Read post below about pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We're back for the New Year!

There has been a lot that has happened since we last posted. Well of course there has since we post SO FREQUENTLY. We had a fabulous year. Charlotte was born, and I think that's where we left off. We had an amazing summer with some fun trips. We headed back to NYC at the end of May to visit our Harlem stomping grounds of the Summer of 2008. We spent some time in St. Louis meeting up with my sister, out at Bear Lake for a Hamilton Family reunion, in Wisconsin for Keith's brother's baby blessing, etc. We had fun lounging at the rec center pool, going to the library, and sports camps, etc.

But I think the greatest story of the year began on July 29th when Darren broke his arm while climbing off a trampoline. (Luke had stitches in his chin the month before while in St. Louis). Darren had to have his arm reset twice, and had four casts in the process. Funny thing was...a month later he jumped off a referee stand and broke his foot too. Embarrassing, I didn't want to even bring it up at his arm appt. the next day. When Keith's dad told me after Darren broke his arm, "this won't the first time this kid brake's a bone." I didn't really think it would be that soon. He never stopped running the whole time. Or really ever complained. A tough kid.

We had a great fall. The kids played soccer, and basketball. Keith coached them in basketball. We were the Pirates of the Carribean for Halloween. Which, they all have the Pirates song memorized. Kayla started kindergarten. And Darren just started preschool! and He's potty trained.

My sister Shirley and her family visited us for Thanksgiving, and Adam and Stephanie, Keith's cousin. We went to my parent's for Christmas after spending Christmas Eve and morning at home.

Keith's still playing basketball at the church, and just started tournament time again. Won his game tonight! I'm running the Boston marathon in April. Qualified at the Indianapolis Marathon in October.

Charlotte is crawling all over, and obsessed with stairs.

We love all our friends and family, and apologize for our lameness in staying in contact.

Charlotte Rose Busby

 

 

 

 

Charlotte was born March 5th, 2010. She weighed 7lbs. 11oz. and was 21 inches long. She is a cutie. We love her so much. She came 4 days late. I guess she really enjoyed it inside the womb. I had contractions all night long Thursday night, and all day Friday, but they slowed down. We were debating whether or not to go to the hospital, and we even had a friend come over to watch the kids. But after walking the mall for a bit, and the contractions hadn't increased in frequency, we decided to send her home. Only less than an hour after she left my water broke, and we had to call our other friend to come over. That was my first experience with my water breaking outside the hospital. That was new. It was an awesome delivery. Only at the hospital about 3 hours before she was born. Everything was awesome. She is a really good baby. I look forward to her sleeping through the night, but that will come I guess. The kids just love her. Besides the occasional blowing her face, and Darren sticking his foot in her face when she was in the car seat--we moved her carseat away from his. They really are very good to her. Our friends in the ward here have been so awesome that it has made it very enjoyable. So many took my kids the first week after she was born, and brought meals for dinner. We are so blessed. Can't believe we are a family of six now. It really does seem like a Big family now instead of a cute little family. It reminds me of growing up now. Hope all of you are all well. I'm terrible at updating this blog. I will try and improve. We'll see how long that lasts for. :O)

Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

More of Cincinnati and the trip out here

Sorry I didn't comment on that last post...i accidentally published it without comment... and computer literate as I am I couldn't figure it out quickly enough to go back and fix it, and then of course...mom things come up. We are doing great in Cincinnati. We had a blast coming out here. We stopped in Arizona, left the kids there for a week with keith's parent's--they are so nice, and headed to California to go to the "Greatest place on earth" according to Keith--disneyland and then we also went to Universal Studios and spent a day at the beach. It was a blast, and so rejuvenating to just spend time together. We then went to Kansas City where we spent some time with my family. I lost my camera while we were there, but luckily it was under my suitcase the whole time. I was glad to find it, but sad i didn't take any pictures there except the first day. The kids love visiting with their uncles. We finally arrived in Ohio about the 2oth of May, and that was fun. That's when we discovered Luke had that lovely Impetigo which he caught from my brother...eventually he got it again, and then Kayla also got it. We went to the doctor 6x within the first 2 1/2 weeks we were here. THat was a bit crazy. We finally found a place after much stress, a bad realtor help lady, locking ourselves out of the car a mile a way from the whole--walking back with a naked baby, and yeah...it was fun. Luckily and gratefully Keith's brother Kevin and his wife came out and helped us with the kids over memorial day weekend. They rock. So nice.

We were in a hotel for it seemed like forever while the carpet was replaced and what not, but while we waited we found a free bbq, and went to the zoo and science museum and what not.



Keith and I at Universal Studios outside the Terminator "ride"

Above is our cute little capecod. That was the night we arrived, and we were excited that my Dad flew in for work and was able to see it too. It is cute. No garage, and I'm sure we'll miss that in the winter. But there is a beautiful backyard, a basement for the kids toys, and the kids all sleep upstairs in the "loft" type rooms. I love them being up there. I feel like Keith and I have the whole place to ourselves, instead of like our old place the kids came out every two seconds after bed, they were so close to our room.

We made playdough the other day. I had never done that before. It was fun and easy. Thanks to the MBASA cookbook. We really love it here. Our ward is awesome. We have already made so many friends. They have been so welcoming. There are tons of family things to do here for free or for cheap. We love blue ash. We have a rec. center that's brand new, and the fee for it is $70/ year for a family. We love that.

Our neighbor is a runner, she ran at Xavier University, and so we have ran together a few times. And I'm glad there is a runner right next to me. SO at least we can run together sometimes...I can't convince her to get up at 5:30 everyday. :O)

Kids are all growing up fast....Kayla and Luke start Montessori preschool soon. They are looking forward to that, and I am too, only one kid for a few hours. Saweet. Darren has started talking a bit...ball, dog, dad, mom, grandpa, grandma, outside, downstairs. He's a cutie.

Miss you all, well I guess some we haven't seen in a while now, but especially those we just left in Utah. Take care all.

A Shout out from Cincinnati!

Family Pictures

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! For all of you who we don't have your updated email address, here's our family update.

How are you all doing? We hope this year finds you well and happy. We miss you. We hope we can keep in touch with those who are far and harder to keep in touch with, or near and sometimes just as hard to get together with.

In March, our third child and second boy, Darren Smith Busby arrived. He came four days early and we were grateful because 10 days later Keith went on an amazing field study to Dubai and South Africa leaving us for 10 days. Keith did some work for Honeywell and managed to go on an African Safari and was able to visit all those nifty things in Dubai.

Keith is currently in business school (MBA) at BYU studying organization behavior / human resources and he finishes this coming April. The few quick years have gone by so fast, but it is nice to feel that it has gone by quick. We really have enjoyed being here in Provo again with a different perspective, kids and all. However in May, we will be picking up and moving to Cincinnati where we took a job working for Procter & Gamble.

Over the summer Keith did an internship with Procter & Gamble in Manhattan. We lived in Harlem and were able to cruise all over the city doing all the touristy and 'local' stuff. A few of our favorite things about the city were Central Park and eating authentic NY pizza or gyros off the street. It was awesome to visit friends and family out there as well. Since Anika used to live in Long Island, it was fun to take a trip out there for a weekend.

Since being back in Provo, while Keith has been at school, Anika and the kids have hiked the Y trail, Stuart Falls, have walked up the Provo River trail many times, and have gone to different parks and what not trying to take advantage of all the wonderful things to do in Provo while we are here this short time. Anika has also enjoyed running with teammates on the old routes of the BYU cross country days, and competing in a few races here and there.
Kayla has been taking ballet lessons and is going to preschool. She turned four in November and had a Royal princess Party. She is our little princess, and such a big helper. We're so grateful for her. Luke is all BOY; cars, sword fighting, star wars, and his newest is Indiana Jones. He wears his little Safari hat and Leather "Indiana Jones bag" around the house. A few months ago I would find him stealing my butter knives to use as swords. Even now EVERYTHING is a sword. He is 2 ½ and quite the opinionated, outspoken child.

Darren is growing so fast, 9 months already. A little short though; we call him our little Willow - he was in the 5th percentile for height and weight at his 6 month appointment. Fortunately he is quite the mover and is one tough boy as he repeatedly takes beatings from his siblings.

We love you all! Hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you are ever near we would love to see you or if not we would love to hear from you somehow. We're grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, and thankful to have such wonderful family and friends who draw us to Him.
We love you, The Busby's

Corn Belly's

It was only 93 cents to go to this Corn Belly's Harvest festival at Thanksgiving point on Friday. So while Keith was at a campout we met up with Steve and Camille (my awesome cousin's fam) and took the kids to party. They loved it. If any of you live in Utah and get the chance to go, you should. IT really is a fun place for kids. Luke is still talking about it. The dried corn to play in was a hit...way less messy than sand, I think. You could make a princess scarecrow, but most the kids opted out to dressing up themselves instead (including Luke.) Don't talk about it with Keith. But Luke was screaming to also dress up, so I gave in.

Bridal Veil Falls and Canyon Walks

I love that the Provo Canyon is about a five minute drive from our house. I have really been trying to take advantage of that fact this year, and before all the snow and cold weather comes. We have walked to Bridal Veil Falls a few different times with different spouses from the MBA program. I love hanging out with the spouses. I really will miss that when we are in Cinncinnati next year. And I will miss all the outdoor stuff there is to do here.

The Top of the Y

Last wednesday the kids and I hiked the Y. We did it last year, but without Darren--(in utero than i suppose). We had a blast. Looking for lizards, grasshoppers, and what not. I'm not going to lie... we had to sing songs like "The Busby's go marching one by one hoorah, hoorah, Luke stops to throw some rocks...the Busby's going marching one by one to get up to the Y..." Luke was obsessed, or shall I say IS OBSESSED with Rocks and throwing them. Is that a boy thing? Are your boys like that too? Kayla has never seemed to have that obsession. Darren was so good. I forgot he was with us at times he was so chill...just like in the city I would be thinking about transfering subways or something and completely forget I was wearing him in the Bjorn until someone would comment on how cute he was. I would look at them confused and than realize he was attached to me.

It was gorgeous up there, I don't know if you can see the colorful trees above Kayla and Luke.