Tradition Adjustment

The Willardsen's have developed a family tradition of sledding behind a car on the old farm roads of Ephraim on Christmas day. Mother nature didn't cooperate this year. We had snow and then lots of rain. Our kids asked if we could sled on the mud roads. We decided against it.

Grandma and the kids refused to allow our tradition to be lost all together this year so we tried it city style...sledding down the pile of snow (ice) made by the city snow plows. It required extra help to carefully mount the sled. Thankfully Aunt Minde was there to assist.The kids also enjoyed the human top experience of being spun around at an unreasonable speed on a circular sled. It made me nauseous just watching.We then moved to the back yard. Minde, Brian and Kiona created an extra hill to allow for a little speed. And for those of us who braved the cold a little longer than the rest we were able to enjoy the sight of Grandma Dyreng taking advantage of the man made snow hill.

Christmas at It's Best

Christmas Eve we spent at home with a delicious dinner prepared mostly by Randy.We went to Grandma and Grandpa Cooper's house to sing Christmas carols around the piano with Randy and Dana's family. The kids were anxious to get home to open one present (new pajamas) and get to bed. No one ever knows how early Santa may attempt to come.Christmas morning we told the kids they couldn't come down until 7:00 am. Aah, too early. Next year we'll try 8:00!Favorite gifts: Gabby - mp3 player, Parker - skateboard, Joshua - Lego's. Randy has to go with the squirrel nut cracker picked out by Parker. It came with a little bag of nuts, too. Lucky guy.

Merry Christmas to All

Graham Cracker Houses

My kids have been asking to make gingerbread houses all season. I decided once they were out of school and we had time to think we would do it. It took until the 22nd to build enough energy to open a box of graham crackers, whip up some glue and search the city from cheap candy. The results were amazing:

Temple Square Lights

'Tis the season to enjoy the lights at Temple Square. Some of our friends that are new to Salt Lake went down to enjoy them with us. Their kids are the same age as our kids, unfortunately, they are moving next month. Serves us right for living in the city.

It was perfect weather and only a little over-crowded.

Owen, Parker, Milana, Kaleb, Zander, Gabby, Jazmine, Sydni, Joshua Sydni, Gabby, Jazmine Parker, Owen, Joshua Jazmine, Gabby

Gabby Rocks

Gabby has learned so much this year in school. 4th grade drives the kids to independence in learning. She takes everything very seriously. For her rock collection she spent many hours collecting, determining rock types, and deciding how to present her collection. She did a great job. I hope I can be as smart as she is some day. I also hope she remembers all this stuff so she can help Parker and Joshua when they get to 4th grade.

Big Man Joshua

Joshua started preschool this year at the local high school. Parker also attended there a few years ago and loved it. The teacher was excited to have Parker's little brother. Joshua loves it, too. He feels big, and can now enjoy the time he spends with me a little more. When I pick him up from school I usually ask him what he did that day. Sometimes it takes more direct questions to get him to talk. One day I asked what they had for snack (I knew already, but no yes/no questions). He said he didn't have anything. I asked him why he didn't have fruit loops (theme for the week: colors), and he said he didn't want any because he had already had breakfast.

One of my favorite things has been the hats they make at school. Just before thanksgiving he came home with this one:Who can make a better hat than this for Christmas?

Hockey

Parker's sport of the year is hockey. He practices once a week and plays a game once a week. It's a little hard to get to know the team because they all look alike on the ice. Parker gets to see their face though, so he has learned a few names.The first few games he was a little timid, but by game three he decided it was time to get in on the action. He scored four goals that game!Parker is Mr. Social, so has to make sure to get some talk time in with the coaches as well.
Every game ends with a high five to the other team. It is not competitive yet so they skip the tally of goals and the body checks. I'll be grateful for that.

Nerdy Enough to be Smart

We hit the Discovery Kids Museum and enjoyed a science class and activity taught by one of their experts. It included the explanation of the earth's layers and hands one sand layering. The participants were required to wear protective eye wear to guard against potential hazards.

Joshua with his scientist hair.

Parker's ready to get started (dictation from Parker's own mouth).

Everyone knows how cute she is. I have more photos of her to some day be included on her wedding video. Let's hope her sense of humor develops a little more before that day arrives. My motto is lose the pride and enjoy the laughs!

Rock Drama

Gabby's drama performance this year was about the formation of rocks. The performances usually follow what they are learning in school that year. We only captured a small portion of the play, the most important when Gabby was front and center, singing and dancing. I bribed her with a new cd if she would go up and perform with all her heart. She earned it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4qldOToRwE

The Collards are in Town

Stephanie, Dave and Dexter came back to visit at the beginning of November. We were so excited to see them. So excited that we forgot to take any pictures of them! Actually, Dexter begs for the camera so we at least got some of him.

Dexter (3 1/2 months old).

Lookin' Good in a Suit

The kids had their primary program in November. They were all well prepared with their talks (written by themselves of course), their songs (knowing most of the words), and their cute faces.

Joshua has almost grown into Parker's old suit. This was his first time wearing it. He is the relaxed, casual type, but he will sport a suit if you tell him it makes him look like his dad. He must have heard me tell Randy I think he looks hot in a suit! (Joshua's sad face was due to a pinched finger)

Owen turned eight this year and was baptized. Parker looks up to Owen so much. If ever he has to write a story about someone or he needs to make a card for someone, Owen is on the top of his list. Parker was very excited for Owens baptism. During the baptism Parker was making plans for his own. He said, "if Joshua can say a good prayer by next year I will let him say one at my baptism."