What we've been up to...

I have really started to slack on my blog.  Time to play a little catch up!

We had an amazing Christmas once again, and were blessed to spend it with most of our family.  (We missed The Grimm's of Arkansas!) We did a lot with extended family and with our own family and it was great. We even had a very special visitor come to our home to make sure he should keep three little boys on his good list...they passed, but I would have to say that they got lucky this year. These boys are keeping me on my toes for sure, and making me earn my stripes. Santa came to talk to the boys about being good and asked them what they wanted this year. He also gave Ethan a good talk about being an example and a good big brother. I was hopeful that it would help, and I think it has a little. I will miss the threats of "Santa is watching you" or "I'm calling Santa right now if you don't stop." I don't understand why that is the most effective at the end of the year...

I tried to explain to E that maybe it wasn't so great to have Santa come visit because that meant that he really had to think hard about whether or not he had been good this year.  Anyway, here are some pictures of the great visit!

Hearing the jingle bells...and giddy with anticipation!

Aiden was a lot more into Santa this year, and still can't stop wishing you a Merry Christmas. 

And of course, this guy wasn't having any of it! 

One lucky lady

I'm lucky to look at these four beautiful faces everyday.

Not for the weak at heart....

Please keep in mind that I live with 4 boys. They are curious, clever, and messy, and what I found tonight was absolutely gross. So, if I haven't enticed you yet, you may just want to skip this all together. The upcoming picture is REALLY DISGUSTING. Don't say I didn't warn you...but I wanted to remember this one day...maybe I am crazy. If you look, you will probably agree.







How many pieces of toilet paper does it take to clog the toilet?

Guess we got to find out today!

Sweet new baby

My little brother and his wife welcomed this sweet thing on Tuesday. She is beyond cute and precious, and of course, it was love at first sight.

School days

Aiden has been having a lot of fun at Teacher Jana's Guppy school. Just wanted to have a couple of pictures for the book...

Our Energizer Bunny...

Yesterday was a crappy day. First of all, it was Monday. Enough said. But, then I got a phone call that I knew was coming eventually, but I wish that it never had to be. We had to put our Siberian Husky down yesterday, after a massive seizure. He was old...15 years and counting, but his spirit would never let him stop. I remember when I picked him up from the airport for the first time, and as I was driving, he cried and whimpered until I gave in and let him sit on my lap. He kissed my face the whole way home. He has been through a lot with our family...sprayed numerous times by a skunk, helped me out by killing snakes, snuggling, kissing, having one eye removed, cancer, arthritis...the list goes on and on. I'm so glad my boys have a small memory of him, and I will cherish my time with him forever. What a great dog...independent, and gave me and my brother a run for our money numerous times. His independent soul will live forever! Love you Koa!

St. George/Zion Trip

We went to St. George with Scott's family a couple of weekends ago and had a great relaxing time. For me it was another assurance that I was definately still up for summer weather, and for sure no snow. I decided I should live down there, and tried to talk Scott into it...but I don't think I was successful.

We all hiked the Narrows at Zion on Friday, something I had never experienced before. Scott kept telling me how great it was, and I believed him...but I was for sure worried about the 3 munchkins. Somehow they always seem to prove me wrong. They were so good! It was a long trolley ride to the hike, and when we got out, Aiden had a moment. But in his defense, it was during the time of day that he is usually resting, so I could hardly blame him. Once we reached the water, things changed a lot. What a beautiful hike!!! The water was chilly, but really nice since it was so hot on the way up. Camden took a snooze in the backback and the boys hiked with their walking sticks. We had a blast! I can't wait to do it again!

Being a good boy on the trolley ride

We are a bunch of rockers...

Cam and Grandma

My cute boys. The scenery motivated you to keep going!

Cute Money

Cute Chaser and his stick perfect for his size

Ethan is telling us how cold the water is, and Aiden's lips were more than likely chattering here.

Cam in the backpack, and this lady is telling us that the water gets waist deep just up the way.

Aiden was exhausted...thank goodness for great aunts and uncles who helped us out with tiny man on the way down.