Disneyland

One of our favorite places to take the kids is Disneyland (during off peak times). We were lucky none of the lines were very long and some of the rides we could even walk right on. The crazy thing was four families from our neighborhood were there at the same time.

This picture pretty much sums up Peyton's trip. He must have gone on Screamin more than 15 times. He loves roller coasters!

This is what Lexi did while Peyton rode on Screamin. She choose this Sea Horse every time because she liked the diamonds. She is such a girl.

Kempton just loved watching everything and riding the rides that he could.

Peyton and Lexi were both chosen for Jedi training. Lexi was one of the only girls but she was so excited because she had always watched Peyton on previous trips.

Grizzly River Run was a big hit with the kids but that meant getting really wet.

Kempton had a cold while we were there but he did not let that stop him.

One of my favorite things is night time at Disneyland with the parades and fireworks.

It is always hard to leave "the happiest place" on earth but also great to be home. Kempton slept for six hours the day we got home. We were all pretty exhausted.

Little Blue Suit

This is Lance when he was one year old in his cute little blue suit. His mom saved it all these years and we have had Peyton and Kempton get one year old pictures in it as well. Peyton Kempton

A couple additional pictures from Kempton's one year old pictures.

Thanks Chelsey for the darling hat and sweater!

Tea Party

My cute sister Marin hosted a February tea party for all the girls. Lexi loves everything girl so she was in her element. With six girls and one great sister-in-law there is always plenty of action and talk. The second generation of girls minus one who couldn't make it.

Making sugar cookies is always fun and a little messy.

The candy bar game was one of our favorite party games growing up. No, I did not wear all these accessories to the party it is part of the game. Thanks Marin for the fun party and great prizes!

King Cake and a Crash

Last Sunday at our cousins' Super Bowl party, Peyton was cheering for the Colts (and don't think a six year old can't talk smack). Well one of his uncle's lived in New Orleans for several years and was dishing a little back to Peyton. Well as the story goes the Colts lost and Peyton was not happy to put it mildly. Let's just say Peyton had to make a Congratulations call and learned a lesson about being a good sport.

To our surprise we found this package on our porch yesterday. Addressed To: The #1 Colt's fan Peyton - HAPPY MARDI GRAS! We all thought it was pretty funny. Peyton was really excited and wanted to share this fun tradition with his school class.

Peyton told his class about Mardi Gras and why he was sent a King Cake. The class was so excited to see who got the baby. Mrs. Fairbanks, Peyton's great teacher found the baby in her piece and all the students loved it.

On a not so fun note- Saturday after Peyton's basketball game we were on our way to dinner when a car in the left turn lane suddenly changed their mind and turned right and hit us as we were traveling through the intersection at about 30 mph. Fortunately everyone was o.k. but there were fire trucks and an ambulance there to help. Their car was totalled and ours had to be towed away but we are just grateful everyone was safe. Events like this really make you realize how precious every day is.

Kempton's First Year

Happy Birthday

Kempton's first year flew by. He is such an easy going happy boy that it makes chasing three kids possible. At dinner Kempton clapped and laughed as they sang Happy Birthday to him.

Peyton and Lexi were more excited to watch Kempton dive into the cake than anything. He made them proud with the mess. However, it had to come to a quick end when he started throwing it.

The celebration continued with both of our families throughout the weekend.

Kempton loves balls, trucks and playing in water. He always has a smile to brighten anyone's day. Wrestling and playing hide and seek with Peyton and Lexi are his favorite games. He has quickly developed into one tough little boy with all that comes his way. He loves to open cupboards and drawers and pull out what ever he finds. When Lance comes home from work he gets so excited and heads straight to Dad no matter what he is doing. Kempton is so fun to have around! We love you!

Lovin it in Logan

When in Logan we have to make a stop at some of my favorite local restaurants: Juniper, Fredricos, and Mandarin just to name a few. My mom is a great cook as well and is always well stocked when everyone comes home. Peyton says Nana is a good cook because she always has a plan.

Kempton already tries to keep up with the big kids.

Sledding and playing in the snow kept the kids and some adults busy at least for one afternoon.

My parents have the best sinks for tubing little ones. Kempton loves to splash and play in the water.

I am sad this fun holiday break is over. I guess we will just have to find more fun things to do in order to help January and February not seem so long and cold.

New Year's Eve

My brother-in-law served his mission in France so every year on New Year's he hosts a Crepe party. This is a very delicious tradition! Some people are very precise with their crepe design.

Others just care about stuffing it with all the good stuff.

This New Year's Eve marked the ten year anniversary to Lance and I getting engaged in Central Park. We revisited the spot last year when we were in New York. It is an awesome memory.

Lance could not have planned it better: a castle, fireworks, and a ring. Every girls dream:)

Happy New Year Babe, I love you more than ever!

Christmas

The kids were so excited on Christmas Eve! They were on their best behavior to insure a visit from the big guy.

We love going to Grandma and Grandpa Rice's every year for Christmas Eve.

The talent show was fun with some serious talents and some funny talents (thanks to the aunts and uncles).

I love ending the evening with the Nativity because the birth of our Savior is the pinnacle of everything wonderful about the season.

After the traditional opening of the Christmas PJs the kids were anxious to get in bed so Santa could come. However, falling asleep was another story- they were up talking and giggling for quite a while. Finally, we had to resort to threats about Santa skipping our house because kids were still awake.

Fortunately Santa did not miss our house and the kids loved opening all their gifts.

Kempton was more interested in chewing on toys then playing with them. His first top tooth finally broke through.

We made it to Logan in time for brunch and more presents. Lance and I enjoyed sporting our new gloves.

Christmas dinner at the Needham's with my mom's family has been a tradition since I was a little girl. It is crazy to reflect back and now I am there with my children. It was a very nice Christmas.