Josh's Big Trip

Our family has a long standing tradition, dating back to when I was a child, that when a child turns eight years old, they go on a trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house all alone - with no parents or siblings.  I still have so many fond memories of my own eight year old trip with Grandma and Grandpa Church when they lived in California.  It's sort of a rite of passage for our family - a realization that you are growing up.  And it's very special.

Joshua turned eight on October 23rd.  He actually went on his trip a few days before his birthday because it coincided with school's UEA break.  Lucky boy!  Oh what fun he had!  I charged my dad with taking tons of pictures so I could see all that they did.  He did a fantastic job, so here's a little photo journal of their trip:

My parents picked Josh up from our house on Thursday evening.  They headed straight for Baskin Robbins.  After that, they watched a movie at Grandpa's house.  Josh stayed up much later than he gets to at home.  He slept in Grandpa's office, which is right next to Grandma and Grandpa's room.

As you can see, he had no trouble sleeping.

The next morning, Grandma made him a huge breakfast (both of my parents were amazed at the amount of food Joshua eats).  Then,she packed them up and sent the two boys on their own little adventure!  They went on an overnight trip to Vernal to visit Dinosaur Land.  Anyone who knows Josh knows that he is what you might call a "dinosaur enthusiast" so a one-on-one trip with Grandpa to Dinosaur National Monument was the most amazing thing that he could imagine!

Off they go!  It was Josh's first time sitting in the front seat (he just turned eight and we obey the law - even though he's the size of most twelve year old kids).  Grandma gave him a pair of sunglasses.  He thought that was pretty awesome. The day before, Grandpa went to the library and asked the librarian to help him pick out a good book on tape to listen to while they drove.  They had a lot of fun listening to the story of a dog detective.  

I think that along the way, they stopped for a milkshake.  Or maybe this was once they got there.  Either way, ice cream was involved...

It took about three hours to arrive.

They spent some time at the quarry.

This boy is in heaven.

Looks like a fun interactive display.

They stayed in a nice hotel in Vernal.  Josh has NEVER been in a hotel room before.  He's stayed in a condo with us, but never a hotel room.  It was an adventure!

Grandpa took him swimming TWICE!  Once that first night, and again the next morning.

They ate at a Chinese restaurant.  Josh ate more food than Grandpa!  In fact, he ate himself sick.  I think it was a long evening for Grandpa, but he acts like he totally enjoyed every minute of staying up with a nauseated eight year old. Josh's tummy settled down and they were able to go to sleep around 11:00.

The next morning, after breakfast in the hotel (where Josh ate tons of food again) and another dip in the pool, the two adventurers headed to the Dinosaur Museum.  

They had a great time there. 

The great thing about being the only child is that Josh could set the pace. He read the things he wanted to, but didn't have to wait for (or chase after) his siblings.  I'm sure he mostly just bounced from exhibit to exhibit with Grandpa following patiently behind.

Doesn't he look really old in this picture?

Look out, Josh! He's going to eat you! 

Grandpa totally spoiled Josh!  He got not one....

but THREE stuffed animal dinosaurs! Talk about cool!

In the afternoon, the boys headed home.  They arrived at Grandpa's house just in time for dinner.  We met him there and had a hot dog roast while listening to stories of their adventure.  As you can see, his siblings missed him a lot.  So did I!  I love this tradition! And I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity, time, and effort that my parents put into these memory making, life-changing trips for my children when they turn eight, but I'm always so glad when they come home to me!  You'd think that with four other kids around, I'd hardly notice his absence, but it makes such a huge difference in our home to have a single person missing!  Oh how I love this family!

Joshua's Birthday

Joshua turned 8 years old this year.  Can you believe it?!?  Oh how I love this boy!  He is so smart and kind and funny and talented and intense!  One day, when I was volunteering in his classroom, three kids separately came up to me and said, "You're Josh's mom?  He's really nice to me." or "He's a good friend."  He is.  People are naturally drawn to Josh. I love how deeply he thinks and it's also fun to watch him grow and develop his natural athletic abilities.  That boy is a mover - that's for sure.  Josh gives me the most worries of all my kids - he has since the day he was born with a giant bump on his head - but that only makes me love him even more.  He's an accident waiting to happen because he lives life so furiously! I have a feeling life will never be boring with this kid around.

The birthday boy!  His birthday fell on a Sunday this year, but instead of regular church, we had a special regional broadcast.

He had a delicious breakfast casserole in the morning.  

He got some great presents, which he set out in a lovely display for all to see.

After church, the kids kept busy with this rubber band gun game that David had borrowed from a neighbor for our ward Halloween carnival while I finished up the preparations for dinner.

Josh chose lasagna, bread sticks, and a green salad for his birthday dinner.  Grandma and Grandpa joined us. 

I was just going to make a double layer chocolate cake, but while they were on the cooling rack, I noticed that it could be an "8" cake instead.

Happy birthday, Josh!

Parks and Pumpkins

Here are a few pictures from our trips to parks and pumpkin patches in October:
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One weekend, David had to go to Idaho for a continuing education class.  He stayed with his parents and attended the class in Idaho Falls all day Saturday and Sunday.  We decided that while the cat was away, we mice would play.  So I took the kids to a fun park in Fruit Heights.  Afterwards, we met Grandma and Grandpa Smith at Chick-Fil-A.  Then, I took the kids to see Finding Dory at the Kaysville Theater.

Quin is getting pretty independent at parks.  He doesn't want my help as he crosses this chain bridge. 

Nicki launching herself.  

"Geronimo!"

Alison wanted to explore the woods near the park. 

Sir Bronson in the castle.

The one and only picture I have of Josh (He's a quick little dude) and Bronson still in his soccer jersey from earlier that day.

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Speaking of soccer, I don't think I've ever mentioned it this season.  Bronson is playing for the first time ever. His coach is his dad. He thinks it's the coolest thing ever (I agree with him)!  I didn't get any pictures during the autumn part of his season, so I'll make sure to take lots when the season starts up again in the spring.  Josh is playing for his third time.  He has a great coach and an unbeatable team.  Josh is developing into a very good defensive player.  It's fun to watch.

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Now, back to the parks:  One day, I went to pick up our kindergartners from school, but when I got there I realized that I had mixed up the time.  I was too early!  So Quinton and I explored a nearby park for the first time.  It was a fun park!  We've been back a few times since then. I guess sometimes it pays to be super spacey!  

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My neighbor friend Melanie and I both have kids going to NDPA.  It's nice to have a carpool buddy and to trade babysitting so that we can both volunteer in our kids' classrooms.  One day, while I was volunteering, she took Quinton to a pumpkin patch with a bunch of moms in our ward.  How fun is she?!?!  I barely dare leave our house when I'm watching her boy!

L-R: Our neighbor's son, Easton, Quin, a neighborhood boy, Bradley, and his mom Crystal (who is also our primary president). 

I'm honestly not sure who that little girl is that pulling Easton and Quinton (I think she's a Barton girl).  Bradley is in the background.
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Of course, we went to the Day Farms pumpkin patch with our family again this year.  Joshua was missing because he was in Vernal with Grandpa Smith (I'll tell you all about that another time).  We missed him, but he was having a blast and getting totally spoiled so we didn't feel too bad.  

The cute blonde girl that you don't recognize between Katie and Megan is Rossi, Megan's life-long best friend. 

This is my favorite picture of all time of both Katie and Quinton!  I want to get it framed!!!

Bronson and I in search of the perfect pumpkin!

Bronson's Birthday

Bronson turned six on October 11th.  What a joy that little scalawag is! He is truly one of the most pure individuals I have ever met.  Pure as in genuine.  He is pure joy or pure rage or pure love, etc.  He just sees and feels and expresses things completely.  He has such a generous heart that I often have to forbid him from giving everything that his his to other people. He is unashamedly in love with his family, often hugging and re-hugging us on his way out the door to school or when we meet again after a separation.  It is so fun to watch him grow and learn.  This kindergarten year has been amazing in terms of how far he has come academically.  I feel very blessed to be the person he loves more than anyone in this world (even more than his stuffed lion - but just barely).

I apologize for the blurry pictures.  I think there was something on the camera's lens.  

Here are the brothers checking out Bron's new Pokemon cards.  This was one of those times when I had to tell Bronson not to give all his cards to his brother.  

His birthday dinner choice was pancakes and sausage.  

Grandma and Grandpa Smith came over in the evening.  Bronson is wearing the crown he got at school.  

Look at the pureness of that face!  He loved his giant cupcake!  The rest of us just got measly regular-sized cupcakes.  

Another Uplifting Candy Conference

General Conference was wonderful as usual. Here are a few picture of the kids getting into the spirit.... 

One session is "candy conference." 

It's a little...um...spirited sometimes, but for the most part, they do really good.

Every time we do it, I wonder how long we should keep up this tradition. I'm not ready to stop yet, I guess.

For another session's quiet activity, the kids string Froot Loop necklaces.

There's Josh's finished product.

And Nicki's.  I think she's wearing Quinton's as well.  She made his while he napped.