Chuck E Cheese

We broke down and took the kids to Chuck E Cheese the other day -- something we never do. I really hate places like that. All the pandemonium and germs and disturbing animatronic whatever-you-call-them. Blech. But we took them, and I have rarely seen them as excited. (Which is kind of sad in a way.) Anyway, we let them go nuts and ride on and play whatever they wanted, and at the end of the evening they had collected enough tickets to cash in for about 12 cents worth of junk. And they were thrilled.

Nathaniel looked like a natural with this rifle game (grrr.)

(So did Lindsey. Double grrr.)

Park Fun

A few shots of the kids at the park the other day. Nathaniel is quite a monkey!

I can't believe how many shots I had to take to get all 3 of them looking at me, eyes open! How will I ever get a photo of 4 kids?

Anyone know what this was all about?? Interesting.

Random Happenings

If only I kept up with my blog, I wouldn't have to do these sweeping recaps of what's happened lately. But I'm not likely to change soon. Oh well. . .
Here's Nathaniel receiving some future mission training on how to properly iron a pair of (his dad's) pants.

Lindsey in yet another new dress.

Bradley and Nathaniel participated in Chris' EMS class as mock patients. The trainees used them as car crash victims to practice their techniques, and the boys really liked it. Fake blood and everything. . . pretty cool.


Here's a shot of my big boy on his way to pre-school, which he really loves!

New Dresses

Lindsey loves a new dress more than almost anything. She is such a girly-girl that I honestly can't believe she is mine sometimes. We couldn't be more opposite in that area! She was eager to have her picture snapped in these new "big girl" dresses from Aunt Shannon.

My Beautiful Boys

Close your eyes . . .

Have no fear . . .




















The monster's gone . . .

He's on the run . . .

And your mama's here .



Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful boy.











Before you go to sleep . . .

Say a little prayer . . .



Every day, in every way

It's getting better and better.


Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,

Beautiful boy.









Out on the ocean . . .

Sailing away . . .


I can hardly wait
To see you come of age . . .

But I guess we'll both just have to be patient.

Before you cross the street . . .

Please take my hand.

Life is what happens to you

while you're busy making other plans . . .

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,

Beautiful boy.

Darling, darling, darling . . .

My beautiful boys . . .

Isn't She Lovely

Isn't she lovely. . .

Isn't she wonderful . . .

Isn't she precious . . .

Less than one minute old.
I never thought through love we'd be

Making one as lovely as she . . .

























But isn't she lovely made from love.


















Isn't she pretty. . .

Truly the angel's best . . .




















Boy, I'm so happy . . .

We have been heaven blessed . . .

I can't believe what God has done . . .

Through us he's given life to one . . .

But isn't she lovely made from love.

I Do All the Work . . . And They Look Like Him!

He's All Boy!

Well, I have been delaying this announcement (which most of you already know anyway) hoping we could figure out how to get the ultrasound video on here. But it's just too long, and we can not seem to compress it enough. SO, you'll just have to take my word for it! We are having another boy and couldn't be happier! He looks healthy and was jumping all over the place in there! It is always such a joy to see a baby on ultrasound, to count fingers and toes and watch him move around. We are truly blessed.

Pre-School

A couple of friends and I are having pre-school for our kids. We meet 3 times a week, rotating teaching duties among us. So far it is great!


On our first day, we learned about allegiance. I taught them all the pledge and we recited it together. They were so cute! We also learned "America the Beautiful." I was amazed how quickly they all picked up on the tune and lyrics to the song.




They seem to really enjoy learning. Each week we focus on a letter and build lessons around that letter. I am hoping we can teach them all to read before long. Lindsey and Bradley absolutely LOVE going to school!

What's Been Going On

Chris took the kids on a fishing trip to this really cool pond at Vivian Park in the canyon. All 3 had a great time, and they even caught several fish.



Believe it or not, all 3 kids were there -- not sure why the other 2 didn't make it into the photos. Here's Nathaniel with his proud catch. They were all a little shaken once they realized a couple of the fish they caught were badly injured and would die. Chris said they should bring them home and eat them, which they reluctantly did. I heard several "poor fishies," and "why did you cut his head off, daddy?" comments, but in the end, they actually ate the fish.


We had yummy cake on Mel's birthday. (She's going to kill me for this picture.)

Lindsey and Bradley ended up in the same bed -- trust me, they do have their own beds. We may be packed in this little house like sardines, but everyone has a bed!


Walking home from the bus stop one afternoon, Bradley said, "Mom, can you take my picture?" Who could resist?


Chris had 3 little helpers when he set out to put together a small shelf for my desk. Each grabbed a screwdriver and jumped in.






Oh, the concentration!