Madison's Preschool Graduation

Last night Madison had her Preschool Graduation. We have loved sending Madison to Good Shepard and are ecstatic that Ashley can now attend. Every time I would drop Madison off at school she would run to her friends yelling, "Bye Mommy!" It was too cute!
This is Madison's cute Preschool class! Ashley quickly jumped into the picture too!
This is Jeanene, Madison's teacher! Madison just loves her and she will be truly missed. Hopefully Ashley can have her as a teacher when she is five.

I know its just a Preschool Graduation, but it was really fun to have my parents come out and support Madison. They even gave her a graduation present. I didn't even do that!!!

Johnson Family Reunion

We got back just in time from Washington to start my Family's Reunion here in Santa Barbara/Solvang! Usually we meet at the lake for water skiing every year, but this year everyone chose to come back to SB and see my parent's new home, go to Disneyland, Universal Studios, the beach and of course to my brother's pool. We had a total BLAST!!!
My girls love spending time with their cousins. I have nieces and nephews that range in age from 19 all the way down to embryos!!! Madison and Ashley are in heaven with tons of kids to play with and stayed busy and content the entire week. Joe and I loved it!!!
Family picture taken above Steve and Angie's pool!


From left to right: My brother n laws Terry and Mark, my twin brother Gary, my brother Steve, my Dad, by brother Doug and Joe. My brother n law Keith had just left and missed being in the picture.Madison became quite the little swimmer this past week. No more life vests for her!
Ashley loves to swim too, and hopefully only a couple more days at the pool and her life vest can be eliminated as well!
The boys just can't seem to get enough of the camera.
I just love getting together with my sisters and my sister n laws. We could sit and talk for hours if we got the chance!
This is my handsome brother Doug entertaining some of the cousins!
Ashley, Madison, Kayla, and Doug's daughter Caitlyn
Two of my nephews Taylor and Shawn. Shawn just found out that he got a full ride scholarship to BYU for the Lacrosse Team. Way to go Shawn!
The cousins enjoying fun in the sun at the beach.

Todd and Christianne's Wedding!

We just spent one of the most memorable weeks ever at Todd and Christianne's wedding in Pasco, Washington. Todd is Joe's brother and he married such an amazing girl. We just love her to death and are so happy for them.
We have been anticipating this vacation because not only was there the wedding, but all 5 Holbrook Boys hadn't been together since 2001. Our girls hadn't ever met Ryan and Julie's boys before either who are now 3 1/2 and 2. We couldn't wait for the big REUNION!
The morning of our trip we were to fly out at 6 a.m. but we received a phone call at 3 a.m. saying our flight had been canceled. After many hours of negotiation and long layovers we finally arrived in Washington (nine hours late). We were so disappointed not to have arrived on time and have wasted an entire day at the airport. Due to such a late arrival we had no idea all the Holbrooks were waiting at the airport for us. As soon as all the BOYS saw Joe they encircled him and started jumping up and down. It was hilarious and made the stressful day seem meaningless in comparison.

This is Madison and Ashley enjoying movies on the plane rides!
Here are all the cousins cuddled up! Mason, Madison, Ashley and Caleb.
All 5 boys back together again! They couldn't get enough posing and camera time. This was taken out in front of the Columbia River Temple in Washington. I can't explain the feeling we had when all of us were able to join Christianne at the temple for her endowment.

The very happy couple!


Christianne's Mom made all the bridesmaid dresses, my girls' dresses, and the vests that all the nephews were wearing. Didn't she do such an amazing job?

My girls were so excited to see Christianne in her beautiful white, wedding gown. I think Ashley tried to stay by her side most of the day when she could.I had to post a picture of me and the handsome groom, Todd. I truly used to think whoever snatches him up is one lucky girl, but after I met Christianne, I realized just how lucky Todd is too!
This is the beautiful view from Christianne's Grandmas's house where the reception was held. Surrounded by cherry, apple and alfalfa fields. It was breathtaking!
This is Joe's Uncle and Aunt, Rick and Tracy Bigelow. They have always been one of the biggest supporters of the Holbrook Boys and fly out for every occasion and we love them so much for it.

Had to catch one more shot of Todd as he was off to his honeymoon. Does he look excited or what?

Overall, we had fun filled week with family, ate lots of food, and let the kids stay up way too late!
But, hey, it was all worth it!!!

Happy Father's Day

I usually don't brag a lot on my blog about how lucky I am to be married to the most amazing man, but I thought because of Father's Day it would be okay! I feel so blessed to have by my side the most ambitious, hard working man I have ever met. He is exhausted at the end of his day, but always finds time and energy to fit his girls in. Happy Father's Day babe! You truly are the best. Thanks for all you do, we wouldn't be where we are today without you!

I always get Joe a new photo tie for Father's Day.
This is how Joe wanted to spend his Father's Day afternoon while the girls were having quiet time!

I also want to give a big shout out to my own Dad. He set the standard pretty high on what a TRUE Dad is supposed to be. He is one tremendous guy and I love him to pieces!

Madison's Ballet/Tap Performance!

We flew in very late Friday night from a wonderful trip for Joe's brother's wedding in Washington (those pictures coming soon) just in time for rehearsals during the day on Saturday and for the BIG performance later that evening. Madison did such an amazing job and looked so adorable in her little outfit too!



Madison is the one in the middle!

Ashley's First Week of Preschool

I have been so excited and anticipating the big day Ashley would start preschool. Every time I would drop off Madison, Ashley would beg to stay. And, of course, having her there two times a week would give our friend, Amber, a break from watching her on Tuesdays while I am at work, and give me time on Thursdays to actually get my work done for Joe's Ventura office that I do from home. I have felt so guilty in the past not having time to fit in managing the office bills/accounts and quality time with Ashley. After dropping Ashley and Madison off this morning, a part of me missed them so much that I was terribly sad, but then I can't tell you how much I got accomplished with uniterrupted time and silence. I have finished all my work and have all day tomorrow to spend quality time with my kiddos!

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

To celebrate our NINE year wedding anniversary (June 4th), Joe arranged for his brother, Brett, to come up from LA and babysit so Joe and I could get away for the weekend. Wow, did we have so much fun. We saw three movies, shopped till we dropped and enjoyed some great food down in Southern California. Madison and Ashley were thrilled we left so they could spend some quality time with their Uncle Brett. I just have to tell Brett (if he ever reads this) how much we love and appreciate him! He is so busy with law school and just got out for the summer, yet, still agreed to come up and stay with our girls. Love you Brettikins!