Cameron and Christmas

Before I forget and this wonderful Christmas season passes I want to write down how much fun Cameron was this Christmas. Our days of having 3 believers are long gone, and our days of having any believers are coming to a close.  I love Christmas and the magic that it involves.  How the anticipation leading up to Santa coming just almost makes the kids sick with excitement (in Braxton's case as a little one literally barfing on Christmas morning) Cameron was giddy all day Friday and Saturday.  He was jumping in the air, doing weird kicks and was so happy all day.  He was beside himself wishing away both of the days hoping it would go fast and he could have Santa come RIGHT NOW.  He asked about 500 times what time it was and then said, "why can't this day end".  He really didn't even ask Santa for anything in particular it was just the magic and anticipation of the entire day that made it so wonderful for all of us.  I wish these days of pure magic would last forever, that the lists with specific sizes and colors didn't happen and the picking out the gifts beforehand because your in on the surprise didn't ever happen, but for now I will soak in all the magic I can and relish my last few Christmases where the magic is truly just that---magical.

Little things...

 My last year with two who have to dress up for the Thanksgiving celebration at the school  Such handsome mountain men.  

 We took the boys for their pumpkin patch celebration on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Braxton had the idea to go to Layton Surf and Swim.  We hadn't ever been there and it was a lot of fun.  The big boys lasted much longer than Cam who was cold but we had a great time.  The place was empty when we got there and it was nice to have it to ourselves.  We took a selfie so we could remember we were all there.

 A police officer died in the line of duty in Brigham City and we had the privilege of going to the catwalk in Farr West and honoring him as the procession went by.  It was very cold and I wasn't sure if the boys would like it, but it was so emotional and just felt great to show them in a small way that we appreciate his service and for my two scouts to represent the flag and their country in that way.  The man who died had three little boys just like us, but only about 10 years younger.  I can't even imagine the pain his wife is feeling and the sadness those sweet boys feel everyday.  I was very touched to be a part of something so great.  The police cars, SUV's and motorcycles just kept coming and coming.  It was breathtaking.

 My young women came over and we learned how to dip caramel apples.  They were so yummy and Callee did a great job being in charge.  Right now I only have 7 girls but I have a lot more coming into Mia maids in the next few months.  I really love my small group, but look forward to some new girls too.  Josie, Callee, Chloe, Norah, Ellee, Aubrey, Josie.

 Cameron had a story telling festival at school last week.  He told the story of Pingo and his imaginary friend.  He had great expression and was very entertaining.  Great job Cam!!

 The dreaded Santa picture. I am pretty sure Cam is the only one who wanted to talk to him but all three wanted a candy cane so they stood by him and told him that they want Legos (which they aren't getting due to the fact we have 1 million already).

 Cameron and his little tree that they keep in their bedroom.

 Brent and Rebecca had their annual holiday party and Brax crashed out on the couch amidst all the chaos.  He didn't even hear all the kids carrying on.  He had been out to a late party the night before.

 My Mom and Dad had their Christmas party early this year because Troy's boy Nash gets to spend 2 weeks with his Dad in Washington  around Christmas and we wanted to do it with everyone.  We did the annual pinata which I love, and then the pajama party afterwards.  The kids were so hyper, it was crazy, loud and fun.

Cam got to sit on two Santa's laps in 2 days, what a lucky guy.  I hope he is on the nice list.

Spring Family Photos

I totally forgot that we took these outside on Easter to show our new clothes that my mom bought us for Easter.  I just printed one and hung it on our wall because I want real photos so bad but haven't gotten around to it just yet.  Maybe ones in the snow???  

Cameron is 9!!!

Cameron woke up today totally excited for his special day.  At school they get to put a special thing over their chair that he was looking forward to and he got a new scooter from mom and dad this morning that he couldn't wait to be able to ride to school.  I could not get him to focus for nothing.

Nine things I love about my baby:
1-He will always be my baby and gives me tons of hugs (huggy as he calls it) and kisses whenever I need them.
2-He has the craziest, long hair that him and I both love.  He refuses to pull it back but also refuses to have it cut.  (A trim right now would be good though)
3-He loves to play games with me.  We play cards a lot especially in the winter and I look forward to it every year.
4-He is a great student.  Man he is so bright and I love that about him.  He catches on and listens so well and I love spending time in his classroom every Tuesday and watching him interact with his friends.
5-He is  hard worker.  He works so hard in the pumpkin patch and around the house.  Often times he asks for extra chores so he can earn a little bit of extra cash.  He does the job until it is done, often better then I even expected.
6-He loves his friends. He plays everyday and loves to be with his buddies Landon and Owen.
7-He loves to be outside.  He is always happy being in the outdoors and usually can be found wearing no shoes which often leads to no shoes when we go places (not a good thing!).  He started Lacrosse this year and Shane is his coach and they both love it.  He improves every practice and has a great time playing.  He is although a bit hard on himself, beating himself up a bit too much after hard games.
8-He loves pizza and ice cream.  He could eat pizza everyday and not be sad about it.
9-He completes our family.  He brings up the caboose and we all adore him.  He and Brax fight like worst enemies but in the end we all Love our Cambone, bones, Cambony Zambonie and his totally crazy hair and million dollar smile so so much.

Jake and Cam celebratingn #19 and #9 with some delicious Cobbler

School Pics/Field Trip

Here is a glimpse of the pictures I am to cheap to buy every year.  They looked really handsome, but I just never buy them.  Cam had two giant cold sores on his lips so he didn't like his very well.  Poor guy has been plagued with those darn cold sores since he was so sick in kindergarten with Hand Foot and Mouth.

A 6th grade tradition at Plain City Elem for the past 25 years is to build these awesome haunted houses.  Dakota's turned out great and he did it all by himself.  I love projects that are like that.

I had the privilege of going to the environmental center with Cameron with his 3rd grade.  Unfortunately the stomach bug had hit Shane, Brax, and me the weekend before and Cameron got it right in the middle of the field trip.  He turned white and was very weak.  He did get to shoot the bow before it hit, and then he dissected the owl pellet while we waited for a kind lady to drive us home so he didn't have to wait all day for the bus.

Pumpkin carving and Halloween

We spent our annual pumpkin carving over at Lisa's house again this year.  This is such a fun tradition.  All of the boys go for something creative and hard, I go for the face.  Easy and doesn't take all night so I can have more time for caramel apples and donuts.

Ghostbusters was the costume of choice this year.  I told Braxton he was too old for Trick-or-Treating and so after I left with the little boys Shane let him go out.  Everyone got way to much as usual, and the weather was beautiful.  A wonderful evening for a walk around the neighborhoods.

Deer Hunt 2016

This year we decided to make the deer hunt a family affair.  We went up by Flaming Gorge. It was my first experience with deer hunting and it was a really fun time.  Beautiful weather and great company.  All 5 of us went as well as Jake and Alayna and their 4 kiddos and Dallas and Joyce, (Shane's aunt and uncle and Jake's mom and dad).  We got up there early Friday since it was fall break and looked for a camp spot for what felt like forever and finally decided on one near a cow watering station which was nice because it was flat and the sage brush was worn away.  There also weren't any cows around so it was nice.  The boys got up early Saturday morning and Dalton shot a nice 2 point and Braxton passed on a spike.  Later that night Brax got his chance as we drove up a canyon and came onto a two point with a bunch of does.  He jumped out of the truck and bang--1 shot right into the heart.  He is a dead eye I tell you.  That was my first time seeing something shot like that and I am still unsure if I want to ever do it again.  I was a little scared I guess, it gave me the willies watching it die.  Shane was super excited like I have never seen him before.  I was glad I was there for that.  Braxton whoooped and hollered and said "take that deer".  It was a new experience for Dakota, Cam and I and the boys loved it.

Braxton thinks we should hang this on our wall for our family Photo this year, I am voting for something a bit nicer and less dead stuff in the photo.

Two best buds picking pine nuts.  The nuts were all over the trees.  We had a great time hiking and putting a few in our pockets.