One of our many outings in AZ

We found this great park that was completely covered. It was great! I would have lasted only 5 minutes if it was in the sun, instead we stayed for a couple hours.

The cousins weren't there, they were napping, but grandpa Spence was with us. 

 Beautiful Amber, and her painted nails. Everyone notices her toenails. It is funny.

 This is a big turtle shell Dallin is in.

 This sandbox was cool. It had dinosaur bones to dig around. 

Did I mention that Ashlyn is sick too?

Yep. She was actually sick first. Looking pretty pitiful with an ear infection, then her ear drum ruptured. She hated taking her medicine. HATED! She is used to it now, but it took days of crying and running and gagging.

I took Amber in for a follow up today, and I thought for sure she was getting better. She has been happy and eating again. But the doctor didn't like what she heard in Amber's chest, so she got a shot of some strong antibiotics and some stronger breathing treatments. Going back tomorrow for another check. In the past week we have been to the doctors office 4 times. I'm done! I hope sickness is out of our family soon, we are heading to Arizona for a week in March.

Pneumonia

My poor baby has pneumonia. She is on antibiotics and breathing treatment for the next couple of days.

 Amazing what only one dose of antibiotics did for her. I didn't see a single smile yesterday, and this is Amber today. Acts like she isn't even sick. 

 Ok, so she still kind of looks sick with the snot pouring out her nose. 

Strike is over

Well, it was fun while it lasted. Ha! Glad that is over!

I thought I would keep my kids home the duration of the strike, thinking sending them would be a waste of time since there were about 7 teachers per school. But I decided I wanted them gone part of the day. They only stayed home one day. We had fun that day though. We did science experiments. Made some Gak and blew balloons up with baking soda, vinegar and a bottle. 

 I think I could do ok teaching the hands on subjects like art and science.

 Tanner was nervous to return to school with a sub, but he got used to it. Dallin liked the strike because he got to take a lunch to school and eat in the cafeteria.

 Amber was pretty excited about the whole thing to. :)

Hair cut and "homeschool" during teacher's strike

 Ashlyn wanted her pony tale taken out, but I was in the bathroom, so she got our the scissors and tried to cut out the rubber band by herself. She ended up cutting out a chunk of hair. So she got a hair cut. Broke my heart. The blonde ends came off. Tanner said she looks like a teenager. Ha ha. She does look older I think. 

 The teachers in the Medford School District are on strike. The kids have been out of school for 3 days, and will start 1/2 days tomorrow until the strike is over. I am not sure if I will send the kids or not. The schools only get about 7 substitute teachers, when they normally have closer to 20. Lots of combined classes and chaos is what it will probably be. So we did some school work at home for a bit. I have decided I am not a good teacher. I hope the strike doesn't last long.

We had Bonnie, Dallin's friend, over today too.

 I am good at teaching arts and crafts, but academics just aren't as fun. 

Can't leave Amber out. Cutie pie.

Amber is 8 months…almost

Ok, in a couple of days Amber will be 8 months, but I stayed home from church with the girls today and had some time to kill. We have had a stomach bug make its way through our family. I am the only who hasn't gotten it. yet. 

Notice the faux hawk is down? I have gotten used to it, and I like her with her hair down also, I guess.

 Her tongue is twisted or sticking out in almost all of these. 

 Notice creepy Ashlyn in the background? She really wanted to be in the pictures.

 Amber isn't quite crawling yet. Doesn't even look like she wants too. Nate sure wants her to for some reason. That is the physical therapist in him. He even works with her to try to get her to do it. I am in no hurry. I like a stationary baby.

 She has learned to clap, and thinks it is so exciting.

 See, that darn tongue. it is not cute. I believe Ashlyn would do that too. Yep, here is a picture of Ashlyn clapping and twisting her tongue. I can't believe the resemblance! She is like Ashlyn's clone.

Already?

I found the girls like this the other day. Do you see what is in their hands? Toy cell phones. Each have one, and each are already obsessed. :( Not a good sign. 

Amber is 7 months

No way! How is it possible? She still seems like a baby. She isn't crawling. Not even close. Just sits around, happy as can be. No teeth either.

 We may have to put an end to the faux hawk soon. It is getting kind of long. :) I just don't like her hair as much without the volume on top. 

Sick Day

Amber has been sick this last week. She had a fever for about 4 days straight of 103 degrees. Poor baby. She is about over it now. Thanks goodness! Hoping to get some decent sleep now.

The kids all love legos, including Ashlyn. And Amber just like to be there near the kids.

Ashlyn is such a sweet sister. I hope they stay close.

 Tanner was proud of his creation.

Dallin stayed in his church clothes--tie and all--all day.

Tennis

Grandpa Spence gave the boys tennis rackets and balls for Christmas, and we had pretty decent temperatures, so we took them out for a try.

 "Look mom, no hands!"

 I adore this face. She has the best expressions.

 She was cheering on the kids and Dad playing tennis.

Here are some videos of her watching and cheering. Actually she appears frustrated that she can't cheer.

Why is it that fat, toothless babies are adorable, but fat, toothless adults are, well, not?

 Tanner is pretty darn good.

 Dallin is pretty good himself. These two had a hard time sharing the court.

 Super excited!

 I love having girls in the family.

I know, I post way too many pictures. I just don't want to miss anything. I want to remember the details. I go back and watch videos and look at pictures, and I realize how much I have forgotten about, and it is sad. And then I am so glad that I have them the help me remember. Childhood is so fun, and so short! 

The tramp

Ashlyn won't go on the trampoline with anyone else if they are jumping. She is so little that she gets bounced all over the place. So, if I had to be there, might as well take pics, right? She was pretty cute, and totally happy jumping only about 2 inches off the trampoline.