Ez's Birthday Party

Yup, Ezra is 4. He's getting old. We had a blast at his outer space themed party. We Painted planets (above).

Decorated space helmets which we turned backward to play pin the sun on the solar system. We also used them in our space race, a relay game.

3-2-1 blast off (aka Duck Duck Goose) is always a hit (the "it" person got to wear a real astronaut costume). We also read space stories,opened presents and swung at a space ship pinata.


Mom made the coolest cake ever, which was Ezra (and Mark's) favorite part.

Bowling with Ez

Mike took Ez bowling for a Father Son outing. They had a great time. Had to post some pics because you get to see a little bit of Ez's silly personality.

Above: Check out his concentration.

Below: His flexible pose.

His silly victory dance.

Love this boy!

In Excelsis Deo

Ezra's version of "Angels We Have Heard on High:"

Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria. In a slushy stable,
Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria. In a slushy stable.

Moving Crew

Check these guys out. They are the best moving crew (and family) anyone could ever ask for. Love you guys!

Dave did everything from building a stair railing, making a table for my kids, putting together bunk beds, changing light fixtures, fixing showers, finding leaks, playing with the grandkids, to killing mice. All in the matter of two days. CRAZY! THANK YOU!!!

Power tools....they made fun of me for taking this picture. Appearantly a power drill really isn't that powerful after all.


This basement would probably still be in shambles without the help of Brooke. THANK YOU, my little slave. Can't wait to get you and JT for Thanksgiving (you too Dave) so we can do some playing next time around.

Personally, I think this is the cutest helper of all.

Mom's Kitchen Talent

Ava: Again? Why does everything mom cook catch on fire?

Ezra's thoughts in regards to St. Patrick's Day:

"Will Heavenly Father pinch me if I don't wear green clothes?"

More Memories

Grandma Duck hosted a Tea Party for all her Great Grandaughters. They were all so well-behaved and tea was delicious. What a great memory for all these little ladies to have with their Great Grandmother.

Love those people!

Mom and Dad rented a bounce house which kept the kids happy and outside all day.

These two are such sweet friends. Mark won't let Luke alone. He's always coming over to gently pat him on the head and give him hugs. Can't wait to get them together again asap!

Is it fall or is it Christmas?

Two Marks. Both Handsome.

Christmas

So many Memories! So much fun! Family makes life great. Here are a few of those precious moments caught on camera.

Happy Birthday Shea

We had a little party at the zoo for Shea's #2. It was lots of fun. Here are some cute pics and a video to boot.

Where do babies come from?

Ava, Ez and I were talking about the move and making new friends. Ava says that maybe if there aren't any friends there Heavenly Father will send down new people in babies to make friends with. Maybe mommy could have a new baby for another friend in the family.

Ezra says, "Jesus could come down and take of your head..."
I'm thinking, "where is this going?"
..."put a baby down inside your tummy, put your head back on and tape it!"

Interesting ideas!

He did great in Sunbeams today. So proud! Also gave his sister the best cookie when it was his turn to choose first, and told her, "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find them," when Ava complained about losing her silly bands. Cute boy!

Merry Christmas

Happy Halloween

Officer Mark -wanted to be just like his big brother, of course ;o)

The Trick or Treating Crew-our good friends, the Vance's were in town, I'm hoping to post a few more pictures soon.

My beauty, who decided to go as a Spanish Dancer because this costume was too itchy. Thanks Gramps and Grandma for the back-up!

Sharon, VT and Sugarbush Farms

We have had such a great fall here in Boston, I am so sad to see it go. About a month ago we traveled up to see the birthplace of the prophet Joseph Smith. On the way home (sorry, the pictures are backwards) we stopped at Sugarbush farms to let the kids run and play. We drove through Quiche Gorge to get there, which eeked of New England charm. We even had our first snow fall in the car on the way.

Sugarbush farm makes it's own maple syrup and wraps and waxes their own cheeses. We were able to watch them work and sample some of their amazing products. I don't think the kids will forget drinking syrup from a spoon for a while. Does life get any better?

The kiddos love these things. Even Mark is playing peek-a-boo with the camera.

It took a while to get this picture because a tractor had just driven by. Ezra was mesmerized by counting the wheels.

This cute little calf thought we were it's afternoon snack and tried to eat Ava and my jackets. Silly guy!

The beautiful monument at the Joesph Smith birthplace. We were able to go into the visitor's center and learn a little more about the leader's of our church. What great sacrifices they made.

The hearthstone of the home where Joseph Smith was born.

Such lovely countryside.

Stitches

So cute! And just in time for Halloween! Ava was being a little wild on Halloween Eve and was tossing her head around when it smacked into our piano bench. It resulted in a late night trip with Dad to the ER. Two stitches and five hours later they were home. Fairly traumatic, but she did get an amazing syringe which is her new favorite bath toy. The Dr. who stitched her up happened to be the same doctor who saw her not too long ago to help get a jewel out of her nose. I think she's looking for a little extra one-on-one with Dad. Maybe we should be more structured about Daddy Daughter Dates. :o)

The Old North Bridge

We love the east!!! Check out Mark's cute face here at the old North Bridge. Check out Ez's outfit below. His new favorite. My laundry load is half what is used to be because I can hardly get him out of it.

Ahh! The fall foliage. Love the crisp air and colors. Fall is my favorite!

White Mountains

We took a weekend trip with some friends to the White Mountains, New Hampshire. Our timing was just right. The mountains were beautiful and just glowing with fall foliage. We went on walks, rode an old steam train, and went to a kiddie amusement park, Storyland. A dreamy New England adventure.

Public Garden with the Joy Schoolers

Quack! (Ava's shot)