Tag is rockin the double digits

Tag is 10!  I cannot believe my baby is double digits.  It was probably the saddest birthday for him.  He came home yesterday with a sore throat and was super sick on his birthday.  Poor guy.  It made me so grateful that we celebrated on Friday night.  We let him rest and then in the afternoon let him open his presents.  He had made Joey a list of what he wanted weeks ago and Joey got everything on his list and a bonus gift of a cotton candy machine.  He was super excited about his presents.  He also got quite a few new shirts which he had told me it was ok for me to get him!  We then enjoyed his favorite cake with mom's frosting!  I am so grateful for our caboose.  He brings such honesty and unconditional love to our family.  He is truly a blessing.  Happy Birthday Tig!

Silly Dog

Joey got a blonde wig through his Amazon adventures.  We decided to try it on Ike and it cracked us up.  We think that Ike looks good as a blonde.  So funny!

Siblings night

Tonight was a rare weekend night when all of the kids were home and did not have plans with their friends. They decided to go spend time together as siblings.  They went to Chick Fila to get shakes and fries.  Then they came back home and played Jack Box.  There was so much laughter coming from the basement and it was the best sound ever.  I love that they like spending time together.  I love watching their friendships with each other grow.  I am blessed to have wonderful friendships with my siblings and I pray that our kids have the same blessing.  

Tag's early birthday celebration

Tag's birthday is next week but we decided to go celebrate a few days early.  He decided that he wanted to go tubing as a family and I could not have been happier.  Tubing is seriously one of my favorite family activities so it was a win win.  We reserved the 6-8pm slot and had the best time.  Tag wanted to go down the hill once with me and then decided to brave it on his own.  One time was all he needed to boost his confidence.  He spent the rest of the time flying down the hill by himself.  We all had so much fun.  After our time was up we went to Dairy Keen for some fries and shakes.  We all chatted and enjoyed each other's company while we drove home. Everyone was in the best mood and it was seriously the perfect night.  I love my family so much!  Thanks so much Tag for inviting all of us to your party.  Best night ever.

Day of Luck

Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Even though the kids forgot to set a trap, their leprechaun friend still made a little visit.  Lucky left the kids lots of green treats and a little note.  I hope the kids enjoy their day and that it is full of luck.

Longest drive yet...

Harlee is continuing to practice driving since she got her permit.  She has driven many times around the neighborhood.  Today we decided to go on a little longer drive.  I drove us to the Legacy Center and then she drove us home.  She had to go through two lights and several stop signs.  She did an amazing job.  She is a careful and cautious driver which I appreciate.  I just know that by the time Har takes her driver's test she will feel relaxed and ready.

Beehive meet

Today we drove up to Heber for Gray to participate in the Beehive meet.  We first thought that it was in Salt Lake and found out when we were almost to Salt Lake that it was in Heber.  We had to go the long way but made it there 30 minutes before it started.  Joey came to watch Gray and Har and I went home to be with the other kids.  Gray did an amazing job.  He swam the 50 back, 50 free, and the 100 back.  He got second place in his age group on the 50 free.  Great job Gray!  

Surviving the NOVA challenge

Just as Luke and Nash have done in years passed, Gray decided to take on the optional NOVA challenge.  This means that he will go for one week without any tv or electronics.  He started on a Monday and I was amazed at his persistence.  He found new ways to keep himself busy which was fun to watch.  He spent quite a bit of time reading the blog books.  I loved this!  He also played outside quite a bit and jumped a lot of rope.  The weekend seemed extra long but he looked forward to Joey waking him up at 5am tomorow morning to play his IPad.  I love that he took on this challege.  Gray, you can do hard things!  So proud of you.

Luke's latest art project

For Luke's art class he was given the assignment to draw a portrait.  It had to be based on a professional picture.  We found a picture of Grandpa John on his Facebook page and Luke got to work.  It was so amazing to watch his portrait come to life.  Luke is an amazing artist and he really enjoys drawing.  I am so grateful that Luke has the opportunity to learn from his art teachers and perfect his artistic talent.  The finished product is so amazing.

Let the reno begin...

We are ready to renovate another bathroom.  This time we are doing Gray and Tag's bathroom.  This poor bathroom is saturated with urine and is in desperate need of a makeover.  We went and purchased the tile today and then Joey and Luke got to work on the demo.  I am so excited for the transformation that will take place over the next few months.  Not as excited to share our bathroom with the boys in the meantime.  Hopefully this renovation moves quickly and I cannot wait to see the finished product.

State Relay

Gray was asked to be on the relay team for the State swim championship.  He was to swim the first leg of the 200 IM which is back stroke.  He did an amazing job.  His team took third out of eight teams.  I love watching him swim and I loved spending time with him as we drove to and from the meet.  Great job Gray!