Abercrombie!

While I waqs folding laundry this morning I came across Ryan's pair of Abercrombie jeans and his BYU shirt. What do you think?
We had a large spill (or two) while he was painting Brandon's room. (See following post.)
Here is the question. Why is it that when you spill bright blue paint it can't be on your Old Navy jeans? The BYU shirt is expendable. But Abercrombie? bye bye money.

Wind Cave at Usery Pass

We figured if the 2nd grade could do this hike, so could we. Whew! We forgot to take into account 2 things. Ryan's 20 pound backpack (aka Alexa) and the 45 pound kid I literally dragged up the mountain (aka Brandon.) Yeah yeah. They only look happy here because it's on the way down.

The girls were awesome. No complaining with happy smiley faces. They made it worth it!

Here we were at the top, surrounded by bees. (minus me taking the click)

True conversation on the way up.

Jake: I am going to die.

Megan: No you aren't. Keep going, you are doing great!

Jake: Can I see your cell phone?

Megan: I left it in the car. Who are you going to call in the middle of the mountain?

Jake: 9-1-1. I need them to rescue me and get me off of this dang hike.

He and Brandon SERIOUSLY hated the hike. But I believe they felt good that the made it to the top.

New Years Eve

For New Years eve we went to our friends house for a shin dig. We played games, watched movies and ate ate ate. Some of the kids playing apples to apples

ahhh. We're so cute.

Alexa's future in-laws, Luis and Ashley. Even now as I am typing she is looking over my shoulder talking about "Baby Wii." (Will)

Papago Park

My sister Katie and niece Cassidy came up for a few days, as well. We took the fun walk/hike to Papago Park, or the Zoo Mountains as my kids call them. We had a ton of fun taking pictures and hiding in the various nooks.

It was windy and a bit chilly!

My mom

Megan and her kids

the 4 sisters

Christmas Day 2009

We had the "best Christmas ever!" according to the kids. The presents were great. Ainsley got the scooter and helmet she wanted SO badly. I guess the helmet she's had since she was 3 is too babyish. Alexa has been playing with her kitchen and fake food NONSTOP. It was a definite hit. Brandon received a few things from us and Santa, however his fave was from Grandma (Legos. You guessed right.)

The kids made an accurate statement when they said they got more at grandma's than at our house. She spoiled them rotten!!!

Ainsley was SOOOO happy to have Aunt Sally here for the week.

We played lots of games util all hours of the night. Favortes? Zooreka for the kids and the similar but more grown up Settlers of Catan for the adults. And the new game Ticket to Ride from Grandpa and Lori was a huge hit. We (especially Ainsley) highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new game!

We had to pull the table out to full length this week!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

36, finally! I've been waiting 2 whole months for this day!
Throughout all the hard times we've had, you remained focused on one thing. Us! I love how you are so in tune with your wife and children. I know you wish things could be different, but I appreciate you looking to the future and planning how to make things better. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Dad

Jan Whitney Dalton 1936 - 2003

Happy Birthday, Dad! We miss you so much on this day. I can't help about thinking about your infectuous laugh and all your stories. You had so many and we LOVED to hear them. I'm sure you are keeping busy entertaining all those around you, but we are jealous. I wish you were here entertaining my kids. I can't believe you would be 73 today!