Science Experiment

Winter time can be a pretty boring time for the kids.  With bad weather outside, there wasn't a lot going on for us yesterday.  One good thing about the weekend's storms was it finally cleared out the inversion and we had a "green burn" day.  So we fired up the stove and the kids performed a little science experiment.  Take a look:

Hiking Time

Yesterday we took advantage of our trip to Southern Utah and headed to the red rock.  My dad had mentioned a few short hikes that would be perfect for the kids.  So, we packed up the van and headed to Silver Reef to explore the country.

I knew Alex and Dylan were in for sure when we learned that the first hike we went on was to some dinosaur tracks, fossilized in the rock.  It was awesome.  I can't really remember the name of specific species, but the fossils looked like a large bird.

Since our first trail wasn't very long we continued our trek and headed up the next canyon.  I think our final destination was a waterfall, but we were really just happy to be outside.  The kids played on the rocks, jumped over the streams, and had a total blast. 

In the end we had to call our hike off a bit early due to darkness, but no one cared.  It was great to breathe some fresh air and get outside for a change.

Starry is Back

One of our new traditions is the Elf on the Shelf.  Even though it isn't December 1st yet, the kids couldn't wait for Starry the Elf to make a special appearance.  We told them that Starry had to wait until all the Christmas tree was up and decorated, so they made sure that was our first holiday chore.

After spending the day decorating, we sat down and watched another holiday favorite, Elf.  We absolutely love that movie and I'm sure you can guess which scene is the kids' favorite.  Let's just say when you mix a two liter bottle of Coke and Wil Ferrell there's going to be something funny.  "Did you hear that?"

I guess the kids must have gotten Santa's attention with all the decorating.  Check out who was hanging in the tree when everyone woke up this morning...

The First Day of School

Kennedy was born almost eight years ago.  Since then, I have changed diapers non-stop until this May when Dylan finally decided to potty train.  I have also had a kid at my side without reprieve in those almost eight years.  So the idea that this school year I would have a few hours a week to myself was a little exciting.  All three kids are going to school!  Yes, I will only have a few hours here and there, but it might be kind of nice!

So Kennedy started school first this year.  She is is second grade and has actually been excited to go to school.  As we went to find out who her teacher was and who was in her class, she quickly realized that all of her good friends were in the other class and she was not.  She was pretty disappointed but Kennedy is pretty outgoing, so I wasn't too worried.  She's quick to make friends and I know she will be just fine.  Kennedy's teacher is Miss Waddoups.  She is fairly new to Oakwood, but is a great teacher who likes using technology and is pretty on top of things.  So far, Kennedy loves her and is learning lots of new things.

Alex started next.  He is in Kindergarten this year and was excited to be at Oakwood with his friends.  He really likes his teacher, Mrs. Wray.  She is sweet and caring and does a great job, even with 27 kids in her class.  Alex is making new friends and really likes going to school...most of the time!

So Dylan is finally going to pre-school.  He only goes twice a week, but this gives me a few hours a week to play!  Dylan seems to love school.  He likes his teachers and is doing really well.  I was a little nervous, since Dylan is my stubborn, do whatever I want kid.  But so far, he listens quite well and does what the teachers ask.  His pre-school is at Oakwood so that makes it nice to be all together in the same school.

And those few hours a week that I have to myself...well, I just seem to run around like crazy, trying to get all the errands and chores done before I have to be back at school to pick up the kids.

Photo of the Day

 

 Here comes trouble!

Worth a Thousand Words

We often hear that a picture is worth a thousand words.  A couple of days ago I took a photo of each of our kids and I think these images really illustrate how kids change as they get older.

Dylan, at age 3, is still smiling.  I know he doesn't really want to smile, but he knows that I would like to see him happy in the picture.

Alex, at age 5, doesn't like to get his picture taken anymore.  He will rarely smile and usually gives me his dragon face.

Kennedy, at age 7,  wears a mask and is hoping I don't recognize her.

Looking for some Cache

We decided to pack up the car full of the crew and head out in search of adventure.  It's been an eternity since the kids came along on the hunt.  Truthfully, since I've had a million different projects over the past couple years I haven't done much caching either.  Tonight was a quick run.  We found 5 caches and all the kids got a new toy.  Finished off the evening with an ice cream and everyone had a great time!

Photos of the Day: Valentines Cookies

Photos of the Day: Gingerbread Houses

Holiday Traditions: Old and New

One thing about our family and Christmas - it is a time of traditions.  Some of them are old, like the advent calendars the kids get at the start of December.  They absolutely love getting a new chocolate each day and seeing what shape it will be.  Alex is certainly the most excited about this one.  He woke up extra early today to open the first little door.  The hard part for Alex will be only opening one door each day - he'd grab them all if Tara would let him....

A new tradition at our house this year is the Elf on the Shelf.  A friend suggested we buy the book and doll to get our kids excited about the holidays.  We opened it up tonight and the kids were hooked.  Our little elf is named Starry and everyone loves the idea of finding him each day.  Kennedy made Starry a little stocking for the fireplace and Dylan keeps talking to our new little elf.  The tradition was complete when we watched the Elf on the Shelf holiday special we DVR'd last week.  What a fun new way to have some Christmas joy!

Turkey Day

Our Thanksgiving Day was full of blessings.  We wanted to help the kids understand a little bit more about all the great things we have in our lives so we made a little craft.  We made Thanksgiving turkeys.

Each of the kids wrote down something they were thankful for on a paper feather and we created our gratitude turkeys.  It was a simple reminder of our blessings and a fun way to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.

Fun in the Snow

We had the best time earlier today.  It was the first real snow of the year and we played and played.  The kids couldn't wait to get on their snow clothes and make a snowman.  Even though we didn't make much of a frosty friend, we had a great time rolling and packing the snow.

Kai even got into the mix as our little doggy couldn't get enough of the white stuff.  He chased balls, dug little patches, and ran around like it was the greatest thing ever.  It was awesome to see how excited Kai was to play in the snow.

After a fun day of play we headed inside to get warm, build our first fire of the year, and watch a video.  What a fun snow day....

Halloween: The Day in Photos