Soccer

So this is us at Soccer games this morning. My brother and his wife came to cheer on the boys and help out with the kids. As we sat on a blanket snacking and enjoying the weather laughing at kindergarteners trip over each other, my brother made the comment that this is what Saturday mornings should always be like. Growing up in a soccer family I had to agree. It brought back some fun memories and it is so much more entertaining at this age! I may feel differently soon. Ian has practice Tues nights, Aaron has practice Wed nights, and they have games Thursday AND Saturdays (usually at about the same time at different fields). The clips are for Brad, wish you were here.

Ian starts out on the left (number 5) and works his way down the field. Of course when he kicks the ball, the camera doesn't catch it. I veer upwards so I can look away from the camera and actually see it. Oops. Brad-Stanton down the street was on the opposing team this week:)

Aaron (also number 5) kicks the ball at about the same time I press record so you this is right after that moment:)

Fun time!

California Spring Break

We sent Brad off to California by spending Spring Break there. We had a lot of fun and it made me wonder just a little bit why we are waiting to all move down there. Then I remembered we were staying in other people's houses.

We had a great time with Mema, Tutu Man, Ben and Mariela who are getting also moving to Woodland Hills. The kids played outside (with no chance of snow) and followed Boone (the dog) around everywhere. My mom hosted the annual easter egg hunt and the kids gorged themselves on candy as always.

We also had a great time at Callie's where Brad quickly made himself at home. The kids played at the park, made jetpacks out of cereal boxes (great idea Jessi), and kept each other awake:) After driving around for a bit and looking at neighborhoods I'm feeling a little more comfortable with our moving plans and I'm glad we are choosing Newbury Park.

For my birthday, my mom sent Brad and I on a dinner/dance cruise. It was very cool and I had a blast. The dinner was great, the view was fantastic, and I forced Brad to dance. Great birthday present! It was a great break from the kids too!

My dad helped me drive down (Brad drove his own car by himself) and my mom helped me drive back up and we stayed in the same great hotel both times. The kids loved the pool even though it was still a little chilly.

We're sad to be without Brad, but we are glad to be home and ready to pack up to be with him again!

Crazy Whirlwind

Well, things are happening so fast now that I can't keep track of them, much less blog about them. First of all, Ian learned to ride his bike without training wheels! Yeah. I'm so proud of him. He literally got on and took off. I had a video, but sadly I can't find it.

Aaron also had another birthday! Happy 7th Birthday Aaron! He had a bakugan party complete with battle training and an obstacle course thanks to Brad. They scavenged for battle gear and opened presents. We still can't believe he's 7 years old although he acts much older. He is so responsible, he is such a great help to me. Sometimes it amazes me how thoughtful he can be.

Yesterday Lani, Ian, Melina, and I braved the free day at the Children's Museum. If you are afraid of your kids running away, a free day is not a good idea. It was so crowded I kept wondering if it was some kind of fire hazard. After an hour and a half of holding my kids close and sneaking in front of others so they could actually do something, I'd had enough and we enjoyed the beautiful weather by the fountain. Eating lunch and watching Lani and Ian "fight" the water made me think about how much I am actually going to miss a few things about Utah. Oh yeah, Brad will be starting work in Sunny California April 1st. We'll be here until Aaron's done with school in June (can we say crazy?).

So, yeah, we don't like snow, but I have to say I am going to miss the fountain, how easy it is to maneuver downtown, and the area we currently live in. Aaron has made such great friends here and I love my friends here! I've never really had girls' nights until this past year and I have to say it has been wonderful. Callie, I'm so glad you are in California otherwise I might be having second thoughts:) Spencer, I know you just bought a house, but you should consider California, too...

My New Hobby...

Spending money. Well, that's how it feels right now. I'm trying to clip coupons and shop the deals. If you want to check out my journey to a savings account blog go to:diarypennypincher.blogspot.com. You may find helpful hints or you may decide I am not saving more, but spending more. I'm still trying to decide which one it really is:)

Jones House

Melina started on rice cereal. Guess what? She's a pro. My kids sure do love food and they get these great squeezable rolls. It is wonderful!

Fort time again! Brad camped out with the scouts last weekend. After a night by myself I was counting down the minutes until Brad walked through the door so I could run some errands almost by myself (Melina is an extension of myself for awhile longer). This is what I came home to. I love that Brad plays with the kids.


By the way, Melina is smiling here, but don't let her fool you. She knows she is the baby of 4 because she hates walks! Everyone else loved them, but she screams. I hold her for a block and she is silent, I put her in the stroller and she screams. We compromise and I alternate holding and pushing every block.

Despite the brief snow Friday morning, we are loving the warmer weather!

Teacup pig

We have all agreed-Aaron, Ian, Lani, and me. We want a teacup pig!

Presidents Day

So, for Presidents Day, I was so excited to get out of the house (the kids have been sick with RSV) only to finally notice the rain. Despite that, all in all we did have a pretty good day. Brad let me sleep in and took the kids to the grocery store for cinnamon rolls and smoothie ingredients. Yum. I've been wanting Brad to change the kids' intertubes for their bikes ever since the snow melted and Aaron had some great dad time learning about the process (inside of course because even the garage is too cold for Brad). Rain doesn't keep my kids indoors and when I brought out bubbles, Ian wanted them outside. We even went out to the mall because none of my jeans fit me right. It was interesting watching Brad with four kids while I tried on jeans, but it makes me love him more that he would make the sacrifice bringing them just so he could give me his opinion. (Of course now I have to return them because they are already loose; the weight is coming off slowly, but surely.) The best part to me was later that night when we played duck duck goose. Sometimes there are rare moments when I watch my kids and I just can't stop laughing. Ian is new to this game and thinks he has to run around the circle and through the kitchen and back. Lani has no idea what she's doing and just runs through the kitchen and sits down in an open space even if she is "it." It really is the funniest thing. Anyway, it was a great day, no pressure to get things done or go anywhere, and I finally have a little more energy to keep up with my kids!