Everything Bolden

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

We spent the evening with our friends the McQuains and the Hobbs. Everyone filled up on chili, and then we took all NINE kids around the block!

Carving pumpkins in the morning

Last minute idea + homemade costumes = cutest trick or treating trio in the neighborhood!

Pumpkin Patch and Pony Rides

2010-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

When my parents were in town a few weeks ago, we had to make a trip to McDonald's Ranch! It was 90+ degrees and sunny, but somehow, it still felt like fall was in the air :)

Playing catch up...

2010-11-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

It's been...18 months since I've posted! Shame on me! My family has grown and changed so much. We have moved from CA and are now living in Phoenix, AZ. The kids are all doing amazingly well at their schools, and we couldn't be more proud!

Here are some highlights you may have missed...

Elizabeth has new "ears"!

2009-05-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth was diagnosed in March with profound hearing loss, most likely due to her battle with bacterial meningitis last year. We immediately got the ball rolling for hearing aids, and she had them in her ears a month later on April 30th! She is already a different baby...saying new words like "doggie", "no!" and "hi!". Keeping them in is a challenge right now, but I know it will be better soon, when she's used to them. I find them in her mouth a lot, and once she was even trying to get Hannah to wear them! Good try, sweetheart ;-)

(please excuse messy snack face...black bean chocolate brownies. mmm!)

Our Twinkies are Two!

2009-05-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hannah and Elizabeth turned TWO on April 27th! Here are some pics from their birthday bash the day before!

E being shy, H loving the attention!

Hannah

Elizabeth

Now they have scooters like big brother! (kind of) ;-)

Elizabeth giving Biscuit his treat

Hannah loving Biscuit (thanks Aunt Annette and Uncle Zach!!!)

Saying goodbye to grandma and grandpa Lange

A day at the Zoo

2009-04-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we went to the Zoo with Grandma Diane, Jessica and Cesar, and our combined 7 kids! We had a blast! The line was horrendous, so we took advantage of the $5 off special, and bought a year long Zoo pass. It was WELL worth the extra money to avoid the long line that day, and for many days to come. We were worried about missing nap time (and if you know them, you would be too!) but the girls passed out in the stroller about 4 hours later. lol. We finished the day with a huge meal at Buca Di Beppo...so perfect!

(What they're looking at in above pic) the "Zaboo" lemurs!

Elizabeth with cousin Jasmine

The crazy cement snake "slide".

The reptile house put them right to sleep!

I have a pic just like this from when he was 16 months! Aww.

The snow leopard...not sure what it was staring at!

Picnic at City Park

2009-04-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

Fried chicken and a pinata = good times with the family!

Our future tennis pro

Baylee!!!

Hannah with daddy's "gasses"
Elizabeth

Easter Weekend

2009-04-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

We were blessed with beautiful, sunny weather!

I LOVE California...and fresh strawberries to my door :)

Dan playing at Church

Suri Cruise has NOTHING on these girls!

Sorry for the sun in your eyes, kids.

Hair cut!

2009-03-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

We always cut Zack's hair off in the spring and then just let it grow until it's long and crazy. Dan brought out the clipper's on Valentine's Day this time, and it took FOREVER. I swear, hair cuts were easier when he was two, and didn't complain so much! It kept getting shorter and shorter and shorter because he wouldn't stop moving...

Before

After

Sharing is impossible when you're not yet two...

2009-03-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

This is the day we had new carpet installed in all three bedrooms. Everything we owned was in the family room...FUN! I was trying to clean up all the dirt and carpet pieces, but babies wanted to help...also fun ;-)

And then Hannah started crying because she wanted the green vacuum...

Little Mommies

2009-03-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

Oh, I was sooo proud when I realized the girls were nursing their puppies!!! And apparently that is what I look like all reclined on the couch. LOL.

Hannah

Elizabeth

Old stuff

2009-03-09T21:04:00.001-07:00

While cooking Christmas dinner at my Grandpa's house...I discoverd the 30 year old spices! Accckk! I thought it would be funny to take a pic of his super old kitchen. My mom said I could get her in the pic since she's old too. LOL.

McDonald's Ranch

2009-03-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

Our family has been going to McDonald's Ranch for almost 30 years. My first visit was in my mother's womb, actually ;)

The kids had a blast! There were friendly dogs to pet, miniature horses, goats, sheep, chickens...and of course horses to ride. Grandma and Grandpa Lange treated Zack to a mini lesson. He learned how to groom the horse, and how to tack her up. Then, he learned how to squeeze with his legs to make Goldie "go" and pull back gently with his reins to make Goldie "whoa". Sylvia convinced us he was a natural...and of course we are so proud! LOL.

Hannah and Elizabeth couldn't wait for their turn on Goldie. They squealed and clapped the entire time...huge smiles plastered on their faces. We are in trouble!

Controlled chaos

2009-03-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

That's what it feels like when the Boldens meet the McQuains. Six kids under five ;-)

Daddies (trying) to fly a kite...

Sweet pic of Parker

Elizabeth loves riding bikes!
Train park!

Wheee!

E and Brooksey boy playing before dinner

This took a little bit of a group effort...LOL. SO YUMMY!
Proof of it's yumminess...(yes, they're hooked onto the counter because we ran out of room at the dinner table!) Sweet girls!

Boys make everything crazy!

Clean and ready for bed...finally!

New Year's...also belated!

2009-03-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

We drove to AZ from SoCal on Christmas Day...and avoided all the traffic! I LOVE visiting my grandparents over the holidays. We eat really great food (Horny Toad), and the weather is always fantastic. Aunt Susan even brought Carly to see us one night...the kids had so much fun with her!

Me and the kids with grandma Glo(ria)!

Grandpa Lee

Elizabeth and Zack with Carly

Aunt Susan and Zack (and Leapster!)

Christmas....belated of course

2009-03-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas in SoCal at my grandpa Tom's house! It was quite a crazy drive with me and Zack barfing the whole way...but we rested up in a hotel for a few days and rallied just in time! Zack was glued to his new Leapster, and the girls were just happy visiting with family, playing with the gift wrap, and petting the puppy statue :)

My dad with H on left, E on right
Elizabeth petting the "puppy"
Uncle Mark with Hannah, Elizabeth cuddling daddy, and Zack waiting for the feast! Mmm.

A Q Shack Thanksgiving

2009-01-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

I helped prepare desserts and green bean casseroles for the Q Shack! Cooking large batches of food in an industrial kitchen definitely takes some getting used to...lots of planning and set-up. I didn't get any pics of the pumpkin dream cakes, but I remembered my camera for casserole night!

Turkeys in the tub! (brine)

Dan's mom, and baby Baylee...aww!

I'm back!

2009-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

I should be put in blogger timeout for not posting in nearly three months! We've been so busy with the holidays, travel, and now home improvements/reorganizing. I'm going to be playing catch-up while I go through my pics...I hope you don't mind :)

Halloween!

2008-11-01T23:29:00.001-07:00

We had a very happy Halloween! We went trick or treating with our friends Sean and Tori, and then had pizza and games after getting chased inside by the rain! Zack is great at the whole concept, but the girls needed a little coaxing. By the time we got to the last couple houses, they were pushing their way through to get their candy! They were so thrilled just to hold it all, we're going to wait as long as we can before we let them know it tastes good too!

Roasted pumpkin seeds

Dan carved the flag, Zack picked out his happy face and "helped" with the carving process, and I actually free-handed the owl and carved it in record time. I have always stuck with traditional faces before, but this was kind of rewarding. I don't know that I have enough patience for it though...since I was rushing to get to bed, I almost killed the owl a couple times. It's pretty tedious with a "saw" the size of a toothpick.

This was a really cute house we passed, and decided to use it for a family photo op. The kids aren't looking, but you get the general idea! Spiderman/Peter Parker (he insisted!) and twin Nemo's :)

It's official...I'm going to be a surrogate!

2008-10-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Most of my friends and family know I've been talking about surrogacy for years, so to some this is nothing new...but to everyone else, SURPRISE! We just met our IP's (intended parents) K and D this weekend, and had a wonderful visit! They live internationally, so it was a really big deal to get here before we start the whole process...I feel really lucky to have matched with them. The next step is signing contracts and meeting with the RE (reproductive endocrinologist) and start the screening with his clinic. We're all so excited!

First Sleepover!

2008-10-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

We watched our niece Alex (7) and nephew CJ (4) this weekend, and I must admit it went better than I imagined! The kids got along great, and everyone was so well behaved. Besides everyone waking up before the sun, having 5 kids under 7 is a breeze ;) We took them to Costco on Saturday and they wanted us to buy them all the cool toys...we told them to ask mommy and daddy. You're welcome! LOL!

Elizabeth is done...

The piggies are back!

2008-10-30T10:05:00.001-07:00

I love it when the girls have pig tails...they are way too cute!

Wednesday Night Dancin'

2008-10-30T01:39:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time hanging out after dinner last night...mommy was too tired to go for a walk, so daddy brought out the guitar so the kids could dance :) Enjoy!

More Biltmore Baby

2008-10-30T01:19:00.000-07:00

I finally found Zack sitting down long enough to get a pic in his shirt! We were at playgroup...he had already spilled something on it. Dang.

I wrangled the girls again too. Must have been a bad bunny ear day....
All better!

Whine and Cheese

2008-10-22T03:04:00.001-07:00

Yep...that pretty much sums it up. Although sometimes it's just ALL whine. LOL. Thanks Annette for the cute tees! More shirts to model, so more pics to come :)

(please excuse the post nap hair!)

First Hair Cuts!

2008-10-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

My mom was here...she made me do it! Seems to be the magical age in our family, because she cut Zack's hair when he was 17 months too. I love it actually...so much easier than trying to keep their hair out of their face with bands and clips.

Hannah Before and After

Elizabeth Before and After

Who needs toys?

2008-10-22T02:26:00.000-07:00

Even before the girls could walk, they've been very obsessed with footwear! They started by crawling around with their hands in everyone's shoes (ick!) Now, I'm sure they'd much rather wear a new pair of shoes than play with a new toy. I found these super cute faux crocs at Target last week, and they were in LOVE. These are the best pics I could get because they were on the move for at least 30 minutes!

The newest baby girl in our lives

2008-10-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Is our brand new niece, Baylee Martha! She made her appearance on October 8th, at 3:31am. She weighed 6lbs 15oz, and was 19inches long. Jessica was amazing...and I feel so lucky to have been in attendence. Besides my own babies being born, I think it was the most exciting and beautiful experience I've ever had. Maybe there's a new career in my future... ;-)

Here she is, fresh out!

(12hours old) Proud mama and sweet baby!

Proud uncle Dan!

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

2008-09-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Zachary is 4 today!!!!! Of course, he's acting like he's been 4 for a long time now, because we had a little family party for him last week. LOL. We are so amazingly blessed to have him. He's funny, smart, sensitive, sweet, and so handsome. My little "baby" is seriously starting to be a big kid now, and while it's challenging to be his parent, I love it. Whenever I tell him he's my favorite boy, he tells me I'm his favorite mommy :)

A few hours old

This morning

Babywearing contest!

2008-08-12T12:21:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of babywearing. It's absolutely necessary in my life with all these kids I have! lol. I've posted pics all over this blog if you want to go see what I'm talking about.

I just entered a contest to win a new carrier...a Beco Butterfly! You can enter too :)

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

Claremont and beyond...

2008-07-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to spend much time in Claremont...just enough to visit grandpa in the "rehab center" (gosh, that place is awful!) and have dinner with my uncle Mark, and his girlfriend. I haven't seen them in years, and it was fun for them to meet the kids for the first time :)

Grandma took everyone to the park to burn energy while I packed up our things...

We got in the car at 11:30am, and headed to Phoenix! We stopped quite a few times, but the overall trip went fairly smooth. We stopped at a rest stop in the middle of the desert for a potty/diaper/nursing break, and it was well over 100 degrees and WINDY! I let Zack use the camera, and was pleasently surprised at how well he did!

Salinas

2008-07-25T13:30:00.001-07:00

I stopped in Salinas to meet up with another friend! Cynthia and her son Calvin were so sweet to us! We had a nice little lunch, playtime in the cool coastal air (70 degrees in the middle of July!!!!!!!) and then we had to get back in the car for more driving. Cynthia sent along a bag of Lara bars for us to snack on, and they really hit the spot! Zack loved the chocolate one best, of course ;)

We finally hit the road again at 5:30pm due to technical problems with the DVD players, and by then I was exhausted. I should have gotten a hotel like I wanted, but I figured it was only a few more hours...lol. Try 9. With disasterous potty breaks, missed directions, a couple quick naps for mommy, and TRAFFIC due to construction...we finally arrived in Claremont at 3:30am. UGH.

First stop, Petaluma!

2008-07-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

Bright and early last Thursday morning, I left on a 2.5 week road trip adventure. My first stop "along the way" (but not really!) was in Petaluma, CA to visit some very good friends of ours. Denise and her kids are so much fun! We ate breakfast, played outside, and picked blackberries in her yard. Yummy!

Henry and Zack

Hannah with Henry...so CUTE!

Iris carrying Elizabeth because she wouldn't stay out of the dirt piles!

Hannah having some cuddle time with Denise

Elizabeth trying to climb up the porch stairs

Tickles!!!

Me with E, and the boys on scooters
E on my back in the wrap, watching Henry on his cool tire swing...Zack really wants one now!
Hannah picking blackberries

"Former Wombmates"

2008-07-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Annette makes custom tees http://biltmorebaby.com/, and these are my favorites. I crack up every time I put them on. It's funny to think that my completely different and independent girls ever shared ANYTHING!

The only time they really cooperate, is when they are partners in crime!

Zack is SUCH a good big brother to his baby sisters...they just adore him. I think this picture is so sweet!

Fun times at Sam's Club!

2008-07-25T00:54:00.001-07:00

We went to Sam's to look for dual DVD players for my road trip to SoCal and AZ...and it was surprisingly fun! As we were parking, I spotted the coolest motorcycles/trikes pulling in. We had to go over and say hi...and they even let Zack sit on them for pictures! The nice couples were taking a break from the heat since they were stuck in our horrible rush hour traffic. They were from NC, and had already logged 4000 miles!

Inside, the kids spent 30 minutes or so playing in the adorable wooden cottage they had set up. Dan says he can build one. I said we should buy it. We'll see :) I look like a giant, by the way.

4th of July

2008-07-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

I realize it was three weeks ago...but that's what happens. Someday I'll start posting current happenings. One can hope anyway.

We spent the day with family, a bbq, and a whole lot of fireworks! Zack loved it, Hannah could do w/o the loud noise, and Elizabeth was just happy to be loved on by her cousins.

Empty nest

2008-07-23T23:23:00.001-07:00

Last month we had a pair of doves make a nest on our porch, and lay two eggs. I felt so honored they chose our house, despite our constant general chaos. Boy did those babies grow fast...they flew away about 2-3 weeks after they hatched. We still see them hanging around the house all the time...I guess they're not quite ready to leave the 'rents ;)

Our buddy Owen

2008-07-23T21:58:00.001-07:00

Owen and the girls have the best time playing together! Sometimes they even accidentally dress alike...

Sand = Fun

2008-07-23T00:21:00.001-07:00

Since the babies finally started walking last month, it's been so much fun taking them to our favorite places and letting them explore themselves. Here are the girls at "our" park around the corner. This was also their first sand experience, by the way. They were quite intrigued :)

Biking around town!

2008-07-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

We decided to combat insane gas prices by getting bikes for the whole family! For trips with the whole family, we have a baby seat and double trailer. We've biked to the in-law's, to the grocery store, softball, and dinner (at Sonic!). So much fun!

Zack with his new big kid bike Safety first!

Here's the beloved Burley...Elizabeth

and baby Owen :)

Milk on the go!

2008-07-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

Annette and I took a trip to Reno last month to visit some friends. About 30 minutes from our destination, we just couldn't take the bickering and fussing any longer! We HAD to stop to feed the babies. Here's Hannah driving while Elizabeth gets her milkies.

The "triplets" eating Kim's super yummy whole wheat waffles...definitely worth fighting over (and they did, after this nice sharing pic!)

A family that walks together...

2008-06-20T00:58:00.000-07:00

is healthy together! Dan and I were fed up with being fat, so last month we decided to do something about it! We've always eaten really healthy, organic, fresh foods...we just eat way too much, and seem to "supplement" with treats more often than we should. LOL.

5 weeks in, I've lost 12lbs and Dan has lost 22 (men suck, don't they?!?)

We've started taking nightly walks with the kids all around town, and it's so fantastic! Everyone looks forward to pajama time now, since it's followed by some stroller time in the fresh air :)

Yes, that's a 38lb *almost* 4 year old on my back! He loves it, and I get quite the workout.

Fun in the sun...

2008-06-20T00:23:00.000-07:00

I lathered my kids up with sunscreen, and then let them free in our backyard all morning yesterday! We had so much fun playing in the water, and mud :) I've been waiting for the girls to walk so they won't scrape up their knees on our concrete patio, but they're just taking way too long! I figure they'll walk if it bothers them too much ;)

Signature Elizabeth silly face!

Signature Hannah fussy face!

Playing so nicely...except, Hannah couldn't keep her diaper on, and E couldn't keep her hat on!

Yes, he's drinking out of the hose. And yes, he's still in his jammies.

Play group at the Pray's

2008-06-20T00:11:00.001-07:00

We've been going to play group at the Pray's for about a year now...every Friday afternoon! Last week was lots of fun with the pool and sprinkler. Poor Zack needed more big kids to swim with though...exactly 3, he said. LOL.

Train Museum

2008-06-19T01:31:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a trip to the Train Museum in Old Sacramento. The kids love that place...so we're taking advantage of it while they're still free admission! LOL. We met up with the McQuains, brought a picnic lunch, and had a great afternoon.

Zack with uncle Jake, cousins Jasmine and Marco

My favorite brother duo...Parker and Brooksey

Hannah loved playing trains!

Auntie Jessica and Grandma Diane with the girls :)

Edamame was a hit for sure!

Jasmine with Hannah, E passed out in the Beco, and Zack with his new toy

A really big buffalo.

The Conklins!

2008-06-19T01:10:00.000-07:00

We love the Conklins! They always feed us yummy food, and we have a blast playing games and making music in the garage. Zack always asks to go to Sean and "Mictoria's" house. lol.

The babies are way too cute eating together. I believe this was Owen's first time having avocado...the girls' favorite food!

Babies fighting over Owen's chair...

Sweet baby Owen!!!

Owen's stunning blue eyes

Picnics at the park

2008-06-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

A few days a week, Dan and I pick Zack up at school and head to Fern's park for a picnic dinner. Fern's has to be THE BEST park ever...and it's surprisingly not crowded in the evenings. Brand new play structures, bouncy rubber footing, and a water feature. The kids get to run/crawl around to burn some energy, and we practice my softball skills for our coed church league. Sometimes we even get ice cream ;)

My boys :)

Baby sisters were totally envious of Zack's treat!

Elizabeth was SO excited about that stick! She later tried to eat it, and decided it didn't taste too great. Then she found a leaf...

I wish they would walk already...you wouldn't believe the grass stains!

Yay! Mommy got us home safely!

Cupcakes and Rainbows

2008-06-11T01:47:00.000-07:00

The girls LOVE laundry basket rides. It's a sure way to cure the crankies around here.

They're also sporting my favorite shirts by Tree Town Batiks...don't they look so 80's? I want to go put on some leg warmers and watch Care Bears. LOL.

Disney pics cont.

2008-05-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

Disney!!!!!!!

2008-05-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

We just got home from our first family trip to Disneyland!!! We met up with the McQuain's, and spent two days at Disneyland and California Adventure. We thought we were being smart by going before school was out, but forgot everyone would probably be there spending their stimulus checks. Doh!

The west coast is also experiencing a heat wave...it was over 100 degrees both days. Dan sprained his ankle last Sunday at softball, so he was in a wheelchair or crutches the whole time. I'll admit, it probably wasn't the HAPPIEST place on earth this weekend...but we had some good times! LOL.

I bet your mom doesn't have a Harley!

2008-05-20T15:54:00.001-07:00

Dan's mom got a Harley for Mother's Day! She is one awesome biker babe...don't you think?!?

First Pigtails!!

2008-05-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist! No more losing expensive clips!

New Family Photo

2008-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

This was taken at the girls' birthday party two weeks ago. Poor Zack couldn't get back to the playground fast enough! Haha.

Thumbs up!

2008-05-08T14:57:00.001-07:00

Strawberries are in season again...Zack approves!

Happy First Birthday!!!

2008-04-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hannah and Elizabeth celebrated their birthday in style this weekend! We had their party at the park on Saturday, and all their best buds were there. Good weather, good company, good eats...I really think they enjoyed their day!

We had Jason from SidleyStudios.com photograph their party, but these are some pics I took to tide you over :) You can also check out their blog here: http://www.sidleystudios.blogspot.com/