The Scientists

Connor, Tanner, and Sydney love to play scientist.  It started last summer during our visit to the Utah cousins and it is still going strong.  The boys put on some of Trey's old white button down shirts as their lab coats and they play scientist.  If Sydney is involved it can get a little messy with experiments, but when the boys play it they usually just construct different "inventions" from an electronics kit they got for Christmas.  Apparently Tanner was telling his teacher about it the other day and she agreed to let him show the class an experiment during science.  Tanner told her how "there would be a hypothosis and everything."  He came home telling me all about how he was going to do this the next day.  I filed away in my brain to help him come up with a presentation later that night.  Then, I forgot all about it.  Today the boys came home excitedly telling me all about how the showed the class their experiment.  They had even brought their lab coats and safety goggles.  Tanner asked if anyone in the class had a hypothosis for what he was about to do.  Connor recorded some of the kids answers.  (they reported that no one's hypothosis was right) Then they linked a bunch of things together which ended up turning a lightbulb on and spinning a helicopter-looking blade.  The kids were impressed and their teachers said it was "magnificent".  Evidently their teachers told Sydney's teacher about it because they are now presenting their experiment to her class tomorrow. :)

Sunny day

I don't know any more than point and shoot on my new camera but I couldn't wait to try it out. My birthday afternoon was spent at the park enjoying the beautiful sunshine with the kids.

The boys were told they couldn't bring weapons to the park, but they soon found plenty of sticks that would do the trick.

Happy 40th to me

Kids really know how to make you feel special for your birthday! There is nothing like walking into a decorated room with your kids jumping out yelling "Happy Birthday", beaming with joy. My favorite was my "throne" where they had me open my presents and the paper chain they made with all the things they love about me written on them :).  My favorite ones:  Mom is stylish and Mom is happy when we're happy and sad when we're sad.

David surprised me with a new camera! Thanks honey! I loved going out to eat with the kids (and then the adults), and the slideshow that David put together. I'm a very happy 40-year-old.

Farming

My kids love to play outside. Whenever they can they create some new adventure and try to get as many friends involved as possible. Recently they played at two different friends' houses and came home talking all about playing "farming" outside. Even with the freezing temperatures they have continued playing this outside whenever possible. They asked me to come out and take pictures of their adventure. They also ask me watch them through the window while they play, waving up at me periodically to make sure I'm watching the riviting farming take place. Farming consists of gathering sticks, brush, leaves, berries, logs, etc. They use these things to rake the wheat field, gather food and make fires. Buckets, tools, and towels are usually involved. They work like a team so they can get their work done before sundown. Weapons are a necessity because sometimes they have to fight of indians that try to take over their farm.