Brogan

We took a 2 week vacation to Idaho and these were the only pictures I took the entire time

It was well worth the trouble of toting the camera across the country for just these few pictures.

Failure

Failure to post about one of the most important events in our familys' lives (at least Matt believes it to be)

So let's pretend it is April 6th...

We had a surprise birthday party for Matt. Bennett did all the planning for it. He made sure we had streamers, hats, and noise makers.



He also chose some of the presents. He was certain that the foam paddels would be Matt's favorite birthday present ever...

However, I think Matt was mostly scared of what the boys planned on doing with the foam paddels.

Happy Birthday Matt...Belated as it is

Idaho Vacation...In May

We started our 2 week vacation down in Scottsdale. Matt had some classes he went to, and he was also in the color guard for the event. I'll post the movie of that later.

Scottsdale was nice and warm, we all wore shorts and sandals.(Ahh that was a nice memory to take with me to freezing cold Idaho)

While Matt was in classes, I packed the kids up and headed for the mall to do some much needed shopping. We also swam at the pool and ordered from the hotel restaurant. The 4th Street Grill at the Chaparral is one of my favorites now. They have the best food. Truly.

On Sunday after Matt's Pharmacy Law class we hit the road for Idaho. It was noon when we left, and Matt was convinced we were going to travel the entire way. The I-17 up through Flagstaff and into Southern Utah had major traffic delays, so we decided to head over through Las Vegas and on up I-15. By the time we hit St. George at 7pm, I was all but crying to be released from the torturous car ride, but Matt would have none of that. We arrived in Grace, Idaho at 3:30 am, pulled the kids out of the car and got them settled back into bed at 4:30am. Two hours after my head hit the pillow there were 2 wide eyed and bushy tailed boys staring at me wondering what was for breakfast.

We stayed at Matt's parent's house for the week. They were just finishing up the new addition onto their house and it was a little hectic to get all the minor details completed before the inspector came that week.

On Thursday night Matt head for his yearly pilgrimage to Jackson Hole for the antler hunt. This year Tom, Tyler, Fowler, all made it and for his first time, Jason, Heather's husband went. Matt came home Saturday evening, victorious with 7 new antlers to display, and a trail of 4 other scowling men. (Mostly due to Matt's most unsportsman like conduct of rubbing it in their faces that he was the only one who found antlers.)

By this time the kids and I had made it to Idaho Falls. While in IF we had our fill of our favorite take out food, took Bennett, Jacks, and Ethan swimming at the hot pools at Heise, and did a little more shopping.

Our time up in Idaho was great. Relaxing, and fun. We miss our families so much and wish we could be closer.

Sunday we got up and what should have been an 8 hour car ride turned into a 13 hour ride of terror. Actually it wasn't so bad. Just long. Just out side of Flagstaff the I-40 was shut down due to the enourmously strong winds and so we sat...on the side of the interstate...with 50 bazillion other vehicles...for 2 1/2 hours. That part was torture. We only had an 1 1/2 hours left and we were stuck...Yuck!

We made it home safe and sound and are expected to redue the trip in 3 weeks. I can't say I'm looking forward to that. Pray that I can find really, super, cheat airline tickets to save me from misery.

When We're Helping We're Happy..

I went to the bathroom today with an audience (as most mothers do)

I tried to be as discreet as possible with my 3 year old looking on.

As I stood up, Jacks rushed over to me and started pulling up my underwear, slip, and skirt...all the while singing

"What's going to work? Team work! What's going to work? Team work!"

Thanks Jacks...I couldn't have done it without you.

Say Sorry for Being Naughty Jacks

The nursery leaders were NOT frantically searching for Jacks today.

They didn't know he had dissappeared.

It was with regret they only noticed he had been absent for a period of time, when the music leader came into the room.

"Who's in the bathroom?" she asked

It was Jacks. He decided it was bath time I suppose. Not only was he drenched in water...the entire bathroom was flooded.

So Vain

Matt and Bennett were out running errands.

At the bank the teller gave Bennett a sucker.

At the post office the mailman gave Bennett a piece of chocolate.

On their way home Bennett asks, "Daddy? Why does everybody like me so much?"

Easter

We started our Easter out Saturday morning at the Pinetop Easter Egg Hunt. The boys were excited. We lined them up behind the rope separating the bazillion eggs tossed out in the ball fields from the bazillion little kids waiting in anticipation to fight tooth and nail for "a" piece of candy. The whistle blew, thousands stormed the fields. It was pure madness. Was it worth it? Well, we made it back to the car with all 3 kids still intact and smiles, so I would say it was.

This morning Bennett and Jacks woke up to their baskets filled with a chocolate bunny (a must to complete Bennett's Easter experience), a "How to Train Your Dragon" gummies and swords.

The jury is still out on whether the sword idea was actually a good one or not I'm leaning towards the "not" right at this moment.

Jemma had fun trailing around after the boys with her bucket in hand.

Conference wasn't televised here so we listened to it on an AM radio station. The last session we drove down to Snowflake to the temple grounds and then drove back home, giving the kids plenty of time to nap.

We then decided to lounge around in the driveway to create some art with our new sidewalk chalk.

Jacks woke up from his nap grumpy and cold, but perked up considerably when I reminded him of his candy and sword awaiting him inside.

Dinner

Matt and his brother, Glen, decided Grumpy Jakes was going to be cooking our dinner for us Saturday night.

If you know me...Pig meat and I go hand in hand.

So you can imagine my delight when I walked into the kitchen to find Jack had woke from his nap, perched himself on the counter like a neanderthal, gnawing at this tasty treat.
He enjoyed it...I was nauseous.

My New...

Immunization Plan!

I figure if Jemma eats enough dirt from random sources, her immune system is going to be spectacular!

Provided she doesn't get worms.

Going On Around Here?

After weeks and weeks of having pooping issues with Jacks, yesterday he finally went of his own free will and accord, on the toilet. Bennett and I were so excited! We sang "poopy on the potty" for Jacks, to which he did his little dance to. I then thanked him profusely for finally going on the toilet, to which he replied "No prwoblem Mommy"
"Well it has been a BIG problem" I wanted to shout after his retreating figure from the bathroom.

Everyday each week at preschool 3 lucky kids get their name pulled out of a basket to pick a prize from the treasure box. Bennett's name was called on Wednesday. He forgot his prized plastic clown fish he had chosen until later than night and made Matt immediately go to the car and fetch his backpack. I sent him to bed before he could test the fishes swimming skills. Early Thursday morning, Jacks and Bennett filled the bathroom sink full of water and expectantly threw the fish in to watch it swim. The fish sank to the bottom. "Awww. Did it die already?" Bennett groaned.