FHE bowling with the Bodily's

We had so much fun last time and they still had their summer deal going for a few more days; which made it very inexpensive for us to bowl, we decided to ask the Bodily's if they wanted to join us for family home evening. They were game and we planned to meet there. When we got there we got all the kids shoes and balls, even William this time had his own turn. They were all so excited to get out there and play.

They were so excited and anxious to go play that while putting his ball on the ball return machine, Owen smashed his thumb. Pretty good I might add, it instantly turned blue. He was kind of a downer for a while, but he was still a trooper and he played all 10 frames.

As you can see, he's trying so hard to put on a good face for me.

In between everyone ones turns we turned our area into a dance floor. All of the kids were dancing to song that were played over the loud speaker. It all started when Whip Whip came on. The Bodily kids had all the actions memorized, ours just tried their best to follow along.

All of the kids did a great bowling, they even beat their scores from last time. Owen even got a strike despite his handicap. Ben tried to get him excited about his strike and asked him to form a "X" with his arms, he wasn't so excited about that, but he played along.

Women's Conference

There are days, weeks, months that are so hectic that we just need a break. Christy and I try to get out and have a girls night in order to unwind from the chaos of our ever changing worlds. This particular girls night was a trip to Salt Lake to watch the General Women's Conference.

We started off a little later then we wanted to, but we still got there with enough time to grab a little sweet treat at the gas station before we went to our seats. 

When we finally got to our seats, we sat down and took it all in. We had great seats too. We were on the first balcony right in the center front row. We had plenty of leg room which was great and we were sitting next to really nice women who actually gave us two seats that they were saving but didn't need anymore. 

The best part besides the talks of course was when the Prophet walked in and it immediately got quiet. The silence was amazing and breathtaking all at the same time. The power and spirit of the Prophet was so sweet to take in.

After the conference was over we walked around outside for a little before we headed for home. I could have stayed there forever walking around temple square. It's so peaceful and just enjoyable.

On our way home we decided to stop at Jake's over the top for some ice cream and dinner. I haven't had a chocolate covered ice cream in the longest time. Chicken strips and ice cream make a weird and nice combination.

When we were done eating neither of us wanted to go home. We didn't want to have to go back to reality. But the inevitable always happens.

Picture day

Picture day at school always brings a chaotic morning. Trying to get everything done and still make her look beautiful. She picked out her outfit and what she wanted her hair to look like and she turned into a masterpiece. 

She couldn't wait to get to school to show her teacher what she choose to wear for picture day. Luckily they had their pictures taken first thing so nothing could mess up her look. She was worried about that.

Fiddler on the Roof

We were excited when we received a mailer about the plays that would be playing at Pioneer Theater Company. They had a few that we love and a few that we really wanted to see, so we decided to get season tickets. They are the upper balcony seats, but lucky for us its a theater where every seat is a good seat. 

Our first show was Fiddler on the Roof. We were both really excited about this one. We are both fans of the musical and couldn't wait to watch a stage performance.

When we got to Salt Lake we stopped at KFC for dinner and then headed to the theater. We found our seats and waited of the show to start.

Once it did, it was amazing. The man how played Tevye did an absolutely amazing job. He was passionate, he was energetic, he was amazing. I don't think I've seen a better performance and I've seen a lot of performances. I was sad when it ended, I could have watched it again and again, but all good things must come to an end and we headed home to pick up the kids.

Pirate Week

At school Gabbi had a special week, it was pirate week. The few weeks leading up to it they learned all about pirates. All of their stories, spelling and vocabulary words, and homework pages were all about pirates. Then the final week came. They had a lot of fun activities planned and their schoolwork all targeted exciting pirate stories.

One fun activity was being able to dress up like pirates. Gabbi wanted so desperately to go out and buy a new costume, but I couldn't bring myself to purchase a costume for one day. Luckily we were able to find a pirate hat at Walmart for just one dollar. Then I decided to let her wear my vest and scarf as a sash. She had a shirt that matched the scarf, so it turned out pretty good. Gabbi licked it and that's all that matters. 

The last activity of pirate week was a class party. Her teacher asked me if I would be willing to volunteer and her party and since I wasn't doing anything, I didn't see the harm. I was able to find a sitter for William so Owen and I headed to help out in their fun. I was asked to be in charge of their pirate games. I worked with another mom and we did "walking the plank" and "pin the treasure chest on the X". They did groups and rotated to all the different stations. It was 3 classes of groups each class divided into 2 groups. For a lot of children and 6 rotations it went through without a hitch.

Some of the other rotations, other then the two games, they got to make hats, eye patches, hooks. pirate bingo, pirate word search, and a treasure hunt. Gabbi had a lot of fun at each station.

After all their games and activities they all went outside for a treat. They were cupcakes topped with a ton of frosting. Each of the kids had different colored lips when they were done.

Owen was even able to have some fun. They let him participate in the games and he even got to wear the hat we bought Gabbi for dress up day. He fit right in. He can't wait til he gets to go to school and have some real fun.

Big Boy Bed

With the news of my friends having a new baby, I offered our crib to her. She said she wanted it, but were in no hurry because they didn't have a place for it just yet. With this thought, I wanted to get William used to a big bed sooner rather then later. So I decided that I would just assemble the bed now instead of waiting till they needed the crib. William sat there and watch me put the bed together and even help me out by handing me the screws and bolts.

As soon as I got the mattress on the bed he jumped right on. He was super excited about this bed. Sadly I think he saw it more as a toy at first then a bed, but what child doesn't go through that with the first few days on new bed. 

He transitioned beautifully. We didn't have any problems. When it was time for a nap, he laid down and didn't even get out, unlike his sister and brother. At night he climbed right in and we never heard a peep. The only incident that we have had was one night he fell out of his bed and hit his head on the corner of the dresser. We were very lucky that he didn't sustain more damage then a small bump on his forehead. We put on the bed guard that my sister gave us forever ago and we have been fine ever since. He loves his new big boy bed.

Blanket

William has turned into his brother, a blanket monster. He always has to have his blanket with him, just like Owen. Sadly William would rather drag around his bigger blankets where as Owen will just cart around his little blankie.

This particular morning before Ben headed off to work, he had a little but of fun with William. He clipped his blanket on him like a cape and a hood. William loved it. He had the biggest grin on his face. When ever it snapped off he would bring it back to us and have us clip it back on again. 

He walked around the house for a good hour with his blanket cape and hood.

Baby???

So...our children have been known to tell a tale or two. Especially to their primary teachers. I still haven't gotten over the story that Gabbi told about Ben being her step dad and not her biological dad. This one however I think takes top marks.

The lesson for the day was a loving family. Owen's class was talking about families and all the members of them. So as a part of their lesson they got to make eternity chains with all the members of their family. 

After church I ran into his teacher while walking to the van. She looked at me and asked if a congratulations was in order. The puzzled look on my face made her think and then she began to tell me that Owen had told his class that I am expecting another baby. She was surprised when he said that in class, but rolled with it and added baby to his chain. I just started laughing and she looked at me and asked why I was laughing. I proceeded to tell her that I was not pregnant and we were definitely not expecting, that both he and his sister want us to have another baby. We both sat there and just laughed.

Oh the stories that children tell.

Ward service project

Since our Bishop was put in they have tried to do a ward activity each month. It has actually been a lot of fun. This month's activity was a ward service day. All those that could come out and help were given different assignments around the ward. We have a lot of elderly and widows in our ward that can't always get the help they need int he timeline that they need it in. So we decided that this would be good for the kids and decided to go.

Luckily our assignment was easy, seeing how we had our kids with us. We were in charge of weeding and picking up all the walnuts in the back yard of one of the widows of the ward. The kids really got into heloing which surprised me. They were in charge of picking up the walnut. I couldn't beleive how many walnut there were. I even jumped in to help the kids while Ben continued to weed. We were there for at least an hour if not more and we didn't rest or stop. 

The kids did a great job and they didn't complain. At least not till the very end when they asked if they could be do to go play in the tree house that she had in her backyard. We were almost done, so there was no harm in letting them go play.

FHE bowling

For family home evening we try to have a little fun. So we took advantage of fat cats summer deals. We were cutting it close too, we went the second to last week of their $ .99 special. It was a steal for shoes and bowling. So much that we said we would come back one more time before their special ended.

When we got there the kids of course were distracted by all the lights and the arcade games. We did our best to drag them to the bowling alley. Once they saw what we were there to do, they got very excited and ran to try and find a ball that they could pick up. 

We got to our lane, put on our shoes, and started our game. The kids had a lot of fun pushing their ball down the lane. We all took tuns letting William bowl with our turn. The kids weren't too excited about that, but they did a good job being nice to their brother. 

The kids of course found it easier to use the guide. I think both Owen and William had more fun putting it in place then they did actually pushing the ball down the rack.

Gabbi on the other hand started out with the guide then a few frames in decided she didn't want to us it anymore. She did pretty good to. Ben had to correct her a few times especially after she let go of the ball the wrong direction, but once she got the hang of it she did a pretty good job for a 7 year old.

It was a lot of fun and the kids loved seeing their names on the score board. They were both very excited when we told them that we would probably come again real soon.

Wakened to find...

Ben does his best not to wake me in the mornings when he's getting ready for work, especially on the weekends when he has drill. He had done a great job not waking me and on top of that, not stepping on Owen. He had come up in the middle of the night and quietly laid on the floor on Ben's side and went back to sleep. I found him in the morning like this. I couldn't believe it. He's just like his dad, he can sleep anywhere.

3rd day of Preschool

Despite being able to have a lot of fun at preschool, he gets to learn a lot too. He comes home so excited each time to tell me what he did and what he learned.

This particular preschool day was packed with fun. For their craft that got to make "V" hats and during their skills time they made homemade play-dough. When they were done making it, they of course got to play with it. That was his favorite part. We don't get to play with that stuff at our house, it just gets eaten by William. Sadly his homemade play-dough didn't last long at our house either for that same exact reasoning.

Owen loved showing off his hat when he got home. He even wore it around the house for days.

Reception

After getting back from the temple we meet at the stake pavillion for a small gathering (reception). It was a lot of fun to just visit with family and friends to celebrate their special day. They even had a luncheon. The only thing missing was a cake : )

While we were there some kids were messing around with the drinking fountain. They discovered that you could get really wet and have a lot of fun doing it. So of course my child walks over there as well. I could of smacked on child who took a cup and dumped it on William's head. By the time he walked away from the drinking fountain he was wet from head to toe. Not one dry spot could be found. 

At that point he couldn't get more wet so I didn't bother to stop him when he went back again and again and again. Besides who could stop such a happy looking little boy.

Sealing day

We were so excited to hear that our friends had a goal to make it to the temple, both as individual, as a couple, and as a family. The have been working really hard and for what seemed like a very long time as well. Finally all their hard work payed off. 

First he became worthy of the priesthood, then their oldest son was baptized, then it was time for the big day. 

Christy had decided to go a week before they were to be sealed in the Temple as a family. She asked me to be her escort. I was so excited to be asked and couldn't be more ecstatic to be able to experience this with her. I remember what it was like for me when I went through for the first time, but I didn't know what it was like for my mom who was my escort. I couldn't wait.

When we got to the temple it was just so much fun. The workers were all excited for her, she was excited, and I was excited. It just made for a very special and memorable moment. 

Before our session we were able to have a one on one with the matron of the temple. Normally for those going through for the first time they have a special introduction from a wife of one of the temple presidency, but this was a little bit more special because it was just us, no one else was there for that time slot. She was so sweet and talked to nice, it truly made us both feel very special.

After the session was over you could tell that Christy had this special glow about her. She truly looked happy.

The following week was for the rest of the family. Sadly Ben couldn't join us, he had drill, but at least I got to go. We got there early so the could get everything in order. We dropped the kids off in the nursery and went to get changed. We first went through a session, so Brandon could receive his endowments, then we went into the sealing room. Again I was asked to be Christy's escort. She was going to ask Brandon's mom, but she didn't make it into the information area in time. 

When we first walked into the sealing room, I couldn't help but remember my own sealing. It will be something I will never forget despite how busy wedding days are. I couldn't wait for them to be able to have their memorable moment as well. 

They were sealed as husband and wife and then they brought the kids in, all dressed in white. It was breathtaking to see them all around the alter to be sealed together for eternity. I just loved it. Knowing that this family will now have the promise of eternity. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't have my family for eternity, they mean the world to me. 

When they were done all the kids had smiles from ear to ear. You could tell that they were all very excited. Afterwards we couldn't help but snap a few photos to commemorate the big event. We had a blast taking pictures. It was almost as if they had gotten married that day. Wait, they just did. 

Eye doctor's

Ben sadly has to go to the eye doctor frequently. More then I'd like him to have to, but that is the life. We have always spent a bundle on eye care as well and because of this he began searching for a new obstetrician in hopes that our insurance would actually cover more. Luckily for him he was able to find one close to home, so he made the appointment.

We were lucky enough to go while Owen and Gabbi were both at school, but we still had William with us. When we got there he immediately was drawn to the kiddie corner. They had a train table and cars. He was so excited. It took everything I had to get him to stay on or near the train table. Sadly I didn't have much luck. I finally gave up and let him roam free. He had so much fun driving those trains on the tile floor. Luckily there weren't too many people walking in and out the doors. 

He literally played there the entire time and when it came time to go, he had a very hard time putting the trains back. We had to bribe him with a treat for him to even consider leaving.

2nd day of preschool

After having so much fun, it was time to get back to business which means school for the kids. Owen's 2nd day of preschool was a lot of fun for him. They talked about the letter L and were each able to make a ladybug for their craft. 

He so loved his ladybug. He took it with him all over the house. He even let it share his lunch.

Even though its only been 2 days, he is already loving preschool.

Homework with friends

One day after school I was running behind. That doesn't happen very often, but when I do, I have awesome friends who are willing to help me out. 

This picture was sent to me from my friends documenting that they truly do do homework when they are asked, even helping each other complete it. I truly think they had more fun helping each other do homework then having to do it by themselves. To bad we can't do it that way more often.

ABC's

With Owen now in preschool he had really taken an interest in the Alphabet. He came across an alphabet book in the cupboard. It's been there for along time, but this was the first time he even looked at it. He went through every pages saying the letter and the different things that start with that letter. He had a lot of fun looking at that book. He went over it and over it. He probably say there for at least an hour looking at it. It made me proud. Maybe he'll like school better then Gabbi did which would make homework a lot more easier to deal with once he's in school.

Dancing

With Gabbi being in dance and the kids being able to watch, William has been in love with dancing. His dancing may only be bouncing up and down or him attempting to sway his hips back and forth, but whatever he does is so cute.

This is one of those moments. We were at our friends house watching a movie and with some music in the background he just started to grove to the music.

He's such a doll, I love it.

Lagoon on Labor Day

I was surprised that playing in the water didn't tire out the kids, it sure did me. But they were happy and ready to go. We luckily didn't stay too much longer, but enough for them to get their ride fix.

Bulgy the Whale

Ladybug Bop

Merry-go-round

Terror Ride

Centennial Screamer

Helicopters

Bombora