St. Paddy's Day 5K

We had a fun group get together to run the St. Paddy's day 5K.  It was cold and rainy, but everyone did a great job!  I was just getting over being sick and hadn't run all week, but I had my best time ever.

This was Kate's second 5K, and she took several minutes off her time from the previous one.

Kate and me

Kate with a couple of her running buddies

Thanks for a fun morning!

Playing Hooky

My friend Christy talked me into playing hooky with my two littlest one day last week.  So I excused Kate from school, emailed William's preschool teacher, and we all took off for the slopes.  (She's such a bad influence on me!)

This was only the second time Kate and William had skied.  Christy had her two youngest kids, about the same ages as William and Kate.  Kate did awesome for only her second day!  She and her friend spent the day skiing together and took off right away on the bunny hill.

William and I ventured off on our first trip down the hill.  He had been so excited to go skiing again--and had done this bunny hill with David a few times before--but within minutes was crying and asking to go home.  I was worried that the day was going to be a disaster.  I think he was just overwhelmed and needed a few more skills.

So we headed over to the magic carpet.  We spent a long time riding up and skiing down.  William was very excited to ride up, and at first, endured skiing down just for the ride up the next time.  But gradually, both his confidence and skills improved and he was having fun once again.  We worked on falling and then learning how to stand up (something I thought they taught him in his lesson last time, but evidently not).

Later, we took another trip up the ski lift and down the bunny hill.  (Yes, I bribed him with a promise of a soda--his favorite thing ever!)  This time he did much better.  He was much more confident, and used his new skills to get up each time he fell.

We finally met up with the girls who had done a big long run down the mountain with Christy.  They got to the bottom and fell down to show me just how tired they were!  I was so impressed with these cute little ski girls!

It was beautiful weather and so great to spend the day outside in the sunshine!  Thanks Christy for talking me into such a great day!

Random IPhone Photos

One day William decided he needed a superhero mask.  Rachel fashioned him this one, which instantly transformed him into one tough guy.  William is totally into superheros right now and we will often find him dressed as Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Captain America and others.  Or any combination thereof.

Over February break, Ben made a Sphinx out of clay for a school project.  The other kids gave him pointers and made clay projects of their own.  Yes, some of them are still in pajamas.  Isn't that what everyone wears on school holidays?

 I never did get a picture of the finished project.

I got to take William out on a little date after he earned enough stickers on his chart for staying at the table during dinner (instead of running around and goofing off).  It was one of those things that I let go for too long--I think that might happen more often with the baby of the family.

I got a new recipe for breakfast cookies.  They turned out pretty well and went over decent with my kids.  The best part was getting to tell them that we were having cookies for breakfast.  Every one of them gave me weird looks and said, "Wait, what's the catch?"

 And last, but not least, I think every house needs a vacuuming witch, don't you?

Ben's 12th Birthday

My very favorite oldest son had a birthday.  He turned 12.  And around here, that is a pretty big deal.

We first celebrated with a family party.   He chose baked potatoes with toppings for his birthday dinner.  Actually he chose bacon and cheese ("I want lots and lots of bacon, Mom!") for his birthday dinner, and I convinced him to have some potatoes on the side.

Then we opened a few presents.

Ben chose pumpkin bars for his birthday dessert.  And he loved getting to light the candles.  I'm not sure why that is so exciting, but evidently it is.

 Look at that great smile.

 I love this face as he noticed one of the candles went out before it was time.

Then, the next day we celebrated with a few of his friends.  I picked up the boys from school and we first headed to Trampoline Nation.  I think it is 12-year-old boy heaven.

There is a whole room dedicated to dodge ball.  The boys are eyeing it when we first arrived, waiting anxiously for their turn.

Talking strategy.

 Then, GO.

 They would get back in line as soon as they got out.  They played and played.

 Awesome!

After a couple hours at Trampoline Nation, we came home, had pizza, and Ben did a quick clothes change.  His friends were all so nice to sit through his House Concert as the final part of completing his piano level.  He played 19 songs, all but one from memory.  He did great and I am proud of him for his hard work.

 Ben and his piano teacher.

Ben tore off his nice clothes minutes after the concert was over and then we all had chocolate cheesecake pie, Ben's favorite.  Then the boys were out the door for flash light tag.  Later, Ben opened presents, and they watched a movie.

It was a great party.

On the Sunday following his birthday, Ben was given the priesthood by his father and ordained to the office of a Deacon.  It was a special day.

 Love these handsome boys!

 It was a special day.

We were glad Grandma Hales was able to spend it with us, but we sure missed Grandpa.

Happy Birthday Ben!  I'm so glad you are in our family and that I get to be your mom forever.