Paul's Treasure Hunt

Despite the sad look on Paul's face, we had a fun time celebrating his real b-day Monday night for family home evening. We had a treasure hunt all over the neighborhood that finally led to his birthday presents at the end. The boys helped me hide clues (with a candy bar on each) at different family member's homes. Then we drove around that night, recording Paul as he read his clues. The boys loved the treasure hunt for presents (I stole the idea from M'Recia) and I am sure we will use it again! Happy Birthday Paul, we love you!

Paul's b-day Dinner

Sunday night we had Brady,Karen, and Ryan come up for dinner to help us celebrate Paul's b-day. Brady and Ryan decided it was their job to ruff up McKay a little and teach him to become a real man. McKay was thrown across the room between his two uncles at illegal heights, then they would swing him in a blanket and throw him onto the couch. He loved every minute of it and wanted to keep doing it over and over. All the boys wanted a turn and pretty soon they were doing rocket launches off the blanket and some other crazy ride I don't remember. Brady and Karen gave Paul the best b-day present for our whole family. One night of free babysitting, Paul and I are excited, but the boys can hardly wait! For all of you family members of couldn't be here, we missed you lots!

Fall Colors on the Alpine Loop

Sunday afternoon we decided to go on a ride with Grandma Elda,and the Alpine Loop we heard was beautiful right now. Little did we know that the rest of Utah had heard the same thing and everyone was driving the Loop. However, the leaves were beautiful! I love seeing the contrast of Evergreen trees next to the bright red, orange and yellow leaves. The boys were looking for just the right leaves to take home in the baggies. It was amazing how they would find just the right leaves along the side of the road and need to stop immediately to find "the leaf". Each boy was looking for something different...Bryson: the quantity of leaves, Garrett: the perfect leaf (not any that had already touched the ground), and Tanner: could care less about leaves, but wanted the pinecones!

Why I'm Glad I'm Not a Pioneer

While Garrett may some day be embarrassed I'm telling this story, he thinks it is the funniest thing ever right now! While collect leaves on our drive, Garrett announces (with a much concern) that he needs to go to the bathroom immediately. Luckily we were walking around, not far from Aspen Grove, and I was sure there was a bathroom right across the bridge. So the boys and I ran to find a bathroom leaving Paul and Grandma sitting back in the car with McKay sleeping, they had no idea where we had gone. But, when nature calls with the boys, I've learned I must respond quickly. After checking 3 bathrooms to only find locked doors, Garrett couldn't take it any longer. He relieved himself in some wild grass and I had the honors of teaching Garrett how to use leaves in place of toilet paper. Bryson said that we should have taken a picture of this for our blog, I insisted that wasn't appropriate, however, I couldn't resist sharing. Our boys will probably not remember our Sunday afternoon ride for long, but I can assure you they won't forget what you can use leaves for...

Tanner starts preschool!

Tanner had been waiting for this day for a very long time. He didn't think it was fair that his brothers got to start school before him. Tanner is going to "KinderPrep" at Ms. Jani's house, which is just up the street. Tanner is very excited because he has Trevor, his cousin in his class with him. I love Tanner's smiles in these pictures, he is such a little poser. What do you think, he looks like the next BYU quarterback with his build, especially next to Trevor!
McKay is so use to having his brothers to play with, he doesn't know what to do when its just me. Maybe he needs a new little playmate...I guess its time to make another announcement....JUST KIDDING!

Lightening Storms and Hot Chocolate

What could be better? One of my favorite memories growing up was watching the lightening storms roll across the valley with the family, no matter what time it was. So, I was easily persuaded when the boys asked if they could stay up late Sunday night and watch the lightening storm. Daddy said he would make us hot chocolate while the boys and I watched the storm light up the valley. I love the smell of rain! Paul's hot chocolate was pretty yummy too!

I Looked out the Window and What Did I See?

I know I've said this before, but Heber is a beautiful place to live. Where else do you see a hot air balloon landing across the street when you open your shades in the morning?

The funny things that kids say...

I've been laughing over this story that Bryson told us the other day.
BRYSON: "There was this boy and he was walking along and found this girl that was laying on ground. It was really scary because she wasn't breathing, so he had to give her mouth to mouth...uh, what's that word?...oh yeah...mouth to mouth recreation. You know Mom and Dad, when someone has to help someone else start to breath again."
MOM and DAD: (laughing) "A Bryson no mouth to mouth recreation for you for a very long time!"

This is Tanner's first prayer in Primary the other day.
TANNER(very nervous): "Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Please bless my Grandmas and my Grandpas on their missions"...(then the Primary pres. got up to help him)
I just thought you grandparents would think that was kind of neat!