Stud Muffin!

Last month, my studly husband competed in the Southeast Crossfit Regionals. You have to qualify in order to even compete at the regional level, so that in itself was quite an accomplishment. Ty did very well at the competition, especially having only less than a year of crossfit training under his belt. Here a few shots of Ty in action. Very nice!

The kids hamming up for the camera right before Daddy's first WOD.

How lucky am I?!

I LOVE THESE KIDS!!!!!!

Beach Reunion

Every year we get together at the beach with all of Bebe's side of the family. It's such a fun time for soooo many reasons, but I have to say the best part is watching the kids play together and enjoy their vacation. I have such fond memories of going on family vacations and hanging out with my cousins. In fact, some of the best times in my life. I'm savoring every moment my children have when they little because they are too young to realize how precious these moments are. Here are a few pictures of the kids on the dolphin cruise.

Pre-K Graduation

My sweet baby boy graduated from Pre-K this past Friday.  *Sobs*  I can't believe he will starting Kindergarten in the Fall...it seems like just yesterday that I took him home from the hospital, said his first word, took his first step....time flies.  Now he's this young, handsome, 5 year old boy all geared up to ride the bus on his first of school to Kindergarten.  Good thing I've got a whole summer to prepare myself for this huge step!!!!

The school put on an awesome graduation that brought me tears. They played a DVD of all the Pre-K students which included.pictures of the children throughout the year and filmed each student asking them what they want to be when they grow up.  All of the children had great answers, but my favorite answer was "I want to be a mommy when I grow up".  The best job in the world!  Nate's answer was "I want to be a scientist when I grow up".  Good answer Nate! 

Nate was lucky enough to have his Bebe, Nana, and Aunt Lellie attend his graduation.  He was so happy that they good make it!  Thank y'all!  I have more pictures of the graduate in his cap in gown, but I'll have to put them on my next post.

Nana w/ the kids

Bebe w/ the kids

Nate and Aunt Lellie

Almost 3 months later!

I haven't posted lately, but I'm pretty sure no one really noticed.  I just thought I would give my blog some activity with this pointless post. 

Here's Leah potty training.

Lately...

Well the tables have turned in regards to my kids behavior. Nate came into this world with a fiery passion for life which could sometimes be confused with him behaving like a wild animal (primate of some sort). Leah entered life very laid back and easy-going (except for those months of h*ll during colic)....totally chill.
Wow! Thing have definitely changed. Nate is sooooo easy...listening, behaving, helping....I could go on and on. Leah on the other hand has turned into a full on DIVA. She is extremely independent and it makes life very difficult especially when are trying to be on time for school, church, doctors appointments, etc. Now I know that their ages are a huge determinate of their behavior (Nate is almost 5 and Leah is almost 2 1/2), but I'm just saying. This entry may sound like I'm complaining, because I am....remember the title of my blog. :) Anyhow, I will look back at this point in my life and get a good laugh.

Primate Nate

Miss Independent

(That face makes it really hard for me to stay frustrated.)

BTW- Life lately is great!!!!

LIVESTRONG!

A shot out for Ian.

Hold it Against Me

I admit that one of my guilty pleasures is Britney Spears, so of course I like her new song, Hold it Against Me. I came across this awesome cover of the song performed by this amazing new artist, John Lennon. Check it out!

Enjoy!

I came across this on Facebook and thought I'd share it with ya'll. This is so touching to me....notice how the little girl is leaning on her daddy....SOOOO SWEET!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!!

Yep that's right....I haven't posted since Halloween. I totally missed the rest of the holidays, which happened to be totally awesome. I can't seem to get with the whole blogging schedule. I've decided that this year, 2011, will be a time for some big changes. I'm not talking New Years resolutions, because those never last. These changes are to be life lasting. I want to be a better me. I plan on giving 150% towards everything I do....as a Christian, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend....etc. I also want to take better care of myself (physically and mentally) because that makes it easier for me to perform these goals. So here's to a new start!!!

As for those wonderful holidays I mentioned earlier....

Thanksgiving was so much fun because the entire Jensen gang along with my awesome in-laws were able to get together for a delicious turkey dinner. We all left fat and happy!

December was action packed because we headed down to Orlando for a week because my baby sis graduated from UCF. Go Lellie! Go KNIGHTS!!! Since we had a lot of time to kill we decided to hit up Disney World. Loads of fun!

The rest of December flew by so quickly....tons of family, tons of shopping, and tons of eating. My three favorites things....what more could I ask for?! Christmas time was the only thing that I would change because it's never long enough. :( I'm already counting down til next year.

New Years was so much fun! Long story short, we almost didn't make it out for the evening, but everything turned around. We rang in the New Year with Jess and Mike....couldn't ask for a better night.

Now onto 2011....here we come!

Halloween

Our Halloween was yet another fun-filled....face stuffing (w/candy)...spook-tacular weekend. The kids had an absolute blast Saturday night at Nana's annual Halloween party and loved being the center of attention. Of course, trick-or-treating on Sunday with the Huerkamps was the highlight of Nate and Leah's night.

Our lil' 50's Sweetie!

Star Wars!!!!

They're obsessed!!!  Nate is dressed as Anakin, Jack as Darth Vader and

 Luke as Luke Skywalker.

(Please excuse Nate's crazy eyes....too much candy.)

Pictures taken right before they left for their Harvest party...bounce houses, hay rides....games etc. 

Good  times!

Happy Halloween!!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Here's the Hanson family (plus Uncle Billy) throwing down our Halloween rap.

Happy Birthday Leah!!!!

Baby Leah is the big 2 today!!!!

You truly are gift from God.

Happy Birthday sweet sweet girl!

 BTW..please click on the picture for a closer view of "the look".

 

First day of school

The first day of school has finally arrived and I couldn't be happier. Does that make me a bad mom? You don't have to answer that...

Anyhow, Nate's first day was on Tuesday and he's going everyday. Leah started Wednesday and she has the M-W-F schedule. Nate and Leah couldn't have been more ready to get to school yesterday and I couldn't find enough time before 9 to get them ready. Always late...story of my life! Oh well.....

  

The kids had a blast at school and received good reports from their teachers.  In fact, Leah's teacher mentioned how well adjusted she is for her age.  Ty and I are the parents of two social butterflies...big surprise there.

Here's my little Dollface!

Hanson Hybrid

Please watch the drummer in this video!  He is a cross between my husband, Ty, and my seven year old nephew, Jacob.  Enjoy!!!

It's been waaay to long!

Well I wish I had a good excuse for my lack of blog updates, but honestly I don't.  This summer has been mad crazy, but I've definitely had enough time to blog about it.  Frankly, I've just been lazy, but my sister-in-law, Jessica, has been great with her blogging.  Therefore, I will be attaching the links of some of  her posts for a few of my updates.  :)  Thanks Jess!

This summer has been a total blast despite the fact that it's hotter than Hades!   I made a trip down to Orlando the last weekend of May for my soon to be sister-in-law, Jessica, with my mom, sister, and baby brother. (Yep...I soon will have two sister-in-laws named Jessica, which works out well for someone like myself who can't even remember her own name!) Anyhow, we got a good visit in with the soon-to-be Mr. & Mrs. Billy Jensen!!!

We had an awesome time at Portifino in early June with the family.  The kids had an absolute blast at the beach, pool, waterpark, etc.  Fun in the sun and plenty of good eats!!!  My only complaint was the visit was waaaaay to short!  :)  We'll definitely have to extend our stay next year.

The following weekend, Ty and I, had a sprint triatholon, which was short and sweet.  Just the way I like it.  The next two weekends included the 4th of July, and Blue Angels.  The Blue Angels put on a great show along with all the drunks running around Pensacola Beach.  Kidding aside the BA show was spectacular!!

Now on to my special trip away from the life of Laura.  I flew out to Texas to visit the Devenny's (Jess, Mike, Jacob, Parker, & Eden) sans my hubby and kids.  I felt guilty at first about leaving them behind because I knew they would have a blast with their cousins.  However, that guilt quickly went away when I was sitting at Cheesecake with Jess, Ashley, and Erin enjoying a glass of wine over lunch!  :) The long weekend went a little like this.  Jess and I got the "twins" question thrown at us the entire visit (much to Ty's dismay!).  Anyhow, I had a blast and got a real good visit in with Jess, Mike and the kids. 

The party didn't end there....I rode with Jess, the kids, and their new puppy, Sixer, back to Florida.  My kids were finally reunited with Jess's kids and all was well.  Although, my desire for a bigger house grew intensely when the house was packed full with 5 kids all under the age of 7, three super cool adults, and one teeny tiny pup!  Wowzers!  All and all...it was still loads of fun no matter how tight the living conditions.  Anyhow, we  celebrated Jacob's 7th birthday with him at Big Kahunas and came home to enjoy cake!

                                       

I was also lucky enough to enjoy another GNO with Jessica and all her high school friends.  Good times!

                                      

My other sister-in-law, Sara, came in town with her two little girls, Kaitlyn and Kylie, for a quick visit while her hubby, J.E. (my big bro), partied with my lil bro, Billy, @ his bachelor party.  Unfortunately, we didn't get to visit with them as much as we would like, but we did leave them with parting gift.  My kids got her kids sick!!!!  Sorry Sara!!!!  I owe you one! 

Okay, so that's it for now.  I am absolutely sick and tired of blogging today!!!!  I really need to get on a schedule with this blogging crap because I don't like playing catch up...it's to much work!

The many faces of Leah

Lil' Lady

Here's my lil' lady rockin a shiner. She can pull off every look it seems...eye boogers, runny nose, and even black eyes. That's my girl!

Happy Birthday Nate!

Wow!!! I have a four year old!!! Where has all the time gone?!! It seems like just yesterday that I was bringing Nate home from the hospital. Oh he was so cute with his baby fuzz back hair!!! I miss those days, but that's not to say that I'm not loving life now. Nate is growing up to be an amazing kid if I do say so myself. Extremely outgoing and everyone's friend...caring...hyper...WILD...and absolutely perfect for our family!!!! I couldn't ask for a better son. :) Happy Birthday Nate!

                                         Like Father like Son

Easter Morning

Soccer

We signed Nate up for soccer thinking it would be the best sport for him to burn off all that extra energy along with learning about team sports. We had no clue what we were getting ourselves into....

We had to bribe Nate with ice cream and toys in order for him to perform. Apparently he really liked that deal and scored goals in all of his games. I sure hope his performances now at this age are no any indicator of his future atheletic skills, because we're going to be broke for sure. He definitely excelled but always for a price and I have feeling that that ice cream and toys won't work for a teenager. :)

Needless to say, we are going to give sports a rest for the summer, because Mommy and Daddy need a break. I don't know how we're going to do it when all of our children are involved in activities. The mere thought exhausts me...