Road Trip Detours....

Like I mentioned in my previous post, we headed back west for Kate's wedding day. Which happened to fall 2 days after Thanksgiving. Which meant we were able to spend the holiday with our extended families this year. The Thomas Family graciously ate their meal on Wednesday so we could be a part of the festivities. It's actually the first time in 14 years that we've all been together for Thanksgiving. Pretty cool. We sure have grown in numbers over the years. The kids all ate in the kitchen. The adults ate in the living room. My camera never made it past the kitchen.

On the actual holiday we headed to Salt Lake to eat with the Crook family. Minus Dusty and his brood. My camera didn't make it into the bag that was packed to leave with us to Salt Lake. But we still had a great time. Then back to Idaho for the wedding. Sounds easy, right? The drive to Salt Lake is 4 hours. The kids were troopers for all the miles we put in.

Sunday we decided to head south to St. George. But. Our kids had never been to Temple Square. We decided to stay the night in Salt Lake and see the lights. Uncle Charlie happened to be there with his friend Armine---so we spent a little time with them too. We hung around inside out of the cold to see the Christus, and see a short film on Christ's birth.

Then headed out to see the lights. For whatever reason, as soon as we were outside my kids were done. Done done. Like, I wanted to leave them never to return to them kind of done. It was irritating. And cold. The live Nativity was beautiful. And the kids watched it for .0000009 seconds before deciding Charlie's camera was more exciting.

Then Landon wanted to use my camera to take pictures of his uncle. The fun never ends.

I really wanted a family picture by the Temple. I got one. In fact I told the kids that if they'd sit still for these two pictures we'd go back to our hotel the second they were done. If they didn't cooperate, we'd stay for another hour. They cooperated. So we left. I still think it was worth the trip.

I find it ironic that the two whose coats glow like angel halos were the least angelic during this evening adventure.....

Monday morning we left our hotel room and headed to BYU. Shawn was determined to outfit the entire family with apparel supporting his--I mean our--team. We headed to the bookstore. Jack and Landon crawled under all the dressing room stalls, Presley took everything off the shelves that were in her reach (after we lost her once), Ethan whined that he was hungry, and Kennedy wanted to buy every article of clothing in her size. After 1 hour I decided I was needing a break and lunch was in order. The Cougareat was where we headed. We tag-teamed. I stood in line at Subway with the 4 older kids while Shawn found a table big enough to seat us all. Then he sat with the eating kids while I stood in line at Teryaki Stix for us. Perfect. While standing in line all alone I had time to take notice of the students around me. The just married couples carrying their own brown bag lunches too poor to buy food. The newly dating couples laughing continuously at one anothers comments. The newly engaged couples engaged in conversation and oblivious to those surrounding them. Wow. We sure have come a long way. We at one time were a part of each of those scenarios. I took special notice of my own scenario as I made my way to the table Shawn chose. 5 little bodies devouring sandwiches. Landon eating his under the table with his shoes off. Presley squealing because she wasn't within reach of her sippy cup. Shawn breaking off bits of sandwich to place in front of her. I couldn't help but smile. I also wanted to turn around and sit alone to eat in peace, but I decided I'd better join them. Then back to the bookstore. After 1 more hour of climbing, pulling, whining, begging, and running, we did it. We all came away with something BYU that met Shawn's approval. And I came away with a serious headache and a promise to never return until my own kids are enrolled to attend. I also came away with memories of our first years of marriage. All the newness that comes with it. Those were good times back then. But I feel like now is filled with even better times. Amazing. And a fabulous blessing.

Katelyn....

This is Katelyn.
I call her Kate. Or Katie. My kids call her Aunt Kate. She is my baby sister. (I can refer to her as that because there is a 13 year age difference.) Katie was 7 when I got married. I'll pass on letting you know my age when she got married last weekend. Because she was so young when I left the house, we don't have your typical sister type relationship. She would come spend some long weekends with us and it was like a vacation to her. (I think). I've always enjoyed Kate. She is very laid back. And pretty calm. It's hard to ruffle her feathers. At least I've never seen it. My kids adore her. So. When she called to let us know she would be tying the knot, Shawn and I opted to drive a bazillion hours to witness the occasion. And meet the guy that stole her heart. Cory.

Who is adorable himself. And one lucky guy to nab Katelyn as his wife. (Odd that I don't have a picture of them actually together on their wedding day.) But I do have one of us together. Man. I need some sleep. Or botox. But Kate. She is breathtakingly beautiful. Especially in her white dress.

The entire family showed up for this wedding. The first time in a few years we've all been together. My brothers obviously adore Kate. You can tell by the looks on their faces as they watch her. Ben. Matt. Charlie.

They love me too. Matt just shows it in public.
And then the sisters. Me. Kate. Lyndsey.
Congratulations Kate. I'm happy for you that you found your prince charming. We all are. Thanks for letting us enjoy your special day with you. You two are the perfect match. Next in line to Me and Shawn of course. I can't imagine a match more perfect then ours. But I'm sure you are right up there next to us.

Landon's Big Day...

Landon. He cracks us up. Saturday was his birthday. He's been looking forward to November 14th since January when Jackson had a birthday. Saturday morning when he came into our bedroom I yelled "Happy Birthday Landon!" He asked "when do my friends get here?" I told him that on Monday they would come over to celebrate with him. His reply? "Then I'm not 4 yet." Hmm. So. He really didn't turn 4 until Monday. I guess parties are what dictate age.

Thank goodness I had planned on having a party or he'd be eternally 3. Superhero theme, with serious Iron Man undertones was the party he wanted. He was very specific. His friends donned their own super hero masks and colored in Iron Man coloring books for a few minutes. Just to get the party started.

We played a few games. Jumped in the bounce house. Opened presents. And then had the cake. This year? I ordered the cake. I'm not sure what made me venture out of the norm. But I did. Transformers was the chosen one. And it met Landon's every expectation. And more.

When the older kids got home from school we continued with a family version of Landon's big day. We headed over to the local college and ate Chik-fil-a in the student union building, followed by Landon's favorite sport. Bowling. Couldn't have been any better.

Landon is such a laid back little soul. He's so easy going. Every so often he just says out of the blue "I love you Mom". Especially when we are doing something that he enjoys doing. I'm finally starting to really get to know him this year. I've always thought he was a certain type of kid, and lumped him in with Jack. Now that Jack goes to school all day, I'm learning what Landon likes and dislikes. He's actually a lot more shy than I thought. And he likes structure. And isn't a fan of changing routines quickly. He takes his time. We love this little guy. Can't believe he's already 4 years old. Yesterday he kept saying to me "Who's the big 4 year old boy? I am! I am!" Then he'd make me ask it over and over so he could sing "I am!" at the top of his lungs. Apparently 4 is where it's at. We love you Landon. We are glad you are a part of our family.

The Royals...

Waaaay back in September we had the opportunity to attend a Royals Baseball game. Some friends were able to get us a few free tickets, and then they got us the military discount for the rest of them. Connections. I love it. Thanks Larson family!

The kids had never been in such a ginormous stadium before. They were in awe. And very well behaved. Presley had just barely started walking at this point in time and wasn't very confident in her ability, so she was easy breezy. (walking makes them so un-content when contained). She was in her "clapping" phase which fit in nicely with the crowd. I think she clapped the entire time we were there. Adorable.

I brought a bazillion snacks for our little crew. Still expected the typical "can I have that" demand for ten dollar cotton candy. But. Nobody whined for anything. It was unbelievable. And appreciated.


This stadium was built for kids. On one entire side they had miniature golf, a merry go round, batting practice, and a playground. Unbelievable. My kids were having a great time without even knowing these other things were an option. During the 5th inning we ventured over to the play area sans the husbands. They stayed in their seats watching the game.

My kids each played 1 round of mini-golf, and then played on the play set. We made it back to our seats just in time for the fireworks show they happened to be putting on special for that night. Glorious. We had such a great time. As a family. An entire family. It's nice that Shawn can now participate in some of the fun he's been missing.

Halloween....

This year I planned ahead. Way ahead. As in. Every single costume was bought, thought up, mostly made, everything ready, by October 2nd. Unusual in my world. Usually it's a night-before-school-party-scramble around here. I made tutu's for my girls. Because they were oh so easy. And adorable. The boys each wanted a store bought costume. This year I didn't deny their wishes. And we had them in our home before every single one sold out at Walmart. Unusual. Sadly, the day before Halloween, I got sick. The same headache, fever, body ache, exhaustion my children had been feeling previous to this day. Lovely. Now they learn to share? So I missed the ward party. I kept Landon and Presley home with me. They were both on the mend still. And besides. Church parties are easier without the 13 month old. That explains our absence in the photo shoot done at the party. (Thank goodness for these or people might not think we celebrated this year)

Kennedy went as Frankenstein's bride. Her tutu was floor length and she looked perfect.

Too bad she isn't standing to show off my skills. (Can you tell I never make anything? And when I do and it turns out good, I'm proud).

The boys were Mario and Luigi. The night before the parties started, Ethan decided he wanted to be something different. Nope. Not this year. Remember the early planning? Next year we'll probably go back to the scramble. It adds more excitement.

I still put Presley in her costume and took a few snapshots. She loved it. She would dance a little jig. Then twirl too fast, get her feet caught, and fall. Over and over and over. I loved watching her. Oh. And she is supposed to be a bumble bee. I didn't get to making the antenna's yet. Next year. Next year.

After the kids got back from their pre-Halloween candy festivals, Presley discovered that the bags they were toting contained desirous objects. Like suckers. She found one on the floor. I watched her put it in her mouth with the wrapper. She left sucking on that. She returned to my room a few minutes later with the wrapper in one hand, the sucker in the other, and a huge grin. I said "Presley, you aren't supposed to have that...." and she turned and high tailed it out of my room so fast. I've never seen her little legs run. She was practically sprinting. How could I deny her after that? I put her in her high chair to finish.

She obviously fits in with the rest of my candy mongers. We have enough sugar to last us until next Halloween. If I'd keep my hands out of their buckets....

(Just so you know. Landon was IronMan. No surprise. And he's been wearing his costume since September. I tired of it. No photoshoot for little man. But he's still adorable. And I still love him, even though he isn't documented in this post.)

Kennedy's Baptism.....

Kennedy turned 8 this year (way back in August....). For her birthday she received everything she wanted, and more. Scriptures is an 8th birthday tradition.

Grandma Deb got her a little white baptism necklace, a girly scripture case, and cinnamon bears (because they are good).

She had mentioned once upon a time that she would like a camera. She had one once. But it was a cheap little thing that we could never get the pictures off of. Worthless. I was thinking a cheap point and shoot would be perfect. Only. I called Shawn and had him stop to get it on his way home from work. How many times do I put Shawn in charge only to regret my decision? Too many to count. Sure. He bought her a camera. Not the one I would have chosen. Simply because I don't think my 8 year old daughter should be taking pictures with a better quality camera than the one I have in my possession currently. She loved it, of course. And it does take great pictures.

We had a little cake and ice cream and enjoyed Kennedy's evening really low key. Remember. I'd already celebrated this birthday with a full on slumber party back in June.

Her baptism needed to wait until September. Only because that is when Shawn would be done taking boards, and that is when Grandma and Grandpa Crook would be able to attend. So. September 3rd was the big day.

I loved this baptism. It was perfect in my mind. Remember. We were still pretty new to town. It mainly consisted of us, grandparents, and the Bishop. The primary president attended, as well as two friends and their mothers. Short. Sweet. And to the point. Just as it should be.

Kennedy. I'm proud of your decision to get baptized. We love you very much little girl. More than you will ever possibly be aware of. (Until you become a Mom. Then you might get it. A little bit.)