Party of Five: IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME!

Last night, as Brittani was looking at this blog, she thanked me for blogging. I haven't done a great job. I wish I wrote more and could capture a little more of what happens inside the Finlayson Home, but as I sat down to catch up, I looked back on some of my old posts and I'm so thankful for what I have done. So... again, I will try harder!!! I will try to sit down more often and record some of the happenings of our family, and we will see how it goes! But for now, let's catch up!

VALENTINE'S DAY 2014

For Valentine's Day this year, we decided to keep it super low key. We made a delicious dinner, decorated the table, turned down the lights, and ate together as a family! After dinner, Brittani, Cody, Rick and I went to a movie. It was a perfect night.

LONE PEAK SWIMMING

Nathan decided to try the Lone Peak Swim Team this year and he loved it. He is a natural born breaststroker, and with his long body he only has to do a few strokes to make it across the pool! I was so proud of him for trying something new this year. He learned quickly that having a girlfriend on the team isn't the best idea because when you want to break up with them it makes things awkward! At least he is a quick learner, it took Brittani at least 10 break ups to finally figure that out!

MY NEW HOBBY

There are days when I get in a slump. For as long as I can remember, my main purpose in life has been to be a mother. I clean, I carpool, I help with homework, I play with and take care of my kids. That's who I am. That's what I do. The transition from being a mom of young kids that constantly need me, to being the mom of teenagers that don't need me quite as much, has been one of the hardest changes I have ever experienced. For so long, being a mom defined me, it was who I was, and as my kids have gotten older I find myself with more time on my hands, and sometimes I don't know what to do with it.

As we were on our way home from Mexico this year, making our 2014 goals, I decided that I want to develop some of my talents. Rick, being the ever supportive husband, and seeing the struggle that I have been having, encouraged and encouraged me to find a hobby. When I told him that I would love to get into photography, it didn't take him long to bring home the camera that I had been drooling over! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! So...every chance I get, I make my kids go out for a photo shoot! They are good sports (most of the time)!

WELCOME BABY REESE

Summer finally had her beautiful, perfect, sweet, baby girl. Yay!

EASTER 2014

Just like Valentine's Day, Easter was really relaxing at the Finlayson house. We stayed at home, ate a good dinner, and enjoyed our time together.

The day after Easter we went to Grandma Raynee's for the annual Bengtzen Easter Egg Hunt!

MIRANDA'S WEDDING SHOWER

My cute nephew Tyson got married in April. They wanted to have a really small wedding and so we had a fun shower for his wife-to-be Miranda for everyone to attend.

LET THE LACROSSE SEASON BEGIN!

Nathan was so excited when he made the varsity lacrosse team this year. He didn't get very much playing time on varsity, so he started playing both JV and Varsity. It was a lot of games and practices, but I think he really enjoyed his season.

Connor also had an awesome lacrosse season. Their team did great at first and then fizzled in the end, but Connor seemed to have fun! Nathan was able to help coach a little, and I think both boys enjoyed that.