December 2016

Wow - December is a thing of the past and we are in 2017 as I write this post. It's been a fun month and here's one example - this game was exactly the kind of thing Paxton loves. He kept playing with anyone who would willingly let him "lose" and end up with whip cream on his face. This was at one of our family Christmas parties and the boys loved it.  They have also had time to relax, usually via watching a Star Wars movie. They're lucky their dad appreciates the cinema.

At another party we had kids showing off their talents; some played piano, one violinist was impressive, and the karaoke was very popular. Our brave little (adorable) niece sang her "Fight Song" without a shred of hesitation.

In fact I was surprised at how much many of the kids loved being in front of the microphone, which was mauled at times, but it was great to see them sing together.

Our third and final family party also involved singing, talented kids, and of course great food. We are so fortunate to have so much and especially to be able to be with family to celebrate Christmas.

From what I've heard from other parents, we were VERY fortunate to have slept in Christmas morning until 7:30. I don't remember how early we bugged our parents to get up to open gifts but it was probably earlier than they'd have liked.


Christmas morning is pretty magical for little kids. Bennett in particular still jumps up and down and makes it fun to watch. Paxton got a ukulele and is practicing frequently. He's caused Dad to sit down with his guitar much more lately.

I included this picture just because both boys are looking at the camera and smiling and it's not blurry! Lately I cannot seem to get a clear picture of them, probably because I use my phone more than a real camera. It makes a difference. They had been caroling with the scouts.

I had to give the chickens a treat for Christmas - plain yogurt. Not yummy to most humans but delish for them.

Chico doing what he does best any time of the year. I spent my fair share of time on the couch too.

November

Thanks to Jared's parents we have learned how to build a shed. Twice. They came frequently to help and their knowledge was invaluable. We appreciate them so much! I learned to use some power tools...you'll see me below helping on my dad's roof. I'll admit my arms were a little sore after drilling metal screws in. But it was fun and the weather cooperated nicely. One neighbor commented on how much Jared's mom was able to do and I loved her answer...her dad had taught all his girls that they could do anything a boy could do. Indeed - I'd say my dad taught me the same thing. Jared had some sore muscles too.

 

Thanksgiving in Wellington

 The ENTIRE family as far as Jared's parents, siblings, and their children. A good size group for Thanksgiving dinner which was wonderful. That family has the pie idea down. Especially Machelle. 😉

Paxton's aunt teaches music at an elementary and she gave him a quick lesson on grandpa's ukulele. He enjoyed plucking out Jingle Bells. And he says a ukulele is the ONLY thing he wants for Christmas. We'll see if he says the same thing in a week. But it was fun to watch him take an interest in it.

Bennett got his first award in school. I managed to ruin the surprise the week before when I pulled the letter out of an envelope addressed "to the parents of..." and promptly read it OUT LOUD after Bennett asked what it was. Oh well.

I got an early Christmas present...yaaay for me! It was kinda funny how it happened. I was thinking about decorating for Christmas and decided I wanted a quilt up instead of the Bryce Canyon painting I had in our living room. So I texted my mom asking if she had any she'd let me hang. Instead she showed up with this one and told me Merry Christmas. I LOVE it.

That lady can SEW. Thank you MOM! 💗




First snow and the boys could hardly wait to get out in it. I enjoy it too...for about a month.

October

I have LOVED our balmy October. I was happy to see some rain today too but it's been great to see many of my annuals still blooming. And the boys being able to play outside a lot has been very helpful in keeping the house cleaner for potential showings. Yep, we're selling our house so if you know any fantastic families who want a 6 bedroom home, please pass it on. It's for sale by owner...we're on ksl's home listings and zillow.

Paxton enjoys these roller blades the neighbors gave him and Bennett is definitely getting the hang of this 3 wheel razor contraption. Bennett just hasn't had much desire to ride a bike. I'm sure he is strong and coordinated enough, it just seems like he doesn't care.

Jack is one adorable nephew. He and Bennett got to play at the local park when Grandma was tending Jack. Jack will likely be a sports star...he just loves almost anything involving a ball and he is quickly getting good at many skills.

 Here's bubble boy enjoying another sunny day with mom.

Just some of the better ears of mini Indian corn that we grew.  It was just four rows planted close together and it produced very well. I've since made these into a wreath.

Just a pic of a Thai place downtown with some impressive sunflowers. These weren't even the tallest ones. Bennett and I walked over for a closer look one day after visiting the library.

For his birthday we took Paxton and a couple friends to Hang Time. That place is perfect for energetic kids...they all had fun despite a couple minor injuries.

Birthday present for our little old man who just turned 9. I hope the pads and helmet prevent broken bones...it'd be nice to get the boys through childhood without a visit to the ER!

These photos of the boys at their school Halloween parade were thanks to Grandma D as I had class on Halloween. We went to a ward trunk or treat last weekend and Paxton won an award for his costume seen here. It was entirely his idea.

A generous friend lent this great mummy costume for Bennett. He enjoyed himself at the school parade but when it was time to go trick or treating Halloween night he just wanted to wear jeans and a t-shirt. I talked him into a construction hat to make it look like we at least tried a little.

That's Grandpa D in the middle of the chicken jungle gym. He and Grandma were very generous to give up some time to teach us how to build a shed. This is the floor before sheeting was added; it is sitting on 6x6 skids. They also built two walls after this picture. I think it's given Jared hope that not all projects have to be exercises in frustration.

September flew by...

The biggest news this month is that Doug and Marin tied the knot! For those who don't know Marin - isn't she BEAUTIFUL!?! But even better than that - she is an amazing person with so much to offer. And the bearded guy is my awesome brother. We love them both. They are a fantastic match and we wish them the very best and happiest future.

I was asked to be a bridesmaid - only the second time in my entire life - and I wore an original LHall creation...what would we do without skilled seamstresses! Our two boys looked dashing; my groomsmen hubby managed to escape the camera.

The ceremony was at a mill within the Tracy Aviary and it was the perfect setup which allowed our boys to generally stay out of trouble by seeing the sights. It was a really fun evening and I am thoroughly impressed with the planning.















I was asked to mix camouflage paint colors for Paxton's Pinewood Derby tank. He and Jared did the design and I helped with the cosmetic side.

 

We all had the chance to ride our neighbors horse one day. It was fun but harder than I thought! I wasn't the best at controlling her but she was patient enough that I didn't get bucked off. Jared could use a taller horse.

This is our homemade gopro camera trying to see what the view would look like from main level of a potential next home. It would sit quite high due to water and sewer line connection depths. Maybe we'll have a temple view.

August

I'll start with the most recent events and go backwards through the month. Unbelievably, it was Bennett's FIRST day of school earlier this week. What a big kid! He has been excited for a while. Jared got to take him since I recently started teaching a morning class two days a week. 

Jared snapped this photo before I went to UVU. I was relieved that Bennett wasn't shy about going and that he didn't need to cling to anyone when they got there.

We were able to get a camping trip in before school started. The weather was perfect, cool at night and warm enough in the day without being hot. I was excited to have the boys hike a couple days and make it with little complaint. There are some benefits to kids growing up!

This panoramic view was at the top of one hike...that's Grandpa on the left of the picture. 

The day we tried the lake out it was very windy so the boys played on the beach a little before we gave up. Driving back to camp Jared had an idea to let the boys take their kayaks down a little canal that runs near camp.

 Paxton was totally game but Bennett wasn't sure. He did try it out but did NOT enjoy it...a lot of tears and eventually we helped him get out. It worked great though because we walked along an old road that followed the canal the whole way.

The fishing at this pond was actually very good. I was fully entertained watching the boys because the fish were jumping and they caught several, albeit modest sized, fish. We were there near sunset so maybe that helped.



Our sweet dog is growing older. She hopped onto Jared's cot to rest and I felt she needed shade so we propped up our large umbrella.

 My grandmother's side of the family holds a reunion every August. My mom decided to rent these inflatable balls that you can knock each other around in. They're fun, and they are quite safe (though probably more so for the kids than the grown-ups). They come in different sizes so kids could manage the smallest ones.

I'm not sure who is copying who here...