Are We There Yet

Out to Play

2010-12-21T23:30:00.001-07:00

I just love a baby in a snow suit. Abby continues to love being outside. Do you think she has on enough pink?

Christmas Program

2010-12-21T23:00:00.003-07:00

In her Christmas program, Emma was excited to be a top in Santa's toy shop. Cutest top I've ever seen.

Snowball Soup

2010-12-21T22:00:00.001-07:00

Ali and I had a fun afternoon activity today. We read the book, Snowball Soup, by Mercer Mayer. Then we built our own snowman with his own snowball soup. After, we of course had to have some warm chicken noodle soup, just like Little Critter. I'm pretty sure I was having just as much fun as Ali... it was a little bit of heaven.

Visit from Gram

2010-12-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Gram came to visit. She said she wanted to come up and see our tree. I'll take any excuse I can get. We love any and all visits!

Bull's-eye

2010-12-18T22:00:00.003-07:00

Nice shot, Dad:)

Four of my greatest blessings

2010-12-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Let the messes begin...

2010-12-15T22:00:00.002-07:00

OK, so it should be Let the Messes Continue, she is child number four.
Abby has discovered how much fun it can be to feed herself. She not only makes the food into her mouth, but all over her tray, clothes, and even in her hair.

Talent Show

2010-12-08T22:00:00.001-07:00

Bentley started piano this year. His school class had a talent show, and he was very excited to participate. He played Deck the Halls and did a fabulous job.

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-12-03T22:00:00.004-07:00

Ali turned 4!!! She has been looking forward to this day... well, since her last birthday.

Ali has a special love for her grandma and was very disappointed last year when grandma wasn't able to be with her on her day. She also mentioned many times how she wanted a friend party this year.

Gram and Aunt Betha made a special trip just for Ali's birthday (Thanks Mom, it meant a lot to her),

and she got her wish to have a friend party.

Happy Birthday Ali! We love you so much and hope you had a fabulous day!!!

DEC 1

2010-12-01T22:00:00.003-07:00

December first is one of my favorite days. My Grandma Hettie started the tradition of December first gifts, and we've added to it. It is so fun to kick off the Christmas season with some Christmas books, PJs, ornaments, hot chocolate, popcorn, candy, new soft flannel blankets, and even a gingerbread house.

Turkey Day

2010-11-25T22:00:00.002-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving at the cabin.

We had fun with table activities,

watching movies,

sledding,

and of course eating.

On the Way

2010-11-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

While driving to the cabin, we had to snap a picture of this big guy, who was hanging out along side the road. Pretty impressive.

Thanksgiving Program

2010-11-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

Emma has such a fabulous teacher this year! She is caring, kind, and seems to always go the extra mile. The kids put on a Thanksgiving Program with songs, skits, and even a line dance. It was adorable!!!

SNOW!!!

2010-11-22T22:00:00.004-07:00

The kids were so excited to discover the white world,

...especially Abby.
She was thrilled to go out and play with the big kids. When I was getting cold and finally made her come in, she burst into tears.

She had a hard time walking in the snow, but loved lying right down in it. She had fun walking around on the deck and would have probably tried jumping off the deck like the others had I not prevented that.

She was chewing on her zipper.

Cold Turkey Run

2010-11-21T22:00:00.003-07:00

While living in at the Cabin, we started the tradition of participating in the Cold Turkey Run held at the fitness center. We decided to try to continue the tradition this year. Bentley and Emma ran the 1 mile, Kim ran the 5K, and Tom was a good sport and pushed Ali and Abby in the one mile walk. It was a really cold morning, but we came away with two second place prizes, pumpkin pies, and one first place, a turkey, along with a sports bag, jacket, goggles, and a t-shirt.

Then we got to enjoy the spoils the next day for Sunday dinner. Bentley enjoyed his very own turkey-lurkey drumstick.

Back to School

2010-08-26T22:00:00.001-06:00

I can't believe we're into another school year. The summer just flew by but was so fun.
The kids received father's blessing the night before.

They were so excited to ride their bike and in Bentley's case, rip stick, to school on the first day.

3rd annual Ackerson family reunion

2010-08-15T23:00:00.006-06:00

It was Nora's turn to plan the Ackerson family festivities. We all made the trip up to the Tetons and had a fabulous time!

On the way Bentley let out a little of his cooped up energy by climbing a pole.

Once there, we had fun camping, eating, visiting, and relaxing.
The kids had a blast swimming, rafting, and playing at String Lake.

Gathered around the camp site.

On the last morning we went on a little hike.

Looking at the pictures made me realize all the times in which I forgot to take out the camera. Still, I was able to get a small sample of the trip.

Take me out to the ball game

2010-08-08T23:00:00.001-06:00

We took the kids to a baseball game thanks to some tickets courtesy of my dad. I think the kids had fun, and I thought it was nice to go and do something we haven't done as a family before.

Provo Canyon Half

2010-08-08T22:30:00.002-06:00

We cut our trip a little bit short, so I could run the half marathon I've been training for.

10 Years!

2010-08-08T22:00:00.002-06:00

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary on the 4th!!! It is hard to believe it has been ten years. My Mom was nice enough to watch the kids while Tom and I took a little trip. We drove to St. George, and while we drove we went year by year and reminisced about the our life together. It made us both feel so incredibly blessed for the time we've had together. So much has happened over the past ten years! I look forward to many more great years to come. Love ya, hon.

Picture of the fam just before taking off.

We visited some historic St. George sites,

went out to eat,
did a little shopping,

saw a play at Tuacan,

and went to the temple.

The kids had a sign up welcoming us home, and the girls had little routine they'd been practicing... They'd hide behind the couch and then pop up and yell, "Brooklyn, Emma, Ali... surprise!!!"
Blessings abound!

Sign him up!

2010-08-03T22:00:00.001-06:00

After learning of a few of the challenges on the game show, Minute to Win In It, B has been practicing to Win Big... He has now achieved the three golf ball stack! Nice work!

Feeding the Ducks

2010-07-31T23:00:00.002-06:00

One of our new favorite evening activities.

To the Zoo

2010-07-30T23:00:00.005-06:00

A summer just wouldn't be complete without a really hot day at the zoo.

Hot or not, we had a great time.

Summer reading

2010-07-29T22:00:00.002-06:00

Summer trip to the library. Love it!

What a Place

2010-07-28T22:00:00.010-06:00

We spent the day at the This is the Place Heritage Park.

The kids were able to explore a ship;

They panned for gold.

They rode a horse,

(although Ali wasn't so sure about the horses).

They were able to see and pet some baby animals.

The babies were really good and even coordinated their naps.

We went on a train ride,

a mini train ride,

and climbed on and played in a train, too.

Then, we learned to walk on stilts,

played some pioneer games,

and even had time to do a few chores.

Pioneer Day Parade

2010-07-24T23:00:00.005-06:00

We had a neighborhood kids' parade in our circle to celebrate the 24th.

The kids decorated their bikes so they could ride them in the parade/lets race around the circle as fast as we can :)

This was probably my favorite entry. (Not counting my own kids of course.)

Then they got to ride in a trailer behind a tractor.

\

After that, we ate breakfast together.

It was a great morning, so much more fun than trying to fight the crowds to see a long, hot parade, and I think the kids would definitely agree.

Primary -slip 'n slide- Party

2010-07-21T21:00:00.002-06:00

The kids had a blast at the annual Primary slip 'n slide Party. Last year, it was one of the first activities we attended when we moved into the ward. It was fun to be able to think back over that last year and anticipate all the fun to come.

Waiting for a turn...

Abby watched from the side lines.

Ali

Emma

Bentley

The Family A-union (part 3)

2010-07-18T23:00:00.006-06:00

Just a few more pictures I had to include.

The grands...

The kids were worn out after all the swimming.

Grandma Hettie came to visit as well.

Bentley Family A-union (part 2)

2010-07-18T22:30:00.001-06:00

More pictures from the reunion...

We spent an afternoon enjoying the sun and water at the DesertWave. After spending many an afternoon at the wave pool while growing up, it was fun to see my own children enjoying the same.

1st Annual Bentley Family A-union (part 1)

2010-07-18T22:00:00.004-06:00

The whole fam got together at Gram and Papa AKA Mother Wonderful and Papa-lapa's abode for what we determined should be an annual event! It was so fun to have everyone together!

The kids had a blast playing out on the lawn.

They ran through the sprinklers, went on the slip and slide, and of course ate popsicles.

Coby and Pearl enjoying their Sicles.

Cam and Abby enjoying the scene.

Nothing tastes better in the summer!

And I was afraid Abby might not get enough...

Grandpa and the two grandsons

This is just one example of why Gram is positively the best.
I came into the house to see all seven grands gathered around while she headed up a rousing game of Candyland. She is so cute with them, and they all just adore her!!!

However, if its not Gram, then Kenzer may just come in as a close second.

$.50

2010-07-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

Kids at the mall
+ $.50
= 60 seconds of smiles

Sleepy Head

2010-07-14T22:00:00.001-06:00

I love the sleepy look of a child after just waking up. Abby was a perfect example this morning... sleep marks and all.

Car repair

2010-07-13T22:00:00.002-06:00

What do you do when you're waiting for the car to be finished with four children in a small, oily, tire place?

1. Try NOT to think about how dirty the floor is that your children just plunked right down on.

2. Try NOT to think about how nasty the bead toy they are playing with is... Where is that hand sanitizer - pronounced 'hanitizer' by Ali - ?

3. Break out the camera.

Oh great... Now they've all got their hands in their mouths...

4. Be grateful when its over and you get to go home and pick chilies out of the garden with Dad!

Tutu and hives

2010-07-12T22:00:00.002-06:00

Ali adores her big brother. She even decided to try on his shoes.

Bentley broke out with hives severe enough that we went to the doctor to have him checked out. Still no clue as to what brought them on.

Ali lounging on the front porch in her tutu. What could be cuter that a three year old in pink?

10 months

2010-07-11T22:00:00.003-06:00

This little ray of sunshine brightens our days!

She is pulling up to things, can sign "more", say "mama", "dada", and "hi", and loves her brother and sisters. She is a joy in our family.

Ahhhhh... Summer...

2010-06-20T22:00:00.001-06:00

After a busy start to the summer, we were able to enjoy some of the more relaxing days.

The kids enjoyed lounging on Mom and Dad's bed with some books.

Then we spent some time cleaning out things after the move. The girls thought it wasn't too warm to try out the hats and gloves.

Abby just waking up from a nap.

Bentley discovered that our backyard was great for finding four leaf clovers.

Cub Scout Day Camp

2010-06-10T22:00:00.002-06:00

Wolf Den and Bear Den

Not to waste any time, we took the Wolf and Bear dens to Day Camp on the day after school got out.

The boys got to make and launch rockets,

climb a wall,

learn how to fold flags,

play teamwork games,

shoot BB guns,

build model rockets, and shoot bows and arrows.

It was a fun day for both boys and leaders, and we look forward to returning next year:)

Baseball

2010-06-09T22:30:00.001-06:00

Bentley started baseball on the last day of school.

So much for relaxing, lazy, summer days. We just jumped right into the fun summer activities. Other than on the really windy evenings, it was a fun season.

School's out! Scream and Shout!!!

2010-06-09T22:00:00.009-06:00

Because we started school so late this year, the kids didn't get out until June 9th. We were all so ready for summer!

Cleaning up for the last days of school.

Yeah for Summer Vacation!!!

Emma had a fun kindergarten year with Ms. Panagos.

Bentley sailed through second with Ms. Crystal.

The kids didn't waste any time getting into the summer activities.

Swimming with friends.

Bentley shooting hoops on the neighbor's basket.

Happy 21!

2010-06-06T22:00:00.004-06:00

My baby sister turned 21! She, Mom, Dad and Bethani came to birthday dinner at our house! We were thrilled to have them. Happy birthday, Kenzi!!!

Who needs toys?

2010-06-05T22:00:00.001-06:00

When the vacuum cord is in sight.
Abby learned to crawl not too long ago, but decided it was more fun moving backward. However, upon discovering the vacuum cord, she is now able to make forward progress:) She was so determined to get it and hold it, and so pleased with her accomplishments.

Summer Time

2010-06-03T22:30:00.000-06:00

I love Love LOVE watching the kids running around the neighborhood, playing.

For any HSM fans...
"What time is it?

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T22:00:00.000-06:00

We decided to take a short break from our unpacking to go try a homemade 5Guys burger and let the kids play with cousins. Such cute kids...
C' mon guys! Try to look like your enjoying yourselves.

Sunday Morning after a Move

2010-05-30T21:30:00.000-06:00

Boxes can make excellent tables if you use your imagination.

This was one day when I felt grateful for 1pm church.

Moving Day

2010-05-29T21:00:00.002-06:00

After all the preparation. The actual moving day went pretty well. We had a lot of help from the ward and our families. I had lived this day in my mind so many times it was nice to have it over. I had pictured everything from a moving truck driving one house away to just lining everyone up and handing off boxes. In the end we used multiple trucks and had people loading and unloading and then switching back and forth. It took less than an hour and a half, and then the work began again. The joys.

Out to dinner after a long day.

Cute kids saying good-bye.

Fish face

2010-05-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

A baby is always good for entertainment. Lately Abby likes to make a fish face by sucking in the sides of her mouth. Last Sunday she kept all the people on the row behind us in Sunday school adequately distracted from the lesson. I finally caught a very small sample on camera.

Destruction

2010-05-26T20:00:00.004-06:00

Sometimes I just have to document things before I can say good-bye. Such was the case with these...
Bentley's shoes: This kid has gone through SO many pairs of shoes this school year. Since January he has worn holes in two pairs and is working on his third. If you can see the pictures very well, it is evident that these shoes should have been retired long ago.

and
My cell phone: There is more to the story with this one. It is actually my old phone brought back to life after my new phone was dropped in the snow, but I guess it finally decided it had been dropped too many times as well. However, I think it may have been the fact that I stepped on it after I dropped it under my desk. The flip screen broke at that point, and then Tom finished it off when I got home. Too bad I don't have some great story about dropping it in a blender or something:)

Now I'm back to my old? - new? - other phone with several buttons that don't work.

Nymjastics

2010-05-25T21:30:00.004-06:00

Em has enjoyed (most of the time) taking gymnastics this year. She said that her favorite part was the super bouncy tramp, and the part she didn't like was that the moms didn't get to stay and watch very often, go figure. Considering her input maybe we should bag the lessons and just get a trampoline...

However, if we had done that she wouldn't have been able to get her awesome trophy! She was thrilled with it, and I think her older brother might have turned a shade of green.

Play is a child's work...

2010-05-25T21:00:00.000-06:00

I love watching the games the kids come up with.

And I especially love Ali's outfit. She is so opinionated about what she will and won't wear. Today, I didn't say a word. Just smiled and snapped some pictures:)

Pre- moving day

2010-05-22T21:00:00.001-06:00

We're moving!

Ok, so it's just "2 doors down", but a move is a move.
Any way you look at it... it's a lot of work.

Luckily we have fabulous friends and especially family who came to help out with the pre-moving day work.
I don't know what I would have done without all the extra help. We were able to finish packing the basement and load up the food storage!

Thanks so much you wonderful fam you!!!

Happy 33!

2010-05-17T21:00:00.004-06:00

Tom got a double dose of birthday this year. My fam. came the day before to have a little par-tay.

Then we had to celebrate his actual day as well.

Love you, hun! Hope you had a great day.

Lookin' good

2010-05-15T20:00:00.003-06:00

After a trip to the eye doctor, aka Uncle John, Emma has been so excited to model her new glasses. She is such a cutie and looks so grown up!

Thanksgiving Point

2010-04-24T20:00:00.006-06:00

We met up with some of Tom's high school friends at Thanksgiving Point's baby animal day. The kids had fun, for the most part. They even got to ride a pony. Em was "a little nervous" but did great; Bentley had a blast, and Ali didn't cry... the whole time... I hope.

After the fun with the animals, we kept up a long time tradition of going to Taco Bell and eating way too may tacos. I think it reminded us all that we're not as young as we used to be, and it made me realize how grown up Bentley is getting to be, being as he held his own in the eating competition.

Ooowwwwwwww...

2010-04-22T20:00:00.001-06:00

We have a wolf in the house!
He received his wolf badge and four arrow points. Nice job B!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T22:30:00.003-06:00

I love Easter! With Conference on the same weekend, it was wonderful. The kids actually listened to quite a bit of it this time, and I was able to hear the majority of it as well. The talks were amazing, and I can't wait to review and study them.

As for Easter celebrations, the Easter bunny managed to find us and fill the baskets as well as hide some plastic eggs. We didn't get a chance to color eggs until Easter evening. During the day we went to the cabin to eat Sunday dinner, enjoy the traditional chocolate fountain, listen to the afternoon session of Conference, and visit. We made it home in fairly good time, so we could color eggs and let Bentley finish his bird house
.

.

.

Ecstatic about scouting

2010-04-03T20:30:00.001-06:00

Bentley is such a self motivated kid. He has been so excited to earn his ranks in scouting, but with the cold weather of winter we've been at a standstill. It is kind of hard to pick up litter in the neighborhood when its covered with snow, and I refused to have an "outdoor meal" in the cold. Now that the snow is nearly all melted, we've been able to make some progress.
Also, after trying to decide what "useful" thing he could make we went with one of the kits they sell at the scout office.

I'll admit I don't always have such positive thoughts about the whole thing, but sometimes I get to see just what scouting is all about and what a great program it is to help these boys grow.

The Wild Side

2010-04-02T21:16:00.001-06:00

The kids didn't have school today, so we decided to visit some new places. We went to the People and Cultures Museum and the Bean Life Science Museum. I haven't been to either one, so it was fun to see some new things. I got the idea from the Cub Scout Pow Wow Book because there are patches that the boys can earn by visiting and completing the requirements at each place.

The kids were so excited as we were leaving, and even Abby did really well. Now that she's a little older I'm excited to get out and do more.

Both museums were interesting, but the Bean Museum was definitely the favorite. We'll be back for sure! And not just because the patch requires a minimum of two visits...

The rest of March - and - the Joke's on Me

2010-04-01T22:00:00.004-06:00

In the month of March I took random pictures of the girls... going for a walk, playing with glasses, hangin' out with Dad, etc. Then on March 17, one of the kids' favorite days of the year, I couldn't find my camera... I knew I had had it recently (would find out later that recently was the day before), but on St. Patrick's Day we got zero pictures of the green attire, food and fun. A few weeks later I found the lost camera in the pocket of the baby sling I had used on the walk we took on the sixteenth. Oh well, what do you do?

I think Ali got a little of the idea of April Fool's Day... She asked if she could have a piece of chocolate. When I told her no, she said, "Fool's Day!" and then proceeded to open and eat it. This has now become a trend any time I tell her no.

Abby update

2010-03-12T22:00:00.002-07:00

Abby is now six months old!!!
The first two months were rather long, but the last four have flown by. I can't believe it is March, and she is half way through her first year.
At her 6 month check up today she was 15 lbs and 26 inches. She rolls all over and is enjoying her rice cereal and most of the fruits and veges she has tried. She is sleeping through the night again after reverting to several awakenings a night for a few weeks. She is a happy, sweet girl (I should know as I eat her up daily;) and we all love her to pieces.

Skiing

2010-03-06T22:30:00.001-07:00

Tom took Bentley skiing for his first time! They both said they had a good time and Bentley wants to go again, so we'll chalk it up as a success.

Rockin' Reader

2010-03-05T22:00:00.002-07:00

At the School they had a reading incentive during the month of February. This year Bentley was awarded a "Rockin' Reader" award for reading the most minutes in the entire second grade! During the third and fourth weeks of the month he made a goal to read 1000 minutes each week, and he did it! Way to go B! You deserve it!

Check out those pre-literacy skills

2010-03-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Abby just loved playing with the mini magna doodle. She totally looked like she knew what she was doing and would start scribbling out letters at any minute.

Emma behind the lens

2010-03-02T20:00:00.003-07:00

Emma is a such a sweet heart, and I'm constantly amazed at how she is able to see what needs to be done and do it (unlike unmentioned older brother who is all boy). However, we do have some issues when she is required to ask before doing things, like picking up baby sister. I can't count how many times I turn around and Abby is no where to be seen. Usually Emma has her safely and happily in her room making her laugh and playing with her, but it is the rule that she ask, so we'll keep trying.
She also has decided to take over the picture taking lately.

The self portrait.

Ali is NOT aloud to jump in the bed...

Baby Abby

2010-02-28T22:30:00.002-07:00

Abby at 5 months...
She is such a happy, easy going, good sleeping baby!
That is as long as Mom is in sight;)

Tulip Girls

2010-02-24T22:00:00.001-07:00

After a weekend in Logan, the girls made one of our frequent trips to Price. I snapped a quick pic right before leaving on Monday... then after a whirlwind few days... we made it back into town just in time for our monthly Cub Scout Pack meeting.

A weekend get-a-way

2010-02-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

With so much family in Logan we decided to join in the fun and went for an overnight stay. We were able to enjoy time together shopping, swimming, eating and of course visiting. We can't wait to go back and had a return visit planned even before we left.

Happy Heart Day

2010-02-15T19:00:00.002-07:00

With Valentines over a long weekend, we decided to visit Gram and Papa. On Saturday the 13th we went to the Stake Valentines Dance once again that commemorates the now 11th anniversary of our first date.

Then Sunday was a fun relaxing day with good conversation and good food right down to the heart shaped red jello. Gram continued the traditional Lucky Charms on the door step, and even Abby got a box this year.

The kids had fun camping out in Gram's loft. Their dreaming was too cute I had to capture it.

Not sure if she's getting enough attention...

2010-02-07T18:28:00.001-07:00

Abby is learning to like her tummy time more and more and is working on rolling more consistently. She gets a lot of encouragement from the entire family.

There's no place like home

2010-02-04T16:09:00.004-07:00

After a scary night of labored breathing, a trip to the doctor, chest x-rays, blood work, etc. which turned into a hospital stay, Ali is home to continue to recuperate. She's still on oxygen but is doing ok and is quite the trooper.

On the intake form they had me fill out at the hospital, one of the questions was, "Does you child know why he/she is in the hospital?" I thought, "sure, she knows" and answered "yes". Then, today at lunch just a few hours after getting home, Ali asked, "Mom, why we at the doctors?"

This is our new friend for the next month. He's a little noisy, but it is so nice to be able to be at home and still have the equipment needed.

It hasn't been a fun couple of days of course, but one positive thing that I've enjoyed watching is how concerned Ali's brother and sister are about her. They asked how she was doing, were anxious to see her, and were so excited to bring her some get well gifts to the hospital last night. They've been excellent helpers and are so sweet with her.
It is also so wonderful to know that there is so much help available from all the wonderful people around us if needed. Thanks to all for your help, love, and prayers.

Stake Conference

2010-02-01T23:28:00.006-07:00

We had Stake Conference yesterday. Since the beginning of the year, our block schedule has been from 1:00-4:00 pm, so it was a nice break to be able to attend from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm. I love getting home early on Sundays.
During the conference, we sat in one of the many packed overflow rooms. Maybe this is why they have overflow rooms, but throughout the entire meeting there was a constant roar of children, yet who would believe that these angelic faces would contribute to such behavior. My children, never;)

Four months already!

2010-01-27T22:00:00.003-07:00

Abby turned four months old on January 11th.
She was 12 lbs. 4 oz. at her appointment.

She is such a sweet baby. Her siblings love her to pieces.

She is a really good sleeper.

Check out those feet.

Can't...

hold up... the head...

this flower is... too... heavy

The race is on...

2010-01-26T21:11:00.014-07:00

Bentley participated in his first Pine Wood Derby race this evening. He and Tom worked on Saturday shaping his car, and then we finished it up on Monday for FHE. Bentley designed the car, and Dad helped out with the research on how to make it fast.

They proved to be quite the team as Bentley took First Place!!!

Waiting for the races to begin.

The girls had fun cheering.

Go, speed racer, go!

The victorious car.

Nice job, BT!

We look like quite the scouting family.

snow, Snow, SNow, SNOw... SNOW

2010-01-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

(Think train scene in the show White Christmas.)

One of the main things that make the winter cold bearable would have to be snow. Is there anything cuter than little kids all bundled up in their snow gear and so excited to go out and play in the white world. Three cheers for snow!
Emma, Ali and Aaron on January 13th

Emma, Ali and Brooklyn on January 22

Would you like some girls with your flowers?

2010-01-23T22:00:00.003-07:00

We had fun making flower headbands a few weeks ago. I think they may be just a little too small;) but other than that I think they turned out to be pretty cute.

Girls day out

2010-01-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

I got to meet up with my sister, Britta, on Saturday to hang out in the big city. I was on the phone with my mom and mentioned we wish she was with us. Well, she wanted to be with us too, so she talked my dad into spontaneously meeting us for lunch! What a fun day! Thanks Britta, Mom and Dad! And Abby said to tell Cam she had fun hangin' with her closest cuz:)

Great Job Goal Getter

2010-01-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Emma came home with a certificate for being a Great Goal Getter!
Kudos Cute Kindergarten Kid!

Jump into the new year

2010-01-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

On New Year's Eve we met some friends at a place in American Fork called Jump On It. It had a bunch of trampolines and jumping "things". The kids had a blast and have been begging to go back .

Magic

2009-12-29T22:00:00.001-07:00

Bentley got a magic trick set for Christmas.
It turned out to be a great gift as it kept all the kids entertained. Bentley was so excited to put on shows, and the girls where happy to be the audience. Sometimes they play so cute together.

Christmas

2009-12-28T22:00:00.007-07:00

We spent Christmas with Gram and Papa and the whole fam!
We arrived on the twenty-third and were able to stay until Sunday!
The trip started out a little rough as Emma was complaining of a stomach ache as we were loading the car. She threw up on the way there and was one sick girl for the next two days.
Ali was sick as well, but recovered quickly and was able to enjoy most of the fun.

On Christmas Eve we usually have family pictures taken, but we postponed until Christmas Day because of the sickies.

We did have the traditional Jerusalem Supper,

Nativity,

and had fun just getting to sit and visit with everyone.

It was so fun to have everyone together, something that doesn't happen too often.

Christmas Morning was, well, Christmas Morning. It was magical. The kids were so excited and even though Em missed the Christmas Eve fun, she was feeling well enough to come downstairs for the present opening.

The kids were excited to discover that Santa hadn't passed them by.

They each got some fun things, with some highlights being
an air soft gun for Bentley,

a bike for Ali,

and a Bitty Baby bathtub for Em.

We managed to get a picture of all the "kids",

and the traditional "swim" in the paper.

The babies of 2009:
Coby, Abigail and Camden

Daddys and their baby girls

What a fun Christmas celebration!

Santa Baby and Deer

2009-12-20T22:00:00.001-07:00

I just couldn't keep from singing, "Santa Baby, Hurry down the chimney tonight" as I got the girls dressed for church today. Abby sure looked cute (as did Ali and Em), but she promptly spit up all over her dress just as we were leaving, so she spent most of her time at church in her spare sleeper from the diaper bag... I guess that's how it goes sometimes.

also...

We have some deer that seem to like our back yard. They spent most of the day there bunking down under our pine tree, but when they started eating the trees, Tom threw some snowballs at them, and they got the message and moved along.

Bentley is comin' to town...

2009-12-18T22:00:00.002-07:00

The second grade at Bentley's school put on a really cute Christmas program. They had try outs for the part of Santa, and Bentley was picked! He got to sing a solo and did a great job! Way to go Santa! I mean, Bentley!

You're a mean one

2009-12-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Grinch...
Emma made this cute mask in Kindergarten. Doesn't she look cute, I mean scary;)

Gingerbread

2009-12-16T22:00:00.002-07:00

We decided to do more with gingerbread this year. We made gingerbread boys and decorated a house for them. The kids were so excited to do it, but I found out that we had very different expectations. All they really wanted to do was eat the candy while I wanted to display our creation. I think we all had a good time in the end, but I'll definitely do it a little differently in the future. The two things I'd change for sure would be:
1) Less red sugar all over the floor (we had red spotted feet and socks after we were finished)
2) Small houses they can do themselves and eat if they desire
Still, we had a fun time and ended up with boys to eat and a cute house to display.

Reading Club!!!

2009-12-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

The kids are always coming up with new games they love to play. From "poison baby" to "hot lava"... I think that this most recent one would have to be my favorite. Tonight they decided to make a "reading club." They built a club, made a sign, and then they get to read in it. If only all their games were this calm and beneficial.

Three months old

2009-12-11T22:00:00.001-07:00

Abby at three months!
10 lbs. 11 oz.

She is such a sweet baby; she is now eating a lot better and doesn't require the pumping/bottle/supplement anymore. She is still a good sleeper which has turned from a worry to a blessing. She is smiley and interactive, loves her siblings and is very much loved by them as well.

Blessing Day

2009-12-06T22:00:00.001-07:00

Abigail was blessed on December 6. Tom gave her a beautiful blessing. We were so grateful to all who were able to come and share this special day with us.

She wore the same dress that both Emma and Ali were blessed in.

Ali Marie, turning three!

2009-12-03T22:30:00.006-07:00

Ali has been so excited to have a birthday after witnessing the fun of her older sister's and then older brother's within the last few months. Finally, its her turn. Three years old! It has flown by, but we are so grateful to have our sweet Marie!

These pictures are so Ali. She goes from smiley/cheesy to I'm not going to smile for your picture even if it is my birthday in a matter of seconds. She finally came around, but this girl cracks me up.

She got some fun things in the morning including a barbie that she and Emma kept "sharing" with Abigail. It seemed that every time I'd turn around there was Abby with a barbie tucked carefully in her arm. The girls thought it was hilarious.

For lunch, Ali got to pick the menu. She wanted homemade mac 'n cheese. However, she ended up eating mostly pickles and chocolate milk.

And there's Abby with that barbie again...

Then, that evening my dad stopped by on his way home from a meeting in Salt Lake to visit and bring a few surprise gifts. Bethani gave Ali the cutest Little People Nativity! I was probably as excited as the kids about that one. Ali was thrilled with the baby stuff from Gram and Papa, and she even got a Barbie Jeep.

Yeah for Birthdays! Happy 3 Miss Marie!

Gingerbread bears

2009-12-02T22:00:00.005-07:00

As part of the December first gifts, this year we got this fun gingerbread bear kit. It came with the gingerbread mix, white frosting, and edible paint. The kids thought it was the best.

December First

2009-12-01T21:50:00.004-07:00

Thanks to my Grandma Hettie, my Christmas loving Grandma who seriously shops for Christmas year round, we get to enjoy the fun tradition of December first gifts. From my Grandma, the gifts usually include ornaments, a fun Christmas decorative item, treats and/or hot chocolate. I've decided to add to the festivities with new PJs for the kids and a new Christmas book, because Christmas stories and attire are so much more fun in December than in January. This year Grandma Hettie also gave the kids new winter/Christmas blankets. The kids had fun snuggling into their beds after such a busy day.

They had been looking forward to opening their fun things, but when the day came it was packed full. There ended up being only about 20 minutes during the whole day when everyone was awake and together. Tom of course had to work, Em had gymnastics, then I had enrichment, so we had to take advantage of our short time together. The kids were so excited to put new ornaments on the tree, and I just love seeing my cute kids dreaming peacefully in new pajamas and soft, fleece blankets.

Abby is getting to really enjoy her bath after which she got to sport a cute gingerbread man as well.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T22:00:00.002-07:00

We made our way back to the cabin for Thanksgiving this year. I did bring my camera but didn't break it out:( However, when I was taking pictures off I was happy to discover that Emma had taken some for me. She, Ali and Ellie were playing upstairs after our holiday meal, and she decided that it needed to be documented. She's always looking out for me. Thanks, Em.

Ali Marie who is not quite three

2009-11-24T22:00:00.005-07:00

Ali is such a joy in our family. Her birthday is coming up soon, and I can hardly believe that she will be three! She can be the sweetest girl, but she's got a mischievous side to her as well. She was a little too quiet the other day, so I went to go check on her. She had decided that one bath wasn't enough and had gotten back in the bath tub to soak her feet.

Then the other night as she was climbing into her booster seat at the table she climbed up and then all the way over the top and down the other side, right onto the tile and right on her head. She got a pretty good bump, as you can see.

Up with the tree

2009-11-21T22:00:00.007-07:00

The excitement of the Christmas season has begun!

Is the week before Thanksgiving too early for decorating? Nah.

Snow day

2009-11-14T18:36:00.005-07:00

It snowed today and being the amazing girl that she is, Emma went out to shovel the walk.
Truly, she dressed herself in all her snow getup, got out the shovel, and got to work without even asking if she could go outside.
Well, all the kids in the neighborhood must have thought it looked like fun because before we knew it, we had a whole gang out shoveling, playing, and even building a snowman.

Emma worked so hard... and this is how I found her later this afternoon when she was supposed to be cleaning her room.

And this is what the kids are currently entertaining themselves doing while I'm typing one handed and feeding Abigail... just for the record.

Afternoon activities...

2009-11-13T18:20:00.003-07:00

We decided to let the girls trace and decorate themselves this afternoon. So fun!

Bentley missed out as he was at school, but got to come home and admire the beauty.

Even Abby had a good time.

Two Months Old

2009-11-11T21:00:00.005-07:00

Abigail had her 2 month check up today.
She's currently:
8 lbs. 13 oz. and
23 inches long

Bobcat

2009-11-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

You can't tell from the picture, but Bentley has been so excited to receive his Bobcat award. He was so excited to get his uniform, and he is so motivated to complete the achievements and get his Wolf. He is such a handsome scout!!!

Halloween preview

2009-10-25T20:00:00.006-06:00

Our ward had a
trunk-or-treat/dinner/carnival
on Saturday night.
The kids loved getting a head start on the candy, and I enjoyed being able to get out after being home so much lately.

This year we have a vampire, a witch, a genie, and a cute little pumpkin.

Baptism Day

2009-10-11T22:00:00.001-06:00

Bentley was baptized October 10th, the day after his birthday. It was an especially special day as he had a combined baptism with his cousins, Jacob and Carson. He was excited to have his own scriptures with his name on them and his Grandma Bentley gave him a soft warm blanket with a sweet poem about the Holy Ghost. It was a fun day to watch these handsome boys take a very important step in their lives and to be together as a family.

Way to go Bentley, we are so proud of you!

I like my birthdays every one...

2009-10-11T20:00:00.002-06:00

Each brings a greater joy to me,
but I can't wait until I'm eight
For then I'll be baptized you see.

Bentley turned eight on Friday!

He has been so excited for his birthday.

He asked probably six months ago if he could drink out of the milk carton. I told him no and he argued that other people do... I told him maybe on his birthday, but we do not drink from the carton. Well, he remembered and was so excited to have his day to exhibit his poor manners.

He got a much needed new bike. He has totally outgrown and worn out the tires of his old bike.

He was also excited to have a friend party. We painted pumpkins, had pizza, played a shooting game, and opened presents. You might have thought we were trying to do something with the letter 'P' with all of that.

Bentley got a bike from his family for his day, but what he wanted was a Rip-Stick. Luckily, Gram, Grandpa, KC, Brig, Beth, Britt, Keenan, and Kenz came through for him! He didn't get it until the next day, and I could tell he was a little disappointed as his birthday came to a close, but boy was he excited when they all walked through the door with a present the shape of a Rip-Stick!

Building a "bubble"

2009-10-07T20:00:00.001-06:00

One of the best things about our new abode...

The kids just love it when the furnace kicks on, and I'm so happy to not have to build a fire in the mornings.