New Year's Resolutions

A couple days ago our family sat down to talk about goals for the new year.  We wanted to let each of the kids set a few personal goals and, as parents, Tara and I wanted to create a few family targets for the year.  Here are some of the highlights:

Family Goals:

1. Run in a 5K together.
2. Go on a family vacation to Canyonlands/Arches National Parks.
3. Start Reading the Book of Mormon together.
4. Update the blog weekly (I already know how long it's been).

Kennedy:

1. Go to AFV and win $100,000.
2. Read the scriptures.
3. Exercise more by riding bike and jogging.

Alex:

1. Get baptized.
2. Run on the treadmill.
3. Go on trips to Park City, Bear Lake, and New Harmony.

Dylan:

1. Limit time playing Wii and watching TV.
2. Eat more apples.
3. Be nice.

We didn't think our talk about goals was sinking in until a few days later when Dylan's teacher sent us a photo of his project at school.  Classic!

TEDx

I present for a living.

Most of the time I present to groups of teachers in a classroom setting.  But I've presented on stage in front of several hundred people.  I won't say I don't get nervous, but I'm used to sharing my ideas with many people present.  So, when I was approached about a presentation for Canyons School District I didn't think much of it.  Then I learned it was a TEDx event.  That changes everything.

If you've never heard of TED - it is a large conference held in California every Spring.  It's a who's who of speakers - former presidents, CEO's, major celebrities.  The conference has gotten so large that they've franchised out their name for groups to create their own startup conferences - TEDx.  This is where I come in.  There's no way to get an invite for the real event, but TEDx is gaining steam in the education world.  Still, this was the first TEDx event for a school district in Utah.

I was as nervous as I've ever been presenting.  Even though I knew what I wanted to say the stakes are definitely raised when you think that TEDx events are recorded and shared as part of the TED YouTube channel.   In the end, I'm so glad I presented.  I don't know if my little talk will change the world, but it helped me feel like I was part of something that's bigger than I am.

Ever since I watched my first TED talk I knew I wanted to participate in someway, shape, or form.  Now I can say - I'm a TED speaker (sort of).

If you want to watch the presentation here it is:

Family Portraits

For the past couple of years Tara and I have avoided doing family pictures.

There isn't a good reason.

Sure, we were waiting for a Groupon or a different deal of the day.

Still - we should have taken our pictures sooner than this.  The last photo shoot was December 2010!

Oh well.  We finally broke down recently and set up an appointment for a Fall morning.

It was more fun than I expected.  The kids were pretty good sports as they posed and smiled for the better part of an hour.  For the first time we used Wheeler Farm as the backdrop for the photos and there are some cool buildings and outdoor shots to be had around the farm.  

My favorite part of the kids' photos are the different approaches they take for their closeup.

Kennedy is such a poser - she loves giving it the all-american girl look.

Alex is all teeth and he kills me with the crossed legs look.

Dylan refuses to smile.  His little smirk is enough to melt your heart and he pulls it off like a champ.

That's enough from me - I know you only want to see the pictures.  Enjoy!

Biker Boy

We've talked with Dylan for quite a while about taking away the training wheels from his bike.  The wheels were so worn that it was impossible to keep them tight on the bike. Like any person with a dependency, Dylan had learned to adapt by putting most of his weight onto one side of his bike.
Still, we knew the wheels day were numbered though so Tara and I bribed, pleaded, and threatened to take the training wheels of the bike.

With Conference weekend upon us - I knew we had a good chance to remove the wheels and practice with Dylan.

At first there were some quick spills.

A few tears.

But then - balance was achieved and Dylan was a bike rider!

Once he figured how to turn it was all over.   It was so cool to see Dylan's new found confidence as he could now keep up with his brother and sister.

Look out world - here comes Big D!

Alex's Big Day

Alex loves his birthday.  He has been so excited to turn 7 and we had a big day planned for him.  Alex is our only child to have a summer birthday, so we usually like to celebrate with outdoor activities.

This year included a very large blow-up bounce house and lots of kids to play on it.  Alex had a fun birthday party, with water balloons, snow cones, cupcakes, ice cream bars, a pinata and lots of fun presents from his friends.

After the party, we figured since we had the bounce house all night, we might as well keep the party going.  So we had neighbors, family and anyone who wanted to jump, come on over.  We played all night on the bounce house!

Alex's party continued on Sunday with a family party with yummy food, a fun skateboard cake and even more presents.  Alex got spoiled with a longboard and a new bike this year.  He loves both but promptly wrecked on his longboard on his first try down the hill.  Luckily he had his helmet on.  I figure he will get better with practice!

 

I can't believe my Alex is 7 years old!  He is already talking about getting baptized next year and is so excited to take that big step.  I am so proud of my little Alex.  He really is such a sweet, nice boy.  Alex loves to cuddle and gives awesome hugs.  He is such a thoughtful boy and is my best kid to help around the house.  He is always willing to help with chores and loves to help his daddy with projects, especially if there are tools involved.

I am so thankful that we were blessed with such a sweet, loving boy!  I love you, Alex!  Happy 7th birthday!