Did we miss fall??

The boys and I took a quick trip up to Utah and were welcomed by snow! My boys, acclimatized to the Arizona heat, went straight for their winter gear.
The first weekend we drove down to Price to visit my Grandma Dorman. While we are in town, we always enjoy going to the CEU Dinosaur Museum. This was my grandpa's "baby" and every time we are there I can't help but think of him. It's fun because the kids are getting old enough to enjoy it too.




Ever since Thomas found out we were going to Utah, he had been looking forward to going fishing with grandpa up in Joes Valley.(1 hour from Price) I felt sure that because of the cold weather that it wasn't going to happen. (Unless, you count fishing for Tiki the cat.) But, grandpa and Thomas weren't about to let 34 degree weather stop them! (That's what it was when we pulled into the cabin!) We drove up, Thomas caught two fish and then we got back in the car and drove home. Thomas' couldn't have been happier.

Warming up in the cabin!

The boy's first experience with smores!
BBQ at my parent's house.

We went with Mama Bull and some of the cousins to Gardner Village to see the witches.

For some reason, this was the only witch that Nathan would get close to!

Thomas practicing his lady skills by giving Lyza a flower he picked.

Thomas, Nate, Lyza and Kelli. Not pictured: Seth and new baby Josie. We missed Michelle and her kids due to the flu.

Our favorite day of the week, "Pancake Tuesday." Almost every Tuesday, the cousins that are home go over to Mama Bull's for breakfast. The boys love being together with their cousins. This week, the little kids didn't know that we were in town and were so surprised when Thomas and Nathan showed up to play. It was so much fun!

I think I should have known better.

Tonight I ran to the store to get something last minute for dinner. In my hurry out the door, somehow Nate ended up with the keys and needless to say, he was VERY upset when I had to take them away. I tried to explain to him that I would gladly give them back once we arrived. He didn't believe me and threw a fit all the way to the store. I was desperate to have this all over, so when we get there I turn off the car and hand him the keys. Just as I get out and shut the door, I hear a click. That little stinker had just managed to lock himself in the car along with the keys!

The next part must have looked extremely funny to anyone watching as I began tapping on the window trying to instruct my 1 year old to push the button and unlock the car. He managed to push buttons alright, but not the right one. The panic button seemed to be his favorite, because he pushed it over and over and over. People were nice to stop and try to help and finally Nate unlocked the door.

Besides the obvious, the reason I should have known better was because I did almost the same thing when Thomas was a baby. I was driving the same car, my mom's. I had buckled Thomas into his infant carrier and put him in the car. But, while I was driving I remembered that I hadn't buckled the carrier into the car. (I was used to just snapping it into the base already there.) I pulled over, the car was still on, and when I shut the door the doors locked. My parents were out of town so they couldn't bring me another key. Thomas was crying so I ended up calling 911. I felt so stupid! When the firefighter got there he informed me with newer cars like this the only way to get in was to break the window. I said a silent prayer and was immediately inspired to look for a key behind the wheel. Now, maybe if I had remembered to put that key back behind the wheel...then I wouldn't have been in quite the predicament that I was in tonight!!

"One Dalmatian under God?"

We were driving in the car with my grandma this weekend and Thomas saw an American flag. Just about every time Thomas sees an American Flag, he recites The Pledge of Allegiance. This was the first time that my grandma had heard him say it. She commented on how smart he is and this is the conversation that followed.

Grandma: "That was really good. Now, Thomas do you know what a 'nation' is?"
It was quiet for a while and I began to think that Thomas had forgotten the question, then he responded...
"What are those spotted dogs called again?"
Hmmm, nation/Dalmatian close enough, right?!

Lost Camera

I think that I have lost (hopefully just misplaced) our camera and I am totally bummed. It's one of those things that just leaves a pit in your stomach as you try to rack your brain thinking of where you may have last left it and remembering all of the cute pictures that may or may not have been on it. Oh well...here are some pictures of last week's Thunderkids activities. (Thanks Wendy for the pics!) The kids learned about Korea and made drums.

Saturday we went to the new children's museum in Phoenix. Thomas and Nate loved the "trike wash" the best.

Bull Frogs

We have LOVED being back at the pool. We go about everyday. Thomas swims really well...if he knows that he can touch. Nathan has surprised us. He has no fear. He will walk right out to where he can barely reach anymore and then just waits for me to come and get him. He doesn't even panic as the water is right up to his nose! I was finally able to find him some arm floaties and he thinks he is so big. He kicks his little legs behind him, just like a little "Bull" frog. I couldn't seem to get it on video this day, but I thought I would post anyways.

Where's Willy Wonka?

We went with the Thunderkids group to a candy company here in town. It was fun to see everybody again.


I'm not really sure what the purpose of these tables were...the kids couldn't really see over the counter, but were not allowed to stand on the tables. So, they just played under them!

It was unfortunate that this worker didn't seem to be having as much fun as Lucy did. (I love that episode.)

It wasn't as interactive for the kids as we would have liked...but who's to turn down free chocolate?? Not me! Thomas was just happy to be back with all of his buddies.

"What were you thinking?"

I feel like I am more than frequently telling Thomas, "Stay out of mom's makeup." and "Don't pour things on your brother's head." Well this afternoon he combined the two. I was in the process of making dinner when I hear Nathan crying and Ryan yelling for me to come. I was expecting to see Nate hurt...instead I see that Thomas for a second must have lost his mind, because for some reason he decided to squeeze the entire tube of foundation on top of Nate's head!!

We had to throw him in the bath and really scrub to get his hair clean. (By this point I was finally calmed down enough to think to grab the camera.) Man, did that leave a ring around the tub. Makes you think twice about putting that stuff on your face!