He's a Bear now

Josiah is already flying through cub scouts.  I can't believe he is a bear.  He loves going to cub scouts as long as he doesn't have to do any type of acting in a play.

This guy is 9

Josiah had a birthday.  I made the biggest Big Ed which was a much better option than a cake.  It it is a chocolate chip cookie with homemade vanilla ice cream in the middle.   Next time I won't go quite so big. Josiah is a fun boy and has a great personality.   I have always loved his enthusiasm for life.  The only time he isn't as chipper is if he has to get homework done.  I remember when he was Elijah's age and we would go to stores he would get so excited about anything and everything he saw and that is how he still is.  I know his mind is racing like mad all of the time and this is why homework is a bother.

I bring treats in for the kids to share with their classmates on their birthday.  Josiah requested cinnamon rolls.  I had 3 dozen made and ready to go in the oven when I remembered that I couldn't bring in homemade treats per the request of the principal.  I frantically looked in grocery stores but anything they had looked like they had been on display for days.  Then Nathan reminded me of Cinnabon in the mall.  I made a mad dash up there and purchased 30 cinnamon rolls.  They were not cheap but I didn't know what else to do other than do something completely different.  I knew Josiah had already been telling everyone in his class that cinnamon rolls were coming so I didn't want to disappoint.  If I had remembered I would have convinced him to do something else.  One of the girls in his class has been going to activity day and she asked me why I didn't bring the ones I make.  She was disappointed.  Josiah had a great day and was finally able to open presents once Nathan was home from work.

He is THREE

Elijah turned three years old even though he is denying it.  When you ask him if he is three he says "no I am Elijah".  He loves trains and cars.  This is very different from his brothers in that they loved super heroes.  Everyone seems to adore Elijah and he gets away with more than he should since he is the youngest.   He is the most polite toddler I have every seen.  He says please and thank you all of the time.  He does it on his own and I keep hoping he will teach his siblings to do the same.

It was date night so we had a few extra kids over to help celebrate his day with him.

As he was tucked in bed I asked him if he had had a good birthday.  He says "Yeah birthday fun."

I think these two boys are so cute even with their dirty faces.

He loves his new train.

Officially done

After camping we raced off to Sadie's end of basketball season party.   This is a fantastic picture that I took.  Ha! She had great coaches and we hope that they will return next year.  

Young Women's camp out

Nathan challenged the young women a few months ago to pass off some of their personal progress and if they did it he would take them camping.  They did so we went camping last night.  I was planning on going anyway when it was originally planned but now that I am in the presidency I needed to attend.  Our whole family went too and we all enjoyed getting to know these young ladies more.

There was not much sleep that happened and a little mischief going during the night.  The girls  T.P.'d Nathan's tent and truck.   Nathan was amused.  It is fun to see them all interact with Nathan because I can tell they have enjoyed getting to know him.  He thinks its been a great experience being able to serve with them.  All of the girls slept in the cabin.  It was nice and warm in there but the bunk's didn't suit me very well. I have a hard time sleeping anywhere but my own bed anymore.

I have decided I need to catch up on learning some camp songs.  These girls sang and sang and sang songs all night long.  I hadn't heard any of the songs before.

One leader and two girls

The girls planned a meal that consisted of making an omelet in a plastic baggie.  There were too many people using the boiling water so Nathan and I cheated and used the frying pan.  

The looks of a sleepless night.  In the background the two cars who were TP'd.  

Elijah woke up at six to use the bathroom then climbed back in his sleeping bag and snoozed through all of the loud morning activities.

You can almost see Josiah through the smoke of the fire.  He was piling on lots of toilet paper to get it burned. 

The girls mainly made their own meals but this handsome chef did much to keep things rolling.  

 

A bit too much

The pictures say it all and I shouldn't have left the table for a bit.  I was alerted to the mess because Elijah says "all gone mom."  I asked him if he ate all of his tortilla.  He says "no".  I went in to see what was all gone and sure enough the salsa container was nearly empty.  His plate was full of ranch dressing and salsa.  Toddlers are so creative in their own way.  He was quite proud.

Green pancakes Yum!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Josiah and Jarom didn't mind the green pancakes with green pears but it took Elijah some time to get the courage to try them.  Once he did he realized they tasted just the same.  I don't blame him they don't look all that appetizing.