Fynn's first haircut

Our cute little Fynnie got his first haircut. He was a crazy animal for the poor girl who did it. He never cried, but he did wiggle all over every square inch of that chair. I just love the mohawk on him, and it is so fitting. He started getting the long wispy hair over his ears, and I just couldn't stand it anymore. So....... now he officially looks like a BIG BOY!!!

When I was first pregnant, I wanted nothing to do with anything boy. I swore that I was only going to have girls, and I remember being a little let down that we would be buying blue. The more i prepared, the more excited I got.... and now i love him so much. He is every bit as fun as our little princess, and oh so different! He is daddys little buddy and already loves playing catch. He can run everywhere and even keeps up with all of the older cousins. He is a little dare devil, which he gets from his dad, so I think we are in for it. He does love to cuddle wtih his mommy when he is tired, which I absolutely LOVE! We love you forever and ever our little Fynnie boy, thanks for bringing so much craziness to our world!

Our sweet little Bostyn

This is Bostyns school picture. Our scanner isnt working so I just took a picture of the picture.... genius I know. This little girl is every bit as sweet as she looks...... most of the time. When I first saw this picture, I just smiled, this captures Bostyn so perfectly. She is such a girly girl, with tons of attitude and accessories to go along with it. It is hard for me to move forward in time with my little ones, but this picture really made me think about what a big girl Bostyn is now. I remember when I found out I was pregnant with her and the emotions that overcame both Brad and I because of the situation. I cried, and sobbed and felt so horrible for at the time what I thought was such a huge mistake. Now I look back and I wouldnt change any of it, this gem changed both Brad and I forever. She has made our little family what it is. That smile has met the four of us so many friends I cant even begin to count. She has a personality and aura about her that I envy. Even though I am her mother, I admire her more than she will ever know. Bostyn, we love you!!!!

Learning lessons

At the McDaniel house, we are getting REALLY excited for the holidays. Not only do we get to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have birthdays and anniversaries sprinkled in as well. As Brad and I prepare for the temple, I am super emotional about the smallest things. I try to hold it in, but sometimes I just cant.
This month in primary we have been learning about serving others. This week, the primary president stood up and said that she has really been trying to teach her daughter, who is around the same age as Bostyn about serving and giving. She said a quote that really hit me, and made me emotional........ I decided Bostyn could learn from this as well.
"There's always room on Santa's list when you think of others first".
I know that I especially get wrapped up in my kids, and giving to them and sometimes let the Christmas spirit pass me by. I hope this year things will be a little different.
This morning I talked to Bostyn about giving a Christmas to other children who might not get presents. She said that Santa would take care of them, and we shouldnt worry. But, after a little convincing she came up with a good idea, or so she thought...... she is open to giving some of her old toys to other children. I guess we still have some work to do.......

St George, Annie, and Zions

This last weekend we were able to go down to St George for a little weekend getaway! It was so nice to get some sunshine again and spend some time away with the fam. We left on Friday morning so we got there in time to eat our FAVORITE, In N Out. Then, that evening we were all able to go see Annie at Tuacahn. I thought Bostyn was a fan before, I KNOW she is a fan now! She, and the rest of us, have been singing all of the Annie songs since we left. It was really AWESOME!!!!! I am a sucker for live theatre as it is but they did such a great job re-creating the movie.

The next day we were able to go shopping and I got some really cute stuff for the kids. Then we made cookies and watched the Utes kick some butt! We were so close to Vegas, my dad, brother and Brad were tempted to go to the game but opted to hang out with us and the kiddos.

On Sunday on our drive home Brad got his way and we stopped and hiked at Zions. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!! There is just something for me about being with family outside in the nice weather that just gets to me. In the beginning Bostyn was against the whole hiking business. I am not sure where she gets that from, ;). After we got going, she was so fun! She sang the Annie songs with a mix of you are my sunshine to keep us and all of the other hikers entertained. She found lots of treasures along the way and even planted some of them, hoping to get a treat when we return. Thanks Brad for making me o things that I dont CHOOSE to do! I love my family so much and I am so happy we were able to make some fun memories!!!

lots to blog about BUT.......

our laptop is broken. Well, kind of. Bostyn decided she lieks to do "numbers" on it and I think that nanny must have decided to let her dance on it one day. Needless to say, I have been a horrible blogger. Once it is fixed there is going to be some major overload.
Brads birthday, Fynns 6 month pics, Bostyns preschool program, 4th of July in Oregon with Ar, Kenny Chesney, adn LOTS LOTS more!
Some of the things that have been going on in our lives...
1. The kids are still the cutest ever!
2. Bostyn is starting dance and preschool early September and is so excited.
3. We hired a new nanny, just last night! LONG STORY!
4. Fynn is a little monster and can get all over our house, yes even up the stairs!
5. Brad and I are almost officially ready to go through the temple. just set the date!
6. Life is just busy as ever!
7. Our transmission died on our Volvo, so the VW with 116K miles on it is now the old reliable.
-- cant wait to get it fixed, thanks dad!
8. Looking for a new car, any suggestions would be great. Looking for something SUVish with a 3rd row for our growing family! (no that isnt an announcement, too soon for that!)
9. We still LOVE our fun neighborhood and all of our fun new friends!
10. LOVING every moment that I get to spend with my beautiful little kiddos, and my WONDERFUL husband!
Hope everyone is well, and cant wait to get all caught up!

One of the most special days......

I know this has been a while ago, but I am going to post all of my old pics and get caught up, so stay with me, :)

On March 1, 2009 my wonderful husband, and Fynns outstanding father gave him a name and a blessing. It was one of the most touching things I have ever heard, and I have never been more overwhelmed at what a great companion I have to be with FOREVER! I knew that he was so nervous, and wanted everything to come out just right. This is something Brad believes strongly in and KNOWS that whatever blessings he and the Lord bestowed upon our son would be cemented into him forever. I know that Fynn will grow up to be all of those things and so much more. He is such a sweet little guy and is ALWAYS so happy. It doesnt matter who it is, Fynn can always get a smile out of anyone (even complete strangers). I am so grateful for the decision Brad has made to get him where he is today. I have loved him since the day I met him because of his strong personality and motivation to succeed in all things, once again he did it. This makes me even more excited to be sealed as a family and have him and my children with me always. Thanks for all of you who came and supported us. Thanks to my mom and sister who helped (took over) all of the stress for the day. It was GREAT! We love you Fynn, and are so thankful you are here in our family to enjoy all of the McDaniel adventures.

We're back!!!! And there is lots to post about. Where to start.....

I guess we'll start with Easter, and these will be all out of order! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Easter time. I love the changing weather, the happier attitudes people seem to get with it, and the all around reason we celebrate Easter. With Brad and I preparing to go to the temple this Easter meant alot more to me!
About 2 weeks before Easter, they had a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny at the Mall. We took the kids, and they had so much fun! They even had a little breakfast so we started our day off right!

We started Easter out with a scavenger hunt. We had candy leading downstairs for Bostyn and then in Drews room the Easter Egg scavenger hunt began. At each stop there were gifts from the rabbit himself. Some of them included bikes, a wagon, toys, and of course candy! The kids had so much fun! By kids, that includes Brad! We stayed up until 2 am preparing for the festivities. I am glad we did, we laughed so hard coming up with the clues. One of my favorite parts about the holiday was having Arlee home from Oregon. I miss her so much!

Then we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Williams where there was an egg hunt and more baskets! My parents always go overboard. It is so fun for me to see what they prepare for the kids. My sister (from Vegas) sent her 2 kids up so they were there to join in the fun as well. The night before we dyed Easter eggs there as well! Good thing Brad, my mom and Arlee are so patient because well, I would have lost the Easter spirit!

Next, we headed to my cousins house (on a farm) for a MAJOR egg hunt! My aunt outs it together and it is better than any community hunt I have ever been to. She gives them all baskets and hides 15 dozen eggs. we got some fun pictures there as well!

After all of this we were pretty worn out! I am thankful that we have been so blessed! I am overwhelmed as I think about my family, husband, kids, religion, friends, and how much this all means to me especially during this season.