Chugga Chugga Choo Choo

Mike's company had their annual summer party today. For the activity, they took us all on the Heber Valley Railroad. The boys all have a blast on the 90 minutes ride. Caleb was thrilled that his friend Logan was there and never left his side. And the boys had fun on the train and soaking up attention from all of Mike's co-workers swooning over them. As you see in the video, Zaden was in absolute Heaven. I think we may have a train boy on our hands. He would stand and yell and talk and giggle and giggle for long periods of time. And point at everything. It was adorable. The video certainly doesn't do it justice.
After the train ride we had a picnic with everyone at the park in Heber and visited and Caleb wore himself out on the playground. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Enjoy the pics from the train ride.

Just Like Dad

These boys all have a little bit of Dad's computer liking in them. When I opened up my laptop on Sunday, they were there as quick as can be. The babies climbed up the chair and went right to work tapping away at the keys, sending random messages to people and giggling and enjoying themselves the whole time. Caleb then had to run over to see what they were doing as well. They were all pretty happy until after Mom took a picture when she then peeled them away and shut the laptop back down to wait for a chance to work on it with no boy-helpers.

Weekend Fun

You'll notice in my last post about soccer, I mentioned that Grandma and Grandpa were there for the game. They decided to get away for a couple days and come play with us. And of course, we love visits! They got here on Friday night but it was late so we didn't do much of anything but visit for a bit and send them to their hotel. But Saturday was all about playing! First we met them for breakfast then it was off to the soccer game. After that we tried out a new Smashburger that they put in by the mall. None of us had ever heard of it so we decided to try it out. The burgers were really good. Then it was home for a bit to let the boys nap and take a break and they went to rest back at the hotel too. Later we met up at the hotel and joined them in the pool. They stayed in a new hotel that was just built close to here too that has a really cool indoor waterpark for the kids, so we took advantage of that. The boys had a ball and even the babies loved the slide they had. Zaric loved it so much he started going down in his own and letting us catch him at the bottom. He would make these faces like he was scared to death and hating it but as soon as he was done, he would say "more" and go again. It was too cute. Here's a load of pics from the pool.







After taking a short breather after the pool, it was off to another Bee's game. Me and Caleb went with Grandma and Grandpa. It was Air Force night so they had displays set up. We didn't get there with enough time to see it all but Caleb was enthralled to get to walk up by this jet.
We enjoyed the game and the goodies and it was a special game with fireworks afterwards and you know how much we love that. Caleb was in heaven and made it all the way through again without falling asleep. And finally after 4 Bee's games, we finally got to see them win one. Final score was 8-3 Bee's!

Grandma and Grandpa came here on Sunday morning for breakfast and we made some waffles with bacon and ham, then they headed out for home. We had a good visit and can't wait for the next one.

Soccer Time!

Caleb had his first soccer game of this season on Saturday. He had practice for 45 minutes before the game so Mike took him up without us. Mike said he did awesome in practice. Did everything right and listened to the coaches. Well come game time either he was worn out, or used up all his concentration at practice or just nervous about all of the watchers because he was kinda a wreck.


He did get to kick the ball a few times. Even in the right direction. But the majority of the time he was off running circles on his own and doing acrobatics and diving on the field, not paying any attention really to what was going on. Mom and Dad were a little disappointed. Grandma and Grandpa still thought he was adorable (of course) and the babies didn't care at all because they got to be outside. He did the same sorts of stuff when he played almost 2 years ago and we thought he would have grown out of it by now.
So Mom and Dad will continue to talk with him about appropriate behavior on the field and hope for better results next week.
Oh BTW, the team name ended up being Lightning. So GOOOOOOOO Lightning!

Total Bust

While Caleb was at school today, I decided that I was going to do something as a surprise for him. Partly because he was such an angel getting ready this morning and partly to get us out of the house. So I decided that a picnic at the park might be fun. I made him and I some PB&J's and packed some goodies for all of us in a brown sack and went to pick him up.
He was pretty excited when we pulled up to the park and ran right of of the car to play. Turns out that the fitness center's kids kamp program is in full swing and they were doing their lunch at the nearby pavilion. No biggie I thought but when I got the twins out of the car and got to the playground I noticed what a mess it was. Apparently those kids that choose to come play on the playground the last few days have not been supervised. There was trash everywhere (this is normally a very nice park) lunch sacks, empty bottles, chip wrappers etc. I was pretty disappointed and disgusted but was trying to not let it ruin our fun so I let Caleb still play and kept an extra watchful eye on the babies that they didn't pick any of it up. I sat and ate my sandwich for about 5 minutes. When some of the kids migrated over from the pavilion carrying their lunch sacks.
Well normally, no big deal right? The more the merrier. Well these kids were not playing nice. They were throwing things (like their oranges) at each other, calling each other names and swearing at one another. Not one adult in sight, but me. So I called Caleb over and let him know that we would be leaving. I felt it was best just to remove ourselves from the situation. He was pretty bummed out and Zaric was livid that this meant I took away the stick he was having so much fun with. But I promised that we would go to another park.
So we loaded back up in the car, a screaming Zaric and bummed out Caleb and headed toward the next park. We were about a block away when Caleb told me in his sad tone that he would just rather go home :(. So home we went and he ate his picnic lunch in front of the tv watching Cyberchase like any other normal day. So much for my big idea.

Soccer Boy

Here we go again. After a year of hiatus, Caleb has decided that he wants to play soccer again. So today was the official Meet the Coaches and team picture day for the fall soccer league. We got up early and got him in his uniform. Luckily he can still use the uniform from 2 years ago and it still almost drowns him (imagine it back then) so that made things easier. We got there and met his coach, Tyler. They got pictures and decided on what time to meet before the games start next week. They will also be taking a vote on the team name before the first game. Any suggestions? Stay tuned for soccer game updates, pics and video from some upcoming games.

Back in the Saddle

About a month ago I was contacted by an old bank rep friend and also my former boss who now works at Salt Lake Community College about a temporary full-time position they were offering from some stimulus money they had left over. I decided it was worth speaking to the Director there about so contacted her. The hours and pay were not what would work for me and so I turned down the position and let her know that I would really be more interested in part time work and if that need arose to please keep me in mind.
Well I was totally not expecting to hear from her again for at least a while when I checked my email last night and found one from her asking if I would be interested in working 20 hours a week M-Th and an afternoon shift that would work with minimal daycare costs. This is also a temporary position for now but they will try to make it a permanent position if it all works out. Mike and I talked it over a bit and we decided that I may as well give it a try. Worst case scenario is that it doesn't work out and I have to tell them sorry and come back to doing what I have been doing the last year. So after a call to our former day care provider and some emails and phone calls back and forth with the director and my former boss Ruth, I am back in the Financial Aid saddle.
I start on the 24th of this month and will be working from 2-7pm on M-TH so that still gives me Fri's off and means that the boys will only be in day care about 2 hours a day. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I have missed several things about the Financial Aid world and not missed several others. There will be plenty for me to re-learn and brush up on. I am also starting at the busiest time of their year as classes start on the 26th so it's going to be a crazy time for the first couple of weeks. I am grateful for the opportunity and for those that still think that much of me to throw my name into the ring repeatedly. It's not everyday you land a job without even applying or interviewing.

Teddy Bear Pinic

Of course the entire weekend wasn't entirely devoted to the party. We also made another trip to the zoo for their Teddy Bear Picnic event. Caleb of course took a stuffed dino instead of a bear. The best part was having one of the zoo vets check it out and make sure it was healthy. The health check came back clean and all she ordered was hugs.

We also walked around the zoo and visited the animals, had lunch at one of the eatery's and did the other activities they had planned. Caleb got to ride the carousel and the train, got to paint a puppet and feel some leopard and giraffe fur. We got to see the new baby leopard as well. Caleb had fun so it was well worth it.

Nintendo Party Come and Gone

The party came and went. Everything went pretty smoothly and it was a pretty laid back and fun time. We have such fun family and friends that came. We had visits from a baby Mario and Luigi, a Wii remote and Nunchuck, a few Mii's, a Daisy, 2 princesses, Waluigi, Wario, a couple of Spineys, PaperBoy,Birdo, a Punchout boxer(little Mac), and a few non-costumed friends that were just as welcome. Mike dressed as Mario (of course) and I was Bullet Bill. Caleb was a Pirahna plant and the babies were mushrooms. They wouldn't keep their hats on long enough for us to get a good pic. We had a good time planning and having this party, but are also glad that it's over. I am still waiting for a couple other people to send the pics they got and will post more if I get some good ones. Enjoy the show and now it's onto planning my big 3-0 in November. Stay tuned :)

Food Inspirations

The main course of the Nintendo party will be pizza (naturally). But we did a couple of side dishes inspired by characters. And it was nice that we chose items that could be made ahead of time to save the hassle tomorrow.
The first one was inspired by Yoshi. So we of course have Yoshi eggs.

And the next was inspired by Birdo. I used bow tie pasta and died it to match this characters bow. Then threw it together with a few things for some pasta salad.

Mike got creative in Photoshop and created his own wraps for the soda. It's hard to see them all, but they are really fun.

Nintendo Goodies

What's a party without some goodies? Mike and I have been slaving away making these power star candies for the party. He did the eyes himself. I love that he's helping me with this stuff. These little guys will be on the tables to munch on along with what else but chocolate coins.


I am a big fan of goodie bags at parties so we also went to work constructing and finding some goodies to put in them. We found these wooden stars at Michael's pre-painted yellow. Then broke out the cricut for a quick cutting of some eyes and here you have the perfect accessory to the bags.

I found these pins on etsy.com.

And we found some Mario sodas and some candies online as well. Sorry I don't remember the sites. The gold coins were generously donated to the cause by a good friend who uses them at work. They have the work logo on them, but free is good so we don't mind. So each bag will get a soda, some gold coins, some candies and a pin.

And here's a completed bag so you can see what they look like tied with the power star. Ta-Da!

Up next.....the food and costumes. Can't believe the party is finally tomorrow.

Store Bought Party Fun

Of course there is something to be said for going the lazy man's way and ordering some decorations. You didn't really expect me to make everything, did you? I was thrilled when I found this stuff on celebrateexpress.com They were perfect. I ordered the plates, napkins, invitations, some removable wall decorations and couldn't resist ordering a personalized banner for Mike's big day.

So much fun. Still more to come.

Nintendo Fun 2

Here's some more Nintendo part fun. After we made our Tetris magnets a while back, we were having too much fun with the pearler beads so we started making some coasters. These gems will be helping to decorate the tables at the party on Sunday.







And when I went to the D.I. with a couple girlfriends for some costume ideas and options, I found this bowl randomly and by chance it was already painted red with white dots. What are the odds for $1? So I bought it. Then just used and empty Clorox Wipes container for the stem and viola....a big mushroom.

More fun to come when we finish up a couple more things in the next few days.

Gearing Up Nintendo Style

Mike's 30th Birthday party is this Sunday. We have been gearing up for months. Since it's the big 3-0 for both of us this year, we are both having parties (normally we don't go to such great lengths). For his, he has chosen to do a nintendo-themed costume party. We have been busy making some decorations and using our creative minds (watch out!). So this week will be filled with a couple posts of our progress leading up to the big day. Here are some of the decorations we have built from scratch. Stay tuned for more posts! And of course, next week for the pics from the main event.

Pirahna Plant


3 D -Paper Castle

Chain Chomp

Question Block

Kindergarten Kid

Yesterday was a tough day here. Caleb started Kindergarten. We had a rough start getting oriented to the way they work things there in the mornings, but we finally made it into the right line with the right teacher and when he turned the corner to enter the classroom, the waterworks started for Mom. His teacher said he did great and that she had no problems with him. It's Mom that's going to need more adjusting I think. Please tell me it gets easier.