Sagers Family

one little word...

2011-12-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have seen a lot of people doing "one little word" for the last few years. I always think about it, but this is the first year I am doing it for reals.

You choose one word that you want the define the upcoming year. More info about it here!

My word for the year is...

Pause!!!
To me it means,
Pause to play with my sweet boys
Pause to take time out for my husband
Pause to think before I speak
Pause to just enjoy life to the fullest

I can't wait for 2012, its going to be a wonderful year!!!

My new treeee!

2011-12-23T08:53:00.001-07:00

When we first got married we lived in a really small house, so of course we got a really small tree that I bought and made a few ornaments for. We have had it for what seems like forever! This year with Lance working out of town for the last few months, I wanted to do something to treat myself and make me get into the holiday spirit.

So I decided it was time to get myself a nice tree! Yay! I am a little excited about it if you can't tell.

Oh, and I moved the little tree into the basement for the kids to have in their playroom, and theya re really excited about it. So it is a win win for all of us. :)

Gingerbread House Making...

2011-12-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

The boys and I decorated their gingerbread houses last night. They worked really hard at them, Layton was dissapointed that he couldn't make his look like the one on the box. Im not sure I could have either though, it is hard!
In the end they were really excited about the final result. We had the fire going, Christmas music playing, and rolls baking in the oven. Then woke up this moring to more snow. We are feeling the Christmas spirt!

Rush Valley Christmas 2011

2011-12-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

We usually have Christmas in Rush Valley on the 23rd and 24th. But it didn't work out that way this year, so we had it this last weekend. The whole family came out, and it was so great to see everyone!

Also, I forgot my good camera so these are all horrible phone pictures, but I guess some bad pictures are better than none at all :(... right?

Grandpa Dennis and Grandma Jerri, with all their grandkids ( 8 now, Wow!)

Parker, Tanner, and Layton ( I love all their "cheese" faces :)

Kim, Rio, and Karsyn (Karsyn's first Christmas!)

Devin and Sidney

Ashley and brand new baby Hadlee! This was the first I have met her and she is darling :)

Shannon, Cooper, Darrell, and Cash

Grandma Jerri and Grandpa Dennis

and then the present opening started...

Layton got a RED (his favorite color) scooter, which was perfect timing because his old one was recently run over by an unknown vehicle (ahem :)

Parker got a... umm, I guess its a bulldozer? But he loves it and you push a button and it goes forward and back and lifts the bucket up and down, and of course plays awesome music that I wish I could listen to all day :)

This is Cooper, Parker and Layton. I grew up having 4 girl cousins that were all really close to my same age, we were very best friends. It is so fun to have these 4 boys all so close together! (Well, I guess soon Cash will be right there with them, so maybe there are 5? Oh, and Tanner isn't in this picture)

Grandma and Grandpa gave all the kids pajamas (that they are all wearing them in the fist picture) some church clothes, and then each family got a wagon! They are so cute, and I have been wanting to get one forever. Good job Jerri :)

Lance's favorite part of Christmas is putting things together ;)

SUCCESS! It isn't quite finished in this picture, it has some wooden sides that are on it too. The kids just couldn't wait to take it for a little spin.

We had such a fun time with everyone. I wish we could have all stayed there for an extra day to spend more time together, but life gets in the way. Thanks so much Dennis and Jerri for making it such a nice day!

Zoo Lights...

2011-12-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

I took the boys up to Hogle Zoo for the "Zoo Lights" that they do. It was so so cold, but they loved it and were really excited to run around the zoo seeing the lights and the animals.

Its not a trip until I have purchased a souvenir that costs more than the ticket it get in :)

Santa and his reindeer were there! The boys weren't interested in seeing Santa, but they did really like seeing the reindeer :)

They were sure there was a witch living in this gingerbread house :)

We took a little ride on the carousel, I was really surprised that they choose this to sit in. Rather than an individual animal for them each to ride. They said they wanted us all to sit together, awe :)

It was a fun little evening. I love this time of year!

Parkers Christmas Singing...

2011-12-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Parker's preschool class had a little singing program today. It was darling, Miss Christy does such a good job with all the kids. This is about 5 minutes long so you will have to really love Parker to watch for all that time. But I have a feeling that a few grandparents will like it :)

Parker is the cute one (in the red striped shirt :)

Family Pictures 2011

2011-12-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

We had our family pictures done this year by Simplicity Photography

I am so happy with how they turned out, thanks so much Angie!!!

Leaf Jumping (and a little raking too)...

2011-12-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have been in such a slump, just super busy with work and Lance is out of town. I haven't had the motivation to do the fun things with the boys that I usually do. So on a warm afternoon (with it supposed to snow the next day) I knew it was our last chance to get the leaves raked up.

I am so glad that I took the time to spend this afternoon with my darling boys, I love their personalities and I am so sad for the moments that I know I missed during my down time. I hope I can be better!

If I promise we can take a silly one, they are good to take a few cute ones too :)

Out of focus, but Layton was making Parker bend down in the leaves and then he would run and jump over him. Parker is such a sport :)

I love these boys with all my heart.

Halloween 2011... Powers Rangers UNITE!

2011-12-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a little different this year. Lance has been working out of town for a few months and just comes home for Sundays. So, being as Halloween was a weekday it was just me and the kids.

I was helping with the Elementary school carnival, so we spent the morning there and to say it was wild would be an understatement (note to school, no bouncy slide next year PLEASE)

But it was a lot of fun, and the boys enjoyed it.

We had to take the annual picture on the front steps. The boys both wanted a rocket carved into their pumpkins, Lance's was a carrot (???) and mine was an eyeball.

Parker kept all the pieces, and insisted that they all be puzzled back into his pumpkin until nighttime when we put the candle in.

The boys started watching the new show "Power Rangers Samurai" this year and so when it came time to choose costumes, there wasn't much debate :)

Lance would have been the black power ranger, I was the pink, Sugar the green, and Ginger was yellow (she was to naughty to come to our ward trunk or treat though!)

It was a gorgeous day, and our ward did our trunk or treat early. I was so nice!

They usually do a dinner, but this year there was hot cocoa and doughnuts for a snack. It was actually way better though, I feed them a good meal before we went, so they didn't eat candy on an empty stomach and it worked out really well.

Flowell's truck or treat worked out to be right after ours, so again it was perfect. The kids did a little costume parade, and then went around to all the cars.
My cute parents were Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia :)

Round two of doughnuts and hot cocoa (my Dad had always claimed to not like candy, but at Halloween he is the worst one to steal from the kids bags :)

After the trunk or treats, we went to my parents for dinner. Then baths, Jammies, and regular 8oclock bedtime for the kiddos.

Our pumpkins all lit up for the night.

It was so nice to have an early start, and doing the two trunk or treats we didn't have to go around to any houses. I hope next year is exactly the same! Exceptt we missed you Lance, it wasn't the same without you (but nothing is).

updated finally

2011-12-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

Keep on reading, your eyes are not deceiving you! Lots of new posts!

Layton Camping Party... the fun

2011-12-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, my sweet Layton has turned 5. I can't believe it, I mean I honestly can't. believe. it.

But, it has happened and time keeps ticking along :(

We did have a great party for him though, inspite of my not wanting him to get older!

{Look for the party details post below}

eating lunch...

all the cute kiddos, coloring their backpacks.

Layton worked so hard on his. Actually all of the kids did, it took way longer than I was expecting. Eventually we had to make them all stop :)

After backpacks were colored, the kids filled them up with all of their goodies...

and headed out on the scavenger hunt.

The kids all seemed like that had a ton of fun.

Then my cute Mom read them "Curious George goes Camping" in the tent

and they all took a turn hitting the pinata

Whew, then on to opening presents...

Aunt Suzie sent him this money and he was so excited about it!

Blowing out the candles on his darling cake!

My favorite 5 year old boy :)

Home with his gifts, he was spoiled again as usual :)

Thank you so so much to everyone who came to the party, Layton had the best time and that really all that matters to me. Happy Birthday sweet Layton. Please stop growing now!!!

Layton's Camping Party.. the details

2011-12-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a major picture over load :) I just can't leave anything out!

Layton decided at least 6 months before his birthday that he wanted a camping party for his 5th birthday. It was so fun for me to plan.

The dessert table had white chocolate-caramel apples, doughnuts (Layton's favorite!), smore pops, and or course yummy cake!

darling cake by Lisa Teeples!

For lunch we had a hotdog bar with lots of different hot dog toppings, grape salad, chips, and special Camp Layton bug-juices for the kids (another of Layton's favorite things)

Can't have a camp without a fire :)

A little take home treat for everyone

This is the favor table (darn wind ruining my pictures!) The kids each got a canvas backpack, binoculars, flashlight, whistle, compass, glowsticks, and a camo head scarf.

The kids went on a scavenger hunt around the park...

Layton INSISTED on a tent shaped pinata (don't ask me how a pinata fits in with camping!)

In the shade tent I had a ton of fabric markers for the kids to decorate their backpacks.

Lagoon... its what fun is :)

2011-12-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Dennis & Grandma Jerri took the family to Lagoon in October. They didn't have much say, as boys had been begging them for months to go. :)

Kim, Rio, and Karsyn are to far away from us now, to come Devin, Ashley, Sidney, and Tanner couldn't make it either. We missed you all!

The boys favorite ride was the new rollercoaster BomBora, we went on it over and over and loved it. I wish I had gotten a picture!

It was close to Halloween, so they had cute things all around the park.

I wish you could see this picture better. Lance looked so funny in this one :)

This was such a perfect time to go to Lagoon, it was great weather and really short lines. Then after we were done, The boys went home with Grandma and Grandpa and we went to yummy dinner at Texas Roadhouse with Darrell and Shannon. Thanks Dennis and Jerri, we all loved it!

The Circus is in Town!

2011-12-02T17:01:00.001-07:00

We went up to the circus in September. This is our second time going, and each time we go I am so impressed. Seriously what they do is majorly awesome! Oh, and the boys loved it too :)

Zip Lining!

2011-12-01T16:32:00.001-07:00

I am doing a major catch-up on the end of summer and fall activities so stay tuned!

At the Ropers Apple Fest, the boys saw all the big kids doing the zip line and they just HAD to do it.

Parker was a little more excited about it so he went first, he was by far the littlest kid who did it. What a braze little guy!

It is actually really high up, and the scariest part is that you have to climb up a HUGE ladder to get to the top. Lance went with but couldn't carry him up, or go down with him. Bur Parker was just excited and fearless about it all. What a cutie :)

Then it was Layton's turn, he was really excited about it too. But when he got to the big ladder he was a little nervous. He toughed it out and conquered his fear though. What a sweet heart :)

My Christmas list :)...

2011-11-22T13:26:00.002-07:00

So apparently I am hard to shop for. I don't agree because I seriously like just about everything. But for those of you (ahem) that are in need of assistance. Here you go :)

a speaker dock for my iphone
http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustics-Portable-Digital-Docking/dp/B000KE48CM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1321990506&sr=8-2

I LOVE my kindle, so gift cards for that are great!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_357628962_16?ie=UTF8&docId=1000645851&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=1CHTFFSAWB3HZ926XPZT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1332021802&pf_rd_i=133141011

I think that this little belt is darling (but most everything from ruche is)
http://shopruche.com/almond-blossom-braided-belt-1.html#NP=aa6bea556154db0b80a74689e5cb0986

LOVE this camera strap cover too
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84482906/gray-and-white-houndstooth-with-eggplant

I could use a pair of toms in brown ;) (size 7)
http://www.toms.com/womens/new-styles/chocolate-herringbone-women-s-classics

I hope that helps. Also I would love for you to spend less on me and give an extra toy to "toys for tots" instead.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a fun little project. Take 11 pictures on 11.11.11 :)

Soccer League...

2011-10-30T09:21:00.002-06:00

Layton played in the local soccer league this fall. He had such a fun time doing it! His coaches were Lisa and Eric Reid, and they did a really great job, Thanks Lisa and Eric!

Layton was such a hard worker, we are so proud of him!

happy boy :)

Hot Air Balloon...

2011-10-29T09:05:00.000-06:00

At Apple Fest this year they had a hot air balloon that we could buy tickets to ride. The boys were really excited about the ride, it was actually pretty high and a little bit scary but the boys really liked it .

Lance rode with Parker...

and I rode with Layton.

The view from the top

Camping at Copleys...

2011-10-28T08:59:00.000-06:00

In September we went on a little overnight camping trip up the canyon by our house. We are so lucky to have the beautiful mountains and Copley's campground that is only about 5 miles from home for us.

When we got there the very first thing the boys needed to do was go fishing. Layton found this fish and game book in the tackle box and was obsessed with it for the rest of the trip. Asking what each fish was, and where it lived, what it eats, etc :)

Parker was content to watch the worms :)

Within the first few minutes they both caught one!

Even though the fish were small they boys really wanted to eat them. So we did :)

And while dinner was cooking, we played games.

After dinner we went on a little hike around the campground to this waterfall.

Then roasted marshmallows for smores.

and into the trailer for baths and bedtime

In the morning we went on another hike, the boys had their binoculars out to watch for animals :)

Looking at some bugs ... (notice the fish book in Layton's back pocket :)

I love these moments with my little family where we can get away and just be together, life gets so crazy and we need to do this more often!

Swim lessons (round 2)

2011-08-31T07:10:00.004-06:00

We did a second round of swim lessons for the boys right before school started. I got them goggles to wear and it made such a big difference. They are so much more excited to go under the water now.

And they both passed!

Parker...

Layton...

(going down the slide, and especially off the diving board are a big deal for him. I am so proud of the progress that he made!)

I am so sad that summer is almost over :( But we had a great one. I loved doing our summer fun list!

Parker's first day of Preschool

2011-08-30T12:43:00.000-06:00

Oh, this already makes me so sad to look at these pictures. Parker has been so anxious to start school, he has asked about it every day since his birthday in April. somehow, it still came to fast. How can my baby be in school !?! He is quite as "detail oriented" as Layton is, so I am excited to see how he does in school this year. Miss Christy is amazing, and really knows how to bring out the best in kids. We have loved every second of her teaching our kids!

Anyhoo, today was Parker's first day of Preschool.

He was so excited, and couldn't hardly stand sitting still for some pictures :)

Getting to the school, he took off running for the doors :)

His cute cousin BrookLynn is in his class!

Our favorite teacher ever Miss Christy!

This picture is horribly overexposed, but this is when I went to pick him up. He was the first one running out the doors with a huge smile on his face. I am so sad that I didn't have the chance to change my camera settings so you could actually see his darling expression :(

Cove Fort Days

2011-08-26T07:39:00.001-06:00

The boys and I went down to Cove Fort when they were doing the annual Cove Fort Days. The boys hadn't ever been before and they had lots of fun looking around the fort :)

Bike Jumps...

2011-08-25T08:47:00.000-06:00

Heaven help me... Lance thought it would be a great idea to set up some bike jumps for the boys one night while I was working. So the next morning they went outside to play, and then came back inside begging me to come take some pictures of them. :) Ha haha, they were so excited because they wanted to take a picture and show it to Isaac (their cousin & best friend). And so it begins....

Parker has the blue helmet and Layton's is red (and I am trying hard to stop dressing them alike, it is an addiction!)

Bird Watching...

2011-08-23T07:03:00.000-06:00

One of the things on our summer fun list was to go watch birds. So we went on a little bike ride up the canyon, and the boys watched out for all kinds of birds with their binoculars. I love this summer!

Clever Parker :)

2011-08-22T07:56:00.000-06:00

Parker was eating his breakfast cereal and of course we have a rule that they have to be at the counter or table to eat. He was frustrated that he couldn't see the tv that was on, so he made his own little table from the ktichen stool :) I sure love this sweet boy!

Little Cowboy...

2011-08-21T07:52:00.002-06:00

Cute Layton, waiting for his dad to come pick him up for a big day riding horses and checking cows on the mountain.

Happy Cows come from Fillmore!

2011-08-20T07:43:00.001-06:00

All of our pastures have been beautiful this year because of all the rain! I took some pictures for my Dad to document our happy cows!

This is "#1" Lance's cow that his grandpa gave him and he has had since a calf, he is very proud of #1 and we always have to check on her :)

Our brand is a Keyhole, I am so proud of this brand and the good name that my Grandpa, my Dad, and now Lance have made for our family and for our "Keyhole Ranch"

And no herd is complete without the bull :)

Layton's first day of Preschool!

2011-08-19T14:29:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Layton's first day of Preschool (this is his second year of preschool, first year of going to the "big school") sniff, sniff. How did my sweet little boy turn into this big kid!?!

We took some pictures before the bus came

Getting on the bus, I love this picture. He was so excited!

I met him at the school, this was his cute class coming in from the bus drop off.

His darling teacher Ms. Gulliette

and... preschool is out for the day!

I asked how was his first day, and this is what he did :)

This was such a bitter-sweet day. I am so sad, and also so excited that he is growing up! I can't wait to see what this boy will do in his life. Whatever he chooses, I know he will excel at it. Layton loves to make people happy, and thrives on positive comments. I love you bud. You. Will. Soar!!!

Lake Powell 2011

2011-08-18T15:23:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, Lake Powell I have missed you!!!

We went to Lake Powell with my parents in July. Normally we go on our house boat, my parents actually haven't stayed on the beach for 14 years (we have been too spoiled!). But this year the houseboat timing didn't work out, so we just camped on the beach and guess what?.... We loved it! I loved sleeping in our tent, and sitting by the water, and on an on, there were a few critters I could have done without. But it was an amazing time!

We went with my parents, of course our family of 4, my nephews Austin, Devin, and Isaac, and my niece Katie.

Yay, were here! We got a saweet beach spot!

Parker was ready for the water in his goggles :)

He tried the ski board (twice) and it didn't work out for him this time :( He was so brave to try, I know he'll be able to do it next summer.

My mom LIVES for skiing at Lake Powell!

What a crew!

After we came home, Parker told me that his favorite part of Lake Powell was swimming with Katie :)

Layton and Isaac are the best of friends, they were totally inseparable the whole trip.

Parker and Katie were pretty much inseparable too, thank for being such a great cousin Katie!

Rock jumping, Layton is in the bottom corner. That is about as high up as he and Parker dared go :)

I got a new camera that is waterproof, it was fun to take it with me swimming and be able to get pictures in the water.

Are we to this stage already??? The boys were silly for every picture we tried to take of all of us...

Parker caught the first fish of the trip (a carp) and named it "biggest fish ever" as in, he walked around carrying it in the net and talking to it saying things like "do you want to go in the water for a minute, biggest fish ever?" it was so cute.

One of the aforementioned critters was a rattle snake. It was huge, and I am so thankful we were all safe.

Layton caught a fish the next morning, but wouldn't hold it :)

Austin, Layton, and Isaac rode the banana clear to our "shade up" spot for lunch.

"Shading up" just means that we drive to the end of a canyon, where is is shady, and drop anchor, eat lunch, read books, and let the kids swim and play for a few hours. Until the hottest part of the day is over.

My cute Hubbsters is (annoyingly) great at everything he tries to do. Wakeboarding is one of those things :)

Layton was so cute riding the ski board. He went very first, to show the other kids how it was done. He was doing tricks the whole time :)

Lake Powell, I miss you already. We'll be back next summer!!!

Kim (and baby Karsyn's) Baby Shower!...

2011-08-17T12:07:00.000-06:00

I got to throw my beautiful sister-in-law a baby shower. Of course I have boys so it was so fun for me to throw a girlie party!

We did a "lilac's and lemonade" theme. I thought it turned out so sweet. My cute mother-in-law Jerri helped out so much, I couldn't have done it without her!

Thanks for letting me throw you your baby shower Kim, I loved it!

The dessert table!

Chocolate fudge cake pops, and lemon squares

Black & White brownie bites

Super cute cake make by our cousin Candice!

Lemon cake pops

Vintage suitcases and the bassinet that Kim slept in as a baby, were set up to put gifts on/in :)

The food! Chicken salad on a croissant, spinach salad, and fruit kabobs.

Of course with strawberry and regular lemonade to drink

Yummo!!!

We did a headband making activity, this baby is definitely supplied with hair accessories for awhile :)

Our guest of honor Kim, with her Mom's Jerri and Jamie :)

Making headbands

Opening gifts

I had so much fun! Your next Ashley! :)

Family Reunion 2011!!!

2011-08-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

This year I was in charge of the Robinson family reunion. It was so great to see everyone, thanks so much to the families that came and spent the day with us!

Grandma Leah had a project for the men in the morning.

Lots of visiting

playing in the sandbox

and the obstacle course and bounce house

cute Layton loved to play with the cousins we dont see very often

and I loved to play with MYcousins I dont see very often! :)

This is all I can get from Parker lately :)

And some awesome slip-n-slide competions (which I dominated)!

how many people can fit in a ~~water trough~~ swimming pool?

Grandma Leah gives suckers to the kids everytime we go anywhere near her house (of course they love her for it!).

a water fight

and shooting those water-bottle rockets

I think everyone had a really fun time. I know that I did!

4th of July!!!

2011-07-15T07:31:00.001-06:00

I LOVE the 4th of July, it is absolutely one of my favorite holidays!

-I love our small town and how people put out chairs for the parade days in advance.

-I love the park, and all the amazing food!!

-I love spending the afternoon relaxing while the kids play in the water.

- I love the family BBQ

-I love sparklers

- And I LOVE Fillmore's amazing fireworks show!!!

Yay, 4th of July, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

(we take this picture every year, and so help me, i'm taking it every year until the boys have their own families!)

Fireworks...

2011-07-14T08:11:00.001-06:00

We always do our own fireworks a few days before the 4th. I was a slacker and realized to late on a Sunday that I couldn't go buy any, but luckily my mom came through and had already gottn some. :)

We let each of the kids choose out 3 (a small, medium, and large) that they were in charge of.

Eyes closed, but you still get the picture that Layton was VERY excited about it!

Parker with his fireworks, of of course his cup of tang???

Isaac, Layton, and Katie.

My Mom, Dad, and Brooke.

As I've mentioned before, we are vigilant about fire safety around here... :)

The kids all went up into the treehouse to watch the bigger ones.

Several mosquito bites, and a burn from a rouge spark (that went DOWN MY SHIRT) later! A fun night was had by all!

sweet summertime...

2011-07-13T08:02:00.000-06:00

Parker and Brooke on my parents deck. Oh how I love these summer days!!!

Movie Night...

2011-07-11T08:03:00.000-06:00

Lance has been working late a lot, so one night the boys and I decided to go watch "Kung Fu Panda 2". It was really cute and we loved our little night out! :)

No Training Wheels!!!

2011-07-09T07:43:00.001-06:00

The first night that we got over to Palisade, while I was making dinner the kids were all riding their bikes and Layton told my Dad that he wanted him to take his training wheels off. I thought there was no way he would go through with it, but he did. (So I had to stop making dinner and take some pictures instead ;)

He was so excited about it, he couldn't wait to get started.

After about an hour he was wheeling around the park all on his own, and could even start and stop by himself too. I am so proud of him, what a grown up little boy!!!

Camping at Palisade...

2011-07-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

During the last week of May, right after school got out we went on a camping trip to Palisade State Park. My Mom, Me and my kids, and my brothers boys Devin and Isaac. Lance and my Dad made a few appearances along the way, but mostly stayed home to work. It was (a lot!) colder than normal, so there wasn't as much swimming this time. But the boys had so much fun, I love spending this time with them and my Mom every year!

Warning! I should have split this post into 2 parts because there are a gazillion pictures, so stay with me here!

Right before bedtime on the first night we went on a hike around the lake.

There are tons of minnows. the boys loved watching (and catching) them!

Layton taking a nap, while the kids do reading with Nana.

Parker was such a ham the entire time, he had so much fun :)

You know on "Tangled" where the old Cupid guy opens the peek hole in the door and says "Whats the password!" then "nope" then "not even close!" Haha, that's what Layton and Isaac did with the screen door the whole trip. We all thought it was super funny. :)

Again, Parker is just a hoot everything he says and does deserves wrighting down, never a dull moment with this kid!

Every night we would have dinner, go on a hike or a bike ride, shower and get ready for bed. Then the boys would watch a movie. We love my parents new trailer!

It still wasn't hot, but a little warmer than the day before. So the kids played and played in the water...

Devin and Isaac brought this inflatable boat. So they got it blown up...

And rowed all around the lake (they were actually tethered to the picnic table so if the wind blew, we wouldn't have to swim out to rescue them, but they didn't know the difference!)

We rented a paddle boat, and drug them around behind it.

These two (Layton and Isaac) are best friends, they are so cute together.

Ha! I couldn't leave these of Parker out. What a funny boy! :)

Playing croquet (ummm, I have no idea how to spell croquet, and I doubt I can get close enough so spell check can even recognize it!)

Sweet Layton was so so good the whole trip! Plus he had a very exciting accomplishment while we were there that I will post about tomorrow!

Swim Lessons...

2011-07-06T10:15:00.001-06:00

The boys just got done with swim lessons and they LOVED it.

The were a little burned out near the end. 2 straight weeks is a lot. But they ended Friday, didn't mention it Monday, then Tuesday they cried because they wanted to go back to swim lessons :) I have them signed up for a second session though, so they'll survive!

Parker cried everyday last year, because he wasn't old enough yet. He was so thrilled to get to go this time. I was sad we didn't take a picture with Miss Kassidee, he loved her and she was so cute with him. We love you Kass! But Mike was amazing as always, and Parker loved him too.

The comments from his teachers were "wow, he's not scared is he?" and "sure is an active boy you've got there" HA, you think??? :)

Layton was excited to go back, and got right back in the grove. He has been nervous putting his face underwater, but by the end of lessons he would dunk himself no problem.

putting his face in :)

and floating on his back

I sure love these sweet boys. They worked really hard and were so tired for these 2 weeks, Parker even fell asleep in the middle of a haircut, after his first day. Then one night they fell asleep as 6:45 and didn't move until 7:30 the next morning.

But they worked really hard and improved SO SO much from the first to the last day!

Summer Fun Chart...

2011-06-27T10:10:00.000-06:00

I was feeling so lazy and useless, and saw this summer fun chart idea. So I made one for us, a 16x20 to hang on the wall, and some 5x7's for the boys to keep. So we mark next to the ones we do. The boys were really excited when I read them the list, I have told them that any day they do their chores. We can pick (together :) one of the things to do. Yay summer!!!

Soccer Camp...

2011-06-26T09:53:00.001-06:00

We signed up for the British soccer camp that Fillmore had here the first week of June. The boys really enjoyed it and loved the whole experience. The coaches were really great (except Layton said one of them told him that he didn't like him... but who knows the real story :).

I am excited for my boys to be old enough to start doing these fun things, and learning so much!

They got their cute jersey's, soccer balls, and a t-shirt for free because we signed up early enough. Then I got them the little shorts and some shin guards and they thought that they were the coolest kids ever!

Parker is going through a "not looking at the camera phase"

Layton, showing me his moves...

Parker, trying to avoid showing me his moves :)

Tumble Bums...

2011-06-25T10:43:00.001-06:00

Layton was so cute at his year end Tumbling Performance.

I was really proud that he went out and did his best, he is normally so shy that it was s big deal for him to do it. I am really sad that I didn't get a picture with Miss Joann though. Guess we'll get it next year! :)

Tricks on the Tramp... (haha :)

2011-06-24T09:22:00.000-06:00

Ahhh warm weather, thank you for visiting us!

Daddy's trick :)

Layton's trick

and Parker's trick.

Puddle Jumping...

2011-06-23T09:08:00.000-06:00

It rained and rained (and rained!) here for weeks it seemed like. The boys were very ready to get out of the house and go play in the puddles, so out we went!

Mom and Dad's Birthday!...

2011-06-22T08:55:00.000-06:00

My parents birthdays are within a week of each other. So I always have a little party for them at my house.

My brother Scott, bringing out the cake...

This cake is so yummy! (and its only 4 ww points :)

Singing happy birthday.. (haha look at Layton's hair, and also my dad isn't crazy wearing his life jacket to dinner. We gave them to him and my mom for their present!)

Blowing out the candles. Happy Birthday Mom and Dad we sure love you!!!

Layton's Preschool Graduation...

2011-06-21T08:16:00.000-06:00

Layton went to Miss Christy's preschool this year. I can't say enough good things about it, Miss Christy is a wonderful teacher! Layton loved her, and he worked really hard to be a good learner. I am so proud of him and the progress that he has made this year!

listening to a story while we aited for the other parents...

singing...

Layton and the amazing Miss Christy...

I told him I would make him a special cake for graduating preschool. He wanted a cake that tasted like a lemon cookie, he was so excited about it (and of course ate all the cookie before eating any cake :)

Kim and Rio's Graduation...

2011-06-20T08:06:00.000-06:00

The first of May we went down to Lance's sister and her husband (aka Kim and Rio). To help them get moved out of their house and to go to their much anticipated graguation from SUU. Rio got a great job in Wyoming, and cute Kim is having a baby on the 4th of July. We are so proud of you both!!!

The hunt is on...

2011-06-16T11:55:00.000-06:00

Next up was the Easter egg hunt. Of course the kids all loved it and had a blast.

All the grandkids :)

Discovery toys makes this cute parachute, the kids all loved playing with it!

Whew! I think that is the end of the Easter festivities. :)

Easter Brunch...

2011-06-13T11:32:00.000-06:00

We had a (very yummy!) Easter brunch with my entire family, even my sister and her cute family were here!

Then, while Suzie's babies all took a much needed nap. My Mom handed out the Easter presents from her and my Dad. They gave all the kids these nerf guns, and so of course a nerf gun war broke out :)

Yay for Easter! Boo for freezing cold weather at the end of April!

Easter Weekend...

2011-06-11T11:04:00.000-06:00

We do all of our Easter Bunny related things on Saturday or before. So Saturday morning the boys found that the Easter Bunny had paid them a visit and filled their baskets (a little overflowingly :).

Parker has had a tiny little bike for awhile, and really needed a bigger one. That Easter Bunny always knows whats up!

Also, Parker got the blue power ranger for his birthday, and Layton was sooo jealous of it :) So he conveniently received the red one for Easter.

"Hop" at the movies...

2011-06-08T09:38:00.000-06:00

Over Easter weekend we also went to see "HOP" I thought it was cute, and the boys liked it. But Lance hated it!!! Haha, we had fun though. I love my boys being old enough to go and do fun things like this!

Coloring Eggs for Easter...

2011-06-05T09:11:00.001-06:00

Nancy threw a coloring eggs party for her kids and mine a few days before Easter, these cousins are so cute when they get together! :)

Self Portrait

2011-06-02T09:07:00.001-06:00

I found this lttle gem that Layton had taken of himself when I downloaded my pictures. What a sweet boy :)

Easter in Wallsburg... {and the end of my blogging slump!}

2011-06-01T09:07:00.000-06:00

Well, I am ready to come out of the blogging hiatus that I have been taking. I think life is finally slowing down just a bit! So, I am going to pick up where I left off and hopefully get caught up in the next few days!

We did a little pre-Easter celebrating up in Wallsburg, where Lance's brother and his family live.

Parker, Layton, and Tanner trying to see the Easter Bunny :)

We finally let them outside to see what he had brought!

Parker is all boy, cupcake in one had and a shovel in the other :)

I had lots of other cute pictures to share, but blogger wont let me upload anymore. We had a fun day with the family, and the boys love getting to see their cousins that we don't see as often.

Parker's Knights and Dragons Birthday Party!... {the details}

2011-04-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

First off, I apologize in advance for the gazillion pictures in this post. I just couldn't leave anything out!

While I know party planning isn't for everyone it is really fun for me. The boys look forward to each party so much, and even choose the theme months in advance. Parker told me last October that he wanted a "dragon party" and has stuck with it!. I wasn't sure what to do at just a dragon party, so I expanded the theme a bit and made it into "Knights and Dragons".

The cake/ dessert table included a delicious castle cake made by Lisa Teeples. Suckers that said "Happy Birthday Parker" and homemade lemon and chocolate cake truffles. Along with different platters and bowls of silver, red, and blue candy!

My cute mom read this book to all the kids, and I also used it as a decoration.

There were lots of favors around, so each guest got a gold bag to fill up with all of their treasures.

Of course each boy got a sword (purchased from amazon.com) and a shield (made by me), and each girl got a tiara and wand. We had 16 boys and 11 girls!

Each guest had a goblet to drink from, and take home.

and a favor box at each place to fill up with treats.

We had Barbacoa Pork Salad for dinner.

This cute castle tent was decor, and also a gift to Park Man from us.

The birthday boy, and his super cute shirt!

These 6 foot tall knights stood on either side of the favor and dessert tables.

Parker's Knights and Dragons Birthday Party!... {the friends and fun}

2011-04-11T16:14:00.000-06:00

Parker's Party was so much fun. I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves, I know that we sure did!

As each family arrived the kids found their very own swords and shields (for the boys),and tiara and wands (for the girls). They had so much fun sword fighting, and running around.

My handsome 3 year old boy.

Beautiful Princess BrookeLynn.

50+ guests eating dinner!

My Mom did such a great job (as always) reading the kids this cute story.

Parker's biggest request for the party was that we have a baby dragon come (of course a big dragon can't come, it would bite us all... duh!) So our friend came with her boy, who just happened to get a bearded dragon for Christmas! Wish granted Parkman!!!

Parker's weakness is suckers!!!

Decorating their dragons.

The pinata was great, it was strong enough for each kid to get a turn hitting. Then on the second time around the big kids got it open for us.

Singing Happy Birthday, and blowing out his candles. Parker had the cutest little grin on his face the whole time.

First choice of a piece was for Parker :)

Opening presents.

At home with his loot, what a sweet sweet (spoiled!) little boy!

I had such a great time planning and throwing this party. I hope that everyone who came enjoyed themselves as much as I did! We appreciate you all so much.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy PaRkeR!!!

My big grown-up Layton...

2011-03-31T12:05:00.001-06:00

How has Layton gotten so big??? He brought this book home today that he made in preschool during March. Every day they focused on a different shape and color, and the animals in the book are made up of those different shapes. This is his first time reading it to me. He knows it by heart and made all the pictures all by himself. What a sweetheart!

Babies Don't Keep!

2011-03-30T09:42:00.000-06:00

Some things seem so important at the time, then you look at your babies and they aren't babies anymore. Where does the time go? This is something that I need to remember everyday!

St Patricks Day ...

2011-03-25T06:29:00.002-06:00

The night before St Patricks day we set a trap for a leprechaun. When the boys woke up they ran to it to set if we had caught him! We didn't catch him this time but that naughty leprechaun had made a big mess of our house! Gold must have fallen out of his pockets while he was doing it though, because we found gold all over the room!

He even turned our toilet water green!

They both found lots of gold!

We had green shamrock shaped pancakes, with green yummy syrup. I don't know how but everything I made turned green! That naughty leprechaun must have put a magic spell on our house!

Layton got ready for preschool.

And while he was there, Parker and I made cookie dough, which of course turned green too!

The boys wanted to have a picnic lunch, but it wasn't nice weather outside. So they had one on the floor in the family room :)

Then we rolled out the cookie dough, and cut it out into shamrock shapes.

and decorated them with green sprinkles :)

They were so so yummy!

We finished our day with a (food coloring free) dinner of green noodles, green grapes, green beans, and green jello (which I'm sure had food coloring in, but at least I'm not the one who put it there!)

Happy St. Patricks day everyone, we sure had a lot of fun!

Monster Truck Jam...

2011-03-24T07:08:00.001-06:00

Lance and my brother Scott took the boys (plus Katie :) to the Monster Truck Jam in Salt Lake. They rode Trax in to the ESA.

Grave Digger was their favorite.

They even got the awesome grave digger hats :)

I call for more boys day's out like this, the boys loved it and of course I loved the day off too!

Ahh Spring!...

2011-03-23T07:18:00.002-06:00

Spring has been in the air. It was so nice outside last week we had a picnic outside, and then I read a book and took a nap on a blanket in the sun while the boys played. Yay, spring is almost here for good!!!

Valentines day... Wow, I am really behind!...

2011-03-22T15:39:00.000-06:00

Lance and I don't make a huge deal of Valentine's day, usually he gives me flowers (which I love!) and I give him something little and make a nice dinner. So this year for my gift to him, I had this in his truck when he left for work in the morning. It is a cute saying using a bunch of treat names in it. Then of course I gave him a basket of all the treats, and put a bunch of love saying's around his truck.

He thought it was cute, and It was something that was relatively easy to do. Although finding some of the treat's in the saying was a little tough here in Fillmore!

Valentines Day With the Kids...

2011-03-21T06:39:00.000-06:00

I love Valentines Day. I always try to have decorations and a few little presents set up for the boys when they wake up.

Haha, Layton was still a little sleepy.

Opening the presents.

Aggh, super blurry picture!

Hugs for Daddy.

They each got a superhero art set, a movie (Layton got Spiderman, Parker got Backyardigans) pajamas, a shirt, shoes, a book, a notepad and pen, and a pack of starbursts

Parker wanted to use his little art set right away.

All dressed up in their super cute Valentine shirts.

And heart shaped Cinnamon toast for breakfast :)

2011-02-25T08:12:00.002-07:00

Our Valentines...

2011-02-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

This was Layton's valentine that he handed out to friends (hooked to a fruit-roll-up of course!)

And Parker's valentine (attached to gushers :)

These were the valentine's that we sent out to our family. My lab has just started offering the amazing cards printed front and back and cut into a ton of different shapes. So these were actually heart shaped and printed on pearlized paper *swoon* they turned out so so cute!

Happy Birthday to Lance!...

2011-01-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

We had a party for Lance with just our little family on the night of his Birthday.

He just got presents from the boys because me, my parents, and his parents already gave him ours (the cruise!)

He loves the rainbow chip cake with rainbow chip frosting. I always want to make him a fancy cake but this is all he ever wants to have. Even our wedding cake was rainbow chip! :)

I wanted the boys to be involved in planning the party. Lance choose what we would eat (pulled pork sandwiches) but the boys helped me make it and set the table completely on their own.

I know this is a super random assortment of things, and looks like I used a bunch of leftover stuff from past parties. But I promise that everything was purchased new, and especially for this party. This is what you get when you let a 4 year old choose! :)

The party blowers are always the boy's favorite thing.

Again I let the boys choose whatever they wanted to give to Lance as a present. As a result Parker gave Lance a whip... I've never seen him whip his horse, but ok... I guess he'll use it for the cows. :)

Layton made Lance a super cute little card.

And gave him a lead rope that of course, is red.

It was fun to really let the boys choose what they wanted to do for their Daddy, and really fun to have a party just for our little family.

Happy Birthday Honey, I love you!!!

Birthday Cruise 2011...

2011-01-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday to Lance today!!!

For his birthday this year we went on a weekend cruise! It was so great to get away to some warmth. We left on Thursday and drove to Long Beach and stayed in the Queen Mary, which was built in the 20's (i think :) and turned into a floating hotel in the 60's. So it was really neat to stay in such a piece of history.

We didn't take any pictures while we were there though, so we hurried and got a few with the Queen Mary in the background while we were getting on our cruise ship.

We were docked in Long Beach, we got on the boat on Friday afternoon. We got there right at 12:30 as the boarding was just starting and it was so so nice, there weren't any lines and we just walked right on and of course headed up to the buffet for some lunch. :)

Saturday morning we pulled into Ensenada, Mexico. I was trying really hard to just be relaxed, so I didn't have any shore excursions planned for us. We just decided to get off the boat and see what our options were.

We ended up renting a 4-wheeler to drive around and see the sights. It was really nice weather, but we were dressed for a day at the beach not really for a day of 4-wheeler riding. So it was a little cold zooming around the city. The traffic was super fast it was like driving a 4-wheeler down Bangeter Highway. Lance of course did great driving around and even found a wal-mart so we could get some sweaters (which they didn't end up having).

Then we turned down a little road to get to some sand dunes and the beach, it was then that we discovered that our 4-wheeler wasn't 4 wheel drive :) I so wish I had taken a picture of Lance up to his knees in mud without his shirt on, trying to get the 4-wheeler unstuck. Hahaha. eventually a guy who spoke a little English came by in his truck and pulled us out.

Lance didn't want to return the 4-wheeler to the rental place all covered in mud so we found a little car wash. All they had was a little low pressure hose, it took them like an hour to get it cleaned off.

While we waited for it to get washed, we found a place for lunch. Very much a local spot, not geared for tourists at all. :)

After we cracked the code and figured out (kind-of) what were were ordering. We had hands down the best Mexican food we have EVER had, Lance got a beef burrito and I got a Hawaiian empanada. I have been craving another one ever since!

The waves were huge, again the biggest waves I have ever seen. We were still freezing so we didn't get in the water, we just soaked up some sun and watched the surfers.

Sunday was the "day at sea" we did lots of laying around. In the 3 days were were gone I read 2 books. Which is heaven for me, Lance was content to watch the football games that were on.

It was also the formal night, there are little portrait studios set up all over the boat, so of course we had to stop and get a quick picture. :)

Everyone knows that the best part of cruising is the food. Our dinners were always amazing, but I look forward to dessert the most. Every night I get the warm chocolate melting cake, I know its a little 2001. But that doesn't bother me :) it is DIVINE!!!

This is just a picture of the deck on the last night, it always makes me so sad to leave. :(

Our boat. "Carnival Paradise"

We had such a great time, thanks so much to our parents for the present! We LOVED it!!!

The family photo on Chritmas Morning...

2011-01-12T07:47:00.001-07:00

Ohhhh, why oh why can't there be at least one good one in the bunch??? The photographer in me really wants to mix these together so we can end up with one that at least we are all looking. But... thats not real life, and this is. :)

Christmas Morning 2010...

2011-01-11T12:40:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve we slept at my parents house. We are still going to wait a few years before we go to our own house, for now it is the older kids that make it fun for the younger ones. The kids got us up at 4:45 am, they couldn't wait another second. :) We have to wait for Scott and Nancy to come over so all the kids wait (not so patiently) on the stairs.

I love the annual "picture while waiting on the stairs"

Then they run in, and find their piles...

Parker is going through a "don't take my picture" phase, so this is about as good as it gets with him :)...

They take turns opening from youngest to oldest, and Parker is the youngest in our family. So he gets to go first...

Layton got a spiderman dvd in his stocking, we have watched it almost every day since ...

Of course lots of loaders and dump trucks...

Haha, he also got a pair of binoculars in his stocking, for hunting with Daddy...

All Parker wanted for Christmas was a gas pump, it was the only thing he asked for. Who knows...

The only thing Layton asked for was a remote control motorcycle. He was so so SO excited about it (if you can't tell :)...

They got snow tubes...

and Buzz Lightyear wings...

...and lots of other fun stuff, except for the gas pump and motorcycle they had pretty much identical Christmas's. Santa must know that we need 2 of everything in our house :)

We had an amazing day. I am so grateful for my wonderful family!!!

Christmas Eve...

2011-01-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

We had a great Christmas Eve this year!

Another wonderful prime rib dinner by my Amazing mom...

The tree. It is such a blessing to have a warm house, delicious dinner, and presents overflowing out from under the tree. I am so grateful for our families and all of our blessings!

Haha, Lance doesn't take pictures. So this is about the only picture I'm in :)...

The grand kids all acted out the Christmas story for us. (except Parker, who would not participate :) Layton is the shorter shepherd in the front...

In my family the kids all open the presents that are under the tree, on Christmas eve. The cousins draw names for each other and their gifts (a big truck with a trailer and 4wheeler/motorcycle behind it) were the big hit for my boys.

Layton ran over and gave Isaac a huge hug after he opened his present from him...

In their Christmas Eve jammies, playing with the cousins...

Haha, can you tell he is ready for Christmas!!!

Monkey Bread is a long running Christmas morning tradition at out house. Nobody makes it like my mom does! (With Parker's help of course :)

Then all the kids have a big sleep over together in a spare room at my parents. 8 kids in one room... need I say more?!?

Oh I love Christmas!!! Maybe that is why it is January 7th and I still have my tree up!

Lefevre Christmas Eve Party...

2011-01-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Every year Lance's Mom's side of the family has a party on Christmas Eve. We haven't been able to go the last few year's because driving for hours in a snow storm on Christmas eve at 10pm every year just wasn't that fun for us :) So they started doing a brunch instead and it is so so nice to be able to go and see everyone. Plus, our kids get to do regular Christmas Eve things now instead of just fall asleep in the car!

They had a kit for each of the kids with the stuff to make a few different ornaments...

They also do a silent auction for the adults, and you earn money to bid on things by helping, being kind, singing Christmas songs, etc. Layton saw a red (his favorite color) leatherman pocket knife with a ton of cool stuff on it and HAD to have it. So we told him if he was extra good and worked hard then he could probably earn the money to bid on it. He was so dedicated to making his ornaments so he could earn money. Then he kept whispering to me "I'm being really good, huh mom?" :)

Of course there was yummy food...

Then... Santa came! The boys were really enthralled with him while he talked to us.

Parker actually sat on his lap (and didn't cry)!!! First time ever, I don't know what got into him...

Layton didn't sit, but he did stand next to Santa and tell him what he wanted and how old he was.

Santa gave them each a wrapped present with their names on and a candy cane. I love this picture. Layton is being cute with his candy cane, but I love smiling Lance and Parker in the background.

The wrapped present turned out to be a remote control car for all the boys. Haha, can you tell Layton was excited ?!?

Opening them up...

Layton's was red of course, and Parker's is black. They are crazy fast. I only let them play outside in the driveway with them to protect my beautiful cabinets!

Last, we played a few games and came home with some sweet white elephant gifts :)

Thanks so much for the party everyone, we had a great time and we really appreciate all of the work that goes into planning.