Muffin and Stuff

Brad woke up the other morning and had an idea, he said "lets get the kids a pet fish". So we went to the pet store to check out fish. The kids looked but weren't very interested. Then they spotted the tiny hamsters, all three of them said they wanted a hamster instead. So we picked the fattest one, since it had to be the healthiest one! They named her Turbo at first but then they all kept forgetting her name, and they came up with a new name, Muffin, and Muffy for short. Of course Brad had to pick out a cage for it that was the mother of all hamster cages. So there you have it, we purchased our first family pet! They don't touch it much, but they love to watch her run around in her little hamster ball.

"Muffy"

We went to the pumpkin patch with the scouts, and the kids all picked out a pumpkin. I can not believe that Halloween is this week, years just fly by, it's so crazy! Here are too crazy girls, Carsyn and Kimberly.

Caden and some of his scout friends.

Last, but definitely not least Carsyn got Student of the Month this month, she is an awesome girl, I love her personality! I am so proud of her!

Race Happenings

A few weeks ago all of the second grade classes went on a field trip to see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, it was a pretty cute movie and the kids liked that it was in 3D.

Caden received the student of the month award at school this last month. He doesn't enjoy school work but does pretty good at it, we are proud of him even though he tries to fake sick a lot so he doesn't have to go to school! It has only worked once so far this year!

We went to Fresno on Saturday so Brad and his co workers could play in another softball game against the Fresno office. They played at some cool fields! They are replica fields that look just like real mlb fields, the one they played on was the replica field of Fenway Park, where the Boston Red Sox play. It even had a green monster! Pretty cool! Nixon was the only kid that came with us because Carsyn wanted to go to her friend's birthday party and Caden wanted to stay at his cousin Gavin's house. Nixon had fun with the other kids at the game, he even played in a little kick ball game, so cute!

Here is the Bakersfield team, the champs 2 times in a row!

Brad has two hernias right now and so running hurts really bad, he didn't want to run so he made the only homerun! :) Right over the Green Monster! Wow it was an awesome hit!!!

Look a Likes

We were going through some of Brad's old pictures, and Caden said is that me? I didn't realize how much they really do look a like.

Soccer and Preshcool

Caden started another season of soccer on Saturday. He did a great job! He scored one goal, but their team lost 8-1, I think. He was a little frustrated, but then he said, I hope my team looses a lot so we don't have to keep playing after the seasons over. He really got sick of it last year when his team kept winning.

Okay, I got a little emotional today. My last child started Pre School!!!! I can't believe it! He has been so excited everytime I brought up him starting school, well the day finally came and he said " I don't want to go". Here he is not too happy about having to go to school.

This is his MAD look!

After I took a few pictures he got a little happier, he likes to have his picture taken!

My little poser!

We got to school and he got sad again and wanted me to hold him. I finally got him to sit by himself and color, with me right next to him of course! Ever since he was a baby he grabs his ear when he is nervous, here he is a little nervous!

Then he poses again!

He got to pick his own cubby.

Me and Nixon

I finally was able to leave, but one of the teachers had to grab him and console him when I left, that's when I got a little teary eyed! She said he only cried for 3 minutes and then was fine the rest of the time! When I came to pick him up he seemed happy and said he had a good time!! I am so glad!! Here he is at the closing circle time, totally paying attention to his teachers!!

Brad keeps saying that my life is only going to get easier, I guess he's right! While the kids were all at school today, I got so many things done! I think I can get used to this!!!!

Funny Nixon

The other day we were driving and we hear Nixon say, Mom is this illegal?? I turn around and this is what I see.

Brett Michael Butler and Nixon's first soccer game!

My cousin Amy had her 4th kid the other day! I am so excited for them, now they have two older girls and 2 younger boys, it can't get any more perfect then that! Nixon and I went to visit them in the hospital, here we are holding Brett Michael Butler. What a cutie, I don't think he likes me though, notice how mad he is at me for holding him.:)

Brett Michael Butler

Nixon had his first soccer game on Saturday! This picture below shows how into the game most of the kids are. They all did so good, each team scored a goal on their own goal at least once! It was so cute to watch.

Half Time huddle. Too Cute.

The part that Nixon was the most excited about was when they passed out the snacks. Usually Caden gets the snacks after the game, this time it was Nixon's turn!

I was so surprised that he played the whole game, I thought for sure that he would start crying and want me to come onto the field with him, but no.. he loved playing and all by himself!!!!

First Day of School 2009

The summer went by so fast! I'll miss being able to let my kids wear their pjs all morning and not having to get up so early, but I am excited for the kids to get back on to a schedule!

We didn't have any crying today, they went without kicking and screaming too! I think because Carsyn has the same teacher as last year and all the same kids in her class, and Caden said he's not sad because he knows kids this year, and last year it was all new to him.

Here is Carsyn, my big 2nd grader!

Caden, the big bad 4th grader!

And Nixon my buddy for the next two weeks because his pre school doesn't start until September 9th! I hope I can keep him busy!

Ready for school!

Carsyn saw her friend Victoria right away, and off she went!

Caden's class is on the other side of school now, I can't believe he is in 4th grade!

I hope they have a fun day!!

Old Friends

My friend Barbie contacted me on Facebook saying that she was coming to town and so were a couple of other friends from highschool, so we decided to all get together. We went to one of the spray parks in town and had a little potluck. I can't believe that it's been so long since highschool! I'm getting so old!

This picture was taken at my wedding reception, Leslie Delaney, Me, Marlise Walker Ahuna, and Barbie Castillo Miranda.

Here we are 12 years later, minus Leslie Delaney.

Brad and Caden

Here is an old friend Rizvan and Marlise, her husband Joseph and Barbie.

The weather was gross, it was humid and rainy. Good thing we were at a spray park and the kids were already wet!

Barbie with one of her cute kids, Gabriela.

My good friend Leia came too with her kids, my kids love playing with her kids Gabe and Kimberly.

These are Marlise's cute kids Clara, and Joseph Jr.

Just eating and hanging out.

It was so fun getting together and seeing friends that we haven't seen in years. We'll have to get to do it again!

Stop Growing!

Can someone stop my baby from growing up!! I can't believe he'll be 5 in 4 months! He started soccer, I can't believe he is old enough to play now!! He is growing up too fast!

The End of Summer

We have been school clothes shopping for the last couple weeks and the other day we ventured out to the mall. I haven't been there in awhile because it can be scary at times. We had to go into Macy's and my kids were so excited they got to ride on the escalators, they actually rode it about 8 times! I guess it had been awhile that they had been on an escalator, because they were nervous getting on at first then they went nuts on them, I guess I have deprived them! It was so funny to watch them. Like experiencing Disneyland for the first time!

Of course Caden had to break the rules and go the opposite direction.:)

I usually hate public pools, but we have been really bored lately so I took the kids to the aquatic center. They had fun, but they kept asking who else was coming. They always think other people have to be with us for them to have fun.

Caden and Carsyn got to ride on the water slides because they were finally tall enough. Carsyn had to be measured every time she got in line to go on the slides. She got a little frustrated with the life guards.

Some of my friends and I decided to go on a trip to Vegas this past weekend. The girls went on a girls trip last year and I wasn't able to go, so I was really glad that it worked out for me to go this year!

Here we are about to leave.

We stayed in the Signature Suites at the MGM Grand. The hotel rooms were really nice. Usually they are all smoky but the part that we stayed in was smoke free!

This is the view from our rooms.

I had to get a picture of Kim and Lindsay who are pretty scared of heights, it was funny to watch.

We lounged by the pools all day. I have blisters already. OUCH

Dinner at night, and shopping, both fun to do with friends!

Another picture of us all.

I am so glad I went, it was fun to be able to not worry about anything and just relax and enjoy time with friends. I can't wait until next year. I think the next stop is Palm Springs, it should be fun!

Magic Mountain 2009

Caden and Carsyn got free tickets to Magic Mountain from school, for reading for a certain amount of hours. The tickets had to be used this summer so we decided to go on Monday. It was a little too hot! We started off by all going over to the Ninja, which is a bigger ride that everyone could ride. That was a mistake! Nixon was scared to death! He didn't want to go on any roller coasters for the rest of the day!

I stayed in the kid zone with Carsyn and Nixon and Brad and his brother Greg took the older boys on the big rides.

Here is Carsyn and Nixon, can you tell how hot it was, look at those faces!

Nixon showing of his moves while we waited for the bigger kids and the dads to get off one of the rides.

Caden and Gavin waited in all the lines for a long time, they were good sports. They are pretty funny together, some of the stuff they say is really funny.

This is Goliath, Brad took Carsyn on this ride.

This is Carsyn after getting off of Goliath, she was really upset!

Brad had to show her how high she was, after she saw, she was proud of her self for going!

The guys: Greg, Brad, Gavin, and Caden

It sure was a long day.

On our way home Carsyn started complaining about needing to throw up. I think she was just too exhausted and hot. She fell asleep and was totally fine in the morning. Brad and I decided that we shouldn't go during the summer anymore, it is just too hot and the lines are too long!!!

4th and the Beach

We were able to go out to the lake on the 4th of July. It was really packed and there weren't very many places to picnic in the shade, so we kind of squeezed in between some other people. It worked out and we had a fun time.

Hunter

Some of the 4 year old cousins hanging out.

My pretty little Carsyn! Even though she is around tons of boys all the time, she still has a smile on her face!

After the lake everyone came over to our house to swim and do fireworks.

Kids doing sparklers, I am surprised we didn't have any injuries!

I have been looking forward to going to Leo Carrillo all year. I can't believe it is already over, it wasn't a long enough vacation!

Every year the kids want to be buried in the sand, I don't know why, they are always so sandy afterwards.

My hot honey!

Caden liked looking for crabs.

One night my sister Becky gave all the kids these glow in the dark hats, they looked really cool at night.

This year they were filming a commercial on the beach right by us for Kashi cereal. I love how they are always shooting films or commercials at Leo Carrillo. I makes it a little more exciting.

The girls wanted Grandma to do their hair everyday, they looked so cute!

Nixon my little boogie boarder.

Carsyn the sand beauty.

Caden "I am too cool to take pictures anymore" Race

I can't wait until next year, we have to go for more days next year, my kids never want to leave there! We almost had my whole family there except Shelby and her family and Josh and his family. We missed you guys!

Summer Time

We have been busy doing tons of stuff for summer. Carsyn's teacher put together a field trip to the zoo, she wanted to do it during the summer because she is going to have all the same kids in her class next year because she is looping. Carsyn was excited to see her friends, she hung out with her friend Soleil the whole time.

Here she is, my little gorilla.

Every year we go to a few of the kids camp activities that The Breeze radio station puts on. I love going, they do some fun activities, this one was to Pump it Up. The best thing about kids camp is that it is totally free and lunch is included!

Here is Caden with his cousin Issac who loves to hang out with Caden. Caden thinks he's a cool kid!

The kids waiting to go into the jumping room!

The typical pump it up picture.

Caden just had his final baseball game for the season. I am glad it's over. It started to cut into our summer. Usually the games are over when school gets out, but since the new field wasn't done they had to start the season late. This year Caden played normal baseball, no pitching machine and no tee. When the games started this season, they lasted sooo long and they were really boring since the kids were pitching and mostly walked everyone. Our team finally got the hang of it and did really well! Caden is usually the smallest on the team, this year he was the second smallest so he was happy.

Here is a picture of Caden next to a kid from the other team, I think it is funny, because he looks like a munchkin next to him! He'll get his height someday! He put his hand up to Carsyn's the other day and he was laughing because their hands are the same size!

Afterwards we went to a swim/awards party. Here he is with a few of his coaches. He played well. He stole home 2 times and made an in the park home run!

Fathers day we ate lunch with my dad and went to church with Brad's family. Everyone came except his sister that lives in Indiana.

Nixon loves playing with all of his cousins. Here he is with Easton.

The original Race Family, minus one. (Left to right) Paul, Alyson, Roy, Penny, Brad, Greg, and Andrew.

I am so excited in less than two weeks we go on a week long vacation to the beach!! I can't wait!

Family Time

My cousin Jenny and her family stopped by to visit us on their way to Virginia, they just moved back from the Netherlands. It was fun to spend time with their family and to see her two boys. We had fun at the park, my kids were so dirty after we left. This park has sand, the parks I am used to have wood chips so your feet don't get so dirty. They had fun playing with the sand though.

Nixon and Carsyn

Nixon playing with Ty.

My mom, her mom and her 3 sisters.

4 of the 7, Davies grand daughters.

The kids were all taking a picture and of course Nixon didn't want me to leave his side so, I got to be in everyones pictures!!

Nixon's New Do.

Brad has been growing Nixon's hair out for a while now. It was getting pretty long and looked cool for a while. That is until Nixon would start tucking it behind his ears and while doing so it looked like how a little girl tucks her hair behind her ears, so it had to go!

Here is a before picture.

Here is an in between picture.

And the after picture. I asked him how he wanted his haircut and he said like his cousin Easton's, so here it is buzzed just in time for summer.

After he got his hair cut I put him in the shower and as he was getting in he asked me if the shower will make his hair grow back. :) He was a little shocked to look in the mirror and see all the hair gone. He'll get used to it and I won't have to fight him in the morning, trying to spray his hair down with water!

The Start of Our Summer

These are some random pictures of some of the stuff we have been up to this summer so far. We haven't gone out of town yet, but I am dying to. At church Brad has been teaching Carsyn's class temporarily. He comes home with some funny stories that the kids tell him at church. He gets a good laugh every Sunday and then so do I when he gets home and shares with me!

Caden is still playing baseball it doesn't end until the end of June. He is enjoying it this year. The games are so long now, almost 2 hours. This is the first year he is on a team where the boy's actually pitch instead of a pitching machine, which makes for a long game of walks and you get to see your kid bat only 2 times in the game. Luckily our team has a couple good pitchers so they have been doing pretty well. Carsyn and Nixon are troopers for lasting through their brother's games twice a week! The only reason they don't mind going to the games is because they have friends to play with there!

Carsyn has money from her birthday and decided she wanted to buy a Build a Bear again, as if 6 wasn't enough! She named this one Kacey.

Caden went to his first Pine Wood Derby the other day. We had the block of wood for a couple of weeks and Brad finally got to making it, he had to call off work to finish it before the Derby started. He won one race and lost the others. He wasn't sad that he didn't win, but Brad promised him he'd make him a faster car next year!

After the Race there was a lot of treats for the kids. I couldn't find Nixon, I finally found him in one of the little rooms at the church, he was eating his treats with his little friend Kaylee. Soooo cute.

Three Day Weekend

We started out our 3 day weekend with a softball game on Saturday. It was Brad's birthday and Brad's office was playing the Fresno office in an annual softball game. Brad's brother Paul was playing on the Fresno team and Brad and his youngest brother Andrew were on the same team. We had not been to one so he wanted to go to this one. It was a good game our team won. Then they had a bbq and said they were going to play one more game. Well the next game they brought out a big keg and put it on second base, so anytime someone got to second they were supposed to drink the beer. They joked with Brad that since he doesn't drink he and his brothers would have to bat left handed or tie their shoe laces together, so that they would have the same disadvantage as all of them because they would be intoxicated. Wow. I decided to take the kids and go to Caden's baseball game. I didn't want my kids to see that, no way!! Brad ended up having to drive a bunch of the guys home since they were all waisted.

Brad got home around 7 and we missed our reservations for dinner, so we had a mini party for him at home then went to his parent's house to watch the UFC fights. I guess he had fun on his birthday softball and UFC fights not my idea of a great birthday but for him it was just fine!

On Sunday we did our traditional cemetery gathering with my mom's family. We go to two different cemeteries and put flowers on our family member's graves. I love going every year. Brad normally sits this tradition out. Since he hates cemeteries, so he had his traditional Sunday nap. There is a pond at one cemetery that every year my kids run right up to and Caden tries to pick up tadpoles, well this year he decided to join the tadpoles and take a dip with them. Right after I said "Caden don't put your hands in that water", he slipped in and was up to his waist in that yucky water. He stunk so bad he had to shower as soon as we got home!!!

This picture is for my sister.

Here is the group that made it out this year, plus Stacy who took the picture. We missed everyone else that couldn't come!

Monday was our Memorial Day party, this year it was at my Aunt Sharon's house. My kids love going to her house. Nixon is always scared of her dog, who is not even the least bit scary. I have to carry him from one chair to the next, I really need to get him used to dogs!! The kids had fun swimming and eating of course! I always love getting together just to chat.

My cousin Emilee's little boy is so cute, he wanted to be right by Caden the whole time. He likes that they have the same color hair.

Finally today we went to watch Caden get and award for being on the principles list all year and we sat at the assembly for over 2 hours!! It was so long, they gave out something like 350 awards. Nixon was not having a fun time watching with us!

I can't believe that this is the last week of school. I do have one question though why in the heck do they even have school this week it is all parties and clean out your desk all day. Why not just end it already. I guess the kids enjoy it, that's all that matters.

Happy 35th, Becky!!!

Happy 35th Birthday Becky! We are having a big party here to celebrate your birthday! Oh, maybe it is for Memorial Day, but we will still think of you! :) Have fun celebrating in Utah! We miss you!

Happy 35th, Brad!!!

Brad turned 35 today! Wow 5 more years and he is 40!!!! We kind of celebrated it last weekend so today will be full of baseball games and hopefully a nice dinner out. I am so thankful to have him as my husband. Happy Birthday Brad!! The kids and I love you!!!!

The Ellen Show

I have been so excited to go on the Ellen Show. We finally went today! We left last night and stayed in a hotel in L.A. We didn't have a hotel room yet so when we got to L.A we decided to go stay in one of the hotels close to Universal City Walk so we could catch a movie there and walk around. There are two hotels in walking distance to City Walk, they are The Hilton or the Sheraton. I called the Sheraton first and when I did the guy said I just have to warn you first that our hotel is having a convention this weekend and anyone who stays here has to be warned because it is an ADULT film convention. I quickly said, well okay then, we will be staying at the Hilton, that solves it!! Scary!!

This morning we woke up and ate at a really good breakfast spot and then got to the WB lot around 11am. Today was an outside show, they called it the Backlot Bash. Normally they have around 400 people in attendance but today they had almost 5,ooo people. When we got there, there were so many people already in line, they had to have been there since 3 in the morning! So they give us bracelets and as we go through the metal detectors a lady stops us and says "Is it just the 2 of you" and we say "yes" , so she takes our bracelets and marks a star on them and says get in line and listen for when we call for the people with the stars on their bracelets! We get in line and wait for about 4 hours! Finally we hear, "anyone with a star on their bracelets please get out of line and come to the new line" Brad and I make our way over to the new line as people are giving us dirty looks, and the people that must have gotten there at 3 in the morning are now behind us in line! They walk us to the outdoor stage and we got to sit 5 rows back from the stage!! It was awesome!

The line was insane!!

Brad and I right before the show started.

Ellen came out, I think she is funny. When she gets serious I don't care for her, but when she is being funny, she makes me laugh!

George Lopez came out and started spraying everyone with squirters.

No doubt was awesome, they only played old songs though, I wanted to hear some new stuff!

Gwen Stefani started to climb up this tower without anything holding her up there, I thought that was pretty crazy.

It was cool how close they were. Brad of course had to comment on how beautiful Gwen Stefani is, in person. In fact his exact words were, "I never realized how pretty she is, until I saw her up close and she is one pretty girl!!" Keep dreaming Brad :)

After the show I thought we would at least get a CD or something but all we got were free t- shirts, of which we didn't even pick up because we didn't want to wait in the huge line again! I guess they can't give away tons of stuff when they have 5000 people there. They did hand out Flip video cameras to anyone that caught a tennis ball that Ellen hit out into the crowd. We of course didn't get a tennis ball but the show was still fun to watch! I can't wait to watch it tomorrow on t.v.!!

Happy 7th Birthday Carsyn!!

Carsyn turned 7 today, I can't believe she is that old! She is such a fun girl and I am so blessed to have her as my daughter!!

Here she is at 18 months old.

She is always in a silly mood, except for when she and her brothers get into it!

She's getting so grown up.

This morning she had a little party with some cousins and a few friends. We had pizza and cupcakes and made some bracelets. Carsyn knew exactly what she wanted to do for her party, she saw it on a t.v. show and thought it was great, so she had everyone do a blindfolded makeover. One person is blindfolded and has to give the other person a makeover. It was pretty funny to watch. The girls had fun being able to paint all over eachother's faces.

Courtney painting Soleil's face.

Carsyn giving Ambri a makeover.

Even Amy got in on the action!

Someone really got Sydney.

Macy making Ashlyn beautiful.

After shots.

Macy

My mom let the girls make her over too.

Lookin good!

Happy Birthday Carsyn, We love you!!!

Bass Lake 2009

We just got back from Bass Lake with Brad's family, we had a ton of fun!! We look forward to going all year long and by the time we actually go the trip goes by so fast! We went to the lake every day and hung out every night.

Nixon loves riding on the boat. He is still to scared to ride on the tube.

The kids wanted to ride in the smaller boat so they could go really fast. The big boat doesn't go so fast when there is 20 other people on it.

Here is Brad and his brothers and dad.

All the kids liked making smores, but they didn't like to eat as many as they made. So all the adults were handed the leftovers. After one you tend to get a little sick!

Smores are soooo messy!

Paul and Mariela

Alyson and Joel

Everyday we went to the same spot to let the kids swim and play in the sand and rocks.

Here are the 4 year olds hanging out together, it was fun this year because they were old enough to entertain themselves. They had so much fun playing with sticks and getting dirty. Notice Nixon's shirt, not too clean!!!

The first night we get there we go out to dinner. Everything was closed by the time we got settled into our cabins and the only place open was a little pizza place which turned out to be pretty good. Brad's brother Greg designed the t-shirts this year and they turned out great. Here is Greg, Katherine, Gavin and Avery getting ready for some pizza.

Our family ready for some pizza too.

I know the pictures are a little out of order but oh well there are so many of them and it is a headache to try and arrange them in order!

My dad stopped by the day we were leaving and dropped off some bags that my mom made for my kids to keep them busy on our way to Bass Lake. She is awesome. The kids were so excited to open their bags and find snacks and fun things to do in the car. Thanks mom!

The kids slept so well! Caden didn't get up until 8:00 every morning!!!! He never does that he normally wakes up by 6:30 everyday!

I love this picture of Nixon and Carsyn.

Paul and Mariela brought their hammock and the kids pretty much took it over!

Here is little Kenny all wrapped up. Such a cutie!

More roasting marshmellows!

All of the women.

On Mother's day the guys made us breakfast and then said they were leaving to go out to breakfast, they didn't actually go but the sign they made was pretty cute.

The best looking cook I've ever seen!!

I had so much fun and can't wait until next year!

The Festivities

When my brother and sister were in town for Spring Break and for my younger brother's wedding, we decided to have a family party for Caden and my nephew Jack since both of their birthdays were coming up.

Will finally made it to town, Becky and the boys were here for 10 days before he was able to come. His family sure missed him.

Here is Caden, ready to blow out candles on the fancy cake Brad and I made. :)

Here is Jack the big 4 year old!

On Caden's real birthday he wanted some of his friends and cousins to come for a little party. The plan was to swim and play video games. Well the temperature was around 69 or 70 and so most of the boys and girls didn't want to swim, a few did and they were freezing! Crazy boys!

Playing video games.

We also headed over to the park and the boys played some games, the girls decided they only wanted to swing.

They played basketball, soccer and a little football. Before Caden's party he said he wanted a free party, where it wasn't planned and they got to do whatever they wanted, so no pin the tail on the donkey, I guess he really is getting old. :(

Caden opening his gifts, he got so much money! I told him to save it but it is burning a hole in his pocket.

Now onto Carsyn's and then Brad's birthdays in May and we will be done with our family's birthdays for the year!

Happy 9th Birthday Caden!!

Caden turned 9 today, I can't believe how fast he is growing up! He is such a joy to be around. I love his since of humor, he makes me laugh everyday! I love you Caden, Happy Birthday!

Favorite Foto Friday

Why do schools feel like they need to do a fall picture day and a spring picture day? I always buy a few of the fall pictures, although they are horrible, but just because they are fun to look at when you get older. Why in spring pictures, on the other hand, do they feel the need to have ridiculous backgrounds, like I want to put the picture on display in my house, does anyone remember laser background pictures, what were those all about?? Well here is to spring picture day, the picture quality is bad mostly because it was the proof they send so you'll order pictures.

A day at the beach

Every so often Nixon will put on old Halloween costumes, this one always makes me laugh!