Saturday Activity: Star Nursery

It's the middle of January and we have had high's in the 60's each day. So much for winter and the weathermen keep predicting cooler weather and rain. Each time it fizzles out. Yesterday morning we awoke to rain and wind. So much for doing anything outside. We almost decided against visiting Star Nursery for their kids club activity. We were ready in time so off we went.

Decorate your pot

Put dirt inside

You must have glitter! Glitter a mom's nightmare!

We planted spring flowers and enjoyed seeing upstairs of the Cotton Mill Museaum. We went back outside and were greeted by more rain and wind. It continued all day and really blew maybe winter is here?

Family Fun Night

We missed last Friday we had too much homework and not enough time to play. This week the girls finished early enough we had plenty of time to play and have fun. This weeks game was Mario @ the 2012 Summer Olympics. Games include shooting, trampoline gymnastics, swimming, and many more that we haven't tried yet.

The Shootin Range...Can we shoot the target?

Let's try to make a bullseye!!

So far it was a fun game for the family to play together. Note to self we need a couple more Wii Remotes.

What will it be next week?

Demo Started...

Dave always loves to have a project and loves to change things around. Most of all I think he loves the demo. This time the project is a remodel of my storage room and theater room. We need more room for food storage since I am always seem to find a deal through couponing that I need more shelves. We also somehow accumulate more Halloween & Christmas Decorations with not enough room to put them all together.

The plan is to cut the toy room in half and expand the storage room with a lot more shelves. Then remodel the theater room with a mini kitchen to enjoy snacks without having to run up and down the stairs during a movie.

First phase...The DEMO is done. Dave & Ryder had a lot of fun tearing the walls out. The girls didn't have as much since they had to help haul out the sheet rock to the trailer. I reminded Dave to please hide the hammers to Ryder doesn't try demo on his own.

More photos to follow when the next phase begins.

Birthday Bash and Concert

The final night of celebrating was Tuesday night with a free concert with Brooke White from American Idol. We had plans to attend until I heard the annoucement come early only 3,000 seats and doors open at 6:00 with the concert at 7:00. Visions came into my mind of standing outside in the cold with three kids waiting for an hour to get in the doors and then fighting to see the stage and getting the kids to sit still. Instead we decided to stay home, eat dinner, shower, and then catch the fireworks at 9:00.

We drove to Airport Hill and parked along with 5 or 6 other cars on the side of the hill waiting. We arrived at 8:40 prepared to have to wait for 20 minutes or more.

We can't wait much longer!!! Can we go outside to see them better? Nope, too cold.

Time waister
Look really close you can see the reflection in the windshield. So much for knowing how to take a picture at night without the flash.

They started at 8:50 and were over by 8:58. Big display and I glad that we haven't gone to the New Year's Eve Parties before since this display had been scheduled for then and the city council decided to hold off until now.

It was home to bed since it was a school night.

Happy Birthday St George we are glad we were apart of the celebration.

Decades of Dixie Heritage Festival

Monday was another celebration for our cities birthday. It was the Heritage Festival at the Dixie Center. The main ballroom was setup like downtown with street signs, building fronts old and existing locations. There were so many old pictures and displays to look at you weren't sure where to start. How about down Main Street. We looked at old cars, old books, and played at the new Children's Museum.

Rylee & The Commander of Southern Utah American Legion

St George Temple
The kids loved the replica of the temple and old pictures.

Let's dance... Listened to St George Native Eric Dodge.

Reganne had to try out the drums backstage.

Birthday Cake... Looked to good to eat.

Reganne & Commander of Southern Utah American Legion

Ryder wanted to visit the men in hats. So we stopped by their booth and the men all were eager to visit with the kids. They let them wear hats for WWII. They were had serviced in Vietnam & Korea.

It was a fun family night and I loved that the people there were eager to talk to the kids and explain their displays. What a great way to learn about our heritage and make history fun.

Happy Birthday St George 150 Years

It is the 150th Birthday for St George and the city is having a celebration. They decided this year to not celebrate the New Year but wait a couple of weeks and really celebrate the birthday. They have had concerts, art shows, and activities for the kids. This is all for 10 days and everyday is something new for you to do and enjoy. Saturday was the Children's Museum activities for the kids. They could make Pinecone Mice, Clothes Pin Dolls, Scrapbooks, Bean Bags. The kids were excited to get in and start. Each made three projects in the hour and half we were there. They were also raising money for their new museum. One problem someone forgot to tell the volunteers that they need patience and a smile when dealing with lots of children. One city council woman told me that I should help with one project Rylee was needing assistance with. I was busy helping Reganne & Ryder with another one. She huffed off and busied herself with something else. I wanted to remind her she is up for re-election this year. But I kept my mouth shut.

Ryder & Reganne making Pinecone Mice.

These two ladies were awesome, positive, and eager to help each child have a fun time.

Reganne enjoying her rootbeer float

Ryder working on his book.

Rylee and her ice cream minus the rootbeer.

After the projects we were off to the Ice Cream Social with the city council. The mayor was greeting everyone as they walked in. One man overheard that he was the mayor and turned shocked and turned back to the mayor telling him that he thought he was just a nice friendly man. The mayor replied I am that too.

We also saw our Congressman Orrin Hatch shaking hands with people. A good time to drum up votes. He looks the same as he did when I first met him when I was in jr high about 30 years ago.

Reganne & Ryder playing with the sculptures on the river walk.

We are tired and ready to go home.

We had lunch of ice cream, rootbeer, and cookies. What a horrible mother I am, but we had fun.

There are alot more activities this week let's hope we can find time for them all.

Ryder's Favorites 2011

4 Year Old Picture

Color: Red

Dinner: Tacos

Dessert: Chocolate

Book: Book of Morman

TV Show: Handy Manny

Movie: Lighten McQueen / Cars

Vacation: Grandma's House

Song: Up On The House Top

Subject: Projects

BFF: Cass & Hailey

Reganne's Favorites 2011

1st Grade School Picture

Color: Purple

Dinner: Pizza

Dessert: Ice Cream Sandwiches

Book: Book of Morman & Go Pony Go

TV Show: Hannah Montana

Movie: Hannah Montana Movie

Song: Boom Boom Clap

Vacation: Lagoon

Subject: Math

BFF: Hayden & Lydia

Rylee's Favorites for 2011

4th Grade School Picture

My Favorites:

Color: Pink & Purple

Dinner: Hamburger Casserole

Dessert: Ice Cream

Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Cabin Fever

TV Show: So Random

Movie: None

Song: Red Solo Cup

Vacation: Lagoon

Subject: Science

BFF: Brianna Smith

Great To Be Eight

The start of the new year meant for Reganne the start of her baptismal year. Last Sunday night our ward had the annual Great To Be Eight Program. Many wards have discontinued this activity, but I am glad our ward hasn't. All the kids turning eight this year are invited to a special program to discuss what will happen when their birthday comes and that special day. They talk about the Bishop's Interview, Clothing, dressing rooms, and finally the font.

The room was full of energy with 20 kids and parents attending. You could have heard a pin drop when the opened the doors to the font for everyone to see. The stake couple asked if they had any questions the room was silent.

They sent home special reminders for the kids with their date on it. Reganne's special day will be November 10th.

We are all excited for her and can't wait until then to share with everyone. So please make your calendars now for a trip to St. George.

The Three Cousins

Cousins in our family seem to run in threes. Reganne, Brinton, and Morgan were the three for 2007. Each came in their own way but they came with a bond that existed before being born. These three are alike in so many ways there is a reason they came to three different homes.

At 7 Months in 2005

At 6 1/2 in 2011

They are all good friends and love playing together. Too bad they all live so far apart. The time melts away whenever they get together and they are the best of friends or trouble x 3.

We wouldn't change them for the world.

Friday Family Fun Night

We needed to change up our Friday nights this year. We have movie night, swim night, and just plain do nothing night. A new year means new ideas or at least that is what I believe. So instead of just one activity each Friday the kids get to pick what we are going to do. This week was Just Dance 3 Wii Night. The only rule is everyone must participate even though we only have 3 remotes the other two danced along.

Reganne dancing along and Rylee cheering her on.

Dad & Reganne's turn and the rest of us were pooped.

Shake it!!!

We had a great time and worked up a sweat. I remembered how much I loved to dance and it is my favorite type of exercise that doesn't feel like work.

What will next week bring???

Happy New Year!!!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is over and the new year has started. We had a good year full of activities, good health, and great family. With New Years on Sunday came our meetings changing to 11:00 . The kids were eager to finally sleep in on Sunday and not have to rush out the door. Not one of us made it to midnight, but were all tucked in our beds by 11:00. Dave has a cold/allergies which makes him really tired so no parties for us.

A new year at church means new classes & teachers. Rylee is lucky or unlucky she is in our class. Reganne started Senior Primary. Ryder moved up to CTR 5. They all seem to like their teachers and to see what friends are in their classes.


Dave tested our new camera on the tripod. Ryder's was the first picture, Rylee was next, and Reganne was last. Then came the moment for the family with the timer. Not half bad for a first try.

We wish everyone a Happy New Year!!!

Tis The Season: Gifts For Mom

Or rather gifts to make the family treats. I asked for a mini cupcake maker after watching a teacher at daycare make cupcakes for the class. I marveled how easy and good they were. Who knew by asking for one that would start a present trend for a Doughnut Maker, Cupcake Maker, Pie Maker, Mini Cupcake Maker, and a crockpot. Either they were hungry when they went shopping or thinking about yummy treats.

Doughnut Maker + Vanilla Doughnuts = Yummy

Except Reganne she said they tasted like mac & cheese.

Chocolate Doughnuts + Frosting = Really Yummy

Again Reganne swore they tasted like mac & cheese but with chocolate frosting.

Mini Cupcake Maker + Jiffy Chocolate Muffin Mix = Delicious & Quick Breakfast

These machines work great and even I couldn't mess them up. They are easy enough for breakfast with enough left over for a snack after school.

The pie & cupcake maker were returned to the store to much work and not enough space in the kitchen.

Tis The Season: Christmas Day

The big day finally arrived!!! After waiting patiently as possible we had to wake everyone up at 6:45 with just enough time to see what Santa brought and get ready for church. The kids all decided that they wanted to see & play with the stuff Santa brought and go to church. Afterwards open presents and eat breakfast.

Wow!!! He did visit us and no socks or underwear in sight.

Reganne and Barbie Puppy Waterpark

Rylee and Zhu Zhu Pet Tracks

Ryder with new popcorn bucket and Leapster.

Time for church in new outfits.

Time to open presents.

We got what we wanted so bad...iTouches.

Ryder's new Christmas Blanket and Criss Cross Crash Race Track

The fun really began getting everything setup and running. I am not sure the Technology Fairy should have visited us this well. 2 iTouches, 1 Kindle Fire, and 1 Leapster Explorer. I could have had this much fun setting these up if I stayed at work. Oh well!!! The next trick I need to learn is getting them away from them to go to sleep. I guess it is Christmas and let them enjoy.

Tis The Season: Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was finally here and full of activity. There was shopping to do for those presents we had forgotten in all the rush. Last minute or rather all the wrapping of presents for under the tree. Lunch out at Artic Circle with the promise of ice cream (Oops, Dad forgot that promise) Time to get ready for dinner with the Wheelers.

Is it time to eat yet?

What... I am mature enough to sit with the adults.

A yummy dinner of ham, twice baked potatoes, salad, rolls.

Dessert...Brownie Bits

Thanks Wheelers for the presents and it's not Christmas yet.

Wow what a race track. Check out the cars do loops. Ryder was in heaven with the race track. The girls got a Mario Wii Game.

Time to go home, shower, and go to bed so Santa can visit. Keep your fingers crossed that we don't receive socks and underwear.

Tis The Season: Christmas Eve Eve

Change of plans this year moved our visit to the St George Temple to Friday. Ryder was so excited to see baby Jesus. The temple grounds where humming with excitement with the visitors center packed with families. We looked around at the Nativity Sets from around the world. Watched a movie about the Salt Lake Temple. Ryder dragged us back outside to see the baby, the hay, and the shepherds. As the audio started he stood in one spot and looked neither right or left, but straight ahead.

Watching..

And watching...

We must climb the slippery granite steps to the temple doors.

It was cold time to go home.