DINOSAURS!!! (Feb. 2011)

On our last day in Utah we started to miss the kiddos, and decided it would be fun to surprise them with a trip to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving point.  We drove all the way without telling them where we were going.  Unfortunately I don't have a picture of their surprised faces upon our arrival.  It was a great moment.

My parents and brother came with us, and at the museum we met up with Taneea, Alyssa, AJ, and Mark.  I love that our families can hang together, which we often do, and it just feels like one big family.  Thanks for coming with us everyone.  It was such a fun day.

Kellen surprised me by being just as interested in the small things as he was the big.  He loved all the fossils and shells etc.  He has such a thirst for knowledge, especially when it comes to science.  He'd rather read science books at bedtime than anything else.  He's one smart cookie!

"A Raptor!!!"

Jane loves her Uncle Mark, and he is so cute with her.

Alyssa and Kellen couldn't get enough of the water and sand.

 

I love these pictures of my Dad with Jane.  My kids are so lucky to have two sets of adoring Grandparents.  It's such a sweet blessing.

 I know this picture looks like Jane is afraid of the hovering triceratops, but really she'd finally just hit the wall.  This little girl does not do well without her long daily nap, which is nice for me on a day to day basis, but it makes traveling difficult.  She'd been throwing a tantrum for several minutes, so we decided to capture the moment. :)  Ah, sweet memories!

T-REX!  He was huge!

The sea creatures were awesome!

Jane finally was contented when we got to the last part of the museum, where the kids could be paleontologists, uncovering dinosaur bones.

Although... watch out!  That's her dinosaur bone!  She had no qualms about making that known to this random kid, poor guy.

At the end Kellen and Alyssa got to make a mold of a real T-rex tooth.

He cracks me up.

Mini Vaca (Feb. 20011)

Without reading ahead, can you tell what this is???

We found a deal in the Aggie Alumni magazine called the True Aggie Special.  For the usual price of a Hotel stay at the Logan House we also received $50 at S.E. Needham Jewelers, $50 to The Sportsman, and $50 to Iron Gate Grill.  SWEET!  Taylor and I decided that we really needed a little escape, even if it meant using up some of his precious vacation days, and this deal was just too good to pass up, so we packed up and headed to CV.  The kiddos stayed with Grandparents, and Tay and I got to be alone for three whole days.  Tay's parents graciously offered us their house while they were out of town, so we stayed there the first night, and woke early to head to Beaver Mountain, one of our favorite places on the planet.  My brother Shane came with us.  I don't get to hang out with him much, so I was really happy to have him along.  (He is amazing on his snowboard!  AMAZING!)  We also met up with a handful of his friends that were there that day.  It had been snowing like crazy the day before and all night long, and then the sun came out while we were there, making conditions perfect.  Powder and sunshine!  It just doesn't get any better than that!  Trying to hold my own with those boys all day on steep, black diamond runs (seriously, we didn't do anything else!) really wore me out.  I've never been so tired or so sore, but it was worth it.  Such a fun ski day!
After Beaver, we said goodbye to Shaners and headed straight for The Logan House.  Our room had a jacuzzi tub and a fire place, making it the perfect place to rest our tired, cold, and stiff selves.  After some R&R, we went to dinner at Iron Gate, where we were the only people there and received the royal treatment.   With our $50 we were able to order whatever we wanted and still have money for a dessert, which we took back to our hotel.
The next day we enjoyed the shops of downtown Logan.  With our gift certificates we were both able to get watches.  I got a sporty iron man to use for exercising from the sportsman, and Taylor got a nice fossil watch with a thick leather band from Needhams.  After shopping, we ate sandwiches at Great Harvest.  Yum!  Then we decided to go for a walk at Hyrum Dam, which finally brings me back to the first picture.  Ice!  Could you tell?
 

We tried to build a snowman, but the snow wouldn't stick.

He's so cute!  Love him!!!

Here's a better view of the dam.  Growing up this was my thinking spot.  I used to drive over here if I was ever worried or upset, or needed answers to a prayer.  The view of those beautiful mountains is something I really miss.

We walked out to the middle of the lake, and then I made Taylor take me back.  There were spots that felt soft, and even though I know we were fine, it still found it sort of unnerving.  It's funny how cautious I've become.  I never used to be that way.  I guess that's what being a mom does to ya. :)

Thanks a million Mom and Dad for watching Kellen and Jane.  They had a great time, and it was so nice not to worry at all about them.  K and Kerri, as always when you are away, we missed seeing you.  Thank you for letting us stay in your home.  It's every bit as beautiful as our bed and breakfast was!

Is it Spring Yet? (Feb. 2011)

Jane loves her little car.

Kellen and his best buddy, being superheros.

Kellen spreads his "cape".

New Bunk Beds (Feb. 2001)

 In our linen closet we have blankets, and towels, and...

CHILDREN!!!

 They thought they were so clever.

I couldn't be mad about the stacks of blankets they removed.

Valentine Mail From Grandma

My mom is so cute about sending the kids mail.  She sends them all kinds of things, large and small.  Sometimes it's just a simple clipping from a magazine that she thought they would like.  Other times it is something really interesting.  She once sent Kellen a live Katydid.  She put it in a Tupperware with some leaves to eat, punched some holes in it, put a stamp on it, and sent it!  I couldn't believe it was still alive!  She also sent a butterfly chrysalis last fall and after 6 months of sitting in a jar on Kellen's dresser a beautiful butterfly emerged!  (More on our pet butterfly later.)

Here's some pictures of the kids opening Grandma's Valentine package:

Reading their valentines.

This little hat was the first thing they pulled out of the package.  Jane put it on immediately.

Check it out!!!

Then there were some magic squares that you put in water...

still waiting...

... and they turn into towels!  The kids were amazed, and so excited to have their own special washcloths.

"Dear Grandma Huish, I love you very much.  I like it when you send stuff to us in the mailbox.  Clothes... or something for holidays in the mailbox.  It makes my family feel happy, and I pretty like it.  Love, Kellen"

 

Sunday Morning, Feb. 2011

Kellen and Jane were so excited about their new Zhu Zhu pets from Grammy Kerri.  They had to squeeze in some play time before church.  I love watching them play together.  They are such good friends, and almost always loving toward each other.

As you can see, Jane did not want her picture taken, but I had to capture her display of bracelets.  She thinks the more she has on the more beautiful she looks.  :)