Something I'll miss about these boys

Usually on at least one of the weekend mornings Tom and I get to sleep in (til 8ish). The boys are pretty early risers though. Most always getting up before 7. It makes them crazy having to wait for Dad to get up and play. We've told them not to wake us up--to go play instead. They are always sitting in the doorway or on the floor laying or crawling around the bed sometimes running off to play for a minute but quickly coming back to check on our status. They are not very quiet and frequently are asking if it's almost time for us to get up yet. Last week I heard Matthew on the floor whispering to Logan, "I just heard Dad move!" After that I opened my eyes and saw a pint size Ninja and Darth Vader in full costume--lightsaber and sword pointed at us--standing on the foot of the bed. At that point it's my cue to leave and the boys launch a full scale attack on Tom. That's pretty much the routine (last week was the first time they dressed up though). I wish I would have grabbed the camera--maybe next time. It drives me crazy when I'm not wanting to get up yet but I know it won't be long before they've outgrown being completely giddy to play with their Dad or they're sleeping in too and I know we'll miss them!

(This photo is also by Chris Jenkins)

What we're reading. . .

Since bookclub is tomorrow night, and since now I'll have an excuse to use this picture I love I thought I'd write what we've been reading recently (facinating stuff, I know).

Tom

The Longest Silence: A Life in Fishing, by Thomas McGuane

It's a book of essays on fishing. This is how the description on Amazon starts "As adept as Thomas McGuane has been through the years with a rod in his hand, he's even more skillful with his pen. Join the two like tippet to leader, and the result's as irresistible as a Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear in the middle of a Hendrickson hatch." If you know what that means (I don't) you'll probably like this book.

Amy

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

I read it on a recommendation. It's written for the young adult audience. It was interesting and quick to read. If I say anything else I won't have anything to say at bookclub :) It seems like most books are part of a series now though--I like closure, especially if it's going to be a few years before things get wrapped up!

I'm usually in the middle of some type of parenting book (too bad reading hasn't made me a perfect parent yet). The ones I read this summer were "Have a New Kid by Friday," by Kevin Leman (I have to read this one with the book jacket off so my kids won't see it and be offended :) and "Parenting the Strong-Willed Child," by Kevin Hinckley. They both had some good ideas.

Ashley

Can't wait to read: Brisinger, by Christopher Paolini (Tom's waiting too)

She's also on book 10 of the "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites" Series by Chris Heimerdinger

Courtney

Also loving the Tennis Shoes books

Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale (she's loved it, but currently claims she's stuck at a boring part)

Logan

My Life with the Wave, illustrated by Mark Buehner (we heard about him because he's a very distant relative, but really like all the books he's illustrated--that claim to fame aside:)

Also: Non-fiction books about animals

Matthew

Recent favorites:
Where the Wild Things Are
The Three Billy Goats Gruff

What have you been reading lately? Anything you'd reccomend?

(I should give credit to my friend, Chris Jenkins http://www.chrisjenkinsphotography.com/ for the photo in this post & of the kids on the top of the page. She took our family photos this spring and I was thrilled with them. She's an amazing photographer!)

"We did it, Mom! Yay!"

That's the cheer Matthew shouts every Sunday as soon as he hears "amen" at the close of Sacrament Meeting. It's topped off with a celebratory hug.

Can't say I don't feel the same way sometimes. :)

New Saturday Tradition

We decided to forgo soccer or any other fall sports this season. Last spring I got burnt out. Instead, for now, we decided to do some kind of family activity every Saturday since we won't be at the game fields.

Last week we went bowling. This week it was games at home. Everybody picked one so the line-up was:

*Dodgeball on the trampoline

*Hide and Seek (I have been missing out by not playing hide & seek for the last who-knows-how-many-years, when your heart starts beating hard & you're trying to hold still because you hear someone looking who's about to find you--that's fun stuff)

*Sleeping Spider (The spider goes to sleep and when the bugs get sneak into grabbing range, watch out, the spider might wake up!)

*Blokus (Bryn & Stephanie introduced us to this fun game of strategy.)

Any ideas for future Saturday fun?

First Day of School

Everyone was excited to start school. The break was great, but we are ready for a routine again.
They were all still in a great mood when I picked them up.


Ashley

Courtney

Logan

Matthew

Matthew didn't start preschool for another week but he wanted to pose for a picture--which is good since I didn't get one on HIS first day (poor 4th child).
Bet you didn't know he wears glasses. At least some days. We can recommend a great eye doctor.

Summer Recap (still continued)

AUGUST

Courtney went to visit Grandma & Grandpa Larsen all by herself

The kids and I joined her about 5 days later. We also got to spend time with Carrie, Sean, Ashlynn, Reagan, Alison, Brett, & Great Grandpa & Grandma Ehlert while we were there.

Spent a day at 7 Peaks with Alison



(Hoggle Zoo)

(This Is the Place Pioneer Park)

Carrie & I hiked Mt. Timpanogas (14 mi. RT), gorgeous hike--waterfalls, huge meadows of wildflowers, amazing views, & nasty sunburns for both of us (thanks Mom, for watching all 6 kids so we could go)

Went to Colorado to see Bryn & Stephanie's family--had so much fun spending time with them and seeing where they live

(Logan and Miles at Pump it Up)

(Enjoying the Colorado wildlife right behind the Larsen's house--this was a snake--the bunnies and deer were much cuter)

Set our family record for longest drive (Parker, CO to Vegas). The kids were really good, but poor Courtney got carsick driving through the Rocky Mountains.

Also in August:

Education Week at BYU (It was fun to catch up with my cousin Cami, be back in Provo--I get homesick for that place--wierd, I know, have Alison & Mom come to classes with me for a day, go to Carrie's for dinner--I still have good memories of the peach pie you made :)

Back to School

Summer Recap continued

I guess this will be backwards until I figure out how to add more than 4 photos to one post. :)

JULY (cont.)



(Tom/Voldemort challenging a patriotic Harry Potter to a Quidditch match during the opening ceremonies on July 4th--of course Harry Potter assisted by his all-American crew won. Tom could have taken him in real life but how would it be on the 4th if the bad guy came out ahead?)

(Ash and Court performing their synchronized swimming routine to "Too Cool" from Camp Rock)

Girl's weekend (Mom, Ashley & Courtney) in St. George--we saw "The Sound of Music" at Tuachan, shopped and ate good food, milkshakes at Iceburg are an important part of the tradition

Our friends, the Morley's came to visit from Minnesota. Ashley and Katie have been friends since before she could sit up. We are so glad they make time to see us when they are visiting family in Las Vegas. We sure miss them.

Also in July:
A really hot pioneer day celebration
Swimming
Last day of school for Logan & Courtney

Summer Recap

JUNE

Logan's 7th Birthday Party (water games, swimming and pizza with friends)



Courtney got her ears pierced. She waited a few weeks after her 10th birthday to do it with her friend.



Swimming lessons for all the kids.

Ashley's first year at girls camp. Our ward went to the beach in CA. She had a great time.
Her leaders did an amazing job with the camp. Tom got to go with her for a few days.

JULY

July 4th fun at Grandma & Grandpa Edington's home.
Swimming, family olympic games with opening ceremonies, food (nachos & Susan's potato salad were my favorite),
awesome fireworks display by Steve