a picture with!

Girls' Day Out! Checking out the massive tree and ice skating rink!

Watching the ice skaters and playing with Kanani's hair!

One of Avalyn's favorite people- her cousin Hadley!

These picture were taken at the last minute on our way out- yes we were at the mall for a-long-time!

Heading Home!

2011-12-29T22:50:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful Christmas at my Grandparents house. The only downside, was it was cold and RAINY the entire time- the exact opposite of what summer was like there. The kids were pretty much kept inside the entire time. On our way out, the rain stopped a bit, we bundled the kids up and I got out the camera! Kyle and my Dad took the little ones back to San Antonio, while my mom and I and the older 2 headed to my sister's house in Denton for a one day trip and a early b-day surprise for Avalyn.

So HAPPY to have both her Balooga whale and Shamu together again!

Saying goodbye to Great Grandma!

Ainsley was so excited to be out of the house, she ran right for the swing...

she was there for just a minute before she realized it was sopping wet with cold rain water and then she ran back...

to only be followed by the dog, she did not like this!

Ainsley and Foofa ready to go, not so ready to be in a picture...

Avalyn and Kanani! Santa really knew what he was doing when he got Kanani and Rain Coat,hat and boots!

She was so excited to take pictures with her new doll- there are many more to come!

Always time for a quick ride in the golf cart!

This is what greets everyone at the front of my Grandparent's property every Christmas!

This year my Aunt updated it with all the new Great-Grandbabies (it had been awhile), including my little ones!

Christmas Day!

2011-12-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Present Time!!!

Cambria's first year to open her own presents (with a little help)!

The greatest gift of ALL! SHAMU! Cambria's shamu (that's like her balooga whale) lost it's life to too much loving- literally ripped and de-fluffed. Mau Mau and I looked all over Sea World to find another, on one of our trips back, my mom bought and saved it for Christmas. It didn't dissapoint, it was a magical moment for Cambria- her friend had returned. Now Balooga Whale and Shamu are back together!

A new basketball!

The girls all gathered around Aunt Kathryn to watch the opening of Kimber's new LaLaLoopsy doll!

Avalyn was so excited about her new cheerleader Barbie's from the Perkins family!

Gavin opening his presents from his sisters!

The aftermath! Now this is what Christmas looks like in this family!

The mess was cleaned up and their was more fun to be had with the balloons!

Kathryn and Kimber all dressed up for Christmas lunch! We had lot's of family (sorry no pictures) over and ate lot's of food!

Little cousin Grayson!

Cambria playing with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa's stockings in her new pj's!

It was a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Morning!

2011-12-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning 2011 was so much fun! Santa placed 1 special gift under the tree for each kid along with a stocking full of surprises! He then covered everything up with a sheet, so we could surprise all the kids at the same time. My sister Kathryn, bother-in-law and their 2 kids stayed next door at my Aunt's house and our family in the extra bedroom and my grandparents home (where we opened gifts). My sister Christine and her family were unable to be there in the morning, so we decided to just do Santa gifts and wait and open presents with her when she got there around 11. We missed my big sister and her family, just wasn't the same, but we made the most of it and the kids were so excited!

Walking in Christmas morning!

Waiting with excitement and curiosity with what is under the sheet!

Gavin showing Avalyn her American Girl doll- such a sweet brother!

Kanani is REALLY here! This is all Avalyn wanted for Christmas!

Cambria checking things out. She wasn't much into her Santa gift, neither was Ainsley, but they were excited about their little surprises in their stockings!

After a bit of confusion, Mau Mau sat down and helped Cambria look in her stocking!

Nothing like a new pair of shades and candy canes to make this little one happy!

Avalyn and the newest "member" to our family Kanani!

She was so excited about the extra goodies in her stocking to go with her doll!

Santa must have watched the weather, because he put a rain coat, hat and boots for Kanani in Avalyn's stocking. She LOVED them!

Gavin and his beyblades, Santa did good!

Of course Cambria's favorite gift from Santa, a package of balloons!

Briley and Brian opening his Santa gift!

Everyone enjoyed the beyblades! Basically a glorified top.

A zhu-zhu pet chasing after Cambria, another little surprise from her stocking.

Enjoying all of Santa's gifts!

2 balloons is better than one- Cambria found the package and insisted on having another balloon!

Christmas breakfast and waiting on Christine to open more gifts!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 was at my Grandparents house in Hawkins,TX! It was a great Christmas with lot's of family! The only down side, was the weather. It was cold and rainy the entire time, keeping us inside. The kids missed being able to run around outside and see all the animals. We made the most of it and had a wonderful Christmas!

Decorating cookies for Santa!

Crazy hair with Ainsley- she asked for it, but it did not last long.

Cambria LOVED the raindeer ears and chicken!

Kids' Christmas Picture 2011

2011-12-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

Well, the kids were dressed and there was a beautiful Christmas tree and rocking chair in the front, so I gave a Christmas picture of the kids a try (I always forget on Christmas day). It was, as always, not easy, but I got a few- just wish I would have put the little one's in dress shoes. Merry Christmas from the Johnston kids!

The Santa Picture!

2011-12-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

Fun at Bass Pro Shop!

2011-12-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

We heard the best place to take pictures with Santa was Bass Pro Shop (just a few min. from our house), so once the kids were out of school we decided to do it! I guess everyone else had the same idea. We went around 2 on Mon. afternoon and it was almost an hour wait (they actually said that was short). It was worth it, the Santa was great, there were lot's of free activities and we got a free picture with Santa! I knew that there was no chance of getting Ainsley and Cambria near Santa, so I wasn't about to spend any $ to get a picture of the kids with Santa. Kyle and I heald the babies and we got a picture!

We couldn't pass up the carousel horse! It didn't go up and down, but the kids still had a great time- it was also free and there wasn't a line!

Ainsley was holding on with all her might!

Gavin and Avalyn were happy to visit with Santa, and smile for me!

Hanging out by the fish tank!

This was a first and a very sweet one! Cambria and Ainsley do not get along too much these days and Cambria has always pushed her away when she tried to hug her. I asked Cambria to give baby Ainsley a squeeze and to my surprise she turned around and did exactly that!

Avalyn's school Christmas party!

2011-12-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Avalyn was so excited about her school party, she wanted to get all dressed up in her Christmas dress! She loves doing crafts and playing games!

Avalyn and her best friend Samantha!

Buddy the Bear visited each class party! The kids were so excited!

Avalyn and her wonderful teacher Mrs. Adams

Gavin's school Christmas Party!

2011-12-16T20:23:00.000-08:00

I went between Gavin and Avalyn's Christmas party since they were at the same time! I was very happy to be able to be there, without the babies (thanks to my Daddy)! Gavin has a wonderful teacher and has really made some good friends in 2nd grade!

Cambria's school Christmas Party!

2011-12-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

It was so much fun to go to Cambria's school Christmas party. It was wonderful to watch her in each station, she is doing so well in school and loving it so much!

Decorating her cookie!

She was very serious about placing each candy and sprinkle on the cookie!

She wanted nothing to do with eating it- oh well, Gavin and Avalyn enjoyed it at home later!

They had a station where they wrapped their ornament for the ornament exchange. All Cambria wanted to do was play with the scissors. She tried so hard to get them to work.

A little game of Christmas bingo! She didn't really played, but enjoyed the clear colored plastic pieces she could look through!

Decorating pine cones! She loved sprinkling the glitter and gently placing the foam ornament on her pine cones. She takes her crafting very seriously!

The "snow" table! She had a great time playing with the shaving cream. It is great to see she had moved on from some of her sensory issues. When she was little and in therapy at Children's Hospital in NE it took months to get her to not scream at the touch of shaving cream. Now she has no problem making a mess of it, especially when it includes little plastic animals!

Once all the other kids left the table to get cleaned up, she moved over, got really excited and began swirling around with the shaving cream!

Ornament Exchange! Cambria was so excited to get up with one of her teachers, Miss Angela! She was clueless as to why, but she liked to be in the middle of the circle jumping up and down. Her teacher helped her pick out an ornament and she was thrilled to have a present to open!

She tried, but needed some help opening the present.

Miss Angela helping Cambria with the present.

She LOVED her new "tinker" bell ornament!

Okay Mommy you can do my hair!!!

2011-12-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

After months of watching Cambria come off the bus with her "pretty" hair done by one of her teachers, Miss Angie, she has finally decided to let Mommy do her hair. Of course she will not sit still long enough for me to french braid it and she still screams when I try to brush it, but a pony tail or 2 she'll let me do! Most importantly she keeps it in! So cute!!!

French Braids!

2011-12-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

I told you about Cambria letting her teacher do her hair at school, well the other day she came home with 2 little french braids in her hair! It looked so cute! Her teachers are truly amazing! They did tell me that sometimes when they are trying to get her to do something she doesn't want to do she ask them "you want to brush hair"! Too funny considering when I brush it you would have thought I was pulling her hair out. So blessed they take such sweet care of her!

Christmas with the Johnston's 2011

2011-11-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas with the Johnston's this year was the Sat. after Thanksgiving! We put the tree up and a few ornaments (placed as high as possible)! The kids were so excited and loved all their sweet gifts from Grandma and Grandpa, Auntie Stacia and cousin Trevor!!!

Cambria and her new duckies!

Ainsley has definitely figured out how to open a present!

Her new BEST FRIEND Foofa (from Yo Gabba Gabba)! It was love at first sight and she carries her everywhere!

Ainsley in her new head band and fairy wings from Auntie Stacia and Trevor! So cute!

Gavin and his new Darth Vader alarm clock! He was so excited!

Avalyn loves her new Belle doll!!!

Trevor and Gavin enjoying his new DS Game!

Black Friday 2011

2011-11-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing Black about this Friday, not a single store shopped at. I'm sure we missed out on some deals, but nothing could beat the time we had at Morgan's Wonderland! It was absolutely beautiful out and there were very few people there. Kyle and his family had never been, so I was excited to take them. It was a very relaxing fun time for all! Maybe not all, Gavin got sick that morning (probably the same bug that Avalyn got at Sea World) and had to spend the day with Grandpa (Schaal) and his house.

Avalyn's been swinging alot at school! She loves it just like I did when I was little!

This is part of the sensory village! So much fun for everyone!

Fun on the Train!

Love this sweet picture of Cambria!

Snack and a little more swinging!

Every time we passed the carousel Cambria had to take a ride, usually several times in a row! It's wonderful, they just let her. She got to ride all the animals she asked to ride- I felt like we were on there all day. She LOVES it, even after 3 times in a row before leaving she was still naming animals she wanted to ride!

The Car ride- the kids love driving!

We spent an hour at the sand box and still had to pry them out of there they were having so much fun, while we sat around and watched!

Making music with Grandma and Grandpa!

We ended our day wet at the water table!

It was a great day, the kids were wonderful! Only one scare, when Cambria launched beluga whale into the lake (he wanted to go swimming). It was a traumatic 20 min. (no pictures) while he floated to the other side to land on a bank where the train conductor was able to pick it up and give it to Kyle. I am so glad the whale floats and there was plenty of wind! She screamed the entire time for her precious beluga whale and we were all thrilled to have him back!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

For some reason I always forget to take pictures of the kids on Thanksgiving. Oh well, this is what I have. It was a wonderful day with Kyle's family and my parents joining us for Thanksgiving. Kyle's mom made a incredible turducken and my mom made way too many yummy mashed potatoes, okay so we had way too much food in general. It was another wonderful Thanksgiving with our family that we are so Thankful for!

Sea World with Trevor

2011-11-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, we went back! Don't worry not too many pictures- I just kept the camera put away most of the day. I did get a few, it was Trevor and Aunt Stacia's first time! It was me my mom, my sister-in-law Stacia, nephew Trevor, Gavin, Avalyn, and Cambria. Ainsley stayed home and enjoyed a day with Grandma and Grandpa and Daddy! The weather was absolutely perfect and it was beautifully decorated for Christmas. All wasn't well with Avalyn, who only made it for a little bit before throwing up with a stomach virus. Fortunately Daddy finished up early with school and was able to come get her and take her home, she was sick all day. It definitely felt like we were missing someone, but we made the most of it and saw all the shows and let the kids ride some rides!

Feeding the dolphins is always a fun treat!

This was one of those fun unexpected moments! We arrived right after the feeding, but a couple of the scubadivers was still in the tank! They said it was just fine the kids went behind the railing (good to know, since I always let my little one's do that) and the scuba diver started interacting with the kids. He was giving them high five and blowing bubble rings in the water! So cool and the kids were so excited to see this!

I think Cambria could just live in an equarium!

For some reason I never take pictures of the shows, but I will tell you that they do a wonderful job and the Christmas shows are excelent!

Aunt Stacia took Gavin a Trevor on a "big" ride! I LOVE that it's Nov. and still warm enough to go on a water ride!

Very excited about the ride and the dryer!

It was wonderful to enjoy Sea World again with Cambria, she really does LOVE this place!!!

This was the boys' day and they had a great time together!

A little dinner!

2011-11-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

The night before my sisters left we had everyone over for dinner! It was so much fun, we will miss them all this Thanksgiving!

Hayden is amazing with all the kids! They LOVE him! Even at 15 you can find him up stairs playing with all the kids, hard to believe he's not one of them anymore!

The Riverwalk!

2011-11-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

The week of Thanksgiving was so much fun!!! Kyle's parents, sister and nephew all flew in from Arizona to spend the week with us! For a few days at the beginning of the week we also had my sisters and their kids- including Christine's foreign exchange student from Italy! With so many people in town (some stayed with my parents) we decided to go downtown for a day- or at least a couple hours. We moved back here this summer and had not made it down there yet, so this was new to the kids! We did a little shopping, ate at the food court, took some pictures by the river, walked a little along the river (Cambria wanted in the water, so not too long) and finished up at the Alamo!

My sister's kids and mine (minus Cambria)! That's Milla in the top left, she's a great fit in our family- such a sweet girl!

Hadley and Kimber

Kimber fell in LOVE with Avalyn!!! She followed her around everywhere, it was really sweet!

Briley and Hadley

Mau Mau and Cambria. Cambria did not understand why she couldn't go into the water.

Not the easiest bunch to take a picture.

The Alamo

2011-11-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

All the kids!!!

Gavin and cousin Trevor!

with this many kids someone would have to go pass the rope;)

Stacia and Trevor, so cute!

Thanksgiving Pow-wow!

2011-11-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

The Kindergarten classes at Avalyn's school have a Thanksgiving Poetry Pow-wow every year! She was so excited about it. It was really cute, they all knew the poems so well!

Back in her room to see all Thanksgiving projects- Thanks for the flowers Mau Mau and Grandpa and thanks for coming!

Career Day!

2011-11-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

For career day at school the kids new exactly what they wanted to be! Avalyn was a hair-stylist! Gavin wanted to be a "vetenary?", took me a minute (he didn't want to take care of animals) he wanted to be a veteran. It was on Veteran's day, so that's why he used that word- not a difficult costume around here. Kyle pulled out a few things and Gavin was proud to wear them. Avalyn and I fancied up an apron with "Avalyn's Fancy Salon", ribbons,bows, jewels and put a brush and comb in the pocket! They looked pretty cute!

Squeezes and Stunting!

2011-11-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

"Squeeze!"

This something new for Cambria and it is just about the sweetest thing! She started letting me hug her a couple weeks ago! They are not called hugs, they must be called "squeezes"! After a few days of letting me "squeeze" her she started letting me kiss her cheek!!! Soon after she was giving squeezes to me, Kyle and even Avalyn sometimes! Still no kissing, but we will take all the squeezes she wants to give. She loves it and we love it too!

The kids LOVE "stunting" with Daddy! Ainsley and even Cambria got in on the action this time!

If you are wondering what happened to her hair, we aren't quite sure but it's been thinning out for months and just a few strands of longer hair were left on top. After trimming them a little her hair just shot straight up and there is no going down.

This was as close as Cambria would get, she was still so happy!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween 2011! It was a beautiful Mon. night and we were so excited to have friends to trick-or-treat with! This is the neighborhood gang that lives near us, we are still getting to know them and were very thankful to join them! The kids all go to school together and a part of me hopes to watch all them grow up together (I have no desire to move)!

Gavin, Cody and Luke! The Boys, all in 2nd grade!

Avalyn and Faith, who lives right next door!

Ainsley! This was her night! She was totally into it and enjoyed every minute- I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but she LOVES candy!

1st stop our house! Cambria went to a few houses with the group, she enjoyed the walk and being Cinderella, but still doesn't get what's going on. Kyle took her back home and she enjoyed a night in her costume hanging out with Daddy, Mau Mau and Grandpa (who passed out candy)!

Ready to go!

She Loved picking out the candy...her favorite were the suckers!

Now that's a serious trick-or-treater...she didn't put her bag down or take off her wig for over 2 hours!

A picture of all 4, before the sun went down (and Cambria headed home)!

A quick break for a little candy!

Trick-or-treating in our neighborhood can mean a serious workout, check out those stairs!

Doesn't get much sweeter than this! What a fun night!

Showing Grandpa ALL her goodies! She had so much, people would give her more just because she was so cute and so into it- did they not notice how small she is?

Just a little night cap of sucker before heading to bed! I found at least 3 suckers in her bag, unwrapped, wet and covered in red hair- oh well she had a lot of fun and forgot about the candy by the next day!

Fall festival

2011-10-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

My mom and I headed to a fall festival at a church with our friends (Kyle was studying). The kids wore their costumes all the time in NE for different activities, so I thought it would be nice to wear them more than once and of course they were thrilled to do so! It was a little chaotic at first, but my mom and I managed and by the end of the night we were sitting around a table with friends talking!

Cambria LOVED being Cinderella!

The Castillo kids with Gavin and Avalyn!

Ava and Avalyn- these 2 get along so well!

Chase and Gavin!

My mom and I knew we had to find a place for the babies after just a few minutes. The gated playground worked well for some free time!

A little karaoke..."the wheels on the bus"! Avalyn was so proud that she got to hold a microphone!

All the Castillo and Johnston kids in one picture!!! The Castillo's worked with my college group at church and since Kyle and I got married during my senior year we just stuck with the group. We became very close with the Castillo's over that year and loved being apart of their group! Bianca (their oldest) was born that year. We have always stayed in touch over the years and visited when we were in town. It is wonderful to be back and to have our kids all so close in age! They love being together and since we haven't found a church small group yet, it is nice to know we have friends like them!

Powder-Puff

2011-10-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is Powder-Puff football in Med. school! Who knew? It was for charity and after some convincing Kyle joined the team. It was pretty funny, but they did a good job and the kids and I had a few laughs. It's wonderful how they encourage the students to work together, Kyle is so happy where he's at (even if it sooooo hard)!

Cambria's room

2011-10-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

This isn't quite all of it, but I finished the walls and the light "fixture". I knew I wanted to do black and white for the walls and add color in the lights and other accessories. It had to be a quick one, since Cambria doesn't adapt to change well and having her sleep in another room really wasn't an option. I painted the walls bright white, the trim and door black, the bed black and then dandelions in black. Of course I wanted to give her a touch of what she loves right now, so I painted a ducky on canvas. Her ceilings are high, so I wanted to do something fun- after hours of adding tissue to some of the lanterns I hung them all with fishing wire and thumb tacks!

Cambria walked in and said "good coloring Mommy!" It was so sweet, she LOVED it! She calls it her dandelion room and her face lights up when she walks in- making it worth all the trouble!

I'd have to say her reaction to the lights was even more excitement than the mural. She was so excited! Of course it didn't take but a few days to throw things at them till a few fall- I know this fun will eventually fade and she'll leave them alone!

Still in need of a curtain for the windows. I will get pictures up eventually of everything done- including the bed made with her yellow bedspread! I am just so happy she's happy!

Just for fun!

2011-10-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful backyard, okay so it's not so beautiful. The most beautiful thing about it is the FENCE!!! I LOVE having a fence, I can just let the babies go and with absolutely zero landscaping, they can't harm a thing!

Cambria with the buffalo gourds in our backyard.

Ainsley loves steps stools and accessorizing!

We LOVE that we are close enough to have family members come visit for the weekend. My sister and her family were in town for a wedding, so we got to play a bit! The kids love hanging out with their cousins!

Sea World in Oct.

2011-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

The kids had an early release from school on Fri., so my mom and I surprised them with a trip to Sea World! It was a beautiful day, not too hot and very few crowds. The kids enjoyed all the Halloween festivities and a few rides, always a fun time at Sea World!!!

a sneak peak!

2011-10-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just a sneak peak to Halloween 2011! I bought this costume on clearance when Ainsley was a baby and I found the wig for a couple dollors after Halloween last year. I had no clue if she's like the very fitted costume or the wig. She LOVED it and it couldn't be cuter!!!

Cambria loved it too!

Ainsley at home

2011-10-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Cambria gets on the bus around 11:15 and gets home around 3:00! This leaves Ainsley and I with some time to ourselves. I feel so blessed to have this time. Some days we run errands, go eat with a friend, clean the house, or just do nothing- this little one likes watching tv. It's quiet and no one is taking anything from her and she does love to cuddle with me on the couch!

Her first time to help put away the dishes! She loved it and was so proud of herself!

not bad for 2!

I know she is just too cute, but she does end up in time out occasionally. It's still pretty cute, she's a dramatic little one and those 2 minutes are like torture.

Just hanging out and playing with Avalyn's headband! She is not a fan of bows/clips (that's okay since she has so little hair), but she does love a headband!

A little dress up!

2011-09-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't Halloween but some unexpected fun in our super hero costumes! Gavin decided to put on his Superman costume, little did we know Cambria would be so excited! It was like spiderman was really here- Gavin has a few Spiderman toys so she knows who he is. There was alot of jumping and squeeling and pulling, so much fun watching them play together!

Cambria pulled Gavin or "spiderman" around the house for over an hour!

Minnie Mouse is also really exciting!

Ainsley was a "super" Barbie cheerleader!

I got one! Yes, I am counting this they are all there and looking! And we are LOVING our new floors, we never thought when we bought the house that we'd have to replace all the white tile on the main level. The previous owners had put them in themselves (or payed someone to do it) and they were actually dangerous they were so unlevel. After just a few days in the house Cambria walked up to me trailing blood from her foot, I realized she had just done it walking on the floor! This was NOT what we wanted to spend any of our savings on, but we knew it had to be done. A couple months later we have new tile and we are happy and the kids are safe!

Cambria and School!

2011-09-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

So we are off to an amazing year of school for Cambria! She transitioned beautifully, thanks to going 2X a week last year in NE! Half a day every day is just right for this little 3 year old, actually she'd probably stay all day if they let her. She LOVES it! Her teachers are amazing and we already see some progress in just a few short weeks! These are some pictures her teachers took and sent me from her first day of school.

This was the BIG breakthrough!!!! Cambria can feed herself! This was the first time ever and her teachers were so excited they got the camera out- don't know if they thought I'd believe them. This was the very first day of school. When I dropped her off, I told her teacher she will probably not go near the "real" food I brought but if you could just get her to feed herself that would be HUGE! Her teacher handed her the spoon and refused to feed her, after a little frustration she gave in.

It took an extra week at home, but after a few little "tricks" and standing my ground she feeds herself ALL-THE-TIME!!! We are so proud and so grateful!

Cambria comes home from school 1-2times a week with her hair beautifully put up! Of course, as you can tell by pictures, she will not let me touch her hair. I love that one of her sweet teachers (Ms. Angie) takes the time to brush and put her hair up in pretty clips and bows. I asked Ms. Monica how she does this and she said that she will sit for Ms. Angie and she tells her "pretty hair, pretty hair" and Cambria let's her do whatever and then leaves it in until...

she gets home and immediately pulls it out.

First Day of School!

2011-09-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

The kids were so excited to start school! Their new school is beautiful and we couldn't be happier with the teachers and staff. Part of our reason for choosing this home was the school and it is just as wonderful as they say!

Gavin ready for 2nd Grade!!!

Avalyn ready for a full day of Kindergarten!

Cambria is also attending the same school and we feel so blessed to have her there! She (and beluga) whale were in love the moment they stepped into school. The transition went so smoothly, thanks to all the love and support she had from school in NE. She will attend everyday this year from 11:40-2:40! Cambria will also be riding the bus and she is looking forward to that! This is her amazing teacher "Miss Monica"! So excited about watching Cambria develop in school this year.

"our" pool!

2011-09-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

One of the things we were looking for in our new neighborhood was a pool and we are so happy to have on (not to mention it is right down the street)!!! We try to go there as often as possible and the kids couldn't be happier. It's a beautiful pool with a great zero depth entry for the kids. We didn't have the chance to do swim lessons, but after visiting the pool several times they are catching on and doing great! Gavin's pretty much on his own and Avalyn is headed in that direction. After just a few swims we put Cambria in a life jacket and watched her go- crazy how well she does! Ainsley even picked up on things and is pretty doing well with just floaties- her little body just floats! I know it's the end of the summer, but I finally brought the camera this time!

Cambria (and beluga whale) have spent many hours like this in the pool!

It's been a good summer and we look forward to many more years in this pool!

Ainsley's Room

2011-08-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Another room crossed off the list! I had NO idea what I was going to do in Ainsley's big girl room. All I had was the bedding- different Pottery Barn clearance bedding I have found over the years. It was in Avalyn, then Cambria's room in the last house and now Ainsley's. The walls I decided to paint blue first, it was actually what the previous owners left from using it on the master bedroom. It is a baby/periwinkle blue color and will someday NOT be in our master bedroom, but it was the perfect (and free) paint color for a little girls room. I just started painting and this is what happened:

The letters look red, but they are actually dark pink.

Just need window treatments and it will be move-in ready for little Ainsley (who is in a toddler bed in our walk-in closet).

She LOVES her big girl room!!!

Ainsley Brooke is 2!!

2011-08-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Our little Ainsley Brooke is 2!! It's hard to believe how quickly our baby has grown. She is spunky, independent and oh so very sweet! She LOVES her family and is always keeping us smiling and laughing. Ainsley loves to act like a big girl! We love her so much!

Her birthday this year was on a Sunday. We went to church and went to lunch with MauMau and Grandpa. Then back home for a few birthday phone calls and a nap!

In her pretty pink dress from Grandpa and Grandma, she loved the tutu on it!

LOVING her new pink baby from MauMau and Grandpa!

A family Day at Sea World

2011-08-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Kyle had a few days off between his pre-mat course and the beginning of Med. School, so we decided to take him to Sea World! He doesn't have a pass, but was a able to use his one-time (and last time)free military pass for the year. He went early with the older to ride some rides and after nap the babies and I met them out there for swimming and a few shows! It worked out great, even though I left the camera in the car and the little girls and I were too late for the Sesame St. show. I did get my camera in time for swimming and of course the carousel ride!

Ainsley got stung by a bee- Avalyn said she was trying to touch the bee's. She was so sad, but Daddy made it all better.

Cambria swimming with her best friend!

It is crazy watching her "swim", she dunks her head under the water, opens her eyes, breaths out of her noes and shoots back out of the water with a huge smile on her face. This was all self taught and quite amazing considering a year ago she would scream in the bath and would go near any water.

Ainsley was obsessed with the life jackets!

On a HORSE!!! After being introduced to the carousel on our first trip the summer to Sea World and then again at Morgan's Wonderland, I decided it was time to put her on a horse (and not sit with her on the bench). She was a little uncertain at first, but was soon in LOVE!

2011-08-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

It was a week early, but we couldn't pass up having a party while my sisters and their kids were in town! So happy early 2nd Birthday to Ainsley! She didn't get a first birthday party, so we invited everyone to come help us celebrate. It was a wonderful group of family and friends! Everyone had a great time and we look forward to all the celebrations ahead of us with family so close now!

We always have balloons and they never fail to be one of Cambria's favorite parts of any party!

The boys hanging out in Gavin's room.

Mau Mau and Ainsley

Our friend Cassidy

Ainsley LOVED opening her presents!

We decided to do cake-pops instead of a cake! They were a huge hit!

Our SA home!

2011-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

The month of July was spent dealing with the house. It took several extra weeks to close on the house. It was frustrating, but in the end all worked out. So stressful, I didn't even bother taking pictures before we moved in. We were grateful that the military payed for this last move and delivered and unloaded all our stuff. The house is a great fit for our family. Not as big as our last house, but the space is more useful! There is alot of storage, the kids each have their own room, we have a walk-in pantry, an office with doors, a three car garage and a wonderful neighborhood pool! We are truly blessed! Here are a few pictures that were taken at our first get together, to celebrate Ainsley's 2nd birthday.

This is the kitchen and living area- we have a crazy amount of cabinets and a lot more counter space!

The dining room!

The open/kids area upstairs!

The only room I have painted so far! Avalyn's big girl room. It was a vision I've had for a while and am so happy to have it done- it took over 30 hours to do the shoe wall.

Avalyn has a hug closet, great for all her dolls and dress up clothes!

I promise more pictures of the house as we continue to make it our own. It is a much slower process with Kyle already in school and me with the 4 kids all day!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

4th of July was spent at Great Grandpa and Great Grandma's "ranch"! We made it as festive as possible, we dressed the kids up, ate lot's of food and took pictures of the kids. Due to the TX drought there were no fireworks, but we did have a few little poppers!

The best I got this 4th of July, Cambria wouldn't put that ducky down.

Hayden and Gavin!

We attempted a little cousin picture. Not a huge success, but they are all there.

Cambria used the cone of one of the poppers as a hat for the ducky. She was so excited about her "birthday ducky"!

It's hard not to take pictures of these cuties!

Popping time! The kids did enjoy watching the tiny bit of smoke and pop out flew some streamers!

More Fun at Great Grandpa and Grandma's!

2011-07-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Fun at Brenner's Birthday Party! Lot's of kids, food, water and fishing!

Riding with Aunt Patsy!

Wrestling with Granpa on the floor is a tradition in the family!

Kimber and Great Grandma having a sweet conversation.

Christine taking all the kids for a ride- there's always room!

The kitchen widow, a very popular spot!

Such pretty babies!

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa's

2011-07-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

So Much fun at Great Grandpa and Great Grandma's house! The kids love it there and thanks to the fence around the water, it's alot less stressful with the babies! Of course there was fishing, riding around on the golf cart, seeing the animals and hanging out with family!!!

Kimber's just one of the girls!

Cambria's new best friends from Sea World!

Ainsley hanging out with cousin Hunter!

Aunt Christine helping Ainsley clean her hands.

Daddy's back! We are all officially back in TX to stay!

Great Grandmpa and Avalyn with her fish!

Ainsley and Briley hanging out on the golf cart!

Sea World #1 2011

2011-07-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yes we did it! We tackled Sea World just a few days after Morgan's Wonderland! Thanks to a friend of my mom's we got a pass for the rest of the year for my mom, me and Gavin and Avalyn! It was quite the day, very HOT, but not too busy- unless you were near water. The kids had a great time and we did too!

Gavin and Briley, such great cousins!

We began in the kid's splash area! This is a great area, if you don't have to worry about little one's wondering off- or if you have an adult for each kid. We were quickly overwhelmed with trying to keep up with the babies, so we moved on to the Sesame Street right next to the water!

The older kids were able to ride all the rides in the kiddie area, with very little waiting!

The Sesame Street show was lot's of fun!

Avalyn still LOVES meeting characters!

Cambria enjoyed the carousel again! She calls it the "up and down ride"!

Watching a show! So exciting, but Cambria was too focused on getting in the water (not good with beluga whales, dolphins...) and couldn't actually see what was going on- so I had to leave with her.

The kiddie pool!!! This is actually one of my favorite places at Sea World for little kids! It's very shallow, not too big and only one way out. The only way out would include very hot concrete, keeping everyone in the water. It is a very relaxing place and the kids love it!

Cambria was thrilled to finally get in some water. This is her 1st time ever to go down a slide!

Not too many pictures at the pool, just trying to keep up with everyone. It was just what we all needed to make it through our day at Sea World!

Ready for SHAMU!

She was soooo excited! She loved the loud music and was too tired to even fuss too much about getting into the water!

It was hard to tell how much she saw, but you could tell she got excited when Shamu would go out of the water!

Kimber- just too cute!

It's been a long day!

We stayed all day enjoyed it! The kids got to pick out one thing (for the year, since we'd be returning). No pictures of it that night, but beluga whale came apart of our family on that night. I had found the big Shamu and knew she would love it- it was big and soft and made of rubber. After I bought the Shamu for $16 (I know way too much, but when she saw it there was no letting go) and all the other souvenirs we decided to go check out the sharks. At this point the kids were exhausted and calm and we decided why not. We passed by the "clearance" store down by the dolphins/sharks (didn't know it was there) and beluga was outside in a basket for $2.99, so I went for it. It was instantly her favorite, and I quickly regretted not buying 2 (for when the first one is lost or breaks). They don't have them anymore and we are so thankful that the 1st one has held up so well, and it goes just about everywhere with Cambria!

Morgan's Wonderland

2011-07-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Getting our monitoring bracelets, keeps track of where we all are! So nice to have with Cambria, who could sprint off at any moment.

We decided we weren't going to let the fact that we had 6 kids 7 and under slow us down. It was my mom's vacation and we were all going to get out of the house! My Mom, sister and I and all our kids! We tackled Morgan's Wonderland first! A great place to start! It is like no other place, an amusement park built for kids with special needs and it truly is a special place! Cambria was able to go for free, because ALL kids with special needs get in for free and their group gets a bit of a discount. We made reservations- you have to, they make sure the park isn't over crowded, a couple days ahead. It was a really HOT Texas summer day- over 100! The heat must of kept everyone away, we basically had the park to ourselves. We did not expect that, but it was a blessing with all these kids. The kids were able to ride as many rides as many times as they wanted- not a single line. They all loved it and we can't wait to go back.

Kimber's face when we walked in!

Cambria's first ride on a carousel and she LOVED it! They let her ride as many times as she wanted!

Loving the water table!

Cambria tried to go swimming a few times. Who could blame her it was soooo hot!

All of us on the train....the only people on the train!

Cambria LOVED the train!

What a wonderful place!

Summer in SA!

2011-07-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

We said good-bye to NE. No pictures...too sad. We will miss it so much.

We made it to TX- at least the kids and I (and of course my big sister to help)!!! A one-way trip this time! The closing on our new house was somewhat of a nightmare, so we made the best of it. First some time in Dallas- sorry no pictures. Then on to SA where we got to have some fun with my parents, sister, niece and nephew!

Fun with Briley in MauMau and Grandpas backyard!

A wonderful place!

2011-06-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Our last picture in front of our house in Papillion, NE. We will miss it so much. So many wonderful memories at this house. God blessed us with Cambria and Ainsley while living in this home. We were able to share it with our amazing friends and family. It was alot of work, but so much joy was in this house! Praise the Lord for His many blessings!

the kids spring 2011

2011-06-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ainsley- 18 months

Cambria-3

Avalyn-5

Gavin-7

Love beautiful pictures of my kids taken by such a special friend! Thanks Jessi!

Family pictures Spring 2011

2011-06-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

Family Pictures by Jessica Hegland! We didn't get the pictures by the plane, but it was a beautiful day on the parade field and we got some great pictures with Daddy in his uniform!

The kids and Daddy wasn't to easy.

We got it!

One Last Flight!

2011-06-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Finny-Flight...or last flight. This was Kyle's last flight in the Air Force and we were looking forward to celebrating with him! The tradition is that the family gets to go on the flight line after the plane lands and watch him get off the plane...and of course hose him down with water. We were excited and after the stress of getting the 4 kids ready for pictures with Daddy on this special day and racing to make it there in time- of course on this day they ran out of fuel and landed early- my dreams of great pictures were dashed. Not only was it the kids and I, but my sister was there to help me (since we were leaving the next day for TX) and our dear friend (and photographer) Jessi came down for one last visit and to take pictures!

On our way to see Daddy and his plane!

Aunt Christine!

This is where the pictures stopped for us:( We were informed at the gate to the flight line that we did not have the right paper work to take pictures. Of course it came down to paper work. Kyle and the guys were told they didn't need it and I am sure for some guards that would be fine, but not this one. I was soooo sad. So no pictures with Daddy and the plane he spent the last 7 years flying, none with the kids, just a memory that the kids are too young to ever remember. We tried to make the best of it, we sprayed the water, got back on the bus and headed to the parade field for some family pictures.

With Daddy on the bus after his last flight! We are so proud!

A few last visitors!

2011-06-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Right before the kids and I headed for Texas, we were so blessed to have a few visitors! We LOVE having company and making new friends. One of my life long friends (we've known eachother since pre-school) Jana and her sweet family came to visit on their way to Col. Our kids had so much fun together! 7 in all, it was a bit loud, but totally worth it! Wish we could see them more often.

Elijah and Gavin

Ethan

Elijah

Fun with water guns and a bucket!

side walk chalk and water!

Avalyn and Nora....just too cute:)

Of course some s'mores!