Calvin's Party, I mean celebration

Friday night Calvin had 3 friends over, Andrew, Cole and Austin, to celebrate his birthday. He had a great time! They played Spore, basketball, ate pizza, went to see Kung Fu Panda at the dollar show and had cookie cake and ice cream. What a party! Calvin has been very blessed to make some great friends already. These boys will be friends for a long time! Happy Birthday Calvin!

Why we love Utah...Fall!

Last weekend we drove the Alpine Loop from Prove Canyon to American Fork Canyon. It was so beautiful I could hardly contain myself. I was like a kid at Christmas! The pictures speak for themselves but don't you love Fall! Grandpa Nicol rented a cool blue convertible. Eric of course, was in the front seat driving, like he was 16 again, and the kids piled in the back. Of course that meant Grandma had to ride in the Armada with me and Chloe. It worked out well until we were at the top of the mountain and Chloe decide she was hungry. There were many minutes of crying until we found a wonderful parking lot over looking the gorgeous mountain valley with it's explosion of colors! Needless to say Chloe couldn't have gotten a more beautiful eating spot, not that she could enjoy it, but Mom did! We enjoyed the peaceful drive home and were once again reminded how kind Heavenly Father is to allow us to enjoy his beautiful creations. We love Fall!

Calvin's a Tenderfoot, no a Second Class, no a First Class

Calvin had his Court of Review Sunday, the 28th, and then had his Court of Honor, yesterday, the 5th. He completed all the requirements for his Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st class. At his Board of Review they asked him his goals in achieving his Eagle. He told them he wants to get it by the time he is 15. They were so impressed with what he had accomplished so far and how well he answered the questions that they told him him could accomplish it by the time he was 13! Calvin said confidently, "Why don't we say 14 and that way I am not pressured and if I get it before I turn 14, great!" That's my boy, no pressure! I love this kid! He sure loves scouts and his Scoutmaster rocks! They have a campout once a month, even in the snow! Calvin can hardly wait for that campout! We are so pleased that Calvin loves to achieve these awards and we know that Papa Great and G'ma couldn't be prouder! Way to go 1st Class Scout!

Chloe- Working with Dad

Chloe loves to work with Dad! She smiles at him really big and he'll do about anything for her. We thought she was so big so we put her in the recliner next to Eric and as you can see our "big" and most poeple's "big" are completely different. We love our little peanut!

Cousin Ryan and Chloe

Nicole Elmer came into town a couple of weekends ago and she stopped by to say "Hi." We hadn't seen Ryan yet, so my kids were loving holding her. She is so darling and she loved her cousins right away. Calvin, Corbyn and Kenzie all held her and even though it was almost 9:00pm she didn't seem to mind. She loved Chloe. I guess she was fascinated with another baby. We loved spending time with both her and Nicole and can't wait until Thanksgiving to see you all again!

What a Wonderful & Blessed Day

Sunday Sept 28th, Calvin received his Faith in God Award and received the Aaronic Priesthood. We were all excited, especially Corbyn, because he will now pass the sacrament. We were so blessed to have both sets of Grandparents come from Texas and the Bishop told Calvin how lucky he was to have such a supportive family. I have to agree! Without both of our parents being great examples and encouraging us to do what is right, we wouldn't be here now to teach Calvin and be apart of this wonderful day. The spirit was so strong in the room as the Bishop talked about what a great young man Calvin was and how he was worthy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. I was fighting the tears the whole time but as he was ordained they finally won. He is a good boy and I love that he has kept himself worthy to follow in his Dad's footsteps. He loves his Savior and takes his responsiblity with humility and reference. It is so fun to see all sides of your children as they grow up. He also had an opportunity on Saturday to not only attend his first General Conference Priesthood Meeting with his Dad, but G'pa and G'ma got them tickets in the conference center, where they could actually see the prophet and the apostles! What a great experience to have! We love you Calvin!

More Birthday Fun!

The kids were told this year we were not going to have a party but they could invite a few friends over to celebrate. Corbyn had hers on Friday the 26th, and she had 3 friends: Jordan, Kate and Joslin over. They came and played after school, then we went and saw "Space Chimps" at the dollar show, then we got pizza and played at the "cool" park and had cake. Some "non-party!" At least I didn't do goodie bags, oh right I did those for her class of 25 kids! What a money saver this birthday was.( as Aaron would say: insert sarcasasm here!) Corbyn kept saying, "Mom, for my party, I mean for when my friends come over..." Yeah who is in charge here? Obviously once again, not me! It was a loud, emotional, and giggly good time. I guess it could be worse Karen, we could have triplet girls! :) The kids had a blast and it was the end to a great day when we enjoyed the sunset at the park. You can't beat a Utah sunset especially when you can see the Timpanogas Temple glowing in the valley below as the sky turns dark. The girls kept saying how beautiful it was, and I agreed. What a way to end the day!