Our Robins

Every year since we have lived in our house we have had robins nesting somewhere in our yard. This year we had a robin nesting in a hanging basket on our front porch. Dad was surprised that the mother didn't abandon the nest with Kristen, the kids and most kids in the neighborhood bothering the birds every day to check on their progress. We couldn't walk in or out of our front door without the mother robin flying off to a nearby fence to bark and squak at us. In any event, all of the birds hatched and took flight. One of the babies ended up in our backyard and Annie started "playing" with it (with her mouth). Fortunately, Kristen saved the baby from Annie's rough play while Abby ran up to her room in hysterics with worry. She redeposited the bird in the nest and it was gone later that day (though rumor has it that another neighborhood dog got the bird anyway). In any event, here are some pictures...

Ellie's Birthday

Ellie turned 4 on May 22. She was very excited and had to open her presents early in the day (actually Kristen was excited and had to let Ellie open her presents early).

One of Ellie's favorite presents was her rollerblade set up. As you can see, she is well protected.

Grandma and Grandpa came by later that day to wish her happy birthday. She was thrilled about the American Girl(ish) doll they brought for her.

No 4-year-old's birthday would be complete without a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. MMMM..... crappy pizza!

Ellies' birthday cake was a big hit. Kristen made a purse for the Bean.

MIkey the Snake Wrangler

Michael's class had zoo-day towards the end of the school year. Each child was to dress up as an animal and memorize certain facts about that animal. His classroom was converted into a "zoo" to which all of the parents and family were invited for a visit to learn about each animal. Mike did a great job. Next time you see him, ask him about snakes.

Kristen made the snake and fastened it to Mike. She did a great job. Dad kind of wants one for himself.





The kids were supposed to dress up as the animal, but it is tough for a child with all four limbs to pull that off without just looking like a lizard. The long length of a snake is also difficult for a small child to pull off. Kristen's idea worked well. She is quite talented. Please contact her for all of your large stuffed-reptile needs.

Good Times In Star Valley - Part 2 - Snowmobiling!!

While we were up in Afton for Tyler's blessing, Josh was good enough to arrange a snowmobile outing for us. The conditions were ideal and the setting was absolutely beautiful. Thanks Josh!

Abby doing a little snow-dance.

Danny excited to be waist-deep in the fluffy stuff.

Mikey excited to be eating Cheetos.

Abby and Dad after a quick, super-fast ride.

Dad and the trifecta.

Josh and Dan after some serious sledding.

Of course, it wouldn't be snowmobiling if someone didn't get stuck.

Good Times In Star Valley

Mandy and Josh blessed their new baby Tyler in early March. We were able to visit them in beautiful (and snow-covered) Afton, Wyoming for the festivities. Many thanks to the Smith's for putting up with our noisy brood for a few days.

We stayed at the Corral Motel which is basically a series of small log cabins. Needless to say, the kids were stoked about that.
We took a quick trip up to Jackson during the trip. The antler arch was a highlight...
... as was this buffalo.

Disneyland (post 3) - "The Princesses"

On our second day in Disneyland, Kristen was watching Ellie and Camilla Bradshaw while the rest of us were on the Indiana Jones ride. While watching them, a park employee approached Kristen and gave her a ticket to a private audience with the Disney princesses for both Ellie and Camilla. This was basically a back-stage pass for Ellie and Camilla only. Needless to say, they were thrilled.





Ellie and Camilla weren't entirely convinced that Mulan and Pocahontas qualified as princesses.



I’m not sure which princess this is, but she seems regal.



Here we have Princess Aurora of “Sleeping Beauty” fame, and Cinderella, the gold-standard of princesses. The girls were most excited about these two.

Disneyland (post 2)

Here are some photos of our Disneyland trip. Good times.

Disneyland (post 1)

We took a fun trip to Disneyland this year. It was a total surprise for the kids. We told them we were going to St. George to stay at mom & dad's house for a few days. The next morning we got up and left for Aneheim and told the kids we were going down to Las Vegas to visit Ben & Miranda. Once we got through Vegas we told them that Ben & Miranda needed us to come by later on so we were going to find this casino south of Vegas with a big roller coaster. As we kept driving we had to make up more and more stories to allay any suspicions about our destination. We got to a small town just outside Barstow and told the kids we were turning around to head back. So we got off the freeway, drove through town, and got right back on the freeway heading south, but telling the kids we were heading back north. However, Abby kept seeing signs for Los Angeles and wondered why we continued heading south. Danny was similarly suspicious. We told them we weren't and that the freeway was taking us on a round-about route back to Las Vegas. Mike and Ellie just kept whining about the fact that we were spending several more hours in the car after supposedly arriving at our destination, St. George, the night before. As we arrived in the very lush, green and populated Anaheim area, we told the kids that we were arriving at the greener "Southeast Side" of Las Vegas. We wound our way through Aneheim and arrived at the gates of Disneyland then finally sprung the surprise on the kids. They were dumbstruck. It was great. So, with the distracting help of in-car movies and coloring books, we successfully wove a web of lies for two days and over 800 miles of travel. Here is a video of the big surprise moment.

Danny's Baptism

Well it has been an eventful winter for Big D. He turned 8, started scouts and, on February 2, 2008, Danny was baptized. It was a thrill for me to be able to baptize Dan. He is such a good boy and has a strong testimony of the gospel. We are so very proud of him. Thanks to family and friend who were able to attend, some travelling long distances to do so. We are grateful for such a loving and supportive family.

Michael's Academic Award

Michael was one of three children in his whole kindergarten selected to receive a "Principal's Pride Award" at school. Michael received the award for his excellent writing ability. We are very proud of Mike, he is a great student.

This is Mikey posing with his book "Animls" for which he won his award. The New York Times Review of Books says: "'Animls' is a taught, gripping animal thriller you won't be able to put down. This is Mike Jones at the top of his form." I recommend picking up a copy today.

Ellie's First Primary Day

The Bean has invaded the Draper 15th Ward Primary! Ellie was pretty exited (and maybe a little nervous) to get out of nursery and move on up to Sunbeams. Each of these milestones make Kris and I both a happy and a little sad. Happy that our children are learning and growing into such good and bright individuals, but sad that time seems to move so quickly. (If you need a moment to wipe away the tears, go ahead.... I can wait.... all done?.... O.K.) Anyway here are some pictures of Ellie's big day...