Blue & Gold Creativity and Something Wicked This Way Comes

It's time for the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet again.  This year the Dad's and the boys were given a challenge to make and decorate a cake "all by themselves"  I thought my boys did a great job!

We also got to take Danny & Ryan to see the Broadway play "Wicked" this year.  I was really excited to take Ryan because he had never seen it.  He LOVED it and I am so glad we took the boys.

The "Love" Baby :)

Ryan was due AND born on Valentine's Day and he absolutely loves it!  He turned 10 this year and I cannot believe that my baby is already 10 :(

 All situated for attention and gifts

 Isn't that a cute face?!

 His food of choice was Dad's homemade buffalo wings or "hot wings" as he calls them.  I think from looking at his hands and face that he enjoyed them :)

Things I love about 10 year old Ryan: He is almost always happy.  He seems to just be a happy Spirit.  He has the best attitude about life.  Everything he eats is the best he has every had, every movie is the best he's ever seen, etc.  I would love to have that kind of attitude.  He has a great smile. He LOVES to read.  He seems to be reading constantly.  We are always scrambling to find him something new to read. He is pretty obsessive about whatever he does for long periods of time, i.e. reading, video games, computer, tv shows.  There was a time this year where I think he watched every single Mythbusters there was on Netflix!  He is a great friend and a great little brother.  Brad and I talk about how he is our "dessert" in life!  We enjoy him and love him so very much.

 It was his year for a party.  They had a great time with an obstacle course that Brad and Taylor set up outside.  He also made a killing with money and gift card this year!

 Part of the obstacle course

 Ryan, Jack Raymond, Ryan Lundgreen, Quinn Samms, Hunter Kasprzyk, Connor Bowers, Braedon, Kolton Law

Lest I forget - which I wouldn't - it was also Valentine's Day.  My sweetheart gave me the most beautiful roses.  I love him more every day.  I truly can't imagine my life without Brad.  I don't even know where our separate selves begin and end.  I am so blessed that he loves me.

Generations

Ryan has gotten into geneology!  He called the "expert" - Nana up on the phone and asked if she could come over and help him with his geneology.  She came early for Sunday dinner one day and Ryan was all comfy in his lounging pajamas.  Then the next night for FHE, he gave us an awesome lesson and told us we need to get busy!  I love this guy!

Happy Halloween!

Well, another Halloween has come and gone!  It is really interesting to see how Halloween has changed over the years.  When I was young, we trick-or-treated, but I don't have any pictures of those times.  It seems like the holiday has gotten more "fashionable". It seems like everyone is always saying that Halloween is one of their favorite holidays.  It also seems like adults are waaay into it more than they used to be.  The most disturbing thing to me is that so many girls and women use Halloween as an excuse to not wear much clothing.  Anyway . . . I love the parts of Halloween that are cutesy and "Fall-ish".  It is a fun time if it is done right.

I go to help with Mr. Petrie's 4th Grade Halloween Party.  I was supposed to bring cupcakes.  I found a picture of mummy's online and decided to try them.  They were so fun to make and I think they turned out so cute.  I love them!

Taylor and Alex went to a few different parties and had a great time.  Taylor and Matt dressed as Arabs from some things that Aunt Susie got while she was in Saudi Arabia.  they were awesome costumes, but I guess got pretty hot after dancing for awhile!

Taylor, Diana & Alex . . . cowboy???

Ryan tried to carve a stick man into his pumpkin - because that was what he was going to be for Halloween.  It's hard to see in the light, but turns out better in the dark.  He did a good job!

 Great job Danny!

 Nice glasses Alex!

 Taylor and the Robot

 Ryan the Stickman - isn't it great!

 The Zombie (Quinn) and the Stickman 

 Danana???

 Sorting Candy

Ryan's 4th Grade Program

Last year I wrote to the music teacher at Greenfield Elementary wondering why there was not a program for Ryan's grade.  She said that they only do them every 2 years.  So...this was the year and we were excited!  It was a 4th grade patriotic musical program.  They did great!

 Being led in by Mr. Petrie

 Blurry, but hey - I was far away!

Ryan was awesome!  He did so good and we were very proud of him. :)  The best thing was afterward when everyone clapped.  He ran toward us and said, "Wow - I feel like I'm famous!"  Love you Ryan :)

Pinewood Derby 2011

 This week has really been a full one.  Brad and Ryan spent President's Day making Ryan's Pinewood Derby car.  Ryan really did a lot of the work and he loved it!  He LOVES spending time with his dad and he loves cub scouts.  He finished up his Wolf last month and is now a Bear.

 Here he is with the finished product - The Hotdog Mobile!  Aren't they cute?!

 Ready for the big race . . . can you see the excitement?

 Getting ready to push the button . . . 5-4-3-2-1!!!!!

 Ryan and Quinn

Birthdays & Disney Magic

I always knew that I have the best husband in the world - but gee whiz - he still catches me off guard.  January and into February was one of our worst on record.  I was sick for a whole month.  I had bronchitis and a sinus infection and then Ryan got sick.  He had a high fever and got sicker and sicker.  Four days in, I finally took him to the doctor and he said he had a really bad flu and that we would probably all get it.  This is where I proclaim what a bad mom I am, because I know I am supposed to get flu shots for myself and my children because we have lung issues in our family.  What can I say?  I just never found the time?  I don't know what the reason is, but I didn't do it . . . and can I just say that I will NEVER make that mistake again.  

That very night, Danny and I came down with the flu - on top of my bronchitis I already had.  I was the sickest I can remember being for a long time.  I literally did not move from my bed except to use the bathroom for 4 days.  It was horrible.  Then, poor Brad got sick on Friday night.  So, we all managed to get the flu except for Alex . . . go figure because he always gets sick.

The problem was, I just couldn't seem to kick everything even with antibiotics.  My birthday was coming up on February 5th and Brad started acting weirder and weirder.  Since he is notorious for fabulous birthday surprises, I asked him if he had plans.  He finally broke down and told me that he had been planning a surprise Disney trip since Thanksgiving.  Emily was even gonna fly down and drive over with us and then fly back to SLC from California.  Brad was struggling wondering if he should cancel everything.  With more confidence than I actually felt, I told him that things would be fine and we should just go.  I was surprised and excited, but boy was I worried.

Things turned out a lot better than I had hoped.  I stocked up on my cough meds and my breathing machine and off we went.  I'm embarrassed to admit it, but Brad rented a wheelchair to push me around the park.  I was just too weak and sick to do all the walking that Disneyland required.  Anyway, it was a WONDERFUL surprise and a much needed break in the sunshine for me and my family.  I love my awesome husband more than anything.  He is the best!!!!

 Waiting in line for the Matterhorn

 The longest line the whole time was for Toy Story Arcade.  Ryan got tired of standing :)

 Space Mountain

I LOVE the miniature villages in Storybook land!!

Alex and Danny look thrilled don't they?!

Ryan was so excited to be able to ride everything and to "drive" the Indiana Jones car

I love these kiddos and it sure makes me miss Elder McBride :)