Cody's blessing

Cody was blessed on Thanksgiving Day. We were so glad to have both our dads, some wonderful brother-in-laws (Thad & Cord), a great uncle (Kim) a cousin (Mike) and our Bishop here for it.

Hiking/hunting on Flat Top

Jeff took Taylor and Colton hiking on Flattop the other morning. They got up about 5:00 AM and hiked for a couple of hours to get this awesome background. They had a great time and didn't seem to mind the early hour. I sent the camera so they could get some pictures and I guess Jeff thought THREE was sufficient because this is all that came back--LOL.

Mysterious Cameraman

So, lately I've been finding all these pictures on my camera that I didn't remember taking but mostly chalked it up to just being tired and simply not remembering. However, the other day I became very suspicious when I came across several pictures that I was SURE I had not taken. They consisted of a pair of feet, a block on the tile, the top of a head only showing some blond hair, the zipper on a pair of jeans, a piece of black tape on the floor, the can of shaving cream on the counter, a close-up of a nose etc...and then this one...

MYSTERY SOLVED!!!

Halloween 09

We had our little rock star who was not shy at all about singing!!

The other three boys were black karate guys. Austin thought it was great to look like his brothers.

Cody thoroughly enjoyed his first Halloween. He slept the day away and stayed totally konked out all during trick-o-treating. (He and I stayed in the van while Jeff took the kids around.)

Cody Joe

Well, after a long wait, the little squirt finally came. He is the only baby we've had that has come post due date. He also had a long and slow delivery. Maybe that means he will be really easy going and not so high-strung as some of the rest?? (Yes, this is wishful thinking). He is 2 weeks old already and seems to be adjusting to his life as #5. He's already a big part of the family and we can't imagine what it would be like without him now. I'm afraid he does not get much peace and quiet unless the other kids are all in bed. There just always seems to be lots going on. He's a terrific baby and is very good natured. He doesn't cry much and so far just likes to sleep--especially in the day! We are trying to flip-flop his days and nights so mom can get a little more sleep. Some say he looks like Austin but to me he has his own little look and doesn't really resemble anyone in particular. He has a fair amount of fuzzy dark hair and a cute little button nose.
The kids are crazy about him and there is never a shortage of willing hands to hold him.
We are just grateful he's here!

Colton turns 10.

What a fun 10 years it has been with Colton! He sure enjoys life. His birthday was a big success all thanks to the Bionicles added to his collection and a little frog-eye salad. (It really does not take much to make him happy.) He is wonderful, especially when he is NOT teasing his little sister. He LOVES to read and goes through books like there's no tomorrow
He has a 4.0 at school--which amuses me because at home he's generally in Lala land. He likes to live in his imagination. He makes life fun and we surely enjoy him.

Taylor turns 12!!

Here is my little Taylor getting all grown up. It's amazing what a year does for a kid. He's a terrific young man. He actually enjoys being good--something I never thought possible at his age. He has been so busy lately. Scouts/Young Men/Deacon duties/school/ with lots to do on Sunday. He's taken it all in stride and done a great job. He loves YM and being with the older kids. Although there was a dance this past Wed. and he had no interest in going--which was just fine with mom.
He's still in piano and doing really well. (He grumbles when it comes time to practice) but sure seems to enjoy playing when he gets his songs all learned. **Dear aunts and uncles-- any and all encouragement is greatly appreciated!*** He just joined the honor choir and is anxious for basketball to start in another month. He discovered this fall how much he likes football. Jeff is taking him and Colton to an Air Force game this weekend in Colorado Springs and he is really excited.
He has been my number one helper since we had Cody. He is especially good with Austin and keeping him entertained--a huge help. He's is awesome.

Natalia's First Day of School

Sh was pretty excited to finally be able to start school. She loves it and told me the other day she wishes she could go everyday except Sunday because she has to go to primary that day.

Fun in the Sand.

Our sand dunes trip this year. Always a big hit w/ the kiddos, especially when the water is running so nicely!

Catching the big ones.

Jeff and Taylor went fishing yesterday (Labor Day). The rest of us stayed home thinking it would be boring. Alas, we missed out. They caught some real whoppers. A 15 lb carp and some 14 lb pike. You can see from all the smiles how much fun they had. We had a big fish fry last night.