Artwork

Here are a few pictures of Gavin's latest artwork.

Bugs and grass

This is me. Can you see the resemblance?

The other night I was trying out a new recipe for dinner so I pulled out the markers to occupy the kiddos so I could focus. This is what happens when my lovely children are left unattended with coloring utensils...Megan gets a mustache.

Weekend filled with fun

We went to Idaho over the weekend where we enjoyed visiting with family and playing in the snow. This is the most snow Gavin and Megan have seen in their entire lives and they thought it was great!

Mark climbed on top of his parents roof and jumped off into the snow. Gavin laughed so hard and I was reminded of one of the many reasons I love Mark... his spontaneous streak.

Grandpa pulled out the four wheeler and we all enjoyed going for rides.

Gavin loves playing with his cousins.

Megan didn't like the four wheeler ride, so we got an after shot when she was happy, or at least not crying.

We also spent some time with my family where I went to enrichment and learned how to make these yummy, super easy suckers.

My sister Chelsi was there too and it was so nice to see her!

We took the girls for a short shopping trip.

My youngest sister Tia was a nun in her high school's production of "The Sound of Music". She had a small part but it was a lot of fun to see. Thanks to everyone for a fun time and a great weekend!

Out of the Mouth of Gavin

Gavin has said some funny things lately that have made me giggle, so I thought I'd share them.

* We were sitting in church and Gavin was sprawled out across the bench. We working on reverence and this was far from it so I told him to sit up. His response? "Mommy I can't sit up; my back went out."

* Mark helped Megan say a blessing on the food before dinner and when they were done Gavin excitedly declared, "Did you hear that? Megan speaks spanish!"

* We were on the way to Walmart to rent a movie from the Redbox when Gavin matter-of-factly informed us that, "Heavenly Father loves movies."

* I had been talking on the phone with my sister for about a half-hour and Gavin needed some attention from me so he asked in a whisper, "Mom, you be my friend for a second?"

I sure love this little guy!

Wonderful Weekend

This past week felt very long so I was anxious for the weekend. We had some friends from Washington come for a visit and we had so much fun!

Saturday we had beautiful 50 degree weather, so we drove up the canyon to feed some fish.

We spent time playing at the park.

We went for a short hot air balloon ride! I wanted to get pictures of us inside the balloon, but rides were free so there was a line of people behind us and the balloon was getting low on propane so we were quite rushed. The ride only lasted about 2 minutes but it was a very fun experience, and one that I hadn't expected to have living in this small town.

We also soaked in the hot tub. Doesn't Meg look great?!

Spencer and Shayla thank you so much for coming to visit! We had a great time and hope you all did too!

Best Husband and Christmas Present Ever

This year Mark gave me the perfect Christmas present...a violin. He spent several weeks making phone calls and shopping around online and he was hoping to surprise me. Mark called a man about lessons, and was waiting for him to call back. The instructor called back and left a detailed message that I listened to first. I was a little disappointed the surprise was spoiled, but I am ecstatic about the gift and so touched by Mark's thoughtfulness.

Christmas fun

We were very blessed to have my parents, youngest sister, and my brother and his wife share Christmas with us. Two days before the big day all roads from my parents' town to ours were closed because of snow, but Heavenly Father answered our prayers, the roads opened, and they were able to make a safe journey.We really enjoyed making and decorating sugar cookies with everyone.

Gavin loves this fishing game and it was very entertaining to watch him play. He wasn't interested in anyone else playing with him. He turned the game on for a few seconds, then would turn it off so he could catch the fish.

A young Jedi in training.

Gavin and Megan LOVE their Grandpa (and Grandma too...sorry no picture)!

My brother Travis surprised his sweet wife with a new camera for Christmas. This is one of the pictures he took while experimenting with it. I thought it perfectly portrayed Christmas and who the focus should be on...our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope you all did too!

Santa left tons of presents under the tree!
Gavin is into superheros and pretend play right now, so Santa brought him this cool batcave. He loved it and played with it all day.

Megan is fascinated by furniture that is her size. This cool Dora couch is perfect for sitting on to read books and it also folds out into a bed.

We didn't get snow until the day after Christmas, but it was still pretty chilly. By the afternoon we were all in need of some fresh air so we bundled up and took the kids for a ride in their new wagon.