Idaho trip

My step brother, Michael, got married in the Idaho Falls Temple this weekend. It was pretty cold and rainy, so picture time was a little scarce. After the ceremony, we went to their luncheon. We had some time to kill between the luncheon, and the reception, so we took the kids to see Shrek. They loved it. They have never liked any of the other Shrek movies, so we were surprised that they enjoyed this one so much. We went to the reception, and didn't end up staying too long. It was a beautiful place, but a fairly small space, with not a lot of kid friendly things to do. There was a big Koi pond that runs through the middle of the reception center. We spent the majority of the time trying to keep kids, ours and random, unattended kids, out of the pond. There was also a dessert bar set up. It was very cute and creative, however, nobody was attending this either. There were jars of different candies, and kids were going crazy loading plates with different treats. There was also a lemonade fountain that we saw two cousins get a drink, taste it, decide they didn't like it, and dump it back in the fountain. After that we decided it was time to go. :)

We got to stay with Dave and DeeDee at their home in Rexburg. We decided the adults should go to dinner, and Morgan, Laura, and Emily watched the boys. It was a great decision. :) We stayed up late talking to Dave and DeeDee about our families. It was a great talk. I love the Graham family- they are the best! The next day, we went to Yellowstone. We had a great time! We saw tons of buffalo, and other wildlife. We got to see Old Faithful, and many other geysers, and sights. Camden loved the "gooey geysers, and wanted to see a "volcano explode!" He still talks about Yellowstone. That evening, we were able to see Beauty and the Beast in West Yellowstone. It was a great day!

The next day, We went to church in Rexburg, and then headed back home. It was a good weekend, and we are so glad we got to visit with family.

Happy Birthday Camden!

Three years ago Camden came into our lives, and now he is a big three year old.
So hard to believe! I love this little boy SOOOO much. I can not imagine a life without him in it. Seriously- he makes us laugh, and brings so much happiness to us. I think every member of this family would do ANYTHING for Camden. He is adored, kissed, read to, and played with, more than one could imagine. He is so smart- constantly saying things that we are amazed by. Today he woke up and said, "It's my birthday! I'm three now! I want a pinata, and I get to hit it with a bat! I get to have a fiesta right, mom?" So a fiesta we had. Matt and I took him to lunch at Chuck E. Cheese. He *loved* it.

That night we had Grandma and Granddaddy Graham over for dinner, and opened presents, and had cake. He was so excited about every last thing he got. I love this age. He is hilarious, so excitable, and so anxious to learn. He had planned exactly what kind of cake he wanted, even what colors. He wanted a blue snake, with "amarillo" polka dots. So of course- he got what he wanted. :)
Happy birthday my handsome little man! I love you Camden!

Last day of two

We've been counting down: (if you can't tell- it's a countdown cupcake)

3...

2...
1...

I am having a hard time today. It is so hard to believe that Camden will be three tomorrow. This is the last day I will ever have a two year old. It is killing me! I know some people are so ready for their kids to grow up and move on to the next phase. I must be weird, because I want to cry about the whole thing. Don't get me wrong- I am glad he is turning three and love seeing the adorable little person he is becoming, but to never have a baby again- ahhhh! I am going to miss those cute two year old things he does and says. Which is probably why I haven't even attempted potty training. I am trying to prolong his babyhood- and without my permission he is growing up anyway. Good bye to the two's.... three's- I am trying to embrace you, please be kind!

Garden

We finally planted our garden this week. It has been so cold and rainy, that we hadn't dared! The kids love doing this- but HATE pulling the weeds. It is just a small salsa garden, along with strawberries, cilantro, peas, and green beans. Here is a look at a typical gardening experience with us.
Morgan over-seeing the work:

Camden wandering, throwing dirt, and saying: Great job!

Still wandering...

Now- I can't wait until I can make some salsa!

Morgan in concert

Morgan had her school choir concert. They sang all Disney songs. In the Aladdin medley, she had a solo. She was awesome!!! Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone video with me. It doesn't zoom, or record for very long, so you can't tell it is her. I promise it is though! :) She has so much confidence- I wish I had half as much as she does. Great job Morgan!

Surgery Day

Morgan had surgery on her legs. She has toe-walked since she could walk. Because of this, her Achilles tendons have shortened. It was to the point that she could not put her heel flat on the ground. She has a hard time running, or doing anything where your heels need to touch the ground. It was time to get this taken care of. They actually cut the muscle at the back of her calves to lengthen it. She came through the surgery just fine. She is pretty tough. However, she had a reaction to something (probably the soap they scrubbed her legs with.) She could not stop itching. I think that was the worst part for her. Once they scrubbed her legs with alcohol, and gave her two doses of Benadryl in her IV she was just fine. Now we are just waiting for her to walk. She is almost 2 inches taller than me, and I can't carry her! I can see why they usually only do one leg at a time. The doctor said he'd do both for Morgan, since she is healthy and young. I hope that her recovery goes well- and that she is not in too much pain. Love ya Morgan!

Mother's Day

I love my sweet family! Matt and the kids treat me like a queen. Seriously- I don't deserve them. They are the best! They spoiled me with love, affection, service and gifts. Mother's day at church was great- and I had a hard time keeping my emotions reigned in. One of those days! Once we got home, they were so excited to show me all of the treasures they had for me. I have wanted a sewing machine for so long- and was thrilled to get one. Now I just need to learn how to sew. :) But when I do- watch out, I will be making all my families clothes. J/K! They had homemade treasures as well. Cards, notes, a jar that says nice things about me, when I need a hug. Matt had some M & M's personalized with my pictures on them,

and some other sayings. The kids each gave me a gift card to go to dinner with each of them individually on a date. I am so excited to take advantage of that. I am so blessed to be a Mom. It was a GREAT Mother's day!

Dillon's birthday party

Dillon wanted to have his birthday party at the park this year. He wanted to do relay races, and other games like toss the egg, sack races, etc.

He decided he wanted a "candy" theme.

Every time a kid or team would win they would be able to get a scoop of candy from "Dillon's Candy Store."

I think the boys all enjoyed choosing all of the different types of treats. They were VERY active and seemed to have a lot of fun. Matt and I were ready to be done at the end of the party though. Wow- 14 boys = a lot of rowdiness! He had a great time though, and that is all that matters.

Letter

This letter came in the mail from the school today:

It cracked me up! What a funny boy.

(And no- he's not getting a lap top, he will have to remain "laptopless."

Young Women's Medallion

Morgan earned her Young Women's medallion for finishing her personal progress. I love that they added the value "Virtue" to the program. That is the only value where the project is picked for you. You must read the Book of Mormon. I love that, and am so glad that has been incorporated into the program. The stake had a recognition dinner for everyone who has earned their medallion this year. It was a great night, and an awesome thing to celebrate. Congratulations Morgan! (pictures to come!)

Dillon is ten!

Sweet little Dillon is ten! I know every birthday I say the same, that I can't believe they are whatever age they are. I will probably always think that. It is hard to believe, looking back that ten years ago I held Dillon for the first time. It seems like yesterday, but also like I have known Dillon forever. He tries so hard to be good, and to do things that will make us, and him happy. There is not a day that goes by, where we don't smile at the things he comes up with. He makes us laugh, and brings much joy and happiness to our lives. Camden needed a new pair of shoes recently, and saw some that reminded him of Dillon. He refused to consider any other pair. To this day he calls those shoes his Dillon shoes. He looks up to his big brother so much! We all adore Dillon and are so happy he is part of our family.

Today the day started early. Morgan had to go to an early practice at school, and Dillon was so ready to open presents.

He opened his presents, and we sent him off to school. Matt and I picked him up and took him to Boondocks for lunch. He had a blast! (I went to his class later and read a book to his class. Since they can't celebrate with treats, they have the parents come read to the class.)He had Lacrosse practice after school, so he went to that, and then we went to dinner. He chose Chili's-of course! He is a Graham, and LOVES the chips and salsa. He asked if he is part Mexican, since he was born on Cinco de Mayo, and loves salsa. If it weren't for the pasty white skin, he might have me convinced! :)Afterwards, we had an ice cream cake at home. The "real" cake is for his birthday party.

We had a great day celebrating with Dillon today, and are so grateful for our ten year old boy!