Just Going to the Dentist

The kiddos brought home the book "Just Going to the Dentist" from preschool about a month ago, and since, we've read that book close to fifty times. The kids almost know it by heart now and will show off by "reading" it to us. The timing seemed fitting for Sophie's first trip to see Dr. Hansen. You'd think she would have been unsure and a little scared, but as usual I was wrong. She talked the receptionist's ear off, while I got my teeth cleaned, and when it was her turn she happily took her place in the chair and let the hygienist do the whole cleaning, without a complaint. She even got to pick her toothpaste flavor, cherry of course. Dr. Hansen did his exam and all was well, she has all the teeth should and no cavities. She was quite the proud girl, showing off her polished teeth and her new Cinderella toothbrush and floss. Now I can't get her to stop flossing her teeth...I wish I could pick up on that routine:)

Arches

Last weekend we made our first official visit to Arches in Moab. We were so excited to enjoy some sunny 60 degree weather in the middle of March and be outside for a few days. We got to go with some of our favorite people, Cameron, Kamie, & Riah! The first day we ate dinner at a local park and let the kids run off some steam. The winters get a little long around here and the kids had been cooped up long enough. The park trip was a total success and served to wear the kiddos out before our night at the Apache Motel:) It was quite a funny night and the babies made it interesting, but it wasn't as bad as any of us thought, and we made it through at least somewhat well rested.

After a quick stop at Denny's, we hit Arches, and I must say, it was a total success. The hikes were easy enough for all the kiddos to handle and the scenery was amazing. So many rocks to hide in and crawl through and enough sand to entertain for hours. I hope that the kiddos grow up appreciating the "great outdoors" and that this continues to be a favorite family activity. In a recent talk by Sister Elaine Dalton at a YW training I went to, she said that the closest place you can find to the temple is being in nature, and I completely agree. Everything seems in harmony and at peace, and how could you not love that feeling!?! Thanks Cameron, Kamie, & Riah for having us come along...it was well worth the craziness:)

Balancing Rock

Windows

Double Arch

The Best Surprise

I really can't say enough about my friend Erica and her sweet family. We have known them since we first moved into our house over six years ago. We have gone through a lot of similar life changes together and have remained close through kids, jobs, school, and moves. She is one of the most selfless people I know, and we are blessed to know her and her family. Erica loves to plan parties, and in preparation for my 30th birthday, she was at it again. She and her family secretly came into town (all the way from California, which is about 11 hours away), coordinated it so my mom could fly in, and arranged an elaborate surprise party. I am definitely not a surprise party kind of person and it pretty much gave me a heart attack, but I'll endure anything if I get to have my BFF and mom with me.

The kids were on cloud nine, they were reunited with their friends. It was a whirlwind 24 hours, and the kids made the best of it. They all get along so well and always pick right back up where they left off. It's so fun watching them together. They each have a buddy that is around their same age, which works out great.

The big kids played board games...

the middles played dolls...

and the babies kept us entertained:)

We love you Broughton family!

Born To Be Wild!

Jack Jack is now 15 almost 16 months and is growing and learning everyday. He is quite a Momma 's boy but is starting to venture out and play with his siblings, giving Momma a little break sometimes. He loves climbing, chopping on crayons, whacking his siblings with toys, and jabbering whenever he can. He has definitely become very active and is quicker than me and his siblings most days. He always seems to have a bump or scrape, mostly due to his fearless nature. He always wants to be doing what brother and sister are doing, even if he's still just a little young. I caught them all dancing on the coffee table the other day, and Jacker was right in the middle. He has started saying a few words (Mama, Da, hi, hello, ball, cracker, uh-oh, oh wow, and a few others) and is starting to follow simple commands (let's go take a bath, go give this to Kaden, go find your paci, etc). It's fun to see him grow and change, but it's sad to see my little baby slipping away. Don't grow too fast Jacker!!!

Look of the day courtesy of Daddy...Sophie's shades & paci

Just cruisin' with my Darth cape and paci

Once There Was A Snowman

Our wonderful friends and neighbors, the Goldings, made the kids this adorable snowman kit for Christmas, and all we had to do was just wait for some snow to fall, and finally it did!

Tada! Snowman Bob, courtesy of Kaden and Sophie (mostly Kaden, Sophie is kind of a whimp when it comes to playing in the snow, but she claimed it anyway). He was quite the source of pride until his head rolled off a few days later.

Everything is Better in Texas!

A few days post Christmas, we hopped in the good ole family van and headed south to visit with our wonderful Texas family. The drive down was a little more exciting than we'd like, given that Jack decided to throw up three times on the first night's drive. We had to stop a little early due to our pitiful little babe, but after a good nights sleep (and a thankfully after we had a load of laundry done), we continued our drive and finally made it to Texas. As always we had many fun adventures, ate some pretty amazing food, and had lots of wonderful family time. And then, in a blink, the time was gone, and we headed back to Utah, grateful to be back in our home, but sad to leave our Texas family. So long till next time Texas, we sure do love you:)

Fort Worth Zoo

Cousin time at Chick Fil A

Ice Skating

A Little Belated XMas Spirit

It took us awhile to share our Christmas festivities, but we couldn't overlook them, because they were oh so wonderful. We had a fun filled Christmas Eve, and it started with the traditional opening of PJs. We then headed over to Grandma & Grandpa Tingey's for our first ever live nativity, which despite chaos at times (five grandkids 5 and under!!!), was definitely a success, and it will be fun to see how it changes each year as the kids get older and more grandkids enter the picture.

The kids woke up on Christmas morning to the excitement of the cookies having been eaten and the carrots chewed to pieces and of course to presents. They were thrilled at what Santa had brought and we had a great, relaxing morning opening and playing with presents. Daddy made a yummy pancake breakfast, and we were able to enjoy a great Christmas program at church.

After church we headed back to Grandma & Grandpa Tingey's to celebrate Christmas with our family. The kids had a blast opening presents and playing with cousins.

What a wonderful holiday season, and a wonderful end to 2011. This year we feel truly blessed for all that our Heavenly Father has done for us. We are grateful for our Savior and marvel at his birth and life. As we enter 2012, we couldn't be happier as a family and wish the same for all our family and friends.