Catching Up

I haven't posted much lately and I have a bit of catching up to do. At the beginning of the month John's parents and brother came out for a visit. It was fun to have them here, and of course the kids loved being spoiled by them.

Grandma had a birthday while she was here and we celebrated with cake and ice cream. Happy Birthday Grandma!

This next picture is for John's Family. John's Dad grew up in this house and his Grandparents were still in this house until just a few years ago. In the little time since the house was sold drastic changes were made to the house. We didn't even recognize it when we drove by. I thought everyone else in the family would like to see how much it has changed too.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Santa this year got our Family a trip to Disneyland for Christmas. We went last weekend.

Some of my favorite parts

*When ever they would announce "watch your children" Hyrum would remind us that we needed to watch him.

*Walking in the main entry way to California Adventure where they would have music playing, every time Hyrum had to stop and dance.

*I didn't think I would pay the outrageous prices for the pictures they take of you on the rides but I thought Alan's reaction to Space Mountain was priceless.

*Seeing the kids excitement at their first time at Disneyland.

*80 degree temperatures.

*Longest line we waited in was 20 minutes (most were significantly shorter) Do I regret taking my kids out of school so we could go in the off season? Not a bit.

*Deciding to take a "short cut" on our way to the hotel after a long day by deciding to "hop" a six foot block wall. Lesson learned-I'm not sixteen anymore. It's a miracle I made it over.

*Taking a day for the kids to go play with cousins (every bit as fun as Disneyland).

*The kids riding on Aunt Ann's Horse.

*Watching Hyrum try his absolute hardest to pull the sword out of the stone.

*Alan trying to keep a running conversation going even on the roller coasters.

*After getting off of California Screaming, Alan saying to John "You know, I'm just not a very good screamer."

*Spending time alone with my family, and leaving everything else behind for a few days.

A Child's Prayer

Alan got to say the prayer in primary (the children's Sunday School) today. We didn't get to hear it but we were told that he put a lot of thought into it.

"Heavenly Father,

Please help me to do better.
Please get me more toys for Christmas.
Please get me more stuff.
Please help me to get more toys.
Please help me get more treats."

I am told that it went on for quite a while.

At least he is putting thought into his prayers.

Christmas Presents

Early in our marriage John and I went to see Lord of the Rings and got a "souvenir" movie cup. Because we have no desire to drink from the giant cup it became our pencil holder. Well, it just became part of the background and we never really thought about it, until a few weeks ago when my brother and his family were over for dinner and they confessed that it was rather disturbing to look over at dinner and see Gollum staring at you.

Really? You mean that doesn't make you want to take second helpings? That's odd. So for Christmas I helped the boys make Dad some new pencil jars. I remembered doing something similar to this when I was in elementary school. I think they did a really good job with out too much help from me. John says we now display "Modern Art" in our home. Aren't we hip.

So long Gollum!

Tis the Season

Last summer when Alan was complaining about being hungry (If you know Alan you know he's always hungry), he said to me "Mom, remember that season when everyone kept coming by bringing us treats? I really like that season."

You know what Alan? I like that season too.

May your days be chocolaty and delicious! And let's all pretend that it's fat free!

Pretend fake bowling

Today I found my kids pretending to fake bowl. They weren't pretending to bowl for real. They were pretending to play the Wii that we do not own. They were even fighting over who's turn it was, not being satisfied when I told them they could both play at the same time.

No John. This doesn't mean we need to go buy a Wii.

That's a strike for sure!