Cubbie Picture

I will for sure never forget which cubbie is Caleb's

Horse Races

If I were a betting woman, I would put money on the Cali/Caleb duo. For the following reasons:

1. Caleb's feet are flat on the ground, and can aid in the running.

2. Brock is no good at holding on, and thus a huge detriment to his team.

3. Cali has agility, youth, and speed on her side.

4. Bethany is getting kind of rickety and old.

Also, I should mention that I shall never again purchase a rug with ANY amount of white on it. Trying to keep this rug look nice is going to be the death of me!

Dance Recital and Karate Competition

We had a very busy weekend with Cali's first dance recital of the season and Carter's first ever karate tournament falling on the same day... at the same time.

Neal and Gwen, along with Brandt, Alexis, and Kate, came to Rock Springs for the events. We decided to split the day evenly, boys and girls. Christian, Brandt, and Neal took Carter and Caleb to the karate tournament. While me, Gwen, Alexis and Bethany took Cali to her recital.

Things got off to a Rocky start with Carter forgetting his mouth guard, and Christian running back and forth between Rock Springs and Green River to retrieve it. Carter was nervous and a little bit scared, but soon settled into the event.

Cali's recital was very nice, she and her group did a great job. Before our family had to leave we all met for a delicious lunch at Dickey's.

 

Cali Style

No one was actually injured in the removal of an extra tight bun from Cali's head!

Attempts at Decorating

I got this brilliant idea that I would decorate above the cabinets with different pictures and subway-style signage. It's still a work in progress and has undergone several revisions... I don't have the best eye for decorating stuff, but I know when stuff doesn't look quite right, and I think this may be one of those times.

Ice Skating

We've done a little bit more ice skating than we have in years past. As the kids get older the activities we can do together seem to get more fun and more dangerous. Cali spent more time on her butt than her feet. And the above picture, although staged, pretty much sums up her skill level at this time (she has, however, improved quite a bit since these pictures were taken).

Skating is always more fun with friends. Especially friends who share your same affection for a crazy photo op.

Carter had some struggles with the standing and skating at first too, but picked it up pretty quick and has now added NHL to list of potential professional sport options!

Carl's 60th Birthday Party

It seems like only yesterday he was turning 50, and now he's 60. My how time flies. Vicki hosted a 60th birthday party for Carl on the Saturday after his birthday. We drove down for Rock Springs to Bountiful to join him for his big day. Although well known as a party pooper, he was actually quite excited and joined in on all the festivities!

I suspect that Christian holding the piñata and taunting his father is payback for all the Christmases where these rolls were reversed.

We also found out pretty quick that Caleb + the freedom to hit things = a scary situation.

A nice little picture of the adults and adult children.

And, of course, the never ending quest to take a picture where all the children are looking in the same general direction. I would consider this one and moderate success.

It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Bethany and Brock

Brock and Bethany are two of very favorite people, and we have had so many wonderful, interesting, sad, funny, and crazy moments since they came to stay with us this past November. Bethany is always helpful and willing to do fun things with Cali, Carter, and Caleb. Brock is getting to be such a crazy little fella', and although I haven't totally convinced him to like me...I still like him!

Castle Dale Christmas/New Year's Fun

We started 2014 off with a trip to Castle Dale to celebrate the holidays and to ring in the New Year. We left Rock Springs on New Year's Day, Christian in his car and me in mine. He had some work that he had to do in Huntington, so while we played around all day, he went to work. But no worries, there was plenty of family time to be had in the evenings, and he didn't feel left out at all.

Christian, Cali, Caleb, and I practiced the art and science behind the "us-ie". Similar to a selfie, but with two people, hence the "us" in usie. Some of them turned out better than others!

What holiday celebration would be complete without a late-night run to the movies. We finally saw Anchorman 2, but not before Brandt saw it three times and was pretty much proficient in all the dialogue.

The boys were up bright and early each morning to climb the neighbor's tree. We told them to be quiet, since it was 7:00 a.m., but they insisted on yelling and screaming and having a grand old time. I'm sure the neighbor wasn't as amused.

Of course there are always plenty of presents for the grandkids, who are almost never cooperative when it comes to group photos!

And finally, awkward wrestling matches with your uncle.