And it came to pass...

As a family, nearly every morning we read  scriptures. Apparently some kids are listening. One morning when we yelled, "It's time to read scriptures !" Ethan responded, "And it came to pass..."

So now when we read, he reads all those verses and we fill in the rest.

Yes, Our One Year Old is Yielding 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.)

Xander and his Homie

We love our son and his homie, Carter!

Windmill ward Christmas Party!

Anna Olson Case Study: How to stress out your already stressed-out parents!

1. Obey your grandma who asked you to bring in your Aunt & Uncle's garbage can (in St. George, UT), but accidently slip and hit your head on the hard plastic edge when the garbage can wheels go out from under you. 

2. Put on a brave face as you prepare to get stitches. 

3. Get your head repaired, but cost your parents $321 in the process! (Although it could have been much, much more!)

Goose Egg of the Century

Ethan fell face first and got the Biggest Goose Egg I've ever seen. He cried for about 3 minutes, we put Labendar and Frankincense on it, he stopped crying and wanted to watch a movie. I couldn't believe it. 

Soccer Star

Xander's first season playing soccer, since he was 7ish. He's a super star, kind of idolizes Neymar, had the haircut for a while... And sometimes plays like him. 

Xander has some fancy footwork on and off the field. He's scored many goals and plays the entire game. He's looking forward to many more season's.

Ethan Riding his Bike- 2 1/5 years Old

Ethan insisted that He learn how to ride his bike one morning. Within 30 minutes he was free! Riding everywhere!

When we shared the excitement with grandparents, they responded, "For a normal kid, that's fantastic; for an Olson, that's common."

Who's More Worn Out? Kids or Dog?

We took care of Nate's dog for 9 days. Koko, who is normally rambunctious, used all extra energy within about 2 hours of playing with our kids. She was calm and worn out the rest of the week.

Ben Lesser and Reiner Hoss

Attending an event in Henderson, NV for the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation.

Amazing to be in the same room as Ben Lesser, a Holocaust survivor, and Rainer Hoss, the grandson of the commandant of Auschwitz (Rudolph Hoss - who murdered millions on Jews) including much of Ben's family.

Ben's story of survival is amazing, but just as compelling is Rainer's story of disowning his family when he learned the truth about his grandfather and left home at the age of 15.

www.i-shout-out.org (shout out for what you believe in)

A boa constrictor

Ella found a boa constrictor on the way to piano. We eventually called animal control to pick it up. When the lady came to pick it up she was surprised that e actually had a boa. She expected to pick up a garden snake and take it out to the desert to let it go.

Glad to have it in a safe place.

Ethan's Decision

Ethan went to church today with out his shirt or socks and shoes on. He entered the chapel screaming, "I'm not going to church today." 

I'm sure we got a few laughs and made someone's day.

After church he recanted, 'he loves nursery, especially the snacks.'

Kanarraville Falls

We hiked to Kanarraville Falls! Kids had a blast. The older kids hiked past the first ladder. The younger kids slowly walked back to the van. Ethan or Kailee  screamed the entire way back. Ethan was crying for 'daddy', you can tell who he likes.

Anna's Birthday June 5, 2006

Anna is an AMAZING girl! She is a decisive leader and a take charge kind of person.

When she was born we had considered having a home birth but thought we would try having our baby at the hospital again, and we really liked our Doctor Michelle Lewis.

I was in labor late at night and we immediately went to the hospital because Niko's labor was pretty quick, and I wanted to be sure we made it to the hospital in time.

When we got to the hospital we were met by staff that were not assertive to my birthing situation. I was in late stages of labor and needed to focus and relax. I think because I was calm they didn't believe me that the baby was coming soon. The nurse called Dr. Lewis, but told her she didn't need to come now, and they would call her back in 45 mins to let her know how I was progressing.

We quickly went to a patient room.  The nurse had her clip board and kept asking me questions like, 'what's your name?, how much do you weigh?' And I told her I had already registered at the hospital and needed to relax, the baby was coming! The baby was moving down. She responded, 'we have 45 more minutes of paper work.'

My mom immediately left the room to get another nurse, knowing the urgency of the situation. I told the nurse she needed to check me because the baby's head was out. I had to tell her a second time and finally she checked me, freaked out and called for assistance. She was really shocked and cut the umbilical cord, blood squirted everywhere. I think she was too nervous about the baby coming with out her being ready.

Dr. Larsen came within 20 minutes. She said she knew I would have the baby quickly. She wasn't happy with how the situation had been handled and told me I should just have my next baby at home. I was shocked, surprised and really appreciated her confidence. She told me I  didn't need to be in a hospital that only adds to the stress of having a baby. I should really have my next baby at home.

I am so glad Anna came safely and I such a vibrant young lady! She doesn't wait for anyone! She has a plan and carries it out! I can't wait to see the amazing Young Woman she will become!

Our first rag quilt

Anna and I made this rag quilt...and it tuned out super cute! Looking forward to making another one!

Keeping the Sabbath Day Family Home Evening

Every idea the kids had about how THEY could keep the sabbath day, they got to try and eat the doughnut! They really participated!

Provo, Ut, South Fork Canyon July 2015

We spent the day at Southfork! Kids got to explore, play in the creek! Just be kids!

Anna plays in a piano recital

San Francisco CNG Adventure

Niko joined us on a quick trip to San Francisco to buy a 15 passenger van, CNG (natural gas). 

On our drive home, we learned that you have to be especially aware of your next fill up station. 

We drove late at night, and became quickly aware that not all CNG stations are open past 5 p.m. nor open to the public. Stranded in Los Banos, CA, we got a hotel until morning, when the next available station would be open. Long trip; we learned our lesson.

Trip to Atlanta with Ella

Can't go to Atlanta without visiting friends and going to The Varsity. 

We loved visiting with Linzee and her amazing family. Having 'two Ellas' was a special treat!

More Vacation and Wedding Photos Kiawah Beach Resort, South Carolina

Father and Sons

Stan, Grandpa Terry Olson, and Chris. Together at Kiawah Beach Resort, South Carolina.

Like Grandfather, like Grandson

Chris and Lauren's wedding. May 20-27, 2015

Just a few memories.

Xander's Long Lost Twin!

Xander, being 13 years old, is trying on several identities. Which one do you prefer?

Niko and the Phases of the Moon

Niko studied the solar system and the moon in science this week. Looks yummy, I mean fun!

Making Clouds and Rain

A cloud science experiment helped us understand that the clouds are full of moisture. When they get full, the moisture gets heavy and drops, in the form of rain.

We used water in the bottom of the jar, which represented the atmosphere, then the shaving cream was the clouds. We put drops of liquid food coloring into the clouds, and when they were full, the liquid dropped from the cloud into the atmosphere. It worked put well.

Family Walk to Watch the Sunset

We took a walk tonight to the top of a hill to watch the sunset. The kids love getting out of the house! (And so do we.)

A Portrait of Ethan

Anna drew a portrait of Ethan, sucking his thumb and stroking his hair. Clearly an accurate depiction during this time of his life.

Goodbye Grandpa!

We left St. George, a few weeks back to drive home to Las Vegas, without saying Goodbye to Grandpa Smith. We know he's really sentimental about such things, so we sent him a text and picture goodbye.

I think he enjoyed it.