Do I have to cry?

This wednesday is the funeral for Chris' grandpa. Tonight we were talking to the kids about what was going to happen and how they needed to act.

A: "There will be a lot of people there that will be crying. So you need to be prepared for that."
P: "So do I need to fake cry?"

To say the least Amy (Chris' sister) started to laugh so hard I thought she was going to cry.

By the way we are sad for Peggy (Chris' step-mom) but Grandpa Tidwell was 97 years old and lived a very good life and never lived in a nursing home, and he passed away peacefully.

Need to rest

Saturday night our fam went to Olive Garden in Salt Lake City. It is about an hours drive for my family but we went to meet Erin for her Birthday. Plus I love to drive. So Chris had Lukers in the van and was going to stop at the store then go home and I had the two girls. He called me on my cell to tell me that Luke had fallen asleep and he was going straight home. So later that night I tucked the older kids into bed and noticed that Luke was still in his play clothes. Very unusual for that kid. He refuses to go to bed unless he is in jams. So at about 2:17am Luke came and got Chris. This is what happened.

Chris trying to get jams on Luke at around 8:00pm.
L: "Dad I need a rest."
2:17am
L: "Dad I am done resting now. Can you help me get my jammies on brush my teeth and say my prayers?"

Chris the wonderful father he is lets me sleep and he helped Luke get ready for bed.

For FREEEEEEEE....

If you have seen the movie Bedtime Stories you will know the line. I am trying to find activities the kids and I can do for “freeeeeeeee” or really, really cheap. There is so much I want to do before Chris leaves. We accomplished another goal... sort of. We went to a museum, but Chris had to work so he was unable to come. The Utah Museum of Natural History to be exact. The first Monday of every month is free to anyone.


Abigail just loves spiders. Especially when the are about the size of your hand.

They had a toad exhibit at the museum and it was really neat. Frogs from around the world.

Witches brew anyone.

They had a really neat fish tank the kids were able to go into the middle and see all sorts of fish.

What me? I didn't do...

Busted. That smile says I am up to something. Guess what mom? I gave myself a haircut. It was bothering me and I needed to cut it.

Look at the good job I did. See the nice even sides. Doesn't it look good? And guess what? It's not bothering me anymore.

Look at the good job I did in the back. Doesn't it look nice? To say the least he is going to the barber with Chris and fixing the rest.

Abbie decided to play beauty shop with her doll. That is Kit Kittridge from An American Girl. Maybe someday the hair will grow back.

I don't know what was Lukes or Kits hair. But they both got a mild makeover one afternoon. Needless to say Abbie is banned from the scissors for a very long time.

What a Hair Day!!!!

So Mads was brushing her hair and getting ready for school when she came downstairs. I was so proud of how she handled the situation. I couldn't believe my eyes. She was so calm. I sent the other kids to school and worked on her hair. I thought I was going to have to get the scissors and go at it. Let's just say 15 minutes later the brush was out and we were on our way to school.

Erin this one is for you

So a couple of weeks ago we went to Layton Surf-n-Swim. It is a pool that starts out shallow and gradually gets deeper. Then about every 15-20 minutes the pool produces waves. It is so much fun. We got tubes for the kids so they could ride the waves and have fun. Chris and I would sneak up on the kids and grab their feet or legs. Well, not having my glasses and trying to see underwater is not a good combination for me. I saw a pair of legs coming from the bottom of the tube and the swimsuit kinda looked like Prestons. I dived under the water and swam to the legs, grabbed them, and started tickling what I thought was Preston. When I came up I saw that it was a teenage boy and Preston was standing by the side of the pool. Oops! The boy laughed I apologized and he said his mom probably would have done the same thing. Maybe I should get goggles with a prescription. Oh well. At least he had a good laugh.

Swimming

Luke finally gets in the water. Last year at Lake Powell when we were out on the ski boat we had to force him in the water because he was getting to warm sitting in the sun. He was not happy. Now he loves the water and going under. He is ready for swim lessons. Next year we will put him in.

Madison is such a water bug. She loved playing in the deep end on her tube all night long.

Abigail always with a smile

Love Preston's smile.

Look at those handsome Tyler boys.

Amy and Family

Chris' sister Amy flew in from Seattle for a few days. She stayed with us and Nikki. On Saturday we took the family on a fun little hike in Layton. The trail is paved all the way and very pretty. This bridge is about a mile or so into the hike. We had lunch there and played for a few minutes.

Luke wanted his picture taken while he was in the stroller. Abbie kept trying to peek under but didn't quit get the point of getting in front of Amy.

Preston got a little nervous once we found this sign at the beginning of the trail. If you can't read it, it's warning us about the dangers of possibly running into a mountain lion. Oh well, at least I run faster. Preston your lunch meat.

Everyone trying to do a silly face. Hands down Amy you don't need to try. HAHAHA

What a beautiful family. Amy thanks for coming and making memories with the kids. We love you dearly and can't wait to see you in May in Seattle.