Sweethearts dance

Our ward decided to hold a sweethearts dance for Valentines Day and chose an 80's theme. I had fun putting together our ensembles. I found Mike a brand new neon polo shirt from the DI for $2 and bought a skirt for me. Most of my stuff came from Amazon. The kids came and played in the nursery until the end. It was a blast and I made a complete fool of myself. 

Adam's Jr Jazz

Adam's friend Daxton talked him into playing basketball, so he played his first season. He did great! I loved hearing his confidence as he told us he's one of the best players on his team. He learned how to dribble and was a great defensive player. He managed to make some baskets and was always so proud. I love how animated he can be. 

Sarah's Junior Achievement

Sarah had the opportunity to participate in Junior Achievement, which is a nationwide program for 5th graders to teach them about jobs, money management, work ethic and having fun. Each student was assigned a job. Sarah chose to be an administrator with the Jordan School District. I got to volunteer, so I could see her in action. She took her assignment very serious. I volunteered at the Delta Kiosk, and they had a power company, builders, mayors office and even a gas station. It was fun for them and very informative. I love seeing Sarah doing her own thing.

Happy Birthday Dudeous Maximus!

On January 25th Steven turned the big 0-9. Pretty crazy to think that next year he'll be in double digits. We switch off doing friend and family parties and this year is the year of the family.

Steven started out his day with a breakfast of his choice. He wanted things he could pop in his mouth, so he has a bowl of strawberries, cashews, cookie bites and some ice cream and syrup since it was his birthday.

His favorite birthday present was his Yugioh dueling disk, so he could battle his friend Jaxson.  For his party we went to see the Yugioh movie which was SO LONG, but he loved every minute of it. Jaxson came with us even though it technically wasn't a friend birthday year.

On Sunday we had his birthday dinner and party at the Starley's. I really need to get in the habit of taking group photos. I never realize it until I go to blog it. Steven requested chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. It was rich, but delicious.

Steven is such a joy to have around. He's still our early riser and wakes up ready to go the second he's up. He's a sweet big brother and still lets Adam sleep in his room. He is very compassionate and if he feels there's an injustice happening then he makes sure to point it out to us. He continues to be incredibly social. I hear, "Oh I just love Steven", a lot from all of the adults he comes in contact with. He is about 4' 5 1/2 " of pure, super energetic love. He's started reading the Harry Potter series, but his favorite books are the Yugioh dueler books. He likes to listen to Imagine Dragons, Linkin Park and 21 Pilots. (Their clean songs)  We feel grateful daily that we get to be the parents of this awesome kid. We love you Dude!

Starley Fort Making

After an abundant snow storm we had a fun day of fort making. Mike really wanted to build an igloo, so while the kids had fun creating their forts, Mike and I spent our time carefully crafting an architectural masterpiece of epic proportions. I love these days when we can have fun as a family. Next year the igloo with be bigger and in our backyard so the kids can at least nap in it. :)

Steven's day with the class pet

I'll have to ask Steven the name of his class "pet". They all go a chance to take it home for a few days and take pictures of what they did with it. I thought all of Steven's pictures were funny and deserved their own post. He'll be a great actor when he grows up. 

Sledding Fun

I'm trying to play blog catch up. It's May and I'm not doing the "small stuff" from Dec 2016 through now. I love the blog books and want to keep them going, but I get behind sometimes. Working has definitely taken a bite out of my "free time". :)

The last day of 2016 we decided to escape the smog and drive up Parley's Canyon to a golf course. The snow was pretty icy, but the air was perfect once we got out of the pollution. We sledded until the kids were tired. (or us. Either one)

This is the smog we escaped in the valley and what it looked like driving back into it. It's amazing what a little altitude can do for the clean air.

The first week of 2017 we took Amelia to Rosecrest Park and went sledding for a little while. The kids got pretty good at snowboarding on sleds.