Sweet 16?? Maybe. . .

We have a few years yet, but maybe one day we will watch him on TV - though, it could not be more entertaining than watching these 5-8 year olds play. It was absolutely hysterical... there was an utter lack of respect for the whole "dribbling" thing. It was pretty much optional.

William was actually pretty good. He was one of two kids on the team that could dribble, and he made a bunch of baskets. He did get a case of the nerves a couple of times, but he always got over it.

Getting direction from Coach Lou!
This is the day of his last game. He did not want to come, because this was the day after getting 11 stitches, but we convinced him he wouldn't want to miss it. He fought us the whole way there, but then ended up playing 3 quarters of the game. Now he is getting his trophy and pictures. . . that's all they care about anyway (and the treat)!

Really???!!

I realize that as cliche as my life with all these boys can be, I thought perhaps the endless visits to the ER might in some way pass us by. This is William's third visit for stitches - the second for this exact spot. He was playing soccer at school and fell on the concrete and split his eye. I wish I had gotten a photo pre-stitches, because it was pretty grotesque. He was really brave. The doctor said he was the best patient he had ever had. We were at the hospital for about 3 hours and about 45 minutes of that was getting these 11 stitches! He never moved. I am so proud!!!

Samuel turns Three

When you are little your birthdays' are pretty much like when you get older. People have to tell you it is your birthday; you don't recognize anyone at the party; you spit on the cake when you blow out the candles; and you drip frosting on your shirt. But at three you turn a corner. You start to understand that people are celebrating you - and you most definitely understand about the presents. However, you still don't really know many of your own friends - so it was just the five of us celebrating with Samuel this year. (Editor's note: Jesse was actually with us all day - though he never appears in any photos!!)

In the morning we went to one of William's basketball games - then we went to the Clark Planetarium aka the "Buzz" museum. Samuel is the midst of a serious Toy story obsession, and this was as close as I could muster to where a space ranger would hang out.

We love our little ham. He makes us giggle everyday. I can't wait to celebrate many more with you Cuckoo!!!

Bring It On!

So bring on the new year I say. Our family had a great year last year so we are excited for what is to come - though I am not sure this particular outing was a good omen. If you are wondering why I posted a picture of nothing - look again. This is a picture of my sledding wipeout. We took the kids to Mueller Park Jr. High, where they have an awesome sledding hill. I had been sledding all day, and even broke the distance record. This was the fated last run. (I should also mention that I am 4 months pregnant and was riding with my 2 year old)




Will at the tippy top of the bigger hill!


Christian and our neighbor Joseph doubled up to break the land speed record.
Samuel was so brave and went all by himself on the saucer.
Once, the kids got over the fact that it was 18 degrees, and they were going to be cold, they relented and had a great time. It is hard to find fun things to do in January in Utah. There is the inversion - where no living creature wants to be outside breathing the air; the sub-zero temperatures; and the post-holiday blues. But I think we had a winner here - as close to skiing/snowboarding as you can get minus the cost!!!

Flip for Christian

Look at the glee on his face? I don't think he even registered that he got any other presents. He is a Lego maniac and - is really good at it. He can build pretty much anything. I can't believe my baby is 9! He is nearly as tall as I am; can down 5 pieces of pizza; and actually doesn't believe that girls have cooties anymore. It makes me feel old.

We happened across an old episode of Dukes of Hazard on TV the other day, and Jesse and I were laughing at the silliness of the whole show. Christian tilts his head, quizzically looking at Jesse and says, "Why are we watching a show from the 1900's?" Really? Am I that old? My children were all born in the 21rst century, so I guess to them anything with the prefix 19-- seems a long time ago. They probably think we lived during the Great Depression and prohibition. Someday I hope Christian's children make a comment that makes him feel as ancient.

For his party we went to a local gymnastics gym. . . with 13 kids










I think we may have lost a few of them in the foam pit.

After about an hour of running, jumping and climbing, we went upstairs for cake and presents.



Here Tanner and Mckenzi and trying to disguise their present.

I told you about the Lego thing right. . . so naturally he had to have a Lego cake.


All in all we had a pretty fun time. Thanks to everyone who made his day so special. We love you C!!!