Catching Up

I've been really bad about my postings. Here are a few things that have been happening around our house.

As a 5th Grader, Stephen completed all the DARE requirements and graduated from this program teaching students about drugs, alcohol, abuse, etc. It's a big deal for these 5th graders. Each graduate received a certificate from the Midvale Mayor, Detective DJ (the program instructor) and Miss Pine Valley. A surprise visit from the Jazz Bear made the whole event that much more special. We are so proud of you Stephen!

Posing with the Jazz Bear, who literally swept me off my feet!

Family Tree Colonial Project by Stephen. Each leaf represents an ancestor. What a big family!

Look at the concentration! Emma loves to cut paper & test her cutting skills. Just don't cut your hair!!!

Emma got a scooter for Christmas and is still figuring out if she likes it enough in the winter. She's got the hang of the scootering, but would do better come spring.

"UP" House

Grandma & Grandpa Cassat were able to join us this Christmas and we had a lot of fun, some down time and more fun. We took Grandma Jeanne to see Utah's "UP" house in South Jordan. It was really cool. The house looked just like the movie and when you walked in you almost expected to see Mr. Fredrickson coming down the stairs. The interior parts you see in the movie are just like the real house and then there were other rooms and closets the developers added to make it more functional. It was a great layout - you really could live there! Emma got an "Ellie" badge, but Stephen was too old for one. A perfect winter day outing.

Christmas 2011

Yes, it's almost Valentine's Day & I'm just getting around to posting Christmas photos & events. How pathetic, right? Anyway, here is a run down of our Christmas activities & the big day itself:

Emma w/Santa at her preschool performance

Searching for the stars in Grand America's window display

What is Christmas without seeing the lights on Temple Square?

Christmas Morning

Not shown: Stephen's school choir performed a christmas play but I was unsuccessful getting a good shot of him singing. I could barely see him at all! The play was darling anyway.

Holiday Fun

We've been busy as we countdown to Christmas. Everyday we have a fun activity to help us get excited about the holiday season. Some days are more fun than others. Here are a few fun days we've had with each other:

Playing Candy Land

Emma's reaction to winning every single game of Candy Land

Spotting the Elves at Gardner Village

Other activities include reading christmas stories with hot chocolate, watching Christmas specials and making treats for others. It's been fun involving the kids and watching them get excited to uncover the day's fun.

Gingerbread House

Every year we decorate a gingerbread house. In year's past we've purchased houses that you have to assemble yourself - not a good idea so now we get preassembled houses. Yes, I cheat but it makes for happier children as they place candies all over.

The finished project

Happy kids

Our decorating team

Reflections

For the 2012 Reflections theme "Diversity Mean..." Stephen took this picture not far from our home to represent "Diversity in Colors". His photo was selected from the school level to move on to district level. Although he didn't win at district and move on to regional, we are very proud of this beautiful picture. Well done, Stephen!

Winter is here...

This is what welcomed us this morning

The cutest snow shovelers in the world (or at least OUR world)

Stephen's getting really good at clearing our driveway

It looks like it's time to put the shorts & flip-flops away and bring out the boots & coats.