Joey's First Day of Preschool

Joey started going to preschool a couple of mornings a week at the house of one of my friends. His class has four little boys in it. He is the youngest one, but he has the longest attention span for painting. He loves to "cudder" (color). Here he is on his first day with his Thomas backpack.

On the first couple of days he had a hard time when I left, but he is now into the routine. I knew he was doing well when I went to pick him up and he said, "See you later, Dane (Shane)" to one of his friends.

BYU Wins!

Jim and a couple of his friends drove up to Dallas for the BYU v. Oklahoma football game on September 5. They had a great time and especially enjoyed BYU winning the game 14-13, even though it was a late night with the drive home.

Jim and Jared in the stands

Jim, Jared, and John with the BCS trophy before the game.

Jim trying out the football toss before the game.

John, Jim, and Jared in the stadium.

P.S. I copied some of these pictures off of Jared's Facebook page -- Thanks Jared!

Janalynn watching the game on TV while I gave the boys a bath. She is really into it!!!

We'll Miss You, Katrina!!!

Katrina was our nanny for two years (which is the longest we have had any nanny). She has just one semester of college left to obtain her teaching degree and she has to do her student teaching, so she just left us this semester to do that. While we are happy for her, we will miss her a lot. Joey doesn't remember any other nanny and when we have had other babysitters from time to time, he always wonders where "Trina" is. She came up with some fun projects to keep J.D. and Jake occupied this summer and here are some of them:

Egg carton spiders and caterpillars

Shaving Cream writing

Paper mache globes. (This project didn't turn out perfectly, but it was fun.)


Painting and coloring are always a big hit with both boys.

She has also taken the boys to the library quite a few times and also to the pool. She even set up some water fun in the backyard for the kids.

Just before leaving us, Katrina got to spend four whole days taking care of the boys and even taking them to church while Janalynn, Jim, and I were in Canada. On her last day, Katrina brought the boys some books and M&Ms (she knows them well).

We'll Miss You Trina!!!

Seema & de Winter's Wedding

Just three days after the whole family got home from our trip to Utah, Jim, Janalynn, and I got on a plane and left to go to my friend Seema's wedding in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. (Saskatchewan is the province between Alberta and Manitoba if you don't know where it is--see map below.)


Seema and I met and became friends about nine years ago when we both started working at the same firm in Phoenix. It was my first job at a firm after graduating from law school and her first job in the states. We became good friends quickly and have remained friends despite both moving to other places. I was so excited to share in her special celebration.

While we were gone, our nanny, Katrina, stayed with the boys.

We had to leave pretty early in the morning on a Friday and we arrived in Saskatoon in the early afternoon. We got our car and checked into our hotel and changed to head off to the first of Seema and de Winter's three ceremonies. Because of closed streets, it took us a while to get to the park where the first ceremony was (the "legal" one), so we missed it and we didn't take any pictures, but we did get there in time to mix and mingle with the other friends and family. Then we went back to the hotel and crashed. (It is amazing how much more sleep one can get on a vacation with just one child as opposed to four!)

The next morning we headed out to the Sikh ceremony at the Gurdwara (temple). When we got there, we had some breakfast, then we got ready to enter the Gurdwara. We had to cover our heads. Here are Jim and Janalynn getting ready to go in.

The ceremony was really nice and it was great to learn about and participate in the customs. Here we are with Seema and de Winter after the ceremony (and some other friends and family). Seema was wearing a whole bunch of plastic bracelets on her arms and the tradition is that she was not supposed to work until they all fell off. (She had to take them off the next day for her civil ceremony, but I can imagine it would have taken a while for them to all break off). Janalynn is checking out her beautiful outfit in this picture.

After the ceremony, we had lunch at an Indian restaurant, then went back to the hotel to rest and relax. I was able to take a walk around downtown Saskatoon and check out Seema's sister's boutique in a nearby mall. We also had yummy ice cream from a double decker bus turned ice cream stand in the park. Luckily they took my U.S. money since we didn't change any money. Saturday evening we went out to dinner with all of Seema and de Winter's friends and family. We had a fun time, it was just a late night for Janalynn and she was ready to get back and get to sleep.

Sunday morning, we found a ward in Saskatoon and went to church. After church we had lunch at the hotel and let Janalynn take a nap. Then we went up to the top floor of the hotel to the ballroom for the civil ceremony. Here is Seema with her dad walking her in to give her away.

Here are Seema and de Winter after the ceremony at dinner, thanking the guests.

Here we are at dinner. Janalynn was interested in something else, not the picture.

I love this picture of Janalynn. It shows her cute personality.

Here are Seema and I after she changed into her dancing dress.

Janalynn had to leave the party early because she was tired, but she was pretty good for most of the time.

Monday morning, we had some time before our flight left, so we got up and went on a walk along the Saskatoon River. Being from the southwestern U.S., we enjoyed this sign to "Beware of Falling Ice." Not something we have to worry about in Texas.

There were also some really cool bridges across the river. Here is one that was lit up with colored lights at night, but was still neat looking in the day.

We had breakfast at our hotel. While we were at breakfast we got a call that our flight from Saskatoon to Minneapolis were delayed. That started the roller coaster of traveling that we had for the rest of the day. At the airport we were first told that our flight would be on-time, then that it would be delayed, then that it would be delayed, but not as long, etc. When we got on the plane we didn't know if we would make our connecting flight from Minneapolis to Austin--mostly because we needed time in Minneapolis to go through customs. When we got on the plane, we were scheduled to land in Minneapolis about one hour before our flight to Austin. However, we were delayed on the ground for about 20 minutes while the pilot rebooted one of the plane's computers. We ended up arriving at the gate about 40-45 minutes before our plane to Austin was supposed to depart. (We did have a hotel voucher and flight for the next day if we didn't make it, but we really wanted to get home.) We had that short amount of time to take a long walk from the gate to customs, talk to the customs agent and have our passports inspected, get our bags and recheck them, then go through security, and finally run the couple of miles through the huge airport to get to our gate. All this with a four month old baby and all of her gear. Luckily, we made it just in time. HUGE RELIEF!!!

Here is Janalynn, the seasoned traveler (her sixth flight in just four months of life):

Despite our crazy trip home, we had a great time and it was a fun vacation (with just one child--almost like none). Thanks, Seema and de Winter, for inviting us.

Four Months Old

Janalynn is Four Months Old! Right after we got back from Utah, we got the saucer down and cleaned it so she could try it out. She really loves to stand in it and play with the toys.





Joey also enjoys climbing in the saucer and playing in it. (And so would J.D. and Jake if I let them.)

Janalynn just had her 4-month check-up and she weighs almost 12 lbs and is 24 1/2 inches tall. She is tall and skinny like her brothers! She also has a much longer attention span and will sit and play for quite a while. Unfortunately, sometimes her brothers want to give her too much love and she gets scared. But, they are learning.

First Day of First Grade

J.D.'s first day of First Grade was the day after we got back from Utah (August 25). He was really excited to go to school and meet his teacher and classmates.

When we got there on the first day, there were several of his friends in his class. He was excited to have his own desk and pencil box. (And sport his cheesy grin for both of the pictures.) So far, he is really enjoying his teacher and his class and all of the big kid things he gets to do in First Grade.

(Jake started preschool a few weeks ago and I didn't take any pictures since he is at the same school with the same teachers, but he is enjoying it as well.)

Time to Catch up - - Megan's Visit and Campbell Family Reunion

It has been exactly one month since our last blog post. We have had a VERY busy month, so here are a bunch of posts to catch you up on what we have been doing. Unfortunately, I was too busy living most of this stuff to take too many pictures but there are a few.

Aunt Megan's Visit

First, we had Aunt Megan (my sister) come for a visit. We had lots of fun with her, but we didn't take any pictures. While she was here, she took the boys swimming a couple of times. We also went to IKEA and out to eat at Mighty Fine and she and I were able to get some shopping in at the outlets and a movie with the girls (Time Traveler's Wife). She was also able to visit some friends from her mission that live here. Then she helped us do laundry and pack for our trip to Utah. It is quite the workload to pack for 6 people to go on a trip (and fly so everything has to be compact). That brings us to part two of this catch up post.

Campbell Family Reunion

We were supposed to leave the house at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning (Aug 19) to get the airport, park the car, check our bags, etc. We were only 25-30 minutes late leaving, but got there in plenty of time. (Luckily, Austin has a relatively small airport). As Megan put it, it is always fun to be the entertainment for everyone at the airport. We certainly were. With 7 people (3 adults, 4 kids), 6 checked bags, and 8 carry-ons, plus a stroller and four car seats, there is a lot to manuever through the airport. Going through security is quite the process since everyone has to take shoes off and the stroller has to be collapsed and everything put through the x-ray, then on the other end everything has to be taken back out and put back together. Such fun (and entertainment for the rest of the travelers).

Fortunately, the kids were all really good on the flight. J.D. watched movies on my iPhone while Jake and Joey colored in their new coloring/sticker books. Janalynn basically just ate and sat there and didn't sleep much because she only really sleeps well in her bed.

When we landed in Las Vegas, we had the ultrafun task of collecting everything then getting us and all of our stuff to the Rental Car shuttle and on it, then getting us and all of our stuff off the Rental Car shuttle, renting our van, getting everything and everyone loaded in and leaving the airport. It was really nice to have Megan with us for this part of the trip since an extra adult is always useful with that much stuff and kids. After all of that, we were starving, so we had to make a pit stop at In 'N Out Burger before our 1 1/2 hour drive to St. George. It was delicious!!!

Our drive to St. George seemed very long because Janalynn hates the carseat and cried at least half of the way and the other half I had to listen to the wind whistling through the windshield of the rental van (must not have been sealed correctly when it was replaced or something--it sounded like nails on a chalkboard). But, we made it.

The boys were very excited to be at Grandma and Grandpa's house and promptly got the train set out and started playing with it. We hung out and relaxed for a while, then went back into town to eat at the Pizza Factory. A trip to St. George is not complete without eating there. The food was yummy and we were full, but we stopped at Iceberg on the way home for some shakes. However, we were all tired and most of us went to bed before we could eat them.

Thursday morning we met Merril, Jamie, Jack, and Juliet at Sandhollow Reservoir to play in the water and on the beach. They gave us a ride in their boat to a nice beach and the adults (and Janalynn) sat in the shade while the kids played in the sand and water. The kids were all in heaven and had a great time. We also had lunch there.

It was fun for me to go to the reservoir because when I was in college I worked at the Washington County Water Conservancy District and the reservoir was just in the planning stages at that point. So, it was fun to see it built and filled and being used.

Joey and Juliet playing in the water

Hanging out in the shade

J.D. showing off the boat

The boys in sand and water heaven

Janalynn hanging out with Grandma and enjoying the fresh air

After we left the lake, I took the little kids home and Jim, J.D., and Jake, went wheeling with Grandpa in his jeep. J.D. and Jake had seen pictures of Grandpa's jeep climbing the red rocks and they wanted to see it for themselves, so he took them. That night we went to Marv's (local burger place--similar to Mighty Fine) for dinner.

Friday morning we did some grocery shopping and errands and got ready to head to the cabin in Pine Valley. Everyone got there around dinner time. The kids really enjoyed seeing their cousins and playing in the wide open spaces. All of the girl cousins loved holding their new baby girl cousin, Janalynn. I didn't get pictures of all of them holding her, but here is Juliet holding her with Grandpa's help.

Friday night we also played "Deal or No Deal" aka "The Open the Case Game." J.D. and Jake ended up taking a deal for an activity book and candy after they opened the $20, video, and $15 gift card cases.

Their cousin, Beau, made a deal for crayons, so he and Jake pooled their winnings and colored together.

Saturday morning we got up and ate a yummy breakfast, then got our swim suits on and went to Veyo pool. We had fun swimming and eating lunch there.

We went back to the cabin and did a few craft projects and rested and relaxed. Then we ate dinner and got all dressed up for our family picture. We took several big group and smaller group shots and despite the rain and cranky kids, did mange to get a few good ones. Pretty much everyone is good in this one except Joey. I am trying to restrain him on my lap and still smile. (Click on the picture to enlarge.)

After our family picture we had our family skits and talent show. I took some video, but none of it is very good. Our family did a skit about the foxes in our yard. The boys dressed up as foxes and we caught them in a cardboard "fox trap." Jared and Emily did a skit in which they announced they are expecting a baby in March. Will they finally have a boy (to go with their three girls)? We will have to wait until March to find out. We also had a family auction with the highest priced item being play dough for $620 fake dollars. After putting the kids to bed, the adults played cards and Wii.

Sunday morning we had a mini-primary at the Cabin for the kids while some of the adults went to the broadcast of the Oquirrh Mountain temple dedication. We then had lunch and a relaxing afternoon of playing games, napping, and a wild game of "Around the World" ping-pong.

It was fun to see all of my siblings and their families and we were glad we made the trek, despite the stress of flying with four kids. (I won't give a blow by blow of the flight home, but we provided a lot of entertainment in the Las Vegas airport when we forgot about some liquid medicine in Jim's laptop bag, almost left our boarding passes at security, had to schlep all of our bags and kids without an extra adult this time, etc.) It was a much-needed vacation, but I don't think we will wait clear until the end of the summer to take it next year.

They're Back Again!

A few weeks ago, I woke up in the middle of night when I heard some high-pitched screaming. At first I thought it was one of my kids, but then I realized it was coming from outside. I then thought it was a couple of cats fighting. I made a mental note to have Jim check outside in the morning for a dead cat (because the screaming sounded so awful), then I went back to sleep. The next morning, my neighbor called me to see if I knew why Animal Control was in front of her house, then she drove by our driveway and told me she saw a dead animal lying there. I went out and there was a dead baby grey fox next to our garage. (Luckily there was no blood or anything gory.) We called Animal Control and they came and got the body.

If you have been following our blog for the past year and a half, you will know that we have had a family of foxes living in our yard every spring/summer since we have lived here. (See blog posts here and here.) However, I hadn't seen any foxes in our yard this year, except a month or so earlier when our friends who have been using our garden plot had trapped a fox in a trap they were using to try and catch a raccoon. They took that fox and let it go somewhere away from here and we never saw any more foxes. We later decided that must have been the mother fox and I also remembered seeing fox poop around the yard.

After their sibling met its untimely demise, the three other baby foxes must have decided that they could come out and play as much as they wanted because we started seeing them in the yard in the early morning and late afternoon. Here is what they look like (as much as my camera would zoom and through the window):

We tried some critter-be-gone product that Jim bought at Lowe's, but it did not seem to affect them in the least. So, the Palmers brought the trap back over a few days later. Just a few hours after the trap was set on Saturday morning, we saw one of the foxes checking it out. The next morning, one of the babies had been caught in the trap. He (or she) was taken away and let loose later that day. We've set the trap again, but after two nights the other two have not been trapped. However we have seen them roaming around the yard. Maybe, they learned their lesson. We'll see.

(Luckily since it has been so hot, my kids haven't wanted to play outside so we haven't had to worry about them being out there with the foxes.)

I thought maybe there were only foxes in our part of the neighborhood until I was walking in another area of the neighborhood last night and I saw a mom fox walking across someone's front yard with some prey dangling out of her mouth. They must be infesting our whole neighborhood! Locals, beware!

Uncle Merril's Quick Visit

My brother, Merril, called me on Friday and told me he would be passing through Texas on his way to New Orleans to pick up some demolition derby cars. He and his friend, Brent, got here from Utah on Sunday morning at around 7:30 a.m., showered, went to church with us, and then came home and took Sunday naps. We had dinner, then had the Palmers over for dessert. The Palmers have been using our garden plot this summer and have had much more success than I did last year. (They have also put much more work into it.) They knew Merril and Brent when they lived in Utah, so it was fun for all of them to get together. Merril and Brent then left late that evening for the rest of their trip.

I was glad to have Uncle Merril's help at church with Janalynn because I always need someone to watch her during Sunday School since I play the piano for Primary and Jim teaches a lesson. He even changed a diaper! The kids thought it was fun for Merril to visit, but J.D. told him that next time he visits, he needs to bring his kids.

3 Months Old!

Janalynn was three months old today! I can't believe it has already been three months since she was born. She is starting to really show some fun personality and likes to talk to her brothers and smile at them. She spends longer periods of time looking at toys and "playing" on the floor. She also loves to sit up and holds her head up really well.

She really is a great baby--sleeps well and eats well and is pretty happy. She just hates the car. Luckily we haven't taken any really long road trips and don't plan to anytime soon.

Here is a cute picture of her just hanging out on Mom and Dad's bed after a diaper change:

Here is a picture of her after church today. We took a few trying to get her to look at the camera. J.D. wanted to pick which one we put on the blog and this is the one he chose.

Jim took the boys to our ward pioneer activity on Saturday while I was at a PTA training. He didn't take any pictures, so I have none to post, but they all had fun eating breakfast, riding their bikes, and seeing some friends from our old ward. Since it is like pulling teeth to get any of them to tell me what they did, I'm not sure, but it sounds like they had fun.

Grandma & Gary's Visit

My Grandma and her new husband, Gary, came to stay with us because they were in town for Gary's daughter's wedding. We had a fun time getting to know Gary and spending time with them both and showing them around. We took a few pictures after church on Sunday and got some good ones.

Grandma and Gary with the kids

Grandma and Gary with Janalynn

Notice that Gary is holding Percy the train. The boys had him playing trains and cars with them all weekend.

Our Family

We took them on a tour of downtown and to the state capitol before they left to go home. It was our second visit to the state capitol within a month, but the kids enjoyed it again and wanted to see all of the levels and check everything out. J.D. even remembered some of the Texas history he learned in Kindergarten.

Fourth of July Fun

Here is our belated post showing our Fourth of July fun. The day before the 4th, Jim had the day off and our neighbors (who were out of town) let us use their pool, so we took Janalynn for her first swim. She only liked the water for about 10 minutes, but she was very stylish in her cute suit!

On the morning of the 4th, we went to the parade in our town with our neighbors. We had never been before, but they knew where to go for a good view and lots of candy thrown our way. The boys had fun gathering candy, but mostly had fun sitting and eating it. Janalynn slept through her first parade.


When we got home, we tried to have a photo shoot with all the kids in their red, white, and blue clothes. It didn't work really well (see new blog header), but we tried. I tried to get a good picture of Janalynn smiling, but wasn't very successful. Here is my best attempt.

She looks really cute in her outfit, though!

After another refreshing swim, we had a barbeque with our neighbors, then headed over to the home of some people in our ward who had a really good view of two sets of fireworks. While waiting for it to get dark so we could watch the fireworks, the kids played.

Jake got his face painted.

Janalynn really enjoyed her first fireworks. She just sat there and took it all in.

We had a fun time, but it was really late when it was over and we got caught in traffic and took a really roundabout way home to try to keep moving so Janalynn wouldn't cry. All in all, a great holiday weekend to celebrate our country's birthday.