While we were gone

my parents came to watch our kids. They had a blast and the kids didn't notice we were gone until we got back. (But that is a whole different story)

Addy dressed herself in this outfit. I love the pink and red beret. I think it really pulls the whole ensemble together.

Jack wore his pajamas most of the time. A battle that my mom and I both don't think is worth fighting. He wore clothes to church and school but when at home, why not?

Glad to see that life is the same whether we are here or not.

Did you think to pray?

Now that Jack attends Primary as a full-fledged Sunbeam he gets to attend Primary Activities.


He attended his first activity while Ryan and I were on the island.


My mom told me he was given a prayer rock ( a rock that you put on your pillow so that you will remember to say your prayers each night) which made me slightly nervous since Jack has a pretty good arm and I was anticipating broken windows. However, when I got home, I saw that it was a small rock, the size of a quarter, with the letter "P" written on it.



This is what he does with it . . .


He picks it up and hits himself in the head saying, "Uh oh, I forgot something. I need to say a prayer."

And Repeat . . .


And Repeat. . .


I am pretty sure that is not what the Primary Presidency had in mind.

Remeber that time when

I was sitting on the beach drinking virgin strawberry daiquiris ?


I miss that.

Anyone want a play date?

The bounce house is up and ready for friends to come on over.

Pants are optional.


Thank you Grandma Shirlene for the entertainment while we are snowed in.

Can't wait for the next Primary program

Because this new little Sunbeam will be in it!

He reports that he had a great time and that he made an angel out of playdough.
Sounds like a good day in Primary.

Christmas Pajamas: A Story in Pictures

Our tradition is to open new pajamas on Christmas Eve and take a picture in front of the tree. This selections of photographs is a sampling of the fun our kids have while taking pictures. I wish I had taken video because Addy would do this cute little sidestep into Jack and then move right when Ryan took the picture. We were very entertained.

"The stabilizers"

Striking poses

Still fascinated with "Baby Jesus"

The tree is more interesting

sidestepping away

"Behold the babe and my new car"

"Baby Jesus, look at my new car."

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Christmas Photos

to give you the news that this cute little boy eating cookie dough

has been clean and dry, both day and night, for the past 5 days.


And not because he held it for 5 days, which we know he can.


The highlight of my Christmas day was when Jack called from downstairs "Mommy, can I use the potty?" He then walked upstairs, took off his footie pajamas and did the deed. I could not be any happier or more proud.

This is made even sweeter by the long struggle it has been to achieve a life without diapers for Jack. It may have taken some false starts but we are off and flying.