Trip to the zoo

With the kids off track we were able to make it to the zoo on it's free day in January. We have been planning this for some time and when it got closer to the date there was signs of snow. I like the snow, but I don't like driving in it. So our trip was a maybe. When we woke up that morning we saw no snow and the forecast called for snow in the morning some time. We packed up what we needed and headed off hoping to beat the storm. It turned out to be warmer than we thought and only had a few snow flurries. It was the first time I haven't gone to the zoo without a stroller. I was very happy. Everyone had their own packs and it worked out great.

This trip to the zoo was a lot of fun mostly because all the animals were active and fun to watch. It wasn't too busy and we made it through the whole trip without anyone getting lost. I had a few complainers and fighting but what I count was on was everyone was safe. I recommend going to the zoo in the cold months just because they animals are more fun to see. Camden was having a hard time at the end but made it by holding my hand.

Elliot is 5!

Elliot has been waiting for his birthday since November. He would ask "how many days until my birthday?" I gave up telling him because he asked so often. When it came closer to the day we made a chain so he could see how many days were left. He was very excited, so excited he tore off the last two days early.

The week of Elliot's birthday I hadn't thought about a party. I knew he wanted one but I hadn't done anything. Monday morning we laid in my bed at 6am and talked about who he wanted to invite. We ran to the store and picked out the things we would need. I filled out the invitations and on our way home Elliot delivered them. Usually Elliot is a little shy about things so I gave him a choice of having a sibling help him. Elliot wanted no help at all and was very brave. He was very proud of himself.

Elliot was so excited to have his friends over. Although he wanted to open his presents we did play some games.

Here is one of Elliot's favorite friends. He is almost a year older than her but loves to play with her and talks about her. One Sunday he came home and told me he played with Paisley's hair at church. I wasn't too concerned but was curious as to what he was actually doing. I talked to her mom and she said it was nothing big and Paisley enjoyed it.

Elliot requested a yellow circle cake with yellow frosting. He also wanted to help make it but by the time I got to it Elliot was in bed. He did help me frost it and told me what to do.

I love so many things about Elliot.

5 I love how Elliot tries to be a big kid. He wants to do chores just like his siblings and wants to be in the kitchen doing everything I do. 

4 Elliot likes to help out. He is a pro at finding Camden's shoes. He has learned to buckle Camden in his car seat which is a great blessing. 

3 I love how Elliot comforts Camden when he gets hurt. He repeats over and over "it's okay". It is so adorable.

2 Elliot has a love for cooking. He wants to be in the kitchen and always asks to make a salad. He is my number 1 man when I am making soup because he is such an awesome stirer.

1 I love how thoughtful Elliot is. He is always giving hugs and drawing pictures for people. 

Happy Birthday Elliot and hope this year is full of lots of joy and mistakes so you can learn more. We love you.

Just for fun

At the beginning of the year we got a good storm. It was enough to shovel and the kids loved it. All the snow we get doesn't last very long so when it comes the boys love it. We don't have enough snow shovels for all the kids so they grab whatever tool they can that will move snow.

 I actually enjoy shoveling the snow as long as it's only a few inches. When it gets to be 7 or 8 inches I gladly let Mike have a turn. Mike came and relieved me so I decided to take some pictures since I was already bundled up.

 We started piling the snow into a big pile. The boys enjoyed making a fort out of it.

 Elsie and Kaden decided to they were going to work out one day. It was really fun to see them enjoying the exercise. The best part was I didn't even tell them to do it.

 Elsie does enjoy her brothers. She claims it's not often but I truly believe she loves these guys.

 Here the boys are cuddled up in my bed reading books and watching a show. They love to climb on our bed and get in the covers.

Kaden's First Pinewood Derby

 Kaden got his derby car back in November. He made designs and Mike and Kaden talked about it. It wasn't until the week of the derby they got to work. They borrowed a scroll saw from grandpa and got busy. They went shopping a lot and found some good stuff. Kaden picked red and orange paint but the orange didn't work.

 The night before the derby Mike and Kaden were working on the car late. I had a hard time getting the other kids off to bed. Before the night was over they took the car to the post office to weigh it. Mike wanted to make sure it weighed enough before he glued the weights on.

The big night Kaden was very excited. He had invited grandma and grandpa out to see. Mike was just hoping the car didn't get last place. Surprisingly Kaden's car took 2nd place. He was very excited.

 

 Here is Kaden and all the scouts that ran in the derby. It was a lot of fun. The boy that beat Kaden is right next him in the picture. Mahonri is one of his good friends.

 Next year they might start working on the car a little earlier and try for first. It was a great surprise.

Christmas 2013

December wasn't a busy month but the time flew by. The kids were in school right up until Christmas Eve. It was nice in a way that I could get my shopping done but I missed doing fun things. With Elliot and Camden older they don't forget many things. I couldn't shop for them so we asked grandma and grandpa Wilcox to watch the kids one night so we could finish our shopping. 

Decorating the Christmas tree was such fun. The kids can put it all together by themselves. The only thing I am in charge of is putting the lights on and making sure everyone has enough ornaments to put on.

Years ago I had the greatest plan. We would act out the nativity. Well back then the kids refused to do it so I made a flannel board one. Since then I have decided it wasn't worth the prep and hassle to force the kids to things so I didn't. And behold they wanted to this year. All were excited except for one. Things weren't perfect, but we loved it. Elsie made the costumes.

Every year Aunt Michelle sends pajamas to the kids. They love these presents and Michelle does an awesome job of finding things they like.

All ready for Christmas.

 Chrismas morning.

 The week of Christmas the kids came down with the stomach flu. Thankfully Mike, Kaden, and me were the only ones not contaminated. Christmas eve Elsie was up all night throwing up. This is as excited as she got on Christmas. She was feeling better by the evening but didn't enjoy her toys until the next day.

This is an apron Elsie made Elliot for Christmas. She made it all by hand. Elliot loved it but since then it has fallen apart. We drew names this year for presents but Elsie still wanted to get everyone something.

 Grandma and grandpa O'Dell got all the boys some kind of tractor. They loved them and couldn't wait to take them outside.