Dallin is 6

I can't believe my baby is 6 years old! Where does the time go? Since Dallin had a big birthday party last year we decided this year would be a family party. Dallin had his heart set on having the exact same backyard birthday party he had last year with hotdogs, chips, watermelon,waterballoons, and trampoline jumping. He wanted every detail to be the same. Last year was fun, but 13 kids (mainly boys) was a lot, and it would have to be bigger this year to include his new preschool buddies. It's been a crazy summer and we just didn't feel up to it. We offered to have in at a gymnastics center, swimming pool, etc, but he still wanted the backyard party. We finally settled for 2 friends (and he negotiated 3) on his very birthday day. Unfortunately it rained all day, but they had a great time and got to play Wii,legos, musical chairs and eat hotdogs and cupcakes. Here he is with his best buddies!

Only in Idaho

Only in Idaho can you find a place like this in the middle of "nowhere". This hidden gem was way out in farm country. It is the most amazing set up on someone's personal property. Everyone had so much fun! I'm already excited about next year! Thanks Grandma!

Dawson didn't slide much, but had fun watching and being the water master.

That's Dave on the zip line.

I think Ernie said this was the funnest she had ever had.

The observers and baby watchers.

Dallin and Taylor.

Summer of Swimming

A big part of our summer this year was swim team. Dallin LOVED it! He did amazing and had such a great attitude the whole time. It was fun to see him work so hard swimming an hour almost every day, and then to see the progress he made. He was able to compete in 2 swim meets, and even won 2 ribbons! He kept saying "I don't even care if I win or loose, I'm just having fun!"

This was taken at his first swim meet. He had a smile on his face the entire time!

Dallin and Logan

He worked hard for these ribbons!

Mother's Day Tea

This year I was invited to a Mother's Day tea at Dallin's preschool. Dallin greeted me with a flower and a hug and wished me a happy mother's day. Then we took a picture together. After that Dallin escorted me to our table, pulled out my chair so we could have some refreshments. He gave me some special presents he had made at school and then all the kids sang us a few songs. Dallin sang so loud and clear and smiled so big I just had to laugh. He's always been such a mommy's boy and I love him so much. It was so fun to spend some special time with him. It's hard to believe how grown up my baby is!




Miss Eddie and Miss Jami with Dallin.

Spring Break in Moab

For months Dave talked endlessly about our upcoming trip to Moab and especially about renting a jeep. He was like a little kid going to Disneyland for the first time. I wasn't quite sure about the whole thing, but I was excited to be going on a real family vacation. I must say that Moab did not disappoint! We had the most fantastic week ever! We hiked in Arches National Park, rented a Jeep one day, a Razor the next and enjoyed a great week with friends and family. The boys were awesome and the only thing we could have wished for was a little more sunshine and a little less wind.

Fun on four wheels

So Moab ROCKS! it was so fun to get out and have an adventure. Although leading up to the trip I was concerned about Debbie and Dallin because of their need stay in control, the Jeeping experience was awesome. To my surprise, Debbie and Dallin actually loved the Jeep, in fact Debbie drove for several hours which was fun. Debbie summarized the Jeep experience the best, "it's like a roller coaster in slow motion!" Without a doubt the jeep day was our favorite. Country music, red rock, and friends for the kids to run around with when we stopped. It was an awesome day!

Starting up Hell's Revenge.

Here's something only Warren was brave enough to attempt!

Dawson didn't even need the motor running to be happy.

Lots of fun with the Havener boys!

The Razor.

Dallin and Payton. Dallin was much more interested in the Carlson's 4 wheeler than the Razor we rented.

Indoor fun in Moab

For the last couple of days my dear friend Jessa and her family joined us in Moab. The end of the week were designated "guy riding" days. So Dave and Damien were off with the guys and Jessa and I stayed at the cabin with the kiddos. By the end of the week it was freezing, and since I had failed to pack jackets for the family (oops!) we were desperately seeking some indoor fun. If you've ever been to Moab then you know that it doesn't offer much in terms of indoor activities. We quickly learned that there are no indoor swimming pools or fast food playgrounds anywhere in town, but luckily there is a very nice bowling alley. Dallin and Kira had a great time bowling, watching movies and playing at the park together. Despite the bad weather It was so fun hanging out with Jessa and staying up way too late talking just like the good old days! As always, Dave had a great time riding with the guys. It was an awesome trip and we can't wait till next year!!









Dallin and Kira having a great time



Even Dawson got to do a little bowling

Jessa and smiley Keeley

Dawson all tuckered out on our last day in Moab

No Dawson Allowed!

As we were packing up the car for spring break, Dallin was sitting at the kitchen table making this sign for his bedroom door. He didn't ask for help at all. Can you figure out what it says? No Dawson allowed. Not bad for a preshooler! As you can see, he loves to draw stars.

A new look!

Here they are! They boys were just plain giddy after our little outing to "the hair cut store. "Dallin was thrilled to get his haircut so he could have spikes like his friends at school. Dawson was happy to get his first "official hair cut" with his big brother. I just can't get over how grown up they look!

No Fear!

The boys got out all the blankets and pillows they could find to make a bed on the stair landing. They actually wanted to sleep there, but settled for a little jumping action!

The first part is the funniest, but for some reason when it downloaded I got the whole clip.

Feeling Domestic Again

I suppose spending 2 weeks home with a sick child brought me to this point. I was going crazy without the gym and the adult contact I crave. Out of desperation for some sense of accomplishment, I finally made the window treatments I've been wanting to make for six months (yes, the fabric has been tucked away in my closet since July).

So it took me six months to think about it and two days to make them! Since completing my project I've wanted more! Now my new kick is cooking with dry beans and whole wheat (I'm getting a wheat grinder with my christmas $). This weekend I made refried beans from scratch and black beans (my fav) and today I baked some delicious and easy whole wheat bread. Thanks Ashley and Jamie for the great reicpes!

I just have to add that I've always enjoyed the whole domestic thing, but with a toddler .......well, just look at the last two posts and you'll understand.

Gotcha!

This is what's left of our FHE treats for tonight!

Dallin came home from church yesterday very excited about what he'd learned about in class. He wanted to learn more for Family Home Evening. I had been downstairs on the computer looking up a story for our lesson for just a few minutes........I guess a few minutes is all it takes!