Star of the Week

This is a really big deal to Boston!  He's very competitive and was beaming when he brought the "All About" poster home.  He chose every picture, color, theme and wrote each word, himself.  It's refreshing that he's so independent.  Three kids ago, I would've pushed my ideas  but not any more.  I must be tired or learned that it's best to let them do as much as possible.

He got to sit in the special chair which is obviously made for normal sized kindergartners.  He ate it all up! Good job Boston!

Wild, Wild West Thanksgiving

 We spent Thanksgiving with Eric's parents and Bryron and Amy and their 6 girls in Taylor, Arizona (near Snowflake).  They raise and milk their own goats, chickens (eggs), breed Pugle dogs (beagle and pug mix), breed Rubber Boa snakes, have a pet horse, guinea pigs and a roaming cat.  The kids were busy all day exploring the land and animals.  Jackson was brave and milked the goat.  He said it was a "weird, gushy feeling."  The picture below is from the drive down.  Eric wasn't feeling well (obviously) so I drove.  He would eventually go the doctor on Saturday and ended up with a shot in his backside.  Two women doctors had to examine him which he said was humiliating.  I call it justice.

We ventured to Mesa, AZ, on Friday and stopped in the mountains to enjoy the crisp, cool air. 

The boys couldn't wait to get to Paul and Julie's house to see Daniel and Paul.  They are happy as can be just sitting beside them watching an old Disney flick.

Kennedy and Maria look so much alike.  This is the first time I really noticed the resemblance.

Boston and Hailey were a great team playing Scattergories and darts.

Leighton was my partner in Scattegories and quite impressive.

Boston couldn't keep his hands off Baby James (my niece Rebecca's baby).  He would love to have a baby brother.

My only request was to NOT go to Goldfield this trip but as you can see from the pictures, my voice went unheard.  It's not that I dislike the place.  It's just that we have been there at least 6 times and I wanted to explore something new. Oh well, the kids had fun and like I've said before, that's what it's all about.

We ended the evening and our trip in Arizona at Fudrucker's - a great place for a family gathering.  We enjoyed a memorable Thanksgiving and are grateful to all who fed and hung out with us!

Whirlwind Weekend

My parents are crazy!  They drive 18 hours to get here and stay about the same amount of time.  I guess we'll just take what we can get.  It's always fun when grandma and grandpa come.

So much to do in such little time while they're here.  Friday evening we went to dinner and to the movie "Jack and Jill."  The kids loved the movie but it was teetering on the very cheesy side for me.  It was  a twin theme which kept the twins laughing the whole time.  That's fun in itself.

Saturday Eric helped our friends move while grandpa and grandma fixed bikes and got the boys back in the saddle then we hit the ground running with the twins playoff game (across town) and Kennedy's volleyball game, followed by the ward luau.  By the time we got to the luau, the food was all gone (people come out of the woodwork for food) and with blood sugar running low, we picked pizza up for the kids and the adults went to dinner at Famous Dave's Barbecue.  It was nice to be alone with my parents and have adult conversations.

My mom and I also slipped in a little furniture shopping at the consignment store.  Who buys stuff like this?

As the sun went down it got a bit chilly.  Just how football games should be.  I am beyond happy that we are not sweating watching a football game.

Grandma and Grandpa Bateman were troopers too and came to support to the boys.  They have also been to almost every one of Kennedy's games.

The good news - they WON!  Another week of football.  If they keep winning, football will last into January.

Kennedy's team beat the team that whipped them last time, and they won 3 out of 3 matches!  It's fun to see improvement from the entire team.  Sports are such a great way to learn lots of life's lessons.

My mom is a good sport.  She helped Kennedy make cake balls around 10 pm.  My dad, well, he's happy licking the beaters.  Some things never change.

By Sunday afternoon, my parents bid farewell and I took Eric took the airport for his trip to Elko where he'll be working for the week.  It was a whirlwind weekend and over before I hoped it would be.  As I type this my parents are probably still driving back the 18 hours.  Glad it's them and not me.  Ha ha!  Thanks for coming!  We already miss you.

May the Force Be With You

Leighton planned a scout activity for his troop tonight with MAJOR help from Grandpa and Grandma Bateman.  He had the vision and Grandpa took it from there.  He created these amazing light saber's and did a little presentation with Star War's music and all.

Grandma made aebleskiver's for dessert and stole the show.  The kids (and adults) loved them.  Leighton made a speech in the beginning where he thanked everyone that helped him, especially his grandpa, then he took his hat off and said donations could be placed in there to help with college.  Such a comedian. I couldn't get him to hold still long enough to get a picture of just him.  He was beyond excited for this night.  Jackson was very supportive and wrote the welcome on the board.

Leighton brought the video camera to interview Grandpa, the Silver Beaver of Scouting (highest award you can receive).  The twins were honored to have him there and share his achievements and talents.

The whole gang with their Jedi Master and leaders.  So grateful for scouting!