Utah

We spent two weeks in Utah, over Utah and CA/WA spring breaks. It was really fun to see all the cousins, and just six months after we saw them all last! The first week we spent with Bradys and it was a whirlwind week. We were busy busy busy the whole week and did tons of activities. The dads still had to work so they were hit and miss but all the cousins were available to play the whole week. The kids just loved that. Since I am two months late writing this, I can't remember the order but we visited This Is the Place State Park, Classic Skating, Campout, Bountiful Rec Center swimming, Easter activities, and lots of eating!


















































The Purdy week included more Easter activities, Planetarium, lots of games and activities at Grandma and Grandpa Purdys, Classic Skating, and the park.

On Wednesday of this week, Steph, Mom, and Dad watched Brigham and Annabelle while Jon and I took Vanessa and Benson skiing. We were able to rent equipment for Benson to go too! We had to hire an instructor to take him because you have to be certified to use the equipment. Sometime, we want to plan a special trip to get certified and make skiing a family thing. Benson loved the trip and definitely had a need for speed. Vanessa did amazing. She picked it up so quickly I could hardly believe it. She went down the bunny hill three times and was ready for blue runs. By the end of the day, she was doing some squares. Jon said she got a little scared at one point, but put her mind to it and did it. We were so proud of both of them! We had an incredible time!

Brigham Turns 4

This little man turned 4! He could not decide what he wanted for his cake. So in the end, I did this and I think he was just happy to have cake. We continued our regular birthday tradition and went to Chuck-E-Cheez as a family. We also had some friends, the Barkers, join us for cake that night. Brigham got a new bike for his birthday (that is perhaps a little too big).

I feel like Brigham has grown up A LOT in the last year. And not just the growth spurt that has made all his pants ready for the flood. He is officially potty trained! Woot.  He is even doing well at night. He is getting soooo much better and controlling his anger. He still gets angry but he isn't hurting or destroying anywhere near what it used to be. He has a very tender heart and we are starting to see more and more of that. He loves little Annabelle and is really sweet when he plays with her.

Brigham used to be our talker, the one that would introduce the entire family to complete strangers. He has entered a shy phase and doesn't really like talking to people at all. It was really bad for awhile but he is slowly coming out of it again. I think maybe he had a spurt of insecurity, so I have been trying to be really positive with him and help him know how awesome he is.

Brigham likes playing with Legos, he still loves tools and doing little fine motor activities with his hands. He still loves keys. Although he doesn't take our keys anymore, thank goodness. He still likes to "look" though.

Brigham has gotten really good at riding his little Strider bike. He has had it for about two years and only just took an interest in the last year. When he was ready though, he took off with it and basically gets around everywhere on his little balance bike.

After Gaston was no longer bothering him, Brigham found he actually does enjoy the chickens. He sometimes likes to chase them, but he has fun feeding them as well.

Brigham loves spaghetti, fruit, candy, soda, and more candy. He definitely has a sweet tooth!

Brigham still likes to rub someone's face as he is going to sleep. Although we did kick the binki habit (that's kind of old news-about six months ago, but I think I forgot to mention it). It makes me laugh though because he now tells me that he can't go to sleep unless he can rub my face. At least he knows what he needs.

This kid is just full of personality. He makes us crack up all the time and keeps life interesting. We love this little ball of energy!

Annabelle Turns 1

 It's actually May and I am trying to play catch-up with blog posts. Looking at these pics, it is crazy how much older she looks just two months later. And even crazier, has it really been two months since her first birthday? Annabelle took her first steps the day before her birthday. I would say it took a good month before she was a confident walker though. She still, at 14 months crawls quite frequently but she is using walking more and more. She makes a lot of noise but she isn't actually speaking much. She pretty much says, "ma" for everything. She does say, 'uh-oh.' She makes noises that match syllables of words so it kind of feels like she is talking.
She has a mind of her own. She likes to feed herself, unless she doesn't. Then she wants to sit on your lap and eat your food. Or you feed her. It depends on the moment. She likes to take my phone from me and make the pictures move. She gets excited anytime she sees pictures of dogs or chickens. She makes her little barking noise whenever she sees a dog. I'm not sure how to describe the sound, it's like a really breathy monkey noise. It's adorable, but sounds nothing like a dog. She loves to eat peanut butter by the spoonful. She also loves chocolate, yogurt, all fruit, and mac and cheese. Not a fan of veggies or bread. We also discovered the pineapple makes her stomach hurt, keeps her up at night and creates horrific diaper rash!
She is a teething wild woman. By her first birthday, she had ten teeth. At 14 months she has gotten two more. And I don't think the others are too far behind. She is still nursing and I think a large part of this is the teething. She still doesn't have much hair but everyone always comments on her beautiful eyes.
She likes me to hold her most of the day. Although she is getting slightly better about letting me put her down. She does however, through full blown tantrums complete with throwing herself on the ground and kicking her feet. It just amazes me that this is innate even to a one year old :)
She adores her sister and brothers. Their interactions and giggles are what make my day. She loves to give them kisses, find their belly buttons, and completely tackle them as well.
This girl is spunk and sass with loads of personality. We just love her to death.

St Louis

On February 16, we made our drive up to St Louis for doctor appointments. This time was a little more special though because Grandma and Grandpa Purdy were going to meet us in St Louis and then come home with us. The kids were very excited and we counted down for weeks! We turned Annabelle to a forward facing carseat for the event, hoping that were would be slightly less screaming. We also finally forced ourselves to pay up to get the DVD player fixed in the car.

This injection we had a physical therapy evaluation the day before so we had to be in St Louis around 1 on Tuesday. The appointment was quick and easy and then we were off to the hotel for a swim. We swam for a while and then got some dinner at the hotel. Grandma and Grandpa got in and joined us for dinner.

On Wednesday morning, Jon headed off to the hospital early with Benson. The anesthesiologists have been great to work with and will let Jon take Benson back and actually mask him down for the procedure. They have also stopped trying to get an IV before the procedure so Benson won't freak out as much. The procedure itself only takes about 15 minutes but they keep him asleep for an hour because he has to lay still and flat.

Jon will usually get him off to sleep and then ran back and grab me and the kids. This time, we had Grandma and Grandpa come to see him at the hospital as well. We gave Benson hugs for being so brave and good. We didn't stay at the hospital because he has to stay in a small room for 6 hours post injection to get stats, etc every two hours. Jon stayed with Benson and took some fun games and other activities.

The rest of us went to IKEA to find a few items. That store is insane and I have officially ended my obsession with IKEA. Since my new house is anything but contemporary, there isn't much there that matches my décor. It has some interesting products that you can't find anywhere else but it takes so darn long to find anything I have decided it isn't worth the trip. I thought the kids play area would be the perfect solution but we had to wait for space and then even after an hour of shopping, we still had more of the store to cover. Sorry, IKEA, I think I like Target better now.

This trip I made it a point to pick some yummy restaurants. So on Wednesday night we had BBQ at Adams Steakhouse. It was probably my favorite BBQ I have ever had. Quite possibly even better than Oklahoma Joe's from Kansas City. The ribs and pulled pork were all simply awesome. We didn't order the applesauce because we didn't think the kids would really like it. They brought us tons of extra food though, including applesauce. This was by far the best apple sauce I have ever had. It was served cold, pureed but also with very small chunks and just very good.

On Thursday night we tried an Italian Restaurant (obviously a must staying on "The Hill" where St Louis is known for its Italian influence). Anthonino's was the name. They had amazing toasted ravioli. It was an appetizer and if I were to eat here again I would get that for my dish. My mom ordered a shrimp dish with a wine butter sauce that was also pretty high on the repeat list. I ordered pizza and was not super impressed. I would have to say I have had better pizza.

We had most of the day Thursday so we went to a chocolate factory that gave tours of their chocolate making. Annabelle HAD to wear a hat but it was a constant battle. I also love this picture of Benson, he looks so contemplative.

After the chocolate factory, we went to the Magic House. We had been here once before while Jon was doing rotations and remembered loving it. It was definitely a hit with the kids and Vanessa has since said it was her new favorite thing to do in St Louis.

On Friday, we had an appointment not related to the IONIS trials (they changed their name since ISIS is a terrorist group trying to kill all Christians and the western world). We met with Dr Bridwell for Benson's scoliosis. His back curve has indeed increased to about a 40 degree curve. He recommended we get a new brace made and that he wear the brace for 12 hours per day. Sad news. Surgery is inevitable. How successful we are with bracing will determine what kind of surgery and when. The goal is to put it off until 12 or so, where we will move straight to a fusion/rods and not have to do growing rods. Casting for his new brace is scheduled for March 16. Then we begin bribing to get him to wear it, I guess.

Wicked

Jon and I bought tickets for Wicked back in November. It has been on my bucket list for so long! I loved it! The story was so cute. The songs were fabulous. And I had the sexiest, most supportive, awesome date possible. I'm a lucky lady.

School

This was a really fun science project we actually did a month or two ago but I never posted it. You make bubbles that are filled with CO2 from dry ice. It's pretty fun. They're called boo bubbles. Because they look like ghosts. It was something I saw online and thought the kids would enjoy them. They definitely did.

This was the only snow we have gotten so far this winter. It was declared a school snow day. We still did a little school but we definitely took the opportunity to play in the snow. Annabelle wasn't a fan.

This is at our local library. The libraries are by county here and we only have one. Which is a huge bummer. But they still have lots of books! :)

I usually let Brig and Vanessa stay at the house while I walk Benson to the bus stop. One day Brig decided to follow after me, without bothering to get dressed. Don't let the sunshine fool you, it was freezing. Crazy boy.

Vanessa helped me build this 'word wall." It was some intense work. But it has been really good so far. We put up the trickier of the 74 phonograms (mostly ones that have multiple sounds or multiple ways to spell them). Then we have lists of words under each phonogram. We add words each time we do a spelling list. It's also a good way to review ones that we have learned. We'll see if it helps with her spelling.

Benson got a frog hatchery kit for Christmas and the frog embryos finally arrived. We thought they were dead and then after four days they hatched. The boys were crazy about them and messed with them all day long. On day five they were belly up. So, we'll try that again some other time. Ugh.

And while we are talking about school, lets not forget that Benson also is still going to preschool two days a week. Some days he is happier about it than other days. We went to a group music class in the morning and then I drove him to preschool rather than him riding the bus. We refused to drive his chair out of the car, screamed and screamed and screamed. Needless to say, he won the battle. Because, well, who could force their kid to go to preschool when they are this upset?! I mean, it's preschool. I haven't really figured out what the deal is. He said he just wanted to be home to play. I talked to his teacher who also said that she almost brought him to tears a couple weeks ago. Apparently he was getting something off the floor from his chair and scared her to death. And she yelled at him for not being safe. And, it was the very next class after this incident that he didn't want to go. They seem related but he says he just doesn't want to leave. I don't know. I guess we'll see if he changes his mind here soon. He was happy to go to his class Valentines party.

We also had a co-op Valentine party. The kids exchanged Valentines. We also did a group lunch. And each family set up a store and the kids would work at their store and then earn money to go buy things from other stores. It was a lot of fun. There was a nail salon, a drink shop, cookie store, toy store, popsicle store, and a gift shop. I have no idea if they understood the economy effect we were trying to simulate, but we discussed it. In the end, it was still fun.

It has been a crazy whirlwind the last few months. We are taking a break this week, going to St Louis for Benson's ISIS injection. It'll be a nice break for all of us. Vanessa is doing second grade month, We have been going really slow. For the last three weeks we have been working on addition with renaming. She has it down now. I'm scared to move on to subtraction though. We probably should after the break but we'll see how it goes. We have just started learning cursive. We have done four letters is all. She is reading Level 3 books. We are working on spelling but she is doing so much better than just the beginning of the year. We have learned about a few composers, some famous artists, different countries, we have read several fairy tales but Hans Christian Andersen and Brothers Grimm. We are currently reading a child version of Shakespeare. Other than the shear amount of work homeschooling takes, I love it.

In Their Words Feb 2016

Art By Brigham: This is a picture of you being mean to a lion!

Driving home after picking up Vanessa from gymnastics. 

Vanessa (excited): "Dad, guess what. I did a handstand and my coach saw me and he said 'Do it again.' Then he said 'Everyone watch Vanessa," and everyone watched me."

Jon: "Wow. He said that because you were doing it so well?"

Vanessa: "No. Because I was doing it wrong."

Silence...

Laying down with Benson and Brigham as they're going to bed.

Benson: "Dad, you're the best dad in the world."

Jon: "Ahh, I'm glad you think so."

Brigham: "Yeah. I love your whole body. I promise I will never kill you."

Jon: "................okay."

February 14

"Brig say happy Valentines Day."

Brigham: "Happy Violenetime Day."

February 17

Grandma: "Brigham, go tell Grandpa to get ready to go."

Brigham walks to Grandpa. "Grandpa!......Uh, what did Grandma want me to tell you?"

Brigham is whining in the car about not watching a movie.

Dad: "It's only a few minutes away, let's listen to music."

Brigham: "No!! Mom, do you like music?"

Me: "ya, I like music."

Brigham: "I hate music! I just like how it sounds."

February 26

Vanessa: "Mom, where did you get that chocolate?"

Me: "it's a secret."

Vanessa: "a secret can't stay a secret for long."

Benson: "Mom, who would win: an orca or a great white shark?"

At around 7:30, Benson went and got his Jammie's, told me to brush his teeth and change him so he could play on the tab- in the cupboard. (With the door closed. He only let me open it for a picture).

Pure Love

After falling in love with my soul mate and then having and holding four perfect and precious newborns; I thought I knew a thing or two about love. But today, as I laughed and played with Annabelle, I was thinking how much I love interacting with infants. Their eyes hold that sparkle, a look of admiration almost. You are the greatest thing. They live so in that moment. As if making them laugh is the only thing you have ever done and they love you unceasingly. They don't hold you forever guilty of past mistakes. {literally because they probably don't remember} Their love is pure. Like the pure love of Christ.

Jon's 33rd Birthday

Jon hit the big 33. It was quite possibly, the worst planned birthday I have given him yet. But, he was a good sport and says he still loves me! Either way, I still feel way guilty. But, as soon as he got home from work the kids wanted him to open presents.

Vanessa made him some cute gifts with paper. ("I always make paper gifts Mom.") His parents sent an awesome new BYU hoodie and a 34" axe for splitting wood. I got him a ratchet. Because I'm awesome. 

Why is buying gifts for spouses so dang hard? I feel like the pressure to "get it right" is really insane. Because 1) they know if you return it. 2) all the money comes from the same place so if it doesn't get used, it feels like that money was already used. Does that make any sense? So with both these in mind, a surprise is still nice and thoughtful, right?! But how?! And, if the gift is especially pricey; that should be discussed beforehand, right? Anyway, on to the party.....

Jon decided to let the kids decide what we should do. I was thinking chill at home, yummy dinner (I at least planned that). But they voted for Chuck E Cheese. So the Cheese it was.

After, we did go have the yummy dinner. Which was beef with broccoli. It was quite yummy. I also made cookies and finished them around 8pm. Just writing this post makes me feel guilty all over again. Don't worry, Fathers Day will be extra special. Although my parents are bringing a good surprise for you in Feb ;)

In Their Words Jan 2016

Jan 2

Me: "Brigham come here."

Brig: "no."

Me: "Come here and give me a kiss."

Brig: {eye roll} "We aren't under the mistletoe."

Jan 5

At the store

Brig: "Mom, can I have this for Christmas?!"

Me: "We just had Christmas. Your birthday is in three months so maybe for that."

Benson: "Can I get something for Brigham's birthday?"

Jan 7

Vanessa: "Mom, do you think we knew 2 plus 2 before we were born?"

Me: "I don't know that I have ever thought about that."

Vanessa: "I think we just knew about like scriptures and Jesus. That's why we have to learn all this other stuff now."

Jan 9

Vanessa: "Mom, when are you going to have another baby?"

Me: "I think we are done having babies."

Vanessa: "But you're only 29. How old was your Mom when she had you?"

Me: "36."

Vanessa: "See. You can still have more babies."

Jan 16

Brig: "Mom here's a sled for you! For big humans, like you!"

Brig: "Mom, I can speak girl!"

Benson: "Mom, will you take my socks off. They're bugging me so much I'm going to bleed."

Jan 20

Sister missionary: "Have you ever wanted to give up on something?"

Brigham: "Sometimes I throw toys at people."

Jan 22

Benson: "Mom, look Rexy is a baby. He even wears little dinosaur diapers."

Me: "I have never seen a dinosaur wear diapers."

Benson: "oh, I saw it online."

Benson: "Mom, when I grow up will I be able to walk?"

Me: "well-"

Benson: "Mom. I have seen adults who can't walk and they have big power chairs. So if I can't walk, I'll just get a bigger chair."

Jan 23

Brigham: "what if Annabelle ate your baby things? Like what if she ate your baby drinker things and like ate them off. And then we didn't have a Mom. Would you be sad?"

Me:"I think I would be sad. Would you be sad?"

Brig: "ya I would be so sad."

Jan

Me: "Brig where are you?"

Brig: "I'm just tasting all our candy to see if it's good!"