Makeup!

Ellie loves makeup! She always wants me to put it on her but I rarely do it because I don't want her going anywhere with it on, like school or church. On this evening we decided to have makeover night. I did Ellie hair and makeup fancy, and she did mine. She looks gorgeous and I love my green eye makeup. Don't you just love ALL the green?

Ellie can never make too many serious faces at one time.

McKay wanted to join in on the fun and NO we didn't mean to almost touch toughs.

Clara Turns 2!!

Our baby is 2!!

I can't believe how time has flown by. I think Clara is one of the happiest, easiest, goofiest kids ever. She has been a joy to have in our family. Her big brother and sister especially love her and take such good care of her.



We had both sides of the family over for pizza, cake and ice cream for her birthday party.

Jackson, Whit, Grandpa Jeff, Grandma Sherrie, Clara, and Hailey.

Wyatt with the soon to be Mrs. Wyatt Grow, aka Courtney

and Lindsay with the birthday girl.

The cutie enjoying her dinner before she could open presents.

You can't see her whole face here but you can just hear her saying "Ahhh!" all excited. The best part is that it was just some clothes. She did that for every present, and almost every present was clothes. That's what Mom asked for, not her.

Enjoying one of the few toys that she got, a Sesame Street remote control.

Learning all about animals.

Modeling one of the cute outfits she received.

Then it was time to sing.

Once we blew out the candle she asked for more. You can see she is doing the sign. I think we relit the candle and blew it out again about 4 times.

I guess this time she is embarrassed.

Mom and Dad with the birthday girl.

Finally she got to enjoy her cake.

We love you Clara!

Happy Birthday!

Baby Poppy is Here!!

Poppy Lind Catano

Born April 22, 2009

6 lbs 8 oz

My kids were so excited for the birth of their newest cousin. When I told them this morning that Poppy was going to be born today they all screamed and Clara started saying "Poppy, Poppy". They couldn't wait until she was born and we could go see her. Tonight they got their chance.

The proud parents

Aaron & Lindsay

Aaron is sick, hence the face mask.

Lindsay, well, she is queen of ugly faces.

McKay couldn't wait to hold the new tiny addition to the family. He looks so proud of himself.






Ellie didn't want to let go. She is such a little mother to her sister Clara and now she has an even tinier person to take care of.

Clara didn't really like holding Poppy but if anyone else had her she loved to hug, kiss, and pet her. She didn't even get jealous when I held her. Good sign.

In my family no one besides me has had a child for 12 years. It's so fun to have another baby in the family. It's also so different having a sister have a baby when I'm a fellow mom. I know exactly the magical feeling.

Poppy's cousin Kim.

Enthralled!!

Welcome to the family Poppy!

We love you already!

I'm OLD!!

I am now 30!

I actually was looking forward to it and claiming 30 for a few months prior to my birthday.

For the last year I have been building up my 30th. Talking to Ryan about what we should do for it. He took all the not so subtle hints and surprised with a trip back to Reno for the weekend before my birthday.

For my first morning there the girls brought me 30 black balloons and gave me my fabulous presents before we headed off for breakfast. Then some of us spent the rest of the day shopping until it was time to meet up for the night.

First on the agenda, pedicures. Who doesn't love soft feet with freshly painted toes?

Next on to a wonderful dinner at the fondue restaurant The Melting Pot. Everything there is so delicious, but the company was the best part.

After dinner we went to a late movie. That is pushing it for 5 moms. The next day was again spent shopping, eating and going to another movie. Great food, great deals, and a good movie, my perfect day.

I had such a wonderful trip!!

I still miss all the girls. Ryan really knew what to get me for my birthday.



On my actual birthday Ryan and I went out to dinner and then on the next night he threw me a surprise birthday up at his parents.

My Dad and Me

The fabulous husband who made it all possible.

Ryan invited everyone. Both families were there plus lots of friends, old and new.

Breanna, Christie, Me, and Rosie

I have been friends with all these girls for over 20 years.

I had a great birthday week and appreciate all the work and love that Ryan put into it to make it so special. I love you babe!

Ellie's Birthday . . . Finally

Almost 2 months late isn't too bad right?

On January 22 Ellie turned 5.

This is the morning of her birthday. She had just finished her requested Micky Mouse pancakes and had moved onto presents. She got to open her new birthday outfit and some new fashion Polly Pockets

About 10 days before her birthday we had a birthday day with her friend Alexis. We had to do it early because Lexi was moving back to Reno and that is the one friend Ellie wanted to celebrate with. We started off the day at Kangaroo Zoo.

The girls had so much fun.

Typically Ellie, hamming it up for the camera.

After Kangaroo Zoo we went to lunch at Chili's, the movie Bolt, to Target for friendship necklaces, and then back home to play because they hadn't had enough yet. Those two get along great and 10 am to 8 pm was not enough time.

On Ellie's actual birthday I let Ellie pick anywhere she wanted to go for lunch. She picked Subway! I talked her into switching to Sensuous Sandwich, which I think is better but afterwards Ellie did not agree. Aunt Lindsay came with us to help celebrate.

That night the Hill's threw Ellie a Disney Princesses 5th birthday party.

Ellie with Grandma and Grandpa.

Opening presents.

Pinata Time.

Success!!

Now time for the cake.

Ellie had a wonderful birthday. Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate our wonderful 5 year old. She is truly one of a kind.