Moments That Make Me Smile

There are numerous things that make me smile as a mom. But one of my favorites is when my kids show their love for one another. They can be so thoughtful and sweet. We aren't perfect, we still have our come a parts but there are plenty of sweet moments. Like when Logan or Penn won't go outside to play until "brother" can come too. From day one they have been so wonderful with Audrey. That's the question we get the most, "how do the boys do with the baby?" Let me tell you...

The other day Audrey was in her swing fussing a little. I had my hands full changing Penn's diaper (when am I not changing a diaper?) Both boys are great when it comes to locating the binki and giving it to Audrey. So off runs little Logan to get her binki. I guess he couldn't find it because she kept fussing, but I could hear him doing a lot of running. I come out to find 5 hot wheel cars in her swing. He was trying to make her happy by sharing his favorite toys. I can just see him trying a car to see if it would help her be happy and when it didn't work running to get another one. Very cute...

Penn is just as sweet. I found him "reading" to her the other day. They love the Thomas Train books Uncle Mitch gave them for their birthday. We read them numerous times a day. Penn was going through each page pointing out all of the highlights, the cows, the birthday cake, Thomas, etc. I was lucky to have the camera handy so I got a pic. I love that Audrey was actually listening and enjoying the attention her brothers where giving her.

Being a Mom has some awesome benefits!

Tummy Time

Audrey is only 2 and half months old and is already rocking tummy time. She is a mover and a shaker and well on her way to becoming a roller! Go Audrey.

Trains, Trains, Trains

I've gotten a little behind, but we really could just some the last week and a half up with one word, TRAINS. The boys have been in train heaven. For Labor Day we made the trek to the Golden Spike National Historical Site. The steam engines were impressive and loud. I had to hang back to feed Audrey so missed the first trains entrance however as I walked up Penn ran to me and said "Another train, coming!" They were both sooo excited.
They reenacted the original ceremony. The boys were a little confused by the funny clothes but enjoyed holding some of the commemorative spikes.

We had our first family movie night. We rented "Thomas the Train and the Misty Island Rescue". Spencer made it extra special and hung towels in the windows to black the room out. They loved it. They've talked about it nearly every day. "Train movie, in the dark". This is a pic of them in their sleepers before the movie.And finally we took them to the zoo and rode the train. It's a 2 and half min ride but again they loved it and cried when it was time to get off.
The zoo was great fun. The elephants, alligators and giraffes were all hits. Some of you are dying to see how we get around. So here is a pic of our totally awesome stroller. The seats recline individually and it keeps everyone separate so no more bloody noses! We use it every day and love it!

Who has time to smile for a picture when the monkeys are running around?

Audrey has been very patient and really has just enjoyed the ride. I wonder if the boys will be so understanding when she wants to watch something a little more girly.

This is a Baby?

I really do have great kids. Audrey just had her 2 month check up. She is doing so well. I can't believe my little baby all ready weighs 11 pounds! She is in the 90th percentile in height and the 80th percentile for weight. I don't want to jinx things but she is such a wonderful little baby. She smiles at the littlest things and hardly whines or fusses. Audrey has slept through the night beginning in week 4! I feed her around 10:30 pm and she wakes up around 6 am. The other morning she slept until 7:30, it actually scared me when I woke up and realized what time it was. She really is patient with her brothers who are not always super soft. Spencer and I are so grateful for our newest addition. They may not always be soft but they try. I think it's cute that Logan wants to hold her hand in this picture and Penn is just checking things out.

The boys are also doing great. They are the typical 2 year olds. They can be so independent and mischievous. The other day I caught them with my camera. I deleted nearly 20 pictures of Penn's shirt. These are a few of their best pics.

A Blessing

On August 22 we were able to celebrate the blessing that Audrey is with our family and friends. We were also able to give her a name and a blessing at church. Spencer gave her a truly inspired blessing. I was reminded at how blessed I am to have such an amazing husband as well as how blessed my children are to have him as a Dad.

Unlike the boys, Audrey didn't seem to mind getting dressed up or all the attention she got. I think she is perfect in every way, but I may be biased.

After the meeting we had everyone over for a BBQ. We are so grateful for all those who came to celebrate. I think we had around 40 people in our little house! Our kids don't know how loved they are and how many people care for them.
We needed to update our family picture. This was the best we could do. It's hard to sit still when there are so many people to play with. It may have been a little overwhelming for the boys.

A huge thanks to everyone that came and helped. It was great to see so many of you. We feel so loved.

Nuther One!

This last week I got the guts to take the kids to their first movie in the theatre. During the day the local theater has a mommy and tots show. The theatre is full of kids but the tickets are cheap and if the boys made noise I wouldn't have to worry about it. The only down fall, I had to do it by myself. Three kids ... 2 and under ... in a dark theatre, it was gutsy but we needed to get out.

We saw "How to Train Your Dragon". We met some friends there who saved us some seats. However the boys were not heavy enough to hold the seat down by themselves. We had to wedge our legs between the seats to keep the boys from being folded up. It was more fun watching them then the movie. They loved it. I wasn't sure how much they were picking up until Logan began whispering "run, run" during a tense part. Penn managed to fall asleep the last 10 mins, during the climax. In his defense it was right before nap time. Audrey just slept the entire time.

When it was over they didn't want to go! I was so worried they would whine and wiggle during the show, I should have been worried about leaving. They cried and sobbed and refused to move. I ended up carrying the car seat and Logan in one hand and dragging Penn down the stairs with the other. When we got outside Logan was sobbing and pleading in my ear "Nuther one, Nuther one" Penn did the same thing all the way home, not even a trip down tractor street was enough to console them. I think we'll go again, but we'll take Spencer to aid in our departure.
I took a quick picture at the end of the movie. I love how Logan relaxes with his hands behind his head.

Say A Little Prayer

As the kids grow I'm afraid I'm forgetting all the cute little things they do. So here's an entire post just about the little things they do during prayer.

Since the beginning we've had a picture of Jesus in their room. They've been able to point Him out since before they were 1 and they could say His name before 18 months. When we prayed they always said "Jesus?" Then we would explain that we pray in Jesus' name too Heavenly Father. Then last week we took them to the Ogden Temple and talked about how it's the House of the Lord and how we can be together forever as an eternal family. We even talked about the angel Moroni. I'm not sure how much sunk in but we are trying.... Anyway back to prayer. So now when we pray the conversation goes something like this nearly every time.

"Fold your arms for prayer"

"Jesus?"

"Yes we pray too Heavenly ..."

"Father!"

"... in Jesus' name"

"Temple!!"

"Yes, the Temple is the House of the Lord"

Penn is esp enthusiastic about this conversation, while Logan participates but I think he just wants to say the prayer so we can eat.

To top it all off, every time we are closing the prayer Penn always - I mean always - jumps the gun and yells "Amen" too early. It's adorable and troubling, I hope that doesn't happen in church.

I thought I'd include a reverent picture of all of my children sitting together but as you can see things didn't work out as well as I'd hoped. I'm sure eventually I'll get lucky and capture a cute picture ... I just need more time.

I think in this picture the boys look devious. Poor Audrey, she is going to have to be one tough girl.