California Trip Hotel

Phil and I usually go down to California this time of year for his company Christmas party. Ashlee has been down in LA for the past few years so I would get to see her while Phil worked for a few days. She is now up in Seattle with me and this year Phil's boss told us to bring the kids along so we surprised the kids with the trip. Yes, I lied to them a lot the week before we left about what the plans would be while daddy and I were gone. I think Miya might have suspected something because she started asking a million questions, "who is going to babysit us while you are gone?" "why do I have to get all my homework done before you guys go?" "why am I missing piano?" "why can't Aunt Ashlee watch us again" I responded with lies such as, "well I couldn't find a babysitter that could take you to school or piano" "I already owe Aunt Ashlee babysitting time from the last trip".

Then on Tuesday when I told them I would have to pick them up early from school to take dad to the airport I had their bags all packed and once we got to the airport we told them they could come along as well. I thought they would be more excited, but I think they weren't sure if we were teasing about taking them with us. It makes you think you must be really cruel parents if your kids think you are teasing about bringing them along. Cannon was worried about missing school because he was super proud of his perfect attendance, but by Thursday morning he just kept talking about how all the other kids were at school and we were swimming. Lyla learned to swim by herself and could make it about half the length of the pool before she started sinking and I had to grab her.The kids in the atrium watching and counting the fish and turtles.We had the pool to ourselves the entire trip.

The kids loved the hotel. The elevator was even exciting.

8 is Great!

Miya, you turned 8 years old yesterday and my heart is so full of love and appreciation for you. You are an incredible girl and today at your baptism I thought about all the wonderful memories I have of you and couldn't help but get excited for all the future holds for you. You are a kind, sweet, tender, smart, quite, loving and beautiful girl. Your teachers at school love you. Your reading teacher, Ms. Grant grabbed daddy and me in the hall at parent/teacher conference just to rave about both your reading skills and your personality. It makes me so proud to hear of all your accomplishments, but it also always makes me happy when I see other little kids at school light up when they pass you in the hall and say good-bye for the day.

Today at your baptism you invited some of your favorite friends from since you were a baby. Cora and Sundi came and both brought you special presents. I love the way you all light up when you are together even when it is months between visits. You had lots of family there to celebrate and I loved that Aunt Ashlee and Uncle Michael were here for you from my side of the family, because we now have them living close enough to come. Titus sang because you asked him and he is a great cousin. The font lost the plug when daddy tried to fill it up so when we got to the church 20 minutes before the baptism was scheduled to start there was about 8 inches in the bottom of the font. We lost all the hot water down the drain and your water, once we were able to get it partially filled was super cold. You had to do it twice because your hair came up out of the water...which was only about 16 inches deep. I asked up how you felt today and you said "cold". When we were planning the program for the baptism I tried to think of anyone else I could get to give the talk because I knew I would cry, and yes I did do that. I am so glad you get to have the gift of the Holy Ghost to help you in this life. It is such an amazing gift and it makes me happy to know that you can always have that guidance, direction, peace and comfort in your life.

You are a fantastic daughter and daddy and I are so very proud of you. You are a great big sister for Cannon and Lyla. They love you and I am glad they will have such a great example to follow.

Snow Days

The kids went down the hill in the driveway when I was inside cleaning because they couldn't control the sled enough on the big hill. They ran into the ladder and fire pit and almost the water before they headed up to the other hill. It took some talking on my part to get them to go down the big hill with me on Wednesday, but once they went they loved it.

Lyla and I stopping just before the water.

Last week the kids were out of school Tuesday and Wednesday for snow days...we really only got two inches. We got out the sleds and took turns going down the hill or all piled on and went down together. We are hoping to have more snow days before this winter is over.

Sports

Cannon got out all the plastic cups and started stacking cups. He moved from place to place in the house and kept adding more cups. He has been taking his cups up for quiet-time and building all sorts of things for Lyla's cars.

Things

Walked in on Cannon playing scrabble with Lyla. Cannon would play his pieces then walk around the table to help Lyla with her word.

Cannon: It's okay Lyla you can just play that word here because it won't fit anywhere else.
Lyla: Okay, can I get more letters?
Cannon: Yes you need four.
Lyla: Now what word can I make?

He is a pretty good sport when it comes to finding someone to play with him and including Lyla when Miya and I are busy with dishes.