The Davis Family

Go Jazz!

2016-06-25T18:02:00.000-06:00

Jason and Joshua have been dying to see Kobe Bryant play before he retires. They were so excited when my Dad let them use his season tickets to see the Jazz play the Lakers.

Joshua was able to high-five some of the players after the game. He was in heaven!

I'm so glad these two were able to have a guy's night out together. Go Jazz!

Chewbie is 4!

2016-06-15T17:06:00.000-06:00

Our Chewbie turned four on May 26! (And yes, we still call him Chewbie. We probably always will). After watching all the other kids celebrate their birthdays, he was more than ready for his special day! We went swimming at the Legacy Center to celebrate . . .

We had a blast swimming together! Once we were sufficiently exhausted, we headed home for cake and presents!

Oh Chewbie . . . so much personality in one little boy! He makes us all laugh, and we can't imagine life without him. Happy Birthday Chew! We love you!!

Our First Home

2016-06-10T10:52:00.000-06:00

With construction on our new home started, it was time to put our current home up for sale. We decided to take a risk and sell it on our own. The risk paid off! We sold it for our asking price the first day we put it on the market. I was SO relieved we wouldn't have to do showings for weeks on end, but reality really set in the moment we accepted that offer. As excited as we are for our new home, this home was our first . . . and we've had so many amazing memories here. It will be hard to say goodbye!

A few photos to remember our first home by . . .

We are looking forward to making more amazing memories in our new home!

First Birthday!

2016-06-04T10:46:00.000-06:00

Brooklyn turned one on May 15. She is the absolute darling of the family, and we were so excited to celebrate her special day with her! Her birthday fell on a Sunday, so we had a fun party at home with family...lots of cake and presents!

So many fun presents to open! She got a baby doll, a quiet book for church, and a little scooter that makes her dance!

To say she enjoyed her cake would be a major understatement!

In fact, she enjoyed her cake SO much that she went straight to the bathtub when she was finished!

Brooklyn has brought so much joy to our lives . . . there's a lot of personality in that little body of hers! We can't imagine our family without her. Happy Birthday to our baby princess! We love you!!

Mom, The Campaign Manager

2016-06-01T10:27:00.000-06:00

Joshua and Olivia both decided to run for Student Council for the upcoming school year . . . a BIG deal at their school. I felt like a full-on campaign manager! They each had to write two essays on the qualities found in a good leader and the impact they would have on their school as an officer, make campaign posters to hang in the halls at school, and write a speech. First they gave the speech to their classmates, after which the top student from each class moved on to give their speech in front of the entire school. After a school-wide vote, the top two students from each grade became the next year's student council officers. Joshua was old enough to run for Student-body president and he decided to go for it. After a week of campaigning, he ended up losing to his good friend by only 1 vote . . . It was a heart breaker! He didn't give up though. He ran the following week for a sixth-grade officer and won by a landslide. I was so proud of him!

Olivia's grade had more than 20 kids running this year! She was so nervous about giving her speech, but she rocked it in the end. She spoke about the importance of being kind to everyone and stopping playground bullying. After winning her class vote, she went on to the school-wide vote . . . and she won!

I couldn't be more proud of my kids . . . and I love that they go for it when they want something! Congratulations Ja and Livi! I love you both!!

Soccer Fam

2016-05-25T15:16:00.000-06:00

We survived another season of soccer in the Davis family! This was Joshua's last season with the Peaks. He was invited to try out for a state team, and after A LOT of deliberating and pros/cons lists, he decided to go for it. We have loved our Peaks team, and the decision was especially hard for Jason because he has been the team's assistant coach and has gotten close to all the boys. We knew it was the right thing for Joshua to do, but change is always hard!

Fortunately, we ended our run with the Peaks on a high note! After an undefeated season, we went all the way to the tournament finals. We lost the final game by 1 point, but the boys played amazing and Joshua got another trophy for his room!

Ethan had an awesome season too! He played with a city league this year and he scored a goal in every game... Go Eth!

He got an awesome medal to hang in his room too!

We bought Jason and the older kids season tickets to the BYU Men's soccer games. They had a pretty crummy season, but the kids loved every minute of the games. They made it a tradition to pick up Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on their way home . . . which I was more than happy to help them eat!

We are a goal-scoring, loud cheering, soccer-loving family and proud of it!!

9 Years Old!!

2016-05-20T23:16:00.000-06:00

Our sweet Olivia turned nine on May 3... Time is flying' by! She wanted to have a super-exclusive Girl's Day Out with her mom . . . lunch, pedicures, and shopping! I was all too happy to oblige!

Since her birthday fell on a school day, I told Livi she could ditch school for the day. She didn't want her school friends to miss out on birthday treats, so she took cupcakes to school the day before her birthday . . .

On her Birthday, I told her we could go to lunch at ANY restaurant of her choosing . . . she chose McDonalds ha ha!

Olivia is my smoothie buddy . . . there isn't anything we love more than a good smoothie. She got one in each flavor because she just couldn't choose one!

Then we went to the nail salon to have our nails done. Olivia got gel nails for the first time, and she was loving the special kid-sized chair and DVD player they had for her. It was the royal treatment for sure!

After the salon, we drove to the mall to hit Livi's favorite store . . . Claire's! I told her she could pick out something special for her Birthday and she chose a little stuffed kitten. As we were walking through the mall, she said, "This is the best day of my life because you are spending so much time and money on me!" Love this girl!

The boys were excited when we got home because it meant it was time for cake!

Presents were a big hit too! Livi got everything she had hoped for, and then some! She got Shopkins, a new purse, and each of the boys raided their piggy banks to give her some spending money. Sweetest thing I ever saw!

Jason and I surprised her with a gymnastics mat that she can practice her tumbling passes on. She loves it and uses it every day!

My little Olivia . . . she is more special than she even knows! I am so grateful Heavenly Father has allowed me to be her mother. She is everything that is lovely and feminine in this world, and I couldn't imagine my life without her. Love you Liv!!

Traveling the Country!

2016-05-06T12:16:00.000-06:00

Since Jason started with Showroom Logic, he's had a lot of opportunities to travel around the country working with clients. He usually has a trip once a month or so. He's been to New York, Florida, Chicago, Denver, Boston, North Carolina, Texas . . . and probably more that I can't recall at the moment. He's been able to see some awesome sights, and he's been able to visit some of his siblings that live around the country. We miss him when he's gone, but the kids love it when he sends them pictures of what he's up to . . .

Jason loves his work with Showroom, and we are so grateful he works hard every day to provide for us. Love you Babe!

Movin' On Up!

2016-05-02T16:04:00.000-06:00

Our kids are growing up and it's time for a bigger home! After about six months of house hunting . . . searching for the perfect home, in the perfect neighborhood, with the perfect schools . . . we finally decided we are the pickiest people on planet earth, and we just have to build! In April, we came across a lot in a beautiful neighborhood just 10 minutes from where we are now. The goal was to keep Joshua in the same Junior High as his friends, and the location was perfection. We signed on the lot, found an awesome builder, and our new home should be complete this October!

The kids love to visit the lot every day to see the progress being made on the house . . .

Jason and I love the view from our future front door . . .

There's so much to get done before October, but we feel incredibly blessed and we are so excited to move into our new home!

Happy Birthday Joshua!

2016-04-18T09:51:00.000-06:00

Joshua turned 11 on March 29. He and Jason spent a full two days partying together (those two are inseparable), and they had so much fun together!

On his Birthday Eve, they went to the Utah Jazz vs. LA Lakers game. Jason had to see Kobe Bryant play one last time before he retires!

The next morning, they got up early and went snowboarding together. This was only Joshua's second time snowboarding, but he did awesome! He was able to keep up with Jason the entire day. He came home happy and exhausted!

We had his favorite dinner- roast with mashed potatoes, when he got home . . . followed by cake and ice cream of course!

Present time! He got lots of soccer gear, a wii game, and some super cute notes from the little kids . . .

Joshua . . . my first baby. He is growing up to be the most amazing kid! Seriously, I couldn't be more proud of him. He is the perfect oldest child, and I just love being his mom. Happy Birthday Ja!!

Hoppy Easter!

2016-04-14T09:59:00.000-06:00

We had a fabulous Easter this year, with all our favorite traditions . . . decorating Easter eggs, a visit from the Easter Bunny, a special Easter-themed Sacrament meeting, and dinner and an Easter Egg hunt at Steve and Alyse's house. LOVE!

The Easter Bunny spoiled the kids big time . . .

The kids looked cute all dressed up in their Easter best . . .

We had to pose for a cousins picture before our Easter egg hunt. Between Katie's family and ours, we have a whole lot of kids now . . . crazy!

Uncle Steve and Aunt Alyse always host a great party! The kids loved hunting for eggs in their backyard . . .

It was a perfect Easter, and we are SO excited for spring! Happy Easter everyone!!

First Steps

2016-04-04T12:49:00.001-06:00

Our little Brooklyn is now a walker!! Don't let the cuteness fool you . . . the girl is into EVERYTHING now! We love our little princess!

Eth is 6!

2016-03-23T09:55:00.000-06:00

Ethan turned six on March 19. He was so happy when the day FINALLY arrived! He couldn't wait to celebrate with his kindergarten friends. He brought cupcakes to share with them . . .

and he made a poster about himself to hang up in his classroom . . .

He has been asking to wear his soccer medal to school every day since kindergarten began. I promised him he could wear it on his birthday . . . he felt super cool with it on!

Later, we went to see "Zootopia" with Grandpa and Grandma Dalby!

Ethan wanted me to take his picture in front of all the awesome movie posters . . .

Then we headed to his favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A, for dinner . . .

Cake and presents at our house . . .

We love our Ethanator so much! He has such a pure heart . . . there's not a mean bone in that kid's body. We're so grateful to have him in our family. Happy Birthday Eth!!

Provo City Center Temple

2016-03-16T11:19:00.000-06:00

We took the kids to the Provo City Center Temple open house. This was their first time inside a temple, and they were super excited to go! We got up at 4:30 in the morning to beat the crowds. Even getting there before the temple opened, there was a long line of people waiting to get in. The kids were such troopers!

The temple was beautiful! Jason and I remembered all the concerts, graduations and stake conferences we attended there when it was still the tabernacle. The kids' favorite parts were the baptismal font and the stained glass window of Christ holding a baby lamb. Livi said, "I had a special feeling inside of me when I looked at that window." They also loved the fountains outside.

Our souvenir photo the cute sister missionaries took of us . . .

It was awesome to walk through the temple as a family and let the kids feel the spirit that was there. Now Joshua and Livi are super excited to be a part of the dedication in a few days here. We love to see the temple!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow!

2016-02-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Joshua and Olivia both tried out for Riverview's annual musical again. This year, the directors chose to do The Wizard of Oz, and I could not have been more excited! The kids were both cast as munchkins . . . lots of singing and lots of dancing. We had "Ding, Dong the Witch is dead" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" stuck in our heads for about 3 months straight . . . LOVE!

The kids all dressed up in their costumes:

Joshua with his fellow Lollipop Guild members:

Olivia with her BFF Sara (who was an Ozian):

The kids performing on stage (They were seriously so fabulous!):

The final bow on closing night (I may have shed a tear or two):

We were grateful to have lots of family there to support the kids:

Joshua and Livi's teachers also came to cheer them on:

It was so much fun . . . and so much work! We are ready for a little break. Bravo to both Joshua and Livi! We love you guys!!

Love Day!

2016-02-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Jason and I celebrated our 15th Valentine's Day together this year . . . crazy! We dropped the kids off with Grandpa and Grandma Dalby and went to dinner. It was so nice to spend some alone time together. Life has gotten busier and crazier over the years, but as cheesy as it might sound . . . we truly have never been happier!

Jason surprised all the girls in the family with flowers and candy. Olivia still has her flowers right next to her bed so she can look at them every day and "protect them from the boys!"

Happy Love Day everyone!

WrestleMania!

2016-01-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Wrestling is a regular occurrence in our house . . . as in non-stop, every day. The kids love to tackle Jason and starts pillow fights with one another. This picture pretty much sums up life at our house . . .

A bunch of crazies! Gotta love 'em!

A Sunbeam!

2016-01-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Chewbie had his very first Sunday in primary . . . this crazy boy is now a sunbeam! He wasn't too sure about leaving his nursery leaders and their snacks behind. It took a lot of bribery to get him to stay in his new class. Fortunately, he has the best Sunbeam teachers ever and he ended up having a great Sunday. He was VERY excited about his cool crown. We love our little Sunbeam!

Happy New Year!!

2016-01-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Steve and Alyse's house for New Year's Eve this year. We played lots of "Pie Face!", stuffed ourselves with treats and watched the ball drop with family. It was perfect!

2015 was an amazing year for our family. On the way to Springville, we were listing off all the blessings we received in '15. The list was long . . . the birth of our sweet Brooklyn, seeing Olivia be baptized, a series of miracles that allowed us to stay in Utah (we were a week away from moving our family to Kansas), a new amazing job for Jason, good health . . . the list goes on and on. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for watching over us. And we are so looking forward to another amazing year! Happy New Year!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

2016-01-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

We had an AWESOME Christmas this year! Seriously, we all agreed it was our favorite Christmas we've had so far. Here are some pictures of the fun!

The kids all dressed up in their Sunday best for Christmas Sunday . . .

Fun at our Ward Christmas party . . .

Meeting Santa Claus . .

Brooklyn was a little terrified seeing Santa for the first time. She was actually so scared that she didn't even cry, she just looked at me like, "Save me Mom!" Poor girl . . .

On Christmas Eve, we went with Grandpa and Grandma Dalby to see "Star Wars: The Force Awakens". I think Joshua was more excited for this moment than he was for presents on Christmas morning . . .

After the movie, we went to my parent's house for a yummy Christmas Eve feast and our annual Christmas Eve program. The kids looking cute in their jammies . . .

Letters to Santa! Joshua and Livi spent a long time coming up with some serious questions for Santa Claus . . .

Santa brought the kids a Wii U for Christmas this year. They were beyond excited . . .

Grandma and Grandpa Dalby, Uncle Brad and Great-Grandma Todd came over on Christmas morning for breakfast and to watch the kids open their gifts . . .

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

The Tooth Fairy Rocks!

2015-12-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ethan lost his very first tooth two days before Christmas. It was a traumatic experience pulling the tooth out (Ethan is our resident scaredy cat), but it was all worth it when he found two dollars from the Tooth Fairy under his pillow the next morning! Now, he has his money stashed away in his secret hiding place (his sock drawer- everybody knows it) and he has grand plans to make more money when his other teeth fall out. We love the Tooth fairy!

Our Creepy Elf

2015-12-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

The kids have been begging for an elf on the shelf for a long time. They say they are the ONLY kids at their school who don't have one! We decided to bite the bullet and get an elf this year. Olivia was especially excited. She could not wait! When we brought the elf home, it took us (no joke) two full days to agree on a name. After about 32 votes, we finally agreed on "Jimminy Christmas." It was all magical and fun until I told the kids that as soon as we named our elf, he would get his magic and come to life. That's when it hit Livi... this elf was going to come to life. And suddenly she was terrified. She refused to be in the same room as Jimminy, convinced that he was always looking at her. The first night, she was in tears . . . so distraught that she couldn't even sleep. I found her trying to blockade the door to her bedroom because she was so afraid he would come into her room while she was sleeping and stare at her with those "creepy eyes." I finally had to tell her the truth . . . that it was all in fun and there was nothing to be afraid of. She was a little relieved, but still creeped out by the little guy . . .

And so . . . our new super-fun family tradition has officially scarred our child for life. Mother of the Year for sure!

Snow Fun!

2015-12-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

We are getting more than our fair share of snow this year! The kids (and Jason) have been having a blast building snowmen, having snowball fights and making snow forts together. Brooklyn and I have fun watching them from the window in the warm, cozy house!

We love winter in Utah!

Half-Birthdays for Everyone!

2015-12-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

We just finished half-birthday season at our house . . . and let me tell you, there has been a lot of cake around here!

Some pics of the kids on their special days:

Joshua: 10 and 1/2

Dinner of Choice: Waffles

Olivia: 8 and 1/2

Dinner of Choice: Blueberry muffins and eggs

Ethan: 5 and 1/2

Dinner of Choice: Chicken Pillows

Chewbie: 3 and 1/2

Dinner of Choice: Chicken Nuggets

Brooklyn: 6 months!!

Dinner of Choice: Sweet Potatoes and Pears

We have the best kids in the world . . . We seriously couldn't be more blessed. Happy half-birthday to my sweet kiddos!!

She's a Crawler!!

2015-12-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Our last day in Arizona, Brooklyn started crawling! We knew she'd be an early crawler because she just has to be with her older siblings at all times. She has major FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Admittedly, I was trying to discourage the whole crawling thing . . . I hate that constant paranoia that she will fall down the stairs. But there was no stopping her. Now she is a crawling machine and she is getting into EVERYTHING!

Love that girl! Seriously... just looking at these pictures makes me need a squeeze!!