Amboy

Yesterday Brian took the boys out to the amboy crater. It is an old volcano that hasn't erupted in forever and is sitting in the middle of the desert, about an hour from where we live. Brian has wanted to climb into it since we moved here. It is cool - all the rocks around there are black "lava rocks". Definitely an interesting sight. Jacob was a little scared that it would erupt while he was in it - despite our reassurance that it wouldn't! He was happy to make it out safe and sound!

Aww...

Here's a conversation I overheard this morning
Noah: "Jacob, you're my best friend"
Jacob: "no, Noah. You're my best brother".
Aren't they precious? :)

We're home again

And I have to say we had a great trip! I am not sure how to sum it up, but I will try. We started in Minnesota where it was extremely cold, it didn't matter though. We had so much fun playing with the cousin's, going to Macy's, lunch downtown with Jon, hanging out with Christa, Naphtali, Aidan and James (or is that Hugh Jackman? It's hard to tell!:), bowling, and having the whole family together. We are bummed because we didn't get to see Jared or grandma and grandpa, but we will make them a priority next time.














After Minnesota we headed to the (kind of) warmer temps of Kansas. We had 12 great days at Sarah and Charlie's house and filled our time with family, hikes, games, swimming, shopping and eating (alot of eating!). Also, the guys decided to rip up the kitchen and install new flooring. Since there were many helping hands the job was done in about 2 days. Oh, and of course we spent alot of our time snuggling baby Lolo - she is too cute and we were so happy to finally meet her!



















So, now we are home and trying to get back to a routine. One problem - we are moving in less than a month! So, there is alot to do here to get ready for that and I really don't know where to start. There's another problem - we don't yet know where we are moving to! You've just got to love a crazy life! Hopefully we will find that out next week. Until then there are boxes to be packed, utilities to be turned off and carpet to be cleaned - plus a whole ton of other things to do. Thankfully I had 3 weeks of a restful vacation so I am ready for the task!

Minnesota

Although there is less snow here than we left behind in the desert (weird!), the kids are still having fun in it. Probably because they are getting to enjoy it with their cousins! From left to right: Maddie, Brady, Jake and Austin. More to come!

Happy Anniversary

To us! Today is our 7 year anniversary. Wouldn't trade those 7 years for the world!

Last night we went to Jacob's christmas play at school. Here is my proud mama moment - he was playing the part of "joseph"! And let me say, he was the best "Joseph" ever (all you mom's out there who have had your own "joseph", just let me have my moment!).


"Mary" was played by Jacob's friend "Chloe". This was really cute since Jacob seems to have a soft spot for her. Once we went to her house and Noah asked Jake what he was going to play with. Jacob responded in a contented voice "whatever Chloe wants to play with". Hmmm...









Isn't he just growing up so fast? I really couldn't get over how big he looked up there - and there was not a hint of stage fright. Wasn't I supposed to be up there coaxing him to stay and telling him it was okay? I guess those days are over. Oh well, he did search for us in the crowd and wave multiple times - I guess that will have to do.

Pics from run

These are the only pictures I have for now. There were photographers all over the place and these were taken by them. Brian carried that coffee cup the whole race and kept asking the cops lining the route if they had any coffee. Weirdo... ;) Also, the hat he is wearing is not his. Some other runner dropped it and he picked it up and wore it the rest of the way. Yes, we will be washing that.
This was at the start. Fireworks and Elvis singing "viva las vegas"