Wild bald eagles, Croydon

Sunday we went up to Croydon, Carson has been begging us to go because his teacher said there are a lot of wild bald eagles up there. I had no idea we would see 16 in one tree!!!

And .... Morgan stayed home and made flan for Wes birthday! So impressed with his cooking skills, and compassion. 

Moms wedding

Fun day, and nice to meet Louis's family. I can't speak for my sisters, but I'm grateful my mom is so happy... She has already had so many fun adventures and really enjoys Louis's companionship!

They also brought us back this fun basket of chocolate!

January 1, 2016

Well... Only Wes and Morgan stayed up late enough to celebrate the new year. Sleep is so much more appealing to me right now. Kinley has had a bad ear infection and we haven't been getting much sleep. I kinda regret not nursing her through the winter, but it's gotta end sometime. My saving grace has been an exercise class, boxing specifically. I have never even remotely liked boxing but it has been fun because I've never done it before.  And it's learning something new. I know how to punch now, haha. What would I do without exercise. It's not outside however, but it'll do.  

McKinley has been so fun, she says a handful of words, is a speed walker, gets into everything, climbs up and on anything, but is so loving, sweet and cuddly. 

The holidays have been so fun, Wes is enjoying his demo business and is remodeling Marie's house next door, so it's nice to have him close. 

Resolutions. I'd like to really establish a style in art. Maybe enter a couple of shows. Write a couple of books. 

Racing bikes has dwindled and I haven't much desire to compete any more which seems really weird to me. But I know to live in the season, and make the most of it. I'm really enjoying  being a mom and doing more cooking and stuff. 

I just realized I took no pictures of New Year's Eve. 😩the kids made mini pizzas and we watched pan and played a few games, and popped some party poppers.  It's tough staying up late. 

Christmas 2015, cabin

This had to have been my favorite Christmas. Getting to spend it with my family this time in a beautiful cabin in a beautiful mountain setting. It really was a dream come true for me. The snow was deep, we had our gear, our presents and each other. It couldn't have been better save it were having Heidi and Jenn there with us. Hopefully we could do it again. Even the beds are the most comfiest ever. And the kids loved spending time with their cousins playing on the indoor slide. 

The first day we got there, we explored the mountain hill in the backyard watching the older three sled down the hill. McKinley squeezed and clapped her little hands watching Morgan race by almost hitting us. He also made us laugh by swinging out of the swing and landing in the snow. Carson loved making tracks in the Dino footprints snowshoes we got him. It was nothing less than a magical winter land for us. That evening we had a wonderful turkey dinner and talked till the late hours about everything from relationships to the gospel.

Christmas morning we made the kids wait till after breakfast to open their presents. They took turns so it all lasts longer, we don't buy them a whole lot:) Morgan almost cried to find a real electric guitar just for him. Carson loved the books on "birds of the world" and his new binoculars aptly name branded "Carson." We even got him Lego birds. 

Malia was thrilled to get an "American doll with Jammie's that matched her own and a kitchen diner. Wes got me some gold earrings for the wedding and a gold swatch watch. I got him clothes and a rubber ring so he won't damage his fingers. The hours right after gift exchange are the best, Morgan played his guitar, Carson was busy reading, and malia was off dancing and singing in the karaoke machine. McKinley got peppa pig toys, which she seemed to really like!

Sage played the piano and was amazing! And we all played telestrations and had a good laugh. We got some good movies and snacked on leftovers. It was just a lot of fun. It still seems so unreal that my mom is getting married, but so far it's been a blast!

McKinleys first snow

It's waist deep! So glad I bought this little sled. McKinley loved it. Morgan loved pulling her around too! Love these kids.

Jackson hole 15th anniversary

We had such a perfect ski day! I'm glad Wes and I both love to ski and both wanted to go to Jackson. I had barely weened McKinley the day before so I was kind of uncomfortable 😖 and we both had a slight cold but it was nice to get a away. We can't wait to see our kids and have Christmas now. It's so fun to come home to our little ones. 

The day was beautiful, the snow was perfect and dinner at the gun barrel was so good. Can't remember ever having a bison steak before, but it's definitely better than beef in my opinion. We also got a little shopping in, it was so pretty with the snow falling. I was happy to find a dress for my moms wedding so I didn't have to worry about that anymore.  We also got a few items for the kids for Christmas. A raccoon hat for Carson and a log pillow for Morgan and a little horse necklace for malia.  I'm so glad my mom was excited to watch McKinley. I think I'm going to miss her when she gets married! 

The new Star Wars movie also came out so I think we'll take the kids to see that when we get home. 

It was good to have a road trip and actually talk with Wes. We talked about Marie, who just passed away and the kids, and future goals.  It was such a fun weekend.

Morgans first guitar recital

I thought Morgan did such a great job. It was so sweet. His teacher was so great to sing along. But for some reason I can't attach the movie I took:( 

He also played at the ward Christmas party as well and Wes and Carson sang.

We then went to the Weston Christmas party after Morgan's recital. Wish I had taken a family picture.

Christmas season is always busy but I hope I can have some good moments with my family. I sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on me as I raise these kids and I need to learn to relax and let it go sometimes. 

Malia also did a great job in her first grade Christmas play. She claims she has stage fright but then asks why more people don't come to watch her.  I sure hope she is able to get over her fear of recitals and I'm hoping by putting her in a ballet class with her friend Ava might help.

We also got a fun package from gramps chip and Lori in Australia. It was filled with chocolates and a little stuffed animal and calendar. Carson was so excited he showed the envelope to his friend and malia wore the envelope on her head for the rest of the day. They sure love theses experiences.