For your viewing pleasure...

While Michael is SLACKING! ;)

Tomboy!

Actually, Samantha is a very "girly-girl," but when it comes to scars, bumps, and bruises, Taylor has nothing on her! She is pretty tough though and likes the fact that this one made it look like she was wearing Eye-Shadow.

Always posing, just like her sister!

The camera added 10 lbs to her cheeks and the wound!

One Tough Son-of-a-Gun

Taylor is the boy in the family and takes his duty to be the rough, tough, rowdy brother very seriously. It isn't very often that you see him without a bump, bruise or large scrape somewhere obvious on his body. They are his "Battle Wounds" and he is proud of them. Taylor knows that the chicks dig it when a man looks like he just returned from a fight.

Here are a couple recent Battle Wounds that were in very noticeable places.

This one was from a Skateboard accident. He's smiling cuz he knows that's cool!

Taylor got this one after a fight with a rather large German Shepherd. If you think Taylor looks bad, you should have seen what the dog looked like.

Ladies, I know it might be difficult, but he's only 5 and isn't allowed to date yet. You're gonna have to wait a few years.

Sarah? On the Beach?

Many of you who know Sarah may think that the 2 words Sarah and Beach cannot be properly used in the same sentence, but I am here to tell you that this is entirely NOT true. I am pretty sure that she hasn't put as much as her pinky toe in the water the last 2 times we have been to Rocky Pointe, but she still spends some time on the Beach. Over the years, we have come to the conclusion that it is not necessary for her to like to get wet and play in the sand on the beach because I do it enough for the both of us. Kinda like, I don't really have to be in love with New York because she's in love with New York enough for both of us (and ten thousand other people for that matter). We have a very complementary relationship that way.

She does, however, really know how to have a good time when we are down in Mexico. She likes to hang out with family, take naps, read books (and the occasional trashy magazine), make (and eat) delicious food, work on her tan (lol), hang out at the pool, and just plain old relax. She is also one mean barterer. For instance, on Saturday the kids all wanted bracelets with their names on them. The guy selling them wanted 5 bucks for each one. Well, she talked to him for a few minutes (her spanish is amazing by the way), and when all was said and done, she got the 3 bracelets, a mango, 2 pairs of sunglasses, a sarong, her name on a grain of rice, a henna tattoo, and the guy paid her 500 Pesos. I don't know how she does it.

Sarah also was introduced to a new (and very addicting) game while we were there. It is called "photo hunt" and it is on these touch screen computers at one of the condo resorts. We stayed up till midnight one of the nights while Sarah, Meghan, and Sammie (Herbert) were trying to beat the high score. They kept yelling and screaming at the computer whenever they would get one wrong, but I am pretty sure the computer only understood Spanish.

She had a good time while we were there. She deserved some relaxing time to unwind and I think she got it. Unfortunately I didn't get many photos of her while we were there.

Sarah always wears an evening gown when posing for pictures with the kids.

She even knows how to relax while riding in an elevator.

I'm fresh out of material from Mexico, time to go on another trip.

My Name is Sammie, and I, Like to Party!

She actually told Sarah that last week. I have no idea where she learned that from:)

If you ask her what her name is, she will say "Samanta Merlee Allen."

She had a great time in Mexico and she does like to Party. She also loves to swim without her floaties now and does a pretty good job. Sammie mostly just went with the flow and was into doing whatever everyone else was doing. She just likes to be included and has a way of becoming the center of attention.

Just hangin out on the beach with "uncle wod."

Sammie only smiles when SHE wants to.

She also yells a lot when she swims, and when she doesn't swim.

And she loves her sister Ashley!

Let me know if you want to see what Sarah does at the beach.

Boy's Just Wanna Have Fun!

Taylor is nonstop and this certainly doesn't change while on vacation. He is either doing something or begging someone to do something with him. For some reason this kid has no concept of time and when you tell him "just a minute" he thinks that is an open invitation to ask you the same thing 20 seconds later.

Taylor was constantly swimming, sliding, boogie boarding, diving, riding razor scooters, looking for shells, throwing shells, causing mischief, or eating on this trip. He played hard, but he also crashed hard. At night, and 2 minutes after he'd lay down, you could hear him snoring.

"I wonder what would happen if I pushed all of the buttons on the elevator?"

Getting ready to throw a shell, rock, empty beer bottle, or used syringe at the waves.

Taylor loves the water and was wet 93.7% of the time he was there. The other 6.3% he was eating and sleeping.

Part of the of the 6.3%. Eating authentic Mexican Cuisine.

Drop in tomorrow to find out what my youngest child calls herself and what she likes to do.

7 going on 17

Ashley is our miniature teenager and it really came out this weekend. She had a really good time swimming, sliding down the slide, and looking for seashells and crabs, but what Ashley really loved most was hanging out with Sammie and Meghan Herbert (senior in high school and BYU graduate). Ashley was pretty much down with doing whatever they were doing and felt really cool to be included with them.

She spent her days tanning on the deck 15 floors up while reading a jewelry catalog.

Smiling for the camera!

Getting her "party hair" done in the evening.

Ashley is my one child who knows that there is a time to relax and a time to have fun!

Log in tomorrow to see what kind of stuff the boy was up to.

Rocky Point Barrels!

We spent Labor Day weekend with the Herberts in Rocky Pointe. We had a great time enjoying the ocean, pools, and the hospitality of the Herbert family. We didn't take as many photos as usual, however I think that we were able to capture everyones moods and mindsets pretty well with the ones we did take. Over the next 5 days you'll see what each of us does and how we act in Mexico.

We'll start with me. Of course there are no pictures of me as I am usually the one taking them. You don't get to see how great I looked in my speedo on the beach or my golden bronze tan and blonde hair. However, with Hurricane Jimena spinning south of us in the gulf of california, I thought that there might be a small chance we would see some sizable waves on the beach. I threw a little 5 foot surfboard that I made for the kids on top of the minivan and prayed for surf (and that we wouldn't get shot by the federalies m16's) the whole way to the beach. As my luck would have it, there wasn't much there in the way of surfable waves, but I did get some nice tube rides while mindsurfing these beauties that were breaking right on the shore.

a stand-up barrel for a chiuaua

the kahuna of the cookoorauchas could get some nice turns in on this left

So pretty much my mind was on surfing the whole time eventhough I got skunked, again.

Check in tomorrow to see how Ashley rolls in mexico.....

Crazy Cat Lady!

Samantha is officially a crazy cat lady in training. The other morning, Sarah went upstairs to see if Sammie was still asleep. She found her laying with all of the cats in their makeshift bed (in the corner of the extra room) talking to them and telling them nonsense stories.

Even her pajamas have cats on them.

At least she wasn't sharing their food and using the litter box.

Fun with the Romneys!

A couple of weeks ago my sister Jeni brought her kids over on her way up to Las Vegas. They all had a good time playing together and just being cousins.

Tate got to stay with us for 5 days while they were in Vegas. Taylor was in Heaven and was really sad to see him go.

playing in the backyard sprinklers! (grass is looking good)

Tate showing off for the ladies!

can you pick out the Mexican Natives? I didn't think so.

Happy 91st Birthday Poppy!

I don't know if Poppy (my grandpa, my dad's dad) reads my blog at all, but I just wanted to wish him a Happy 91st Birthday!

If you are lucky enough to know Poppy, he has surely blessed your life. He is a shining example to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (he has quite a few). Much of the good that I have become as a father and husband (I don't need to hear your comments) I owe either directly or indirectly to him thru my dad. He believes in serving the Lord, being righteous, and working hard. He is stubborn enough to get anything done that he sets his mind to. He also believes that everything looks better with a nice coat of paint.

We love you Poppy and look forward to seeing you soon!

By the way, I really hope that he doesn't read my blog, it is much too rude!

Also, Nonny, I really like your green hairbow in the picture.

Kitty Litter

Sophie had her babies on Sunday night (well early monday morning actually). 2 male, 2 female and I think the father must have been a rat because they don't look much like cats yet. They are going to be given away in 7 weeks. Any takers?

The Cat Groomer

Samantha treats the cats like her babies, and last week decided that Stella needed her fur styled. She grabbed a brush and a spray bottle and started going to town. I'm pretty sure the cat would have rather died than get her hair done, especially when Sammie repeatedly sprayed her with water (while holding her in a death grip).With Sophie's help, however, Samantha go the job done.

So Fresh and So Clean!

Samantha is a lot like her mother. She likes to take baths, do her hair and nails, and loves to do her makeup. She thinks that it makes her look "Popular!"

What did the Fish say when it swam into the concrete wall?

On Saturday, Ashley was swimming underwater and swam into the side of the pool. It left its mark with a nice little strawberry under her left eye. Unlike the fish, Ashley only said, "Ouch!"

It didn't make her happy (as you can tell from the photo) but it did turn her lips green!

Happy 10th Anniversary Babe!

I'm good for at least another 10.................million!

love,

Michael

GUILTY!

We are involved in a lot of activities here in the Allen home, most of which are good and wholesome. Recently, however, we have become engaged in some activities that are less than admirable and are downright illegal. I might as well just say it and get it off my chest. Sarah and I are heavily involved in ........Money Laundering!

I know, it sounds awful but has been going on for months. The same money gets laundered day after day. It is difficult to quit (mostly because the coins slide under the washing thingy and are hard to get ahold of) and neither of us has the desire. To make matters worse, we have gone international (there are peso's in there too). Someday we'll come clean (pun intended).

Please check your pockets so that you don't get in deep like we have.

The Rudest Vegetable Ever!

Yesterday, Sarah was making Soup for dinner and asked me if I would cut some Kale (a leafy green vegetable) to add to the soup to which I quickly responded, "Kale Yeah!" I then proceeded to make comments like, "Why don't you get the Kale Out... of the refrigerator!" and "This stuff looks like Kale!"

A few minutes passed, I had just finished cutting it up, when Taylor sniffed the air and said, "It smells like Kale in here!"

We all busted up laughing!

Clearly I am a bad example to my kids.

The soup tasted like Kale!

If you don't get this post, email my mother, she'll explain it!

Rest for the Wicked (or Naughty at least)

Aren't we lucky! Samantha is now at the age that all parents dread, but know is eventually coming. We pretend that we are gonna lay down the law and that it's never gonna happen (kinda like "my kid won't ever watch Barney", or "we will NEVER own a mini-van"). She is at the age where she really needs a nap but refuses to take one.

Since she is our third child, we have completely given up fighting and just let her stay up during normal nap-time.

Today I took her to go pick up Taylor and Ashley from school at 2. She threw a fit about something, cried for a couple minutes, and promptly fell asleep in the car. Upon arriving home, I carefully pulled her out of her car seat with intentions to put her in her bed. As soon as I walked through the door, she awoke, made me put her on the ground,started throwing a fit. I ignored her for a few minutes and went about getting the kids a snack. I noticed that she had calmed down, went to see if she wanted something to eat, turned the corner toward the garage, and found this...............

She slept there for about 45 minutes till I woke her up.

I guess she still needs a nap, maybe I will try harder tomorrow.

Have you seen my Glasses?

A couple months ago I purchased a pair of $12 sunglasses from Aldo. I wore them a few times but they were not nearly as comfortable as my Oakley's so I kind of forgot about them. It was no big deal that I never saw them around. I would find them whenever I wanted to wear them I thought. Well a few weeks went by and I wanted to wear them but they were no where to be found. I pretty much just accepted that they were a cheap pair of glasses that I had lost.

We went about our normal activities and summer vacations. We traveled to Rocky Point (mexico), Phoenix, and countless times across Tucson. About 2 weeks ago as I was building a surfboard with a couple of friends, I placed the surfboard on top of the Mini Van and .....Yep, you guessed it! I found my glasses. They were wedged between the top of the car and the roof rack. They had traveled over 1ooo miles easily. They were still in great condition once I wiped the bugs and dirt off of them.

So if you come up missing something, check the top of your car. It just might be up there.

Perfect Tears

I am admitting that I am a bad father by even taking these photos much less by posting them on the internet, however, I just couldn't resist.

About 2 weeks ago Samantha was playing and fell or something and bit or knocked her lip. It began bleeding a little bit and I guess it started to hurt. I picked her up, comforted her a little, and set her down on the stairs. I quickly went to grab (no, not a band aid) the camera so that I could capture on film what a perfectly placed, perfectly shaped tear looks like on a perfectly innocent little angel.

You may have to zoom in to see it. It is right below her left eye.

Yes her lip is now healed up and looks great.

Fourth Day of August, First Day of School!

I can't believe that they start school at the beginning of the hottest month of the year. Taylor started kindergarten, Ashley began 2nd grade, and Sammie is an only child all day with Sarah.

Taylor said that the worst part of his first day of kindergarten was that he had to sit down all day. I think that I would have to agree.

Ashley likes everything about school. I'm pretty sure that she is the only girl in the world who wanted to wear one of last years shirts to the first day of school. Oh well.