Ben's birthday

Ben, poor kid, doesn't even get a 1st birthday post until several months late!

He is so sweet.  He'll go get me a cup and lid to tell me he needs a drink.  He'll bring me his shoes when he wants them on or if he wants to go outside. He loves wearing his shoes, also.    He can open lever handled doors, climb ladders, and maneuver up and down stairs.

He's started to throw little temper tantrums when he feels ignored or like the things he wants/needs aren't being taken care of.  It is so sad to me, because he is generally such a happy kid.

He LOVES his milk, and will clap his hands, smile, and his eyes light up when I get it for him.  He also adores chocolate chips.

He does this funny hug thing, where he bows down like a charging bull and then tackle hugs you.  It makes everyone laugh.  He loves to make people laugh, also, so we have to be careful what we laugh about.

10th Anniversary Trip

Our anniversary was back in May, but we wanted to do something extra fun--without kids.  Ben was too little to leave him very long.  We decided to go to Universal Studios in California, so we could leave the boys with my mom. I am so glad we did.  We had a great time, and I think the boys had a great time without us. :)   We didn't get as many pictures as I thought, but eh, no big deal.

We sampled Butterbeer in Hogsmead (It tasted like a mix between cream soda and butterscotch), watched the boys from Durmstrang (the boys' school in the tri-wizard tournament) dance for us, and experienceed a wand selection at Olivander's.   (Salt Lake wasn't a foreign enough home town for one of us to be selected, I suspect.)  The 3d Harry Potter ride is somewhat of a mixture between a roller coaster and a 3d movie like Star Tours--I've never been on something quite like it.

We enjoyed a trip back to Jurassic Park, getting turned into Minions, and seeing some of the sets for different movies and TV shows.  The poor Asian guy in front of us dropped his new iphone into the Jaws pond when the shark made a surprise attack.  It was so sad. :(  I love fast roller coasters....oooh, I love them!  The Mummy ride was a bit creepy, but fun, until I got yelled at by the attendant for not exiting fast enough.  Grrrr....  We saw someone get set on fire (on purpose, as part of a show), and how Hollywood performs many of their special effects.  So cool!

And the park was not very busy, which makes the whole day enjoyable. :)   I've realized I have no patience for long lines at theme parks.  If you want to go, it's totally worth taking kids out of school to visit on a less crowded day.  Or, buy the front of the line pass if you must go on a crowded day.  (Look into isitcrowded.com for a prediction/history of crowded/less crowded days.)      

 Hogwarts!

Had to get the selfie with "Jurassic Parking" for the boys. 

And here's our cutie Ben, who LOVED the beach, even with sand in his mouth, nose, and ears.  October in San Diego is still warm--it was in the mid 90's most of the week we were there.  

 

Two trips to California

Um...it's been busy!  But here are a few pictures of our Christmas and February trips to California
Mormon Battalion--Brian makes a pretty good soldier!

 Mckay, Camden, and Nate panning for gold

 In February, it was 75-85 degrees!  Lovely!  (But the water was COLD!  Silly boys spent 2 hours swimming)

 Legoland.  My mom was able to come with us, which made the whole experience SO much fun!  3 adults for 4 kids is way better than 2 adults with 4 kids.

My Grandma Butler

 Oceanside Pier.  We watched the surfers a little and  had milkshakes at Ruby's at the end of the pier. 

I've spent too much time here today.  I'll work on this more tomorrow. :)