Almost There

I cannot believe how quickly Gray is growing and changing. He is eating cereal, loving his exersaucer, and growing like a weed! Last night he was starting to rollover. I am not ready for this. Gone are the days of leaving him on the couch for a minute and walking away!
Welcome to mobile craziness!!

Camera Hog

I know I have mentioned this before, Nash loves the camera. Anytime I get it out he has to flash his perfect smile! Last night I got the camera out to shoot Gray's "almost rollover" and you can see who got the most pictures. He is so funny and we just love him. What a cute boy!
*Harlee had to take a picture. Love this one with 2 of my boys.

Lovin the Rolls!

Gray is such a big boy. He has so many rolls and folds and I love every one of them! I am just loving this little guy. He is almost always happy and only really gets upset when we go in the car. So glad he is mine!
*Just had to document the rolls with a picture. Check out those thunder thighs!!

Cornbelly's

Today was the day Luke has been waiting for! He has been begging me to take them to Cornbelly's- a Halloween carnival at Thanksgiving Point. Riley was over for the day so we decided it would be a perfect time to go. Joey stayed home with Nash and Gray so I could take the big kids. We got there at 10am and the fun started. They went on the jumping tramps, then the slide, then the haunted house, then creature, then shot paintball guns, played in the corn, enjoyed the corn maze, played in the castle, danced on the stage, scaled the rock wall, watched pig races and all of this for just $10 a person (someone is making bank on this event!) I have to admit that it was worth the money- they had a blast. I am so grateful that we are able to afford days like this. They are such great memories. Maybe next year we will be able to go as a whole family!

Here are some pics of the brave boys climbing the rock wall. It was so tall and I was so proud that they would both try it!

Not really a fan!

I love all the new things Gray gets to enjoy as he is growing up too quickly. So crazy because it feels like I just went through these things with Luke! Today was the first day of rice cereal. He was not really excited about it. He actually gagged a little with every bite. I remember that Nash did the same thing but with a little persistence, he learned to love it. So here's to the same great outcome!

Gray's New Toy

Today we cleaned up the exersaucer from the basement and Gray was introduced to his new toy. He was a little taken back at first but then he seemed to really like it. Lately he has been trying to pull himself up when he is laying down- he prefers to be up and a part of everything. So this new toy will give him the freedom to look around and be a part of our world. Hope this will buy me a little "hands free" time to get some much needed chores done around the house. Cross your fingers!
*Love how territorial Gray is being in this picture!

How does this happen?

Yesterday we had the bug guy come to spray and remarkably the house was clean. I was excited this morning to wake up and enjoy a clean house. By 9:30am this was my house. Seriously how does this happen? Harlee and Nash wanted a snack and this was the outcome. Sometimes I wonder if I can do it? Can I really take care of the kids and the house day in and out? It can be a bit overwhelming. I definitely need a reminder of the blessings. Here goes- 5 things I am grateful for:
1. Joey and the kids
2. The Gospel
3. A great job to provide this nice (sometimes messy) house
4. Cute kids that forgive you even when you freak out a little
5. Nice friends that bring you a diet Dr.pepper when you so need it
I must admit I feel a little better. I just need to remember that if things do not get done, it is OK. Do the best I can and learn to laugh at the carpet made of crackers. My Dad always reminds me, one day I will miss this. Hard to believe but I know that I will.

*Notice our little photo guy in every picture. We are always saying he is a little Joey. Looks just like him and could live on candy. I just found a way that they are different.

First Field Trip

Yesterday Harlee had her first field trip for preschool. They went to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point. She had a great time. When I asked her what her favorite part was I was not surprised with her answer. She went on and on about how she got to wash her hands. As we know, Harlee is a little OCD when it comes to hand washing! Then I asked her what her favorite animals were and she said Cows and Chickens. Our little lady is growing up. I cannot believe she is already in preschool and enjoying field trips. So grateful that she gets to have these experiences.
*We know that Nash loves the camera. It was almost impossible to get a picture of Harlee by herself. I love Harlee's face in this picture. She is a bit bothered.

SO PROUD

Luke's teacher, Mrs.Grimes, sends home an update each week on what the kids are doing called Jungle News. In this she shares what they are doing in each subject like Math, Reading, Language, etc. On the back she writes "Jungle Joy!" which is something that happened that week that made her happy. This week she wrote the following:
"I have two jungle joys to share this week. We were one chair short in our reading group, I heard Luke C. say to a friend "You can have my chair. I will just stand." I just smiled at the thought that a 6 year old would offer up his seat for a friend
(I did get him a chair!)

What a good boy! Makes me feel like the drilling of manners is worth it. I am so proud that he would so willingly give up something for someone else.

I went to his Parent/Teacher conference on Wednesday. He was truly praised by his teacher for his great behavior. She said, I know kind people that are older but I have never met a 6 year old that is as kind as Luke! She went on to say that he is not only kind to his friend Riley but he is a friend to everyone in the class. I am truly proud of him and so lucky to be his mom. I know that he teaches me far more than I will ever teach him. Love you my Lukie!

St. George Trip

Well it has become quite the tradition. We have been going to St. George for Joey's birthday for the passed few years. I love it! The weather is just perfect and it is so fun to go away and spend time together as a family. We left on Thursday night after I finished teaching dance. We arrived at about 11pm to grandma and grandpa's place.(Since our condo had rented, they were nice enough to let us stay there. I must admit that the thought of four kids in the one bedroom condo kind of sparks an ulcer, so I was super happy to stay in the much bigger place!) It took about an hour and a half for the excitement to wear off but then we were off to sleep. Friday morning we slept in until after 8am. It was so nice. Then we just took our time relaxing and getting ready. Then we were off to pizza factory which too has become a tradition. We always go for our first lunch in St.George. After lunch I took Luke and Harlee to the pool while Joey and the other boys napped. Then we got dinner to go and enjoyed a relaxing night at home. Saturday was full of much of the same: eating and relaxing. Joey took the big kids to Pirate Island and then we went back to the pool. We had planned to go hiking but it started to storm really hard. So we got dinner and a redbox and relaxed at home. This morning we got up and went hiking in Snow Canyon. We did the Jenny's Canyon hike and the Pioneer names. The kids loved it and Nash even walked most of the time. Then we packed up and headed home. Such a great weekend. I feel so lucky that we have the opportunity to spend such great time together as a family.
*It was conference weekend and what a wonderful conference it was! I love to hear from our chosen leaders and always feel inspired to try a little harder.
**Wish Joey was in the middle picture but he was behind the camera! Thanks Joe!

Happy Birthday Joel Dave!

Just a quick little post to wish my hubby a Happy Birthday! I hope that you have the best day and enjoy this last year in your 30's?? When did you get so old? Just kidding. I want you to know that I am truly grateful for all that you do for me and our family. You are the best Dad to our little ones and I know that they love you so much!

Love this picture! Just shows his innate qualities to be a father. He is so caring and willing to take care of all of us!
I am eternally grateful to be your wife and your best friend. You are the best man I know! Love you bud!