Sleeping Beauties?

The other night Jeff walked into the girls room to check on them. This is what he found......................

I don't know how Paige got like that, but Hayley sleeps like this ALL the time!

Summer 2011

This summer we had some fun. here and there.  No big family vacation this year because Jeff didn't have vacation time., but we were able to squeeze in good times here and there.

The kids wanted to go to the Provo Freedom Festival Parade.  They thought it would be more fun then it was.  They were used to the Syracuse city parade where they throw candy.  They do not do that in Provo.  The kids were a little bummed and we left early.  Brock was so bored and frustrated he didn't want to pose for any 4th of July pictures (Ethan didn't even come - is that what having teenagers is like?).

At Harmons they do a family work party at Lagoon.  We were so excited to have some real family time with all of us.  They had free face painting, popcorn, brownies, drinks, watermelon, chips and cotton candy.  They even had a store drawing and Jeff won a flat screen TV.  We were joking about how fun that would be but didn't think we really had a chance.  After a while of waiting through the raffle I decided to take the girls to a nearby ride.  A little while later I see Jeff and Brock carrying this huge box coming toward us.  We were shocked and so excited..  It was kinda fun walking out with it and having people ask where we got it and what company Jeff worked for (now we just need a house to put it in).

Tour of Utah.  Jeff enjoys biking.  He loves to bike and to watch.  This year he took us to the Tour of Utah.  I thought it would be boring and that I would maybe escape and go shopping, but we had a blast.  The atmosphere was electric.  We all had a really good time and got to see some biking celebrities.

And of course there was plenty of swimming, sprinklers ,popsicles,  cousins, and friends.

.

Let's play catch up

 Here are the girls posing for a cute Easter picture.  For some reason the boys were no where to be found.  Two out of four isn't too bad is it?

 The girls are all excited for their first clue to Grandma's annual egg hunt.

 They run from clue to clue until they get to the big basket full of fun goodies.

 Brock enjoyed getting a little money in his, as well as some candy of course.

 Brock had a medieval fair at the end of the school year.  He was a jouster.

 Cherry Hill Elementary had a little dance festival before school got out this year.  Paige was a Chihuahua.

 Hayley got to do a foot stomping barnyard dance.

 Brock was cool in black dancing to one of his favorite songs.

Well, that catches us up to summer.  More to come :0)

Friends

 

So ........... we moved.  Like about 3 months ago.  I didn't blog about it yet because I wasn't sure what to say.  I still don't know what to say.  We loved Syracuse, especially all our friends there.  We are also enjoying Orem.  I am thankful to be closer to family.  Leaving Syracuse was really hard.  Hard for all of us.  We had lived there for 9 and 1/2 years and we had lots of friends and we were comfortable there.  Then change happens.  We felt like it was time for us to move to Utah County.  It was a hard decision but many prayers later we knew it was right.  Right now we are living with my parents until we find a house that will fit us well.  Before we left Syracuse our dear friends had a little get together for us.  It was great.  We love our friends!

He's doing what?

So now that Ethan if 14, he thinks he is a man now, who does man things.  Here he is during his first shave.  I think Brock was more excited about it than Ethan.  Afterward Brock came up to me and wanted me to feel his upper lip because he has hair growing there too and will need to shave soon too :0)




Ethan is also growing like a weed.  I can't keep in pants or shorts for that matter.  We need extra long around our house.  Here is Jeff standing on the bench to get a good measurement.

That top line shows that Ethan is now 6 feet 2 1/2 inches.  Ethan loves being tall.  Now if we can only get him to play basketball.

Ethan

So, Ethan is 14 now.  He has been 14 for a while and I'm finally getting to the blog.  Ethan is a great kid and a wonderful example to his younger brother and sisters.  He is always trying to make good decisions and is very kind and considerate to those around him.  It is not unusual to find him talking or helping someone younger to him.  We are constantly amazed at his memory and his ability to understand all things spiritual. I can't believe he went from this:

To this:

We are thankful for this great kid with a wealth of knowledge and fun personality.

Hayley

My beautiful Hayley has turned nine.  Hayley is truly a wonderful child.  Everyone loves her.  She is kind to all around her.  Hayley loves art projects, daddy/daughter or mother/daughter days, dancing and activity days.  She is one I can rely on.  I told Jeff once that if you want something done you should ask Hayley.  She heard me say that and said "Hey, is that why I get all the jobs?".  She doesn't get all the jobs but she gets the most important ones :)  Hayley is beautiful and strong and can beat her brother and his friends in an arm wrestle - don't tell him I told you though.  Here is a look back at Hayley.
  

We love Hayley!!

I'm finally finishing up my Christmas posting

I know, it's almost Valentine's Day but better late than never right? We had a great quiet Christmas. No sickness and no drama = good times. Here are the kids making their way up to the presents our traditional Christmas train, youngest to oldest.

The boys were soooo excited to get ipod touches this year.

The girls are looking cute in their new skirts from grandma.

I think this picture exemplifies how we all felt this Christmas.

Even though 2010 brought more challenges than normal, we also recognize the many blessings we have been given. We are so thankful for our family and the love we share with each other.