Distorted Images

More fun at the science Center

Science Center

For Christmas last year we got a year pass to the Science Center. Saturday was member appreciation day so I decided to take the kids since we haven't been in a while and our membership is up at the end of the month. Most of the exhibits have been remodeled and updated since our last visit so it was so much fun to see and trying out the new stuff. Each of the us enjoyed laying on the bed of nails (I've always wanted to do that) it feels pretty cool. Casey learned how to balance multiple nails on top of one nail. Outside they were building soda bottle rockets. Every ones rock flew rather well, but Tyler's went the highest. So high in fact that we lost it on top of the roof. We were their for about 4 hours! I think the kids
could have stayed longer, but I was beat.

Betwee trying to help the older kids figure out the exhibits they didn't understand and following Aiden around while also trying to keep an eye on Court I had my hands full. It would have been so much fun to have Chad with us, but he was working. The next morning Casey informed me that he had expected it to be more fun, that he hope I was had been more fun. Chad asked him to explain what he meant and he told Chad that he wished mom was more fun and wished that I would have played with him more. Chad then informed him that mom had a lot of responsibility to watch all the kids and that she couldn't just play with him. Oh if only we could only live up to the standards of our kids.

Walk for Autism

On Sunday November 2nd I participated a walk for Autism research. I joined the walk with a family from my ward who was walking for their son Preston. Preston was in Tyler's Kindergarten class last year and i got to know him a little then and more these last few months. 10,000 participated in the walk and they were able to raise over $400,000.00 It was a 5k walk and I really enjoyed doing it. I have a couple friends who have done 1/2 marathons this last year and I've watched them train and admired their hard work. I will never run any distance such as that, but I do enjoy walking and was so grateful for this opportunity to apply that to raise money for a good cause. I've always wanted to do a walk and I hope I get to do it again. Thank you to those of you who donated to sponsor me. I know some did, but I couldn't see who so I just wanted to thank you and let you know it was appreciated. And a huge thanks to Chad for watching the kids while I did this. I will say that one of the players for the Diamondbacks was there with a team of walkers (a few more D-backs included) so I had to call him while I was walking 15 feet in front of them and let him know what he was missing out on.

Scarecrows & Witches

One evening we were on our way home Chad's sisters house and Court was crying and crying because she was scared of witches and since it was dark she was afraid or was it tired?? Anyway she would NOT stop crying no matter how many times we told her there were no such things as witches and she was safe. So finally (I know this is horrible, but it worked) I told her she'd better stop crying because a witch would hear her and follow her crying and would be able to find her. Well she immediately stopped crying. I tried being rational first, I really did! Well then one day I took her to Hobby Lobby with me and they had the Halloween decorations out and she found this little scarecrow for a dollar. I told her that scarecrows were for scaring away things and she decided that a scarecrow could scare away witches and so for $1.00 I bought my daughter security and a guardian from witches.

Now she keeps it on her dresser to watch over at night. Last night it was so beautiful outside that we wanted to leave the windows open. Predictably she was scared so I had to put the scarecrow in her window to look out into the night and keep a look out for witches. With him in thew window and a promise from me to close the window before I went to bed she very obediently went to bed without a fuss. Thank heavens for scarecrows. I guess it would be a bad idea to let her watch the wizard of OZ. It may kill all her confidence in her little guardian.

Out trip to CA

For the last year we have been planning to go to Disneyland for my birthday. So we saved all year and away we went. The kids had a blast!

Here is a pic of Court and Minnie. Minnie was just walking out and we happened to be right behind her when she stopped. Court was so excited to see her

OK Obviously I need to figure out how to rotate my pictures, forgive me. We left for CA on Wed the 22nd and went to California Adventure on Thursday and Disneyland on Friday. Mom and Dad were able to meet us there and that was nice. Not only did I get to spend time with my parents, but Deia and Eli really helped out with the kids. Deia and/or Eli would take Court on the smaller less terrifying rides when ever she was to small. I'll tell you what, those two have a warped version of scary rides. I don't know in what dimension The Tower of Terror is a preferable and less scary ride than Grizzly Run. Oh well it worked out great for us and Court.

After two days at Disneyland we headed south to G&G Borgia's house. We went to the beach and had a great time trying to build walls strong enough to withstand the waves as they got closer and closer with the tide. Aiden ate a bit of sand, but that was to be expected. I usually just walk around and stand and take pictures. I don't usually get in to the ocean or the sand digging, but this time I allowed myself to be seduced my the waves as they repeatedly destroyed the kids feebly attempts at building a wall. By the end of our time their we were able to build a wall that was able to withstand a few waves before if succumbed to the rush of the water. I was then quickly reminded of why I try to stay out of the sand playing joy. The clan up is HORRIBLE. The crying, the whining, the cold water shower and the sand that is still everywhere after all your best efforts. But I got some cute pictures and it was fun while it lasted. Here is a pic of Chad walking with Aiden and Casey, Tyler and Court are playing to the side.

We had so much fun visiting with G&G too. It's kind of funny to me how the kids really connect with Grandpa. Maybe it's because he recruits them to search out bugs for him to kill. When ever we go any where that is a far distance they always ask if we are going to the G&G with the golfing. They enjoyed watching golf with Gpa on the patio until he fell asleep, and found a couple of ant trails for him. They also love the toys Gma has for them to play with. The whole trip was such a success we were glad to be able to take it and the kids are already asking to go back.

Election day

OK this is my first attempt. I may need to have a friend come over and show me how to do this, but look I got a picture on, and was even from the web! I'm kind of proud of myself. I'm starting this mostly for my family to keep up with us like I keep tabs on them :) and also for journaling reasons.
Today is election day and Chad and I each spent at least an hour and a half in line to cast our vote. I didn't realise that the kids were so aware of politics and the elections. Casey told us about how they were going to have an election in class and he let us know how he intended on voting. When we asked him why he chose the candidate he chose his best answer was "Because he rocks!" so we proceeded to explain some of ideas of the candidates and direction direction each candidate wanted to take the country. He decided that the other candidate sounded like a better choice.
Tyler looked at me with with his eyes big a saucers and admiration all over his face and said "my mom and dad are going to vote on the President of the United States!" and when I picked him up from school he said "so how's the voting going?" Once again I have been slapped in the face with the realization that my kids are learning a lot more than I'm aware of.