John Loves Garbage

John LOVES garbage trucks....he loves everything about them...in fact, we've actually stalked garbage trucks, following them around as they drive and dump trash, just to watch. Today was a great day for John....I bought him a toy garbage truck. It's funny to me that there is even such a thing made, but apparently it's quite common for a two year old to love garbage trucks (according to the lady at the toy store). So all afternoon, John has been busily loading "garbage" into the truck, driving it around, and then dumping it. It's the best money I've spent in a long time!

Joe Turns Ten!

Joe's tenth birthday was on Monday. It was a great day....it was also President's Day, so the kids didn't have school, and Joe was home from work. Plus, Chelsea made a last minute visit and drove out on Sunday, so she was here to celebrate with us as well. This year, it was all about basketball for Joe....as you can see from the pictures. He got new basketball shoes, a new personalized jersey, a new basketball playstation game, and best of all, tickets to a Laker game in March. He was a pretty happy birthday boy!

We have a tradition in our family that the birthday child gets to pick where to eat for dinner, and for the last two years, Joe has picked Hometown Buffet.

I HATE HOMETOWN BUFFET!

I did my best to persuade him to go somewhere else, but Chelsea, who has always been a fan of beffet-style restaurants (We're talking Chuck-a-Rama here), was firm in her support for Joe's choice. Joe stuck to his guns, and we ended up at Hometown Buffet, paying $60 for diet cokes, spaghetti, and all you can eat ice cream (because nothing else there is tolerable). Even Chelsea had to agree that Hometown Buffet does not hold to the same "high" standards that she's used to from her favored buffets. Next year, the tradition is changing...the birthday child can choose from the pre-approved list of restaurants that I give to them!
We enjoyed Joe shaped brownies (because Joe doesn't care for cake), and then called it a day.

Yawning Grandpa Steve

Harry just shared an interesting fact with me,...

Harry: "Do you know who has the loudest yawns in our whole family?"

Me: "Who?"

Harry: "Grandpa Steve"

It took me a while to think about how loud my father yawns, but for any of you who know him, think about it...he really does have loud yawns, and somehow manages to talk while he does it. It's really a very endearing quality that apparently even six year olds take note of. Just wanted to remember that.

A Talented Family

I believe I must belong to one of the most talented families around.....to prove it, just look at these pictures....

When I saw these baby booties on my sister-in-law Annee's blog, I hadn't dared to hope that they might wind up on my baby's feet. But, they arrived in the mail today, along with a beautiful blanket and bib, all the way from Korea.

And, the blanket that Jack is laying on in this picture was made by another sister-in-law of mine...Julie. Thank you so much...I've made a blanket like this before and know how much work it is to do. I love it!

So thank you to you both....it's a pleasure to say I'm related to you!

One Month Later

It's hard to believe it's been a month since Jack was born, but here we are! Things are going well...nothing big to report, we're just going day by day. I took Jack for his 4 week check last week, and he's already up to 9 pounds, 12 ounces, so he's growing well. He's started to smile a bit, so the kids are enjoying that. This is a picture of John trying to watch a video with Jack. He insisted that Jack would be able to enjoy the video, but I don't knowhow well it went. Anyway, that's all that's going on here....Joe turns 10 next week, so we're looking forward to a big celebration!

The Gang's All Here

And here they are! Looks like a pretty good, pretty FINISHED family, don't you think? The following photos are some that my very good friend Melissa White took of my kids last Sunday. (Thank You, Thank You) Jack was one week and one day old, and I'm surprised at how much he's changed already! Joe took him for his weight check this morning (isn't that funny? With number six, we had to split up taking kids to school and taking Jack to the doctor, and I ended up with the five oldest while Joe took the baby!) Anyway, he's doing great...already up to 8 pounds, 10 ounces, so well past his birthweight at the two week mark. We're all doing well and adjusting nicely. Jack figured out the day/night thing, and is already doing a good 5 or 6 hour stretch at night. He's a bit cranky during the day, and doesn't really like to be in the car (not good when you have five older brothers and sisters), but overall, everyone is doing as well as can be expected. Enjoy the photos....I sure am!

Long Lost Cousin....Found

I had lunch today with my cousin Austin, who also happens to be serving his mission here in the San Luis Obispo area. I can't remember the last time I saw Austin, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't taller than me when I did! It was good to see him, and for his parents and grandparents, his companion told me privately that Elder Simmons is doing a great job and is working hard! We had a good lunch at Firestone Grill, and then took him back to the bank where he met Eric Wells, who I'm sure Uncle Greg will remember.