Wild Kingdom??

Wow, what a family outing!! We took the kids out of school a little early and headed to Idaho Falls yesterday for Ethan's birthday outing. He wanted to go to "a big city with stores." Honestly, mommy did too!! Anyway, on our way, on the side of the road we saw a small herd of elk, just trotting along the highway. Sheesh, these guys are big!!! Later on just over the Idaho border, there were some baby moose. You can't tell from the picture, but these guys are huge!! Their backs were taller than the hood of the van. They were pretty much looking me in the face through the window!! It was unbelievable..Word is they are getting desperate for food from all the snow, and are coming down and trying to cross the roads. I had NO idea that these animals were so huge. No wonder they do so much damage when they hit a car. The kids thought we were at a zoo. hehe, sometimes, I believe we are!

Determination of a 6 year old

This picture will always remind me of Jeffrey's determination. He had decided he wanted to be a bat for halloween. I am not a sew-er, so I was not sure how I was going to pull that off. There are no Walmarts here to run and get a costume at, so I spent all month trying to change his mind to something that we already had. He was determined, and the day of Halloween, he came out with one of my black shirts, his sister's black pants, and a pair of ears from a preschool dress up box, and a black scarf wrapped around him for wings. Grandma then went and attached the "wings" and did some magic and it turned out fine. He even found my black eye liner and painted his nose. This picture is his assuring me that "it's all good, mom!" Ahhh the wisdom of youth. Never give up, never surrender. =)

Is she standing up?

Here is an idea of how deep the snow is now. This is out in the front yard. Halee was going to jump into the tube, and she just went straight down. Poof!! At first, she was a little scared because she couldn't move, then when I brought out the camera, she started hammin' it up!!! Crazy, crazy, deep snow!!! So, yes, she is standing in the snow!!

Dallin's 2nd birthday

This was another milestone day. This is a day that Eric loves and makes me sad. When they turn two, they are no longer a baby, which makes Daddy happy because he can play and take them places and be "big." It makes mommy sad and happy because they are no longer a baby. They no longer always need mommy, and they are full swing into the "me do it." It's great to see that they have minds of their own (although sometimes the stubborn streak is less than desirable!!), but that means the more stubborn they are, they won't easily be swayed. At least that my rationale. I can't believe that the youngest is now 2. He loves his brothers and sister, and he loves being able to climb up where they are and be where they are. Pictured to the left is brothers Ethan (almost 5), Jeffrey (6) and sister Halee (8).

Before and After

This is the piece of land that has been designated as "our" land to which we are suppose to build a house on. The first picture is in November before all the snow his. The second is in December after the snow hit. It is even more snowy now. The snow is above the fence line. We are slowly adjusting to this climate. It sure does make ya not want to drive anywhere! Can't beat the neighborhood though.. =)

Wow! Was this a sunset or what. I found this picture as I was scrolling through them. This just reminded me that this is a beautiful place, despite my not so positive moods someday. It is amazing to have this view out every window, and to step outside and have fresh, clean air instead of smelling cigarette smoke from the nieghbors!!

Halee's baptism

This was both a happy and emotional day. It had been really, really snowing and Halee had asked if we could postpone it because it was so cold! We said a prayer as a family that morning, and assured her it would work out. She was not so thrilled about getting her ears wet! When we stepped out to get in the car, we saw this amazing sight. The sun had broken through the clouds and was shining it's heart out!! A wonderful teaching moment, that Heavenly Father wanted her to be baptized, and helped us out to make the day a great one! I had no idea how powerful it would be to see your husband use his priesthood power to baptize your child. It was emotional in that respect and also in the respect that she is on her way to growing up. She hasn't said much about it, other than it was "ok" or "kinda weird." She didn't cry when she went under and got her ears wet, so I was grateful for that!! Times, they are a changin....