Trying something new

On Sunday morning Tag brought me the new yogurt and asked if he could try it.  I couldn't believe my ears.  It has been a long time since he has wanted to try something new.  He got a spoon and enjoyed!  I was so excited that I sent Joey a few pictures while he was at his bishopric meeting.  So proud of you Tag and pray you will continue to broaden your food horizons!

Tag's first boy/girl party

On Saturday Tag was invited to Roxee Beach's 4th birthday party.  It was a superhero themed party so Tag decided to wear his "super" Luigi costume.  He was a little nervous to go all day but decided he would dress up and take her the present that he had picked out.  Once he got their he decided to stay.  He had the best time and came home to tell me all about it.  He even included the fact that the cake tasted like playdough!  I am so thrilled with the progress that he is making.  A year ago there is no way he would have gone to a party and had such a great time!  So grateful for these opportunities that he is given.

Scout Camp

Bright and early on Monday morning Luke left for scout camp.  He barely turned 12 and now here he was, leaving for a week!  I could not believe it.  I must admit that I worried about him so much while he was gone.  I hoped he was having a great time, making friends, not minding sleeping on the ground, etc.  He made it home safely with many stories to tell!  Joey went to family night on Friday night with Nash and Gray and Luke was so ready to come home with them.  He did not think he could sleep there one more night! So grateful he could go and have this experience.

Our new friend

The other day the kids spilled some cheez its in the backyard.  We looked out the window and saw a squirrel feasting on the crackers.  He must have been thinking that he hit the motherload!  It was so cute to watch him!  Love the little friends that life in the mountains brings!

Harlee's Tonsilectomy

On Tuesday Harlee had her tonsils and adenoids removed.  A couple of months ago we were ready together out loud every night.  I noticed more than ever how stuffy she sounded.  I started thinking about this and how she snores and chokes on her food.  I suggested to Joey that I should take her to an ent.  He was shocked at the size of her tonsils and recommended we get them removed as soon as possible.  I made the appointment for a day I thought Joey would be in town and he ended up having to go out of town last minute.  Thankfully Darolyne came and stayed with the other kids.  Harlee was so nervous and cried all through the exam.  The nurse called in a hospitality nurse to walk her through the procedure.  She seemed to calm down and was so brave as she walked back into surgery.  The surgery took about an hour.  She struggled to wake up and said some funny things like "There is paper in my throat" and "Take this out" regarding her iv!  She is such a trooper and I just know this was the right decision.  I look forward to a much higher quality of life for our sweet Harlee.  Hopefully she recovers quickly!

Staples Round 2

When we were at the airport to get Luke I honestly had a breakdown with Joey.  I was so tired of him traveling and so overwhelmed.  I remember thinking Heavenly Father I cannot take one more thing!  While I was making dinner that night my friend Jen came over.  We were chatting and Luke came in screaming that Nash cut his head open.  Sure enough he did and it was pretty bad.  We decided to take him to the ER.  Two staples later and he was on his way to being healed.  He was so brave and I was super proud of him.  I came home to a clean kitchen and Jen folding my laundry.  I know that Heavenly Father knows we need to go through tests and difficult times in this life.  But I know without a doubt that he sends us little blessings all along the way.  Jen was the instrument for these little blessings on my crazy night!

Priesthood Interview

We picked Luke up from the airport just in time to come home for his interview to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.  He is such a good kid with such a knowledge of the Gospel.  He met with our new Bishop, Bishop Vera.  I have failed to mention that Joey was called to be the first counselor in the bishopric!  So excited for him.  He will truly bless those that he serves!  But back to Luke, he talked about what he believed the priesthood was and shared his testimony.  He will get ordained next Sunday when Joey is back and then he can pass the sacrament the following week.  He is not so excited to have to tuck in his white shirt but I know he will do great!

Joey and Luke's 12 year old trip

We made a decision about a year ago that when our kids turn 12 they get to go on a one on one trip with their same gender parent.  Joey and I both felt this would be such a great bonding experience at a good age.  So we started planning their trip a couple of months ago.  They decided to fly to California.  They left on Thursday around 4pm and flew into Long Beach.   Once they got their rental car they went to the Habit for dinner.  After dinner they drove about and hour and a half to Valencia to spend the night.  They woke up bright and early and went to McDonalds for breakfast.  They needed some energy for their big day at Six Flags Magic Mountain.  Luke was so excited because he loves roller coasters and so does Joey.  Besides the fact that it was 103 degrees and crowded, they had the best time.  Joey kept texting me to youtube some of the crazy rides they were going on.  Their favorites were X2 and Tatsu.  After a long day they grabbed a quick dinner at McDonalds.  They went back to the hotel for a long sleep!  In the morning the woke up, packed up, and headed south to the beach.  The weather at Huntington Beach was only in the high 60's but that did not stop Luke from going in the water!  They stayed for a few hours and then went to Jack in the Box for lunch.  After lunch they went to their appointment at an Escape Room.  This is a fun activity where you get locked in a room and you have an hour to figure out the clues that will unlock the room.  They did the Sherlock Holmes room.  Joey and Luke had so much fun figuring it out and got out of the room with a few minutes to spare.  After dinner they went to a pizza place Pieology that they both loved!  As if their day wasn't fun-filled enough they made their way to the movies to see Captain America.  What a fun day!  They got home after midnight to their new hotel in Long Beach.  They got up early to fly home.   We went to pick up Luke and Joey had to fly onto Philadelphia.  It was fun to get to hear all about the trip as we drove home.  What a special bonding time for them.  I am so grateful that Joey could take the time off from work to create these memories with Luke.  Love them both!  *I do have to mention that I begged them to take pictures for me.  This is as good as it gets!  Glad I made them suffer through one picture at the airport so I could have one of them together!

Angry Birds

While Luke was in Cali with Joey we celebrated his birthday by going to see Angry Birds.  The kids loved it and they were all so good.  Tag sat on my lap for almost the last hour.  It is so fun that we can go and enjoy the movies now as a family.  The next movie we hope to see is Finding Dory!

T-ball

Gray begged us to sign him up for t-ball because his friends Jensen and Tyce were both going to play.  I think about one week in he was questioning his decision.  Gray does better with the sports that are constantly moving and full of excitement.  Tball is just not that sport.  I love these pictures- Gray goes from sitting down, bored out of his mind, to running with such determination.  Love this sporty kid and we are both praying these next four weeks go quickly with one practice and two games each week!

Luke's birthday celebration

On Wednesday we celebrated Luke's birthday a little early since he was leaving the next day for his 12 year old trip with Joey.  Luke was wanting a phone so bad for his birthday.  We teased him that he would get my old phone which is why his cake has a pink and turquoise phone on it!  He was lucky enough to get a new iPhone 5s with a cool black case.  He also got a new swim backpack and jammers.  He was so excited!  I love to watch him be so happy and grateful.  Cannot believe that he is 12!  When did this happen?  I hope he has the best time celebrating his birthday in California!