Happy Birthday Ethan!

 

Happy Birthday Ethan!  Ethan turned 9 and had a fun friend party.  It was Lego themed and we had a great time playing games and creating.

 

He even had a Lego cake!  What a fun day and what an old kid!  He is now constantly reminding me that he is halfway to being an adult and going on a mission.  Geez Louise!  How could that be?  We just got him!  I love this sweet, smart, helpful boy!

Pinewood Derby

 

Ethan has been so excited to do the Pinewood Derby this year.  Last year he barely missed it!  He and Bryce worked really hard on his car "Hades" and it looked great!  Unfortunately, looking great doesn't always win the race, but we had a great time and learned a lot.

They did a great job on the cultural hall.  It was pretty decked out and ready for some racing.

 

There were some serious hours that went into this whole shebang.  Making the cars and getting everything ready.  Props to the leaders and parents.  It was awesome!  Ethan got the Flame Thrower award for the cool flames on his car.  Good job, you guys!

 

The Color Run

 

Woohoo!  The Color Run!! I was so excited this year to run the Color Run with Ethan.  He worked so hard and was ready to run the three miles with me.  The only thing we hadn't counted on was RAIN!  it was pouring and freezing!  We were sure a mess when we got done.  Ethan's shoes had holes in them and he was not happy!  Here we are all clean, before we started:

 

 

And then, after 3.1 miles in the rain and colored powder and foot deep puddles.  I had a great time, but Ethan said he didn't and that he won't do it again.  I hope he changes his mind.  I'm thinking of making this an annual family tradition.  I'm thinking he would like it a lot better dry.  I'm so proud of him for working so hard and sticking to it, even in less than ideal conditions.

Happy Birthday Noelle!

 

Happy Birthday Noelle!  Our littlest girl is three!  She's a big girl now.

 

She was so excited to help make her own cake and decorate it, too.  What a great helper!

 

My kids are growing up so fast.  Noelle has such a personality!  I'm not sure what to say about her.  We'd sure notice her absence.  She's a fiery, sassy, and strong little girl.  We're so glad she's ours.  And I'm sure someday I'll figure her out.

She's three now, so she gets to use the big potty!  She got some My Little Pony underwear.  If you know Noelle, you know that ponies are serious business, and that The Lion King is her one true love.  I love how much she loves things.  She is a passionate, lovely girl.  Happy Birthday!

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all!  Here are the kids in their Christmas Eve PJs with their surprises from Santa!  We had a great Christmas!  It was our first Christmas in this house, because last year we were at Bryce's parents house.  It was so fun to be together and enjoy the craziness.  The kids are all out enjoying the new backyard with their new wheels.

Backyard Landscaping

 

This is what our backyard looked like when we moved in.  We liked that it was big and we could do whatever we wanted with it, unfortunately that meant we had to do something with it.  So, after two years, we finally got to it.

 

We put in a driveway extension, an in-ground trampoline, some grass, a bike path, plants and trees, and a playground. 

The kids are loving it!  They would stay out all day if they could.  I'm so glad we got it all in while the weather was nice.  I am SO thankful for our new backyard!

Temple Lights

 

You can never get good pictures of Christmas lights, but believe me the lights at the Temple were gorgeous!  We had an awesome time with the Allred cousins checking them out and having hot chocolate in the Temple parking lot.  Thanks Grandma for organizing the holiday fun!