4th grade Science Fair Project

The fourth grade participated in a small science fair. Bodell teamed up with her friend Amber. Of course they wanted to create a volcano for their project. We tried to change their mind and have them pick a different project, but they were set on making a volcano. After all, I don't think childhood is complete until you have made the baking soda and vinegar volcano. In the end, I was very proud of them. They really worked hard on their project. And, with the exception of showing them how to put on the plaster of paris, they did the project completely on their own. They were so proud to explode their volcanoes when the kids and judges came by. They ended up taking third. Way to go girls!!!!!

Andrew is 2!

Andrew had a birthday last week. Wow, I can't believe he is already two. He is growing up so quickly. Andrew is such a fun little boy. He loves to make people laugh. He makes the funniest facial expressions just to get a reaction from us. He absolutely LOVES Brigham. He follows Brigham everywhere he goes, copies everything Brigham says and does everything Brigham does. Andrew loves trains, especially Thomas the train. He loves to be outside. He can find mud or water anywhere. If we are ever in a draught, just send Andrew out. He will find the water. He can climb up anything. Andrew loves books. He goes to bed with about five books every night. It is hilarious to hear him in his bed repeating the words of the books he has heard us read to him. Andrew loves to eat. Amazingly, next to candy, his next favorite foods are fruits and vegetables. He especially loves apples. He eats apples EVERY day. In fact if we run out of apples Andrew throws a fit. So we try to always have them stalked. We love you Andrew. You have been a joy to our house ever since you came home two years ago. Your cute, dimpled smile melts our hearts daily!! Happy Birthday Buddy!

This picture just makes me laugh. There are some boys that know how to party!

Andrew loved the candle. He tried and tried to blow it out. Finally after about five tries he managed to blow it out. I am not sure what finally did the trick, the blowing or all the spit that came out.

Fun times!

Andrew getting measured on our birthday column. This is one of my kid's favorite parts of their birthday.

Look how much you've grown Andrew!

You win some...you lose some!

Bodell and her cousin Skyler participated in the Elementary school spelling bee. They both went out in the first round. I was just proud of them for participating. I guess I should have prepared Bodell more for the disappointment. I didn't realize how badly she wanted that trophy. She was so sad when she went out. She came back to me and just cried and cried. She learned a lesson we all have to learn... You can't win 'em all! Bodell you did a great job and I will always be proud of your efforts! Way to go!

Shae FINALLY loses a tooth!

Shae was very excited to wake up and realize she had a loose tooth. It wasn't just loose, it was REALLY loose. She must have worked on that tooth all day at school. At bedtime it was barely hanging on. I hooked some dental floss around it and gave it a good yank, and out popped the tooth. Shae was so proud of the little hole in her teeth. She couldn't wait to put the tooth under her pillow. She did tape it to a little note. The note asked the tooth fairy to please leave her tooth. Now Brigham is working on every tooth in his mouth trying to find a loose one, so he can get a dollar from the tooth fairy.

Spirit Week

The girls had spirit week at school in January. One of the days was dress like your idol. Bodell's idol was her dad so she dressed like a doctor. Shae's idol was Bodell so she dressed in basketball shorts. I thought is was adorable. In about five years when the girls are teenagers and fighting constantly with each other I am going to pull this picture out and remind Shae that there was a time when Bodell was her idol. I would love it if her idol never changed. Bodell is a great example to follow!

The gospel according to Tom and Jerry

Today while driving in the car, Brigham started talking about Jesus and his creations. Then he mentioned how when we die our spirits go up to heaven but our bodies stay here. I thought it was a pretty profound gospel principle and wanted to compliment him on his gospel learning so I said to Brigham, "You are right about our spirits going to heaven. I am so proud of you for paying attention in primary and learning." He promptly answered, "oh, I learned that from Tom and Jerry, because when Jerry dies his spirit always goes up to the clouds." Who knew such deep gospel principals were being taught in cartoons, maybe I should let them watch more tv :-)

Disneyland Fun

For Christmas we surprised the kids with a trip to Disneyland. We left the second week of January. It was a wonderful time to go. We escaped the cold weather here and enjoyed 70 degree weather.. oh how I am missing that 70 degree weather right now! We had such a great time. It was so fun to see the kids reactions to everything. I already miss it! Here are a few pics. from the trip.

The girls on Toys Story Mania (our FAVORITE RIDE.) We rode this ride six times. We all loved this one.

Shae was the great driver at autotopia. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. She was hilarious. We kept crashing along the safety railing underneath. I was sure Andrew was going to get whiplash, but I was laughing so hard there wasn't much I could do.

Here is most the family at California adventure right after a lunch break.

I love this picture. This is a typical sight. By afternoon Andrew AND Josh needed their naps. So, we parked them both out of the way and the kids and I went on some more rides.

This was the most peaceful driving trip we have had, now that we have a dvd player in our van. ALL the kids were hypnotized for 12 hours. It was wonderful!

You can't leave out the picture with Mickey!

The whole family in our hotel with our Mickey pajamas. We tried this shot about five times. My head is still a little cut off, but this picture was the best we could do.