Tate Turns 3

Our funny little man turned 3-some days the time has flown by, other days I'm actually amazed he's survived so long.

When I think back over the last year and this little guy the things that come to mind are, horses, wrestling, biting, horses, screaming (from his sisters because he's followed them into their room and has started getting into as many things as possible), favorite foods include suckers, candy, cookies, white rice, apples, and bananas (although the first couple bites, never the whole thing), Backyardigans have been replaced with Horseland & Racing Stripes for a bit, "Catch You" (Tate's rendition of being chased), chasing and torturing chickens, did I mention Horses? He has started talking quite a bit more this year, lately there is a lot of, "Come play" as he grabs your hand and leads you to the bedroom to play horses.

John's thoughts: He's ridden 2 stick ponies to death, he's a rough and tumble kid. He likes to play rough, "catch you".

McKenna says, "I like Tate when he is running. He's funny and makes me laugh. I like to play horses with him. I like that he gives me a hug and a kiss every night before bed. I don't like him to hit me and pull mine or Tyler's hair, or hurt the chickens."

Tyler says about Tate, "he's ok. I just like it when he um....wants me to come see something. (he pulls her to things) I like it when he does that it's so fun. And then when he wants me to play with him I will. I like it when he laughs, and when he is soo wild and I call him rhinoceros."

It was a pretty low key day, the festivities didn't start until Dad got off work, and so shortly before we were supposed to leave we found Tate tuckered and surrendered infront of the tv in this position.

Sadly he didn't wake up very happy, but he got over that pretty quickly once the presents and cake came out. We had a small party with Grandma & Grandpa Harris and Grandma & Grandpa Jackson.

More presents, never enough horses

Not sure what I was thinking, except how much I know this kid loves his stick horse, especially ones that play music, and so he got a new one that actually works. He was beyond thrilled.

Happy Birthday Tate! We Love you!

Grandma & Grandpa H come to visit

We didn't waste any time finding festivities to go to with Grandma & Grandpa Harris as soon as they got here. 1st on the schedule:

The lighting of the Bridge

the fireworks were a little loud (still)

the girls were a lil shy but excited to see Santa Claus

Afterwards a lil movie time with Grandpa on his new i-pad

Tate loved having his Grandpa there to wrestle & play with

The girls did a lot of game time with Grandma.

Me-I enjoyed watching and trying to get my house in order.

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving started a few days early as we made preparations for the big Meal. Of course it started with our costumes, not the actual food, although I think I had just barely pulled out the Turkey to thaw out as well :) The girls were excited to help make the hats and even more cooperative when it came to modeling them.

Thanksgiving finally came and here are the results:

Reinactment of the 1st Thanksgiving complete with pilgrims and "indians".

Who even liked most of the food.

The whole Dinner -arty John, Josh, Leslie & Kids

Our late sleeper: Miss Tank

Our Dad's happy place, football with the Boys!

Making Cookie pilgrim Hats

Turkey Leg anyone?

finally Dessert, Not just Dessert, but Leslie's famous Trifle.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you Leslie and her family and Josh for coming over and celebrating with us.

Cold November Mornings

We are thankfull for our warm fire on cold mornings and afternoons!

Sunny Zoo days

While getting the van fixed 3 things happened. 1) Tate discovered a new big truck that he fell in love with

2) While chasing Tate I broke the loaner phone my sister had given me when it fell out of my pocket.

3) since the sun was out an impromptu trip was planned to the zoo. The zoo is the highlight of this post. It was quick, fun, and uplifting.

I love Sunny days and impromptu trips to the zoo and friends who take pictures.

I do not like how many phones I've gone through this year...although it will be nice to have a new one...sometime in the near future.

41 Years and still ticking...

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

41 years isn't just a walk around the park- 6 kids, 4 in-laws, 9 grandchildren, and a number of pets throughout the years. I'm inspired by the love and devotion you show one another! By What you've done, survived, and aspire to continue doing in life, with your family and one another.

Primary Program

Today was our annual Primary Program at church. The kids have worked hard all year long on learning the songs, and in the last few weeks on learning their parts. We've had several practices and although I was sitting on the stage with the kids, I'm very proud of each and every one of them.

I was lucky enough to sit by McKenna who did a great job singing more songs than I knew she actually knew. She struggled learning her part, especially with a few big words-but she pulled it off. "The atonement of Christ allows us the opportunity to be saved from our sins."

Tyler....has been soo excited for the primary program, her first since she's a Sunbeam. She loves singing and learning so this was right up her alley. She has been actively trying to learn every verse of every song in primary and at night as a part of her bedtime routine. Sadly enough if bedtime is not running smoothly her punishment is not getting a song before bed. The Sunbeams sat on the front row until it was time to start the program, Tyler was a little nervous when we first walked into the chapel. She's known her part for weeks and was a little timid in her delivery. Singing was a different story-This was her happy place and she sang her little heart out. I had multiple people tell me that she stole the show. She was front and center and therefore a very strong voice. I'm really proud of my shy little girl, who wasn't shy at all. Definitely her Happy place belting the words.

We were thrilled to have Grandma Helga & Grandpa Tom there to help John with Tate and to support the girls.

Good job Sumner primary kids! You guys were awesome!

McKenna's Teeth

She lost another one...or rather after a trip to the dentist McKenna came home with 2 less teeth. She's got her Dad's head which means small, and so her teeth were already getting a little crowded as the new ones were coming in. To help them grow a little straighter he yanked the 2 sides ones out. John went with her knowing our kids are braver when their dad is with them.

The report is that she was quite the little trooper, and she's quite excited for what the tooth fairy might have in store -or her. free Money is always appreciated.

Kids Night Out with Dad

John's work had a night out and he treated the kids, or maybe it was more o- a treat 4 me, but he took the kids out to a hockey game.

They had a great time and let me know they had the best Daddy Ever!