2011 Bird Festival

You would be surprised at what is going on in your town that you are not aware of. You can usually find a lot to do that is fun, free, and interesting. This week I discovered the Annual Bird Festival. Now I am not a bird watcher, but they had a free workshop for kids to build bird houses. The kids have always loved to feed the birds that visit our backyard. The day was beautiful and warm. We arrived a little after 11:00 and were greeted by so many others coming out to enjoy the wonderful weather and free project. We got out bird houses, aprons, and waited for an opening. After about 5 minutes I decided that we would take them home for Dad to help us and then paint them. What a great family night project.

Rylee in her apron she was standing by the birdhouses making sure nobody touched them.

WOW! what a turnout.

The Santa Clara River ... Can we go down and play?


Getting way to close for my comfort level. I was sure that Reganne was going to fall. She surprised me and didn't get wet.

Check out your local magazines, website for fun, free, and interesting activities.

Feeding The Ducks

I love January it feels like there isn't as much activity or things requiring my time away from home. The weather has been really nice all week with temperatures reaching in the low 60's. Who can complain about that. Saturday looked like a quiet day with a few errands and then house cleaning. Diana Tomlinson from daycare invited us to come and feed the ducks with her. This is one activity that you don't have to ask the kids twice. It has been awhile since our last visit and the kids were amazed at how the ducks were all grown up and very playful.

Look at all the ducks! They are all grown up.

Rylee & Reganne felt bad one duck was getting pushed out of the way of the bread. They kept trying different ways to thrown the bread for him to eat.

Ryder & Ms Diana were trying to decide better to throw far or near?

The ducks ate all the bread in short order. It was time to go. Ryder stepped out of his flip flop and got mud on him. Big Surprise, he wanted to be carried to the car. I pulled out the camera and started to take his picture. He quickly started running away right in the direct of the car. Diana asked me why I was tormenting him. I'm not I just want him to get to the car without getting me muddy. It worked, but he had to have a wipe to clean his shoes off.

St George Heritage Days

It was a Happy Birthday to St George City yesterday. It was a day full of free activities and food provided by the city. The celebration started with the airport dedication, free swim day, free admission to the art museum. The kids & I ventured downtown for rootbeer floats and cookies prepared by the city council. The weather was perfect with a sunny day and about 57 degrees in the sun. We enjoyed sitting outside eating and the walking around to look at the various bronze statues and log cabin.

We love ice cream & cookies

Wow what a serious face!

This was a great bronze statue made of spare parts and pieces. Even the silverwear were included. They kept looking to see what they could find.

Ryder refused to have his picture taken. Instead he wanted to put his airplane together. Too bad it didn't last even to the car before it was destroyed.

We took a rootbeer float to Dave. He was just around the corner from were we were.

New St George Airport

A day finally arrived that many St George residence thought we would never see. The new St George Airport was dedicated and opened to the public for an open house. City Officials planned for about 2,000 people to attend. Surprise there were over 5,000 people trying to attend. Trying is the important word here. Traffic was backed up for over 3 miles and moved slowly as there wasn't enough parking until they opened the tarmack. They broadcast the dedication on one of the local radio stations so we could at least listen, if not see since we were stuck on the road. After an hour of sitting on the road we finally made it to the terminal. We were in need of a break so we decided to park and at least check the building out. We began the mile walk to the terminal. As we were crossing the tarmack the first flight with new jet service started moving down the runway.

CRJ Jet ..... First Flight out of St George

President Uchtdorf

We were wondering around the terminal and we noticed a swarm of people at one end of the building. We decided to walk over and check it out. It was President Uchtdorf shaking hands and talking to the crowd. Linda & Jennifer were able to shake his hand. I had someone step out in front of me as he turned my direction. I then snapped this picture as he bent down to talk to two children. He got down to their level and shook their hands and talked to them. The feeling of love was so thick it felt like a warm blanket or hug. I later compaired this to what it would feel like if the Savior was there. He would be drawn to the children as well.

My partners in crime and friends Jennifer & Linda.

We were supposed to only take a late lunch and not an afternoon excursion. Well it turned into an all afternoon excursion. We didn't make it back to the office until 5:00. Oops time to go home.

IHC LifeFlight Helicopter..... The Sick Helicopter

The day was added to by bringing the LifeFlight Helicopter to St George. After alot of hardwork for many volunteers and donations the day finally arrived. This will now be based here in St George and will service all of Southern Utah. When Ryder so it he asked if this was the Sick Helicopter. I guess it is just that.

It was a wonderful afternoon and the 20 years was worth the wait. We have now moved out of the flight path and I already miss the plans over our house each day.

McKade's Baptism

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday with family. We were able to make it to McKade Biggs' Baptism in Payson. It was great to see family, spend a little time with them, and support McKade as he becomes one of the newest members for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

McKade and his Dad, Uncle Larry

Lunch afterwards with lot's of family and great food....

....Good times

Now this is snow.

Our wimpy stuff didn't even compair.

We made our flight home just as it was starting snow again. They had to deice the plane before we could take off. Ryder was glued to the window watching everything and asking what felt like a million questions. I was glad we finally made it home and in bed by 10:30.

Marshmellow Soup

The imaginations of children. The kids were hungry at Grandma JeanAnn & Grandpa Chris' House. They asked for marshmellows to snack on. Grandma put some in baggies for each one. The the fun started or should I say the teasing started with Grandpa. Soon the bags were flying and the kids were running. There was much laughter all around. Before they knew it the marshmellows were mashed together. I asked what they were going to do with them now? Make marshmellow soup.

Rylee & her smooshed marshmellows

Reganne & Grandpa Chris making more soup.

It's fun to see the things kids come up with to play or do when left on their own.

What, More Snow!!

After the crazy weather during Christmas Break we should have been prepared for more. However, we weren't prepared for the sight that greeted us last Monday morning. Who can prepare for the unexpected white fluffy stuff which measured was about 3 inches and covered everything. Lucky for us it was still out of school for Christmas Break. The kids were so eager to get outside and play. How could I burst their bubble of happiness, by telling them we were running late. So while Dave shoveled the driveway the kids played in the snow.

The front yard

The backyard

Look at me I am skating.

What are you doing, Dad? Can I help you?

Our little snowman after 3 days.

It has now been 6 days and we still have a few piles of snow around the yard. So much for melting right away. The weather is expected to warm up. As Rylee put it "The weathermen sure missed this one."

Happy New Year 2011

We wish everyone a Happy New Year!!!

Our New Year's Day was spent putting away Christmas, cleaning the house. Wait that was me. We went to lunch and stopped by Barnes & Noble for Dad to check out trailer books. Story time was getting started. We decided to stay and enjoy.

Dad reading on care for his trailer.

Ryder.... Don't take my picture.

Rylee....Craft picture.... Great Job!!!

Reganne....cutting out her picture before finishing it off with the snow.

New Year's Eve Quotes:

Ryder wanted more crackers with frosting.

(Crackers & Cheeseball)

Reganne: Dad do you know what hot dogs are made of?

Dad: No, what?

Reganne: Dolphine!!!

Dad: What?

Reganne: Dolphine of course!!

What a good weekend!

Only two more days before vacation is over, back to school, and back to normal life.

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam!!

Ryder is officially a Sunbeam in Jr. Primary. He isn't the youngest or the smallest, but close. We have talked all week about him going to big primary. So much for preparing him. He didn't want to go or stay. The teachers were running late and the presidency were helping children find their classes. I sat down with the sunbeams and waited. Primary started and as I looked down the row of kids there were 7 kids and 5 adults. I handed Ryder over to his teacher Sis. Schembeck and walked out. He did great and stayed. We asked him what he did in his new class? Ate crackers, colored, and got a drink.

Ryder + Dad's foot.

Rylee...CTR 8, Reganne... CTR 6, Ryder...Sunbeams

Ryder refused to poise for any pictures today. Dave finally held him down with his foot and quickly snapped one. The girls just had to get into the picture.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow

The past couple of weeks we have had the craziest weather imaginable. Rain, floods, fog, wind, sun, snow, and ice. It's hard to imagine this much weather crammed into the last two weeks of the year, but it did. Thursday morning we woke up to a fine dusting of the white stuff. It looked to pretty looking out the window. However, the kids wanted to go out an touch and play in it. We opened the door and quickly discovered that it was better left outside. It was so cold and the wind was blowing. I snapped these pictures and we quickly closed the door. The snow turned to ice and has remained all week in some spots.

Back deck

The backyard

So much for Sunny St George.....Maybe this week will be warmer.

Christmas Infestation

We were infested with rodents for Christmas. I should say the mechanical type Zhu Zhu Pets. The kids have played with Rylee's all year that she got for her birthday. Santa was so kind to bring three additional ones. Ryder, Stinker, and Kingston joined our family. As they ran around my kitchen and under my feet. I was very thankful that they were not real.

Ryder, Ryder, Rylee, Kingston, Nugget, Reganne, and Stinker

3 Kids + 4 Zhu Zhu Pets = laughter, giggles, and just plain craziness.

Thanks Santa!!!

One Last Christmas Post

I found these pictures on my camera that I completely forgot about. I love nativity sets and we currently have 4 in various sizes, colors, and shapes. The one thing that always remains the same is the figures and of course the Baby Jesus. This year as I started decorating the house and opened the container with them all inside. Ryder was quickly by my side and full of questions. He looked at each piece and wanted to know who it was. We finally came to the baby and he quickly knew it was a baby. He didn't know what baby it was or it's name. I talked with him about Christmas and told him the story of Baby Jesus. He was off on another task.

I always put my Navitiy sets on the floor in various rooms and under the Christmas Tree. This year was no different.

The fun soon began. All three kids quickly became fascinated by two of the sets. I found them in various arrangements. At one point Ryder had his matchbox cars parked at the stable. One was a pizza truck. Bringing Baby Jesus some pizza to eat. One was a worker man's car to fix the stable. It was falling apart and needed to be fixed for Baby Jesus.

One night last week I discovered Ryder had brought his blankets out and piled them on the floor. He then brought each piece over the blankets to get them warm. The next time I checked on him. I discovered all three kids playing around the two sets and telling each other parts of the story they remembered.

I loved just listening to them and knowing that the lessons we work so hard to teach are getting thru to them.

It was sad yesterday to pack them all away for the year. Again, Ryder was there to help me. He quietly watched as one by one I wrapped them up and put them back into the container. He was then off and running.

Christmas Traditions: Christmas Outfits

One tradition I have always carried on from childhood is getting new outfits for Christmas. This year I needed to make a couple of adjustments. I took the girls with me to pick out their dressed and shoes. Why you may ask? They are growing up to fast and have an opinion about everything they wear or should I say won't wear. I refuse to buy things they refuse to wear. This year the decided on matching dresses with green and red polka dot dresses with bright red bows. Ryder's outfit is black pants, white shirt, black tie, and yellow & black sweater vest.

Don't they look cute???

Rylee with the perfect pose.

Reganne and her favorite pose.

Ryder and his look of mischief

I am amazed they still look so cute and clean after three hours of church. I couldn't quite get them ready for pictures and make it to church before 8:30 am. Oh well they are still cute.

Next stop New Years Eve.....

Christmas Pajamas

I have always heard the stories from other about Christmas Pajamas. I have always wanted to have matching pajamas for Christmas. However, I have never been able to find them with the variety of sizes that we need and within the price range I wanted to pay. I refuse to pay $35 or more for pajamas. This year I was in luck and found these cute bottoms at Walmart. The kids are a little big and will hopefully shrink. Dave's will only probably be worn once. Mine fit before washing.

Merry Christmas !!!

This girls in pink of course. Mine matched.

Dad & Ryder in Yellow Sponge Bob.

Why Sponge Bob?? Because these were the only ones that matched in their sizes.

It was off to bed. The kids were exhausted. The adults enjoying the peace and quiet. Ryder was so over stimulated that after an hour of screaming he finally fell asleep.

2010 Merry Christmas

We were sure that this would be the year for a early morning start to Christmas. Well, can you say that 7:00 am is early. Rylee came into our bed saying she heard something. Then she whispered that Santa had come. Reganne soon followed and they quickly woke Ryder up. The excitement began...

First Stop... The stockings or rather the buckets of stuff.

Next Stop downstairs to see what Santa brought.... Razor Scooters, Race Track, and Zhu Zhu Pets.

Rylee can hardly sit still with excitement.

Ryder and his McQueen & Mater Pillowcases from Macaw. He had to sleep with them, they were his new blankets.

Reganne and her new cat. This is the only type she can with her allergies.

Last Present .... The Family Toy Hauler ..... Dave's newest toy.

The kids inside on the bench seat.

Dave & the kids have been looking at trailers for over six months. They have all begged and pleaded with me to please let them have a trailer to go camping. It's no surprise that I am not a camper and would rather stay in a hotel when going on vacation. The only time I have enjoyed camping is when we had a boat. Dave found one this past week close to home, everything his was looking for, and at the right price. Needless to say the kids are already begging to go camping.

It was a great Christmas full of family time, movies, and food that the kids wouldn't eat. Next year I need a new menu.