Anna's New Tablet

Anna wanted an Ipod long ago.  Mom likes to make the kids wait.  The older kids like the younger kids to wait (as they authoritatively explain to said younger child why they can't have things any differently than what they got).  I am so grateful for kids that can all of us remember the "rules of the family."  Sometimes I forget little details (like when a kid is really allowed to have an Ipod). 

So, Anna waited.

And waited.

And waited.

She did save her money though, because she didn't quite know what to do with it.

In the meantime, Anna used my old Iphone to snapchat  her friends.

And, the time finally came for Anna to be an Ipod owner.  But, she wanted the Ipod 5.  Lots of money.  She found a great deal on Ebay that seemed too good to be true-too bad it shipped from Hong Kong and was from a brand new seller...

What to do.  Not enough money to buy what she really wanted.  Tim suggeted a tablet.  No, that couldn't be brought to school.  But, after weighing her options, anna found th Tablet to be a very good option.  Good brand, older version, which gave her a good price.  Yea!!

After counting her money AT LEAST 20 times (no exxageration), Anna proudly announced she had enough!  Tim got to take her for her "grade reward night" to pick it out.  I got to go that morning with Anna to make sure the price hadn't changed

And, we all got to hear an hour-by-hour countdown before Anna could get her Tablet.

So satisfying to a parent. 

So satisfying.

Didn't Ronald Reagan Die?

Anna's FIRSTS This Year

Took a Sewing Class

Braces

Ran for Class Office

Got Her Ears Pierced

Got her First Babysitting Job

Christmas 2013

Noteworthy things about 2013 Christmas:

Christmas Pajamas

1.  This is the first year we haven't been all together as a family.  Sad, but we wouldn't want it any other way. 

Sunday before Christmas

2.  We got to Skype Sarah on December 22nd (Sunday).  She had 40 minutes, and we got 55.  We can't complain.  It was truly amazing to hear her speak Tagalog, and have to think about translation from Tagalog to English, rather than the other way around.  She rattles that language as if it were her native tongue.  Her companion and her got a good laugh at our pronunciation of Filipino words.

Breakfast on Christmas Morning

Christmas Eve

3.  We did more entertaining that we have done in a long time-Friends and family over 3 different times in the week.  It was wonderful to have so much fun with so many people that we love.

4.  And, one thing that is constant-our Christmas breakfast.  We had the same quiche cinammon wreath, and orange juice.  Traditions are such a comfort.

Celebrating Sarah's Birthday without Her...Ha

Happy Birthday Sarah!  We celebrated by going to Temple Square Lights, and having ice cream sundaes afterwards. 

Happy Birthday Alice!

As Alice's birthday was approaching, it became very apparent that Alice was wishing that Sarah could be here for her birthday/baptism.  The idea was even suggested that we wait to have the birthday and baptism until AFTER Sarah returned.  I assured Alice that Sarah would want her to get baptized now (nothing like waiting a year to get baptized-Tim said we could count it for our missionary numbers in our ward if we waited....chuckle).  I did convince Alice that she would want to wait to do her friend party with Sarah when she got home, instead of having it this year (crazy, crazy time of year).  Anyway, in the end, it was a great birthday, and Alice was happy to celebrate.  

A few weeks before her birthday, Alice asked if she could make a "craft treat" to take to school for her birthday.  After looking on pinerest (good 'ol Pinterest), she was absolute on the treat she wanted to take (see pictures).  I always get so excited about these types of things, until it is time to make them.  It seems that there is never enough time to get these extras done.  We did end up getting this craft made, and we were all so proud of ourselves!  The snowman cup had a hot chocolate kit inside, and the kids took it home to make their own cup of hot chocolate.  Fun activity for us all.

Alice is still our little peacemaker.  that can sometimes be a big job in our family. Her best friends are Sarah and Anna, with everyone at school taking a back seat to her sisters.  Her and Anna share a room, and it is fun to see the two of them learn to get along.  Anna is slowly learning to be a wonderful friend to Alice, and Alice has really warmed up to the idea that she can have two best friends in the family.

Alice's favorite movie is Frozen (even though she hasn't seen it yet), and can somehow sing the songs from it (even though she hasn't seen it yet).  Everyone in the family says that Alice is going to become a vegetarian because she won't eat meat (too hard for her to chew and swallow).  She doesn't like that label, and just announced to me yesterday that she is starting to like meat.  Tim and I love getting hand-drawn pictures from Alice on a weekly basis, and they always have lots of smiles and hearts on them.  Always.  I always heard your last child is always that spitfire (that's why you stop having more), but Alice sure is so much fun to have in our home.  Happy Birthday!!

Donut Falls

The kids had a break from school over Halloween weekend, and we were all looking for something fun and new to do.  Tim took a half day off of work, and we decided to hike up to Donut Falls.  we hadn't ever gone as a family.

Even though it had already been snowing in the Salt Lake area, there was a break in the weather, and we were able to sneak up for this one last hike.  

the trip iteself is what Tim and I call "dreamy"-kids are not only getting along, but they are happy, and even having meaningful conversations with one another.  We walked the trail mostly in a single file line, with interruptions of snowball throwing, looking for the perfect walking stick, and enjoying the beautfiful, clear weather.  

The falls were beautiful, and after taking our share of scenic pictures, we headed back down.  As we rounded the corner to our truck, we noticed two HUGE moose in a pasture to the right of us.  There were two wildlife & game employees flying this remote control helicopter near the two animals and it was starting to agitate them.  Tim has "fond" memories of hiking Timpanogos, and getting chased by a mad momma moose, so he was watching these two carefully.

All of the kids picked up on Tim's concern, and started watching the moose with concern as well.  As the moose started coming our way (to get out of the way of the helicopter), Tim told us all to start walking faster towards our truck.  The moose went from a walk to a trot, and that is when Anna made a beeline for the truck!  We don't think we have ever seen her run so fast!!  She was sooo scared.  It was pretty funny to watch, and we teased Anna on the way home.  Fun to be a family!