Finally a Big Girl!

My little Kinley has finally decided that she wants to be a big girl, well at least most of the time now. All my other kids went through their independant stage at 2 or 2 1/2, but not Kinley. She didn't want to learn to go potty because, "I not a big girl!" I did convince her otherwise by telling her that babies and big girls could go potty on the toilet :o) It actually made life a little easier to have a 2-3 year old that wanted to be a baby! She wanted us to hold her when walking places, other 2 year olds insist on walking (even when it's not convenient). She wanted to sit in the high chair to eat rather than a big girl chair. She loved sleeping in her crib (and still does for nap times) which makes nap time heavenly! She always had to be the baby when the kids play house, or tigers, or anything. She wanted and accepted help with everything, unlike normal 2 year olds that have to do it all by themselves! She was seriously the easiest baby ever, and my baby that lasted for long enough.

Lately, I've noticed that she really is growing up! When the kids tell her she is the littlest in our family, she gets upset and states "I'm a big girl!" and refuses to believe that she is even smaller than Kelton or Rylee. She likes to brush her teeth and get the toothpaste all by herself. She likes to walk when we go shopping now, but I don't mind since she is 3 (and not 2). She loves going to sunbeams and singing her favorite songs there. She still likes to play the baby, but she will finally be the mom and Bitner can be the dad. She is still my sweet little girl, but finally has the desire to be big.

Happy Birthday Bitner!

My little guys is now a big 5 year old! Happy B-day to my sweet little Bit. We decided to celebrate all weekend, with a family party, then an extended family party, then a friend play date.

The younger of the party guests.

Bitner wanted to try these cool camo cupcakes with green mint icecream. Turned out fun.

Just waking up, on b-day morning.

Bit had some fun boys over to dig and play in the sand. Not sure if their moms liked how dirty they came home, but the sand was a blast. Not to mention, I actually got a little sun on our beautiful 70 degree day :o)

All the kids had to build themselves a bed, complete with a sand blanket and pillow after they saw Bitner's.

I love you Bit! I'm so glad you are in our family!

V Day

I remember taking a cute picture of Kelton and Rylee on Valentines day, a few years back, so I tried a remake with Bitner and Kinley. I maybe should have tried harder, but their pj's are cute right? I love seeing them at the same ages, it's a little bit like deja vo :o)

Today:
And 4 years ago:

November. . .

was busy, once again. Getting ready for the holidays, decorating, baking, playing, birthdays, etc.
Rylee won an award for reflections in art. Kelton got his Wolf award, and is now a Bear.

Then Kelton got an award for math. The kids have been working hard at school and are getting way smart :o)

Here's our Birthday boy. Kelton turned 9, and we tried out cupcakes in ice cream cones. They looked terrible, but were really, really good!

Now he can dress for those cold BYU games.

Our Thanksgiving Feast: Boys playing basketball, and kids playing basketball,

We had a pie baking party, and here is the result: 16 pies!! I think we only ate about 4. Talk about yummy leftovers!The Turkey Trot: Super tough Boys!

And the super tough and cute girls:

The big kids and adults hiked the East Rim in Zions. Here are the mighty kid hikers.

And they made it to the top.

Our Happiest Christmas Tree Hunt:

And the Taco Soup party at the park afterwards.

And, Happy Birthday to Kinley! She turned 3 years old and we celebrated with cupcakes after our tree hunt.

When others would ask her what she wanted for her birthday, she would say, "I am getting a teddy bear for my birthday." Here he is:

And best of all, enjyoing the Christmas lights at the Temple. Now we are ready for Christmas!

October

So, I thought I would update through the end of the year, but October was way too fun, so I'll just do a month at a time. Pictures are from last to first:
Trick or treating at the farm:
Pumpkins. . .check! It's always nice to get these done :o) My cute soccer players, Kelton:

And Rylee:

A fun hike and picnic to Zions:

The highlight of the month was dressing up like pioneers for a parade to celebrate all the original pioneers to the city. Mom and dad- don't they look so natural?

Here's proof that Schulyer came happily :o)

Wouldn't Kody have made a great pioneer?

The cute girls:

And some silly boys:

Sqeezing through the narrows. Or the "bow and arrows" as Kinley calls them :o)

No School today! Checking out the indian pottery and petroglyphs with cousins:

Our littlest BYU fan:

Going to a BYU football game. It was freezing, but way fun.

Cheering section, all set!

Yummy food at the train restaurant in Heber.

A beautiful little hike, somewhere by Midway.

Mindi and Barry's wedding.

Picking out pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. Notice, Rylee is not in this picture. She would have nothing to do with Wicka the Witch, and ran as far away as possible. I haven't quite figured it out, but she would rather run far away into the dark or other random place alone rather than to hide behind her mom or dad. Go figure. Probably because we can't stop laughing :o)

A ride on the tracter/trailer to the corn maze.

There you have it. One month in review.