Checking in

We've had a bit of a rough month with sickness with the stomach flu and lately the nasty cold/cough that's been going around. Nothing too tramatic but I usually read everyone's blogs then crash into bed. I'm almost finished with Christmas shopping (anyone who knows about Utah's weather today: I was out in it and shopping!!) so my mornings should be free again.

Discovery Kingdom

We had an awesome trip to CA last month and already the kids are begging to go back. I think I'd like to make it an annual tradition. We went to the Discovery Kingdom (Marine World Africa USA as it was called back in the day). Since I was pregnant and the kids are still little we mostly stuck with the animals and the kiddie rides. Our first stop was the tanks of dolphins. A little known secret: take a comb with you and slowly scratch the teeth with your nail against the glass. The dolphins LOVE it and hang around to check it out.

The Shark Tunnel: The boys disappeared and I found them taking another turn on their backs looking up at the sharks. The people around them thought that was definitely the best view!
Brenna added her fair share of finger prints to the glass.
Tiger going after meat in water.

Butterfly Land:
Brenna LOVED this place and was checking out all the butterflies that were overhead. . . so was Grandma. =)

Grandma and Grandpa Thompson with grand kids

Me and Brenna

Kevin is such a ham and was blowing kisses and waving to the crowd. Jeff first tried this ride with the boys but was so heavy the helicopter wouldn't go up! haha so the ride attendant let the boys have another turn without getting in line again. This is called the "I've had it and want to get out of here" face. Brenna was such a trooper since she didn't get to nap this day.

Robin's Wedding

So here am I in all my pregnant glory with almost 3 months left to go. Within the month people will start wondering if I've past my due date. I went to my friend Robin's wedding here in Orem. She's from my home ward and they'll be living nearby.

Make-a-Wish 1 Mile Run

They had a mile run at the elementary school for a girl dealing with brain cancer. It was really fun to have the WHOLE family involved!

Uncle TJ playing leap frog with the kids while waiting for the race to start.

We all had numbers, even the kids! Here's Jeff and Brenna showing theirs.

Since I forgot to pack a stroller for Brenna, she had a first class ride on Jeff's shoulders. He ran with her the whole way. What was so funny was that she didn't try to hold on to him and just let her arms bounce and flap during the run. I had to stop looking at them or I would laugh so hard I couldn't run. And of course Brenna sported the serious look the entire run.

Here's our group: Nana,Papa,and their 4 kids with their families. 14 1/2 in all! (Cousin John was there and took our pic)

Me and the girl(s)?? After the run I thought I had put myself in labor. Ryan ran the whole thing and finished 1st in our group and Kevin was a sport and ran/walk/was carried for it.

Halloween Part 1

We had a Halloween party at Jamie's house (sister-in-law) that was so much fun. Kevin - cowboy, Ryan - pirate, me - black widow, Brenna - cat. Jeff was a scout and actually had to go to scouts that night so missed out on the party.

Happy Halloween! Part 2

Here's Brenna in my cat costume. Face paint compliments of Ryan.


Here's Brenna with "her" stash. Just don't tell her it's mostly her brothers' candy.


Ryan and Kevin didn't want to wear their costumes on Halloween. Kevin went for last years Rooster and Ryan was into a scary vampire/stuntman. Did anyone else have problems keeping their kids in the same costumes?

Dr. Seuss play

Nana took the grandkids to see Seusical the Musical. Very fun and we had front row seats which gave Kevin a great view. We had celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving over at the Bitters where Kevin had his fingers smashed in a door. During intermission one of the stage hands threw out a few clovers into the audience and Kevin got one. He was so excited and forgot about his smashed hand and slept with it that night.

Did you all know that the clover that Horton the elephant holds has the tiny city Whoville on it? Sure, but did you know that it is one and the same Whoville with the GRINCH? I had never put those two places together! (Horton Hears a Who and Grinch Who Stole Christmas for those who need a refresher)

More Costco Tales...

I was at Costco last Saturday with Ryan. I always end my shopping spree there with "Ok, gotta get outta here before I buy anything else."

Then at the checkout we saw a man in his 40's with a loading cart FILLED with food. 9 cases of tomatos, 6 boxes of cereals, sugers, flours, oils, 4 cases of olives, etc. I pointed him out to Ryan and asked why he thought he had so much food. (I was expecting a nice little conversation on food storage or such.)

Ryan replies: "Oh he didn't get out of Costco fast enough."

On a side note, some other guy teased the man about his food asking if he had some insider info about the second coming. To which the man replied VERY seriously, "No, I just have a very large family." I then thought of my friend Glory and her family of 13 kids and what their grocery trips must have been like. =)

Out to Cali

Yay, we are doing a short trip back home before things get too hectic with the Holidays. I'll post lots of pics when we get back. Have a great weekend and wish us luck on the 12 hour drive with 3 kids!!!

New camera from.....Costco

Like where else would we ever buy anything, right? Here's some pics of us trying it out right in Costco while we eat some lunch.

SYTYCD

Also known as "So You Think You Can Dance" Our small claim to fame is that Chelsea Hightower is not only from Utah but also our ward!! Jeff was her Sunday school teacher and likes to think he taught her everything about dance. =) We were so proud that she made it as far as she did in the competition.
We had a girls night out plus Kyle =) and went to the show in SLC. We were on the floor with pretty good seats. But, man, I must be getting old cause the music was too loud for me!

Friends Forever

Here's a pic of me, Roxy and Ciara (my sis) at Roxy's baby shower. We've known Roxy and her family our whole life back to when we were growing up in CA. Our moms were friends even before they got married!
Roxy is pregnant with triplets and due Dec 23! Merry Christmas to them!

Happy .... Halo?

Kevin and I were shopping at Costco in between conference session (bad idea by the way, everyone was there) and saw this guy. He was no employee since he was tagging along with his wife and a shopping cart. Kevin was so excited that I got him to pose for a picture.

The really funny thing was watching all the MEN checking the costume out.

Just when you think the messes are done ...

Ryan has done really well and not gotten into things for a LONG time. I thought we were past all the crazy messes when I found this.
He said that he just wanted to see if he could take it all down. I guess I needed to reorganize the panty. I wouldn't tell him this, but I was really impressed that he pulled the glass platters down from the TOP shelf without breaking anything. Hopefully Ryan just needed one last hurrah as a 5 year old. =)

Hand-Me-Downs

Here's Brenna in a darling hat and sweater combo that I WORE AT HER AGE!!
It was freezing outside at a cousin's birthday party but I squeeked a smile out of her. Now I just need a picture of me in this outfit, Mom, and we can do some comparing. =)

Why no dessert

To finish up the story of my bad little boys: see here

I like to think of myself as a dessert moderate. Sure, little Ryan had no idea what a doughnut was at the age of 4. When he had one at a party he referred to them as "tasty bagels." But we are at least no stranger to ice cream and the occasional cookies or cake. While we do not have dessert every night, it graces our counter quite often. I feel (hope) that if my kids are around treats with moderation it will not be such an obsession with them later.

So you can imagine my surprise when one afternoon I notice Ryan's cheek is smeared with something chocolaty. When confronted he pointed to the side of the couch. There between the wall and the couch (of course the perfect little hiding spot) are not one but TWO melted creamies! The chocolate was half gone and still in a somewhat solid state while the ORANGE creamie was a nice little melted pool of food coloring and sugar.

As I pulled back the couch to get in a better angle to attack the mess, I discovered the treasure trove of all troves. There is a nice little run-way along the back of our couch and wall that is perfect size for 2 little boys. I was aware that they would play back there but had no idea of the vastness of their shenanigans.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear but the remains, nay, the evidence of naughtiness. There were no less than the wrappers of 12 creamies, 6 string cheeses, a few pudding cups, and fruit snack wrappers!!!! Besides the garbage there was ice cream and pudding splattered on the carpet, back of the couch and the wall. I was shocked that my boys could be so sneaky, so devious, so quiet! And then I realized ... the box of creamies HAD emptied more quickly than normal, and the boys HAD been picking at their meals, and they HAD been spending more time behind the couch lately.

While I might have spoken a bit hastily the words "No dessert for a MONTH" came out. I was so upset that they had 1. taken food in the living room 2. sneaked food without permission and 3. made such a huge mess all over the carpet. Later I felt bad about the month comment but knew I had to stick to my guns after sentencing them, or I'd get wheedled down to a day. I consoled myself that it wouldn't be too bad for them since the holidays were a ways a way. And then 3 days later it was Brenna's b-day. =( Hence the frozen Yoplaits for the celebration while the rest of us had cake and ice cream.

Yes, I think the punishment was a bit strong, especially for their age. And it was hard when we went to Sunday dinners at the grandparents and all the other cousins got dessert. But the asking lessened considerably after the first week. And now when I make my check behind the couch (which is much more often now) Ryan is quick to assure me that there is nothing back there cause he doesn't want "to miss dessert for that long ever again!" And Kevin nods his head. Sure made the impression!

Ultrasound

I've had a lot of questions about this and yes we've had it last week. We told the technician that we didn't want to find out what we were having. But Jeff and I feel pretty seasoned after 3 other ultrasounds and might have seen something ...
So "officially" we don't know what we are having, but Jeff is pretty sure it's a boy and I"m still holding out for a girl.
The importatnt thing is that the baby is healthy and has all the required parts. It's always such a miracle to me to have a healthy baby when there are so many parts growing and forming.

Happy Birthday, Brenna - 1 year!

August 1 (she was born on her due date)
Brenna was far from shy or dainty when it was cake time. She was in it with both hands and loving it. Grandma Bitter made her a doll cake from angel food. I made an ice cream carmel dessert for the grownups. After the parties for the boys (see below) I took it easy for her party.


Notice my darling boys with their delicious . . . yogurt??? Yes, they were not allowed to have any dessert for a few weeks; not even for the party. Gasp!! But that is another story...

Pirate Party

Ryan really wanted a pirate birthday party and I had seen a great cake on Christy's website that gave me some ideas. We had a treasure hunt, a gold coin search, face painting, and they made their pirate hats. It was more work than I have ever put into a party but it was so fun to see the kids get excited.
Plus I'm am pretty proud of my cakes. I know they don't touch yours, Loralee, but they're about as fancy as they'll get for me



I used Charleston Chews for the fish in the water and rolos,whoppers, and chews on the ships. Notice the 5 candles in the "oars" and the blue happy birthday wrapping paper for the water? Grandma Bitter picked that out.



Pirate Brenna with a little feather



Captain Ryan

Happy Birthday, Ryan - 5!!

OK, so you're seeing the trend. =) May 29 Here is Ryan, bright and early on his birthday morning. We've decided to start the tradition of breakfast in bed with a small gift on their birthdays. (Kevin missed out this year since we hadn't started it yet, whoops, but he was oblivious to it.) Ryan was really surprised since we had never done that before. I just love this kid!

Happy Birthday Kevin - 3!

Ok so his birthday was April 27 but I finally got the pictures off our now dead camera so I thought I better start updating.

We had a "Cars" themed party since it was Kevin's favorite movie. He was a cutie and had a great time. I love that his smiles are still so genuine! I've started attempting to actually make the cakes so that's been interesting. hehe

Nighttime surprise!

I had sat down and was looking over all of your blogs and loving 'em. In walks Ryan. It's almost 11 and I'm used to the kids waking up at night and they always seem drawn to use the bathroom with the light on. Hence my room/bathroom was the target. He walks by and I think nothing more. Then I realize that the sound of peeing was very loud. Jeff is on the other computer and gets my attention. We look over at Ryan and instead of making it into our commode room he had pulled out the bottom drawer in our bathroom and was peeing in it!! And boy did he go! Jeff and I were laughing so hard that I didn't get to Ryan before he finished.
Poor Ryan was still asleep and quite confused so I just sent him back to bed and cleaned up. Luckily the bottom drawer was filled with bottles and items that rinse off. haha

One more story on Ryan. We've talked about gravity and planets in the past. We've also talked about listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Yes, 2 very distinct topics.

Ryan says "Mom, how do we get the things from Jesus?"

Me: "What things?"

Ryan: "The things that Jesus wants us to know and has the Holy Ghost tell us."

Me: "Oh yeah, when the Holy Ghost is whispering to us?"

Ryan: "Yeah. Oh I know, He uses gravity! The things he needs to tell us can fall down to us with gravity."

haha I just love how he tries to put things together

Why does unpacking take so long!

So, we've back over 2 weeks now and i'm still not all unpacked. The garage has boxes everywhere, mostly filled with stuff that I think "where did I have this before and do I really have to bring it back in." My mom's been up here for a few weeks and she's helped play with the kids while I try to finish. She left today wondering if anything really got done. Everyday we clean out 10 boxes and the next morning I pulled in 10 more.

We finally got an awning put over out back yard which has been nice for the kids. It was too hot before because it's all cemented and just cooked anyone outside. We were borrowing a shed from Jeff's parents that we kept in the back but emptied that out so the kids would have more room to play. So now we have Christmas, Halloween, and camping all over the family room and I really wonder how I'm going to get the house back in order.

And to top it all off, I get to deal with morning sickness. Yes, you heard right. Our fun, little, SURPRISE is due Feb 7 2009.
You know it's bad when you go in for your first 10 week exam and the nurse is just laughing at you when you have a 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a 10 month old. So I will officially be one of THOSE moms with kids 18 months apart. I now know why Heavenly Father sent me an easy baby like Brenna, or I would be in danger of losing my mind. Course, I just need to wait for her to be 18 months and then we'll see how easy she stays. hahah ahahahahahahaha ok, get it under control.

We moved back

After 5 months of lots of looks but no offers on our house, we've decided to move back home. We did the big move this weekend and I'm still trying to unpack my kitchen. It's always nice to be home but we are grateful to Grandma and Grandpa Bitter for sharing their home with us. Maybe we'll try again next year. ha The plus side is that my house is TOTALLY cleaned and de-junked and I'm being careful about what I bring back in the house.

Rest of the Thompson Trip

Doing puzzles with Grandma

Ryan loved listening to the crickets and frogs with Grandpa. He's been doing this with Grandpa since he was two and remembers it each time.

My mom had these ceramic frogs all over the house and Kevin spent an afternoon gathering them for a reunion. My mom was great about it and let him play in the pot. They looked so funny.

Kevin loved Mandi their new dog. When he looks at the pictures of her he calls her "Handy Mandy" from the Nick Jr cartoon. haha



Bonfire:
Growing up we always had bonfires during the spring to take care of fallen trees and pruned limbs. It was fun to have my kids share in that. They loved the marshmellows and gathering pinecones. Brenna wasn't too sure at first but was happy later.




Dump truck:
The boys found the dumptruck and had fun climbing all over it. I swear we've had this truck FOREVER. My mom always wanted my sister and I to sing that song "It's so Cozy to Ride in Dump truck" in that truck and record it. But we procrastinated and then we were too old to be cute. So now, we'll try with the next generation. Now if only I could find the lyrics...


My dad put Ryan to work watering.


Birthday party for my dad's 65!! We had all the brothers and sisters come from around. My mom did a balancing match/fork trick. Yummy food and great company!

Long Car Trips

We have had a few long CA trips this year - visiting my parents and Disneyland. Jeff set up the entertainment system for the kids so the pull down screen in the middle will play movies off the moded xbox. He set speakers up in back too so we, the grownups, could listen to our own music up front instead of listening to 8 hrs of Disney shows.

This is Kevin's reaction as I turned "Cars" on for him to watch. I was cracking up and luckily grabbed a shot.



Here is Kevin's version of headphones. It's one of the speakers Jeff had anchored under the headrest.

Happy 65, Dad!!

Sorry, I've been gone again. We spent a week down in CA with my parents for my dad's 65th birthday bash. It was fun being with all the family again and all of my dad's family came.
Ryan wanted to eat one of those frosting balloons so bad!


Looking great! Mom and Dad


We're off to Snowbird for the weekend so I'll have to play catch up when I get back. Hope you're all doing great!