Daddy/Daughter "Fiesta" (Date)

Last Saturday was the annual Stake Daddy/Daughter Date. They always do a fun theme and go all out with it. This year it was a "Fiesta". I did try to find a sombrero for Landon to wear but this time of year they weren't carrying them in any of the stores. Chloe wanted to draw a mustache on him, he wasn't really going for that-so we just made him a quick one. They had lots of fun at the fiesta-played games, danced, made maracas, ate yummy food, and Landon even painted Chloe's nails! So glad they get to do this every year!!! What a fun day for Chloe!

Bryce wanted to try on the mustache ;)

Happy 14th Birthday to Tanner

 Tanner turned 14!!! Can you believe it?! Where has the time gone? He is definitely a teenager and some days I just want to pull my hair out because I feel like all I do is argue with him-haha. Now I regret my mom cursing me that some day I would have kids worse than me-seriously! No, but really he does help me out really well and I couldn't ask for a better big brother. He is so kind and patient with Bryce-they are the best of friends and despite all of his arguing with me and teasing and picking on his little sister I love him to pieces.

We had a small little party with Great Grandma and Aunts/Uncles/Cousins. He got spoiled and got just what he wanted. A new blanket from Great Grandma Marshall. Some money from Aunt Tiffanie and Aunt Shawna. Some money for a new book from Grandma Wendy (I think he has already pre-ordered the book). An I-tunes gift card from Grandma Tawny and Jeff (already all used up on songs and game downloads). And a super cool signed copy of a book from Aunt Sandi and Aunt Mandy (he finished reading it by Sunday night). Everyone knew just what to get him! Bryce thought it was his Birthday because Tanner let him open all of his presents for him.

 And of course per his request-Great Grandma made him a cheesecake. Two actually, 1 to share with everyone and 1 to save for later.

 We let him chose to go out to dinner or to the movies for his birthday. He chose the movies. Great Grandma took Bryce home with her while Landon, Tanner, Chloe, and I went to see the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. The movie was good and we all had a fun time. Tanner has liked the turtles ever since he was a little older than Bryce is now. He is making sure to pass that love onto Bryce. Bryce loves "teetles"; anything that has a turtle on it-he wants!

New Bike

Bryce is always trying to climb up on the older kids bikes and then falling off. He loves it if they will set him on the seat and push him around. A few days ago somebody posted this tricycle on the yard-sale site...and I knew I needed to buy it for him. It is the perfect size and now he has a bike that he can ride without hurting himself. He was beyond excited when he saw it-you can tell from the pictures-look at that cheesy, funny, smile.

Rainy Days

Last week we had several rainy days...it was nice-it cooled things off quite a bit, and gave us some much needed water. Although some homes in the St. George area experienced some flood damage-which wasn't good. Luckily we were fine. The kids loved the rainy days they would play outside in it until they were soaking wet. Even Bryce and Preslie got in on the fun one afternoon when I took them out to let them splash in all the rain water in the ditch. They were a little hesitant at first but then had fun with it. They didn't like the sound of the thunder much though.

Of course after playing in the rain the kids wanted hot chocolate-LOL-yep it was down to 8- degrees instead of 100. You can tell they are definitely from good old hot and sunny St. George.

18 Month Check-Up

 Last week on Wednesday Bryce had his 18 month checkup...the doctor said he is looking good. Tall and Skinny. He is only in the 3 percentile for his weight but is in the 72nd percentile for his weight. He is way ahead on most of his milestones-especially in his language and communication skills. He still doesn't sleep through the night, but seems to be getting better. He still drinks a bottle a lot-he loves milk! So the doctor does want me to cut back on that and get him switched over to a sippy cup.
A few things about Bryce at 18 months...some of his favorite things right now minions, ninja turtles, and sea animals. He has added some fun new words to his vocabulary-turtle, leo, minion, seal, whale, bear, fish. He is fiercely independent and has started climbing on everything-I have to really be on my toes. He loves to read books and watch little you-tube videos on the computer especially if they have minions, turtles, or sea animals in them.

 This is what he does when Chloe tells him to do his cheesy smile-what a ham.

 He couldn't be loved more and we are so glad we have him.

First Day of School

Our cute, getting way to grown up, 5th Grader...

Bryce didn't know what was happening the first few days the kids headed to school but by the third day he wised up and then whenever we dropped them off after that he would start whining and crying. Poor little guy :( He is so happy every day when I tell him it is time to go pick them up.

 Our not so little anymore, getting way to grown up, and definitely a teenager, 9th Grader (Freshman).

 Cute kids-so far they are both loving school and our happy to be back.

Vacation Day 5 (Traveling Home)

After eating breakfast Sunday morning it was time to head for home-yep time to go back to reality.

 We thought our trip home should be a little less time then on the way down because we were a little closer to home at that point-but alas we got off at an exit, for a quick stop, on the State-line of Nevada and which ended up being a mistake. We seriously did not move from one spot for at least two hours as we were trying to get back onto the freeway and we would have sat there even longer if Landon hadn't gotten out of the car, and went and found another route which we took, and were on in just a matter of minutes. It was crazy all of those people were stuck there like that for hours-not because of an accident or anything just cause everyone was trying to get on the freeway and go home at the same time.

Good thing for some pipe-cleaners to keep the kids entertained. Bryce was actually really really good and didn't cry once during our 8 hour drive home.

It was a fun vacation, but we were glad to be home. The kids were super excited about school starting the next day as well so although we were all tired we didn't get to bed any to early that night.