Wes' Bowl Game Disappointment

This weekend Wes was supposed to go to the Las Vegas Bowl game to watch BYU vs U of A with his dad and brothers. However, UPS failed to deliver the tickets until Friday night after midnight and so the trip was cancelled. Wes was very disappointed. He was really looking forward to spending time with all the boys. He didn't sleep at all Thursday night because he felt like he needed to stay up and wait for his tickets that he was promised would be here that night. He then went to the airport at 4:30 am because Southwest Airlines wouldn't answer their phones and tried to get a later flight of a flight for the next day but they were all booked. I felt so bad for him. Thankfully, he has a great friend here in Texas that agreed to watch it with him and so he is hanging out and watching the game with Mark tonight. Not what he had planned but a lot of fun in a different way. Now I need to plan an activity that all the guys can get away too that will work for everyone.

Mattress Sledding

While we were cleaning up the house for Santa to come we decided to taket he crib down. Blake isn't sleeping in it anymore and so we thought we would free up the space. The kids thought it would be a good idea to slide down the stairs on the mattress. They had so much fun, even Blake got involved. While I was taking photos the mattress smashed into me at the bottom of the stairs and bent my toe nail back causing it to turn black very quickly. It was not very fun for me. However, the kids talked me into taking Blake down and trying it out. I have to admit it was pretty fun.

Gingerbread Night

We spent the evening letting the kids make gingerbread men, houses and trees. The kids had a great time. Crystal, Faith and Cole came over and decorated with us. The kids had great designs. I am amazed every year how much better the decorations get from just the year before.

Diamonds & Dugouts Tournament

This weekend Jack & Buddy played in another baseball tournament. I love going out and watching them play. Their team gets better and better all the time. They have progressed so much from the time they started playing select. I think they have some of the best coaches. They are very patient, knowledgeable and are amazing teachers. Buddy is playing outfield and doing a great job. Jack is pitching now and playing in the outfield. I think they both would like to be back in the infield but they are enjoying playing anywhere. Buddy is working on becoming a catcher and if he keeps practicing I think he will do very well. I can't wait for the day when Jack is able to pitch and Buddy can catch for him. They do it in practice but I would love to see it in a game. I know the day will come. Until then, I am glad to see that they are learning a lot and having fun together.

Turkey Bowl

On Thanksgiving morning Wes, Jack, Buddy & Garrett played in the annual Thanksgiving Bowl. Nonna, Josie, Blake and I went out to cheer on our guys. It was really muggy but not to cold which was good. Last year Wes started a bowl game for the younger boys in the ward that wanted a chance to play like their dad's. It was safer for Wes too since he has thrown his back at numerous times. I feel much better about him playing with the kids rather than the men. The kids love him and the boys in primary think that Brother Young is the coolest guy in the ward. I'm so glad that my kids have such a great dad that is willing to give up one of his favorite games of the year for them. That's my man.

Thanksgiving Highlights

This year we went over to the Christensen's home for Thanksgiving. We had so much fun. The kids played all day. In fact, they were so busy playing that they didn't even really eat. We had tons of yummy food and lots of relaxing. That's my kind of Thanksgiving! Wes' mom came to visit us for the big day and we loved having her here. We don't have family visits very often and so we eat it up when we get it. Nonna (that's what the kids call her) spent several hours reading with Josie. Josie loves spending one on one time with anyone do anything. We weren't very much fun while Nonna was here but we enjoyed just hanging out and relaxing with her.

The day after Thanksgiving Karen and I did our annual shopping spree. Usually I get a huge high off of it but this year it didn't do much for me. I don't know if it's a sign that I'm getting older or that I'm just more easily annoyed by dumb people. I was able to find everything I needed for Christmas but I just didn't have the adrenaline rush that I thrive on this time of year. Oh well, I guess that next year will be the real test. If I don't get the high that I love, I will know that I am officially getting old, which I am not really excited about admitting so I am really looking forward to the high. :) It was a great weekend full of fun with lots of friends and family.

Visit to Santa

A couple weeks ago we went to see Santa at the mall. I was a little concerned with how Garrett was going to respond to Santa this year. He told us that he did not like Santa and that he was going to kick him in a very private place. So, you can see why I was a little concerned when it came time to actually visit him. However, much to my surprise Garrett decided that he really liked Santa this year. He walked right up to him and sat on his lap and told him what he would like for Christmas. I was very relieved. Blake, on the other hand, did not care for Santa. He would not let Wes even stand too close to Santa without clawing him to death. All of the other kids were very happy to finally tell Santa exactly what they wanted. Of course, all of them were very expensive. I can't afford my kids getting bigger. What happened to buying one or two little gifts that cost $10 and the kids being ecstatic? I really miss those days. We are all very excited for Christmas and can't wait for the big day.