Old Cleveland Chums, (But not that old)

Ian went to bed on occasion crying that he lost his friends so I facebooked the Whites and asked if we could visit next time we were in WJ visiting my parents. It took a couple of minutes for the kids to warm up to each other again, but once they forgot their shyness they were out of control silly. We are so glad we stopped by!

*Yes Taylor is still in love with Kyla and plans to marry her, but there are some new girls in his life too which is good since Kyla has a new man chasing after her. Ah the love of kindergarteners

While the Popes were Rexburg we met up with them for an adult only dinner at Big Judds. It was nice to see some familiar faces! And Miriam is still my fave VT Companion, but I guess it is now an x-companion situation.

Okay, so the name should really be Super sized Judds. Miriam ate one of these 1lb hamburgers all to herself. Not really, but wouldn't that be awesome if she could?

On December 26th we met up with the Claytons at Cafe Rio. My first stint so Brooke had to show me the ropes. We'll be back. I had a salad that could have served 4 people. I miss my running partner! So good to meet up with you guys.

We also met up with our favorite neighbors, the Thompsons who are not Clevelanders, but post Oremites. I even remembered the camera, but I forgot to take a pic with them. I am using the excuse that the waitresses wanted us out so bad that they stressed me out to the point where I just couldn't think straight. Lame, but my excuse anyway. We miss you guys!

*Christmas 2009*

Christmas started out early with Ian waking up first, (anybody surprised? You shouldn't be). Ian came in to cuddle early morning and I convinced him to go and see if Santa had come. When he went out he found Optimus Prime and was so excited! He brought it in to show me, but he had Taylor's so I sent him back to find his own Optimus under the tree. After discovering his own he took Taylor's into his room to wake his brother and show him what he got. Taylor woke up and saw Optimus in Ian's hands and struck and fist with all the enthusiasm in the world said, "Yes!" I guess we, I mean Santa, did alright this year.

While unwrapping gifts Ian kept saying that he needed to find BumbleBee. Well, his parents pulled through and after torturing him with some not so fun gifts, (clothes and sheets), we let him open his bumblebee transformer. I dare you to try and play with this while he is around!

A bit bleary eyed, but his willingness to open gifts may be unmatched!
Yay! Letter "E", (Kelby's secretary Laree), gave me Lightening McQueen stuff! And Taylor too.

It wouldn't be Christmas if Santa didn't bring more GeoTrax stuff. This time it was an airplane for Ian, more specifically, Loopy Loco. It will connect to Taylor's airplane track and this airplane will glide through the barn door upside down.

New shirts and pants. Thanks Old Navy!

After opening gifts at home we raced off to Salt Lake to hang with my fam and have Christmas Dinner. Grandma and Grandpa pulled through with small farm toys for the boys, new towels* for all of us, the family edition of the Book of Mormon, the Settlers of Catan extension set**, and a puzzle for me. Holy cow Mom and Dad! What alot of stuff! Thanks!

We got them a record player that plays the records and uploads them to your computer so you can burn CDs. I think they actually liked it. They are so hard to shop for!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

*Have you ever exfoliated every time you dried off? We have and that is why we asked for new towels. No need to lose your skin nowd!

**The extention set was by default. My mom got it for Mari originally, but Mari already had it and as my mom didn't want to return it she gave it to us. Thanks Mari for already having something we wanted!

Getting Ready For Santa Claus Christmas Eve

Taylor insisted that we make cookies for Santa this year. He was to excited that night to notice that we forgot to put them out. Oh well. They were well received at my parents house. While I made the cookies Kelby took the boys down the street so they could get some sledding in. We wanted to build a snowman instead, but the snow wasn't sticking together. Talk about having to be flexible with your plans.

Of course every year we have the traditional Christmas Eve new pajamas from mom and dad. This year Optimus Prime dominated the scene and the boys loved it. We each got new slippers, but does anybody care? No. Why? Because we aren't as cute as the boys and our slippers weren't Optimus Prime themed. Lame.

During the month of December we had the boys earning money so they could get each other a gift to open on Christmas Eve. We loved Taylor's wrapped gift to Ian so much we took a picture of it. Taylor bought Ian a Car's police car and a mini jet plane. Ian chose an autobot helicopter transformer for Taylor, which just so happened to be Taylor's favorite gift this year.

This is the fun part. Everybody got a dart gun and boy was I ever surprised when I opened mine. Okay, not really since I wrapped them all, and I bought them too. We were aiming at each other until I shot Kelby in the eye and Taylor shot me in the face. Kelby then banned us from shooting each other. How boring is that? Then we discovered the pics of ourselves on the wall, what a brilliant idea! The one on Taylor's forhead was shot by me and I am still proud of it, (and probably will be forever). Every so often when we want to kill each other we just shoot the family photos on the wall. Much less violent if you ask me.

Happy Sixth Taylor!

Taylor turns six today! A full blown kindergartener already this kid is growing faster than we imagined!
We let Taylor open presents after chuch since the anticipation was killing him. A helicopter, new pjs, and police car from mom and dad, a puzzle and 4 new movies from Grandma Western, a camera from Grandma Olson, (which he got later), and a birthday card from Great Grandma Tingey. Whew, what a successful birthday and Christmas is just around the corner.

Oh what awesome parents! We got the coveted helicopter from Kohls. I think this toy has lived nine lives already.

Every year Taylor wants a train cake and every year I hate making it. Since this cake didn't turn out obscene like the one last year I did allow it to be photographed. The cone is supposed to be a smoke stack. I got the idea from a website, don't ask me which one because I don't know. Google it if you must. It looks like a train and you like it. Taylor did.

By the way, nobody in our house likes cake which makes it really hard to even want to make the thing. We eat it once and then we chuck it after it starts to grow things. What a waste. I wish he would let me make an ice cream cake!

Of course Ian had to help blow out the candles. Happy Birthday Taylor! We love you.

Thanksgiving 2009

Our first Thanksgiving back West and we spent it with Kelby's family in Idaho. See all the pics we took? We always remember our camera. If only that were the truth. Dang it! We had fun despite the proof.

I ran in the Mini Cassia Turkey Trot. The boys didn't want to come out and cheer for me, but rather preferred to stay with their cousins. Bums. Kelby came though. My sisters, Jen, Joey, and Becca ran in the Salt Lake Run so we ran together in spirit 1.5 hours apart. Next year I'll hopefully run with them. For the Turkey Trot Kelby's lil' sister Jill let us borrow her camera, so Thank You Jill!
Run, run, run.

My absolute worst 5k time ever. Go me. I still had fun irregardless.

Kelby's cousin Danielle and her husband Brandt ran too. Brandt came in first, then me, and then Danielle. We all got stuck in the beginning in a large crowd and we couldn't run so our times and placing are really irrelevant, but it's fun to document anyway.

Halloween '09

Soooo, we were supposed to spend Halloween at Kelby's sister Tysi's house, but we love to have the flu, (all the sarcasm in the world intended here), and decided to catch it so we could stay home. Poor Taylor came down with it on Friday and was devastated to miss the trunk-or-treat at the church. At the time it occurred he didn't want to go, but that night he cried when he realized it was over and he had missed it. When Saturday rolled around Taylor was off and on with a fever so we excused ourselves from the weekend activities with the extended Olson Clan and set to work to make our own fun at home.

Here Kelby is helping the boys to clean out the pumpkin I bought. They were disgusted by the squishy oozy feel and Kelby and I ended up doing it ourselves. Bums. No icky squishy, no jack-o-lantern! Kelby's final masterpiece. Taylor chose the pattern and Ian bugged everyone so bad that he got sent to his room until it was finished. To bad the awesome mom who picked up the pumpkin and carving kit forgot a candle! What was I thinking? Seriously! We tried to use a #2 birthday candle, but the wick was only so long and it didn't last. A bit anti-climatic, but we dealt with it.

When Ian came out of his room he declared, "That's a scary pumpkin!" He loved it. Way to go dad! Our happy trick-or-treaters. Ian went as Buzz Light Year from the Toy Story movies and Taylor dressed as Optimus Prime from Transformers. Taylor felt well just long enough to get some good trick-or-treating in. Ian was so cute running from door to door. He knocked, yelled 'trick-or-treat,' and was on his way yelling, 'thank you,' over his shoulder as fast as he could. Taylor didn't quite possess as much energy, but managed to keep pace for an hour before he begged to go home. Ian's energy ran down too, and he also wanted to head home not long after Taylor. I wish I could bottle the enthusiasm they exhibited tonight. Cheers to another happy memory! All except the flu part or course.

Ian's Funnies

Our Ian is something else. He has said some pretty funny things lately and I just want to write them down so I can remember them.

• "Who dat?" Such a Cleveland phrase. I about die everytime these words fall out of his mouth.
• "Daddy has to go to work and talk to the letter 'E'." Translation, Dad is at work talking with his secretary Laree. We haven't corrected this one because we find it so funny.
• After seeing Taylor receive motrin Ian says, "Daddy, I want medicine." Of course Kelby tells him no, that Taylor got it because he is sick with a fever and Ian replies, "I AM sick, my tummy hurts." This wouldn't be so funny except we all knew that he really wasn't sick and he insisted so emphatically and cried so hard. That must be some very yummy medicine. Where can I get some more of that?

At the Fire Station With the Boy Scouts

In our new ward I got asked to help with the cub scouts. When activities are at 3:30 in the afternoon I don't have any other choice, but to bring the boys. Today they loved it! We went to the local fire station in town. They were disappointed that their wasn't a fire pole, but the trucks were still awesome.
One happy Taylor. They let the boys loose to climb on some of the trucks and check them out first hand. Mayhem!

He wouldn't leave without another picture of himself. Oh the influence of fire trucks.

Taylor and Ian having the time of their lives. I don't think they can wait for boy scouts.

A 1930s fire truck that actually still works. I think this one is only used for parades.

Only in a small town, (I am sincerely positive of this), will they allow children to sit on top of a fire truck and cruise around the streets. Do you not see liability issues with this? Not a single person from the town I spoke with saw anything odd about this activity. What? Shouldn't there be waiver forms signed? Not that I care, my boys loved it and they didn't fall off. I admit I gripped them pretty hard, who wouldn't?

After our ride around town all the scouts sat on the stairs for a picture. Taylor listened and stayed by my side, but Ian climbed in with the boys and sat smack dab in the center.

No Cavities!!!!

We are so happy to have a dental practice to call our own! After a month of owning it Kelby saw his most important patients, his boys. Little kids in this practice get alot of loot for going to their first dental appointment. They get a toothbrush, a little mouth mirror, a sand timer to time how long they should brush, a dinosaur flosser, and a toy. Holy Cow! I didn't get that kind of treatment when I went as a kid. I'm sure I had a deprived childhood!
Taylor did fine, but cried a little for the x-rays.

I don't remember Ian crying. He didn't get x-rays since he is still pretty little so maybe he'll shed a few tears next time.

I also had my teeth cleaned, but my picture isn't so cute and I refuse to post it. Don't worry, you aren't missing anything unless you love nightmares.

Jon & Laura's Wedding Goes Here

Oh man, I ran out of time. Sorry Jon & Laura, I'll get to this post next week.

We Moved, Wahoooooo!

Hello people,
We have moved to Saint Anthony where Kelby purchased a small dental practice. We are loving it here all except the part of no internet at our house, and all the neighbors have secured their wireless networks. Dang them! So here I am at the office using the internet with no pictures at my fingertips. Not that anybody cares, but I'll get back to posting soon, (like when the neighbor's give us their passwords).
Lots o' Love,
The Olsons

We are Vain and We Love Pics of Ourselves

When Kelby first opened his office he sent out a letter to all the patients and included the pic of us below. We look stunning in black and white in the letter, but I think we look even better in color. Thanks Laree, (Kelby's secretary and a fine gal if I ever met one), for taking the family pics!
After Laree left we decided to stick around a little longer and let the boys play. I tried to capture some shots of them, but I am no Brooke Clayton. Maybe I should take a class.

Our Ian Bug debating his jump and how to accomplish it without getting wet. He succeeded.

Taylor on the same rock just playing a round. This was one popular rock.

The boys together.

Ian being silly. He climbed the rocks next to the waterfall after this pic. He loves to climb, especially rocks.

*Written Nov 1, 2009 and will appear before a post I wrote on Oct 5, 2009. Kind of confusing order, but I am posting with the Sept date because that is when it happened. I am not trying to be confusing, just succeeding.

Moving to Saint Anthony

For most of the move from Cleveland to Idaho Taylor sat in the truck with his Dad or Grandpa Western. He was bitterly dissappointed to discover that when we moved our things from storage to Saint Anthony that he would be left behind with Grandma Olson. So in response to the sudden outraged outburst, we let two little boys in turn take a ride with Dad around the neighborhood.

Ian taking his turn with Dad. If only we drove a moving truck everyday. Our Dad rocks!

Ian's first day of preschool on September 23rd! When we walked up to Mrs. Lokey's house he said, "That's my school?" in a really dissappointed incredulous way, but when I picked him up he seemed to have recovered. He related that, "I have more friends!!!" To the heck with education, this is all about friends. Maybe by college he'll have a different outlook, or maybe not.

*Please note that this was written Nov 1, 2009, but dated as Sept 23rd. This puts the post at an accurate time, but places it before the moving notice previously posted as Oct. 5th. Try not to get confused at my craziness.

Camping

We set off Friday night at 6PM to go camping at Independence Lakes. It had been a long day and taken alot of work to get ready and we were finally on our way. Fifteen minutes from our destination the Forest Service stopped us to let us know that the road was blocked by a jack-knifed truck full of rocks, and wouldn't be clear for at least 3 hours. The only other ways in required over an hour drive. Back home again....until Grandma Olson had the fine idea of Bennet Springs. So we headed there instead.

Our greeting committee consisted of a cow trotting across the dirt road entrance. We were the sole campers that night at the campground. Kind of creepy if you ask me, but in a way serene too. Just after we got to camp Kelby busted out the tent and started the marathon of trying to set everything up before darkness crept in. Taylor was ecstatic about helping and Ian had just woken up from his nap in the car, and he cried for over an hour. I was ready to lock him in the van for the night. So much crying & whining! At bedtime we thought he would just fall asleep, but the excitement of sleeping in our tent and a flashlight from Dad made that dream die fast. Ian sang at the top of his lungs the alphabet, his own theme song, and whatever else came to his mind. Not to mention the intermittent growling. It was well over an hour and a half before we even dared climb in the tent ourselves.

At breakfast we realized we forgot the syrup so Taylor informed us that we didn't camp good and we needed to do better. I asked him what if we went again, would he come? He said maybe, but maybe he would just stay with grandma. Stinker. We had jam and peanut butter after all.
After breakfast the boys played in the tent for awhile, then we decided to take them on a small hike. Here the boys are hiking the under construction trail. Stopping to take a picture along the way. They are so cute when they put their arms around each other. I love it! The other night Ian ran up to Taylor and hugged him from behind and said, "Taylor is my best friend!" To bad they don't always treat each other that way. We found a track hoe at the end of our hike, and Ian climbed into the bucket and wanted his picture taken. Taylor followed suit and this is the result.

At the end of our hike we popped out at the Pommerelle Ski Resort.

Kelby with the boys on our way back to the campsite. Ian wanted to walk along the dry creek bed. We got to climb over and under fallen logs while we hopped from rock to rock. We learned about the word 'obstacle', what it meant, and how to use it in a sentence. Taylor kept nervously asking if we were sure this would lead us back. Yep, pretty sure and of course it did.
My big photo shoot with Kelby at the camera. Check out my big guns or lack thereof, and I can ponder stuff. Who knew?

The boys wanted to join me on the muscle show. Look at all those little muscles! We are tough stuff.

Some of what we saw along our hike. I love being outside! Ian loved it so much that he kept asking to go back and walk the rockies. Another time.

While Kelby & I were cleaning up the boys decided to climb up the hill by our campsite. Taylor made it up, but screaming from Ian alerted us that he was sliding uncontrollably down on his stomach. I ran and grabbed him and found that his stomach received some light scratching, but nothing that broke the skin. That crazy kid. When we finished packing we sat up there with the boys while they threw rocks down. They could have done it for hours, but we ended it after just minutes and put them in the van.

After our rock throwing extravaganza we headed up even higher to the top of Mount Harrison. On our way up Taylor declared that he could see forever even into another country. Not quite, but there is a good view of the magic valley. He also thought that when we passed Lake Cleveland that he was going back to Cleveland, and he told Kelby that he wished Kelby had gotten a job there. That took some explaining.

These are four shots of the views from up at the top. Just a wee bit deserty for me, but still pretty in its own way. I felt nervous the entire time because Ian wanted to climb down. No fences adorned the drop-offs and my kid is crazy! I couldn't wait to buckle him back in his car seat.

We took the boys in the look-out up there. From that vantage point you can see in all directions and easily spot a wildfire. Our lucky boys are now the proud new owners of a Smokey the Bear coloring book. It pays to stop in.

It doesn't matter where we go Ian always finds a way to get into trouble. He set off the buzzer on their oven in the look-out and it took a minute or two to get it off. I am not so embarrassed anymore, in fact I am surprised if we go somewhere unscathed from Ian's curiosity.

Adios to Brock's Fam, Taylor Starts School, & See You In Two Years Kyler!

It's been a busy week and it is only Tuesday night. So far this week we have had a missionary farewell for Kyler, said good bye to Brock's family, sent Taylor off to his first day of Kindergarten, and said good bye to Kyler this afternoon as he headed out to Utah.
This is the picture that appeared on the camera as if my head was cut off. It was really funny to look at, but you can see it better now on the computer and it isn't so silly anymore. Unfortunate really.

This is our second attempt in hopes I will have a head. I think I look better with a head. We had a good time with Brock's family here. I even got a couple of runs in with Kristina, a 4 and then a 6 miler. It was so good to have someone to run with again.

Back Row: Amy, Kelby, Brock holding Porter, Kristina

Front Row: Ian, Taylor, Taylee

Taylor had his first day of school today. He walked right in and didn't look back. I don't know why I expected any different. He did the same thing the last two years at the Cleveland Music School Settlement for preschool. I should have learned from past experiences and gotten my hug and kiss before we left the house.

He did get sent off with a full stomach. We couldn't have the first day of school with anything less than waffles. That must count as my good bye kiss. I wish he was in the afternoon, but we will make do.

His day went okay. He wasn't much for talking when he got home and what I did pry out of him he didn't sound to impressed. He did tell his Dad that he had fun though, and he was excited when Kelby picked him up. Maybe boys need their dads more than we moms like to admit.

This is our last picture with Kyler for two years. We snagged him just as he was heading out the door. He was set apart today as a missionary and will enter the MTC tomorrow. He has some last minute shopping to do in the morning before he arrives so they left for Utah today. We wonder how much Kyler will change, for example, will he still eat as much? It is weird to think that he could get married when he comes back, afterall, he is still Kelby's lil' brother who refused to wear his church clothes to the temple the day we got married.