Coulam Family Blog

Water Polo Season is Over!!

2011-11-19T23:00:00.001-08:00

Kylie really enjoyed water polo this year!! She has improved tremendously this year! She was really fun to watch. The team did a great job. They made it to the playoffs, but lost in the second round. Kylie scored 5 goals, had 3 assists and 7 steals this season. Great job Kylie!!!

The varsity team stopping for a pose before a game.

The team doing a cheer before the game starts.

Kylie going for the goal!!

Another team photo after a tournament.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-19T22:38:00.001-08:00

Halloween was exciting this year!! First off, there was a trunk or treat at the church a couple of days before Halloween. Carlin invited a couple of friends from school to go with her. On Halloween, Carlin went with a group of her friends trick or treating. My sister, Pam, convinced me to let Miranda and Kylie go with her kids trick or treating (I was going to make them stay home this year.) So they all went together. They all got a ton of candy!!!

Carlin and Holly at trunk or treat.

Carlin with her friends Alyssa and Holly and Ally and Apryl(Alyssa's sisters) at the trunk or treat.

Checking out their candy stashes.

Carlin on Halloween.

Pepper even got dressed up.

Kylie as a Hogwarts student.

Kylie and Miranda with their cousins and friend.

Carlin with her group of friends after they were all done trick or treating.

Victoria and Miranda playing with my hair.

All the cousins together after trick or treating.

Warren and Matt take a trip to Washington

2011-11-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

Warren, Matt, and John (Warren's Dad) had quite the adventure in October. They drove to Washington and arranged with a couple of John's cousins to go fishing. They spent three days out on the rivers fishing. They caught A LOT of salmon. We have a lot of salmon in our freezer. It tastes really good too. Here are some pictures of their adventure.

John with one of his catches.

Matt fishing.

Warren, Matt and John in front of the temple in Washington.

Warren with one of his catches.

Matt with one of his catches.

Matt and John

Warren

Matt

Reeling one in.

Opening School Family Social

2011-09-25T01:35:00.003-07:00

Carlin's school had their opening family social. They did a pirate theme this year. Carlin and I decided to go buy a costume for it and use that costume again at Halloween. They had a lot of activities for the kids. They had a cake walk, three-legged races, ring tosses on to pirate hooks, face painting, hula hoop contest and more. The kids had a great time and it was very well attended. A big thank you to all those who put it together.

One of the banners hanging at the school.

Carlin with a few of her friends.

Carlin hula hooping.

Water Polo Season has Started for Kylie

2011-09-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

Water polo started for Kylie a couple of weeks before school started. She is on the varsity team this year now that she is a junior. She enjoys it and is loving getting to know her teammates better this year. Here are some pictures of some of the action so far this season. I am sure there will be more later.

Dillon Beach Youth Camp Out

2011-09-25T01:07:00.001-07:00

The weekend before school started, our church youth group went on an overnighter to Dillon Beach. Matt and Kylie stayed behind to work and play waterpolo. Warren, Miranda, Carlin and myself all got the opportunity to go. We got to the campground around 7:00 and set up camp. Then we all ate and talked around the campfire. We got up the next morning, ate breakfast, then went to the sand dunes and played Capture the Flag and jumped over the dunes. We then cleaned up camp, ate lunch and went down to the beach to play in the ocean.

Carlin playing Capture the Flag.

Miranda jumping and twisting off the dunes.

Carlin and me jumping off.

Anna and Miranda playing in the ocean.

Carlin thinking about getting wet!

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

Another school year has started!! Time is just moving SO fast!! Carlin started 5th grade this year. Miranda is in 8th and Kylie is a Junior. Matt also started college at the local community college. WOW!!!

Carlin

Miranda

Kylie

I couldn't get a pic of Matt. He is "too old" for that!!!

Look At What We Found Next Door!!!

2011-08-29T23:22:00.001-07:00

We woke up one August morning to a nice surprise. We walked outside and saw these turkeys taking a bath in the next-door neighbor's sprinklers. We can occasionally see one turkey roaming the neighborhood, but never TEN!!!

FHE with the Wickhams

2011-08-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

On August 1, we got a call from the Wickham family. They asked if we could be spontaneous and go boating/tubing with them in an hour for FHE. We, of course, happily agreed we could go. We had so much fun that evening!! Thankyou Wickham Family for thinking of us!!

Camping at Stumpy Meadows

2011-07-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

The whole family was invited to go camping with some of our friends to Stumpy Meadows. It is about and hour and fifteen minutes from home. It is a little campground out in the middle of nowhere really. We could walk about a half mile to a lake or we could drive to the dam and go fishing there. We had a lot of fun with our friends. Warren caught his first California fish and the kids went fishing for the first time.

Swimming in the lake.

Carlin trying to fish

S'mores time!

Fishing

Boating and swimming again

The Girls Go Tubing at the Lake

2011-07-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Kylie and Miranda got to go with the Young Womens Group from church to the lake and go tubing. They had a blast as you can tell from the pictures below. They can't wait to do it again!

Dillon Beach Campout with the Scouts

2011-07-23T16:01:00.001-07:00

Matt and Warren went on a short backpacking overnighter to Dillon Beach to get ready for the 50 miler they are going on in a couple of weeks. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Group shot before they left.

And they are off!!

Matt eating his dinner (Chipotle)

Sunset at the beach

Matt with one of the leaders

Matt jumping over the sand dune.

Matt trying to find clams

July 4th Celebrations

2011-07-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

We had a busy 4th of July this year. We started out the day decorating Carlin's bike so she could be in a parade in her friend's neighborhood. Then we all went to a pancake breakfast at the church. Yummy!! Then we headed over to the Barnes' neighborhood to participate in their neighborhood parade complete with firetrucks and popsicles after they were done. After the parade, we came home and swam in the pool for awhile. That evening, we went back over to the Barnes home for a bbq/fireworks celebration. It was a fun-filled day!! We had a great time!!

Carlin showing off her bike and costume for the parade.

Getting ready for the parade.

Fireworks with our friends.

Dancing Through The Decades

2011-07-23T15:29:00.001-07:00

Carlin has been taking a jazz/tap/ballet class and a cheerleading class. They have a summer recital every year. This year she participated in 4 dances plus was in the finale with the teachers. She LOVES to dance!! After the recital and seeing how much fun Carlin had, Miranda said she wanted to take dance too. Here are some pictures of all her costumes. I wish I could actually put the videos on here so you could see them, but the files are too big. She did a great job!!

Group shot at the end of the 90's medley. She is in the bright blue tank top under the 9.

Carlin earned a pin for being in her 2nd summer recital.

After the recital, she stopped for a pose with her teacher.

Carlin after the recital with some of her friends.

Cheerleading costume

90's medley costume

50's Jailhouse Rock Costume

80's Freezeframe costume

Bike Ride on the American River Bike Trail

2011-06-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

While Carlin was at camp this week, Warren and I went with some friends on a bike ride. We rode on the American River Bike Trail to downtown Sacramento. We got a jamba juice and rode back just in time to pick up Carlin from camp. We rode just under 16 miles. I am still a little soar from the ride. It was fun though!!

VBS Camp

2011-06-21T17:19:00.001-07:00

Carlin and a bunch of her friends went to a day camp all week. They were fed dinner every night, sang songs, did crafts and played games. Here are some pics of her and her friends one night after camp.

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-21T16:57:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Father's Day. It started with Kylie and Miranda making Warren breakfast. They fixed scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast with jelly. we then went to to church. After church, the men were treated to rootbeer floats from the primary kids. Then we came home and Matt and I, fixed fajitas and watermelon for Warren and his parents. Warren didn't have to do anything but sit and relax all day. For Father's Day I decided to take some pictures of the kids and ordered a tie with the picture of them on it. Here are some of the pictures that I took.

All four of the kids in different poses.

Miranda's poses.

Carlin's poses.

Kylie's poses.

Matt's poses

Last Day of School for the Girls!!

2011-06-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

The last day of school for the girls was on June 10. I took a few pictures of the girls on their last day. I think everyone was SO ready for summer this year.

Miranda before leaving for school.

Kylie before school.

Carlin with her best friend before school.

Carlin with her art teacher Ms. Walker

Carlin with her teacher Mr. Parnas.

Carlin playing on the blacktop on the last day of school.

Matt Graduated!!!

2011-06-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

Matt graduated on June 9!!!!! We are so excited that he made it!! We didn't know until the day of graduation if he would be able to. He had just enough credits and a couple of his classes were border line if he would pass or not. It has been a big month for Matt. We are very happy that he has decided to accomplish all that he has recently. Now on to employment and college!!

The stage.

Matt walking into the stadium.

Getting ready to sit down.

Switching the tassel over to the left.

Got his diploma!!!

The graduates throwing their hats into the air!

Brother and sister

Proud Mama!!

Group pic of everyone who came out to support Matt.

Family shot minus Carlin.

Picture with Grandma and Grandpa Coulam

Matt with Shannon

Matt with Seth Astle (scout leader)

Talent Show

2011-06-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Carlin decided to do the talent show again this year. This time she played a piano solo. Carlin and her friend both performed songs from the Twilight series. Carlin played Bella's Lullaby and her friend played Jacob's theme. They both wore Twilight shirts. They did a really good job. I wish I could show you the video here on the blog but the file is too big. Here are pics of the girls.

Last Field Trip of the School Year

2011-06-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

For the last field trip of the year, Carlin's class went to a park to play and swim. I drove on the field trip. The weather was nice. I was worried that it would be cold because it had been raining all week. Here are some of the pictures I took while I was there.

Carlin loves watermelon.

The classes listening to all the rules at the pool.

Carlin with her friends.

Trying to get warm.

My friend's daughter came to watch after her end-of-year party.

Carlin and her friend trying to get warm in the showers.

Kylie joined us after her finals were over.

It's official!! Matt is an Eagle Scout!!

2011-06-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Matt had his Eagle Scout Board of Review. First, the board took Matt, Warren and myself into a room. They asked Warren and me why we thought Matt should be considered to be an eagle scout. Then they asked his scoutmaster what he thought of Matthew. Then they excused Warren and me from the room and they interviewed him for probably about a half hour. Then they excused him from the room and discussed whether or not he should be an eagle scout. After all of that, they called us all back into the room where they told Matt Congratulations he made it. Yeah!!! We are so excited for Matt!! He waited until the last minute to do his project. We weren't sure he was going to do it. I can honestly say he did this all on his own (with a little nagging). Congratulations Matt!! We love you!!

Miranda's Tumbling Class

2011-06-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Miranda has been attending a tumbling class since October. They had a special class this last week where all the parents were invited to come and watch them do all of their different activities. She enjoys doing tumbling once a week. It has been good for her. Here are some pictures of her doing some of the activities.

Santa Cruz

2011-06-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

We decided this year that we would go away for Memorial Day Weekend. Warren was told that someone had extra campsites at New Brighton Beach. We left Thursday after school and came back on Monday. While in Santa Cruz, we went to the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk, to the beach, church, tidepooling, biking, skateboarding, played baseball, and hung out with friends. We had a great time!! We will have to do that again!!

We are on our way!

Sleeping

Our campsite, complete with hammock, and grill.

At entrance to the boardwalk.

Starfish ride.

Warren milking a kiss out of Carlin.

Sea Swings

Hanglider ride

Tornado Ride

Playing at the beach.

Trying to keep warm and dry during the rain storm.

Kids before going tidepooling.

Big Girls Still Like to Dress Up

2011-06-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

Miranda had her good friend, Anna, over a couple of weeks ago. These pictures prove that even though they are in junior high now they still like to act like little girls sometimes.

The girls modeling my flower girl dress I wore for my sister Beckie's wedding and a homecoming dress that I wore in high school.

Poor Pepper!! They made her dress up too!!!

School Projects are Done for the year!!!!

2011-06-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

With only one week of school left, we are officially done with all the many projects. We finished the last of the projects and speeches last week. Yeah!!! We are all ready for the school year to be over!!

Carlin's last book project. She did a poster on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Rain

2011-06-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of rain in California this year. A few weeks ago, we had a huge storm come through, complete with hail. The girls and some of their cousins decided to go out and play on the trampoline in it. They had fun slipping and sliding around on the trampoline and being pelted with hail. Here are some pictures. I would put the video on but it is too big to put on blogger. The pictures don't give it justice.

Celebrating my Birthday with Friends

2011-05-14T08:08:00.001-07:00

On Friday, a bunch of my friends from Carlin's school took me out for my birthday. We went to Woody's to celebrate. It was a blast talking with them for hours. They are so good to me. Brook made me a yummy cake and they all chipped in for a gift card! Never a dull moment with these ladies! I love you and thanks for make me feel so special!!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was really nice this year. I woke up to breakfast made by Kylie and Miranda. They did a great job with the scrambled eggs, toast and chocolate milk! We then went to church and listened to some great talks on Mothers and in young women we had a great lesson on going to the temple. After church the men and youth served the women some yummy strawberry shortcake! We then came home, and Carlin made me lunch (all of her favorites made her way). She was so cute and excited about it. A couple of hours later, Warren's parents came over for dinner. Warren barbecued steak and tri-tip. Dinner was very good. I had a great day and want my family to know how much I love them. I love being a mom and could not imagine life without any of them. I am thankful for them and my wonderful husband who helped me bring the best kids ever into this world. I love you guys!!!

Me with all of my beautiful kids!!

The breakfast that Kylie and Miranda made me. I forgot to get a picture of my lunch made by Carlin.

Kylie's sweet 16th birthday

2011-05-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kylie turned 16 on April 25. We celebrated by going to El Palmar with Warren's parents. We then came home and opened presents and had ice cream cake. I can't believe Kylie is old enough to drive and date!! Oh my!!

Kylie celebrated at El Palmar

waiting for the cake

19th Anniversary

2011-05-01T00:55:00.001-07:00

Warren and I had our 19th anniversary on the 24th of April. Time has gone by so fast!! Can't believe it has been 19 years! Since it was on Easter Sunday and our weekend was booked with Easter activities and spending time with family, we didn't go out. But Warren did surprise me with a dozen long stemmed roses that morning before church. I love you Warren!!

Easter with Friends

2011-05-01T00:41:00.001-07:00

We spent the Saturday evening before Easter with friends. Several families from Carlin's school got together for dinner, an Easter egg hunt and a lively kickball game. This will have to be an annual event!! This was so much fun. After that we dyed eggs with some friends too. A great time was had by all!!

Getting ready to find eggs.

They are on the move!

Kylie, Miranda and Brook with the Ferguson's new puppy.

Carlin finding eggs

Noah, Alyssa, and Carlin with their eggs

eating the treats

Miranda drawing with Rylie

Kylie running to first base

Warren kicking a home run.

Warren and I stopping for a pose.

The girls dying eggs.

Easter with Family

2011-05-01T00:24:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, we went to my sister's house and had a bbq lunch and hung out with the families. Then on Sunday the kids woke up to find out what the Easter bunny left them. We then went to church and then came home and had our traditional ham and potatoe casserole with Warren's parents. Here are some pics of all the events.

Carlin bbqing with Uncle Jon.

Miranda and Victoria about to take a dip in the freezing pool.

Me

Kylie

Pam

Carlin climbing

Matt and Pepper chilling by the pool.

Jeff bbqing

Jason

Marilyn

what the easter bunny brought

The kids with their easter baskets

Scout Trip to China Camp

2011-05-01T00:11:00.001-07:00

Warren was released from the bishopric about a month ago. He was the 2nd counselor for 3 years. He was immediately put in as Young Men's President. Warren and Matt went on an overnight campout to China Camp a couple of weeks ago. Warren got some beautiful pictures. Here are some of them.

Group shot before leaving our house.

Golden gate bridge.

Matt with some of the other scouts.

Another group shot

the island of Alcatraz

some more shots of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Eating lunch

Running on the trail

Carlin's Field Trip to Coloma

2011-04-30T23:58:00.001-07:00

Carlin's grade went on a field trip to Coloma (where gold was discovered in California). I was able to drive her and two of her friends and chaperone them while they walked around. It was a fun and informative trip.

In front of the saw mill.

posing with the cannon.

one of the wagons.

panning for gold.

eating lunch with friends.

posing in front of the John Marshall tribute.

In front of the church.

We found a big log to pose on.

such beautiful girls!

in jail!!

Miranda's 13th birthday

2011-04-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

Miranda is officially a teenager!! She turned 13 on April 13th. For her birthday, I barbecued some ribs and made some mashed potatoes (her favorite meal). She chose cheesecake for dessert. Yummy!!!

San Juan Sings

2011-04-30T23:46:00.001-07:00

Carlin sings in a choir at her school. The choir was picked to sing with five other elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools from the school district. They did an awesome job!! I am so glad Carlin had this opportunity.

The elementary schools singing together.

All of the schools singing together (elementary, middle and high schools)

Carlin with the Barnes family.

Adult 80's Dinner/Dance/Auction

2011-04-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Carlin's school had a fundraiser. It was an adult dinner/dance/auction themed to the 80's. Everyone dressed up in 80's costumes. It was very fun and I cannot believe how much money they raised!!!

Warren and I with our friends Doug and Brook

My friends from the school.

Country Club Mall Carnival

2011-04-30T23:32:00.001-07:00

A traveling carnival came to the local mall. Since Matt and Miranda were out with friends, we took Kylie and Carlin to the carnival along with some friends of ours. I have never been to one of these carnivals before. It was really fun!!

Carlin and Kylie on the bumper cars.

Kylie getting on the zipper. I went on the next turn. One of the scariest rides of my life!!!

The girls on the tornado.

The girls posing with the Fun House and the ferris wheel in the background.

Carlin with Alyssa. This ride turns you upside down. Alyssa ended up throwing up on this ride.

Carlin on the superslide.

80's Day for Carlin

2011-04-30T23:28:00.001-07:00

Carlin's school had an 80's day. Here is our attempt of going back to the 80's.

General Conference Weekend

2011-04-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

The first weekend in April was General Conference. We had my sister Pam's family over to watch conference. The kids enjoyed having their cousins over and of course the speakers were great as usual.

The girls jumping on the trampoline in between sessions.

The girls during conference.

The boys during conference.

My sister Pam and her husband Jeff during conference.

The girls showing their creativity.

Matt's 18th Birthday

2011-04-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

Matt turned 18 on April 2nd!! I can't believe I have an "adult" child now!!! For his birthday, I bought him some new shoes and brakes for his bike. Here are some pics.

Matt with the cake.

Matt with his new shoes.

Matt on his bike after he installed the brakes.

Us singing to Matt.

Matt's Eagle Project

2011-04-30T22:42:00.001-07:00

On March 5, Matt finished his eagle project. He planned and organized a project at the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House is a place where families can stay when their loved ones have an extended stay at a hospital and they can't afford a place to stay for that time. He decided to rebark a flower bed and have some plants donated. He also had a bench built for people to use while watching their children play. We had a great turn out and we are very happy that Matt got this accomplished. He turned in all his paperwork in the day before his 18th birthday which is the deadline. We are relieved that it is done!! Good job Matt!!!

Matt with Jeff Mills (helped build the bench) posing with Ronald McDonald.

The flower bed and bench after it is all completed.

Matt with the directors of the Ronald McDonald House on the bench we built.

Most of the group that turned out to help us in front of the Ronald McDonald House.

Warren's Birthday

2011-03-14T12:13:00.001-07:00

Warren turned 41 on March 6. Since his birthday was on a Sunday this year, we didn't go out. He chose to have fajitas for dinner. We invited his parents over too. For dessert, we had blueberry and strawberry cheesecake (another of his favorites). Here are pictures of our small celebration. Happy Birthday Warren!!!

Carlin received the Presidential Lifestyle Award

2011-03-14T12:05:00.001-07:00

Carlin's P.E. teacher started a program at the school to promote more activity for the kids. Carlin participated in two different programs. The first one was the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. She had to at least exercise for one hour a day, five days a week for six weeks in a row. The other program is the Presidential Challenge Award. You can earn a bronze, silver, gold and platinum medal by earning a set amount of points for exercising. Different activities and for how long you exercise are tracked. Carlin earned the bronze award by earning 40,000 points. Here are pictures of the assembly.

Cute pictures of Pepper

2011-03-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

We have had Pepper for just over 4 months now. She is doing awesome. She is fully house trained now. We haven't had any accidents for about a month and a half now. She has had all her shots and we took her in last week to get fixed. She was a real trooper. She doesn't like the cone on her head, but has recovered really well. We love her!! Matt took some pictures of her the other day. Here they are!

Medieval Banquet

2011-03-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

Miranda's school has a medieval banquet for the 7th graders because that is what they are learning about in their history classes. They all get dressed up in the styles of the time and have a feast. They also compete in different challenges such as jousting. Miranda borrowed a dress from one of our neighbors. She even placed in the top 3 for best costume. She had a great time with her friends.

Miranda before she left.

Miranda with some of her friends.

Some of the entertainment.

Miranda in the costume parade.

The school staff in their costumes.

Trampoline

2011-02-27T00:29:00.001-08:00

Some friends of ours gave us their old trampoline because they bought a new one with an enclosure. Here are some pictures of all the girls and the dog playing on it after we got it all assembled.

Westminster Woods Field Trip

2011-02-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

The 4th grade goes to Westminster Woods. They go for 3 days. They learn about the redwoods, stream ecology, go tidepooling and hiking. I got to go with Carlin this year. We had a great time despite the constant rain and hail. Here are some pics of our adventure.

Our car group.

In the dining hall.

Some of the nature around us on our hikes.

Carlin and her friend Noah got to take turns teaching about lichen to their fellow classmates. They learned about lichen from their naturalists.

In the cabin.

hiking to the ocean to go tidepooling

in the cabin again

drinking cocoa

hiking groups

some of the hail that poured on us

Surprise Visit from Princess Aurora

2011-02-26T23:53:00.000-08:00

A friend of ours arranged for Princess Aurora (from Disneyland) to come visit. It was a surprise to all the girls. Princess Aurora showed up at the door. She told the girls the Sleeping Beauty story complete with singing and magic dust. It was wonderfully done. Here are some pics of the surprise.

Princess Aurora talking to the girls.

The girls with magic dust in their hands to open the book.

Carlin posing with Princess Aurora

Miranda posing with Princess Aurora

The whole group posing with Princess Aurora.

Miranda has glasses and contacts!!

2011-02-26T23:47:00.001-08:00

Miranda called me from school a couple of weeks ago and said to me that she could not see clearly at all and asked me to make her an appt. to get her eyes checked. I called the doctor and they got her in the next day. She did indeed need glasses. I just had her checked 3 months before that and they had told me she was not quite ready for glasses yet, but probably within the year. They were right!!! I had her get glasses and contacts. Here she is with her glasses.

Bike Ride on the American River Bike Trail

2011-02-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

We decided to attempt to try yet again to do another bike ride on the bike trail. We have tried once before, but I got a flat tire about a mile after we started. Well, this ride didn't last long either. We invited Carlin's friend, Alyssa to come along with us this time. We got started. We crossed the American River on a bridge. As we were riding down the hill on the other side of the bridge, Alyssa got a little scared and braked too hard and went over her handlebars and landed on her face. She didn't break any bones, but scratched herself up pretty good and broke some teeth. We called her parents and they came and got her, but none of us were up to riding anymore after that. We were all too worried about Alyssa. We will have to try it again another time. By the way, now that it has been a few weeks, Alyssa looks great and will have a beautiful smile soon (new teeth). Love ya, Alyssa and we are glad you healed so quickly!!!

Carlin's Daddy/Daughter Date Nite

2011-02-26T23:21:00.001-08:00

Carlin's elementary school had a Daddy/Daughter Date Nite just before Valentine's Day. I bought Carlin a dress and Warren a tie for the event. They met up with some friends and walked over to the school together. There was dancing and chocolate fondue fountains. They had a great time!!

Carlin giving Warren his new tie.

Carlin putting Warren's tie on.

One final pose before leaving.

Carlin with her best friend, Alyssa.

One more pose with Dad.

The whole group before walking over.

Carlin dancing with some of her friends.

My friend Brook and I decided to take the other daughters out on a date too. We went to Leatherby's. Yummy!!

Carlin's 10th Birthday

2011-01-24T21:05:00.000-08:00

My baby turned 10 last week!!! Carlin has wanted to go laser tagging for a couple of years now. She got her wish. We invited a few of her friends and their parents to come along with us. We had a blast!! Most of us had never been before. After laser tagging we went home and invited Grandma and Grandpa Coulam and a couple of cousins over for a BBQ, cake and ice cream.

Kylie and Miranda in the arena.

The first round we played adults vs. kids. Adults won!!!

The kids after round one.

silly shot

checking out the scores.

Had to do a Charlie's Angels pose

Carlin in the arena

Matt in the arena

opening presents with her friends

The cake

Making her wish and blowing out the candles

The boys are calling already!!

Present time!!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T23:36:00.001-08:00

Christmas came so fast this year!!! We had a great Christmas! We spent Chrismas Eve with Warren's parents. They came over to our house and we had fajitas for dinner and then played a game of Hearts. On Christmas Day, we opened presents, ate our traditional quiche for breakfast, and went to my sister's house. We had a big dinner and hung out. We also got to speak to my parents on Skype. They are in the Ukraine on a mission. We then had pie. It was a good time for all.

The outside of our house. I put all the lights up!

Our Christmas tree.

Warren's parents

Our traditional family pic

Some of the adults playing a lively game of Knurtz.

Kylie with a couple of her cousins

My niece and her hubby.

Carlin with her cousin

Miranda with cousins

Me with two of my sisters

Photo Shoot of the kids at Cottage Park

2010-12-25T23:26:00.000-08:00

I decided I wanted to take some pictures of the kids and give them to Warren for Christmas. So here is our photo shoot.

Kylie wanted me to take some pictures of her for her facebook so here are the results. They turned out nice.

Warren took Carlin dirtbiking on Christmas Eve Day

2010-12-25T23:16:00.000-08:00

Warren got a call on the 23rd asking if he wanted to go dirtbiking with another man and his family that our in our stake. The only one who decided to go with Warren was Carlin. The pictures tell the story. I think they had a lot of fun.

Got all her gear on and ready to go.

Striking a pose before she takes off.

My little daredevil!!

All in a row.

The ride home. All smiles!!

Creche Festival

2010-12-25T23:09:00.000-08:00

Our church has put on a Creche Festival for the last five years. This year Carlin's school choir and the stake primary choir were asked to perform a few songs at the festival. She participated in both choirs. After she performed we looked at all the Nativities from all over the world. They were pretty amazing. They also had a live nativity and a room where the kids could dress up like the people in the Nativity. Here are pictures from that night.

The Live Nativity scene

The kids with friends dressed up as the Nativity characters.

Polar Express

2010-12-25T22:45:00.001-08:00

Warren and I had the opportunity to take Carlin for a ride on the Polar Express. We went with some friends. The kids all got in their pajamas. It was a train ride staged just like the movie. It was very well done.

The three of us waiting in line to board the train.

All the girls waiting in line.

All aboard!!

The three of us on the train.

Hot cocoa dancers (just like in the movie)

Drinking hot cocoa.

They also passed out cookies.

The conductor punching our tickets.

The bum ghost.

Santa Claus giving everyone bells.

Outside the train

Miranda's Tumbling

2010-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Miranda started a tumbling class about 4 months ago. This has been good for her. She needs to work on her coordination. She is my clumsy child!! She now knows how to do a cartwheel. Her class put together a little routine to show the parents what they have learned. Here are pics from the event.

Winter Concert

2010-12-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Carlin had another choir concert the other night. It is one of the bigger concerts of the year. They sang songs and several of the students did piano or violin solos. Carlin was one of those students who got the opportunity to do a piano solo. She performed Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. All the songs were well done. Thanks again to Heather for doing such a great job with all the kids!

Nutcracker 2010

2010-12-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

Carlin did the Nutcracker again this year. This year she played the part of Fritz and a party guest. The part of Fritz is usually played by a boy (the owner of the dance company's son) however he doesn't want to do it anymore. The dance studio supplies all the costumes for this show. When we got to the theater to get dressed, the clothes they had for her were a little big as you can see from the pictures. She did a great job, but it was funny to watch because it looked like her knickers were going to fall of her at any moment. So cute!! Here are some pics of her playing Fritz. I will try to post some pictures later of her as a party guest.

Warren catching up with Rob

2010-12-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Warren was excited to find out an old friend of his was coming to town. Rob was our best man at our wedding. Warren went out to lunch with him one day and took him out dirt biking another day. They had a good time catching up with each other. They hadn't seen each other for about 5 years. Rob lives out in Georgia with his wife and beautiful daughters. Here are some pics they took while they were out.

Making Spirits Bright Recital

2010-12-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

Carlin is doing a couple of ballet recitals this year. The first one is Making Spirits Bright. She has improved a lot over the year. I was impressed with all the girls in this dance. A Picture of all the girls after they finished Carlin with two of her good friends, Alyssa and Sarah Carlin and Alyssa with their teach Miss Brittany

Newest Member of the Family

2010-12-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

We have added another member to the family!!!

The kids have been asking for a dog for awhile now. Matt came home a couple of weeks ago and was telling the family about a friend of his whose dog had babies and they were giving them away for free. He got the girls all excited about it and they were all begging. Well, Warren and I came home one day and there was a puppy at our house. After looking at her sweet little face, I could not say no (Warren probably could have). She is adjusting well. She almost has the pottie training down. Her name is Pepper and she is just over two months old.

Carlin's choir performs at Craft Fair

2010-12-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

Carlin is in the school choir again this year. They are going to be doing several performances so you will see a bunch of blogs about it this year. They performed at a craft fair. Here are some pics of her and her friends and a video of one of the songs they sung.

Thanksgiving Break with the Coulam and Hall families

2010-11-26T22:42:00.000-08:00

The kids had the week off for Thanksgiving. We all went to go see Harry Potter 7. They did a great job with the movie. I think it is the best one yet. We also got together with Deb's family the day before Thanksgiving. We hung out, played Hand and Foot, ate pizza and watched a movie. On Thanksgiving Day, we spent time with Warren's family. We feasted, hung out, and played Last Word. Both days were enjoyable. Spending time with family is always so much fun. Here are some pictures of the days events.

Waiting for the feast.

Group picture of all the Coulams and Stoeltzings

the little ones (Carlin, Justice and Daryn)

Carlin at Marilyn's house (Deb's sister)

Miranda and Carlin stopping for a minute to pose for the camera

Ashton and Pam

Kylie and Victoria

Macey and Kylie

Miranda had to change into Jason's sweat pants. Interesting story. They went to play at the school yard. She stepped in dog poop and then sat on her shoes. She got a mess all over the backside of her pants. Leave it to Miranda!!

Waiting in line for pizza

Matt with the goods.

Adults playing Hand and Foot

Victoria and Deb

Everyone gathered around the computer to leave a message for Grandma and Grandpa Hall on skype.

Group pic of all the Sacramento Hall clan.

Water Polo Season is Over

2010-11-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Water Polo is over for the school year. Kylie had a great season. She has improved so much this year. The JV team was 15-11 for the season. Kylie's stats are the following: 10 scoring attempts, 4 goals, 3 assists, 6 steals and 1 ejection. Good job Kylie!! Can't wait for the next season!!

Kylie with her coaches.

The team getting their certificates.

Halloween Festivities 2010

2010-11-07T23:17:00.001-08:00

The kids had a lot of different Halloween activities going on this year. Carlin had an activity days halloween party. Matt, Kylie and Miranda had a YM/YW Halloween Pary. We also had the stake Trunk-or-Treat. Here are all the kids in their different costumes that they wore.

Carlin with here friends. Too cute to be a devil don't you think?

Kylie in the toga with her friends at the trunk or treat.

Carlin with her friends at the trunk or treat.

The girls before the trunk-or-treat.

Before the YM/YW Party

Before the activity day party.

Notice no pictures of Matt. He doesn't like pictures plus he didn't really dress up this year!! Party Pooper!!!

Jog-a-thon Fundraiser

2010-11-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

Every year Carlin's school has a jog-a-thon to raise money. She did a great job this year. She ran the entire time!! I was impressed. Good job Carlin!!!

The field before anyone started to run.

There she goes!!

Some pics with her friends. They got jamba juice afterwards to cool them down.

20 Year Seminary Reunion

2010-10-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today was my seminary class reunion. It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years!! They all look great!! I only wish more of them could have made it. It was great reminiscing and catching up with these guys! We got together at Fresh Choice for lunch. We visited for almost 4 hours. It went by so fast. Thank you Jill for planning it all. Lets not wait so long for the next reunion!

Group photos
In back: Jill Davidson, Keri Bacon(Taggart), Melonie Campbell, Deborah Dushku,Curtis Lee, and Aaron Summerhays
Front Row: me, Bridget Christensen and Jennifer Harms

Bridget with her husband Dave

Keri and Melanie

Deborah and Jill

Curtis with his wife Andrea

Aaron

Sacramento Railroad Museum

2010-09-25T17:59:00.001-07:00

Warren and Matt went on camping trips for Scouts this weekend, so I took the younger girls with me (Kylie did not want to go) to the Railroad Museum with the Barnes Family. We had a lot of fun looking at the different kinds of trains and got to ride in a train too. Here is our day with the our friends.

Group pic in front of the museum.

Posing on the train

Our train conductor coming to punch our tickets.

All the girls in front of a train

Going into the train tunnel

Fancy passenger car

The girls waving to us from inside the dining car.

The kitchen in a train

Tricks Open House

2010-09-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Carlin had the opportunity to perform an 80's medley at the 20th Anniversary Open House at Tricks Gymnastics and Dance. She had a lot of fun preparing for this performance the last couple of months. Here are some pics and short clips of the dance because the whole dance was too big to put on blogger.

Carlin FINALLY learns to ride a bike!!!!

2010-09-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today the kids were all out of school early, so I took this opportunity to make Carlin learn how to ride a bike. I was out there for over an hour trying to teach her how to balance the bike and steer. She finally has the hang of it.

Me helping Carlin

She is doing it!!

First scraped knee of biking career

Warren, Matt, Kylie and Miranda go to Four Falls with the Church Youth Group

2010-09-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Weekend, the youth group planned a fun outing to Four Falls. Warren and the three older kids all went. They hiked two miles to get to Four Falls, then ate lunch and played in the water. Here are some of the pics of them all playing in the cold water.

Some of the youth before they start hiking

Bigger group pic with all the youth.

Kylie is playing water polo again this year for EC

2010-09-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Kylie decided to play water polo again this year for EC. She is really enjoying it and I have seen improvement already. Here are some pics that we have taken of some of the games so far.

Kylie getting ready to pass the ball.

Going for the steal

Defending

Kylie getting the ball

Getting ready to start the quarter

More defending

Swimming down the pool

Kylie attempting a goal

Swimming toward the goal with the ball

Swimming down the pool

First Day of School

2010-08-25T09:30:00.001-07:00

The first day of school was August 23rd. All of the kids are going to public school this year and let me tell you it was quite a process to get Matt back into El Camino this year. The school district had me running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get all the paper work processed correctly and waiting in line for HOURS!!! Any way, the kids all seem to be happy and doing well. Here are some pics of the first day.

All the girls before school.

Miranda is in 7th grade.

Carlin is in 4th grade

Kylie is a sophomore this year

Matt is a senior. Last year of high school if all goes well. YEAH!!!

Carlin with her teacher Mr. Parnas.

Ward Campout to Camp Nauvoo

2010-08-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our Ward Campout at Camp Nauvoo. We took the family and two friends along for the fun. We got up there just in time for dinner. I sent Carlin and Alyssa to eat while the rest of us girls put up the tent. Warren came up later with Matt and Kylie. After dinner there was a campfire where we played games and watched a skit. We then were treated to some S'mores. Yummy!! I took the little girls to bed and everyone else was up quite late playing with all the other kids. In the morning, Warren got up and helped make breakfast while the rest of us slept in(well, not really). Breakfast was also yummy and then it was play time again. We played until noon and then we packed up and went home. On the way home we did stop at In 'n Out. We had a great time!

Matt with Dave Mills

Just getting out of the tent in the morning.

Miranda with her friends.

Kylie helping a friend pack up her tent.

Miranda and Anna

All the girls playing a balloon game.

Carlin and Alyssa on the raft.

I Survived Half Dome!!!

2010-08-12T13:12:00.001-07:00

After Warren went to Half Dome last week with the scouts, I told him I would like to do it. I have never done it and wanted to. I told him the sooner the better or else I would probably chicken out! So we had both sets of grandparents take the kids and we went. We left on Monday afternoon to find a camping spot so we wouldn't have to get up so early. We ended up staying on the turn out of a side road just outside Yosemite's gates. We got up at 4:30, packed up the car and started our adventure. We started hiking a little after 6:00. We reached the top at 12:50 p.m. We enjoyed the views for about 45 minutes and then started the journey down. We finished the hike at 7:00. At the end, my legs were shaking and were rubber. Well worth it though!! I faced my fear of heights AND proved to myself that I could do it!!! I even bought a "I Made It To The Top" t-shirt!! Quite the adventure!!

sign coming into Yosemite at 5:00 a.m.

stopped at an overlook the night before the hike

scenery from Happy Trails bridge

coming up to Vernal Falls

Warren and I at top of Vernal Falls

Warren and I at Nevada Falls

another scenic view

a deer on the side of the trail

a view of Half Dome

I am going up the cables of Half Dome (facing my fear of heights)

me at the top and on the edge (another big step for me with my phobia of heights)

Warren and I at the top

going down the cables

stair and more stairs

finished!!! Yeah!!!

my battle wounds!! tripped at the very beginning of the hike on rock and got a gash. I am sure Warren thought at that moment we weren't going to make it, but we did.

Miranda's trip around the U.S. with Grandpa and Grandma Hall

2010-08-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am finally putting up the pictures from Miranda's trip this summer. She went on a trip with Grandma and Grandpa Hall and three of her cousins to tour some of the national and church historical sites. She was gone for 3 1/2 weeks. She had a great time and didn't seem to miss us at all! We are grateful she had this opportunity. Thanks Mom and Dad!!

view of Adam Ondi Ahman

Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred.

Devil's Gate

Far West Temple Site

Grandin Press where first copies of Book of Mormon were published

Hall group photo at reunion

Independence rock

Johnson Farm in Kirtland

Joseph Smith Birthplace Monument

Kirtland Temple

Martin's Cove

Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home)

Mt. Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore

tunnel before you get to Mt. Rushmore

Mt. Vernon (George Washington's home)

National Capital

Peter Witmer Farm

Miranda and Macey stopping for a pose at Valley Forge

the Justice Bell at Valley Forge

Valley Forge Chapel

Washington Monument

Whitehouse

the kids in front of the Newel K. Whitney store in Kirtland

Governor's Palace in Williamsburg

Winter Quarters

Girls Camp 2010

2010-07-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

Girls camp was the last week of June this year. Miranda did not go this year because she went on a trip with my parents and cousins to tour some church history sites and national sites. I will talk more about that trip in another post. Kylie was able to go to Girls Camp though. It was at a different camp this year. Kylie was a little hesitant about the changes, but was a good sport and went. She ended up having a great time. She said it was the best year yet.

Sign coming into camp.

Kylie's age group with their counselors getting ready for the hike.

all the groups getting together before meal time.

More 4th year group pics.

All the Cottage Park ward girls with the Bishop and his wife.

spending the day at the lake.

Trip to Idaho and Utah

2010-07-03T14:47:00.001-07:00

This week, Warren and I decided at the last minute to make a quick trip up to Utah and Idaho. Matt stayed behind to go to summer school. Kylie had girls camp this week and Miranda is on a trip with my parents touring the United States. So it was just Warren, Carlin and myself going on this little adventure. We left Sunday for Rexburg, Idaho to meet up with a few of my sisters and their families. On Monday, we went to Yellowstone National Park. The next day, we went to Teton Canyon and hiked Devil's Staircase. It was a 5.4 mile hike. The last half has a lot of switchbacks going up the mountain, thus the name Devil's Staircase. We made it though. The next day we traveled to the Logan, Utah area. We went to the Aquatic center and then camped out in my niece Katie's backyard. We also went to Hyrum lake and had a picnic and let the kids play in the sand and water while we visited. We had a great time catching up with family. It was weird only having one of our children with us, but nice to spend some time alone with Carlin. Here are some pics of our vacation.

We couldn't resist stopping for a pic with Carlin under this sign.

A coyote we saw wandering along the road.

One of the many geysers we saw at Yellowstone.

One of the beautiful waterfalls.

Some of the wildlife that we saw at Yellowstone.

Old Faithful

A bald eagle if you can't tell.

Teton Mountain range on the Idaho side.

Family pic before we started are hike up Devil's Staircase.

Resting on rocks along the way.

View from almost the top.

Pictures at the top. We made it!!!!

Carlin playing in the snow at the top.

On the way down, we ran into this little guy!!

Carlin feeding the goats at Katie's house.

Tricks Summer Recital 2010

2010-06-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

Carlin has been in a jazz/tap/ballet class at Tricks since September of 2009. She had a nutcracker recital a few months after she started and now a summer recital. The theme was broadway musicals. Her class did Welcome to the 60's from Hairspray. They did a great job! Sorry I can't show you the video. It is too big of a file for the blog, but here are some pics of her and her friends who were in the dance with her.