Goblin Valley!

Sophie and Carson riding the "camel"

Carson thought this looked like a bed

You can see that Carson is really enjoying himself

I have decided we are brave souls. Last weekend, we set off for the desert landscape with our good friends, the Larsens. With six kids ages five and under, we camped in the dirt among the beautiful scenery in Goblin Valley. If you have never been there, it looks like giant mushroom land. The kids had a blast climbing on the rocks and creating "secret hideouts". We have not been tent camping for awhile (and we may not attempt it again for a long time), but we're so glad we went. I have to admit that we experienced a lot of whining, tears, and crying, but the good definitely outweighed the bad. I'm sure in a few weeks we'll only remember the family bonding that occurred. Thanks for inviting us Nate and Rachel! You rock!

Good Times, Great Friends

Carson as the water dinosaur

I actually applied sunscreen this day

The pioneer schoolhouse in the Treehouse museum

We spent last weekend doing what we do best: vacationing! Our great friends the Carlsons invited us to their condo up Ogden Canyon at a lovely resort called Wolf Creek. Although we had 6 kids ages 5 and under, we managed to have a fabulous time! If you have never visited the Children's Treehouse Museum in Ogden, it is worth the drive. It is so cute and less crowded and less expensive than the one in Gateway. Our kids had a blast there. We also soaked and relaxed in the hot tub, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, took a trip to Pineview's beach, and ate candy like there was no tomorrow.

The Carlsons are definitely true friends. We have been hanging out since we were both dating. They have witnessed us at our best and worst (I won't elaborate on the whole throwing the snowboard incident). And they still keep calling us! Through it all, we've laughed and grown up together. We're so glad they decided to settle in Utah. Here's to lifelong friends and more good times!

Sun Worshipping

Digging for worms and/or treasures with the Carlsons
Cameron is generally a fussy baby, except when we're outside!

Sliding with our buddy Caleb

Brand new Barbie and Spiderman bikes!

We have loved spending time outside lately when it's sunny! There is something so invigorating about a suntan. Everyone seems to be happier when we're outdoors. I may be a bad mom but I think I've only put sunscreen on the kids once so far this year. At least they'll have plenty of vitamin D! Is it a sin to worship the sun? If so, I'm in trouble!

Good news moment

I just had to share our good news - Carson just graduated from speech therapy! When he turned one, we were a little concerned that he didn't have any words yet. We were assured by our Dr. that they'd be coming soon. At 18 months, and then again at 2 years, he still had 0 words but was signing a lot. He began speech therapy at 18 months and has been fighting an uphill battle ever since. The first time he said his name in speech class when he was about 2 1/2, his teacher burst into tears because she was so surprised and excited. At age 3, he was speaking a lot but was pretty unclear so he was put in an articulation class. Now, after retesting, he is testing fine and doesn't qualify for speech anymore! This may seem weird, but I was never really worried. I always just thought he would catch up. Call it mother's intuition or just stupidity. We are so grateful for the many therapists and teachers that have been so helpful in this process. We are so blessed to live in a time and area where help is easily accessible and cheap!

Sophie's other side...

Sophie as the stagehand in her program
Sophie getting her groove on at home

For those of you who know Sophie, she comes across as a quiet, reserved introvert. For those of you who know her a little better, she has another side. Last week, her kindergarten class had a program where the kids danced and sang their little hearts out. Of course Sophie had a major case of stage fright and performed as her teacher's "stagehand". Part of my heart was breaking as each kid danced around the room and Sophie quietly stood in the back holding props. But I'm learning to accept her for who she is. So you can understand my surprise when, that night at home, she posted signs around the house saying, "The Sophie Show, 7:00". As I took my seat on the basement couch promptly at 7, she got into position and turned the CD player on. The show: a dance number to Madonna's song, 'Holiday'. She shook her booty with a smile on her face for a good 4 minutes. She wasn't going to be outshown by her classmates. She just needed a smaller audience.

Sophie's personality reminds me of a lot of people I know: complex. You think you have them figured out and then they surprise you. I think I'm still discovering different sides of myself. I've found that if you give most people time, even if they make a bad first impression, you usually find many good things about them that you never would have guessed. I guess it keeps life interesting. One of my goals this year is to be less judgmental and give people the benefit of the doubt. I hope people will do this for me and for Sophie, as there's always some other side to that person lurking in them somewhere.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Help! Sophie and Carson are in a constant state of conflict! They fight pretty much all day (except when they're happily playing for a few minutes here and there). They fight about who's faster, who's bigger, who had the toy first, who called who a name, etc. etc. etc. They're not too physical, they just yell and cry a lot. I've tried putting them both in time out, getting to the bottom of the story and then talking throuh it, FHEs about having a home filled with love, What Would Jesus Do?.....you name it, I've tried it! I know some fighting is normal but this is getting ridiculous. I'm starting to get a constant headache! Don't get me wrong, they are great kids most of the time, they just struggle when they're together. What has worked for you?

Our little monkey

Have you ever seen a kid eat a banana in this manner? I thought this was so absurd I had to take a picture of it! Carson actually carved out the top with his teeth so it looks like a canoe. Is this normal at your house?