Is that Grandma?

My aunt Darlene came in to visit from California last weekend. We don't get to see her very often and it was so much fun to have her here. We were able to fit in a lot of activities in a short amount of time. My kids could not believe how much she looks like their grandma. In fact, Jantzen said to my mom, "Grandma I saw your sister today and she really looks like you do." My mom asked him why he thought that and he replied: "Her face looks like you and her hair, and her armpits!" So funny! We can always count on Jantz for a good laugh. The first day Josh was to see her since she got in - we were having a big family get together, he said to Abby, where is Aunt Darlene and Abby said, she is the one who looks like grandma. Then later on in the weekend I was helping my Aunt by scanning a picture for her. I had it up on my computer and Josh walked in and said, "Hey, when did grandma go to the grand canyon?" Not more than 3 minutes later Abby walked in and asked me why grandma was there at that place. (I was scanning a picture of her with her friends at the grand canyon.) So Aunt Darlene, this post is for you! We loved having you here and we miss you already! Come again real soon because my kids enjoy having twin grandmas!

Here is Josh with my Aunt Darlene

My aunt picked a good weekend to come. The kids had their primary program on Sunday. Jantzen ended up being just a row directly in front of her. He was PURE entertainment for 30 minutes straight. Don't you just love those sunbeams? He was singing as many words of the songs as he could, played with the animal crackers the teachers kept giving them for bribery to sing the songs, and he helped out with a couple of dramatic hand movements during some cruicial parts of a couple of songs. He almost missed his part in the microphone because I had to literally RUN him down the hall to the bathroom and then sneak him back up on the stage 3 seconds before his turn. Love it!!

Here are the kids after their primary program, they weren't being very cooperative so I just snapped it when they were laughing at Dayt who was trying real hard to make them smile for me. He ended up making gaseous noises with his mouth - which always brings the house down. Apparently that never gets old!

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

A year or so ago Dayt and I heard about this show that was critically acclaimed but noone watched. It was in danger of being pulled off the air after only the first season so NBC tried to get some people hooked on the show by releasing that first season on DVD for only $19.99 (5 discs). We wanted to check it out and for $19 why not. We loved it! We couldn't stop watching it. We watched several episodes (like until 3 am) night after night! We were instantly hooked! Season 2 brought in some more fans but with the writers strike they were still wondering what to do with the show. For season three this fall NBC made a partnership with DirectTV who will play FNL uncut, commercial free, all new episodes starting on October 1st on channel 101 at 9pm. If you have DirectTV you should definately watch! If not, they will air it early in 2009 on NBC so get in season 1 and 2 before then. I highly suggest renting/buying Seasons 1 and 2 you will not be disappointed. Oh, and it isn't all about football!!
However, coach Taylor is a big reason why I watch.

Baby Phoebe

Yeah! Phoebe is here. Seems like it has been just a few short months - right Beck? After 15 1/2 long years Kenzie finally has a sister! Phoebe Eriksson made her debut into the world yesterday afternoon September 18th. She was 7lbs 8oz and 19 inches long. She has the thickest head of jet black hair ever! She is darling! Last night I was loving just holding her and laughing with one of my best pals! We had so much fun. She has a little bit of all the kids in her. She was dead asleep to the world so I didn't get many pics with her eyes open, and even then she had sleepy little eyes. I get to reap the benefits of all my friends hard work - what a great place for me to be. I loved getting to know you Phoebe! Can't wait to snuggle you again! Congrats Eriksson clan!

Keep a Lookout for a Waterfall

Last weekend we went hiking with the Crookstons. There is a little hike up by their house in Eden, we heard lots of talk about a waterfall so we were IN for some fun. The foilage was so pretty and green and the air was crisp. I was loving the cool air because it reminds me so much of fall - my fav time of year. AND, we able to wear sweatshirts - another big PLUS because it feels like autumn time. We kinda laughed a bit when we made it to the waterfall, err, uh, I mean trickle down the mountain! No matter, I got a little exercise that was much needed and the kids had a ball. We always have so much fun when we get together. All the kids pair off and take off all over the place and then we don't see or hear from them for hours.
Kids occupied - check - Parents on their own - what a dream!

The whole clan - Skyler, Josh, Anna, Isabel, Abby, Jantz and Alex
Also photographed Maggie the dog!

Maggie was cruising up the sides of the rocky cliff like wall next to the waterfall.

Coming back down - Josh, Sky, Anna, Abby

Sky and Josh trying to get their toes wet and pushing a little closer to the raging river!!

Food is always delicious thanks to me and Amy. The sign of a good BBQ is seeing food all over happy faces!

Alex - has the BEST smile ever!

Josh and Anna - a budding romance??? Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Dave

Dayton's Dad Dave turned 60 last Sunday - awesome! We thought that turning 60 deserved something a little extra special. We staked out the place on Saturday night while grandpa was at the Weber game. He got home right as we were about to "decorate" the place. We yelled for all the kids to hide. Abby was worried there was a kidnapper coming (kinda funny) and started to have a mini-meltdown. You gotta love the drama! But after grandpa went in the house they had a great time being sneaky and decorating the sidewalks where the sprinklers weren't spraying, with all sorts of fun little pictures. It was really fun for them. It was dark of course, so the pics aren't great, but here is what grandpa Dave saw in the morning.

TEAM CARRIE

So as I mentioned before I am at my mom's house and therefore I do not have my Tivo box...translation...nothing good on TV when I actually get a second to watch. The other night I decided to check in to David Letterman because Jack Hanna was going to be on. Sidenote: If you haven't seen Jungle Jack on Letterman you are missing out because he is hilarious! Anyway, before Jack, Jessica Simpson came out - HOW ANNOYING. I did not like her attempt at country with the song she performed, but even if I had liked the song, I couldn't get past how she acted in the interview. She kept making these over the top facial expressions and sticking her tongue out all the time at the audience. Besides the fact that she kept acting dumb (shocker) and tried to add a little more "texan" to her accent. Why do girls think that acting stupid is cute? I don't get it. She also talked about Romo - of course. Then mentioned how she didn't think he wore a cup on the playing field...uh, what?? Are you kidding? She does know what he does for a living right? Sorry, I am not being a hater, I used to like her (way back in the Newlywed days) but I just don't understand this behavior...I lost a little respect for Tony wondering what the crap he sees in her. I miss Carrie.

Baby Jake Fix

My kids just can't get enough of their new cousin. They absolutely love taking turns with him. I have never seen my kids so quick to go wash their hands so they can be the first in line to hold him. I thought these pictures turned out really sweet.

McCain

Several people are wondering why I haven't posted about McCain's speech yet. Well, to be honest, I started watching his speech and I kept falling asleep. (true story - and it wasn't late) I didn't actually make it through the whole speech and I haven't had time to watch it online yet. I have read the entire speech but in order to make a fair comparison I want to watch it too. So, I WILL post about it, I just have to watch it first - and stay awake to finish it!
AHA HHA Ha

Just a note for all of you who are vilifying me for voting for Obama. As I mentioned before in that post, I haven't made up my mind yet, that was the reason for me watching BOTH speeches before making a decision. (enter smiley face here!)

Baby Jake is Finally Here!

I'm sure Brooke didn't feel this way but my kids have been sooo excited for Baby Jake to come they couldn't hardly wait! They have wanted a baby in the house for so long. Finally they can have a little baby to around to appease them - thanks Brooke! Better you than me! Here are some pictures we took at the hospital that night.

Jake Tyler Gibson

September 2nd, 2008
3:05pm

6 Pounds 8 Ounces

19.5 Inches long

Here are the boys checking out his little feet. The kids wanted to check everything out. They loved his tiny little features. He is such a cute little guy. He reminds me of Hailee when she was a baby. Even I am having so much fun holding him.

Born to Ride!

Also on the first week of school, Jantzen learned to ride his bike without training wheels. Something I was pretty sure he could do but with packing and moving and everything else going on this summer, we were so busy we hadn't had a chance to try. Last Tuesday Jantz and I went down to the trail for a bike ride. While we were riding I was showing him how to balance and not let the training wheels touch. When we got back to grandma's and grandpa's I took his training wheels off. I helped him balance down the driveway and by the time we were on the sidewalk he wanted me to let go. I ran beside him and we circled back. I couldn't believe he caught on that fast. Grandpa was in the garage working and was surprised to see Jantz heading back up the driveway by himself! Amazing. I ran beside him one more time to help him start and stop and then he wanted to take a break. I went to pick up the kids later that afternoon and when I came back he was hauling up and down the sidewalk - doing tricks like wheelie's and steering with one arm looking like he had been riding for years! He is a natural - guess he takes after me! Ha ha. Here is a video and some pictures. When he rides by he says he is going to Wal-mart and on vacation! I love this kid!

Trouble x's three!
Here is a pic of Rayce, Jake and Jantz one day after preschool. They all learned to ride two-wheelers on the same day - crazy coincidence! They are so cute!

First Day of School

Yes, the first day of school was officially many days ago, however, I spend 90% of my day commuting in my car, or finding somewhere to hang out in Layton all day long...(thank you my friends!) It has been hard to post. The kids miss being in a neighborhood where they have friends so it has been a great thing to start school and have a social life again.

August 2008
Josh 9 years old Abby 6 years old

Abby is in 1st grade, still shy, doesn't speak unless she has to, has lots of friends in her class, likes Mrs. Hansen, gets tired going all day, loves eating lunch with the big kids - even though she chose PB&J the first 3 days and she gets choc milk almost everyday, excited about having "real" homework and loves to put together outfits for school.

Josh is in 3rd grade this year. He loves being the oldest in the class, likes his teacher Mrs. Oliver, has 3 other kids on his soccer team in his class but not his "best" friends, excited to learn cursive and more times tables, happy to play hoops at recess again with his friends, still likes school lunch, especially Pizza Hut day, doesn't care what he wears as long as it is athletic!

Jantzen had an assessment day at preschool so I took his picture too. Mrs. Tiffany is his teacher at Alpha Bits Preschool. Tiff has been a friend of ours since we moved into Kays Creek over 10 years ago and she lives on the same street that we are now moving to. We love Miss Tiffany! I am really excited that one of my kids finally get to go to her preschool! Jantz is loving it and he is learning A LOT! His class is all boys except for 4 little girls. Poor Tiff - the morning class is a little "wild!" He has his two best friends Jake and Rayce in his class. He is having a ball. He loves the opportunity to be social and feels so grown-up going to school like the other kids. He says his favorite part of preschool so far is recess!

Being the FABULOUS mothers that we are, (our kids are soooo lucky to have us) Candice and I bought the kids some donuts for the first day of school and let them hang out and play a bit! It's been a long time since we've had Krispy Kreme in da' hous! I can't even believe I didn't get a pic of Hunter, KK's are his favorite! He was so excited to know they have KK here too! I made his day - I think he had three. What a great first day of school!

Josh

Jantzen with his sprinkler donut

Haylee knows where it's at!

Rylee

The cutest little 6th grader ever - Nick -el Pickle!

Maggee and Abby

Sweet Lillee