Brothers, minus Roman

Xander, Ethan and Niko posing for a group selfie!

Tech-gether time

Ethan (who was supposed to be in bed) thought that all this technology looked really fun, "So this is what everyone does when I'm asleep!"

And, "Yes."
This is what we do when the little ones are asleep!

Roman's Four Years Old!

Roman was born 4 years ago, and what a fun four years it has been. This year Roman is becoming a full grown kid, growing out of toddlerhood, well, he is at least trying. His tempers consist of yelling, "Ahhhh" at the top of his lungs.
Or exclaiming, "Stop Talking!"
He has one volume, LOUD! 
And although we have seen Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood about what to do, "When your really mad, and you want to roar, take a deep breath,and count to four!" It hasn't stuck. 
Roman LOVES his brother Ethan too much, to the point of antagonizing.

He and Ella have a love hate relationship. Ella runs through the house screaming, "Roman's chasing me!"  
To which I reply, "Stop running and he won't chase you!"

Roman loves his blue blanket, and when he is tired sucks his two fingers. He just wants to help Ella unload the dishwasher, but most mornings she doesn't want HIS help.

Roman can be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When we offer help he doesn't want it, but as soon as we turn around or walk away he is crying and begging for help.

He's super athletic and has been riding his bike forever. He went straight from riding his balance bike to riding a regular bike, never having training wheels.

We sure love Roman! 

Yes, My One-Year-Old is Wielding a Knife

Some people think we are crazy, but our kids learn to use knives pretty young. Ethan is no different. He's learning early...look at that confidence.

(And yes, we supervise, most of the time.)

Ethan Loves His Balance Bike

Ethan has been cruising on his balance bike since las summer.

Even at 18 months old, he learned to toddle himself on the bike, and then how to balance from the top of the driveway to the end of the street.

We think our children are amazing.

Future Missionaries

Aren't these young men handsome. Xander Olson, Stephen Parker, and Sterling Jacobsen went to the St. George, Utah temple at the end of July. 4-6 years and they can be serving the Lord full-time.

What Does Your Mom Like to Bake?

Early this year, Anna was spending time with her Aunt Brianna. If you know anything about Brianna, you know she loves to bake.

So Brianna and Anna were baking cookies, and Brianna, being conversational, asked, "Anna, do you like to bake with your mom?"
"Hmhm."
Bri continued, "So what does your mom like to bake? Cookies, cakes, brownies?"
Anna sighed thoughtfully, "My mom likes to bake cauliflower."

That's my girl, with a mom that bakes cauliflower. Not that we don't bake cookies,  it's just that garlic tossed baked cauliflower is often found in our kitchen. Maybe more than sweets. (At least I'd like to think that.)

Roman Likes Healthy Things

This week Roman ran an errand with Grandma, as they were waiting for a store to open Grandma asked Roman, "Do you like 'Jack in the Box'?"
To which Roman replied, "Is it healthy? if its healthy, then I like it. I like healthy food."

He has learned well...and all that I am trying to teach IS sinking in! Finally!

p.s. I can't think of a time we have been to Jack in the Box. If we eat out its usually Jason's Deli or Papa Murphy's or CiCi's Pizza, all with some sort of promotion or discount.

US Citizen Swearing in Ceremony

We attended the swearing ceremony of a friend of ours, Marcio Souza.

He is from Brazil, and recently became a US Citizen.

The ceremony was pretty cool. Each person had to check in, which took about an hour, and each person introduced themselves to the judge. Two volunteers spoke abt their journey to become a citizen and how proud they are to be an American.

I am grateful we could witness the ceremony and understand a little more about our country.

Niko and the Arrow of Light

Niko received the Arrow of Light Award this month. He has loved being in Weblo's with Sister Cowley. She is so organized and fun with the boys. She has a "Badge'r" box that the boys can pick a reward from when the complete a scout badge.

Niko, the Origami Master

Niko has been creating Origami like a crazy man. He thinks up all kinds of things to create. He made a moving swan, a balloon, a cube thing.

Can't wait to see what he makes next.

Boy Scout Fundraising Here We Come!

Xander, Sterling g and Stephen spent Friday and Saturday selling See's Candy to customers coming out of Lowe's. They are working for the next 5 weeks to earn money for scout camp. Not sure which camp they'll go to, but likely one in CA.

Can't wait for the final numbers to come in!

The First Pumpkin Pie of 2014

Anna made the first pumpkin pie of the year. We used sweetened condensed milk instead of the milk and sugar! It looks yummy!

Halloween 2014

Sterling, Johnathan, Stephen, Xander and Niko has a blast trick or treating with each other.

We went to Anthem neighborhoods in South Henderson. These boys were exhausted, and didn't want to trick or treat anymore. I can't believe I can out run them.

On average the boys got around 7 lbs of candy. Most of the boys had never had so much candy. Halloween success.