{castle de la Carrots}

Sophie has recently decided that meal time is play time. Like for example, she is a huge fan of putting her food and beverages on her feet. Needless to say. . . it's not my favorite thing. Although she can be pretty creative:

I present. . . Castle de la Carrots

{what year is it?}

When I got Sophie ready today, I took a step back and realized. . .


the 80's are back!

{Disneyland '08} part II

While we were in California, my incredible Dad got us tickets to see...

I have been dying to see it since so many people have raved about it. And I wasn't let down one bit . . . it was INCREDIBLE!


Not only did he get us tickets, but he stayed at the hotel with all 5 grandkids! Needless to say... he was a little nervous about it, especially because my sister left her 6 month old. But one of the most priceless moments of the trip for me was when we got back from the show and walked in to see this . . .

The kids were asleep surrounding Papa and he had this look on his face that said, "I survived!" And the first words out of his mouth were, "Man, I have to pee! I haven't gone in 5 hours!"

Thanks Papa, you're the best!

The last day of our trip we headed to Newport beach. It's always a little chilly, but that didn't stop the kids from having a great time playing in the sand together.

{Disneyland '08} part I

So this time I have a really good excuse for not posting in so long. We spent the last week in sunny California on our Rife family vacation to Disneyland!!

We were so excited to go. . . and the trip was incredible! Last year when we went, our kids were still a little young. Ayden had a hard time with all the people and Sophie spent the whole trip in her stroller. But his year they were old enough to really appreciate it.

Connor and Ayden are such good friends. Even though they only get to see each other a few times a year, they always pick up right where they left off.





Sophie and Abby got a kick out of each other right off the bat. They loved to laugh and play together. They had fun running from one hotel room to the next, opening the door and saying "hea-wow". (hello)



Have I ever mentioned what an incredible family I have? Well they are amazing and they showed it on this trip. Everyone was so willing to help with the kids whenever needed. They carried them, fed them, played with them, and made it such a wonderful experience for us. Thanks so much guys, you're the best!





There's nothing like being at the happiest place on earth with the people I love most!



{Man. . . I love my sisters}

Special thanks to Nana Jan and Papa Rich for providing this incredible experience for us. You guys are amazing and we appreciate everything you do for us and your great example.

{'02-'08} 6 incredible years . . . .

Yesterday Logan and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary! I love anniversaries because you always take time to reflect on your life and the experiences you've had.

Logan started off the day by giving me 2 dozen gorgeous pink roses. (he knows that they are my favorite) He also gave me a video of our lives together. He went through all of our pictures and put together a 40 min video of all the great times we've had over the past 6 years. What an amazing gift from an amazing person.


That evening my Mom came up to watch the kids so we could go out on a little shopping trip and to dinner.


There's nothing like time alone with the man I love. We had a great time together. Lots of really interesting conversation as well as lots of laughs. (as always)

So babe. . . you're the man of my dreams. I can't believe I've been lucky enough to spend 6 incredible years with you. I appreciate all you do for me. We've had lots of fun, lots of laughs, and lots of love.


Happy Anniversary.

{How many of me}

So my cousin put this website on her blog and I just had a blast with it! I don't know why, but it's crazy to think that there are people running around out there with your exact same name! So here are the stats for my little fam:

Hammer: 21,266

Mary: 4,007,213
Mary Hammer: 281

Logan: 27,343
Logan Hammer: 2

Ayden: 0
Ayden Hammer:0 (lucky!)

Sophie:44,052
Sophie Hammer: 3

So I guess I have by far the most common name in my family. Check it out and see how many of you there are!

What a team . . .

So my kids must have read my previous post and decided to help their poor sweet mom out a little today. As I was getting Sophie dressed they decided I needed a little help getting ready.

Ayden, the stylist, grabbed a comb and went to town on my crazy locks. Sophie found some lip gloss (actually a stick from a thing of bubbles) and made me up real nice. What more could you ask for. I guess I don't have any excuse for not getting ready anymore!

Thanks guys!

Blogging loser

So I am feeling like a total blogging loser right now. I really have not sat down in front of my computer in a week. No email, no posts, seriously what is wrong with me?

I'll tell you what's wrong with me, and I'm sure all you mothers out there will understand... the minute I sit down to the computer, answer the phone, jump in the shower, etc... all hell breaks loose in my house. So sometimes, instead of putting myself in situations where I know my patience will be sorely tested, I avoid them at all costs. So if you are ever wondering why I haven't posted, don't respond to emails, never answer my phone, and seldom look presentable...

it's because of this very reason.

Ahhhh the joys of motherhood.

And the award goes too. . .

There are a lot of desserts that taste good, but rarely ever are they beautiful enough to actually take your breath away and make you salivate at the same time. We are having a dessert night with the Hall family tonight and I decided to attempt the fruit pizza.


Seriously. . . have you ever seen anything more beautiful?
(food wise that is)

Easter Morning

{The glorious sight we woke up to Easter morning}

{The Easter Bunny even cleaned the house!}

I don't think there is anything more fun than waking up to your children filled with excitement and joy. They had so much fun looking through their baskets and gathering up the candy. The Easter bunny even hid some special treats for them to find.






{And he made bunny shaped pancakes. Yummy!}


And yes, this is the best picture we could get of them that morning. You can hardly see their outfits, but they are stinking cute just the same.

The 9th annual Easter Eggstravaganza

For the past 9 years our neighborhood has held an Easter egg hunt. . . in fact, we are the co-hosts. After we moved it we found out it was a responsibility that came with the house. Last years was a totally success so we were a little apprehensive this year, considering the crazy weather we've been having. We knew there was a good chance we'd be hunting for eggs in the snow. But things started to look up and we ended up with an absolutely beautiful day. The turnout was incredible too! We counted close to a hundred kids!

{the turnout}

Sophie was beside herself when she realized that she had the green light to go around eating whatever candy she could get her grimy little paws on.

{the finger up the nose is a new development}

Ayden had an absolute blast helping us set up. He walked around very carefully placing the eggs when the rest of us were just tossing them about.


He was a little overwhelmed with all the people (as usual) but once he had his Daddy there to help him he was just fine.


We have already begun planning for the big 10 year anniversary next year. You won't want to miss it!