OMSI with friends

We jumped at the chance to go to OMSI with friends. This cool museum is so fun, but it's always helpful to have another set of eyes on the scattered kids. The girls are funny because they clearly remember the gift shop and the binoculars we got there last time. Once we got inside they remembered all the previous exhibits and events we saw. Oh, to have such a good memory! They enjoyed running around and checking things out. James clearly did NOT want to be contained in the stroller this time.

James enjoyed the rotating chain and the feeling of it on his fingers. He would do his high-pitched scream when he was excited... which was often.

Sand. Always a favorite... they could play in it for hours probably. Then play doh and arts & crafts. Seoul really liked the magnetic shapes to make her own pattern. Sydney did enjoy the science exhibits. From the various science-y things we have done over time, she really shows an aptitude for understanding the logic and science behind the experiments. (This must be from Kelley's side of the family - ha!)

The kids had a lot of fun! I'm glad we were able to go and have fun with friends.

Sydney is 5, oh my!

Our lively Syd-Syd is a whopping 5 years old! She has been looking forward to this for so long, of course. She said she doesn't feel any older or bigger, but she feels happier. When she chooses to be she is extremely loving and helpful, but she has learned to assert herself and emphatically declare, "NO!" when asked to do something. Discipline is always a work in progress with her since everything boils down to her choosing and the mindset she is in. Her enthusiasm for everything {she likes} is contagious! As they say, strong-willed children become great leaders, right? We love her to pieces!

 

Of course our tradition of breakfast donuts and chocolate milk continues. I failed and forgot the birthday banner, which was pointed out to me numerous times.

She chose Red Robin for dinner. Just for the sundae of course. She is very good about sharing her treat with the sibs.

Her friend, Natalie, brought some yummy cupcakes so I was off the hook making a cake this day.

She is beautiful, exuberant, loving, and so very willing to share. She loves being in preschool (both co-op and Lilly's Pad Learning). Her enthusiasm to learn and grow is fantastic. She has even started reading words and doing math. She took on the challenge of learning to ride her bike without training wheels this past fall and accomplished it with minimal injuries. She loves ballet/dancing and dressing up. She also loves soccer and t-ball and motion. I'm pretty sure this silly kid doesn't realize she is constantly moving and making noise of some sort. Her smile lights up the room and her laughter is contagious. Happy birthday to our sweet Sydney and may this coming year be filled with even more fun.

Snow!! {for real}

The first Sunday of the year was a snow day!! Total surprise to wake up to white... not a lot, but enough to make some hearts happy. Yesterday {Saturday} Seoul asked if we could go up to the mountain tomorrow to play in snow.When we awoke to snow, she exclaimed, "My wish came true!!"

We had Sacrament Meeting only, then the rest of the meetings were cancelled. The girls were in heaven that they could go play in the snow! We bundled up and spent a good couple hours outside running around, making snowmen, playing with our friends and their sled, and of course a little light saber action. Great memories made!

Oh, Kelley and his silly expressions!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This year Sydney is in the CTR 4 class with Sister Langford and Sister Knowlden as teachers. She is pretty excited to change where she sits in primary. Haha - the little things :) In January she has already been asked to give the opening prayer... which she didn't do. At least she stood up there with me while I did it. She is surprisingly shy about many things. At the primary luncheon to get to know the teachers, they handed out spotlight sheets to be filled out to eventually use to get to know them in Primary. Here is Sydney's (with dad's help filling it out)...

Seoul is in now the CTR 6 class with Sister Rice (me!) as her teacher. She is very excited that I moved up with her class. She gave a talk with the theme "Feast Upon the Words of Christ" and she wrote it and gave it by herself. I stood with her and held pictures, and of course prompted her to finish reading it a couple times. We are so pleased with her for being brave! Here is her spotlight sheet, which she did all on her own.

Sierra is in nursery for another year, but she is loving it! The Klein's are fantastic and much loved. We love hearing her sing primary songs and nursery rhymes, and she always says, "I learned it in Primary!" Her favorites are "I Love to See the Temple," "I am a Child of God," and the ABC's.

James goes into nursery at 18 months old... which is in March. Ack! Where did the time go?! I'm sure he will love it. He's a busy kid but does pretty well sitting through church.

As mentioned, I am a teacher in primary. It's fun, and I enjoy being with the kids. I love hearing them sing the primary songs.

Kelley is Elders Quorum secretary, and he enjoys getting to know people and helping out where he can.

We are very grateful for the gospel in our lives, and the things we learn. I believe we all have a testimony of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation. I look forward to becoming closer to Christ through our faith and actions this year.

Happy New Year!

The years go by so quickly! Time to start another one, and I have no doubt it will fly by with all kinds of excitement and adventures.

A little game of Pie Face with Grandma to kick off the new year. She was a good sport. Seoul is scared of it.

 

New years day we went to see the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks. The kids giggled through quite a bit of it. I love spending time with my family, and it was a great start to the rest of the year.