Sunday BEST

Each Sunday as we get ready for church in the morning, I always encourage the boys to get completely dressed and ready for church first, THEN they can relax and play. I am usually in a hurry to help the boys get dressed as I have choir practice at 10 am, one hour before church begins.

Yesterday I was sleeping in and heard that the kids were up. I stayed in my bed to get a little extra sleep when a bit later I heard a loud knock on my bedroom door. I looked at my clock and it was 8:49 am. I sat up and kind of grumbled as I went to get the door. What do the kids want?

To my surprise, I opened my door, and Julian and Liam were standing there with these huge smiles on their faces. They had gotten completely dressed and ready for church!! I couldn't believe it! I just stood there stunned and the boys were smiling ear to ear. They did a huge service for me that morning. Thanks so much boys!!

Homeschool Conference

This weekend I attended a homeschool conference in Ogden with Tanner's sister Hana, and Nicole (Holden's wife). We drove up Friday night to hang out with everyone that was staying in Ogden, and got to eat out at this cool pizza place. There was a guy making balloon characters that the kids loved!

 Spidey

Tweety Bird 

Olaf

 Dragon

 While the wives were at a long day of conference on Saturday, the husbands hung out at the hotel and other places in Ogden. The kids loved the hotel pool of course, and I appreciated Tanner watching the kids.

The hotel was very accommodating. Even to discusting rodents!

Cedar Pockets

This weekend the kids and I took an impomptu trip to see my parents. My dad had just been called as the new stake president, so we knew we wanted to be there for him for the meeting. River surprised my dad with a big hug around his ankles right before the meeting. As you can guess, that pretty much did him in. He loved it.

On our way back home I stopped to check out Cedar Pockets. I have driven through this Gorge a hundred times, but never really stopped to show the kids or check it out. I have really been trying to live in the moment with my kids...taking trips but also enjoying the trips, rather than just trying to get there. It involves lots of random stops, extra time, and some patience, but is important to spend quality time with my kids and create some fun memories. Being patient and enjoying the time is key.

Liam's treasures 

I usually never stop in the Gorge because it is located right before I get to my house. I am always too excited to see my parents, or, I am just leaving to go home, and I don't want to wake up the kids and stop already. I am glad I've realized the importance to take a step back and enjoy our time together. It is most important to me.

And We're Off!

 My Dad was called to be the new Stake President over the weekend, so I packed the kids in the car and we drove up early Sunday morning to be there by 11 am. We were already in Richfield visiting Katie, so the drive wasn't too bad. The kids also do really well in the car thankfully.

 My brother John, his two sons Jonathan and Seth, Chrisedes, and Katie and Sam were able to make it too. We didn't tell mom and dad we were coming so it could be a total surprise. When we arrived at the church, I had River run up and grab her Grandpa's leg. He was so surprised to see us there! We got there just minutes before the meeting. It totally made my dad's day.

 We found a room where River could run and be wild for a minute. She is wearing baby Megan's clothes. We weren't planning on this at all so we had no Sunday clothes.

 Mesquite was so warm, so we rolled down the windows as we drove. It was the first time in months we had done this, and River's reaction to the wind blowing on her face was the best.

 Each Sunday evening we drive to my Grandpa's home to visit then eat ice cream. I took the kids out of school on Monday so they wouldn't miss this Sunday night. I want my kids to remember and know their Great grandpa. Plus, I'm always down to miss school and let them play with me an extra day.

River adores her Aunt Sara!

MLK Day Sledding

This winter Utah has been unseasonable warm. As in only one snow storm in the valley. Our church is full of elderly people, and they swear they haven't seen this in fifty years. I have been itching to go sledding with the kids, but there has been no snow! It is crazy. So we drove til we found some, near Park City.

I try to bring homemade popped popcorn and hot chocolate along when we do winter activities. It is the perfect snack after a day of exercise and cold.

I love these little day trips with my kids. They are most successful if we are open to other stops, prepare for the event as best we can, and decide to just take it easy and enjoy the trip. I love these kids sooo much.

Great Scouts!

Liam began scouts as soon as he turned eight and has been loving it. I was really not excited for scouts, but I have changed my mind. The leaders here to a great job, and he is learning some important life skills. We look forward to it each week.

Liam was so excited to wear his scout uniform for the first time. When it was finally time for scouts he quickly put his shirt on, tucked it in with a belt, then had me tie on his "neckerchief."  Then he ran out to the edge of the driveway and waved at cars as they went by. 

Liam's first scout meeting turned out to be the pinewood derby! Here is the car he designed all by himself. Each scout had to name their car and Liam came up with "Fireboy."

The scouting program here is pretty good. I don't know if all derby's are done this way, but they had all the bells and whistles.

There was this screen that projected who was racing, the name of the cars and who was next along with other statistics.  

 When it was your car's turn to come down you got to sit at the end and wait.

Liam was so proud of his car. When he tells people about the pinewood derby he tells them that he got 3rd. Haha. He did at one point... he got 3rd out of 4 cars in one of the races he did. Sweet kid.

Chrisedes

My youngest brother Chris got married to this beautiful gal, Mercedes, and it was so much fun to be with them in the tri-cities area in Washington state.

We left the boys, but Rivey came with. I like to keep a close eye on her while she has her asthma problems. She was so awesome on the long 12 hour drive! 

 Mercedes' family has this beautiful home and yard. I was jealous with how much grass they had that didn't have one solitary weed in it! I have been pulling weeds from my yard for days!

 We had sparklers at the end of the reception and everyone was twirling them around in random ways. I took this picture real quick and to me it looks like a heart!

 An outtake of a few pics with my sisters Katie and Mary. It's not very often we get to all be together. Thanks Chrisedes!