Chandler's Children

I don't think I've mentioned this here yet.  For Christmas, Chandler got a small aquarium.  It has been so much fun for him to choose his fish, and help take care of them!  They are fun little guys and the entire family has enjoyed this new hobby of his. 

It was a sad day when Tomato the Pladdy left us last week, but it's also a good circle of life lesson for the little people.  Chandler we're glad you've brought Gregory, Poppy, Salt, and Pepper into our family!

Happy Birthday Emilee!

 Happy 6th birthday to our dear Emilee Jane.  She is a delight and a sweet presence in our home every day.  Emilee's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, and since it was "family party year" as well, we invited all the cousins and Aunts and Uncles to come to our ward, and then for the afternoon.

When your birthday's on Sunday, you've got to spice up your dress a bit.  How about a birthday balloon bow?

We had Emilee's favorite meal, Spaghetti Linner.  It was a big hit and all the kids ate like champs, which is what we love.

When it was gift time Emilee was thrilled again and again!  One of the big hits was the soundtrack to Frozen:

And then a big surprise from Mom and Daddy!  A bike just the right size for her.  

 She took it straight outside for a try, and did pretty well!  She's going to be out and about in no time.

 For dessert Emilee requested Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.  No problem!  Mom's favorite too.  IT was devoured and enjoyed by all.  Except maybe Kyle.  :)

Happy Birthday sweet Emilee!  You constantly amaze us with your sweet self and willing heart.  We love having you as a part of our family!

the elusive pig tails

Heidi has a bob because she does NOT like anything in her hair.  Not a clip, not a bow, not a rubber band.  Once in a blue moon she'll let us, but most of the time she likes to be free and easy.  

This past Sunday Emilee was showing her a picture of little "Anna" from "Frozen" and said, "Heidi!  She has hair like you!" and Heidi was convinced that we should give it a try.  Tell me these are not the cutest pig tails you've ever seen.  Go ahead, tell me!

Well, it's a good thing I took a picture because they only lasted 10 minutes and then she started pulling on them saying, "Tight!"  And out they came.  Oh well!  Good thing she is cute with that bob!

Valentines Day

This Valentines Day Emilee and I hosted a little play date and tea party for all the girls in her PM kindergarten class.  It was much anticipated by Emilee and she had a great time!  

 The little ladies loved the fancy dishes, finger food, and cocoa!

 When Daddy came home from work, he had a rose for each of his girls.  Heidi was pretty thrilled!

 As was Emilee!  Her rose also included a ticket to the showing of "Frozen - the sing a long" for the next day.  Mine did as well and she and I had a great time!

 Heidi didn't have much flower etiquette yet. She dissected it in about 5 minutes, but enjoyed it thoroughly.  :)

Happy Valentines Day!

Ski Camp 2014

This year's ski camp took us down to Sunriver, Oregon.  We skiied Mt. Bachelor for three straight days.  Due to a back injury, Gordon was not able to board this year, so Rachel got to go every day!  I pretty much thought I was going to die the last day, but I made it with frequent breaks.  We had a great time!  Emilee skiied one day, and at the end of the trip, we got snowed in when a blizzard blew through.  We think we got about 2 or 3 feet of snow over the trip.  We tried to leave Saturday but turned around after 10 miles, when we had become stuck 5 times.  5 TIMES!  When the wheels would start to slip, even Heidi would chime in with an "uh oh!!!"  We made it home weary but happy.  Can't wait until next year!

Here is the annual video montage.  You may wonder why the music is always the same.  Well, I'm lazy.  And, there just couldn't be a better song than "party on the mountain" for our ski trips.  Enjoy!!!

Float a Boat

I am pleased to announce that Chandler is the big winner of Mr. Purkeypile's 2nd Grade Float a Boat competition!  Each child was to build a boat of items found around the house.   Chandler knew exactly what he wanted to do, and made his boat in about 2 minutes flat out of insulated cups and duct tape.  At school, the boats were floated and filled with "penny passengers."  When Chandler's got to 300 they stopped, he was the clear winner!  His prize?  The easy button.  He's thrilled!  Way to go Chandler!