Deer Creek

Today we went to Deer Creek Reservoir with our friends the Bushman's. We had a great time and the kids had a blast. We haven't really exposed our kids to water much but they sure had fun in the water, playing in the muddy sand and we all (except Degan) had a blast on the Jet ski. I was able to go out and race Jon, unfortunately, he won.

Degan splashing in the water

Jon swimming with the kids

Addi, Sophie, Lexi and Cori

Elora's "bright" smile

Jon taking Tyler on the Jet Ski

Thank you Sherian & Co. for a wonderful time. We will have to do it again, maybe with our own Jet Ski! We have already been pricing them.

Oops, I almost forgot. Elora had her 6 Month Dr. visit today also and since I am making our blog into a book at the end of the year I want to post her stats.

Length: 26 inches (50%)

Weight: 14 lbs. 9 oz. (25%)

Head Circ.: 42.3 cm. (50%)

To me she seems like she is getting so big but really she is still such a tiny little thing.

Work!!!

This post is all about work. Lately Tyler has been asking to do chores instead of me telling him. Don't get me wrong, I still have to ask for certain things to get done but I have been impressed with his willingness. His favorite thing is to put dishes away and when he does it, of course Degan has to help too.

Update on the lot across from us. I am so happy about the fast work that has been done to it. It looks great and it only took 2 1/2 weeks from the time they started. Yes it took 2 1/2 years to get started but I am just so glad it is about done.

Tyler loves to exercise. He asks us if he can exercise quite often. I really don't know where he gets it from since Jon and I really don't exercise. In the video it looks like he is miserable but it really is him who asks. Degan is just so darn cute trying to keep up with Tyler. After a little bit he usually gives up.

Grandma's Visit

My mom came to visit on Friday and we had a really good time together. We started out by going out to dinner at a Cuban Restaurant called El Siboney in Lindon. I got the Ropa Vieja, Jon got a Cuban Sandwich and mom got Vaca Frita. It was pretty good and reminded us of my grandma's cooking, not nearly as yummy as hers but I don't think anybodies could be as yummy as hers. After that we went for dessert at Krispy Kreme Donuts. The kids thought it would be cool to take a picture with these cool Krispy Kreme worker hats and my mom was so sweet to wear one too. The kids just love her so much, probably cause she doesn't mind being silly with them. The next day we wanted to try this Peruvian Restaurant called La Carreta, we were feeling pretty ethnic by this point. The food was good and we all got to try each others dishes. I can't tell you what I had but it was good. We finished our weekend off at Olive Garden and lots of leftovers from our many meals. I am not complaining though, leftovers mean I didn't have to cook tonight. I hope my mom had a good time. It went way too fast but I am so glad that Elora fell in love with her so fast. Can't wait to see you again mom, I already miss you.

Grandma and the Boys at Krispy Kreme

At La Carreta

Grandma and Elora

Just some cute pics of sweet Elora

School 2008

School has officially started and Tyler is loving it. His teacher is Mrs. Soderborg and one of his best buds is in his class. His favorites parts of school so far......lunch and recess! Another favorite is that we are now letting him ride home from school on his bike with his friends. We live pretty close but I am still not ready to let him go to school with out one of us moms following them to make sure they get there ok and on time. I will be ready to let go one day, maybe.

First day of school

On his way home

Elora loves to grab Jon's face and pull to try and kiss(bite) him. It is the cutest thing.

Another picture mom? Enough already.

Friends, what would I do without friends? Degan has been really bored since Tyler started school and Degan doesn't start preschool until Sept. 2nd. Today a few friends came over and while Degan, Benjamin and Parker were playing I was able to finish up our Primary Program. Our Primary is huge and our program is scheduled for Sept. 28th. There are 162 parts because we want every child to have a part. The picture is of Degan and Isaac and I was able to clean bathrooms since I didn't have to entertain Degan. It has been and good productive day.

Last Week of Summer Vacation

Since this was the last week of summer vacation I thought we should do at least a couple more fun things before Monday. We went to the Discovery Gardens at Thanksgiving Point again but this time the boys were wearing their swim shorts. They had a blast getting soaked and after about 15 minutes they were ready to go. The water was really cold.

Degan trying to warm up.

Tyler ready for more.

On our way out. The boat behind them is Noah's Ark and the animals spray water on the kids and there is about a foot of water all around the boat. It was fun but very hard to keep an eye on the kids because it was really crowded.

STAR WARS

THE CLONE WARS

Tyler is so into the Star Wars Clone Wars lately that we all decided to go see it on its opening day. We have never seen any other movie on opening day but since it was the last Friday before school starts, me and Zion's mom decided it would be so fun to take them together. They loved it and I thought it was really good too.

Zach, Degan, Tre, Zion and Tyler after the movie. Tyler and Zion will be in the same class again this year. We are so happy about that because Tyler just loves Zion.

It got a little chilly this evening outside so I wrapped Elora up and when I came inside we were playing with the blanket. She thought it was funny to have the blanket on her head. She is so much fun. The video below is just to show her improved rolling skills. She uses these skills now to get to whatever she wants. Sorry boys, no more Lego's or Knex lying around.

Kangaroo Zoo

Yesterday we went to a place called Kangaroo Zoo with the James family. The kids had a great time, so much that the reason we had to leave was because Tyler had a bad headache from jumping so much and going head first most of the time. Not to mention we were all hungry. It was nice to sit and talk to Stephanie while the kids were off having a good old time.

Tyler, Sterling, Gabe and Degan jumping and sliding

Asher is exactly 1 month older than Elora

Sterling, Degan, Alicia, Gabe and Tyler

Update

Well it looks like Rick Salisbury is taking this thing seriously(view post below about nagging). That is him with the sunglasses on with his contractors and the city guy. I am so glad that Jon was not home when Salisbury was right across the street. I am sure the police would have had to get involved.

The Gardens @ Thanksgiving Point

Today we went to The Gardens and Discovery Garden at Thanksgiving Point. All through August they are having 2 Buck Tuesdays where you can go for only $2. We had a good time because it was overcast but it quickly became humid and mosquitoes started attacking. I don't do well with mosquitoes, in my eyes every single one can have West Nile. It just scares me.

These are the largest man made waterfalls in the western hemisphere

Pretty flowers and cute boys

Elora looks as big as Degan in this picture

My friend Amanda takes pictures of her kids from behind and I love it so I thought I would try it.

After the Gardens I told the boys that we would go rent Nims Island, I decided to leave the kids in the car since I got a parking spot right in front of Hollywood video and it was only going to be about 30 seconds to trade movies and I would be able to watch them the whole time through the windows of the store. I told Tyler to lock the doors when I got out and I would be right back. He must not have heard the part of me being right back because all of a sudden he and Degan are getting out of the car to come in with me and yes, he locked the door. Keys in the ignition, purse, phone, and baby in the car. My first reaction was to yell at Tyler but when I calmed down a little I realized it was my fault and I should have never left them in the car anyway. Thank goodness Elora was sleeping in the air conditioned car and never even knew what happened. The police came within 5 minutes and opened my car in about 30 seconds. I am so glad to live in a small town where the police were so readily available to come help us. I won't do that again. That night I was going to go to the town meeting to complain about our city taxes going up $300 next year. Our city is small and should never have gotten a police department so soon amongst other things but after my ordeal I decided that I am thankful to have the police and I will gladly pay the $$$. They saved me from having to break my window which probably would have cost about $300. Now speaking of money, I have been on a major budget trip lately. I am not sure what happened. Bro. Farrer was giving a lesson on budgeting one Sunday and I made sure to tell Jon to take good notes since I am in Primary and couldn't go and I do all the bills. Oh my goodness, I am so grateful for his lesson. I have been budgeting now since July 14th and it is totally amazing how much you can save. Jon and I made a list of all the meals that we like and I now make a calendar of meals for the week and go grocery shopping one time a week instead of the 4 times a week like before and still would come home with nothing to cook. It is so much easier and more time efficient and WAY cheaper. I am really excited about it. We have a savings for vacation and I also have a savings for Christmas besides just bills. Never have I ever budgeted so well. It better last is all I'm saying.

Teeth

For 2 months(her first tooth came in at 3 1/2 months) I have been trying to take a picture of Elora and her cute new teeth and I have not had any luck until today. Finally they are big enough to see in a picture.