UP House

Did you see the movie UP? A home-builder here in Utah decided to build a real live version of the iconic house. They painstakingly watched the intro portion of the movie hundreds of times and drew up plans. They replicated every piece of furniture shown, even having many pieces hand-made to match the movie. Other rooms were made to match the rest of the house. They had it open for public viewing (for free) for a few months, and we were able to go visit in early December. What a treat! The kids were in awe and I loved seeing what the home builder's imagination come to life. They did add a garage and the basement had the movie intro playing.  In January they sold the house to a California family.

Thanksgiving

This year we were thrilled to be able to have Thanksgiving up at the cabin.  We invited some good friends that we met through the kids' school and played for the extended weekend.  The kids ran around outside and watched movies in the Bunkhouse and we adults enjoyed lots of great conversation!  Their mom, Tanya, and I have started writing songs together once a week.  We had fried turkey, mashed potatoes, kalua pork, sweet potatoes, stuffing and a few pies of course!  They are a wonderful family and it was fun to get to know them a lot better.

Halloween

In past years I have tried to have themed costumes, with everyone fitting in.  This year, they rebelled.  But aren't they a cute mishmash?  Halloween has also grown into a Grandma holiday.  She came out again this year and we both got wigs. So we had Eeyore, a vampire football player, a cowgirl and a little devil.  And two grown up witches!  And of course the faithful candy-passer-outer who managed to avoid the camera that day.

Football part 2

The football season started in July and ended at the end of October. (By the way Sunshine is #8)

It was awesome to see the improvement that can happen with three practices and a game every week.

All the kids were very focused by the end of the season and in great shape for 6-7 year olds.

The other kids loved to come to the games and have an excuse to YELL as loud as they could.

At the end of the season, the team moms organized an awesome team party.

Did I mention the indoor bouncy house they brought??

The boys had a great time.  It was hard to recognize them without all their gear on!

Kory had a great time coaching even if it did take a ton of time.

He really grew to love those kids.

He worked with some great dads as well.  It was a great year!

Rec Sports

The kids have been enjoying some rec league sports over the winter. Cloudburst was able to play on a volleyball team.

I love that they start so young. Volleyball can be hard to learn and she really liked it.

Tornado was able to have his last shot at Itty Bitty Ball.  It's a great program for 3-4 year olds to play sports and get together with kids their own age.  But then he turned 5!  Only Sunrise left for this great program.

Sunrise is just waiting for the day he turns 3 so he can play too.

I don't know if it's from having older siblings, but Tornado and Sunrise both are pretty athletic.  Their little legs have to work harder to keep up with older brother and sister!

Newest 5 year old!

**Note: I am a bit behind on blogging and will have several catch-up posts**

Tornado loves Trio Blocks. He spends at least an hour most days building all sorts of creations on the family room floor.  When I asked him what he would like for a birthday cake, he said Trio Blocks!

It's not the most beautiful cake I've made but everyone ate it. :-)

We started the day off with Itty Bitty Ball.  He loved the class and had a great time running and kicking with other kids his age.  But now that he is 5 he is too old!

We got a Pass of All Passes this year, which gains us admittance to several fun places in Utah Valley.  One is Trafalga, which has miniature golf, laser tag and arcade games.

Tornado brought a friend and we spent a fun afternoon there!  Did I mention Grandma came out too?

They even sang him a birthday song.

Here is the cake! And some ice cream cones they brought in for everyone.

Ah, some satisfied customers.

And of course he got some more Trio Blocks for his birthday! Now that Tornado is 5 he is really starting to mellow out. He is especially thoughtful and helpful when we have time with him one-on-one.  He is daring and funny.  I just love this kid.