Walton Visit!

Last weekend my parents came for a visit, yeah! We all had so much fun, and the kids are still missing all the undivided attention of Grandma and Grandpa! I don't think they have ever played so many games and puzzles in such a short amount of time. We'll just be thankful we are close enough for visits! Another fun thing was at dinner one night. Mikiya just started singing the alphabet backwards. I've sung it with her before, but I didn't realize she knew it. We made her sing it a few times so excited to see her newest accomplishment. I'm still looking for pictures, but I think Quaid was the photographer for the weekend so most of them are abstract.

Happy Halloween!!!

I love trunk-or-treat at the church. It's just so much easier, safer and the kids still get more than their fill of candy. Mikiya made me laugh tonight telling me that she can have two pieces of candy a day. Oh how she reminds me of McKenzie!

The closest thing to a theme we have this year is Disney. Quaid LOVES Mickey Mouse. Although, he kept getting distracted by all the little boys dressed as Spider-Man.

Mikiya had plans for her costume this year. I made this dress for Easter, and right away Mikiya wanted to be Cinderella for Halloween and wear this dress. She also picked out the headband and crown, and insisted on makeup so would really look like Cinderella. I had to draw the line with mascara.

Little Helpers

Of course the kids are always eager to help do the fun stuff! Luckily, we have a small front yard.

As Quaid was helping me clean the kitchen one day, we had to take turns sweeping. While it was my turn, Quaid found a new fun playhouse. He's adorable as his little voice hollers out, "Me hiding! Me hiding!" The trend in our house is that when one finds something exciting, they share. Both kids were so excited to show Mike their hiding place when he got home. Mike took the drawer out to play back with them. I just thought it made for a good picture.

Primary Program

Mikiya has been so excited for the Primary Program. She has had her part memorized for two weeks. "Heavenly Father loves me and has a plan for me." Yesterday was the big day. Mikiya excitedly went up when it was time and found her chair. She got a little fidgety while singing the first song, then when it was time for her to recite to part, she got too nervous and turned to her teacher for help. Of course she was still adorable and also sang beautifully. Makes my Mommy heart smile.

We now have a much larger primary than the 10 to 20 kids we are used to. Needless to say, the program was a little long for Mikiya. She did very well, but by the closing song, she was asleep in her little chair. She did look pretty cute up there, but I felt bad when afterwards she asked if she could go home and have a nap. I guess she's still not completely 100% yet.

Grandma Gallup's Birthday

With more of Mike's siblings in this location, his mom decided to spend her b-day here. They stayed with us and Sat. we had the others, that could come, over for the party. I've been fighting a horrible cough that pretty much makes much moving impossible without a hack attack. Lovely info I know, but I just felt bad that I couldn't do much in the prep area. Mike handled it like a pro and got everything all sanitized (I hope and pray!) and was ready for company. It was also very nice for me that they brought the food, siblings brought the games, and everyone helped clean up and I didn't have to do work. You would think it was my b-day.

The kids loved the bean bag game, cake walk, and find the box of cereal. I think they are all pretty much just happy to get to see Grandma and Grandpa and play with each other. It was a fun little party, and we also liked the down time later to visit with them and Jenna and Nathan.

Toothless Wonder!

Mikiya has had a loose tooth for a couple weeks. She has been very diligent in wiggling it, but afraid to let anyone look at it. Last Tuesday I looked over at her and it looked like her tooth was just leaning over, so I asked her if I could see how wiggly it was. She agreed and as I wiggled, it came out. She kind of leaned back and said it was starting to hurt a little not to touch it. I laughed and told her to look. She was amazed that her tiny tooth was in my fingers. She was completely excited, until I told her we should rinse out her mouth. Then, with the slightest taste of blood, she panicked. We got passed that quickly and for the last week she has loved looking in the mirror to see the space, or push her tongue through.

My favorite part was our conversation about the Tooth Fairy. She finally decided she wanted to leave the tooth in a glass of water, but it had to be downstairs, not in her room.

Mikiya -"Mom, how does the Tooth Fairy get in?"
Me -"Probably like Santa and uses magic."
Mikiya -"But Santa has hands and can open the door."
Me -"The Tooth Fairy has hands too."
Mikiya -"Yeah, but she is so tiny (holding up her fingers to show me how tiny) I don't think they can reach the door."

I can't remember my response other than a little chuckle at her description and concern. I did have to convince her it would be ok and she could go to sleep. Wed. morning she was excited to see that the Tooth Fairy had made it safely here. However, she has yet to decide what she wants to save her quarters for. This is her very first "own money" so it's also time for the practice of our tithing talks. A bunch of firsts and lots of excitement.

Art Projects

With Mikiya being home for a week, we had a bit down time and I tried to be creative with the kids. We drew pumpkins and then ripped up paper so they could glue it on to make their mosaic jack-o-lantern. Quaid absolutely LOVED getting to use glue and doing a big kid project.

Another day, we had out the card table so Mikiya could catch up on her missed school work. Quaid climbed under the table and started coloring. I attempted to make an art lesson of this and we taped paper to the bottom of the table and let him color on that. I'm hoping that he is learning that we only color on paper, but we'll see how well that actually works. Mikiya's take on the lesson was full of giggles, it was Quaid's chapel, and they were painting the ceiling like Michael Angelo. Both lessons I was mostly trying to accomplish, so yeah for art last week!

Sick House

Poor Mikiya was out of school for an entire week being sick. We think she had the swine flu, but luckily enough, it wasn't bad enough to take her to the Dr. It just took a long time to heal. now she is back in school and we are all thankful she is doing better!

Now if the rest of us can get over our colds, we will be even more happy.

Cake Mistakes

You won't believe some of these cakes. I particularly enjoyed the grammar page. I think Amelia Bedelia decorated most of them.
www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com

My Family Tree

Our "The Friend" magazine came last week. Mikiya was so excited to get it she couldn't wait to start all the activities. She proudly completed the word search, coloring pages finished in amazing speed, some stories read, and then comes my turn for teaching. She was thrilled to fill out the family tree. I tried talking her into waiting until we could get pictures of everyone and print them off so she could glue them in. Oh no! That would not do, she said she would rather just draw pictures. Yes, I was able to give her the names without having to look anything up, but it got me thinking about her excitement and wondering where mine should be. Hopefully, we'll be able to talk more about our family and read some of the family histories we have. I was able to have a good little talk with her. In all her sweetness, Mikiya told me how much she missed Grandpa Great and was sad he had to go live with Heavenly Father and not with Grandma Great where we can see him. It was the perfect opportunity for me to excitedly tell her of my feelings regarding the matter. It's wonderful to know that there is the amazing sealing power on earth, and we will all be privileged to live with our Heavenly Father again as well as all the other members of our family. I can't imagine life without this knowledge. I pray I will be a sufficient teacher to my children, that they too may know and love the blessings our Father has given us.

Gopher Chasing

Mike's been out in the back yard trying to get ready to plant grass. In our opinion, this includes getting rid of the gopher. The kids excitedly wait for Mike to get home so they could go outside on their gopher hunt. They dig holes, the kids included, and look for tunnels. A couple days roll by and the gopher piles dirt back up. Friday, they decided to set a gopher trap. Mikiya was thrilled to tell me all about how the trap works. Now they keep checking to see if the gopher has been back. I don't think they will really want to see if and when they do catch him. But I have been wrong before.

Country Bumpkins

At long last and after multiple road trips with the realtor, we found our first home. We are all very excited. Mike finally gets to stretch his landscape muscles (of course with the approval of the Architectural Committee). Megan has her bathtub, kitchen, and more than one room to decorate. Mikiya and Quaid love their rooms and having new space to play in. Probably the only people not excited about the recent move are the neighbors directly behind us as we have been staggering the purchase of the window coverings.



As you can see, we live in what most would call the country. This is the view from across our street. Our favorite part though is the rooster crowing and the sheep that jump over the fence to eat and then jump back. Quaid is often found sitting on his bed upstairs or at the living room window downstairs watching the animals.

Mikiya is continuing to adjust to going to school. She has decided that it is easier to ease into the day by having breakfast with Daddy at school and then she has been good to ride the bus home at the end of the day. Last Thursday was Family Game Night at school. She was very excited to take Quaid to her school and play games. She even had to have Megan call Mike at about 4:30 pm to make sure he was going to be home in time.

The biggest adjustment for us has been the new ward; more specifically sacrament meeting. To say the new ward skews to a younger age than what we are used to would be a wild understatement. It has become a new exercise in focus and concentration to follow the meeting. For example, Mikiya went from having a small class to two large classes just for her age group. Quaid has to find his nursery out of the three available. We think we will adjust. ;) Oh, and for those of you who have heard of 'Big Riley', she is in our ward also. And she is a little twig like Mikiya. However, she is taller than Mikiya's cousin, hence the reference.

Now that we are nearing the 100 day mark for new baby, we are actively searching for a new family car to accommodate the new little person. So anybody that has opinions whether for or against a particular car specific feature, we would love to hear them. For all the non-math majors, we are looking at the 7 or 8 passenger models.

First Day of School!

This week has been one of a great milestone. Mikiya started kindergarten! We are moving in a couple weeks, and they start school a week and a half earlier than this district does, so we decided to take her out rather than having her miss the first couple weeks. She was pretty excited! I found out only a couple days before it started that they are moving to all day kindergarten this year. Mikiya goes Tues, Thurs and every other Mon. So today is her second day of school. We got her all registered last week, and the secretary told us she couldn't start the same day she registered because she wouldn't be in the system. Poor Mikiya was broken hearted and just started crying. Luckily for us, we had gone to "meet the teacher" earlier in the week and she and the principal were expecting us, so the principal let her stay. That was great for her. I thought I'd be ok until we got into the car, but as we walked down the K-1 hall, I started crying. Mikiya told me I didn't need to, and I REALLY tried not to. I kissed her goodbye, took her into class and watched her get settled at her table. She so big! I'm so excited for her, but it was a difficult day for me. I bawled off and on all day. I have known she was going to school, but somehow I still wasn't prepared, especially for the all day stuff. I decided that overprotective, emotional moms should not be pregnant when they take their oldest child to school for the first time. Quaid had a difficult time leaving her as well and asked to go get her all day.

When we went to get her she was exhausted and didn't want to talk about anything. I was worried all day was to much and she didn't like it, but after she rested and cooled down, she jabbered about everything, and has been playing school with Quaid ever since. We went to IHOP for dinner to celebrate. She was so excited! However, all day school took all her energy. She took lunch to school, had a cheese sandwich when she got home, ate all her dinner, and then ate my leftover pancakes when we got home because she was still starving. Hope she doesn't starve today!

Walton Reunion

I'm a couple weeks late in posting, but we did have a blast at the reunion! This year we stayed at Mom and Dad's rather than going to the cabin, allowing us a little more room. Mikiya was so ansy to go, she thought we'd never get there. She just wanted her Grandma! All along the trip she kept asking if we were to the big trees by Grandma's yet. Of course, she finally fell asleep the last twenty mins. of the drive and had to wake her up so she wouldn't miss the trees. Boy was she glad to get out of the car! Quaid kept busy by taking his turn "working" on Mike's laptop.



Quaid was excited from the beginning as he got to open more birthday presents. One was a little golf set that with with 3 clubs and 3 balls kept the older kids entertained until Rafe started absconding with the flags to pick his teeth. Then it was out to the pools. The kids loved sliding in and out of the alligator pool, then run over to splash in the other pool.

Millie was excited to have Grandma help her on the slide, but was startled every time she splahed in the pool.

The new game of the summer was Lasso Golf (manufacture's name, I hear it has other names as well). At any rate, as you can see it was enjoyed by every age and none of the kids wound up hog tied by the bolos.



Another favorite activity, and reunion staple, was four-wheeler rides around the yard. For Mikiya and Kaelie, the faster the better. The boys weren't as concerned with speed so much as being able to help drive. Millie didn't care about speed or control, but being able to say "Hi" to everbody as she went by; especially "her" Grandma, dog, and dad (unless he was the one giving the ride, of course).

Day two involved a trip to the zoo, a picnic in the park, and amusement rides at Funland. The camera got left in the car, so you all have to trust us that it happened. Quaid's favorite animals were the tiger and the lion. And his favorite ride was the Ferris wheel. Mikiya's favorite ride was the carousel. I don't know what Rafe's favorite animal was, but his favorite snack was the goat food.

The grandkids finally all got their soccer jerseys from Uncle Layton that were waiting for them at Grandma's. As you can see, we had a classic attempt to photograph them together. Considering this was on the last day of the festivities late in the evening after church, they actually did pretty good. Although, judging by the kids' points of focus, we may have had too many parents coaching; also typical. :)

Long post short, we thought it was a great reunion. I forgot to mention the S'mores, meals on the deck, Grandpa's outdoor movie theatre, and playing/feeding Millie's dog, Mya. We look forward to next year and the new faces and returning faces that will join us.

Birthday Boy!

Quaid turned two on the 12th of July. It was difficult for me to not be as involved as usual, but Mike did a wonderful job taking care of everything. He did the shopping, and Mikiya woke him up early on the big day so she could help wrap the presents. She was so excited you would have thought it was her birthday. I love it!

Quaid is a HUGE Mickey Mouse fan lately, so Mike made Quaid a Mickey Mouse cake. He absolutely loved it! He really wanted to help make it, and didn't even try making a mess during the helping. I thought it all turned out wonderful. I'm going to have to get better by the next birthday or I will surely be replaced permanently.

Quaid got a little race ramp and cars to go with it. He LOVES it! He and Mikiya both have played cars a ton. Quaid's favorite is to use the blue track and the blue car.

Some of Quaid's favorites!

• Reading books



• puzzles



• playing with Mikiya



• cars



• balls



• ice cream



• playing in water

Swimming?

Our neighbors got a bigger pool and so they gave Mikiya and Quaid these little ones. They have been really excited, but I'm not sure they actually count as pools. At least the kids have had a blast. The best part was watching them jump from one to the other. Unfortunately, my battery died and I didn't get pictures of it. Maybe later.

Summer Fun

Over Memorial Day weekend, we made a trip to eastern Idaho to see grandparents. We spent the first half of the weekend in Sugar helping Grandma and Grandpa plant flowers and move some of the sprinklers that had become overgrown by the growing pine trees. Mikiya was great at adding the fertilizer water to the holes before the flowers were placed. Quaid simply enjoyed riding the lawn tractor or wagon and playing in the dirt. Mikiya's garden tools were conveniently being stored at Grandma's, so she used her own tools for the project. Mikiya also learned about bees and how they use tree blossoms to make honey. And of course, they had to swing and jump on the trampoline.

On Saturday evening we continued on to Island Park to spend the rest of the holiday with Grandma and Grandpa Walton and the Gardners at the cabin. The cousins enjoyed playing together. Mikiya and Kaelie started calling the upstairs kid room their "tree house". The only downside was that Rafe wasn't allowed to follow up the stairs. He was very persistent, even climbing over a large duffel bag that was intended to block the stairs.

On the way back, we visited some of the great grandparents. Quaid was happy to see he still fit in Grandma Belnap's doll chairs. He started out dragging it to the screen door. And then we decided to go outside, and both kids had a great time sitting right by the fountain dangling their hands in the cool water. They also had fun exploring the different paths and sections of Grandma's backyard.
Since getting out of school, we have had a trip to the zoo, a Primary activity at the temple, a movie with the Mountain Home cousins, a trip to the hospital to welcome Alonzo to the family, and a visit from Lloyd, Kristin and company; which meant finally meeting Madeline. She is one smiley little girl.

Graduation!

Mike graduated on May 16. We are so thankful that he's had this opportunity to go back to school. And now I'm even more thankful that he's finished. We had good seats for the ceremony which let us see Mike periodically. We are also very thankful to both our parents, Grandma and Grandpa Gallup, Rudy and Deanna, Wayne and Natalie, and Emily for coming to help us celebrate. The kids especially enjoyed getting to play with everyone at the park afterwards.



One of the speakers told a great story I would like to share. I don't remember all the details, but it was about a lady who had cancer and was going through chemo. When she got down to three hairs left, she said , "Oh! I think I'll braid my hair today." The next day it was only two hairs, "I think I'll part it down the middle today." And the Next day with only one hair, "I fix it in a pony tail today." Then the next day, when all of her hair was gone, she cheerfully spoke, "Hurray! I don't have to do my hair today!" You can pretty well take the message right out of that one. I was just touched and reminded that attitude effects a lot of things around you.

Mikiya got a kick out of putting on Dad's silly hat.

Quaid loved being packed around by Daddy!

To play Where's Waldo or rather Where's Mike and Quaid, follow this link to a Boise State slide show of the event.

Books!

Mikiya is very excited this week to have gotten her own library card and doesn't have to share with me anymore.

OK, so it's been crazy trying to get my classes finished up and I have neglected everything else I do. However, I did finish up and am quite excited about it. The Bookmaking class was my favorite and Mikiya had a wonderful time helping me decide what to put in my final project. It's a flip book and there is something fun under each flap. Our favorite are the kids inside the school bus.

This is just another book I made with the class. I haven't decided yet what I want to put in it, but I really like the pockets and just think it's fun.

Happy Easter!

While I was enjoying my first trip to General Conference with the youth from our ward, Mike and the kids had an adventuresome day. Their favorite part was chasing the geese around the park.

We enjoyed our Easter trying to teach the kids about the Resurrection and why it's important. But at this age, I don't think it meant very much. Quaid did however want to wear something different to church, Mike's tie. He's always wearing them around the house, but I guess his own wasn't Eastery enough. It actually worked ok.

The active Easter festivities included Mikiya and I coloring eggs, which she loved and could have done the whole carton if I would have let her. I'm a mean Mom I guess. The highlight was probably blowing bubbles and enjoying a day of sunshine and warmth.

The big number 5!

Mikiya's birthday was last monday. The poor girl was sick on her birthday and was worried about missing it. Luckily, she was feeling a bit better as the day went on so she still got to open her presents. The video phone call from Grandma and Grandpa Walton really made her day, along with Grandma Gallup stopping by on her way through and phone calls from other family members.

She did get to have a birthday party with the Beltran cousins on Friday. She was completely excited and helped make her cake. She debated forever on what kind she wanted, but finally saw a picture of a cake with a pony on it, so we did our best to duplicate it. She loved it. Now she is eagerly awaiting kindergarten and asks when school will start.

Home again, home again jiggety jig

We've had a very busy week and are glad to be home. Well, most of us. Mike wouldn't mind becoming a permanent Californian. For Christmas Mike's parents took us on vacation, of course it was last week during spring break.


We spent Mon. at Disney's California Adventure where the kids enjoyed the rides and being out of the car. Mikiya's favorite ride was the jellyfish which goes up and down. The girl like heights. We also found out that roller coasters are a bit frightening, but she loves them. We attended Disneyland, SeaWorld and Legoland throughout the week where she wanted to go on every roller coaster possible.

At SeaWorld we got to see the Shamu show (and yes, we sat in the "Soak Zone"), dolphin show, pet's rule show, see penguins, pet bat rays, hold star fish, and Quaid's favorite part, watch the walrus.



Quaid has been a little sceptical of the rides, but if you ask him if he had fun he says yes. However, he absolutely loved the characters we saw. My favorite part was the hug he gave Mulan and Cinderella. Cinderella told him he must be Prince Charming. As we walked away he blew her kisses, waved, walked a couple steps and repeated the farewell again and again. I wish I hadn't have already put my camera away!



We got to eat at a sea food restaurant over the ocean and then played in Mission Bay. The kids loved the splashing and sand footprints so much that Quaid was not happy with me when it was time to go.



We got to visit my family before the trip for a couple days, and spend Sat. with Chelsea and Steve which added to the fun break. We enjoyed the sunshine, warm weather and beautiful flowers of California. It was a bit of an adjustment on the trip home to getting stuck in a snow storm and parking on a closed freeway for a while. Big thanks to Mom and Dad for taking us and to the Hurdsmans for helping us with tickets. We had a great time!