Valley Of Fire Second Edition

This past weekend Eric's parents were visiting, and since the weather was so nice we decided to take them to Valley of Fire. We first made a quick trip to the Visitor's Center.

Sadie kept saying that big cat was going to get her.

Jackson and Sadie checking out a snake. Sadie's facial expression says it all.

Then we headed out to do some hiking.

Megan rocked the sideways hat look.

She also rocked quite a few animal imitations. I believe this was crouching butterfly, but could have also been crouching tiger.

Eric's parents

It was a lot of fun, and much more pleasant than our last trip, when it was at least 105 degrees.

Jackson Said-Conference Edition

While watching conference on Sunday:

What was actually said, "Do this in rememberance of me."

What Jackson heard and repeated, "This dude remembers me."

Easter 2010

I am happy to report the Easter Bunny successfully found our house this year.

As you can see Sadie was a bit concerned when she woke up Easter morning, and did not see her basket.
She cried to us, "The Easter Bunny stole my basket." We explained to her that he didn't steal it, he just hid it.

Luckily we had Grandpa here to help her find it.

The kids FINALLY found their baskets. The Easter Bunny did a really good job hiding them this year. Then if was off to hunt for eggs.






Sadie's brother and sister woke up a bit earlier than Sadie likes to wake up, which caused her to be a bit grumpy during the egg hunt. Who knew you could look this grumpy while wearing a bunny mask? I don't think I could be anything but happy if I were wearing it.

When all was said and done, our candy stockpile was once again replenished.

Our Easter festivities also included coloring eggs.

Sade always chose pink, and took her work very seriously.

The finished products:

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!!!!

Megan Said

Megan: "Mom you know that new boy in our class, Billy that I told you about? He's from New Hamster."

Embarrassing Note: My entire life, up to this point, I have believed you spelled hamster, hampster! Thank goodness for spell check. Apparently our education system has failed both me and Megan. Or is it Megan and I?

A New Bump & Repelling

7 weeks into P90X I was feeling stronger, but somewhat discouraged that I look essentially the same. This is probably my own fault, since I have not changed my eating habits ONE SINGLE BIT. But still! That is until last night, when I flexed in front of the mirror, and discovered a new bump that wasn't there 7 weeks ago. Once you see the bump, it may seem inconsequential, but to me it is paramount. Before, I had a small mound, which was ill-defined. But now, the mound appears to be standing at attention. I couldn't be more thrilled!

I am including this somewhat embarrassing picture (and I say embarrassing because I know all of you reading this have arm mounds sitting on your arms in an unflexed state that are bigger than this), because I needed these arm mounds when I went repelling this weekend. I was surprised by how much upper body strength it required.

I'm the one in the black.

This was something I had never done before, but really hope to do again. Anyone want to go with me?

Nevada Reading Week

Jackson and Megan have been celebrating Nevada Reading Week all week long!

Monday: Crazy Accessory Day

Tuesday: Shirt With Words

Jackson's shirt had over 200 words on it, but didn't even come close to a kid who showed up with over 1,000 words on his shirt. Really, how can anyone compete?

Wednesday: Poem In My Pocket

No picture, but they both picked out one of their favorite Shel Silverstein poems.

Thursday: Dress As Your Favorite Book Character

From the moment Jackson heard (a few weeks ago) that he was going to be able to dress up he came home and told me he was going to be Fox In Socks. I was somewhat surprised by his choice, since we don't read that book a whole lot (it is one of my least favorite), but he was insistent. It worked out for him because he ended up being one of the 4 winners in Kindergarten for best costume! His prize was a Star Wars watch.

Megan chose to dress up as Judy Moody (modeled after this particular book cover).

She also ended up winning best costume in 4th grade! Her prize was a book.

Friday: Pajama Day!!!

Kiddlie Update

Announcement: Feel free to skip this post. Some may find it annoying. I hope it does not come across as bragging. We all know there is always good with bad, today I am just focusing on the good.

If I had to choose a term to describe Megan it would be well-rounded. She's such a smarty, along with being fearless, responsible, funny, friendly and self-confident. PLEASE let her keep her self-confidence!!!! Once again this trimester she received all A's. And she has worked hard for them (so have I! I have spent hours helping her study for tests). 4th grade was not this hard when I was growing up.

Here she is with her fellow honorees. There were only 9 kids in all of 4th grade that received all A's.

This trimester her teacher said about her, "Megan is working above grade level in all subjects. She keeps up with assignments and tests even when she attends G.A.T.E. during a lesson. Megan gets along well socially and is a very well rounded, responsible, and kind person. Megan is an excellent student."

Her GATE teacher also said that, "She was really something else, and holds her own with all of the boys around her." Megan is the only 4th grade girl in G.A.T.E. which is strange and makes me think the test must be skewed towards boys. The 3rd grade also has no girls. But Megan tells me 5th grade has a few girls, so who knows?

She does have one flaw I would like to discuss. She LOVES these shoes.

I HATE them! They have completely fallen apart, yet everyday she wants to wear them. I usually acquiesce, especially if we are running late in the mornings. You may wonder why I have not yet thrown them away, and the answer is they give her happiness. I am quite fond of a particular holy shirt, and would feel sadness if someone threw it away.

Now onto my little Jacksey Conn (as I like to call him). I would describe him as all boy, with a heart of gold. He also did great this trimester.

Among other things, his teacher said about him, "Jackson is an extremely motivated student, and is always applying his highest effort into all classroom assignments. Jackson has excellent work habits concerning group activities. He is willing to undergo challenges and is eager to solve problems. He is an inspiration to other student's in the class."

I have one other thing to add about Jackson. I don't know how many of you are familiar with the song "Juke-Box Hero." We have heard it on the radio a few times this week, and Jackson quite enjoys singing along to it. However, he believes the actual lyrics are, "Juice-Box Hero". Be still my heart.
Now onto my little Sadie, Sadie pretty baby. Right now I would describe her as contradictory. Pure joy most of the time, but prone to bossiness, and some fits of rage. But as I have mentioned before, she has little discipline in her life because we all find her too adorable.

She has switched her slang word of choice, from cool to awesome. As heard in the car today, "That's awesome Megan."

She also now uses the word kiddin" on a regular basis. As in, "I'm wearing Jackson's p.j.'s. Kiddin'.

Here she is dressed up in Eric's church socks and shoes:

This week she has also graced up with her ghost imitation, complete with scary noises: