More pictures of cousins

Snow Day, Dec. 9, 2008

The kids enjoyed a day off of school today because of the snow. It worked in our favor, because Hannah was going to be home sick from school anyway. The kids and I enjoyed watching "The Grinch", hot chocolate, playing in the snow and for me catching up on my blogging. Every once in a while you need to stop and have snow day just to be at home. Life gets way too busy.

Cousins, Cousins, and more cousins

These cousins had so much fun together dancing and playing. It was alot of fun to see them enjoy the moments. The kids miss their cousins already. Thanks for making this trip amazing!!

Ruth's Chris with all my Siblings

There are 6 kids in my family and this is the first time we've all been together for a long time. We decided to enjoy a wonderful evening together at Ruth's Chris. We laughed and joked and had a very memorable evening. This trip was certainly one that I will hold dear to my heart. I am so thankful for a wonderful family.

Mississipp and Florida with Cousins

We started and ended our trip in Florida at my sister's house. As always, it is so nice to hang out at the beach in November. Beautiful weather and just the sound of the ocean breeze. The kids of course love to get to Mississippi to hang out at Nana's and Papa's home. My brother Pat, brought oyster so we truly enjoyed them fresh. You will notice Natalie being brave and trying one--yum..yum!!!

Thanksgiving Family Reunion in Clinton, MS 2008

Here are just a few of the hundreds of pictures taken at the Galloway/Taylor Family Reunion on Thanksgiving day. It was wonderful to see cousins, aunts and uncles we have not seen in years. This reunion was kindof a farewell for my parents who are moving to Germany in January. There was alot of good geneology passed on by my Dad who really loves this work. Oneday, maybe I will catch the spirit!!

Thanksgiving Plays

Thursday was a day full of plays. Hannah began her morning at school with a play and a Thanksgiving Feast. She can tell us alot about the plilgrims and Indians. As you can see both Hannah and Blake were Indians. We just cut Hannah's hair so her braids were hard to do--but she was cute anyway!!
Then, Blake did a little play at his school. They were so cute. He and I then went to McDonald's to get a toy (really, why does anyone go to MCDonald's??)
Then, Natalie had her 3rd grade play, "Nutcracker". She was a sugar plum fairy. She and a friend had a short solo part. They were adorable and the play was great.
I think I'm all "played out" after yesterday. It didn't help that I stayed up all night watching the movie "Twilight" with friends for the midnight showing. We did have a great night. I'm paying for it today.

BYU vs. Air Force Football Game

While Joseph and Blake are off at the Alabama vs. Mississippi State game, the girls and I had a fun weekend here in Colorado. On Friday night, we went the the BYU fireside which was great. Then we went to dinner and the girls had a sleepover with friends. They danced and watched movies til early in the morning. On Saturday, it was another great day at the football game. We had front row seats at the end zone and the girls truly enjoyed the game. At the end after BYU beat Air Force 38 to 24 the BYU football players came around to give high fives to the fans, and one of the football players gave Lauren his wristband. She was so excited. Then, we went back home and watched the Alabama vs. Mississippi State game in hopes we might see Joseph and Blake in the stands. It was a good game for Alabama who came out on top again. I will have to blog about the boys weekend when they get back!!

Mitt Romney in Colorado Springs Nov. 2008

Mitt Romney came to Colorado Springs for a Rally. It was great to hear him speak and I even got to shake his hand. Maybe in 2012!!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

The kids had a fun time at the man made pumpkin patch with several of their friends. There was a fun slide that they really enjoyed. I even enjoyed it myself. I used poor Hannah as an excuse and went down with her a couple of times.

Jaxon remembering Hannah

From hannah dec2007to2004

Natalie's Baptism October 11, 2008

Natalie's Baptism was a very special day. I am attaching a copy of the little biography we put about her in the baptism program.

Natalie Kate Forester

Natalie was born on September 16th, 2000 in Kansas City, Missouri. In her short life, Natalie has lived in Kansas City, Missouri, San Antonio, Texas, and now in Colorado Springs. She has 2 sisters and 1 brother and she is such a loving and nurturing sister. As a baby, Natalie was the calmest Forester baby. She would go right to sleep and would sleep through the night without crying. Natalie enjoys many things, some of them are tennis, gymnastics, dancing and singing. She is full of life and is a very good student. We are lucky to have this special spirit in our home, who always reminds us to read our scriptures, say our prayers, and have family home evening. She is very knowledgeable of the scriptures and had the opportunity to read the entire Book of Mormon this year. Natalie is ready to be baptized and we are so proud of her.

Hannah's First Field Trip

Hannah and I spent the day enjoying each other on her 1st official field trip of Kindergarden. She is learning alot and is a really great student. They were learning about all of their senses. It was a great day and beautiful weather. Unfortunately I think the good weather days are coming to an end. We do live in Colorado after all!!

Natalie's Rainbows

I had to take a quick picture on my phone of the cool double rainbow!! The kids stood on the deck while a took a picture of the rainbows. This week is Natalie's baptism and it reminded me of the song, "I like to look for rainbows". What a perfect beginning to an amazing week for an amazing girl. We are so proud of you "Natalie"!!

Lauren's Soccer Game as Goalie

Lauren's soccer team has been together since we have moved to Colorado Springs. Her team has really improved and it is really fun to watch them play. Their coaches have united these girls and each one plays a very important role in the game. They won 7 to 2. Lauren had the rare opportunity of playing goalie. She did a great job!!!

Air Force vs. Utah Football Game

The kids love going to the Air Force Football games!! We have season tickets, but we never sit in our "official" seats, because Joseph has his favorite spot in the stadium. It has been fun for the kids to go to the games. Blake thinks he is going to play football at the Air Force Academy and then be a pilot. A four year old with alot of ambition.

Happy 8th Birthday Natalie

Natalie is 8 years old today!! She is such a sweet daughter and sister. We are proud of the young lady that she is becoming. Happy 8th Birthday Natalie!!

Thad and Roz Wedding and Utah trip September 2008

Joseph's brother Thad was married to Rozlyn on September 6, 2008 in the Logan temple. It was a beautiful weekend. We spent a day touring temple square and also celebrated Lauren's 10th birthday there. It definetly will be a memorable one for her. We really enjoyed our week with friends, family and getting to meet Rozlyn's family.

Nie Nie Day

Attached is a letter from one of my friends from San Antonio.

"Hey friends and family,

I'm sending out this email to let everyone know that today is officially Nie Nie day. (What is that?, you ask.)

My brother and his wife (Christian and Stephanie) were flying home from my dad's ranch in NM about two weeks ago when their plane crashed. The pilot died and they were both burned. My brother, on 30 % of his body, and Stephanie, on 80% of hers. They are both in critical condition at the Maricopa Burn Center in Phoenix. They have four children, Claire (6), Jane (5), Oliver (3), and Nicolas (18 months).

Stephanie is an avid blogger. Check out her blog if you have time. http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ Her blog is so popular that she has made friends all over the world (literally) who love reading about her daily life of being a wife and mother.

Anyway, to make a long story short, her blogger friends from all over are putting together a silent auction to benefit the Nie Nie recovery fund for Christian and Stephanie. They have health insurance but that will not pay for any cosmetic surgery that Stephanie will most likely need and additional medical expenses that will acrue over time.

The list of items up for auction can be found on this website www.designmom.com

She has a list with links to the individual sites where you can view the items and bid in the comments section. There are some seriously cute items up for grabs. (very Anthropologie/vintage type stuff; in honor of Steph). For those of you in Utah and Arizona, there are some sweet local things for sale, including tickets to Maroon Five (they know somebody in the band). So just check it out and see if you take a fancy to anything. And spread the word if you know of anyone who would be interested in purchasing cute stuff for a good cause.

Thanks,
Heidi

1st Day of School

We are officially back to school. Lauren started 4th grade, Natalie, 3rd grade. Hannah started her 1st day of kindergarden today. She was excited, hesitant, but extremely sweet about it. The older girls were off school today for testing, so we all took Hannah to her school. I think she liked the production. As you can see, her teacher welcomed her with open arms and made Hannah feel right at home. I think she will have a great year. I also am very happy with Lauren and Natalie's teachers. We are trying to get back to our routine. It is hard after a long fun summer.

Pensacola Beach, Florida July 2008

The kids had fun on the beach with their cousins. The gulf was beautiful, but we all had the chance to be stung by the jelly fish.

Mark Forester- Serving our Country

My brothter-in-law, Mark Forester is serving in the US Air Force in the Special Forces. As I was looking at his pictures, I wanted to share. He is serving our country and I just want him to know I am proud of what he is doing. We love you and pray for you. Thanks Mark!!