We hope you enjoy this as much as we did (sorry the quality is so poor). Don' be afraid to laugh out loud! Happy holidays!

Go to http://www.elfyourself.com/ if you want to do your own.

(You may want to pause the music player, just scroll down, it's on the right.)

#1 rule

Apparently the #1 rule in our house:

Sleep whenever and wherever you can!

It isn't any wonder why nap time is my favorite time of the day. The quiet is better than anything I can think of!

The Magic Kingdom

Day # 4 was the Magic Kingdom. The day the boys had been waiting for. During the off season, the hours at the park are shorter and most of them close around 7pm. Sunday was the only day there were going to be fireworks in the evening, because it would be open until 10pm. So, we had plans to stay the entire day. We wouldn't want to miss out on anything. First thing first, renting 2 strollers. We learned when we went to Disneyland, it would be worth it to get a stroller for Luke too. So, we paid way too much money and got the double stroller. After posing for a few pictures and catching a "Dreams Come True" show, we headed for the rides. The first ride we went for was Splash Mountain. It was here that we would discover whether or not Cort would be tall enough to ride most of the rides. So, we held our breath and crossed our fingers as he stepped up to be measured. It was a big deal, we knew he would not do well standing in line and not getting to go on the rides. Cort had grown over 3 inches in the last year, and was good to go YEAH!!!

The day was spent catching all the rides we could, walking, standing in line to see the characters and get autographs, eating, getting a diet coke, walking, enjoying the fabulous weather, walking, stopping for diet cokes, walking, seeing a parade, playing with cousins, strategy planning, walking, and last but not least, watching the fireworks.

About 30 min before the fireworks were set to start, Luke said he was going to be sick. We headed for the bathroom and tried a few times, but he didn't throw up. Now, we know Luke well enough to know that if he is complaining of a headache and nausea, it's only of matter of time before he makes good on his promise. We were not disapointed. While standing on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom and watching a fabulous firework show over the castle, the urge hit Luke. All I can say is thank goodness for 32oz cups. The funny thing is, not a soul noticed what was going on. Probably the only time I'll be grateful for the crowds!

Levi, Luke, Mickey, Minnie, Cort, Sandie

All in all, we had a fabulous time. At the end of the day, no one got in too much trouble, we were still happy to spending time together as a family and with Levi's sister Heather and her family, and Levi and I were still talking. (A challenge when we got lost for an hour after we left the park!)

Luke's favorite ride: Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain
Cort's favorite ride: Buzz Lightyear
Levi's favorite ride: Thunder Mountain
Sandie's favorite ride: Pirates

The Next 2 Days

I know, you are on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what happened on day #2 and #3 of our fabulous vacation. Well, here it is, the next installment. Never would I want to keep anyone waiting. Ok, except maybe my husband, he keeps me waiting so often, he's got it coming. But, that's another story in itself.

Friday was our one and only full day at the beach. I told Levi I was pretty sure it would be my favorite day. I was right. There were no lines, no people racing to make it to the next ride, no pressure to "fit it all in", just pure relaxation. When we arrived at the beach, we picked out a spot with an umbrella and a couple of beach chairs set up and then we paid our $20 to the surfer dude who does the setting up. I now wish I would have taken a picture of the surfer dude. He was in his 30's and literally surfed all day. He would collect $ for the beach set ups and would then be in and out of the water. We actually saw him at the donut shop before we hit the beach. He gets to wear swim shorts and flip flops to work. How would it be?!

It was such a great day. Being a Friday in November, the beach was deserted. The boys ran everywhere. Did I mention they loved it? I'm pretty sure Levi enjoyed it as well, but he may not admit to it. Our hotel was 30 yards from the beach, so we were able to run back when we needed to and then be right back at the water. PERFECT!!!

Day #3 was spent at the Kennedy Space Center. We had a slow start because little did we know, there was a huge airshow that day. After parking, it took about an hour and a half of waiting in line just to get into the visitors center and the rest of the park. Lucky for us, we weren't going to the airshow, so the park itself was empty. We took a tour of the space center and saw the Endeavor out on the launch pad ready to take off the following week. The kids (and Levi) were fascinated with the entire process and all that goes into making NASA run.

If you look closely at the picture to the right you can see the top of the space shuttle as it sits on the launch pad. The best part about visiting the space center was watching the shuttle launch the following week (on TV). In Florida, it's a huge deal when the Endeavor (or any shuttle) is launched into space. It's covered live on every station and everything just kind of stops. They mentioned that all of the high school football games stop and they all look up to watch the shuttle go. Amazing, the boys were sitting in the tub and watched every second of it. It was fabulous.

Well that about wraps it up for those 2 days. Hope you weren't too bored.

Oops!

Oops, somehow I got really behind in the blogging. I have brought myself into the month of November, and have changed the background. If it helps, I think I have a valid excuse due to our fabulous trip to Florida. I was going to be really good at getting things done while I was away and blog every couple of days while we were there. You can see how far I got with that. So, now I have a 10 day trip to blog about. Instead of trying to get it all into one post, I thought I would spread it out over a few posts. I wouldn't want anyone to get toooo bored with the story. Instead, I thought I would keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation to see what happened next. Stay tuned!

First, I'll start with the LONG plane ride. It sounds exciting, but then the boys realized that stuck in 2x2 space for 4 and 1/2 hours. Good times. They did what they could to keep themselves entertained, and actually did great to and from!
After landing and trekking through the airport, picking up the luggage and the rental car. We made it out of the airport, but proceeded to get lost for the first time. I will not lie, I think we only made it through one day without getting lost. Sometimes it was just a few minutes, other times it was an hour. If they just had one mountain to determine which way was E, W, S, or N. We stayed the first couple of nights in Cocoa Beach. It was probably the most relaxing of the days! The boys had never seen the ocean before. I loved watching their faces light up when the waves would come in and they made every effort to jump them. So, here are a few pictures to scroll through.

C, just taking it all in. I love the rolled up pants. We've decided he should be a "surfer dude". He fits right in.

L, was a little leary of the ocean. He had a friend "warn" him about the undertow and sharks that might be there in the water. It took a little persuading, but we finally got him in the water. His mind was changed and we had trouble talking him back out of the water.

This one is purely to view Cort's hair. The kid has sooooo much of it. We thin it every time he gets it cut, but it's hard to keep up with it. It's so dang cute!

Just playing in the water.

Pickin' Pumpkins

Our attempt at a group picture. Notice anything not like the others? That would be Cort.

Pumpkin picking seems to be popular. In fact, as I have been doing a little blog stalking, I've noticed I am a little behind with my post. This seems fitting for me, since I am currently in the "catch up with everything I can" phase of the week/month/year. Ok, it is a nonstop cycle. I get behind in one thing and it pours into the next item on my list and so on. Sort of like laundry. The cycle never ends.

Cort and his cousin, Urban.

Well, I am making this one simple. Just enjoy the pictures of the kids. This is our favorite pumpkin patch because it has a small corn maze for the kids and tons of tractors to climb. We spent a couple of hours out in the sun and enjoying it all. The best part, it is all free. Well, except for the price of the pumpkins. Which seems to be way too low. But, I would never complain about that!



Notice anything odd? Like me with a baby strapped to the front of me.
No, it is not mine and yes, I was there with a few extra kids. And no, I would never make a good mom of 5. I know my own limits.

Kicking off October

The title of my post really has nothing to do with anything, but it seems everyone is talking about fall these days. I'm just trying to fit in, really, it's hard. (big sigh) But let me move on.

A scary witch, Me, Luke, and Cort (not super willing to participate, surprised?)

Yesterday, was a little overcast, but occasionally the sun would peak through, so a few friends and I went to Gardner Village to take some pictures with the witches, goblins (aka kids) and the many pumpkins. This was going to be no big deal, then, as the boys were getting dressed, I realized we did not have Halloween t-shirts. I know, it may not seem huge, but have you met my cousin Tara? We decreased our allowed get ready time and ran out the door. We now had to make a stop. Do you know most clothing stores do not open until 10am. You think I'm kidding? I know it seems impossible that a mom and her children may be out of the house before that time, but it does happen. Seriously! After a couple of frantic stops, we found Old Navy open. The boys picked out their own t-shirts (this is made more difficult by the fact that the boys now have opinions on their clothing!) and we made it to the designated spot on time. Shocking! Somehow, we missed the crowds and managed to get a few pictures. Phew! Mission accomplished

The second activity for the day was to help my brother out with his new company. Andrew and Lori have purchased a whole bunch of bounce houses that you (or anyone you know) can rent. They thought it would be fun to set a few up and let us try them out. Andrew noticed that the size of my backyard is just a tad bit bigger then the size of his backyard. So, the party was at my house. All for the family! The boys had been talking about it for a week. Cousins, neighbors, nieces, and nephews all gathered to take part. Oh, and those who were at Gardner Village ended up at the bounce house party too. Why not make a day of it?! It was a huge sacrifice for all of them. I mean, just bring something to share, and then play. What more could they want?

There was only one rule when it came to the bouncy things. Absolutely, positively, no adults, Hunh, that doesn't seem right, I mean it was at my house. So, I decided it was my party and I could do what I want. Ok, so there wasn't a rule. I probably made that part up. Did you know grown kids can go on those things, who would of thought?!

We had a blast. Thanks Andrew and Lori. Love you guys.

Happy Birthday, Cort!

Cort turns four!!!

As usual, I'm a week behind. I just realized I had only one post in September. This a little sad, considering Cort had a birthday on the 23rd. He is all of 4 years old now. And boy, does he know it.

A few recent comments from Cort.

Cort: "Mommm, Dad put my birthday cake in the fridge."

Me: "I know, isn't Dad smart."

Cort: "No, he's not smart.'

Me: Giggle, giggle, huge smile.

Cort: "Dad, come here, hurry."

Levi walks down the hall to the bathroom and finds Cort standing in front of the sink and looking in the mirror.

Cort (who can now see over the counter without standing on a stool) "Dad, look how big I'm getting, bigger than Luke."

Levi: Just grinning at the kid who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips.

So, for Cort's birthday, Levi was going to be out of town. Our dilemma was the fact that Cort had been talking about his party and especially his cake, since Luke had his party in May. With my work schedule and Levi's traveling, we weren't sure what we were going to do. Luckily, without realizing it, my Mom came through for us (again). Lori and Greg also have b-days in September, so dinner at my mom's to celebrate was planned. Being the only kid, I didn't think the other 2 would mind if I brought along a cake and presents for Cort. Neither have complained yet, so I am guessing it was ok.

We then realized what Cort really cared about was the cake. He couldn't stop talking about who was going to be on his cake. Would it be Spiderman, Lightning McQueen, Star Wars, Scooby Doo? We could only wait and see what this very cute, shaggy haired kid would pick. While I was at work, Levi carted the boys off to pick out the cake. When I walked in the door that night, the first words out of Cort's mouth, "I got Iron Man!". Who knew?!

With presents, cake, and his cousins, Cort was thrilled, and had a fabulous party. He was given a Mr. Happy t-shirt, and changed in to it before the party started. It fits him perfectly. The kid never stops smiling. He got everything Star Wars and was sooo happy. Since the purchase of Lego Star Wars for the Wii, Cort is very much a Star Wars fan.

Cort's party was on a Sunday, but his birthday was actually on the following Tuesday. I didn't want the day to go unnoticed, even though there was no big event planned. Cort, had seen a commercial for Lego Batman for the Wii, and was dying to get the game. I've started to wonder if I wanted everything I saw on TV when I was 4. Anyway, I told Cort we were going to get him one more present for his birthday.

Me: "Cort, it's your birthday today, and I'm taking you to get one more present."

Cort: "Really." Big old grin on his face.

Me: "Yep, let's go get in the car."

Cort looks down at the shirt he is wearing, "Wait, I don't have my happy shirt on, I have to have it if I'm getting a present." We find the happy shirt, and he throws it on.

Cort: "Now, I'm ready mom." Not so sure if I am.

My top 10 favorite things about Cort:

10. He has a fantastic take me as I am attitude.

9. When riding his bike, he gets going as fast as he can, and then slams on his brakes to see if he leaves a skid mark. Thank goodness for helmets.

8. He gives the most amazing hugs.

7. He idolizes his big brother and would follow him anywhere.

6. He is 100%, all boy. Dirt and all.

5. He loves to play with his cousins and friends. In fact, sometimes, it seems to be all he talks about.

4. Kisses, he gives them and lets me give them to him.

3. I have to admit, he is definitely a mama's boy and he knows how to use it.

2. With a giggle or a smile he can get himself out of most trouble. His smile is amazing.

1. He 100% loves his family. It amazes me how much you can see it in his face and his eyes. He just lights up when he sees anyone in his family. Whether it be one of us, a cousin, an aunt, an uncle, or grandparents, he loves them all unconditionally!

Girls Get-a-way

Tara, Lori, Kris, Suzy, Me, Allie, Jane

In trying to make up for lost blogging time, I have forgotten all that I was planning to post. I'm sure there are many cute things I should be posting about the kids, but at the moment nothing is rushing onto the screen. Oh well, I'm sure I will think of something.

What I can remember, is the great weekend I had getting away from everything. Yes, this includes work, the house, the husband, and even the boys. (I always love them more when I have been gone!) Last weekend, I can't believe it was only a week ago, I went to Midway and stayed in a cabin and scrapbooked, read, talked religion and politics (what were we thinking!), talked kids, husbands, drank a lot of diet coke, got my own box of sugar cereal, and overall, had a really great time!

Although my weekends away with my cousins, started years ago and started out as scrapbooking only, they have adjusted to meet the many personalities of us girls. Most of us still scrap, and love it. A few of us our venturing out to digital scrapping, Who would of thought. Some come and do nothing, and love every second of it. Some come and complete projects that have nothing to do with pictures, and some of us (me) take the time to read a book. As we have discovered, it doesn't get much better than that. And, after all this time, we have finally discovered some great restaurants in Heber and Midway. YEAH!

Tara, Lori, Jill, Suzy, Me, Allie, Jane

So, it doesn't matter what you plan to do while you are there, no one really cares. All we care about is that you come and enjoy great conversation with the girls, a little crying, a heck of a lot of laughing and if you're lucky, Jane will turn bright red, laugh and cry for you all at once. And of course there is the no children, no husbands, no laundry, no bedtime, no alarm clocks, no kids sneaking into your bed at 2 am, no deadlines, no need to get out of your pj's, no meals to cook and a whine free zone.


The one thing I seem forget about in Midway is how beautiful it is, when we leave the back door open, we can here the small river in the back. Somehow, it is always full. The grass is green and sound of the leaves blowing is like a little bit of heaven. We are so lucky! Love you all.

Swiss Days

Top: Jane, Jen, Mary, Kris, Jill

Bottom: Me, the goat, Suzy, Brittney

Swiss Days is a huge craft fair that takes place every year in Midway, Utah. It falls on the Friday and Saturday of Labor Day weekend. For the last 8 or 9 years, I have gathered with my aunts and cousins to make the trek to Midway. I admit, we are a bit obsessive with the whole thing. We meet at 7am, grab a bagel and the precious diet coke, and then head up the mountain. It used to be we got there in time to beat the crowds. Not so much anymore. It is usually packed by the time we get there. But, it doesn't matter. We just jump in and get going. Whether you are in the slow or the fast group, we make our way through the crowds. The purchasing starts quickly and we then try to drag our purchases through the crowds without trying to cause any major damage to us or anyone else. We get up there early enough that it is still cold, but we manage to leave before it gets to hot. Oh, and just a little advice, strollers and small children will make your shopping very difficult. The booths are small and the crowds are thick. After we have each managed to spend at least a couple of hundred dollars, it is off to Loco Lizard for a great lunch and the much needed diet coke.

Although, I love my purchases, I think the best part of it is spending time with the girls. You know how I love to get away. Even if it is just for the day, and fighting crowds, and getting up at 0530. It's all worth it. Love ya!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

To say the least, I have been slacking on the blog lately. What's sad is, I actually have a lot I could have posted about. In fact, we have been so busy, I have been a little overwhelmed by the blog. In the back of my mind, "blog" has become a bad word. But, I have decided to move past that thought and share our lives with those who want to read about it. I know, it's not that many, but none the less, I aim to please.

1. August 16th. For the Kimball family reunion, the boys and I headed up to This is the Place Monument to enjoy the sunshine, the animals, the train, and of course the smattering of cousins, aunts, and uncles. We had a great time and the boys especially loved playing with the many cousins. I always love watching my mom and her sisters and brothers. They are so funny when they get together and start chatting about the "old" days.

Picture 1. My cousins, Jodie and I taking picture of our parents. Picture 2. The boys check their maps (probably the only time we'll see them checking for directions). Picture 3. My mom with her sister Mary and her brothers Dave (left) and Richard (right).

2. August 19. Cort starts preschool. Cort is so happy to be going to school. I think he is bored with me and is tired of hanging out all day with mom while Luke is in school and there are no friends to play with. Poor kid, I can't say that I blame him, I'm not that exciting. It is hard to watch him grow up. The day before he started school he had me a little worried when he said "Mom, I not go to school, I not a big boy yet." But, when I drop he and his cousin Zach off, they don't even look back. I guess that's a good thing.Cort's first day. And yes, he has had a haircut since the picture was taken.

3. August 23rd. Another busy day for us. Cort went to Uncle Andrew's to play with Zach. Luke, Lori, Caeden and I headed off to the Hale Theater to see BIG. We met up with my cousins, their kids, and some of our Mom's. It was Luke's first musical. He did great and enjoyed the entire thing. We had lunch at Training Table. I forget how much I love cheese fries. Luke was the only boy at lunch, he didn't seem to mind though. After the play, we raced to pick up Cort and Levi. We had to get to the Southworth's for our first annual "Great Geocaching Treasure Hunt". It was a blast. About 10 families hid their caches over the last week and we had 90 minutes to find as many as we could, we found 9. Not to shabby, but not the big winner. We all gathered to for a BBQ after. We enjoyed the company of our neighbors and the boys had a great time finding treasures and of course, playing with the many friends that were there.

We also had the Freedom Salute for Levi's National Guard Battalion this weekend. It was at Snowbird. We had the chance to stay up there Friday and Saturday night, courtesy of the Army. Levi stayed up there on Saturday and attended some classes while I came down to follow through with plans we had already made with the boys. The boys went to my parents Saturday night and Levi and I made the trip back up the mountain after our long day. To say the least, it was tiring.

4. August 24th. To complete the Freedom Salute, all of the soldiers and their families went to Abravanal Hall to receive their thank yous from the state and the National Guard. Governor Huntsman was also there and gave a great speech thanking the service members and their families for the sacrifice that was made. We enjoyed the speeches that were given. All in all, it was a great weekend spent with our family and friends!

5. August 25th. Today was another busy day for us. After spending my required 2 hours at the gym, I came home to get ready for my crazy day. I spent the day doing laundry, cleaning the house, loading and unloading the dishwasher, homework with Luke, and attempted to keep Cort entertained. Sadly, I have no pictures. But wait, this is a normal day, why I am writing this? I must be losing it. Ok, well just ignore this paragraph. I should wrap this up. Sorry, this was such a long post, but I know you have all been dying to catch up on my life. Again, wouldn't want to let anyone down!

Conversation with Luke

Luke is watching TV this morning and sees a commercial for a new Wii game.

Luke: "Mom, I totally want that game!"

Me: "No Luke, you already have 17 Wii games and you don't play half of them."

Luke: "Fine, I'll just tell dad. He always gets them for me."

Me: "Seriously!!!"

(I can't help but smile, because he's right, the boys have their Dad wrapped around their fingers when it comes to buying toys.)

Luke goes to school

Luke outside his classroom on the first day.

Luke has completed his first 2 weeks of second grade. It is amazing to think he is old enough to be in second grade. Because of boundary changes, Luke started a new school. I was worried. I was nervous. I was crazy obsessed about it. But Luke, didn't skip a beat. Luke went in to his classroom like he owned the world. Luke is taking to 2nd grade like he has done it before. I'm always amazed at his ability to adapt and go with the flow. He makes friends so quickly! He is in a portable classroom, which also made me nervous, but he seems to do well in it. I think we have gotten lucky, and his teacher is excellent. She is organized and seems to be very on top of things. Yeah!!! After the struggle we had last year, I hope this will be a good change.

Ummm........I have no idea what he is doing!

The biggest change for Luke is the fact that he rides his bike to and from school with 3 of his friends. (Good thing he learned how to ride his bike this summer!!!) I was worried. I was nervous. I was crazy obsessed. The plan was to go with him and his friends in the morning and then meet them at the crosswalk after school. Turns out, other than the first day, us mom's were wasting our time, the boys would leave us in the dust. The boys found their way home without any problem. So, now, because mom's continue to be a little crazy, we walk them to school to make sure they get there. The boys make their way home on their own. I love it. No walking a mile there and back in 100 degree weather. I just wait for the sound of the door opening. Luke comes home tired, hot and hungry. Just like a little boy should!

Fast Cars on Race Day

On Friday and Saturday, the boys and I were free from the tyranny of the oppressive Mom of the house and decided to go out to Rocky Mountain Raceway and watch a good friend of mine, Brett Leggett race. Without their Mom (who really was just at work, she's not always oppressive), the boys were already for the gasoline, adrenaline, and smokin' tires. The cars and motorbikes were already roaring and kicking out some serious decibels when we arrived on Friday. Talk about COOOOOOOL! RARRRARRRARRRARR!!!!!! After the boys put on the ear protection we were good to go.

There is almost every kind of racing machine present as we enjoy the races. From Brett's '69 Nova to Funny Cars to Dragsters to Nitro Harleys to Snowmobiles, all racing. Some go down the quarter mile track in 13 seconds and some make it under 6 seconds. Totally awesome!

We even ran into another old friend, Lonnie Woodruff. He races in the motorcycle class, with a nice Kawasaki that the boys liked to watch and sit on. Some of the motorcycles are known as Nitro-Harleys and they throw out some vicious flames as they shoot down the track.

On Saturday, Luke decided that this was too much fun to have without bringing cousin Caeden. So we talked Caeden's folks into letting him join the fun. Luke was right, having one more friend there to feel the thunder of the engines was so much better. One Class of race cars called Funny Cars, used an altered fuel, and when they blasted off from the start line, the roar was so powerful the sound waves practically distorted the vision of all the spectators. It was like breaking into the space time continuum as the air between the cars and the crowd fluctuated and rolled like fabric. S-W-E-E-T!! HORSEPOWER!!!!!!!
However, there is still so much more in the racing community, there is qualifying runs and eliminator runs. Each car races at least 3 times. So there can be a lot of going back and forth from the Pit area to the stands to watch the races. The boys were made honorary Pit Crew members for Brett. So much to do as a pit crew, you get to hang out in the race trailer...And someone has to eat all the gold fish crackers and drink the sodas while Brett enters the racing data into the laptop computer.....
But its not all roses, there is some hard work to be done. When the race is over, the car has to be loaded and secured into the racing trailer. Everyone in the Crew has to pitch in.....