The Banks Family

A New Year

2012-01-26T21:32:00.011-10:00

My New Years Resolution this year was to start blogging again, well one of my resolutions. I had a slow start, but it's better late then never. I felt bad about not keeping up on my blogging when I would see Elijah looking at my old posts. I know he enjoys looking at pictures that I post. I don't even know if people really blog as much these day, but this is my journal and I want to document the events of my families life. What I'm so happy to say is....."Finally I'm not on the bottom of Kelly's list anymore!!"

So much has happened over the past couple of years, but there's not enough time so I'll just highlight some from 2011. I think the biggest event last year was Sariah starting Kindergarten. My baby girl is out of the house. I was sad, but happy at the same time. She has such a sweet spirit about her. Of course all my kids do.

Off to school

Her teachers name is Mrs. Luna and she is the sweetest lady. Sariah was the first in her class to receive the Academic Award.

Halloween was right around the corner after the start of the new school year. Sariah decided to be Spider Woman after saying all year that she was going to be Cinderella.

Elijah smiling in his skeleton costume.

Elijah was really Mickey Mouse for Halloween. He just didn't want to wear it to school. This was the very first timeI have ever sewn shorts and they turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Christmas Pics 2011

Look at how they've grown.

Elijah (10)

Sariah (5)

Noah (weeks before turning 3)

I love my family!

There is so much more that I need to post, but I'm pacing myself. For one, Noah turned 3 on Jan 2nd. I have pictures on the camera that need to be uploaded from that and will do so soon.

Zoey, Cake, Beach & more

2009-09-08T22:40:00.005-10:00

A huge smile to start off her birthday.

Aside from her many gifts, this one out did them all.

Meet the newest member of the family.....Zoey. She's a chi/ter mix and is absolutely adorable.

Zoey is mainly for Elijah, we just happened to get her on Sariah's b'day.

How about some cake to start off a picnic at the beach.

Sand Angle?

Elijah catching some waves with his Uncle Aaron.

Sariah and Dad

Uncle Aaron, I hope he rubbed sun block on his head.

Noah was a little sick so he enjoyed being held all day.

What's a picnic without some watermelon?

Sariah and Red Grandma

What a great day.

She's 3

2009-09-03T23:02:00.002-10:00

Sariah turns 3 years old!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!

2009-09-03T23:01:00.001-10:00

WE DELIVER

2009-08-26T21:45:00.004-10:00

The kids had homemade pizza night. Yum!

The fruits of their labor.

Birthday Wishes

2009-08-05T23:28:00.007-10:00

So what do you want to do for your birthday Elijah?

I wanna go to the beach.

Can I have McDonald's for lunch?

Sure, whatever you want, it's your day.

I wanna make cookies.

What's the best part of making cookies? Eating cookie dough.

We need some more chocolate.

Happy Birthday to you......

You can pick whatever you want at the new Lego Store.

Ok, This is what I want.

Dinner at Ruby Tuesdays.

Baptism

2009-08-01T23:05:00.004-10:00

Today, August 1st, Elijah entered into the Holy Waters of baptism and made a covenant with his Heavenly Father. I am so blessed to have him as a son. He is such a good example to us and I am pleased with the choices he's made. He has such a sweet spirit. Elijah thinks the coolest part is joining cub scouts, but he's also looking forward to serving a mission someday.

Jason and Elijah

The Family

Some of our ward kids eating

Jalen and Elijah

It's Great to be 8

2009-07-22T01:26:00.002-10:00

Happy 8th Birthday Elijah!!

I had to split up the slide shows and they are posted backwards.
I don't know about you, but Noah looks like Elijah's twin, just born years apart.

2009-07-22T01:25:00.001-10:00

2009-07-22T01:21:00.001-10:00

My Hot Dog Has A First Name, It's O.S.C.A.R.......

2009-07-16T21:34:00.006-10:00

This is our new Family Car

We were nice enough to let the neighborhood folks check it out,

we even got a sponsor,

you'll never guess who.

We spent so much on the new car that the kids offered to sacrifice new clothes for a while.

(I hope they don' t get any stains on them)

It's weird..........I mean I see them blowing the whistles but I don't hear anything
(Maybe I just need to turn up the volume)

Ward Camp '09

2009-07-15T22:42:00.012-10:00

I am happy to say that we are no longer Ward Camp virgins. We finally made it out to our first ward camp and we had so much fun. I can't believe we didn't go all of those other years, now I know what we were missing. It is like our own little Zion. It was nice to get away from all of the chaos of the world and just enjoy each other and our ward family. It was a lot of hard work though, poor Jason was in the kitchen most of the time. I tried to help, but he refused. I'm looking forward to next year.

Noah in his beanie.

The moon was beautiful the night we went crabbing

Digging for some crabs.

Noah all cuddled up with dad.

Welcome to nursery.

Gotta love Brother Lee and his shave ice.

Noah and his #2 woman, his other mommy, Kelly.

Girls scavenger hunt.

Boys scavenger hunt.

Bradford showing off the entrance sign to the hike.

Beautiful scenery.

He made it! This was Jason's first hike.

The two islands.

Last stretch of the trail.

Lucky we live Hawaii.

Triumph!

Enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.

I can't believe how dark Elijah got from the beach.

Sariah's favorite babysitter.

Jason loves to take pics of fire. So this is for him.

4th of July

2009-07-14T23:23:00.010-10:00

We celebrated the 4th of July at my Anty Lota's house up in Mauka. We had fun eating, talking, playing games, and popping fire works. We also started our "Biggest Loser" challenge. Here is a pic of my first weigh in. We were allowed to pig out and then weigh ourselves again. So my final weight is 160 lbs. OMG!!

Who has Noah?

Daddy

Papa

Grandma

Uncle Aaron

Anty Marge

Anty Amanda

Uncle J

Ate

The problem here is that they are both male.

Nanay

Wheel barrel race

How many kids does it take to life Alex's legs?

Go Sariah!

Trash bag race

Just some cool pics of the fire works.

The Biggest Loser

2009-07-01T23:04:00.002-10:00

Once upon a time I had a washboard stomach, perky boobs, an onion booty, thinner arms, slender long legs, and the list goes on. I was extremely athletic, very conscious about my body, and I used to make heads turn. But that was all once upon a time. Well, not anymore! This 4th of July, my aunts and I are starting our own Biggest Loser competition. This how it's gonna go. They want to make it a dollar a day until Thanksgiving for the winner, rounded up to $14o. We will all get weighed this Saturday and whatever we are wearing for the weigh in is what we will wear for the Thanksgiving weigh in. Even if it's hanging off of our bodies. It's going to be the percentage of weight loss, not the actual weight amount. So winner takes all. Jason has already written me off and told me to ask who do I make the check out to. I can't say that I don't blame him for the lack of faith, but I work best under pressure. SO I WILL WIN! And I wont share my winnings with him. Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted.

Fun in the Sun!

2009-07-01T00:22:00.002-10:00

On Tuesday a bunch of us moms got together at Ko'olina. We enjoyed the sun, water, and each others company. The kids did also, they had a blast. Can't wait for ward camp! This too forever to upload, I think because the files were so big. So I'm tired but I wanted everyone to enjoy some of the pics. There are many more, I'll print them out unless you want them saved to you comp. Just let me know.

2009-07-01T00:20:00.001-10:00

GIANT BUGS!!

2009-06-28T23:36:00.007-10:00

Watch out, Pearl Ridge Mall is being invaded by giant insects! Sort of. On Wednesday we went to the mall to check out their new giant insect exhibit. It was pretty neat seeing over sized bugs move and make noise. On Macy's side they have a train that the kids can ride on while these huge bugs tower over them. It scared Sariah a bit so she refused to ride the train. The one on Macy's side is better than the one on Sear's side. On the other side they have only one giant bug and then this over sized display of three different bugs heads up close. I wouldn't waist the time to drive to the other side.

This one was labeled as a "Stick Bug", but it looks more like a leaf to me. So I'm gonna call it a "Leaf Bug."

Elijah and Sariah in front of the Leaf Bug.

Praying Mantis

Us in front of the Praying Mantis.

I think this was some kind of cricket.

The only pic we took on Sear's side.

GOOOOOO JACKETS!!

2009-06-27T22:43:00.006-10:00

It's baseball season again. This time it's the summer league and it's Elijah's 3rd season. They are actually called the Yellow Jackets, but they didn't add the word yellow and a pic of a bee to save money. So instead they have a yellow shirt with "Jackets" printed on it. Get it, Yellow (shirt) Jackets, ha ha ha. So unless you're pretty quick at catching things, they'll be the Jackets. Elijah has been practicing really hard and it's paying off, he's having his best season thus for. They had their first game today and Elijah got to play 1st base and pitchers mound. They usually put their better players in those positions, so yay Elijah. Well, they won! Yay! Go Jackets!

My All-Star!

Run, Elijah, Run!

Sariah entertaining herself.

Noah loves to be tossed around, especially by his dad.

I Got Tagged

2009-06-24T22:15:00.008-10:00

Ok, I went digging at my moms house and came up with these pics. I posted three, but probably should have just picked one, oh well. I did have one of those waves at one point, but I couldn't come up with those pics. I guess I grew it out shortly after. So I don't have huge hair or a funky style, but I still wanted to be part of this tag. My mom made me wear a frilly dress for every school picture.

Me at 5

Me at 6. It's funny how your hair can go from straight to curly in one year.

Me at 9

Why did the chicken cross the road?..........

2009-06-22T23:11:00.009-10:00

To eat some crackers of course.

How did they know we had food?

But first a trick... I command you all to sit.

They are so cute!

Good job! You get a treat.

I wanna see too!!

We shot these picks on Sat at Waimea Falls Park.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T23:49:00.002-10:00

To the most wonderful man that I know. Jason is my best friend, my better half, and a great dad to our children. He would swim through shark infested waters just to bring me a lemonade.

To my dad. For always willing to help me at the drop of a dime and loving me unconditionally. I know I wasn't the easiest teenager to have, but you are the best dad that you know how to be.

To Robbie. The biggest teddy bear that I know and the kids favorite playmate.

E.O.Y. Program

2009-06-06T22:19:00.002-10:00

On Wednesday, the Mililani Waena 2nd graders put on an End of the Year Program for their parents. All the students showcased their talents. It was put together very well and the children did phenomenal. I had the hugest smile on my face and laughed almost the whole way through. This was Elijah's contribution to the talent show. He played a song call "Old West Rodeo" and he did an excellent job. I can't believe he'll be in 3rd grade. My little baby is growing up too fast.

Noah's Progress Report

2009-05-28T23:15:00.003-10:00

This week Noah had his 4 month check up. According to his doctor he's doing great and is on track with everything. As I already knew, his weight and height were way above the curve. Noah is 21.1 lbs and 28 1/2 in. I brought my camera to get proof, but silly me, I forgot to change the lens so that I could take really close up pictures. But I thought the picture I did get does give his size some justice. The doctor told me that Noah's maxed out his infant car seat and has to be in a regular car seat that can be rear facing. Do they even make those? I guess they do. Time to go shopping. He got another round of shots this time too. It always breaks my heart to see my kids in pain. If I could take all their pain away so they wouldn't feel it, I'd do it in a heart beat. But after being stabbed by needles, Noah stopped crying as soon as I picked him up and still managed to give the nurse one of his infectious smiles. I swear, he is such a flirt. And yay, Noah's two bottom front teeth have also erupted, I know cause I've already been bit. I'm so excited because next week he gets to start eating his veggies. I'll be sure to have pics of that.

I think he actually weighs more than 21.1 because his legs are hanging off of the scale. I didn't catch it until now.

Happy 4 & 11 Year Anniversary!!

2009-05-11T23:57:00.002-10:00

Next week Monday, May 18th, Jason and I make 4 & 11 years. We say 4 and 11 because we will have been married for 4 years, but have been together for 11. So this week I'm holding off on my other postings and dedicating this week to our anniversary. Our original plan was to have an intimate wedding at Magic Island, but once my mom heard about that our plans had to change. We wanted to wait on the huge ceremony so that we could save more money and have the wedding of our dreams the year after. So instead I had 3 weeks to plan a nice wedding, I became a bridezilla, poor Jason. I was able to pull it off though. It's ok that I wasn't able to have the wedding of my dreams, but I was able to marry the man of my dreams. Maybe for our 25 year anniversary we'll renew our vows and have the party of all parties.

2009-05-11T23:53:00.001-10:00

5 Generations

2009-05-10T22:14:00.007-10:00

For Mother's Day '09, we spent time with Jason's mom, Jessie Robinson, and then we went to Anty Lota's house to visit with the family. My grandmother just came back on Tuesday from a 4 month trip to the Philippines, so everyone wanted to see her and hear stories of her trip. She took an extended stay there because her mom (my great grandma, Lelang Elena) turned 103 on May 7th. Yes she's old, her eye sight is going bad, it's harder for her to get around, and she has trouble hearing, but she's still going strong. The officials of the Philippines honored her with an award on her birthday this year. In the first picture is 4 generations of me and my family and in the second picture is of Lelang receiving her reward. Even though we are only separated by the Pacific Ocean, I think of her sitting beside us in the first photo, making us a united 5 generations.

From left to right: Noah, Marjorie, Elijah, Grandma(Nay), My Mom(Cecilina), and Sariah

Great Grandma Lelang, turned 103, receiving an award.
Hopefulling the kids will get to see their Great, Great Grandma soon.

Elijah, Noah, Jessie, and Sariah

Elijah's Piano Recital

2009-05-10T21:42:00.009-10:00

This is Elijah performing in his 2nd piano recital. He has been playing for a little over a year and a half and he's really done well with it. Elijah's very talented teacher is Joanne Watanabe and she is a brilliant pianist. I have heard her play and she blows me away. Elijah performed two pieces and he did it flawlessly. Great job Elijah!!!

Cheese...

My little Beethoven

Sariah, Elijah, and Mrs. Watanabe

MILK BUBBLES!!

2009-05-07T22:59:00.004-10:00

..... How to enjoy milk bubbles.

First, fill a cup at least half way with milk. Then blow, blow, blow until your cup overflows with milk bubbles.

Second, try to eat as much of the bubbles as fast as you can before they pop. Poking also works.

Finally, smile a big milky smile for the camera.

HEART-ATTACKED

2009-05-04T22:47:00.003-10:00

"Mommy, Noah is so pretty!"

This is what happens when you leave a 2 year old in charge of keeping an eye on a defenseless baby and foamies within an arms reach.

Noah's Progress Report

2009-05-03T23:32:00.003-10:00

On May 2nd Noah made 4 months old. Yay! We celebrated the day by eating baby food, rice cereal to be exact. Some people like to wait until baby is 6 months old before they feed them, but I always start at 4 months. It's more for swallowing practice than nutritional needs right now. Elijah and Sariah were more excited about it than Noah was, they couldn't wait for their turn to feed him. For the first time, more food came out than went in, but practice makes perfect. So by dinner time Noah was a pro at eating. I was able to empty the bowl and his bib was virtually mess free.

Chinaman's Hat

2009-04-24T22:02:00.002-10:00

Last month our family camped out at Chinaman's Hat and I wanted to post some of the pics. The beach there is great for kids with its sparkling waters, small waves, and shaded shore lines. The kids made their way to an open field to play some baseball. Mom played outfield while the kids took turns batting. It was so much fun and we can't wait to go again.

Chinaman's Hat

2009-04-24T22:01:00.002-10:00

Easter '09

2009-04-22T23:33:00.003-10:00

Easter '09 was great! We spent the day at Anty Lota's house eating all the ono grinds, watching the kids play, talking with family, and of course the highly anticipated EASTER EGG HUNT! Thanks to all the anties, each kid was able to find an average of $60 from the Easter egg hunt. Sariah "princess" scored big time! I wont say how much, but to give you an idea, she found the golden egg which had a fifty dollar bill in it. So what are you gonna buy mommy Sariah? Just joking. Jason was happy to get a few hours of sleep. My favorite part is when grandma, papa, and all the anties entertain my kids so that I can receive a much needed break, even if it's just for a few minutes, I'll take what I can get. I love my kids but momma needs a break. Thank you so much Anty Lota for always welcoming us into your home. And thank you grandma and anties for donating $$$. It was a blast.

2009-04-22T23:26:00.001-10:00

Noah's Progress Report

2009-03-19T22:27:00.002-10:00

It might have been a fluke, but today, March 19th, Noah rolled from his stomach to his back. I was so excited when he did it, I called Jason right away. I put Noah flat on his stomach on his play mat and he just started to roll, he did pause for a moment to get his leg over. I don't remember Elijah and Sariah doing this at this age. Anyways, I did a big cheer for him. If he does it again then I'll know it wasn't a fluke. I wish I could record him but our digital camera broke a few days ago and the new camera that we bought doesn't take videos. I better hurry up and buy one to take videos so I don't miss all of our cute moments. But babies are so funny, all they have to do is toss their big head in one direction and the rest of their body follows.

Game Cancelled Due to Rain

2009-03-14T22:48:00.005-10:00

The Angels didn't get to play their second playoff game today due to the rain, so this is what we did instead. We went bowling, yay! We love going to Elijah's games, but it's nice to have a weekend off, to do what we choose. Elijah had fun trying to hold the heavy bowling ball with three little fingers, walk forward, raise his arm, and launch the ball down the lane, all without falling flat on his face. You know, that's pretty hard for little kids. Sariah had fun rolling the ball down the lane granny style, with a little help from mom. Noah enjoyed dreaming sweet dreams of his favorite people in the world. But we were the most happy about waking up and seeing daddy in bed. He's been working very hard everyday and he's usually gone before anyone wakes up. But he finally had a day off. I started thinking that I was a single mom. It was a good day.

GO ANGELS!!!

2009-03-13T21:26:00.006-10:00

Elijah has had a wonderful 2nd season of baseball. He's not on the same undefeated team as last season, but he has grown the most with his new team. They are called the Angels and they most definitely are, well most of them. The season is over and they lost more than they won, but who cares, as long as they are having fun. His coaches are the best! They have taken Elijah under their wing and I love the way they teach him, they are so patient. During the game they're not all about the win, it's about doing your best and having fun. They told us that they see great potential in him, they want to have him on their team next season, and asked if he would want to be on the all-star team.

The Angels had their first playoff game today and they won. GO ANGELS!! So now they will face another opponent on Saturday. As I was watching their game today, I noticed how the coach on the other team yelled at his kids. These are only 7 and 8 year olds and they have so much pressure on them. I was not the only one who noticed, other moms did also. If Elijah had him for a coach, I would pull him out in a heartbeat or tell the coach off, which ever comes first. You just had to of heard it. But the sad thing is that I saw it on many of the teams. That is why I love Elijah's coaches, they really care for this team and they're not all about the win.

Elijah always says the most perfect comments. Yesterday in the car he told me, "I don't care if we win or lose, just as long as we have fun."

One Month Old

2009-03-02T22:59:00.004-10:00

I'm still catching up and new things are happening all the time, but oh well. These are pics of Noah when he turned one month old. It has been such a blessing having him in my life. I melt everytime he looks into my eyes and smiles. I don't have to say a funny joke, make a funny face, or do anything to impress him, he just loves to see me because it's me. We have the most amazing conversation, we don't speak with words, it's mostly funny sounds, but he and I know exactly what the other one is saying. I can't say that I love the 2 am feedings, spit up on a shirt that I had just put on because the one before it had spit up too, or any of the other tasks that new moms endure, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I feel so greatful that my Heavenly Father has blessed me and trusted me to raise these children, I just pray that I make him proud.

First Bath

2009-02-16T15:29:00.005-10:00

These are some pics of Noah's first bath. These were taken shortly after his umbilical fell off. I know that they are kinda old, but I don't care. There are a lot of pics that I wanted to post and never did. So I'm playing catch up. I just love my naked babies, I think that they are sooooo cute!!!

Noah Looks Like a Turkey

2009-02-10T21:32:00.007-10:00

I thought this video is so funny. Well, actually just one quick part, but I still love seeing the rest of the video. Ok, it's less than an hour since Noah was born and his pediatrician is checking him out. Dr. Lee flips Noah over and he totally looks like a roasted bird. I love Dr. Lee, she's the best!

Noah's Baby Shower

2009-02-09T22:44:00.008-10:00

Okay, I know I've been MIA for like ever, but I'm just busy and tired. Jason did the dishes for me tonight and the kids went to bed early so I have some extra time.
I wanted to say a big thank you to Sam and Debbie for throwing Julie and I a baby shower. And thank you to all those who came and the many gifts we received. It was so wonderful to see all the sisters, I've really missed you guys. I thought it was hilarious to see Noah and Heidi side by side. It's hard to tell that Heidi is 6 days older. I love the pic of Heidi crying and Noah's just looking like what's her problem, is this how it's gonna be when we get married.

I love you all.

The guests of honor

Noah & Heidi

A matchmade in heaven

Thanks Amalie for the games!!

Mommy Swap

What's a party without friends to share it with

This Noah would have probably sunk the Ark

2009-01-04T22:06:00.005-10:00

Well somebody call Guinness or Ripley's Believe it or Not, because something unbelievable happened. I think we (actually it was more Marge than "we") gave birth to a baby that still has the scale spinning. It was January 2, 2009 a date that will live in infamy, Marge gave birth to what looked like a 2 year old. Noah A.K.A Roger came into the world at 8:09 AM weighing in at an amazing 11 lbs 2.1 oz. I don't know how Marge was able to do it, but she did it, I am proud of her and I love her as well as my 3 kids.
P.S I am sooooooooooooooooooo thankful to be a guy

2009-01-04T22:05:00.001-10:00

Happy Halloween

2008-11-14T22:24:00.006-10:00

I know that it's 2 weeks past Halloween, but I have a lot of catching up to do. This Halloween was fun because Sariah was old enough to go trick or treating and understand what was going on. Elijah chose to be a skeleton this year and Sariah was a pumpkin fairy. We did our usual family tradition which was to fight the traffic to Mililani Mauka and hang out at Ant Lota's house till it was time to get some candy. The traffic was actually pretty good this year. I was surprised to see a lot of empty house though, Mauka must be catching on. Anyways, Eli and Sariah got more than enough candy, which means more candy for mom, yay! Sariah started getting pooped out at the end and wanted us to push her in the stroller to the doors. No way, if she wants candy, then she has to walk her little butt to the door and earn it. It was lots of fun!!!

GOOOO UNKNOWNS !!!!!!

2008-11-13T21:59:00.005-10:00

Is that A-rod? No, it's Elijah. This is the first season that Elijah is playing baseball. Go Unknowns! Seriously, that's their team name. He is so lucky to be on the team he's on. These little boys are awesome. Most of this team started baseball together years ago and have grown up together. When I watch them play, I can see that they trust each other, they know exactly who to throw to, and they can read what their teammate is going to do. Our Elijah is so blessed to be able to practice and learn from this great team. He is also lucky to have such patient coaches who are willing to take the time to teach him and help him grow into a better baseball player. So far, this season, their record is 11-0. The Unknowns are the one to beat!

Potty Success

2008-11-11T23:23:00.003-10:00

Sept. 7th is a historic day in little Sariah's life. She finally used the potty!! It was either the candy we used to bribe her or keeping her diaper off long enough that she had no other choice but to go in the potty. Whatever it was, YAY!! I heard that girls were faster than boys, but I'm in shock because Elijah didn't learn how until a few months before he turned three. I had to take a few pics of her sitting on the potty.

2008-10-01T22:09:00.005-10:00

Ok, I know it has been forever and a day since I made a post, so yay, I finally made one. This is a trip we made to Chinaman's Hat last month. It was the first time Sariah actually camped over night. It was pretty fun, except for the unbearable heat we felt the next day. Uncle Charlie was nice enough to clean out the tent the next morning, but he found an unexpected visitor. Under one of the boys sleeping bags was about a 10 inch centipede. Of course being the scardy cat that I am, I screamed when I saw it. I hate anything creepy and crawly!! Well anyways, thank you Aunt Marge for inviting us and taking care of us. The kids and I had fun!

Chinaman's Hat

2008-10-01T22:01:00.001-10:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Sariah

2008-09-08T22:58:00.001-10:00

Sept 4 2006

2008-09-08T22:56:00.005-10:00

If memory serves me correct, it all started in the late summer of 2008, September 3rd to be exact (yes part of Sept is still considered summer). At the start of the day our family was three but by the next day there would be four. The day started out like any other Sunday: wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed, go to church, come home, eat lunch..... well you get the idea. By late afternoon a change would come that would make the day more memorable than any other Sunday, except for that one Sunday.... but anyway. A new life was ready to make it's entrance into the world. By now everyone should no were this story is going. I'll just summarize the next few hours. Ok I think it went something like this, "I think it's time." "Ok let's go." vrmmm vrmmm. "Ok we're here." "OWWWWWW I need some drugs!!!!!!" "Ok that's better." "Push, push, breathe, push." Ok she's out." "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Banks here is your new baby girl." "Yay!" And so on Sept. 4 2006 (labor day, how ironic) we welcomed Sariah Cristiana Banks into the world and our lives. And since that day she has blessed our lives with such happiness and joy. I am forever grateful for the blessing of such wonderful and special kids (with one on the way) as well as wife who takes such great care of them both. This is what makes life worth living. No matter what the day brings, they are what keep me going. Please enjoy the pictures celebrating the first 2 years of Sariah's life.

Family Fun Fest

2008-09-01T21:44:00.005-10:00

Today was the Family Fun Fest at our church and what a turn out it was. It's supposed to be the final fun fest, but I don't know why, it's such a success and so much fun. The kids always have a blast eating popcorn, cotton candy, and not to mention the potluck. But what's more fun then all the extreme fun rides.

Whoa dad, what happened to the landing?

I survived the Shark!

Only a real man would drive the kiddy train.

We're just enjoying the ride while dad drives the train.

Sleep Over

2008-08-28T22:21:00.009-10:00

A few weeks ago Elijah had his cousins sleep over for his b-day. What a night it was! They had so much fun, well at least I hope they did. I don't really know because they were too busy tearing up my house to let me know. They didn't tear it up the whole time though, our Wii kept them pretty occupied also. But they were no match for Jason, Kaleo, and Uncle Aaron who hogged the Wii for most of the night and morning. The younger cousins said that they were gonna stay up all night, yeah right! They did make it till 2 am, but once I put in a movie, they couldn't keep their little eyes open. What a relief! Elijah was the last one to stay awake, what a trooper!

From Left to Right: Sariah, Elijah, Brysen, Alex, Andrew, Lia, and Dylen.

Just modeling some hats, but can you tell that some of them are ready to hit the sack?

Yeah, it's finally our turn to play Wii!

Never mind!

This is what happens when little kids try to stay up all night.

Andrew and Lia sporting some sun screen before we go to the water park.

They couldn't even make it 5 min in the car after our fun day at the water park.

Gettin a Little Crazy

2008-08-15T21:42:00.009-10:00

Elijah and Sariah were so cute as the were getting a little crazy, so we dicided to record it. They were listening to the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," but for some reason Sariah was doing the Chicken Dance. I always mention how bossy Sariah can be and you can see a little bit of it as she tries to shush her brother. She also plugs her ears, maybe because she doesn't like Elijah's singing. Sariah really is happy baby, although you could never tell by her serious face she puts on when we get around people. These are one of the fun moments you treasure.

Make sure to pause the music from the playlist before you play the video.

First Photo Shoot

2008-08-07T21:42:00.013-10:00

This is baby Banks first photo shoot. It was such a wonderful experience as we watched the doctor measure every sinlge part of the baby, to see baby's face, fingers, toes, and etc. Baby was so active during the whole process, kicking and swimming around all over the place. Well, I know you are eager to find out if it's a boy or a girl, so...................it's supposed to be a BOY!

This a profile of baby. You can see his head, nose, mouth, and chest.

This is also another profile. You can again see his head, nose, mouth, and chest.

This is baby's hand. He is pointing his index finger left and you can see his thumb sticking out.

Our Water Babies

2008-08-04T22:46:00.010-10:00

Elijah and Sariah had a blast at one of our recent trips to Chinaman's Hat. They had so much fun playing in the sun, sand, and water, but especially with their cousins. Elijah loves when the waves crash into him and Sariah has a blast splashing in the water when her daddy holds her.