Luke's New Talent

This little guy has wanted to whistle for years. He never could quite seem to figure it out. Then, last Saturday it all came together and he has been doing it constantly ever since. It's the most adorable thing ever. He will whistle for hours on end while he is having electronics time. 

Museum day

Last week we drove up to the Big City. One of the children's museums up there was having a discounted Homeschool Day. We've never been, and I've always wanted to go. So, we tagged along with friends and made a morning of it.

Most of the time, the boys loved it. This crane was a favorite. They also had Lego race cars upstairs that the boys also spend a lot of time playing with. It's always so nice to get out of the house and do something completely different. It's also nice to go with friends so they kids are entertained longer then they normally would be.

After the museum, we drove to Papa's work and had a picnic lunch there before heading home. It made for a very wonderful day.

The Frozen Falls

A week or so ago, one of the homeschool Mom's that I follow online mentioned that she had taken her kids to Bridal Veil Falls. I've been wanting to go ever since. We had a few hours with no commitments this afternoon, so we loaded the car and went. 

As typical, the boys were crabby and whiny for most of the hike to the falls. Then, they decided to be happy. The threw rocks in the water, found sticks, and tried to be sneaky in general. It was a warm down down in the valley, but up by the falls is was FREEZING!

The falls were so amazingly beautiful. I am in awe every time we drive through Provo canyon to see it. It was even more amazing to spend the time going right up to where it starts.

We also saw this darling old house that is literally right by the waters edge on the other side of the walking path. Brandon, or course, had to tell the boys all about the wicked witch that must live there. All I could think of was perhaps the pioneer family that raised their children on the fish they could from the river. I can't wait to go back and wander around some more. But, if we go back in the winter I'm hauling all the winter clothes with us.

Scouts - Marble Madness

1) We watched a video on the internet about how marbles are made of glass. We also read about the history of marbles from the National Toy Hall of Fame. Plus, I also gathered up all the marbles we have and made a lego marble holder for them all.

http://www.toyhalloffame.org/toys/marbles
https://youtu.be/RU_lCrjfMaw


2) We learned about the game Rinnger and we played it. You get to keep all the marbles that go out of the circle. That's how you keep score. You can also play Tic-Tac-Toe with marbles plus another game called Bullseye.

3) I learned a few marble words. Knuckle Down, Keepsies, Friendsies, and Shooter.

4a) My friend Blake and I made a marble course. We had so much fun building it.

New Years' Eve

Tradition is mandates the annual Thomas side game night/countdown party. As usual, we had so much fun. I haven't laughed that hard in a lot time. We played a few games - Citadel, Disney Family Feud, Dragon Farkle. Plus, lots of time to chat and catch up with each other. No one was surprised when Aunt Alicia won 2 of the 3 games. Thanks goodness for Mom's M&M salad that helped us drown out our defeat.

Meanwhile, the kids had a blast playing their own games, both made up, and the board game variety. This year all the kids made it to midnight without any problems. It was the resulting hangover the rest of the week that has our household still unsure of what we did to ourselves.

2017 was an amazing year with so many blessings (trip to Florida, new back patio, our new pet), and I'm positive 2018 will be just as amazing. #feelingsoblessed

December

This December has been the most relaxing one I've ever experienced. Shopping was done online, Brandon handled the duties that typically cause Mom's stress, and we took the entire month off school. It was an amazing month all around.

We went to the annual Pleasant Grove Fire station to visit with Santa. This year, we went to the warehouse they are using temporarily until the new fire station is complete (crossing our fingers it will be done by next Christmas). I really feel bad for them. They have had a lot of adjusting/reconfiguing to make it work as a fire station. 

Santa was very generous to the boys this year. He brought them games that Mom has not allowed in the house. Santa gets away with a whole lot. 

Admittedly, these games have been more enjoyable then I thought they would be. And, they make the boys laugh and laugh and laugh. I feel super de' duper blessed to have access to a real fire fighter. Grandpa always has awesome stories to tell and seeing the fire trucks up close is tons of fun. I think a family photo shoot at the new station will be in the works in 2019.

Santa was also overly generous with gifts for the boys and the family. Look at all these fun things he left for us. 

The boys were super quick to realize that Mom must have been very bad this year because she didn't get any gifts from Santa except for her stocking. Too true, boys. 

We also had the annual Thomas family party two days after Christmas. As always, the meal was amazing and the talents were delightful. This year all the Grand-kids got Hoodies from Grandpa and Grandma. The boys thought they were so great. 

I am always so amazed, when I look back over the year, at how many blessings I have. Sure, we have hard times, but they aren't emotionally/physically/or mentally exhausting. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that keeps showing me over and over how much he loves me.