Gladiators and Hayden's Birthday

I am not sure if any of you are noticing that I am putting two blog posts on one lately. I don't have the time to do them individually. It is much easier for me! Madalyn and Carter's school had Gladiators recently. It is a physical competition between grades. Matt started the idea 4 years ago for the school's monthly behavior reward activity. It has been a hit and the kids love it. Carter's class had to dress in blue and Madalyn's homeroom dressed in tie-dye's with mustaches. Madalyn's homeroom class won the trophy for SPIRIT. Matt and I made white t-shirts with Gladiators written on it for him to throw into the crowd during the festivities. It was great fun to watch.

Matt wearing his helmet so that he doesn't get hit in the head with a dodge ball.

The sixth graders getting ready for the festivities!

Look at Carter holding up that balloon.

Sibling rivalry

A proud moment for Matt.

He now has 2 Gladiators with him at school.

Paige loves preschool. Here is some of her artwork.

This picture is for memory sake.

Hayden turned 10 this last week. We had a little party with his friends. He loves dinosaurs and so I tried to make that a theme for the small party.

Dinosaur chocolate vinegar cake with chocolate fudge frosting.

Hayden with his friends doing an obstacle course in the driveway.

Hayden really wanted hot dogs and french fries for dinner. Ok, if you wish!

Yummy food.

Waiting to open presents, the boys pulled out their electronic devices.

This is crazy!

Playing their DS's.

Hayden reading Andrew's card.

This year Hayden wanted all Lego Dino sets.

Happy Boy!

Happy Birthday to you.

Waiting for all of us to finish singing.

Two brothers putting together some of Hayden's Lego Dino's after all of his friends left.

What a huge blessing in my life Hayden has been. It has been a wonderful 10 years son!

Paige Learns How to Ski

Matt has taught all of our children how to ski and this last week, he wanted to teach Paige. She was very excited to go up to the mountain with the big kids and learn to ski like them. We went to a ski shop in town and rented some boots. Our friends loaned us their daughters ski's and she was ready to go. We went up after school got out with Matt's students. Paige couldn't wait to have Matt take her out to the snow. I went on the trip to make sure that she stayed warm, drank hot chocolate and had a good time!!

Paige is waiting to get down the hill to start skiing.

Matt taught Madalyn how to ski when she was 6 or 7 years old.

Madalyn is a great skier.

It is not her favorite thing to do but she does it occasionally.

Matt is teaching Paige how to use the rope tow.

Ok, they are ready to head down the bunny hill. She is all ready to go.

Paige mimicked Matt as he taught her how to do pizza feet and how to turn. She was a natural at it. I was so happy to watch them experience this together. It was very sweet. She loves skiing.

Bailey loves the rope tow.

Bailey is an amazing skier also. Matt has taught her very well.

She went down the mountain with Matt. She is so fast and so confident. It is amazing!

Two brothers that love to ski together.

Carter warming up his gloves at the warming hut.

Madalyn and Bailey enjoying some moments together.

Madalyn and the boys.

Paige using the rope tow all by herself.

It is incredible to think that in just 4 short hours, Paige was skiing.

Look at that happy girl.

She can't wait to get back up to that mountain.

Paige waiting inside the lodge with me.

All warm and cozy after skiing.

Way to go Paige.

Matt has a birthday!!

Last week Matt turned one year older! I tried to make the day as special as I could. At 5:15am, Matt and I went to the gym and worked out together. We had a work out that would make anyone cry! I am sure that Matt wished I hadn't begged him to come to the gym that morning. Paige, Gannon and I went to his work and had lunch together. Things were very busy at work and so we didn't stay long. We brought him a few of his favorite things: TCBY yogurt, salad, combo pizza and SOBE grapefruit drink. When we got home, I finished up some last minute things for his birthday. When he came home from work, we had him open his gift. I got him an awesome gift that he can use while he swims: an underwater ipod shuffle with waterproof earphones. He was so excited! He swims twice a week and he has wanted this for some time now. If any of you swim and are looking for a great idea go to: underwateraudio.com and get yourself a waterproof shuffle and earphones. After he opened his gift we went out to dinner with our good friends to a place Matt really wanted to try. The name was Pok Pok. You can see a video on youtube.com about this famous place. It was a great night. We finished the night off with a piece of delicious German chocolate cake and ice cream. Happy Birthday Honey!!

Matt reading his birthday card.

The kids waiting patiently go see what was in the box.

Matt wondering what I got him.

He was so excited to see his present.

BTW, the Hawaiian shirt was a joke with our friends. He wanted them to think that he was going to wear that out in public. Pretty funny!

Matt's German chocolate cake.

I have a delicious recipe from Matt's mom for the pecan frosting.

Matt loves it.

DELICIOUS

Pinewood Derby and Carter's 12th BIRTHDAY

This post is in reverse from my last post! Carter turned 12 before he received the Aaronic Priesthood and we had a couple of parties to celebrate. Along with Carter having a birthday, Hayden had the Pinewood Derby and loved it. This year Hayden wanted to make an airplane with Matt. He drew out his plane/car that he had in his mind and Matt tried to fulfill his wishes. They did a great job together. Hayden loved it and that is the most important thing!

Carter's birthday dinner.

He wanted meatloaf.

Special potatoes.

He wanted Big Buck Hunter also.

He asked me to make him one of his favorite cakes: Chocolate Vinegar.

Of course homemade chocolate frosting.

The weekend following Carter's birthday was Pinewood Derby day.

Gotta get a mom and dad picture taken. Right!!

Hayden's airplane car.

The family showing Hayden support.

Hayden's car is in the middle.

He didn't win 1st, 2nd or 3rd, but he had a great time.

Carter's Saturday dinner with family: TACOS

Chocolate Vinegar cupcakes.

Carter's friends.

Gannon enjoying one of Carter's cupcakes.

Paige happy to have more dessert.