Andrew and Emily had fun making a wreath with me. Our Halloween one turned out pretty well, so we made a Christmas one, too. Who knew I could be crafty?
Sunday, November 23, 2014
My Creative Kids
Emily had fun with her bakery project for math. She had to do all sorts of calculations and then discuss the ratios she used for her pan cookie recipe. She made the cookies all by herself!
Andrew and Emily had fun making a wreath with me. Our Halloween one turned out pretty well, so we made a Christmas one, too. Who knew I could be crafty?
Can you see the M on the fireplace? It is an M painted black and covered with googly eyes. Emily made it and I think it turned out really cute.
Andrew and Emily had fun making a wreath with me. Our Halloween one turned out pretty well, so we made a Christmas one, too. Who knew I could be crafty?
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Phoenix Temple
We had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Temple Open House. The kids had never been to one before and they were so excited. We got to go on a tour and see every part of the temple. Once it is dedicated (which happened today), we are able to go there to perform ordinances for our families. We have a temple in Mesa and Gilbert as well, but it is pretty exciting to have a third one in the area. It is a beautiful temple and we are blessed to be able to go to the house of the Lord.
Halloween
It was our first Halloween in our new neighborhood and everyone had a great time! There were block parties all over the neighborhood, and ours was next door. We had pizza and chili and homemade root beer. The kids and I had fun Trick or Treating with their friends while Daddy stayed home to pass out candy.
Jonathan got a lot of use out of his Captain America costume. I had to take this picture because they were just too cute. Jonathan went up to Daniel and asked him to read his book to him, and Daniel was happy to do it. How cute is that?
I tried to get individual shots of the kids but the photo-bombing was out of control. I did get one of Emily.
Ready for some candy!!!!!
Ready for some candy!!!!!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Our Family-Friendly Las Vegas Vacation (yes--it is possible)
We were so excited that the kids have a week off for fall break. Unfortunately, Michael had a convention to go to that same week in Las Vegas. The solution? Go with him! We drove up on Monday and had dinner at the hotel (Homewood Suites) and then went for a drive down the strip. I had never been there before, and it was much bigger than I imagined. We didn't walk around the strip with the kids at night and our hotel was off of the strip, so it went really well. We had our breakfasts and dinner at the hotel. Homewood Suites serves a nice breakfast every day and dinner Monday-Thursday, so that was great.
On Tuesday, we took Michael to his convention and went straight to Circus Circus. The kids loved the circus acts--Dave the clown and the Russian bar. Then we went to the Adventure Dome. We got wristbands for everyone so we could ride all day. There were almost no lines. I think the only waits we had were when the bigger kids rode the big roller coasters.
Jonathan was so cute. At first he said he didn't want to ride anything, but once he tried a couple he was hooked. The funniest was the Frog Hopper, which bounces up and down. Here is the video. Watch Jonny's face at about the 7 second mark. The rest of the video is mostly Nathaniel and I laughing. :-) If you want to watch it, I recommend expanding it or clicking on the link below.
Waiting for the circus acts at Circus Circus. Apparently nothing opens before 11am in Vegas. :-)
Fun on the kiddie rides
Nathaniel loved the roller coasters. He even rode on the big roller coaster at New York New York. Andrew wanted to, but he wasn't tall enough.
On Wednesday, we started the day at the Silverton. I knew they had an aquarium, but I didn't know much else about it. It turns out that it was right next to a Bass Pro Shops. They also have mermaids, but of course we were there on the wrong day. Next, we went to the Pinball Hall of Fame. The kids loved it! I gave them each their allowance of quarters and they had a blast. There were many pinball games, as well as old 80s video games and crane games. Finally, we ended the day exploring M&Ms World and Hershey's Chocolate World.
Aquarium at the Silverton
This one's for you, Dad!
Pinball Hall of Fame
Many of the games were only a quarter, and the kids loved it!
Jonathan actually won a ball from the crane!
M&Ms World
Random guy on the street dressed up as Darth Vader
We couldn't resist a picture.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Chocolate Empire State building...
...and chocolate Statue of Liberty
After we finished at Hershey's Chocolate World, which is at New York New York, we went to the roller coaster so Nathaniel could ride. Andrew was pretty disappointed that he didn't get to go on it because he was about an inch too short. After seeing Nathaniel's reaction, though, I think it was for the best. And, because we had just shopped at Hershey's Chocolate World, Nathaniel got a 2-for-1 and got to ride twice!
On Thursday, we had a lazy morning. Walking through the hotels is kind of like walking through an airport--they are so big--so we were all pretty tired. The kids really wanted to see Caesar's Palace, so that was our main goal. First, we went to the Venetian and saw the beautiful shops and the gondola ride. Then, we drove over to Gold Coast for their buffet. We ate so much!! Then, we headed to Caesar's Palace and walked around all of the Forum Shops. The lobby was gorgeous! The ceilings were definitely a sight to see! We had seen some characters on the street, so we walked to the end of the Forum Shops to go outside and have pictures taken with Mickey and Minnie and also with Iron Man and Bumblebee (from Transformers). After we were done, Jonathan looked at me and said, "Mommy, those were costumes!" You can't fool that kid! He knows that the real Mickey and Minnie are at Disney, of course!
I had really wanted to show the kids the fountains at the Bellagio, but we could never time it right because they only go every hour during the day time. On Thursday, though, we were able to drive by just at the right time for the kids to watch the fountains from the car. They were amazing!
We checked out on Friday morning and drove home. The drive was so beautiful. We drove down to the Hoover Dam as well. We didn't have time to get out and look around, but it was cool to see.
We all agree, it was a wonderful trip!!
On Tuesday, we took Michael to his convention and went straight to Circus Circus. The kids loved the circus acts--Dave the clown and the Russian bar. Then we went to the Adventure Dome. We got wristbands for everyone so we could ride all day. There were almost no lines. I think the only waits we had were when the bigger kids rode the big roller coasters.
Jonathan was so cute. At first he said he didn't want to ride anything, but once he tried a couple he was hooked. The funniest was the Frog Hopper, which bounces up and down. Here is the video. Watch Jonny's face at about the 7 second mark. The rest of the video is mostly Nathaniel and I laughing. :-) If you want to watch it, I recommend expanding it or clicking on the link below.
Waiting for the circus acts at Circus Circus. Apparently nothing opens before 11am in Vegas. :-)
Fun on the kiddie rides
Nathaniel loved the roller coasters. He even rode on the big roller coaster at New York New York. Andrew wanted to, but he wasn't tall enough.
On Wednesday, we started the day at the Silverton. I knew they had an aquarium, but I didn't know much else about it. It turns out that it was right next to a Bass Pro Shops. They also have mermaids, but of course we were there on the wrong day. Next, we went to the Pinball Hall of Fame. The kids loved it! I gave them each their allowance of quarters and they had a blast. There were many pinball games, as well as old 80s video games and crane games. Finally, we ended the day exploring M&Ms World and Hershey's Chocolate World.
Aquarium at the Silverton
This one's for you, Dad!
Pinball Hall of Fame
Many of the games were only a quarter, and the kids loved it!
Jonathan actually won a ball from the crane!
M&Ms World
Random guy on the street dressed up as Darth Vader
We couldn't resist a picture.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Chocolate Empire State building...
...and chocolate Statue of Liberty
After we finished at Hershey's Chocolate World, which is at New York New York, we went to the roller coaster so Nathaniel could ride. Andrew was pretty disappointed that he didn't get to go on it because he was about an inch too short. After seeing Nathaniel's reaction, though, I think it was for the best. And, because we had just shopped at Hershey's Chocolate World, Nathaniel got a 2-for-1 and got to ride twice!
On Thursday, we had a lazy morning. Walking through the hotels is kind of like walking through an airport--they are so big--so we were all pretty tired. The kids really wanted to see Caesar's Palace, so that was our main goal. First, we went to the Venetian and saw the beautiful shops and the gondola ride. Then, we drove over to Gold Coast for their buffet. We ate so much!! Then, we headed to Caesar's Palace and walked around all of the Forum Shops. The lobby was gorgeous! The ceilings were definitely a sight to see! We had seen some characters on the street, so we walked to the end of the Forum Shops to go outside and have pictures taken with Mickey and Minnie and also with Iron Man and Bumblebee (from Transformers). After we were done, Jonathan looked at me and said, "Mommy, those were costumes!" You can't fool that kid! He knows that the real Mickey and Minnie are at Disney, of course!
I had really wanted to show the kids the fountains at the Bellagio, but we could never time it right because they only go every hour during the day time. On Thursday, though, we were able to drive by just at the right time for the kids to watch the fountains from the car. They were amazing!
We checked out on Friday morning and drove home. The drive was so beautiful. We drove down to the Hoover Dam as well. We didn't have time to get out and look around, but it was cool to see.
We all agree, it was a wonderful trip!!
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Birthdays!
Jonathan and Andrew are my August birthday boys! Jonathan turned 5 and Andrew turned 9. I'm not sure why we didn't get many pictures at Jonathan's family party. It was so wonderful because their Grandpa and Grandma (Michael's parents) came and so did Aunt Betsy and Uncle Geoff (my sister and brother-in-law) and their kids--to both parties. Their Aunt Erin (Michael's sister) was able to make it for Andrew's (she lives over an hour away but she still came just for his party)!
Jonathan wanted a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cake. I don't know why, but I obliged. I can't believe he is 5 and in kindergarten!
Andrew wanted balloons on his cake, and this one made him very happy. I usually bake the cakes myself, but we had a particularly busy day that day and he was thrilled to get a store-bought one.
The photo-bombing is getting out of control around here!
There, that's better. :-)
The whole party gang
Andrew wanted a desk and chair for his birthday. I think his favorite part was helping me put it together. :-)
Sunday, August 24, 2014
First Day of School
We are off to a great start this year! The kids are all happy at their schools. Well, as happy as they can be since they would rather still be on summer vacation!
Nathaniel, 9th grade--1st year of high school!!!
Daniel, 2nd grade
Andrew--3rd grade
Jonathan--Kindergarten!
Emily--6th grade--still in elementary school
Ready for a great first day!! No uniforms!!
Nathaniel is at the high school, and the other four are at the same elementary school! I love it!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Moving
We finally moved! It seemed like it would never happen, but we are finally here in Arizona. June was crazy. Once we got back from our trip to Florida, it was a race to get everything done and prepared for our move.
First order of business--get Nathaniel's braces off!
Then, we were invited to a potluck at the Warrens'. They wanted to have a cookout as a "goodbye" to our family. We had a wonderful time. It's hard to say goodbye to friends.
The movers packed us up and we left pretty much on schedule. It took us three days to get to Arizona. On the second night, we were so tired and we found this motel that only had one room left. They let us have it, but it was TINY!!! We camped out for the night. It was an adventure.
Daniel picked this spot and went right to sleep.
All the driving was worth it, though, because we made it in time to see Michael's sister Shannon, her husband Jay, and their two sweet girls. Here is Emily with Chloe, Shannon's older daughter. Can you see Daniel's photo bomb?
Michael with his parents and siblings. They hadn't all been together in a very long time.
The whole crew, including Granny (Carol's mom) and all the spouses and grandkids
Well, it has been an adventure. We are very glad to be here and we love our new house. We have met some wonderful people in our ward and we are all making friends. :-) Next up: SCHOOL!
First order of business--get Nathaniel's braces off!
The movers packed us up and we left pretty much on schedule. It took us three days to get to Arizona. On the second night, we were so tired and we found this motel that only had one room left. They let us have it, but it was TINY!!! We camped out for the night. It was an adventure.
Daniel picked this spot and went right to sleep.
All the driving was worth it, though, because we made it in time to see Michael's sister Shannon, her husband Jay, and their two sweet girls. Here is Emily with Chloe, Shannon's older daughter. Can you see Daniel's photo bomb?
Michael with his parents and siblings. They hadn't all been together in a very long time.
The whole crew, including Granny (Carol's mom) and all the spouses and grandkids
We were so excited to get to go to the Clantons' wedding reception. Ammon Clanton was a missionary in our ward in Alabama. He was the one who helped us cut down the tree that fell in our front yard. The kids were so happy to see him. He was a great example to them.
Well, it has been an adventure. We are very glad to be here and we love our new house. We have met some wonderful people in our ward and we are all making friends. :-) Next up: SCHOOL!
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