Happy Birthday Eli!!

So... I started writing this post shortly afterEli's Birthday, which was December 14th! But we were in Logan busy preparing for the holidays and having to use my parents dial up for internet... which is sooooo slow... and then the holiday rush hit and it has just been one thing after the other and I have not posted or written or checked my favorite people's blogs!! I haven't even uploaded my photos other than these few brithday moments... but hopefully it won't take to long and I can back track a little and let you know what we've been up to! anyway- more to come shortly (I hope!)

It's so hard to believe that Eli is SIX years old already! He had a marathon Birthday where we celebrated for several days!! His birthday was Friday the 14th- the day that we were traveling to Logan for a wedding and then for Christmas- So... we celebrated on all of the surrounding days!! For months Eli has been talking about Chuck E. Cheese! Every time he sees a commercial for the place- he quickly tries to get everyone's attention and then explains "that's the place I wanna go for my Birthday!" So on Thursday we headed to the much anticipated Chuck E. Cheese!! For any of you who have not experienced Chuck E. Cheese; to a kid it's a pretty great place for pizza, soda, salad bar, balloons, giant singing puppets, arcade games, tokens, tickets, prizes, not to mention Chuck himself who walks around posing for pictures and giving high fives!! For an adult (excluding Glen...) It's not only comparable to the county fair but is also a breeding ground for millions of germs that I don't even want to think about!! Oh well, all that really mattered is that Eli felt like he was pretty special to be The Birthday Boy at Chuck E. Cheese!!

Friday morning Eli woke up to lots of decorations around the house and his favorote jelly filled powdered donuts and chocolate milk for breakfast!! Glen came home for lunch and surprised the Bithday Boy with a Mcdonalds happy meal! At school, Eli's cute teacher made sure all the kids knew it was his Birthday! Glen went into the classroom and read Eli's favorite book to the class and took a treat to celebrate!! He then checked the boys out a little early from school for the day and we headed to Logan for the holidays... Here are just a few of the reasons that

we love Elijah...

E is for Energy... Eli is a little ball of energy! He loves to climb and jump and try new things. Heis brave and doesn't give up! He loves to run and hike and skateboard and is just a total boy always looking for an adventure!

L is for love... Eli loves everyone! Especially kids who are younger than him! He likes to help them and make them smile! He has always been our cuddley kid- he loves to give hugs and takes a minute everyday to sit on my lap for a squeeze. He is sweet and just a little bundle of love!

I is for Incredible... Eli is one incredible kid... He does so well in school he is at the top of his class. He has an incredilbe imagintion! an incredible sense of humor! And he has this incredible way of knowing how to get out of trouble!

J is for joy...Eli is such a happy little boy he is full of joy and he brings so much joy to our family! He loves to make people laugh by talking with silly voices, telling jokes, and doing crazy acrobats!

A is for Angelic... you might think that's a a stretch for a six year old little boy but it's really true...especially when he's sleeping!!!! but seriously, Eli is still in the innocent phase of life where he is trying so hard to be a big boy but is still little and...my angel baby! He has an angelic little face and his heart is giant!

H is for Helpful... Eli is my big helper! With Evan at school all day Eli is the little man of the house. He is my shopping buddy, He is the best babysitter and playmate to Gabriel! He is always willings to do little errands and favors throughout the day for me! Eli likes to help others too. He often does little nice things for Evan without being asked... like hanging up his backpack for him after school, helping him finish his chores, and getting his shoes as he is grabbing his own! He is thoughtful!

p.s. a few other things... Eli has thee most amazing eyelashes...like a giraffe...If you've ever looked closely at a giraffe, you know the kind I'm talking about- they make a shadow on his face they are soooo long, dark and curl on the ends...accompanied by his beautiful green eyes... he is a handsome boy!! and Eli LOVES candy and treats-seriously ANY kind!! He asks for them constantly and comes running at the sound of a wrapper opening or the smell of anything sweet! Evan saves candy when he gets it and slowly eats it, he'll even turn it down sometimes...not Eli -he eats packages in minutes and even finds old pieces between the cushions on the couch and doesn't care if it's been sucked on before- now THATS a serious sugar freak!! gotta love him... and we sure do!!

Happy Birthday

Elijah Paul!!

Temple Square!

For Family Home Evening we decided it would be fun to go to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights and the nativity. We called Grandma and Grandpa Huber and they said they'd join us. They suggested that we ride the trax into the city together. Evan and Eli were so excited! Aunt Sarah met us all there and we had a great time together. The temple is absolutely beautiful and is especially breathtaking surrounded by millions of multi colored Christmas lights! We went in most of the buildings and visitor's center to try to warm up. It was such a cold night!! The boys especially loved the life size nativity scene as we stopped to hear the narration of the Christmas story. I love Temple square during the holiday's! There is such a peaceful, magical spirit there. It is a great reminder of our Savior's birth and that He is the reason that we celebrate Chritmastime!

brothers...playin' around

With Evan gone to school all day, Eli and Gabe are quite the little buddies! Eli loves babies and is having so much fun now that Gabe is a little bigger and is able to play. Gabe greeets Eli each morning with a huge grin and gets really excited when he can hear his voice! Gabe especially loves it when Eli carries him around and plays on the floor with him! Gabe is trying to keep up with his brothers and has decided he's too big for toys! He likes to play with anything that is NOT a toy... cups, toothpaste tubes, medicine dispensers, books, curly ribbon... etc. He gets especially excited over paper?? Anyway one afternoon after putting up all the Christmas decorations Eli found an empty box. He and Gabe were playing drums on the box and then Eli decided to put Gabe inside and then he pushed the box all around the house- giving Gabe a ride!! I don't know what we're going to do next year when Eli is in first grade and gone all day! I am sure going to miss having my Eli around and so will Gabe!

A few things about me & Christmas time

I was replying to an email that I recieved from a friend and thought I'd paste it onto my blog and count it as a post too! So here's a little bit about me and Chritmas...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love to wrap with Christmas paper-and do fancy matching bows, gift bags are for birthdays!
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial. We bought one the first year we were married at Shopko- it's barely 5 feet and pretty sparse- $15.00!! Every year I say we are going to "invest" in a beautiful tree and every year I have others things that must come first- It will make a great porch decoration one day- Maybe next year!
3. When do you put up the tree? the week before Thanksgiving- we usually travel for Thanksgiving and when we come home- it's fun to be ready for Christmas!
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually the middle of January- I love the lights- they feel so magical and warm when it's cold outside

5. Do you like eggnog? I love eggnog- Egg nog creamies are the BEST, Meadow gold light is my faovrite to drink. It's yummy mixed with a littel sprite!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? a real working cash register that even printed reciepts!!! and a set of press on nails. I recieved them together- I loved watching the ladies with long nails typing on the cash registers at the stores- That is what I wanted to be when I grew up! I was a little disappointed when the press on fingernails snapped off each time I hit a key - but it was still fun to pretend!
7. Do you have a nativity scene? I have a few that are missing lots of pieces-my kids love to play with them so I bought a Fisher Price one that is kid friendly and darling! I have a set picked out...maybe after I get my beautiful tree!
8. Hardest person to buy for? everyone! I am not good at making decisions and I worry too much

9. Easiest person to buy for? I guess my boys- they usually have a long list!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I really can't think of one...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail (but I like the idea of e-mail, hmmmm)
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? hands down- White Christmas... a close second - Miracle on 34th street (the old version)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? the day after Thanksgiving!!! I try to get it all done in one day- It hasn't happened yet...but I got pretty close this year!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? What do you mean?????? (hee hee)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cheese balls with crackers and salted peanuts in a shell.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear on our family tree but my boys have a tree in their room with colored lights

17. Favorite Christmas song? I LOVE Christmas music- the old classics- Bing Crosby, Burl Ives...I love Amy Grant and my favorte right now is Celine Dion's Christmas album ...oh and Martina Mcbride's too!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? go home... to Mom and Dad's (their place will always be "home!")
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? YES!! I've had them engrained in my brain since Evan was about 15 months old - we sang them over and over till he could sing them all perfect!! (Ah, the first born!!)
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? nothing- I told you it was scrawney!I don't think the branch could hold anything up!!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? It's our tradition to open new Christmas Jammies on Christmas Eve. Everything else waits until the official day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Forgetting what it really is all about & letting myself get sucked into the craziness!
23. What I love most about Christmas? I love Christmastime--the actual day is over so fast--but I love everything leading up to Christmas--the decorating, the lights, the snow, the fireplace- the feeling!
24. Do you buy gifts for your pets? after Hammy escaped I couldn't sleep for months and made Glen use towels to barricade the bottoms of my bedroom doors-so Hammy couldn't come crawl on me in the middle of the night!!--we don't do pets-!! I guess if you had pets you'd probably like them enough to buy gifts for them- I can't really imagine it...
25. Have you ever been Christmas caroling? yes I love it! There is nothing like bundling up being with friends, singing Christmas songs and warming up after with Hot chocolate!

26. Hot chocolate or hot apple cider? there is something weird to me about drinking warm apple juice!?? I like Stephens Hot chocolate- My friend Sunny introduced me to peppermint flavor this year- SO Yummy!

I've never done one of those tag games-so here goes... I am tagging my baby sister Julie, Jennie, Sunny, Tif, Debbie, and Jana Brewer. So if you see your name here copy these questions onto your blog, delete my answers and fill in yours!! or something like that??

I am Still Alive!

One of my friends just used this same title for a post...I am still alive just haven't had time to update! I think it is just that time of year...everyone is BUSY!! It's a good busy though- I love this time of year with all the bustling around. I love bundling up, hot chocolate, candy canes, Christmas lights, and snow! I am working on Christmas cards, Christmas, decorations, Christmas shopping, Christmas Enrichment, Evan's upcoming baptism, Elijah's upcoming Birhtday... and trying to keep the Christmas spirit bright by doing our family Christmas traditions each night!! So.... I am busy...but also anxious to write it all down! Once I get a few of these things checked off I will take a minute to let you know the details....

Happy Birthday!!

Today is a special day...It's a day to celebrate the person who I love the very most! It's My wonderful husband's Birthday!! I know a lot of ladies out there think that their husband is pretty great but I have to tell you that NONE of them could even compare to how AMAZING my Glen is... Here are 35 reasons why I love him and think he is the best!

1. He loves me unconditionally, a true friend!

2. He is the best daddy in the world!

3. He comes from a wonderful family- 7 siblings, loving parents.

4. He is very easy going and puts others at ease.

5. He has a contagious laugh- he laughs out loud at movies-I love that! - I tend to chuckle under my breath

6. He has BEAUTIFUL blue eyes- like the color of a blue twin pop popsicle

7. He is confident but only in a good way, he never thinks he is better than someone else.

8. He loves little kids- I used to get bothered at family gatherings when all the adults gather to visit because I could never find Glen... Now I know to find the kids and thats where he is. He is a kid at heart

9. He is smart and kind and people are just naturally drawn to him- I know thats more than one thing, but the combination of all those things make him really great at his profession.

10. He is hard working- He supports us so that I can stay home with our boys.

11. He sings to the radio and I think secretly that he would love to be in a boy band! (hee hee)

12. He is a picky eater- no tomatos, meatloaf, watermelon, coconut, fish, mushrooms, peas...just to name a few

13. He teaches our boys- how to tie their shoes, how to hang up their shirts, how to put a belt on, he potty trained them... I do things for them- he teaches them to do things for themselves

14. He knows Soooo much about computers! He teaches me all the tricks- and no matter what calling I have in church- he is my secretary.

15. He LOVES babies and they love him.

16. He is thoughtful- he writes me little love notes and leaves them in random places I woke up to feed Gabe early one morning and there was a note attatched to the can of formula in the pantry!

17. He has unshakeable faith, a deep conviction and testimony of our Savior, and of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loves the gospel and it shows by how he acts- it is just part of him.

18. He is not vain. When I was high school I drove a rusty 85 Dodge colt. When I married Glen I started driving his Honda prelude and he drove the colt- He wanted me to drive the nicer car so that I didn't find myself broken down somewhere.(see, how sweet he is!) He drove that little Dodge of mine with no A/C for 8 years! He never complained! (EVER!)

19. He has dark skin and in the summer months his body glows with a beautiful tan....accompanied by those blue eyes and broad shoulders... um, he's really hot!

20. He always runs errands for me. He drives around alot with his job so he calls me and asks if we need anything...usually we do...and lots of times when he comes home to deliver- He pulls out a nail polish or a lip gloss or my favorite gossip magazine from behind his back...just because

21. He makes the boys birthday cakes... pirate ship, volcano- dino land, choo-choo train, fire truck... They are amazing! He says he learned by watching his mom. Did I mention he decorates for their birthday's too!! (he is my Martha!)

22. He is one of the most thoughtful people I know!- I have lots of stories about that- but one of my favorites is this ...during the winter months, when it's really cold outside, he warms up my side of the bed with the blow dryer!

23. He holds my hand while we ride together in the car.

24. He does work around the house everyday. From dishes to laundry to vacumning. I never have to take the garbage cans out to the road... He sees things that need to get done and does them and he never complains if the house is messy.

25. He plays with our boys. they build army bases, trian routes, tent cities, and safaree's. He loves to play!

26. He is a peacemaker. If we get into a disagreement and have a little "tif"- It is ALWAYS me who starts it...

27. He teaches our boys to be respectful and how to be gentlemen. Boy... do they get in trouble if they sass their mom in front of him.

28. He loves to have fun and no matter what we are doing he finds ways to make it fun. He loves to have parties and socialize and is VERY friendly

29. He is really good at math... I am not... Once I even called him from work because I couldn't figure out a dose rate (for IV's) I had just started my job and I was too embarrassed to ask someone I worked with. He could have just given me the answer...but he walked me through it very patiently! (I probably just freaked you out-- I promise I am a great nurse!)

30. He is a handy man. can fix anything, just like his dad!

31. He is athletic! loves to play basketball, football, and softball. He is amazing on waterski's and snowski's too.

32. He is funny! He likes to make people laugh. sometimes, when I am really mad he tries to tickle me or make me smile- I hate that! I try to stay mad for awhile-but it's hard with him around! ...He doesn't really ever get mad... he has a great sense of humor!

33. He doesn't mind just doing nothing... He doesn't have to be entertained or always on the move.... He is just easy to chill with!

34. He NEVER tells me I can't go somewhere "until after the kids are in bed" or makes me feel bad when I leave with friends, family or a meetings. He always says "go, have fun, and don't worry about us. I got it!" and he really does "have it" He would be a great stay at home dad! ...he would probably do better than I do most days!!! (seriously!)

35. He is a family man in every sense of the word! He loves me and our boys and everything he does is for us!...


I could keep going all the way up to 300 at least!! I wish I had the time! I am a lucky girl to have him for my partner in life, my husband, my love, my best friend! He and our boys are my whole world!

Happy Birthday baby, I love you!!!

Change is brewing...

I am in the process of changing my blog a bit... It is harder than I thought, and is proving to be pretty time consuming! And the decision making disease that I inherited form my mom is not helping any! Not to mention a sick baby who thinks he needs lots of attention... so this is my not- so- cute stand in blog... until I get a minute... maybe an hour!

So Proud!

Evan and Eli have been counting down the days to our primary program! I think they were both excited and a little nervous too! Last week the primary chorister called to see if they would be willing to sing a verse of "This is my Beloved Son" together. They were a little hesitant but after having the "we always say yes when people ask us to help at church" talk they agreed to sing the song. We don't have a piano, so in order to practice we linked to the church website. It worked great and every -so -often throughout the week I would hear the song start up accompanied by Evan singing! He is getting good at finding the correct pitch and even experiments with a little vibrato at times!! (thanks to his cousin Claire!) They both also had speaking parts. Eli said a little line about Faith and they asked Evan to tell an experience about the Holy Ghost. Last weekend while I was scrapbooking my mom helped him write a short talk- It was perfect (thanks mom!). They had a pracitce yesterday and Evan told me that when it was his turn to practice his part that his "tummy hurt just like before your going to throw up!!" I tried to reassured him the best I could... I didn't want to tell him that I still get that feeling when I have to speak in front of people! Anyway, I was so proud of my boys today! They are so brave- they remembered all the correct words. They smiled. Evan looked up as he spoke, he remembered to speak slow and clear- Grandpa Kim would have been proud!! Their mom sure was!!

Six months ago, today...

THEN...

It is hard to believe our sweet baby is already six months old! It sounds so cliche...but it amazes me how fast the time goes. It makes me feel a little old to feel that way. I have had many an old lady telling me "they are only little for such a short time honey" and something my mom always used to tell me. "just enjoy it, because the time goes so fast. In the blink of an eye you'll be sending them off on missions." ya, ya... I know, I thought...?? But NOW it is starting to hit me... I can see the time going so fast sometimes I feel like I could reach out and grab it... since that is impossible- the only thing I can do is try to see the good in every minute and just enjoy the little things... Here is a look back at Gabriel's short journey to six months old!

NOW...

We sure love our baby boy!

Candy... lots of it!

Too much Halloween Candy! the other day after school I decided to do away with the daily rations (mainly because I couldn't resist sneaking some for myself throughout the day) I figured we'd have candy around the house til' July tempting me! So I told the boys they could eat whatever candy they wanted, any amount! Just to get rid of it. I didn't have the heart to just throw it away! You should have seen the joy in their faces, especially Eli, he is a sugar addict! There were candy wrappers and candy trails and sticky fingers! Gabe was squeeling and literally shaking as he watched the boys with their suckers- he wanted one sooo bad! As you can tell I was in the giving mood, so I handed him a red lollypop just to see what he would do. Well he's no dummy, he shoved it right in his little mouth and of course, loved it! I snapped some pictures and in that short time he became a sticky mess. I came to my senses and realized I would like my sleep instead of dealing with a baby on a sugar high all night! I took the lollypop from him and he yelled in protest, it quickly turned to sobs, and that holding your breath kind of crying!! Guess he really liked it! I am happy to report no more candy around here!!

Best Buddies!

Prom?

I asked Evan and Eli
to stand by each

other and smile....

this is the pose they chose (hee hee)

It remindes me of my

highschool days at the prom

...and that awkward pose!

Brothers and best buds too!
don't get me wrong they are typical little boys...

love to wrestle and tease but they watch out for each other and just look at them... so sweet! Yesterday my neighbor told me that she has never met boys like mine. They are polite, obedient, and sensitive little guys...I told her they just came that way!

Halloween week!

The week of Halloween is one of my favorites! Lots of parties, costumes, mini candybars and time to carve pumpkins! This year in particular I was really looking forward to Halloween because my little sister Julie and her cute family were coming to Utah for the week and spending the holiday with us!! Mom and Dad also joined us for most of the week so it couldn't have been better! We continued our favorite Halloween traditions and started some new ones too! The boys school had a costume parade and class Halloween parties the Friday before Halloween. I had fun helping in Eli's kindergarten class this year. Mom and Dad made it just in time to see the parade and take Gabe home for me so I could be in the classroom. Julie's family arrived late Friday night and the fun just got more fun! Here are a few of the things we enjoyed together...

Costume parade!

Yeah!! Ruby's here!

We had a little Halloween party where we ate dinner and bravely tasted "witches potion." We we we rocked out to Halloween tunes while carving pumpkins. When the masterpieces were complete we lit candles in them and turned out the lights. we ended the spooky night by laying on the floor, gazing at our pumpkins, singing Halloween

songs!

while the boys were in school we went to Gardners Village. It was a beautiful day and such a fun outing! I love the fun atmosphere and little shops. One of my new favorite places! During October they decorate the whole village with life size witches wearing and doing all kinds of crazy things... so fun! I felt bad that the boys weren't there to see it- I'll be sure to take them next year, and a camera too! That afternoon when the boys got home we prepared for the big night!! It was all I could do to get them to eat their dinner... and it was PIZZA! They were so excited yet worn out from all the Halloween things all month... Needless to say after a few tantrums (mine included!) we shoved them out with Glen to Trick or Treat! we met up with them later but there was that Lehi wind blowing which made for a chilly night- too chilly for Gabe and Ruby... so we headed home, counted the loot, and barely got the face paint off before the boys hit their pillows. They had a great time and we ended the night trying to keep our eyes peeled open while watching Clue. Definatley a Happy Halloween!

Playin' Hookie!!!!

On Thursday we thought it would be fun to go up to Park City in the afternoon. I decided to let the boys play hookie and skip school. Evan woke up late and was so worried that he'd missed the bus...a smile quickly appeared though, when I told him the plans for the day. He and grandpa, who is a principal promised it would be an educational trip! We did most of our favorite things to do in Park City... window shop, ride the trolly, stop at the Chocolate Factory for a gourmet carmel apple, and then bought some all day suckers at our favorite trinket/craft shop. I love park City with all it's hills, quaint shops and houses, hundreds of moose statues, great shopping, ski resorts.... it just feels like a vacation even if your only there for the day! We had so much fun but it was a bittersweet day as we said our goodbye's to Julie, Richie and Ruby! Mom and Dad headed for Logan and I am really missing all of them!

Girl Stuff...

My tank has been running low for awhile -as far as friends go -and just as I was missing my family and creeping close to empty... I got refueled!! my girlfriends in Logan all got together last weekend at the Scrapbook House!!! It is a house that is rented out by the weekend for crazy scrapbookers like us! There were 19 of us -give or take depending on the day! It was so incredibly fun!! Nothing like spending a few days together sitting around in jammies, talking, laughing, eating and scrapbooking!! - GIRL STUFF! I miss having my friends so close. I miss having people around who know me. We've been through a lot together the last 7 years!- thats a long time! Babies, church callings, good, and bad, trials, and succcesses. Helping each other to get through life is what friends really do. I love these girls and will always have a special connection with each one of them. They have all influenced me in some way and I am so blessed to call them friends! now back to the real world...it does get better for me here everyday thanks to some wonderful new friends!

Little Tooth...

I have been trying to get a picture of that little tooth forever... Gabe is not to cooperative! He is constantly moving so it's a little blurry! Teething... usually one of the first big milestones and a little change to their look, sadly- but I just LOVE baby teeth- especially the two little teeth on the bottom- they are my favorite!

Halloween Party!

Last weekend we drove up to Logan for the annual Murray family

Halloween Party!!

We look forward to this party every year and especially this year because it had been awhile since we had last seen our family and good old Logan! Evan and Eli wanted to dress up as "army guys" again this year- luckily the costumes still fit! Glen was a basketball player and I was the referee! Gabe was the cutest little pumpkin (thanks to Sunny for the darling costume) My favorte part was the stem! (I spray painted his little mohawk green!) We had a great time enjoying all the traditions.... Costumes, baked potato bar, fish pond, mummy game, bean bag toss, donuts on a string etc... Not to mention relaxing at my mom and dad's house over the weekend with a much needed hair appointment, shopping , and date night for me and Glen with free babysitting... and that's not all! Saturday we were able to go to my cousins wedding while great grandma and grandpa Murray babysat- the boys were so excited! They played games, told stories, built swords, and ate treats! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!! I was so happy to learn that North Logan was having the annual Pumpkin Walk over the weekend while we were there! This is one of my favorite fall traditions in Logan. Several organizations, groups, and even private families decorate scenes with pumpkins! They were very elaborate this year! the theme was "those were the days." It was really fun to have my brother Steve and his boys join us! We ha d a busy weekend, filled with lots of fun!!! We are so thanful for family and the wonderful memories that we continue to make together!

A Little Getaway

The boys had their "Fall Break" from school earlier this month which gave us an extended weekend to be together. Glen's territory for work extends from South SLC to St. George. Normally he flies to St. George once a month for a few days but since the boys were out of school he planned some work towards the end of the week in St. George and we drove with him to enjoy a little getaway! St. George is one of my favorite places! I have lots of memories from my childhood "vacationing" (a.k.a. dad's annual work conferences) in St. George! The warm weather felt so great compared to the chilly wind here in Lehi! I love the RED mountains that look like Swiss cheese and are shaped like mushrooms! (sounds like I'm hungry, right? but these are actually two of my least favorite foods!) Anyway, we had a great time hanging out in the hotel- swimming, watching movies and playing video games until Glen arrived in the evenings. Some of the highlights of the trip for me were; Hiking at Pioneer Park (the big rock with "Dixie" painted on it), watching Glen stealthily sprawled on his stomach over a giant rock, stick in one hand -while Evan and Eli stood as "guards" nearby trying to coax a lizard out of its hiding spot, driving up Snow Canyon with the windows down, playing around and digging at the sand dunes, Take Out for dinner every night, watching Gabriel enjoy his first time in a pool, shopping at the outlets, watching Eli and Evan master the vending machines in the hotel (they LOVE treats and just happened to bring along their "own money" they couldn't spend it fast enough!) and visiting the famous Blue Bunny ice cream parlor! It was just nice to be together doing fun things. I think it would have been a really long weekend otherwise! The best part of the entire getaway was just that... Getting Away!!

Taking a Dip!

Evan and Eli are like little fish, they love water and so it has been fun to have a hot tub just out the back door! All summer long we didn't heat it- so it was a perfect "pool" for them! A few weeks ago Eli was out of school for the afternoon, due to a field trip earlier that morning. It was a beautiful day, just a bit nippy. The hot tub was nice and warm so I asked Eli if he wanted to get in. He was so excited and it got even better when Gabriel woke from his nap and was able to join him for a dip!...

Run Racoons!

Last week the school held its annual "Ridgeline Run" to raise money. This year the school is trying to earn enough money for some snow removal equipment so that the kids can enjoy recess even in the winter!! So each student asks for donations from family and friends per lap that they run! It is pretty motivating for the kids and is a good way for them to feel like they are helping their school! It was a chilly day, but no rain- so the race was on!.... It took place on the field, just behind the school. They had huge speakers set up and a DJ was there playing some good songs with a beat! He and the PTA president kept them motivated via the loudspeaker! Each grade ran seperately and had a 1/2 hour to get in as many laps as they could! The students had numbers on their shirts (Evan was excited because it was just like aunt Debbie's when she did her race!) and each time they did a lap they had to pass a line of parents or teachers who "marked" their number to indicate a lap! There were cones and banners set up to mark the course! It was really well planned and my boys looked forward to it for a few weeks! I bundled up Gabe and we went to cheer them on!! They both did so well and ran almost the entire time!! Go Raccoons!

Time is Precious...

I can't believe how much Gabe changes from day to day. Evan and Eli pretty much stay the same... Why is it that when they are the sweetest with soft tiny parts, sweet breath on your neck as you cuddle, grins that melt your heart... Why is this the time that goes so fast? Sometimes I wish I could make time stand still. Gabe does so many cute things lately and yesterday I discovered a sharp little tooth poking up- His first tooth!! Time goes so fast and I thought I better share a few of the precious things he is doing right now...I don't want to forget... He kicks his legs whenever he gets excited about something, especially when he see's his bottle or his brothers! If you hold him while your eating, he opens his mouth too, hoping you'll share! he smiles and ducks his head whenever someone stops to says hello. He ALWAYS laughs for Eli. He arches his back in protest everytime we put him in the carseat. He can squirm out of his bumbo chair. (yup, completely out...) He loves to kick and splash in the bathtub. He likes to suck his bottom lip in. The bottom of his feet and his little armpits are most ticklish. He loves to be outside. He has a favorite blanket he holds it up to his face and rubs the silk edges in his little fingers, he doesn't sleep without his binki. He loves rice cereal. He likes to watch the"baby's first moves" DVD by baby einstien, He squeels in different ways to let us know what he needs. He rolls around on the floor and plays with all his toys- he has a favorite toy- it's a bug with crinkly wings. When I put a hat on his head he's a nut and holds his breath for a minute. I love his many expressions, his big eyes, his laugh, his soft hair... he is so precious.... this time is so precious...

Cuddling with his Favorite Blanket

(thank you aunt Debbie!)

Sucking that bottom lip!

all bundled up!

Fall...my favorite season!

Last Sunday was one of those "perfect Fall days." Sunny, with a little chill in the air. There is just something in the air that makes fall smell good!... We decided it would be a perfect day to take a drive up the canyon and enjoy the changing colors. We love living so close to the canyon and have been wanting to explore all that it has to offer. On the map there is a place called Silver Lake. I was secretly hoping that this could be my Lehi version of Tony Grove (my favorite place in Logan canyon.) So I convinced Glen to follow the map and take us to Silver Lake. The drive was beautiful, the colors were breathtaking. We stopped a few places along the way to take some pictures. the camera really does not do the scenery justice! We finally made it to the dirt road that would take us to Silver Lake. After a really long and bumpy ride we turned the corner and there... was Silver Lake.... To my disappointment it was more of a watering hole than a Lake! I guess the water is really low this year, or maybe it always looks that way? I don't know? Oh well, The rest of the trip totally made up for it. The boys loved looking for the perfect walking stick and stomping their feet to make the leaves "crunch." They collected one leaf of every color and some "special rocks"too!! It really was a Perfect fall day!

Beautiful Baby Boy...

Sportday...

The boys finished up soccer just in time to start Flag Football! We had some neighbors putting together a fall soccer team for the kids Evan's age which was scheduled for the same time as football! Evan was excited to get to know the neighborhood kids better so we decided to sign him up for that team too... thinking and hoping that most of the games would not interfere with each other. It has worked out for the most part...It just makes for a long sportday- I mean Saturday-Evan and Eli both have an hour long football game Saturday morning in Lehi, and fall soccer just happens to be an hour long on Saturday mornings also... AND... it's in Draper Needless to say we are doing a lot of juggling... driving, cheering, assistant coaching and did I mention it's a long day?... I was complaining a little one morning to Glen. He smiled and said gently (with a hint of sarcasm)- "we have 3 boys Emily this is what we are going to be doing every Saturday for a long time!"

Go Gators!

Fall Soccer!

Head it, Boot it, Knee it, Shoot it... But don't use your Hands!!!!!

Moving into a new place, one of our first priorities was to get the boys involved in things so that they could quickly make friends and stay busy! We signed them both up for soccer. The season started about the same time as school started and ended last week. It was Eli's first time playing and he did really well. I'm sure having an older brother helped- He has watched Evan play, He has kicked the ball around with Evan and Glen, and being the little brother- He has had to be a little more aggressive! It was so fun to watch him play...He is fast and really good at figuring out where the ball is going to go. At the first few games we noticed him kind of holding back from "the pack" (all the players on the field surround the ball completely, just hoping to get a kick in... it's quite a sight!) So Glen was telling him "Eli you gotta get in there and get that ball!" Eli looked at him and said "Daaaad- I am waiting for the ball to pop out from all the kids and I can take it down and score a goal!" We never thought of that! It was a pretty smart strategy! Eli had the best coach that we have ever met. He made it so much fun for the kids and was really enthusiastic! Eli loved soccer and he especially liked the treats at the end of the game!

Eli and "Coach"

Yeah Wolves!!!! Go Evan!!! Awooooh!!!!!!!

Evan loves to play soccer! I know every parent thinks their kid is the best on the team.... but Evan seriously is!!! He is the only player who had total control of the ball while kicking it, He has great foot work! He is fast, and tough, and smart about the game! He scored lots of goals and made us proud!