Hectic Life

Who knew that with five kids life could be hectic. I have felt lately that there has been no down time and a lot of running around and going places all the time. I guess that is what happens as kids get older and get more involved. Paige had a play at school a few weeks ago. It was about the solar system. She had a really small part but she really practiced hard and did a good job. Then she graduated from DARE at school. They take a class and then had to write a paper and then they have a graduation. It is a big deal around here. She also had a choir concert. That is just one kid and I felt like we were going somewhere every night. I can't believe how grown up she is getting and she is turning into such a beautiful young woman. We are so proud of her. (Of course the only picture from the play happens to be a little dark. My pictures never turn out in the school gyms.) A couple of weeks ago I finally convinced Kayla to get her hair cut. Every morning I battle with her on her hair. She has so many snarls and she screams at me when I comb it and all she wants in it is a ponytail. I was tired of it. After a few months of convincing she decided she was ready. So we went and did it right away. The finished result is super cute and less snarly. The only downfall is we have a have a little extra time to straighten it every morning, but to me it is worth it. The girls and I were able to go to Salt Lake a about four weeks ago to see my niece in a tumbling competition. We had a fun time and did a little shopping. Kayla's favorite part was swimming at the hotel. My niece did awesome and it was fun to spend some time with my sister and her family. The three little girlies watching the meet. The boys have all been sick with the flu over the last week and a half. Aiden got it first and after the three days of being sick, Collin woke up in the night sick. Then three days later when I thought we were home free Brock got sick. It has taken Brock almost 5 days to recover, and I think we are finally finished with all the sickness. It was a long week and a half but I survived. Spring is upon us and I am so glad. I don't know who is more stir crazy, me or the kids. I am so ready for some nice weather so the kids can get outside to play.

Cruise

A few weeks ago, Matt and I were able to take a much anticipated vacation. Our first cruise. We went with Matt's parents, his brothers Curt, Darren and Mike and their wives. It was alot of fun and I would definately cruise again. DAY 1 - We flew from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake, Salt Lake to Los Angeles, and Los Angeles to Miami (the red eye flight). It wasn't too bad, but we were definatley tired by the time we got to Miami. DAY 2- Day at Sea The weather wasn't the best, so we just ate a lot of food and hung out with everybody else. It was the first formal night at dinner and it was fun getting all dressed up. We don't ever do that, so it was fun. DAY 3- Cozumel, Mexico We started off by playing some beach volleyball as a group. That was alot of fun. The beach volleyball court was right next to the ocean, so it seemed like every time we hit the ball it ended up in the ocean. It was fun. Then we did a razor tour through the jungle and along the ocean. It was really gorgeous. Matt loved driving the Razor and got a little crazy a few times. We even got to stop and gather sea shells along the ocean. We loved Cozumel. DAY 4 - Belize City We went and saw some Holler Monkeys and then had a tour of Belize City. This wasn't my favorite stop but I did enjoy feeding the monkey. DAY 5 - Roatan We absolutely loved Roatan. We hired a tour guide named Lara and she was awesome. We went to the West End to the beach and Matt did some snorkeling and I enjoyed the beach. The beach was gorgeous and so was the day. This was our number one favorite. DAY 6 - Grand Cayman We started off at 7 mile beach and then we headed to Stingray City. I was a little nervous about swimming with the stingrays, but I got in and it wasn't too bad. There were a ton of stingrays and it was fun to watch Matt wrestle them down. He loved it. DAY 7 - Day at Sea The weather was not good again, so we resorted to eating. We definatley got our fair share of food. It was all so good and it was always available. DAY 8 - Miami We decided to stay over in Miami, so we went to the Everglades to Gator Park and we rode on an air boat. I even got to hold a baby gator. Check that off of my bucket list. It was really cool. Then we headed to South Beach. I liked Miami and the weather was awesome. DAY 9 - Home I was so anxious to get home. We were able to bump our flight and get on a little earlier flight. We didn't tell the kids and we were waiting for them when they got home from church. They hugged us and couldn't get enough of us. I was so overcome with the love and how much I missed them, I was brought to tears. The moment was priceless. I am so glad my parents were so willing to watch them and also the kids' favorite babysitter Linzy and her husband Braxton. This wouldn't have been possible without them. We had an awesome time and I am already looking forward to when we can go again.

West Yellowstone

On Christmas Day we loaded up and headed up to West Yellowstone, MT, to stay up at the condo for a couple of days. The kids were so excited and it was fun to spend some time just relaxing and swimming. First thing the kids wanted to do was go swimming. Everyone enjoyed this except for Brock who refused to swim and just sit on the edge and watch.

We also went to the Grizzly Discovery Center. The kids loved seeing the bears and wolves. It was really fun and we got really close to the wolves. It was a fun time.

The kids took their snow clothes, so we bundled them up and let them go out and play in the snow. That was not as fun, because Aiden and Brock did nothing but whine and complain. We only lasted about 20 minutes outside and then we called it quits.

It was so pretty in Yellowstone in the winter. We usually only go in the Summer. We have decided that we want to try and go more often. We had a really good time.

Christmas Wrap up

Warning - This will be a long post of pictures, but I have been slacking off lately and need to catch up. Christmas started on the night of the 23rd. My sister and her family came up from Smithfield and we had a nice dinner, the kids favorite BINGO, and presents at Grandma and Grandpa's. Once again the kids were spoiled by the grandparents, but they were excited to get a jump start on gifts and Christmas.

The girls and their new Legos.

The boys got new Leapsters ("gameys"). They have been without for awhile since all three of the old ones broke. Grandma and Grandpa made their day. On Christmas Eve we headed back up to Grandpa and Grandma's house for a yummy breakfast and then the kids got to decorate and eat sugar cookies. My favorite was Aiden. Every cookie he decorated he thought he had to eat. So he was taking bites out of all of them. I put a stop to that and he wasn't to thrilled, but he stuck with the decorating anyways. There were some pretty darn good decorating skills displayed, but the boys get the award for most sprinkles used.

On Christmas Eve, we had a nice dinner together at home and then the kids opened their Christmas Eve gift, pj's. After they got all ready for bed, we watched a movie of all of our pictures and memories of the past year. They thought that was fun. Then off to bed to await the arrival of Santa Claus. Everyone but Paige fell right to sleep, Paige struggled, but she finally gave up.

The kids woke up bright and early on Christmas Day. They were so excited to get downstairs to see what Santa had brought them. Good old Santa came through and they all got what they had asked for. Paige an art set, Kayla a Barbie Princess and the Popstar castle, Aiden a Thomas the Train James train set, Brock a Thomas the Train set and Collin a Thomas the Train Percy train set. They were so excited.

Brock's favorite were his new Baby Einstein DVD and CD. He was so excited when he opened that. Aiden loved his Little Einsteins movie also.

Collin had been asking for a green airplane so he was thrilled to finally get one.

We had a great Christmas and the kids once again got spoiled but they had a great day. The boys asked me the few days after Christmas how many days to Christmas and I told them they had a whole year to wait. I am glad they finally quit asking.