Christmas Morning

Wow! I failed as a picture taker this morning! But I did have a MAGICAL time with lots of family and happy kids:) We had dad, Andrea, Uncle Rob, Uncle Matt, Uncle Roice & Aunt Sarah all here and I loved every second of it. I only wish it could have lasted all day.... or LONGER!! We opened gifts, ate brunch and too much candy, drank green smoothies, and played alot. I love Christmas!!

Stockings!
Avalyn opening a gift with chocolate in her mouth:
Uncle Rob's gifts were a HUGE hit with the kids...
Aunt Sarah gave the girls her childhood holiday barbies!

They are so beautiful and I joked that Sarah turned Halle into a monster. The barbies gave her just the inspiration she needed for some new hairstyles:
Uncle Roice's gift to Uncle Rob... AWESOME!
Yes, that is a straw.
My favorite picture of the day!
Sarah MADE these... I'm so amazed!

2011 Christmas Letter

(The one that didn't make it in with our Christmas cards this year)

Merry Christmas 2011

Another year down and only 1 ½ more years of dental school to go, but who’s counting? As we get closer to graduation, the question of where we will go after Jared is done comes up a lot and the answer is that we just don’t know yet. I really wish we did! I pray every day that we will be able to “get it right” when the time comes so that we don’t have to move the kids around a lot while Jared establishes his career but only time will tell. All is well with dental school. One thing that has become evident to me is how much Jared cares and is aware of his patients and their circumstances.

Jared still teaches Sunday School to 9 year olds, a big group of rowdy boys including Colby. I recently was asked to teach music to the primary kids in our ward, ages 3-11. We are super excited to announce that we are expecting another baby girl in just over a month! I feel like my year consisted of working hard to get in shape for my sister’s wedding in April and then gaining my usual tons of pregnancy weight;) I created the yearbook at the kids’ school for 2010-2011, learned the ropes to extreme couponing, dabbled a little in furniture restoration and have become increasingly interested in plant based nutrition, particularly “green smoothies”.

Colby (9) participated in a lot this year: soccer, basketball, piano, theatre & voice camps, swim team, cub scouts, the spelling bee, and the 4th grade musical. He tries so hard at everything he does. Colby’s 3rd grade teacher offered the kindest compliment, saying he was the most gifted, well-rounded kid she has ever taught and she was so grateful that she was able to play a part in his educational journey. He has become quite serious about sports. He has a ball at his feet almost as much as he has a book in his hands. And he is just so introspective about all he does. Kind of a funny example… one day, he threw a massive fit in the middle of a parking lot. I just looked at him and said, “Wow, that was kind of embarrassing for you.” His calm response was, “All of the other kids act that way, I just wanted to see what it felt like!” Apparently there is thought and purpose even behind his emotional reactions.

Taylor (7) has too been quite busy this year, participating in soccer, gymnastics, dance, voice lessons, and swim team. It seems Taylor is just becoming more and more who she is designed to be: loyal, family-oriented, self-disciplined, organized, crafty, athletic and strong, and a performer. She gets braver and more confident every year. Last summer, Taylor experienced anxiety at swim meets that kept her from swimming in them. This year, she swam in every event in every meet and qualified for the Meet of Champs in three events. My favorite representation of Taylor’s personality was at Mother’s Day when I found a note that said, “Mother’s Day Surprise… Halle will set up the tea party, Colby will make decorations, Taylor will plan it, Dad will make breakfast, Avalyn will be cute.”

Halle (5) is our little social butterfly. She started Kindergarten this year and school is definitely her thing. She loves the rules, the friends, the projects, and the many opportunities to please and receive rewards. Her teacher says she is a hard worker, motivated, an example to others, and a rule follower... (OK, so I was only a little bit surprised to hear some of those adjectives:). She too experimented in various sports this year: soccer, dance, gymnastics, and swim team. I’m struggling a little bit to help her find her niche as the middle child. Halle wants so badly to be in charge but her placement in the family makes it difficult. Halle is a leader among her friends… she is charismatic, bright, independent, and fearless.

Avalyn (2) is so much fun! She really isn’t my easiest baby but she seems to do no wrong in our eyes. I am treasuring her baby and toddler stage in a way I couldn’t with my older ones. I guess it took me 4 kids to figure out how to do that! The thing that stands out about Avalyn is her level of empathy. She already has a few close friends and it surprises me she is old enough to demonstrate such concern for them and for her siblings. One day, Halle got in trouble and went to her room crying. We heard Avalyn knocking at her door saying, “Baby, are you OK? Baby, baby… I wanna hold you, are you OK?”

It is definitely a busy season of our lives but we are very aware of how blessed we are. We feel especially grateful for our health, our beliefs, and the tremendous support system we have through great family and friends. We hope that this Holiday Season is full of happiness, peace, and perspective for each of you.

We’d love for you to visit our family blog for more pictures and video at http://vidorwrights.blogspot.com

Love,
The Wrights

A Picture Year in Review 9

NOVEMBER 2011:
Colby's Spelling Bee, Soccer, soccer, and more soccer...

DECEMBER 2011:
Taylor and Grandpa singing in the joint LDS/Epiphany of our Lord Christmas Concert, Christmas Card Pictures

A Picture Year in Review 8

OCTOBER 2011:

Field Day, One of my Furniture Restoration Experiments, and Bedroom Makeover

A Picture Year in Review 7

SEPTEMBER 2011:
Temple Trip with the Paternos, Grandparents Day @ School, Labor Day fun with the Wrights @ the Nelsons:), and Halle's field trip to the fire station

A Picture Year in Review 6

More JULY/AUGUST 2011:
Hotel Sleepover for Haleigh's Birthday, Singing with choir at the Astros Game, Camping with Yogi, Corpus Christi Trip before dad starts school, Avalyn getting into my makeup, and Blue Bell Factory Tour

A Picture Year in Review 5

JULY 2011:
Wright Family Reunion (Yes, this is just Jared's immediate family); Family Races, Ripley's Wax Museum, Water fun, Exotic Animal Farm, and more...

A Picture Year in Review 4

JUNE 2011:
Last day of school, My Fair Lady with Mom, Camp Rock 2 at Miller Outdoor Theatre & Zoo Train Ride with friends, LOTS of swim team for Colby, Taylor, & Halle (I only have one picture for some reason though), and Halle's 5th Birthday Party

A Picture Year in Review 3

More APRIL/MAY 2011:
Wright dad's backyard campout, Fun and blackberry picking at Jodie's farm, Easter egg hunt with Wright cousins, Colby's birthday party, and paddle boats/train ride with Avalyn & Halle.

A Picture Year in Review 2

MARCH 2011:
Family Festival with Ryan & Lisa's family, Soccer Begins, Kids Celebrating Colby's Winning T-Shirt Design, & Colorado Trip for Uncle Chuck's MemorialAPRIL 2011:
Hiking with Austin Wright Cousins, Hotel Swimming with Nelson Cousins, My Sister Sara's Rehearsal Dinner & Wedding

A Picture Year in Review

As I began to write my Christmas letter, I looked back through my blog to help me remember what happened this year and realized that I didn't post so many pictures of some of the things we did this year. And so for the next few DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS... I am going to use the pictures we took to post each month's highlights (that I haven't already posted) as a picture year in review. Enjoy!

DEC 2010/JANUARY 2011:
Taylor brakes her thumb falling off her bike, Baking cookies with Aunt Sara & Uncle Tim, Christmas morning, and Minute to Win-It with the Paternos:

FEBRUARY 2011:
Ward Campout, Taylor's Happy 7th Birthday, First Pinewood Derby, and a Hair Cut for Mom:

** Disclaimer: I'm sure I have some of these events placed in the wrong months but they're close enough for me:)

4th Grade Musical Video

Colby tried out for a speaking part for the 4th grade musical called "Dig It!" Here is the clip of the scene he was on stage for. The majority of the musical was about how we can learn from history. Colby was in the last scene where he was an archaeologist from the future who found remnants of his current school. He is on the far left speaking and in the back row towards the right when the dance starts.

We have been busy with life and this just seemed to unfortunately be pushed in the background of everything else so I didn't put as much into this as I normally would have at home. I was so proud of the initiative Colby took to learn his lines on his own and remind me when he had to be at school early to practice. It is really fun having a child old enough to do that for things that are important to him. AND, he did a great job up there. Always fun to watch the magic the teachers can do with these kids... over 200 of them in 4th grade, 8 scenes, 8 songs with 2 part harmonies and dances and costumes and backdrops. Incredible!

Had to take a picture with his lovely fan...

Taylor Fall Voice Recital Videos

I love watching this sweetheart on stage! I love my talented friend for providing this voice class and for the confidence it is bringing to Taylor. I thought "Somwhere Over the Rainbow" was a perfect song choice. And watch her dramatics in the group performance... awesome:)

Solo Performance: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"


Group Performance: "Hard Knock Life"

Busy Saturdays

Three soccer players = very busy Saturdays!!

Colby - can't get enough soccer. He has a ball at his feet almost as much as he has a book in his hands. I wish I would have videotaped his game from yesterday because it had to be the game of his life. He played like I have never seen before and blew everyone away! It was fun to watch.

Taylor - totally surprised me with soccer because we tried it when she was 4 and she hated it, mostly because she had to wear those long socks! But - She LOVES it and she is FAST and she never seems to get tired. She has gotten more aggressive and more confident with each game.

Halle - doesn't love soccer so much! She tells the coach she needs a break A LOT and runs by me on the sidelines and asks why I didn't sign her up for gymnastics:) I've never bribed my kids in sports but I told Halle I would pay her $1 for every goal she scored just to try to get that girl to stop chatting with the coach during the game and to run a little bit, at least kind of close to the ball:) She has started to make an adorable "game face" and she grunts like she's playing tennis and she has gotten a little more skip in her step since I offerred the bribe. She even scored one goal - in the other team's goal... but I still paid her a dollar!

And our sweet, patient little fan gets her own scrapbook page for this post...

VOTE PLEASE - Baby Girl Name Poll

You know I love your opinions! If you look at my blog through a reader or through facebook, you'll have to go to the actual blog to check the sidebar and vote. No middle names yet, just voting on the first name. Jared has only given approval on one of these names but I won't tell you which one because I'm not convinced it is "the name" right now. In fact, I've been calling the baby another one of these names the past few months before really asking his opinion... ha ha!

Happy Halloween!!

Ultrasound

If anybody has a good idea how to break the news to Colby, I'd love to hear it!

Playgroup

Avalyn has started a playgroup with three little friends from our ward and the girls were at my house the first week. I still can't believe she is old enough to look forward to playing with friends and for a playgroup to actually be about more than who took who's toy. I had gorgeous weather and a really fun time with these sweet friends!

Daddy Daughter Dance

One good thing about Jared never looking at our blog is that he'll never know I posted this video. Unless you tell him. So don't tell him because he'll make me take it off :)

First Day of School

Colby - 4th grade, great report!
Taylor - 2nd grade, not very happy when she came home but they had to sit out in the heat for 40 minutes because of the ridiculous parent pick up line and I think that contributed.
Halle - Kindergarten, no problems... and she went to bed early tonight!
Avalyn - wanted to wear her backpack too... we tried the YMCA today... she lasted 20 minutes:)

The BIG Kindergartner!

And mom.... has forgotten what to do with only one child at home and no set daily schedule. Avalyn & I didn't know what to do with ourselves today!

Colby's in Tights Video

One of the fun things about moving where I grew up is being able to be a part of the fun things those I grew up with are doing now. One friend from high school owns her own theatre and Colby was so lucky to be a part of one of their awesome musical theatre camps.
In one week, these kids - many who had never been on a stage or play before - learned lines, songs, and dances for a 40 minute musical theatre. Impressive!!!

Colby was Little John in Robin Hood. He was supposed to say things backwards and they played a blooper noise every time he messed up. He LOVED being the comic relief. He thought the whole experience was super fun which is amazing because even as an adult, that would be pretty tough for me to get up on that stage!

Here is a short video of a couple of my favorite parts - dancing and singing to "Men in Tights" and a scene where they stop some girls in the woods, try to steal their gold, and then the girls convivnce Little John that after he steals their gold, they will become poor which makes them the prime candidate to receive the stolen gold according to the merry men's motto to rob from the rich and give to the poor. Enjoy:)

If your kids are interested in theatre, the Queen Theatre has auditions coming up soon for Treasure Island.

Apple of My Eye

Friday, Taylor had eye surgery on both eyes to correct her strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other.

Rolling her out to the operating room:
Day One Recovery - Not very fun.
Day 2 Recovery: Her eyes are open! I think she's trying to look like a monster here.
Day 3 Recovery: Eyes still tired and very, very red but she's a lot happier today. I'm trying not to worry that her eye still turns in. The nurse told me to expect it to look either over corrected or under corrected while she is in recovery. Beautiful, brave girl!

Voice Camp Recital Videos

Nothing is better than finding an activity that brings kids home happier than when they left every time! For the past two weeks, Colby & Taylor went to a voice camp put on by an extremely talented friend. And today was their recital. It was so fun to watch them up on that stage!


The lighting makes it so you can't see Tay's face with her hat - but she loved her outfit, so I'm still glad we had her wear it.


Colby's Solo:


Colby's Group Song... this was so fun! Colby was hamming it up in the back.

Happy 5th Birthday Halle!

5 going on 20! Please don't be in such a hurry to grow up!!! But other than that - keep it all up... you've got a great life ahead of you. Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Thank you for a very Happy Birthday!!

Wow! I am feeling the L-O-V-E.

My kids trying so hard all day not to argue.

An awesome swim party with 12 friends and our 48 kids (see... I'm not the only crazy one).

100+ texts/emails/facebook messages/happy birthdays sung to my voicemail. Every single one of them made me smile!

The totally raw "dessert" I was craving delivered to my door by very thoughtful friends. I'll link to the recipe soon.

Grandparent babysitters

XMEN + a great dinner with my hubby

And these very... what's the word... "bright" shoes from Jared. Do you think I can pull them off? I'm still trying to decide :)

Thanks for a great birthday!!

More Video...

DANCE RECITAL:

A friend from church put together the best run dance program we have been a part of. And she did it out of her house! My girls learned more this year from Ms. Heidi than the three years of dance we've done before combined! I loved this recital she did at our church because it was short, I was invested in every dance because each group had girls I loved in them, and the dances were longer and so polished. And it turned out to be a good thing that scheduling conflicts put Taylor and Halle in a dance class together so look for both of them in the videos.

Ballet: Colors of the Wind





Tap: Everlasting Love



TALENT SHOW:

Every morning before school, my kids wanted to listen to "Seize the Day" from Newsies. I guess it got them into their day - ha ha! It turned into wanting to do something with it for the talent show and so we put together this with a group of Colby's friends. It is never easy to get in front of 1200 peers and perform and we were super proud of all these boys!

Introducing our Caboose...

Level 2 Olympic Fun Fest Video

Colby's Piano Recital Video

Interviews

I'm enjoying how easy it is to take a video on my phone, direct it straight to youtube, and then post on my blog. I'm sure some of you have been doing it for years but it is a new thing for me. I love love love seeing videos on other people's blogs b/c I feel like I get to know their kids so much better than through pictures. Here is some interviews my girls did on each other. Fun to see the candid side of their personalities! (Especially when Halle picks her nose at the end;)

Mad Soccer Skills

Some short clips of Colby's goalie skills from his last game this season. Colby has definitely gotten into soccer more this past year. He told me that he does lunges and squats in his room at night because he wants to be a better soccer player. He said he feels like he just fits with soccer so I'm sure we'll be sticking with this sport a little longer.

Mother's Day Surprise!

Mother's Day has definitely become my favorite day of the year. I am looking forward to it and I'm lucky to have a daughter who is too! Tay would die if she knew I found this note but I'm so glad I did. I love that girl!

Fancy Learning

Halle loves the Fancy Nancy books and decided our family was not fancy enough. She placed an ad on our fridge and then gave Avalyn, Jared, & me lessons. She was very disappointed we didn't go to a restaurant dressed up in our new wardrobe.

Happy 9th Birthday!

You never cease to amaze me.

Happy Easter!