Circus

Ben had called from work the other day asking if we had any plans for the weekend. Of course we didn't and he asked if I would be interested in taking the kids to the circus. I remember the circus as a kid and I loved it. I wanted our kids to experience the same. Ben was able to get a coupon to make it a little more affordable too. Ben went and got the tickets and we waited for the day to arrive.

When the weekend finally came we were very excited to take the kids. We talked it up with Gabbi all day. She was very excited to go. We got there early to get good seats. They weren't too bad. We did have a poll to one side of us which made for not so good pictures, but pictures weren't the reason we were there. We saved our seats with our blanket and then walked around. They had the exhibits out for the patrons to walk around and see. Tigers, elephant rides, pony rides, face painting, picture with a Boa Constrictor, Camel rides, and even a bounce house maze. There were a lot of things going on to entertain the kids till the Circus began. Sadly they were all very expensive. So we had decided before we left the house to bring the portable DVD player so the kids could watch a movie to by the time. It worked like a charm. After we were done walking around we still had about 45 minutes before the Circus was to start. We started a movie and the kids were just fine with that.

Once the Circus had started the kids were too excited. They both sat happily with their new stuffed animals, (a souvenir that was cheaper and lasts longer then an elephant ride) and watched with wide eyes. They had big smiles the whole time, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Gabbi loved watching the Circus performer with all the dogs. She had about 6 dogs and they all did some fun tricks. I think Owen liked the elephants best. When they came out he just froze and watched intently. I think Ben's favorite part was a motorcycle tricks. Deep inside I think he wishes that he could do that. Maybe. My favorite was the acrobatics. They had the trapeze artists, they also had artistic dancers that danced with ropes and hopes hanging in the air. It was awesome. Everything was a lot of fun to watch.

I'm glad Ben was able to hear about it and get the tickets. They both had so much fun, I would love to take them to an even bigger Circus if one came to town again.

Blocks

I was helping a friend clean out her craft room to get it ready to become a nursery. While helping her, she came across some wood blocks that spelled "winter." She already had winter blocks and asked me if I wanted it. I said yes and when I got home, I started to make it my own. It was already decorated but I sanded it and started over. I love trying to be crafty.

Its not the best one that I have done, but I didn't want to buy new supplies when I wasn't going to use it till next January.

So here it is...

Nerf Wars

We were invited to go play games with Jeff, Tiffany and her family. Family/friends that we have had since high school. We don't see each other as much as we should, so when we do get together its a lot of fun. This round of games was an action murder in the dark and Nerf wars.

The murder in the dark was pretty cool. We played many rounds and if you have ever played murder in the dark, you know that there is someone in the game out to get you. We walk around the church building asking each other if they are still alive. Once a victim has been found, you call a town meeting and those in attendance of that meeting try to determine, who the murderer is. Generally the murderer wins. I was happy to say that the last game we played, I won. I was very excited. Granite that meant I was the murderer, but it was only a game.

Nerf wars was awesome. Everyone had a Nerf gun and lots of ammo. We split into two teams and went at it. One team would go and hide and the other would seek. Once one team was eliminated the game was over. The rounds went pretty fast, but it was so much fun. Then the guys had an idea to so a capture the flag type of round and this time if you were shot, you could regenerate so you weren't completely out of the game. If you have ever played HALO capture the flag you would know exactly what I am talking about. It was just as fun. I was the one protecting our flag for our team. I am proud to say, on my watch they were unable to get to the flag. When I left however, it might have changed, I never found out. It was so much fun. I hope we get invited again to play soon.

I wish I had better pictures to show how much fun it really was, but when your playing it is such a rush that pictures are the last thing on your mind.

Rodeo

As you may know from previous years, we love the Rodeo. It's even better when we get to go for free. The Military sponsors the Rodeo a few times each year. We like to take advantage of that because we do truly love to go and the best part about it, the kids love it as much as we do.

We invited the Long's to come with us, that way their kids and our kids could entertain each other. It worked out great. We got their early enough to get really good seats. We try to sit in the same section every time. Its awesome seats, right up there close enough to touch the horses. The Rodeo was great and the kids had a great time.

Poor Owen was not feeling very good the first night. Oh yeah, did I mention we went both nights. Any who, back to the first night. Owen had a slight cough before we left so we gave him some cough medicine as to ensure that he would not have a coughing spell while we were there. I knew the dust might aggravate him, so I wanted to take those extra precautions. About half way through the Rodeo, he started to get warm, almost fever warm. So he and I walked around for a moment. After a few minutes he was asleep. I went down to join the rest of the gang and to watch what was left of the Rodeo. He slept for the remainder of the Rodeo and woke in enough time to get coats on and head home.

The second night he was feeling much better. No fever, very little cough, and energy like normal. So we went again. We had treats because you can't go to the Rodeo without treats, right. Well after so many treats, it took its toll on Owen. He ended up "spitting" it all back up. Lucky me, I was the one holding the mess, not him. We cleaned it up as much as possible and then he was fine. Down running around with all of the rest of the kids.

The rest of the Rodeo went off without a hitch. The best part being the Bulls. Owen's favorite event is the bull riding. He is clued to it. Gabbi would much rather prefer the horses, like her momma. I would love for her to have one. One day.

Love buddies

For family home evening a little bit ago we had a wonderful lesson on showing love to others. Ex specially our family even if we are angry with them. After the lesson the kids made love buddies for the activity  They turned out really cute and the kids had a blast playing with their love buddies.

Snow Angles and Snow Balls

We had some first this winter season. 

While we were sledding Ben was showing the kids how to make snow angles. Gabbi caught on and was able to make a beautiful angle. Owen had a hard time laying down in the snow and just wasn't interested. 

 Another first for the kids was a snowball fight. Ben made some pretty good sized snowballs and gave them  to the kids. He didn't have to show them at all what to do with them. They quickly threw the snowballs at each other. It was hilarious to see the look on Gabbi's face when Owen threw the snowball at her. Owen in return wasn't so happy when Gabbi threw one at him. He then left to go play on the playground again. I guess they don't quiet understand the meaning of a snowball fight, but it was still fun to watch.

Sledding

On Ben's day off the other day, we decided to utilize the snow and take the kids out sledding. It was the first time that Owen has ever been sledding. Gabbi has gone a few times, but never had a good experience with it. This time was different.

We took the kids to Lomond View Park just down from our house. We very carefully drove there, the roads were pretty slick and covered with lots of snow and ice. When we got to the park we bundled up the kids and headed for the small hill. He opted our of the big hill for the sake of the kids. We didn't want to scare them.

 Ben went down a couple of time to make a good sledding track. Then it was ready it was time for the kids turns. Ben took each of them down and then I did. The kids even went down together. They had so much fun. They laughed and just had a blast and when they got sick of the sled they played on the playground. That was just as fun to them as the sledding. We were the only ones there at the park, it was awesome.

Dress up

I've had these pictures for a while and am just now getting to post them.

They are pictures of the kids dressed up and have either asked me to take their picture or I took it because it was so dang cute.

Mom's Birthday

We celebrated mom's birthday at family dinner on Sunday. It's not very often that we celebrate at family dinner on their actually birthday, but this year it did for mom. She would kill me if I told you how old she was turning, so I won't.

We had dinner at Jenny's house. Mom wanted to have a potato bar for dinner. Jenny did a great job, dinner was awesome. When we were done with dinner we played sequence to pass the time. When it was time, we had dessert. Jenny famous made from scratch chocolate cake with made from scratch chocolate frosting.

Jenny had some balloons for mom to go along with the card that we gave her. The card was awesome Jeff did a great job picking it out. With the balloons, mom made a game. She gave each of the kids a balloon and they had to jump up and down on it to see who could get theirs to pop first. It was so funny when the balloons finally popped. The look on the kids faces and then the hurt butt. It was so funny. They had a blast though. Gabbi never got hers to pop, so Owen gave it a try. He wasn't able to so that either. Then Owen tried to pop the Mylar balloon and it was just too funny to watch him try. He didn't have any luck popping that one, which we all knew he wouldn't be able too, so Nana took it home to tie to the plant that Papa had given her.

Venable Christmas Party

Every year Ben's mom's side of the family celebrates Christmas and Grandma Hadley's birthday the first Saturday in January. Aunt Regina is amazing and puts it all together each year. She makes all the assignments and reserves the building.

Its fun to get together with his extended family. We only see them twice a year. Once in January and the in the summer for the reunion. Ben has so many cousin's its hard to keep track of them all.

Once we were there we were welcomed by Regina and then they set us free to hit the food table. The kids did really well sitting and eating. By the time we were done eating Ben finally arrived. He had drill that day and we knew he would be late. At least he was able to come. While we were eating dinner they had a slide show going of pictures from their trip to Italy a few months ago. When everyone was done eating all the kids went to the other side of the gym to run around and play games while the adults watched the slide show with some commentary from Ben's uncle.

They had gone over there to look at some of the places where Grandma Hadley's family came from before they came to the states. You may not know, but Bues pond up by Weber State was founded by Grandma Hadley's family. Founded is not the word I am looking for, but that's the only one coming to mind at the moment.

After the slide show was over, we said our goodbyes to Grandma Hadley and Grandma Annie and then headed for home. Ben still had some homework he needed to get done that night.

Double Date

Some friends in the ward asked us if we would be interested in going on a double date with them. They wanted to do dinner and a movie. We of course said yes, its always nice to get away from the kids every once in a while and it was even better to be able to go with some friends.

We planned to go to MacCool's for dinner and the seeing Les Miserables at the Junction afterwards. Jeff and Tiffany was awesome and watched the kids for us. Once we dropped them off we headed to the Junction to go get the tickets to ensure that we would have a seat. Its a good thing we did. When we got there to get tickets, there weren't any together. We called our friends to see what to do. We were able to find some tickets at the Cinemark in the Mall. So our plans changed. We headed to the mall to watch the movie first and then we would eat afterwards.

The movie was great. Even better the 2nd time. I can't wait til I get to purchase it and watch whenever I want. They loves it as well. After the movie we went to Panda Express to eat. With it being 9 when we got out of the movie, none of us wanted to wait 45 minutes in a restaurant to get out food. Panda was good. Even better to laugh and talk over eating. When we were done, we said our goodbyes and went to pick up the kids.

They had a blast. They were every excited to tell us all about it when we picked them up. They love playing at Jeff and Tiffany's house with them and their cousins.

Winter decorations

Here are the newest additions to my decorations. These are to celebrate the blistering snowy cold that we have had for January.

New Year's Day

New Year's day didn't bring much change. We went about our normal routine. I got up and made another loaf of bread. The one I pulled out the night before had hardened to the point of not being able to cut into it. We woke the kids late. They slept in til 10. That was a first.

Ben was in the bedroom playing the guitar when Jeff text to see if we could watch the kids while they went to see Les Miserable. Of course we would, its a great show and I knew Tiffany really wanted to see it. They dropped the kids off and headed to the show.

The kids had a lot of fun playing in the kids room. They had pulled out pretty much every toy. when it was time for lunch they all pitched in to clean it up. Way to go kids. After lunch they all sat down and watched a movie while waiting for Jeff and Tiffany to come back. When they got here, they hung around for a while. We pulled out Blockus and we played a few rounds while the kids played hide and seek. such a fun game.

Before they left we asked Jeff if they wanted to play Risk later. It always seems that we play it either Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, and we hadn't yet. It was missing. He told us that he would talk to Tiffany and let us know. Shortly after they left he text us and asked us if we wanted to do dinner first at Iggy's and then back to their place for the game. We agreed and got ready to go.

On our way out he text us again to see if we wanted to play some games at the church with Tiffany's family. Of course we did. We haven't seen them in a long time. We used to play games at the church with them all the time. I have missed it. When we got there, we visited a little bit and then they explained the game. It was like murderer in the dark, except you walked around the church building in the dark. It was so much fun. I wasn't very good at it and i was never the murderer, but it was still a blast. Each time the game ended we all agreed to play one more time. So much fun, hard to leave.

When we left, we headed for Iggy's. If you've never eaten there before I would recommend it. However, this time our server wasn't the best. It took her a while to get to us and every time I asked for something she made a look with her face. Like I was asking to much of her. Oh well. The food was still good as well as the company. When we were done eating we headed back to Jeff and Tiffany's house for the game.

When we got there we put the kids down since they all had school in the morning and us adults played Risk. Tiffany just watched as we played Risk. This time instead of work domination, we did mission cards. Holy cow, the game went so fast and I won. I couldn't believe. I beat Jeff at Risk. HE quickly assured me that it was only because it was mission based and world domination. I didn't care, I would gloat that win forever. We played a second time and low and behold, Jeff did win that one. We then cleaned it up and played Phase 10 Twist. Tiffany joined us for that game. It truly was a twist from the Original phase 10 and Tiffany one this time.

I love it when we get together and play games, its always a blast.