To Utah We Go...

Part 1:

After a long flight (the kids did really well), the kids and I arrived in Utah on Thursday. Due to flight costs and needing to buy more tickets every year, it was significantly cheaper for the kids and I to fly down a couple days earlier than John. The kids were overjoyed to see Grammie and Papa Wirthlin. We love traveling to see them! Thursday we spent most of the day catching up and spending time with our Grammie and Papa, Michael and surprise visitor Uncle Mark (who was brave enough to take the kids to his work for fun).

Grammie and the kids reading together.

Friday we headed down to Herriman to spend some time with the Baughman gang. It is always nice to be with my sister and for the kids to spend time with their cousins. We were even lucky enough to have cousin Shauna and her little ladies join us for lunch. It was fun to catch up and talk mommy-life. The kids played so well! It was such a great day... all being together.

Movie Time - Dallin, Mylie, Abigail, and Connor

Abigail being goofy on the trampoline.

Dallin showing off his skills... running from one end of the basketball court to the edge of the rock wall and then jumping/sailing onto the trampoline. He is too dangerous for his own good. This kid has no fear.

Mylie... so cute! I still can't believe she wasn't cold. It was a nice warm day, but not that warm :).

Ball Buddies - Luke and Connor shooting some hoops.

These little guys wanted in on the action.

Even Auntie Becca got in on the action. Here she is showing the kids how a "flip" is done. You go Auntie!

Fridays in February

Dallin has been lucky this year.

Lucky for him, one of the moms in our ward organized "soccer practice and games" for preschool age kids in the ward. So every Friday morning, we can be found either at the church or the park (depending on weather) for some soccer fun. It has been great! It is especially getting Dallin ready for next month when he will be playing in a local neighborhood league.

The Cheering Section - Connor and Noah

Go Dallin and Wesley!

Dallin really does love the game of soccer.

Go Red!!!!

Thanks Sarah for putting this all together.

Backyard Fun

The weather has been gorgeous lately. Just perfect. Warm, but not hot. The beginnings of perfect spring weather. How better to enjoy that wonderful weather, than playing together outside as a family? So that is just what we did Saturday. We did a little bit of everthing... playing soccer, riding toys, smoking dinner, and jumping on the trampoline.

Fun, fun for everyone.

Childhood Memories...

Abigail has had the chance this month to learn how to roller-skate during her P.E. class at school. What fun! I love roller-skating and have many found memories as a kid going round and round the rink. So we jumped on the opportunity and decided to find a rink close to home and take the entire family Saturday afternoon. I will admit, things were a bit iffy at first. Dallin was all over the place... he could barely stand up. Abigail seemed to be doing okay, but she kept saying, "This is not how it was at school." John and I gave each other a few glances of - "What were we thinking?" But once we found the right skates for the kids (slower ones), we were in business. By the end, everyone was in smiles. (Well almost everyone one).

It was another fun Saturday together as a family.

Abby and John ... posing for the camera :).

Dallin showing off his "speed skating"

Connor and Mom making the rounds.

Connor went around twice and said, "All done." I guess going around the rink when you are small is a lot more work than when your legs are quite a bit longer :).

Johnny and his kiddos.

NO SCHOOL!!!

We were so excited to have an extra day for some more family fun time. Since our time in Texas is coming to a close, we have been trying to make sure we see all that we can. So we decided to head out to the Battleship TEXAS State Historic Site. We had a great afternoon exploring all over the ship. It is quite the ship! The temp was perfect... a little chilly at first, but the sun came out and it was fabulous. The kids loved pretending to fire all the large guns and even trying out the bunk beds on the ship. Connor was feeling a bit under the weather, but he was a trooper and stuck it out :). All in all ... it was a fun afternoon all together.

Christmas Vacation: Part 1

Christmas Break started at Grammie and Trev's this year. After a long day of travel, we arrived in Washington ready for some fun. Of course we had a blast hanging out with family, playing card games, eating yummy food (and way too many peanut M&Ms), watching movies, and talking late into the night :). The kids had a blast with all the entertainment Grammie's has to offer... from balls to horses and dogs... the kids couldn't have been happier.

We love these little scooter cars... so fun!

These two (Adam and Dallin) became quite the buddies. Dallin was in awe of the "awesome tennis player" after a few lessons in the racquetball court. Thanks Adam for entertaining Dallin. He is still playing tennis in the backyard.

The "Big Boys" were able to spend an afternoon on the quads. They were wet and cold, but they had a blast!

String Cheese Buddies

Wrapping presents....

Tea Ring Competition...

Thanks Becca for teaching us the ways in tea ring :).

I can't believe I didn't take any decent picture of our first Christmas morning (which was really Christmas Eve)! Horrible! But you can always refer to this blog (Becca's) for better pics...

Here is what I do have:

Christmas Eve Celebrations: Dinner, White Elephant and Santa... the Traditions Continue On

John and Grandpa enjoying the game.

The Best White Elephant Ever... lol :)

Santa Arrives... We love Santa!

No tears this year... YEAH!!!

And, of course, the evening wasn't complete without Christmas PJs and the Baughman Christmas Book.

It was lots of fun to be with Mom and Trevor and spend some holiday time with them. Thanks guys for making the efforts to make Christmas memorable. We love you! Hopefully next time we are together I will be feeling better :).