Surgeon and Eagle Scout

After almost losing our tree off the top of the car last year, Steve informed me that last year was a fluke and that we would have no problems this year. Upon questioning him further, he told me that he was an "eagle scout and surgeon" so he "understood knots." In fact, he told me that he was the "master of knots." I must admit as we were driving home that I kind of hoped the tree fell off, but no, even though Steve was gunning it around corners to prove a point, the tree remained sturdly on top. When I told this story to my Mom, she reminded me that we often all had to put our arms outside of our van to hold our tree on top. Suddenly, I had a vivid recollection of a freezing hand and sore arm muscles. So I suppose I am glad that I'm married to the master of knots. I will definitely try to make sure that his talents are not wasted. I'm sure there are plenty of things his master knot tying skills could fix.

Dad is so Proud

Much to our surprise, Thomas lost his first tooth today. We didn't even know it was loose until last night. I couldn't believe how excited Steve was. It took all of his self control not to just pull it out. He kept saying that he could pop it out in a second, but he refrained and let Thomas do it himself. The whole thing was pretty funny. I can tell that Steve will definitely be pulling some of our children's teeth. It's only a matter of time before he has a weak moment and snatches it himself. I'm sure our children will quickly learn not to show Daddy their loose teeth unless their ready. I guess we are getting old if our children are losing teeth. Where does the time go?

Halloween

With all of the buildup before Halloween, the kids always end up wearing two or three different costumes before the actual night. I must say that Hewitt was our best trick-or-treater on Halloween night. Thomas only wanted to go around the block. He hurried home and promptly sat on our porch and gave away a lot of his candy. You should have seen the size of handfuls of candy he was giving out. The older kids had to ask me if it was okay he was giving out so much candy. I did limit Thomas to only passing out two at a time after that. I didn't want those twelve year olds thinking they were ripping him off. But Hewitt wasn't quite done after one block, so he and I and Donny went for one more block. They loved it and although very slow, Hewitt thoroughly enjoys visiting each house. He comments on the pumpkins, spiderwebs, decor, and candy.

And one quick comment--I definitely don't think I'm stealing when I eat the boys candy. I've read a bunch of commentary on this subject and I think it's ridiculous. Their candy is everyone's candy. They might think differently when they are twelve, but I distinctly remember my Mom helping herself to the Butterfinger and my Dad helping himself to the Snickers. I don't remember feeling like they were stealing at all. Ridiculous.

Apple Cider Mills

One of the things I will most about Michigan (other than the people) is visiting these amazing apple cider mills. (Why we don't have these in Western Washington is beyond me. Isn't Washington the home of the Red Delicious? Actually, maybe we do have them, but they are too far a drive. Washington is missing out though. Michigan has a great claim to best apple state as it is better at bringing fresh apples to the people.) Every September, cider mills around the state open for fresh apple cider and fresh donuts. I must add that I'm not much of a donut person, but after trying one, I was hooked. They are not normal. They don't have grease falling off them and don't taste as sugary. I love them. I have now been to four different apple cider mills this season and I have my own opinion about which one makes the best cider and donuts. It is out of control and so much fun. I'm also a huge fan of picking apples from the acres and acres of orchards. If you haven't tried it, you are missing out.

Family History

I have been on a bit of a family history kick recently as I've felt a little pressure to tell my kids stories about their forefathers and the people whom they are named after. I feel this is especially important because I've married into a family that is intertwined with the history of the Mormon church. So as I learn more about Church history, I invariably learn stories about Steve's ancestors and now the ancestors of my children. I want to make them realize what great legacies they are fortunate enough to be apart of. This has also made me increasingly curious about my own family history. This past summer I was able to interview both of my grandpas. I feel so lucky to have grown up so close to them. What wonderful men and fathers! I have been amazed at how much written material is out there about the histories of each of my grandparents. In fact, my Grandma Wells told me today that she has the written histories of each one of their 16 great grandparents. I feel like I have a lot of reading to do. While in Salt Lake City, we visited the SLC Cemetery and the Smith family plot. I also got to see the grave of my fifth Great Grandpa Baldwin which just happend to be right across the street. My goal is to organize myself in such a way as to teach my children about the wonderful men and women who immigrated to America and made great sacrifice to practice their religion.

I was also interested to learn that the Church presented President Barack Obama a multi -volume family history this past summer. (They did the same with President Bush and President Clinton). President Obama said that he was looking forward to reading it with his family. Now, if only the Church would do that for me. I guess Steve needs to become President of the United States. Forget dentistry. What are the perks in that? (Besides toothbrushes of course.)

Hiking the Y

Before Steve left on his mission, he made me promise not to hike to the "Y" on the mountain until he returned. Since we were never really serious, I didn't take the committment too seriously. When I got to BYU I had a few opportunities to hike come up, but nothing awkward like some guy taking me on a date up there, which I couldn't get out of. So when Steve returned home from his mission, we hiked it together. It was kind of special for us. During this trip, we decided to take our boys up the mountain. The hike to the "Y" is quite short, yet extremely steep. Many people assume it will be easy, but it's a pretty difficult albeit short hike. We assumed that we would have to carry Hewitt most of the way and Donny the entire way. But our boys surprised us. Both Thomas and Hewitt climbed to the top all by themselves with little motivation from us. It was fun and absolutely beautiful.

Flying with Boys

The plane flight to Utah was probably the best flight I have ever had with children. Ironically, this was about the only time Steve has flown with me to help. The plane was only two thirds full so we had about five extra seats to work with. We did a lot of shifting between rows to make for different combinations of children. Either Steve or I took Donny while the other "managed" the other two which actually took no effort as they were always watching a movie. Despite my relief that everything went so smoothly there was a little part of me that was disappointed that Steve didn't get to experience what a flight with three boys is really like. Oh well.

First Day of School

Thomas went to his first day of kindergarten last week. He was very excited. The first day his teacher said that he was "rambunctious." I smiled and told her to tell me when he has behavior problems because he definitely will. I have been pleasantly surprised though as his teacher has had raving reviews the last three days. This might have something to do with the starburst he is promised if his teacher says he has been good. I hope this lasts far longer than just kindergarten. Maybe the one starburst at the end of the day will last me through elementary school although I'm sure I will have to bribe him with more.

Hewitt checking out Thomas's cool locker. (I didn't get a locker until middle school. I must admit that I was a little jealous.)

Hewitt liked his first day of playgroup. I must say that it has been nice to get back into a routine!

Greenfield Village

The more and more I get to know Michigan, the more I love it. We recently bought a membership to Greenfield Village, which is advertised as the greatest history attraction in the country. Having moved from Philadelphia I don't necessarily think that this is an absolute, but it has proved to be an amazing place. The village is similar to Williamsburg as everyone is dressed in period pieces and gives tours as though they are actually living in the early twentieth century. (There was a farmhouse where these two girls were cooking beef stew and you could smell it before even reaching the house.) The really neat thing though is that Henry Ford has brought historical houses and buildings from all over the country. For example, he brought Orville and Wilbur Wright's bicycle shop and house from Ohio, the Heinz house where Heinz invented his food products, Abe Lincoln's courthouse, a "Rose Cottage" from England, Noah Websters (Webster Dictionary) from Connecticut, Thomas Edison's lab where he perfected the incandescent lightbulb, etc. We have only visited about 20% of the village, but it has been a lot of fun. The highlights for the boys were riding in a 35 minute steam locomotive ride around the park, riding in the 1924 Model-T, and watching the glass blowers. My favorite has got to be the glass blower shop. I am seriously considering making one of my sons become a glass blower. I would have an unlimited supply of great presents. So feel free to visit us anytime and see this sweet attraction. We have yet to visit the Henry Ford Museum and Ford Factory Tour. The indoors activities are being saved for the upcoming winter months.

Noah Webster house and tobacco field--cash crop


Riding in the Model-T and train

Train ride and Thomas playing on the farm equipment

Feeding the ducks and catfish (scary) and washing clothes

One More Reason

Here's one more reason to have a boat. I am including a picture of my brother and sister-in-law. Can you feel the fun?

The Reasons I want a Boat

I think most of my friends and family know that I want a boat someday. In fact, I think we will buy a boat before we buy anything else in life including a house. I know this is probably not the most financially smart thing to do, but I feel like the investment into family and fun is much more important. Here are some of my reasons. FYI. I am talking about boating on the Puget Sound although I like inland lakes too.

1) Inner tubing. Nothing like the thrill of a great ride and that frightening moment when you realize that you are about to hit a big wave.

2) Learning to ski. This builds character. It's a hard thing and you join an exclusive club when you can get up consistently. There is nothing like the feeling of soreness the morning after your first ski of the season.

3) Good for friends. I have loved all of my friends who have included me in their boating experience. I definitely want a boat that can be enjoyed by all. I am in debt to many people.

4) Learn to drive. The pressure of launching a boat with a long line of people waiting behind you is something that will teach you to how to back a boat down a launch real quick. I hope Thomas can learn by the age of 15:)

5) Family time. Everyone is forced to sit and talk on a boat. There is an intimacy created by all being together. No one can leave. Everyone is working together to have a great time. Also, there is not a lot of cell phone coverage especially at many lakes and on the Puget Sound. I know this has been a great escape from work and church responsibilities for my Grandpa and parents. Many of my fondest memories are with my family members on a boat.

6) Freedom. Nothing like the freedom of driving a boat on the Puget Sound. You can go anywhere and park on some random beach and have a nice barbecue. Perhaps my real career in life was to be a sailor.

So here's to Steve getting a real job so that one day I can have a boat and invite everyone on it.

Donny loving the Water

Tim's Homecoming

Welcome home to my brother Tim for serving a two year mission to Portugal for our church. One would think that after being away for two years, your brothers and sisters would be able to greet you at the airport. However, we misunderstood what gate he was arriving so after sprinting through the airport upon realizing our mistake, we showed up with posters at the baggage claim. Yes, a bit anticlimactic, but we did have sweet posters. Thanks Khia. We are so glad our Tim is home!