Oompa Loompa Finale... Finally

It seemed at times that the play (Willy Wonka Junior and yes, the Junior is important, just ask Halle) would never come, like we would be tied to Payson and the practices 3 times a week forever...but it finally came...and went...and we were actually very thankful to have been a part of it. Halle and Brock loved it! I'm telling you, if you want to boost your children's confidence, put them on a stage...for any reason. No, they didn't have speaking parts, they were not main characters, they may not have even been noticed when they missed the one performance while we were at Disneyland (details to come), but I am telling you, they thought they were the stars of the show. So here are a few pics of the stars at work.

Halle was an Oompa Loompa and a squirrell, we had a neighbor take the pictures and he said that finding Halle in the squirrell costume was like trying to pick out one Samoan at a Luau...pretty funny. Anyway, she was definitely the cutest one if you ask us. She loved to watch the play going on around her, so she was not always where she was supposed to be, but was never worried when she realized she had missed an entry or exit.

Brock was a candy kid (which means he got to eat and hold a lot of candy) and also an Oompa Loompa. He was a ROCK STAR at the dancing. For someone with a lot of musical ability I am not sure where he got his dancability, but it was too funny! You could see him counting every beat and remembering each step in order. He took his part very seriously and had a great time.

In the end, we have to say that it was all worth it. They had a great experience and in the end really needed the distraction of the whole thing. Thanks Willy Wonka!

Avery, what a gal!

Avery is growing so very quickly. We sent her to nursery ( a month early I might add, being the Primary Pres. has its perks ;)) and no she does not miss us or cry when we send her. She is so sassy! She is definitely determined and knows just what she wants. Today when she woke up from her nap she immediately got Minnie and her blanket and dragged me to the rocking chair where she proceeded to tell me to sit down and read her and Minnie a book. (She does all of this without actually talking. She has all 6 of us wrapped around her little finger so why talk? She does say a couple of words, no, not mommy and daddy, but "treat" and "Do it").

She and Jaxon have become quite the little buddies and a couple of days ago I caught her on video shooting with her gun. It is totally a raspberry, but the cutest thing ever!

She is also quite the trouble maker. We got new stools and she can push them around the house so she uses them to get into quite a bit of trouble. The towel cupboard has been emptied onto the floor more than once and this is the day she discovered the game closet. Uh oh is right! She so knows she is being naughty, she just can't help it (at least that is what she tells me with those big blue eyes).

There are times when I wonder just what I will do with this little angel. She mauls me all day long and demands a lot of attention. But, she has turned out to be quite a little helper. She cleans up after herself and her siblings better than the rest and she is pretty darn cute while doing it (I may be biased, but I don't think so).

What is not cute however is the look that she gives us when we don't do exactly what she wants, exactly when she wants. I call it her da^$$@ face! And she means it! You gotta love her!

Shelby just finished her wax museum at school. They get to pick a person from history who has somehow changed the world. She chose to do Marjorie Hinckley. She did such a great job and we were very proud that she would pick someone who may not be in history books, but has made a small difference in our small world. She learned a lot about not taking things too seriously and was really touched by the things that she learned about Marjorie. I have long looked up to this small lady who showed such a strong and big example of not having to do it all, but to do all she could. I look up to Shelby for making such good choices and for working so hard in all she does.

Shelby turns 11!

My baby is now 11! I cannot believe that I am old enough to have a child this old. I am totally still 25 at heart. Well, back to Shelby: We are so proud of the young lady that she is becoming. (Notice that I did not say young woman... someone at church today actually asked her if she was in young women...No she is not in young women, I still have 350 days before we have to cross that bridge).

She is such a great helper (and believe me I need the help). She is a great friend, and boy does she like to play. She works hard at goals and makes good choices. She is very smart and equally creative. She is always looking out for the underdog and has such a big heart. She loves to shop and I am so proud, she is always looking for a great deal! (For her birthday she scored a coat at Aeropostale for $10. SWEET!)

Shelby just got a new hair cut that makes her look a lot older (I'm not sure how I feel about that). However, these pictures don't do it justice. I will know she has matured when she wants to do her hair BEFORE she wants to open presents. Oh well, we will take pics and post those later.

Anyway, I know I am a couple of weeks late, but Happy Birthday Shelby! Thanks for being such a great friend and helper. I cannot imagine my life without all of the itty bittys running around and although you are not so itty or bitty I am glad that we are blessed to have you in our family.

Love you sis!

I can't take the guilt!

I have so many holiday pics that I just can't stand the thought of them not being on the blog. So, although a month or more late, I am adding some pics of our holiday joy. We really did have a great holiday season, the only complaint I have is that they are over and that they went by so quickly! It really is a joy that each year we get to stop and celebrate the life that we have and the things that bless our lives. The family time is priceless and I recognize that more and more the older the kids get (thank goodness we have such a wide span of ages so that we can experience the joy and innocence at the same time as the learning and growth). So, from getting the tree to the holiday parties, to Christmas morning, here are some holiday pics!