"New Year's Eve"

We must be getting old! Midnight seems way to late to stay up to ring in the New Year. We decided to have a more quiet holiday this year. We went out to dinner with a group of friends. The kids couldn't wait for us to leave so they could have their Loud "Dance Party". We had a great time at The King & I, the Thai food was delicious. Then, we went to Marcus and Tammi's house for some games. I "thought" it was going to be a more quiet night, but try playing Spoons with this competitive bunch. I am still nursing my scrapes on my poor hand! Then to also lend to the noise level the men or should I say "Boys" celebrated the New Year with Fireworks! We all had a blast and got our New Year kisses from our sweet hearts. Happy 2011!

"8"

Dear Payton Doty,

My baby is growing up. But, no matter how old you become you will always be the baby in our family. I will always call you baby, just like grandpa and grandma still to this day call me. Today you are eight years old today! Eight is a great age, with it comes many things. You will be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and become a member of the church. You will start

to fast and gain more knowledge of the gospel to build your own testimony. You will begin to attend Activity Days and start to work on your "Faith in God" requirements that will prepare you to be a righteous Young Woman. Sounds like a

lot for such a young girl! But, we know YOU, We know your spirit and drive that is in you. You are a very special girl that has been blessed with many special qualities and gifts. From the moment you were born you had a face of determination and did not cry. You just curiously looked around at your new surroundings and the people that loved you and took it all in and adapted well. That is how you still are today, always ready to take on the world! You may be tiny, but you have a big voice that commands attention. Use that voice to always do good.

You have already made us so proud in such a short amount of time. We can't wait to see what else you are going to do in your life. Because

we know what you are capable of. You are so dear to us sweet Pay! We all love you so much! Have a wonderful birthday.

Love,
Mom, Dad, R.J. & Maddie

"Young Woman"

Dear Maddie Girl,

Today you become a Young Woman. You are 12 years old! How ever did you get to be so old. I have been looking forward to the day you are finally in Young Womens. Now you get to be at all the activities and listen to all the lessons I have been so involved with for the past years of my life. My calling has become that more exciting and meaningful now that I am planning for you too! Madison you are headed for some of the best years of your life. In some ways your life is just beginning. You are going to be having a lot more "firsts". Your first combined YW/YM activity, your first fireside, your first dance, your first baptisms for the dead at the temple, your first date, your first kiss! You will go through a lot of ups and downs too. But, don't worry, your mom and dad will be there right with you. Just like when you were little, learning how to take your first steps. We will be there to pick you up when you stumble. Your Heavenly Father will always be there too. Remember to always rely on him and go to him for guidance. We have been so blessed to have you as a daughter. You make us so proud with all your actions. You have always been a "doer". You may be quiet to some but, you never shy away from a challenge or what you want! The qualities and talents you have been developing are going to make you a fabulous mother and wife. You are such a wonderful help to us and your brother and sister. We are in awe when we watch you in action. We hope you always keep that passion for gaining more knowledge and learning new things. One day we hope to see you achieve all that you desire with becoming a nurturer and care taker to animals. You have so many special gifts. We just can't wait to see what else you are going to do in your life. Because whatever it is we know it is going to be amazing. Happy birthday beautiful girl!

We love you forever,
Mom and Dad

"When It's Time To Change"

My husband Rob decided it was about time to share with R.J. one of his favorite "Brady Bunch" episodes. So, they looked on youtube and found it. You know the one where Peter Brady's voice is starting to crack then he sings that song, "When It's Time To Change". Well, it's sweet R.J.'s turn to sing that tune! My baby boy is changing into a man. His voice is deep and low, he sounds like a stranger to me. He's not the same boy when I listen to him sing hymns at church. For the last couple of months he has been measuring himself to me and he has finally passed me up in height! He is now 5 feet 11 inches tall. And he doesn't let me for an instance forget that he's now taller than me. His hugs are now hugs from a man not a boy, all strong and bone crushing taking my breath away. And his feet! The kid now wears an 11 1/2. He's already borrowing his dad's shoes. At birth he weighed 9 lbs. 1 oz. I guess I shouldn't be surprised his growth spurt never stopped. But, it's hard not miss that little boy body. And it's easier pointing that "parenting finger" down than up!

"Crystal"

It is our "Crystal" year for our anniversary. We have been married now 15 years. The time has flown by. I love this man more today than the day we got married. And I was head over heals for him then. He has made me so happy. Sometimes I feel guilty about how easy these past 15 years have been. For our special day we went to dinner at a restaurant in Carlsbad called West. It was so yummy. Rob knows me all to well after 15 years, the way to my heart is a delicious meal! We then gave each other our Anniversary Gifts. I was secretly hoping it was not something Crystal. He surprised me with a bathing suit and with the suit was an itinerary for a trip to Cabo San Lucas at an all inclusive resort (all you can eat food!!!) I can't wait. I hope he liked my gift as much as I loved his. He was given a new Callaway Golfing Wedge. I could tell he was very happy. It was a good day.

"Heidi's Surprise Party"

Heidi turned the big 4-0 in June. But, since we were all together for the 4th of July we decided to celebrate her big day again. Except she had no clue we were doing it, she was surprised! Cristian flew in from Florida for the big day. Heather and Rob tracked down a few of her friends she hasn't seen in a while and invited them to the party. Her cousins and Aunt also were able to be there and celebrate her. We had so much fun that night and it was so great to see how surprised she really was.

"Park City"

While we were up in Utah we were able to take a side trip to Park City. Park City is just as much fun in the summer as it is in the winter. We were so grateful to Heather and Brad for getting us condo at their time share. When we got their we spent the afternoon on Main Street. We shopped and ate. The two best things to do on a trip. The next day we went to the Park City Mountain Resort. The kids had a blast. We went on the Alpine Slide. This Alpine Slide is one of the longest slides in the world, with over 3,000 feet of gliding and sliding down a luge-like track. The kids were all finally tall enough to ride on their own carts. R.J. and Madison also were able to ride on the Zip Line. They were propeled 110 feet above Park City Mountain Resort's ski runs at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. They had the time of their lives soaring above the tree tops. Payton and Daddy decided to ride the Alpine Coaster together. This is a new attaction since we have been their last. These thrill seekers meet their match with this Coaster. The elevated track winded them through more than a mile of loops, curves and hair-pin curves at speeds up to 30 mph. It was just like their favorite roller coaster - but with the mountain scenery of Park City. Payton was in heaven, she is all about speed! Rob said she laughed the whole way down the hill. We had such a good time on our trip, we didn't want to leave!