The Circus Came to Town

Nate had never been to a circus and the kids hadn't either, so we went a couple weekends ago. So much fun! I was surprised how much we enjoyed it. Besides how expensive everything was. It always makes me mad when there are people selling junk at outrageous prices. Cotton candy $5. Light up sword $10, Elephant ride $15. Are you kidding!? And people were paying for it! Like almost everyone there. 

Nate snuck a pic with the Tiger even though the grumpy lady in the back was purposely standing in front of it to prevent people from taking their own pictures. 

The Elephant cost $15 per person for about a one minute ride. Ridiculous! We had the kids practice their math skills and figure out how much it would cost if our whole family rode the elephant, and they quickly realized that it wasn't worth it. 

It was hard to get good pictures in the dark. But we had a blast. 

Outings this week

We headed over to Griffin Creek to play. I am trying really hard to keep the kids active and not in front of the TV. Sometimes I just feel like being at home, but the kids like to play on the computer or watch TV, so it is better to get away sometimes. I love being out in the fresh air and seeing  the kids play together.

 Amber started calling Tanner "Bubba". I think it is cute. I don't know how she comes up with these nick names. 

We go to the library a couple times a week usually. There is this weird looking statue that they kids play on sometimes. 

 Drew and Whitney had a little family birthday party at the Family Fun Center. Paula and I ventured up into Cactus Jack with the kids. It was actually really fun to feel like a kid again playing tag and getting all sweaty from playing hard.

 Nate went up to Portland for some classes this weekend, so me and the kids went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Tanner in Rogue River one afternoon. Dallin liked messing with the chickens. 

They played on the zip line a bit too. 

Growing up

Ashlyn's preschool went to a farm for a field trip. Siblings and parents got to come if they wanted, and Amber thought she wanted to go. We lasted about 15 minutes then Amber was too cold to stay. {thank goodness} I am not an animal lover. The smell of animal poo and hay was grossing me out. 

There were llamas, donkeys, horses, dogs, goats and cows. Ashlyn loves preschool, and Amber is super excited to go next year. She is growing up faster than the rest of the kids did, I think. I don't like it. :(

She even thinks she is ready for a bra. 

And to give up her naps. Grrr. Sometimes all she gets is a quick power nap in the car. She was the quickest to give up naps.

Speaking of growing up too fast, Ashlyn went to the Kindergarten Launch this week. She met the teachers and the principle and got a tour of the school. She is so ready and super excited. Why am I so nervous to send my little girls to school???

Look how mature Tanner is, reading scriptures on his own. Not sure how much he is absorbing, but I was happy to see it. It is a dream come true. :)

Field trip and fun

Dallin's class went to on orthodontist's office for a field trip, and I went to help. Kind of a weird place to go for a field trip, but they made it kind of fun. The kids made a mold of their thumb with plaster. Learned about x rays and heard about how bad thumb sucking is for your teeth. :) Best part was getting this fun tee shirt probably.

 When I go into say good night to the girls they always ask what we are going to do the the next day. I try to have plenty for them to do so we don't get bored and watch TV all day. The library is so fantastic. We go there for Toddlerobics and story time sometimes. They do movies sometimes and crafts.  These pictures below are from Todderobics last week. They dance, sing, blow bubbles, shake rattles and ribbons and play with a giant parachute. 

 The girls are best friends. I am so glad Ashlyn's birthday is in October and I had her at home with Amber this school year. I am already thinking about what we will do next year when she goes to school. :(
Found the girls like this again. I just can't resist taking a picture. 

 We have had many lovely sunny days lately. After gymnastics one day we went to the park. That is why she is in the little unitard. She is going to be a great gymnast. Very flexible and surprisingly strong. 

Home Depot does a free building clinic for kids every month. We don't always get to go since we have sports a lot of the year, but it worked out for us to go this past weekend. They built wagons. These projects end up in the trash real quick, but it is a fun project where they get to learn how to follow directions and use tools. Such a fun time. 

It is supposed to rain for the next couple of weeks, so maybe some Kid Time and library this week. Being a stay at home mom is the best!
I am taking classes to be a Physical Therapy Assistant right now. Just one pre requisite class at at time until Amber goes to Kindergarten, but I will miss this time I have with my little ones. They are definitely more fun than a "real" job. 

Dallin playing Basketball

Dallin played YMCA basketball this year and we were so excited when he was put on Shane and Geordan Neville's team. There were 4 or 5 Neville boys on his team, and we go to church with most of them. 

 Dallin really, Really likes to score, so he was always asking his team mates to pass the ball to him. 

This game in particular was pretty rough. First he got hit in the face with a basketball, then later he got knocked over and hit his head on the floor. 

 He is pretty intense when he plays. 

What's up with us

Not much is going on with us. 

A little bit of park time on the nice sunny days. Paula and I often swap kids so we can get stuff done, and go on dates and things. Whitney was with us this day. Watching the 3 of them laughing and playing made me so happy. 

Being a mom can be hard and I remember a talk I heard one time about joy in motherhood, and how it isn't always joyful, that it comes in moments. I live for these moments.

Here is the quote.

LOVE IT!

And I love this video because Amber has given Ashlyn a cute nick name and I caught it on video.

Did you hear it? She calls her "Honey"! I love it!

 Playing chairs. I am amazed how high they could stack.

I helped at Dallin's Valentines party. They had some fun games. Dallin was pretty good at this one.