Rock Climbing

We had a little break from school in February and I promised the boys a ski trip to Monarch on Tuesday. Monday night was so windy that I couldn't sleep, so I decided it was not going to be a good day for skiing. We postponed the trip and I took them to Colorado Springs to a rock climbing gym instead. They had a blast! Josh got right up there and hit the top every time. Jake took a bit more encouragement, but once he reached the top there was no stopping him!


Jake loved it when I stopped his descent just a few inches from the ground so he could dangle there.

This gives you a little perspective on how high they were climbing.

Pinewood Derby

Back in January, Josh's cub scout pack had their annual pinewood derby. He was very excited to try out a wedge design this year. They always have an open division for family members so we were all able to make our own cars. We checked out designs online and Josh chose a watermelon, Jake chose a pencil, and I created something girly--silver with pink polka dots.
Special thanks to Marty Hall for all his help in making these cars! Not only did he bring all the supplies, help the boys do all the work themselves, but he also taught Jake to say "baby" just like Austin Powers. Yes--thanks a lot Marty!

Success was mild for the boys, but it's always tough when it's single elimination. Josh and Jake both won their first races but lost in the second round. We decided that the Pinewood Derby should always be double elimination at the minimum. On the other hand, I won the open division and got to take home a trophy. Jake begged me to give it to him which I did. He returned it the next day saying he would win his own--a much bigger one though. Love these boys!

Christmas Train

Our lovely friend who works on the North Pole train was kind enough to give us some tickets to ride the Santa Express. Josh was so excited! The last time we rode the train was six years ago when Jake was just a month old. He had been asking me every six months when we were going to ride it again and now he finally got his chance!

They got to eat, see the "real" North Pole and tell Santa their wishes. Jacob wanted a Batman and Josh wanted a Nerf Battleaxe. Lucky for them Santa came through!

Quentin L. Cook in October 2011 General Conference said:

"Among the most frequently asked questions of Church leaders are, Why does a just God allow bad things to happen, especially to good people? Why are those who are righteous and in the Lord’s service not immune from such tragedies?

While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us. Some of the most important principles are:

First, we have a Father in Heaven, who knows and loves us personally and understands our suffering perfectly.

Second, His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer, whose Atonement not only provides for salvation and exaltation but also will compensate for all the unfairness of life.

Third, the Father’s plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding."

We look forward to reuniting with Korbin.

Thanksgiving in AZ

We had a week off at Thanksgiving this year, so we were able to drive down to Arizona. Kathy and Ken's family drove down from Utah so we were able to play with cousins and meet Korbin. We had a good time playing football (Josh's new passion), eating our favorite foods, looking at temple lights, going to the park, and shopping of course. Jake was a bit disappointed that Grandma and Grandpa don't have any superhero costumes, so we had to improvise with a pillowcase cape. But as soon as he had his powers back to save the world, he was having fun again.

Not in the what?

Scene: Jake is playing with Play-doh while I fold laundry. Jake is extremely grumpy and saying mean things.

Mom: What's wrong--why are you being so mean?
Jake: I'm just not in the nude, Mom.
Mom: (pause) Um, do you mean 'not in the mood'?
Jake: Yep.
Mom: Did you say "not in the nude?"
Jake: Yep.
Mom: Do you know what that means?
Jake: No.
Mom: Nude means naked.
Jake: (pause--then laughs hysterically)

Jake's Birthday

Jake turned 6 in November (and yes, I know the candle says 5--he insisted on having a glitter candle and we had 5 or 8. He chose 5 saying that we would remember it was really his 6th birthday). He went crazy for his cousin's remote control Big Foot a few weeks ago and wanted that for his birthday. Since that costs $100, I told him we couldn't get that. So, he asked for anything with a remote control. Trying to appeal to the remote control idea and the idea of a toy that walks and talks, I got him a RC car and Grandma and Grandpa Stott got him a moving and talking robot. Both have sat on the shelf these last few weeks, but apparently are quite special still because no one is allowed to play with them.