Darling Baby Quail

The other day, Dale and the kids found a baby quail in our backyard with no mom! So the picked him up, cared for it, (for the food-this is messy-we had to grind up bird seed and make it like a milkshake, and feed it to the bird through a syringe) while the mama bird just sat and watched us. We tried to get the mom to come, but not much luck there. Finally Before it got dark, we had to set him free (by his ma) and hope for the best. It was a sad departure, but he will always be in our memories. (And pictures :D

Did I mention he was only 1 day old?

Happy Birthday Sid!

Happy Birthday to Sid!! The big "12!" Everything happens when you turn 12 and the best part for Sid is being "allowed" to wear make-up!! She is having a so much fun "experimenting!" She does better than I ever have!!


Sidney pretty much made her own cake this year with the help of Grandpa Anderson! She had her pac-man design ready weeks before her birthday! Love It!


We had a great day which included shopping for a new dress which Grandma Anderson wanted to give her for going into Young Womens, movie (Lightening Thief), and then Grandma Anita and Ernie joined us all for dinner at Sid's choice -- Olive Garden! The best part was bringing home the left over bread sticks that she ate for the next two days!! The celebrating didn't end there! Sunday was the day Grandpa made ham and cheese crepes and then everyone was invited to eat the pac-man cake! We loved having everyone over to share this day with Sid!

This past week was really -- all about Sid! She also got to play her cello in a Monster Concert. This is an orchestra concert with 6th graders from Springville, Spanish Fork, Mapleton, and Salem! The stage was full! They all played terrific! Sid has decided she doesn't want to play in the orchestra for 7th grade! So I guess this is it for cello! One more concert for her school and she will be done! Maybe piano next year . . . .

Spring!

We love Spring! This year for Spring Break we decided to make the long trip to Salt Lake City! We had such a great time! Our day started at the zoo. Sid loves the zoo and has been begging to go for a few months. The weather was perfect. Light jacket, sun, no sweating, not too crowded -- heaven!!


One of our favorites was the baby elephant, Suri. The only animal we missed was the wolf -- which is what Cole really wanted to see.

After our day at the zoo we surprised the kids and went to this great hotel in West Valley. The pool is a little water park! The kids loved swimming. Rett has no fear with his Spiderman life vest! He was all over the place.

One night of swimming just wasn't enough. We got up the next morning and went swimming more! Stayed until we had to check out. It was super fun! What kid doesn't like to sleep in hotel?? This trip was all about kids!

On our way home, we decided to stop somewhere where Cole could see a wolf! Best place for that -- Cabella's! The boys had a great time at the shooting range and looking at that "boy stuff." Just to not leave Sid out of all the fun, we stopped at Old Navy for some girl shopping! It was great, low-key, stress relieving, family bonding, (you name it!) VACATION!

Pinewood Derby

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Pinewood Derby was a first for us! Dale and Cole started working on this little car about two weeks ago. Carved out the car that Cole drew on a piece of paper, sanded, painted, etc. This went on for a few days, but the night of . . . .Sheer panic! The car didn't weigh enough which meant weights had to be added, wheels needed to be polished, and number to be painted. Cole had to be at the church at 6:45 to enter the race. Dale is adding weights at 6:00, Cole and I are wet sanding the nails and tires. 6:40 -- "Dale, hurry slam these wheels on --
WE HAVE TO GO!!"


It was all worth it to see that smile when Cole took home the "Wolf Den Fastest" and the "Best Paint Job" awards! Way to go Cole!

We're Ready!!

We've completed the Christmas orchestra concert . . .

We've got snow . . .

We've baked and baked and baked! Come on Santa we're ready!!

Thanksgiving 2009!

Wonderful holiday -- spent with family! We went to Colorado this year (yes, we drove our new Tahoe! -- it was great to have the space!) Would you belive that I forgot my camera!! Of all things -- thanks Lynnea for sharing your camera and photos with me! Daelyn and Tyler both came from Arizona. We partied every day -- stayed up late and woke up early when the kids got up! Thanksgiving morning we went to the zoo with Jessica's in-laws. It was a perfect day full of sun. The animals really put on a show for all of us!


Back to the house for the feast! We just keep eating, eating, and eating. Mmm, Mmm, Good! Shopping started at 10:00 p.m. -- so away we went to the outlets! I must say, the older I get the less I like to be in crowds. But, we had fun and Sid especially liked staying up with us until 2 a.m.!

The rest of the time was spent playing cards, playing catch with the football, playing in the creek, and napping!

To end our trip, we spent time with Aunt Carol and Uncle Larry on Saturday night. Aunt Carol is a great Grandma! She really entertained us with pizza dinner and making play dough with the kids. We laughed and laughed at some of the play dough art the kids came up with! The amazing part -- Cole's snowman and Sid's Christmas tree actually made it home! We are grateful for a perfect, relaxing holiday!