Everyone needs a Caden

I know, I know - it's been a long time. There is a reason behind that, which I won't go into, but there is a reason. Nonetheless, I want to brag on my little Caden this go around. Everyone needs a Caden in their home. He is the wittiest, spunkies, sweetest, smartest little guy. Here are just a few examples:

Today we were headed out run some errands. Caden said from the back of the car "Mom, will you show dad where my pre-school is?" To which Ryan replied "Caden have you forgotten that I have picked you up before?" Caden just disregarded what his dad had said, and continued to tell us it is where the red finger is.?.?.? I wondered myself what that could mean, thinking of possible Halloween decorations at nearby houses, that's about all the further I could get in trying to figure out what the red finger meant. As he's telling us about the red finger, I look at him and he is pointing to the left with his index finger extending out and back. As we get to the street where we would normally turn, sure enough, a sign right on the corner for a property for sale. A big red hand with a red finger pointing that direction. Oh, the things he notices.

Speaking of pre-school, while we were on our way home from it the other day, Caden pointed out a big American flag next to our church. He said "Hey that's our flag". I thought I would teach him a little something and tell him it is for the United States of America. He then proceeded to recite the entire pledge of allegiance, start to finish, without missing a beat. Who knew he knew that? I sure didn't. I laughed so hard listening to his little voice say big words like allegiance, republic, indivisible. I ask him every day what he learns about pre-school and we only get as far as snack time, washing our hands and playing outside. Glad to know he is actually learning.

Finally, we have a little tradition around here that I hope never goes. Each night at bed time, he asks if I will lay down with him so he can brush my hair! I love that!!! Not only is it a little bit of heaven to have my hair played with so long, but he asks so many questions and it is fun to watch his mind think and absorb so much.

Time-Out for Women

I just went to Time-Out for Women this weekend and highly recommend it to any and every woman who has an interest in going. There were wonderful speakers with a little something for every one there. What a powerful influence we could all have if we followed the messages of our great leaders and those who have learned much and shared with us. We can all be so much more. We can all attain our fullest potential if we will try. We can all be excellent Mothers, leaders, listeners, examples. A big thank you to my sweet husband, Ryan, who took the kids all day so I could do this. It was an all day event and a lot of people sacrificed so the nearly 3000 women could attend. Ryan made it possible so I could go. The only regret is now the kids would rather him be home every day with them. They had a lot of fun together. I'm grateful for the wonderful husband and father he is, and what he does to help me be a better mother and wife.

Mister Moppee's Birthday

Today was Caden's sunbeam teachers birthday. Her name is Sister Mockbee, but Caden has always called her Mister Moppee. We've tried correcting him, but figured no harm done. He came home from church and told us it was her birthday, so we decided to get her something. I asked him what he wanted to get her, and after giving a list of suggestions, he decided on lotion and flowers. We went shopping together and he found some things he thought she might like...brown sugar and fig lotion (from Bath and Body Works - Caden's got good taste...I bought myself some and love it) and pink flowers. He loves eating brown sugar on oatmeal so that was an easy one when her heard that one, and the pink flowers were the closest he could find to Lightning McQueen red. We took them to her house, I snapped a quick picture to capture the moment, and he gave them to her. Scared of the dog he could hear barking on the back yard, he was ready to hand them to her and run, but she managed a hug out of him. I thought it was cute and thoughtful of him to remember her.

She eats what???

I don't know whose child this is, but Avery will eat anything and everything. She is such a good eater, and it's all so healthy. I know she didn't' get it from me. I'll give Ryan all the credit on this one. She eats peaches 2 and 3 at a time, strawberries by the hand fulls, grapes, corn straight off the cob, hamburger, steak, chicken, pancakes (every morning - 6-7 of the minis plus a bowl of fruit), bananas, carrots, watermelon, entire cans of Vienna sausages, pudding, yogurt, pinto and black beans, ham...I could go on and on. Every once in a while we catch a good picture of her, and these were the best. It shows how happy she is when she gets to eat. This truly makes her happy. Notice the corn straight off the cob in her hand...she loves this!!! She gets plates and bowls out and brings them to us when she wants to eat. Sometimes she does sign language to tell us. One of her favorite places to play is in the pantry. It's her own little slice of heaven. She still is the tiniest little peanut, but I know she's healthy and that's good enough for me.

Caden's 1st Day of Pre-School

Caden had his first day of pre-school. This is something Ryan and I have gone back and forth on for some time, not knowing if it was the right thing for him or not. Actually, I knew it was, Ryan knew it wasn't. I felt he didn't need it academically, although it wouldn't hurt. I just thought he needed it for his confidence, separation issues, and some structure and learning from someone else. Well, we agreed to go to the Open House and let him try it out and see what he thought. He was still a little reluctant, but willing to try on the first day. Caden on the other hand was excited and ready. He has two friends in the class, Easton and Noah, and goes 3 times a week. He is loving it and really learning a lot every day. The 2nd day was hard, and we actually brought him home crying after he realized his two friends weren't there. But since then he has done so well and now looks forward to it.

The eyes are a dead give away that he was a little nervous to go.
Still a little nervous, but willing to give it a try. He was able to sit with Easton which helped.
The three buddies all smiles after their fun first day.

More Utah time

While in Utah, we got to see all of Ryan's family. Caden has a lot of fun playing with his cousins there, and this day we went to the Dyer's. He and Mckenzie become better friends the older they get. They found these 2 umbrellas and ran around most of the day in the rain. Unfortunately, we found Caden's at the end of the day turned inside out. I guess the wind got a little too strong - oops, sorry Ronalee.

Our kids also seem to have issues with animals. Caden hates them and Avery smothers them. We've talked off and on about getting a bunny. They just love Ronalee's bunny, and we think it might help Caden with his fears. Here, Avery was trying so hard to pet it without poking and scaring it. She also tried to give it her binky, touch his eyes, and kiss it. We'll have to work with her a little more.

BYU Football!!!

We went to Utah for the first BYU football game. We love this time of year. We actually were just planning on going to see Ryan's mom and family for the long weekend, but since there was a game and there were seats available, we went. We weren't sure how Avery would do for that long with no nap, but I guess with enough people to look at and food to eat, she can last a really long time. Caden and Ryan sat with his mom, and Avery and I sat with my parents and brother. That's why I don't' have too many pics or Ryan and Caden. The game was unbelieveable hot, we were sweaty and tired, but we had a lot of fun. We can't wait to go to another one!

The poor guy sitting in front of us. Avery couldn't keep her hands to herself and kept touching the couple in front of us. They were nice about it, but I'm sure bothered. She would drop her toys down below their chairs, and her sippy. Towards the end of the game the mans shirt had brown spots on the back. I asked Andrew, my brother, if he thought Avery had done that. Avery turned around and was holding an Oreo from her bag and had chocolate all over her hands and face. I couldn't bring myself to tell him. I'm sure he realized it was her.

Why does he want to count my teeth?

Caden made his first visit to the Dentist. It went better than it might have, had he not been going to his Uncle Jake. We just told him Jake wanted to count his teeth. He kept asking why, but he eventually trusted us. In the end, no cavities and 2 toys from the dentists toy box. I think he won't mind going next time.

A little nervous before going in. He sat so still for the x-rays. At least it was only 2 instead of the 18 his mom and dad got.
Uncle Jake being so careful and gentle. Caden really trusted him. As you can tell, he's quite comfortable in his seat watching Tom and Jerry in the overhead TV.
Not terribly exciting, but his eyes were funny to watch. He wanted to watch the cartoon, but he was a little leery of what Jake's assistant was up to.

When he was all done, the assistant set a chair up so he could finish his cartoon. It doesn't look too comfortable, but he didn't mind.
Showing his clean pearly whites! Yea - no cavities!!!

Why is he wearing my jammies?

Our kids have no hope when it comes to practical jokes. Caden's figured them out quick and likes to "prank" us all the time. The other night we got the kids ready for bed, but reversed their jammies. Caden figured it out and thought it was pretty funny, but Avery wasn't so sure. She wanted her jammies off Caden and she let all of us know it!Once we got the issue resolved, Avery was ready for prayers. Her little arms are short and small, but this is how she prays. It's so sweet and simple, until prayers are over and she shouts "Amen"!

Skiing at Black Canyon w/the Brown's

We went to Black Canyon with my sister and her family, the Brown's. It was up and back on night, but it's only about 45 minutes and it is beautiful there. We went a few weeks ago for my brother's birthday and Ryan wondered why I haven't shown him places like this over the last 4 years we've been here. Maybe we'll go more often now. Caden had fun with his cousins and Avery had fun in the tube with mom.

We had a picnic on the shore before heading out.Caden enjoyed his time with cousins more than getting in the water. We just had to keep them in the boat rather than off the front.
Avery had fun riding on the tube - she would do that all night if we let her
All of us were a little wet and tired at the end - ready to go

Matt's B-Day in McCall

We made it to McCall again for Matt's b-day. He's my brother, and he loves being together with family for his birthday. This year we went back to McCall and had such a fun time with him. He always brings us together, makes us laugh, and keeps us fully entertained.

This was in the yard when we got there. He spent several hours laying in the shade and letting us look at him.
Caden spent most of his time playing in the sand
Avery spent most of her time on the jet ski with Ryan - when she wasn't sleeping.
Ryan was trying to talk Caden into jumping off the dock again for the video camera. We tried every bribe we could think of, but it didn't happen. Once was enough for him.
Caden has fun pretending to drive - sometimes we have to slow him down!
Avery loves to tease and resist - her dad got her good this timeMatt's a good sport with the prank presents. He laughed about the can of corn (not so much a favorite of his) and the grey hair cover up for men. Caden and Gabe had a lot of fun as usual. They finally slowed down enough on Sunday to "just sit there" and watch a show.

Ward Campout

This weekend was the ward campout at Givens Hot Springs. We've never dared camp out with Avery, and the only camping Caden has done is in the backyard with Ryan. We decided to brave it and see how it went. Happily, we can say the kids did great. Avery loved running around with kids her size and Caden enjoyed his buddy Easton Fabrizio (which is why he isn't in any pictures - they ran around crazy the whole time). This was my kind of camping - a pool, outdoor bathrooms, grass...not a bad setup. Despite camp being right on the highway and hearing cars all night with a little airport right accross the street, the kids slept better than mom and dad. As soon as we got home, we put Avery down for a nap, a movie on for Caden and Ryan and I took naps.

Avery and Braxton Fabrizio

A tired little girl at the end of the trip

Just a test

I thought I'd test out one of these cool photo reels. What do you think? Should we go with it?

We Love You Grandpa Merrill

It's been a year since Ryan's dad passed away. We have really missed him and try to talk often to the kids about their Grandpa Merrill. He was such a wonderful man who was such an example to everyone. The arrangement below was made by Ryan's mom for the funeral. If you click on the picture and see it larger, you can learn so much about Merrill. I thought she was so creative. Notice the can of Pepsi, the chap stick, the old car, the Oreo in the car (which had the cream eaten and cookie put back by Caden), Vick's, Harrison Ford's The Fugitive, the Macey's pin , the duct tape, the old knife and the handkerchief. All of them have special meaning about Merrill and his life. Caden often says in his prayers that he knows he'll see grandpa when he dies. I'm so thankful for the gospel and it's eternal truths that we can be together forever.

Boys vs. Girls

There really is a difference between boys and girls. I am reminded of it every day as I watch Caden and Avery play. I notice the separation more and more as the kids get older and Avery gets more and more independent. As the pictures show, Caden gets bumps, bruises and picks at his scabs. Avery carries purses (which she didn't learn from me), tries on shoes, wears head bands (not me either) and talks on the phone (okay, I'll take credit for that one).

Avery being all girl. She looks like this most days, getting ready all by herself. Notice the purse, 2 headbands, and most importantly - the cell phone to the ear.Caden showing his bumps, bruises and scabs.
Caden going to bed as a super-hero.