March

Two red heads and a brunette attending conference together.  These three cousins went together to the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference. Some of us got there really early and the others squeaked in just in the nick of time. While we were waiting Grandpa and Paxton read some interesting facts about the Conference Center.

We took an early Spring Break and went to St. George. While we were driving we asked the boys what they would like to do and the first thing they said was to go to Dixie Rock. We quickly learned that Bennett is our family's safety officer as he pointed out many dangerous areas.

Both boys loved the swimming pool. We had great weather and small crowds so we took advantage of the pool a couple of times.  I think Paxton finally understands that opening his eyes underwater causes them to itch for hours afterwards.


Here is Bennett photo bombing a wonderful picture of Jaylene's girls. I don't think the kids understand the difference between sand and water. They would dive in the sand as if it were water.

When we got back to the vehicles we dumped out enough sand from their clothing that would fill a large sand box.  Yes Paxton enjoyed being buried that deep in the sand. Bennett too.
















How come this boat won't spin like the little tea cup ride?

The real reason we wanted to go to St. George - what beautiful girls! It was so fun to see J and have the kids play together. We all feel like we're so blessed that we are such a great fit with each other for our unique families.







This is part of a display kitchen that has us reconsidering white upper cabinets for our new home. These are all quarter-sawn oak with a natural or very light finish. They're just so charming and I love the short little pyramid details on each corner. Maybe someone can help as to what they're called, I don't even know if they are plugs or tacks that are pounded in or what.

Feb

We don't have a lot of news for the month - hence the egg photo.  I started increasing the light in the coop in late Dec and in the last few weeks the hens have gotten back into laying.  Often we get 10-12 eggs a day.  So the neighborhood business is back on track with plenty to spare.

We celebrated President's Day by bowling of course.  We managed to start before the crowds but by the end the place was full.  Bennett used his superhuman strength to bowl with any ball in the rack.

Paxton had a two handed approach that might be the next fad in bowling strategy. He and Bennett were both good sports about trying their best and not being upset if they didn't knock all the pins down.

I wish Jared had gotten into the shot but he was taking the photos when his scout group went to KSL for a tour. They said the anchors and weatherman were friendly and it was a fun experience.

I have found those infinity scarves work great to cover your ears, head AND neck.  I go out to the chicken coop each night to close it up and sometimes I just want to be warm.

Our cats seem to like their new home better than the old one.  They do what cats do. Sleep, play, sleep, eat, sleep, and then take a nap.

We meet with our builder Friday to get a cost breakdown before we submit the plans to be engineered and then approved by the city.  I still HOPE we can break ground in March but we do want to get things right so I suppose that's more important.  Sorry Mom and Dad - we love you and we're working on giving you your house back : )

January

This cute trio of cousins went tubing at Gorgoza Park with moms, one dad, and grandma. They have 3 lower lanes for the youngest tubers and then more lanes higher up the hill for big kids and anyone else willing. We had a perfect day of sunshine, without bitter cold, and it wasn't busy.

Aren't we glad that technology has progressed to accommodate our laziness. We get to spend more time on our rears and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

This little light saber duo was the last time Jack got to come over to aunt Amy and uncle Jared's house. We were a little sad to leave after we sold it but we felt strongly it was the right time to make the move. 

I have to give Jared loads of credit for putting up with my re-arrangement of our "studio" apartment even after all the heavy lifting we've done over the past week. Our couch is under the bed in this picture. But it's starting to look much better now with space and storage for all our necessary tasks, sleeping, office area, small pantry (inside the tv cabinet), and studio corner - with a bay window mind you. My parents are very generous to allow us to stay with them while we build the new house just through their backyard.

With the help of an expert tractor guy (my pa) we pulled this shed into it's final resting place. We built it last fall out in the middle of the empty lot with the hopes of getting it moved when needed. Despite a temporary mishap, it worked out to do it while the ground was still frozen. Currently, much of the lot is a muddy mess and more rain is coming.  But we do seem to be on track to start digging in March. If the mild weather continues we may ask the builder if we can get plans approved to start earlier. I can't help but wonder why we have so many "non-essentials". 

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.