Zoo Fun

** As I attempt to get caught up on my blog, I wanted to start with the newest stuff. It's just more fun that way. Please bear with me...


Last week my sister Heather and I went to the zoo with the kiddos, and Jeff came too since he is on a permanent vacation from his job. It was overcast all morning, with a few scattered raindrops, which kept things cooler. By the time we left it was blazing hot though. The kids loved seeing the elephants and giraffes. We actually went to the Bird Show- a first for us after 10+ years visiting the Hogle Zoo. It was a big hit with the kids and adults. Abram's favorite thing was riding in the stroller. Ryan was so good and even fell asleep on Jeff's shoulder for a little nap after our picnic lunch. And of course we had to ride the train before we left- a number 1 thing on Abram and Katelyn's list.


The traditional "hatching in the egg" picture. I can't believe that they all fit in it! These days are definitely numbered.

The zoo gimmick this time was "Zoorassic Park." There were animatronic dinosaurs scattered about. Most of them were pretty realistic. These are some of the ones we found. Ethan loved it!

And some more fun pics- just because.

After the zoo Heather came over to our house to have dinner and hang out for a while. I caught this cute picture of our boys playing together on the floor. Ryan is older than Jeremiah by three months, but they are already the same size!

Red, White and Blue

This year, we were able to celebrate America's Independence over an entire weekend.

Saturday morning started out with the Freedom Festival's Balloon Fest. Some of this year's favorites included the pink piggy (Katelyn), Darth Vader (Ethan & Dad), Coke Bottle (Erin), and mom liked the fact that they launched this year! It was a longer drive to get there this year, but definitely worth it. We might be sucked in for life now that we actually saw them all take off! After the balloons, we headed over for a pancake breakfast put on by the Sidewalk of Fire Committee.

Later that evening we participated in some neighborhood firework fun. Jeff also added some additional excitement by launching rockets, taffy, and glow sticks with his launcher. The kids had a blast and it was great getting to know some of our new neighbors better.

Monday was the actual 4th of July. We went to the Petersen family BBQ late in the afternoon. Our kids loved running amok with their cousins while the adults conversed. After filling our tummies, we headed over for the 7th annual Sidewalk of Fire. It is the best neighborhood show around. Jeff and I served on the committee again this year. Activities included a street carnival with games, face painting, fish ponds, and eating contests. Then came the rocket and taffy launching. Afterwards was the children's parade. (All this was accompanied by the best DJ SWofF has ever seen!) At dark the real show began. It was more spectacular than ever, partially due to the new Utah law allowing aerial fireworks. Even the rain couldn't dampen our spirits. By the time we got home all tired bodies climbed into bed. It was a great evening!

I didn't get my camera out for the Sidewalk of Fire- Shame on me! Somewhere between 4 kids, the rain, and all the fun I just forgot. But Jeff did manage to catch the girls face painted cheeks with his Ipod. Yea dad!





Katelyn

Erin

Yes

Just a quick note to say that we are alive. We moved to our new house over the weekend. The kitchen is unpacked, but there is still much to do. Beds are set up and made, toys are everywhere, but we are happy. The kids are on summer vacation. We are trying to adjust to that as well as getting settled. We have a new phone number which I keep meaning to email out, but haven't done yet. So send me a comment or email if you would like it sooner than I get to it.

I am way behind on blogging. Someday I hope to get caught up. Someday.

Posts to look forward to:
Easter
Erin's 8th Birthday and Baptism
Jeff's 36th Birthday
Katelyn's Sleep Study and Diagnosis
Grandma's Funeral
Ryan's 8 month update
The Move
Ethan's 11th Birthday

Movin' on Up

To the East side- of the neighborhood. So we are officially no longer homeowners. We accepted an offer on our home, and 9 days later we are closed and moved out. (Of course that week included Spring Break for 5 days, an 8th birthday, medical consultations, and lots of phone calls and packing.) It has been a crazy, stressful, and exhausting week, but we made it! We are currently abiding in a rental until we can find a suitable home to purchase. We have the same home phone number which will be hooked back up in a few days. We are anxious to start the search for our "real" house and hope to make that move in the next few months.

Ryan- 6 months

Ryan turned 6 months old a few weeks ago. Here are the stats from his doctor's appointment:

Height- 27 inches (69 %tile)

Weight- 17 lbs. 2 oz. (41 %tile)

Head Circumference- 16.5 inches (8 %tile)

Ryan is the most happy baby I have ever had. He really is a great baby. Still a good night sleeper and getting better at his nap taking. In the last month he has learned to roll from back to front. In the last few days he has become a rolling champion. He will roll both ways and can maneuver to reach toys on his tummy. He has been introduced to rice cereal. He is slowly tolerating it. He likes to blow raspberries right when I get a full spoon up to his mouth, thereby making a lovely mess of himself and me. He is enjoying playing in the bouncy car. He is very smiley, and loves to giggle especially for his older brother Ethan. I can tell that he wants to be bigger than he is. I think that he will be an early mover, crawler, walker so he can keep up with everyone else. Trying out the highchair for the first time. 3-30-2011

Ryan's new squishy nose face. Perfected at Grandma's Easter Egg Hunt. 4-2-2011

Trying rice cereal for the first time. 4-3-2011

Playing in the bouncy car. 4-7-2011

What's Up?

Yeah. Some days I feel completely overwhelmed, and then like nothing is happening at all. But lately...

We put our house back up for sale. Anyone interested in a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom awesome townhouse? We love it here, but are in desperate need of a garage, yard, and shorter commute for Jeff. Trying to keep a house clean that 6 people LIVE in is not making me very happy at the moment.

I took Katelyn back up to Primary Children's for another appointment with the neurologists. They didn't have any new answers for me, but we are going to see a more specialized neuromuscular neurologist. Problem- booked out until July. Why? We will also be going to get a sleep study done on K, hopefully sooner than July. This will help to figure out some of her wacky sleep issues and decide on a tonsillectomy (or not?) for sure.

I'm headed to Kentucky this weekend for a surprise visit for my mom's 60th birthday. She has no clue. It is going to be so fun. My sisters and oldest brother are also coming. Ryan is coming along too. Jeff is the best husband ever and is staying home with the older three for four days. More on that when I get back.

I got to go to maturation with Ethan at school. They told him all about his body changes that will happen. Coach did a great job, despite all the giggly 5th grade boys. Ethan already knew it all. When Ryan is old enough I think Jeff will get to go with him.

When I got back from maturation I had two hours to get the house ready for a showing, all while trying to keep a little, tired boy happy and trying to pack for my trip. I'm ready for a vacation.

Kentucky here I come!

Arrow of Light

Ethan earned his Arrow of Light at pack meeting a few days ago. Way to go Ethan! He still has two months until he moves on to the Boy Scouts and has a goal to earn all 20 Webelos badges by then. We are so proud of Ethan and grateful to have him in our family. He is a hard worker, a great big brother, and he will still give me hugs and cuddles. It is hard for me to believe that he is almost 11. Time passes so quickly. In the pictures: Ethan earned his award the same night as his best friend Trey. Ethan and his awesome cubmaster Lana Dansie. A picture with mom and dad. Special presenter Bruce Jensen made the ceremony very special. Ethan pinning the mother's pin on his momma.