2-21-07 A co-worker of Guy's offered to buy our old Toyota van (named "Captain" by 3-year-old Sheridan), so had the non-working vehicle towed to a mechanic. The boys, with their friend, John (the one in the orange), gave a somber salute as Captain was loaded up. The van has been their favorite play place for some time, so they were a sad to see it go. We've promised them a treehouse in exchange. Let's hope we can deliver.

This after-bath shot shows how long Mitchell's hair is getting on top. (4 1/2 months old)

At his 4 month checkup, Mitchell weighed in the 65th percentile and measured in the 93rd. He smiles whenever anyone looks his way and laughs very easily. He's very ticklish and even laughed when the doctor used the stethescope on him. His brothers, however, most admire his burping abilities, which are impressive. Other than that, Mitchell is getting better and better at grabbing, holding, and chewing on things--especially my hair.

Mitchell, almost 4 months old.

I helped Caleb with the tape for this little project, then he turned to his brother and said, "Look, Sheridan! Now I can write with my forehead!" He kept the crayon on most of the day (luckily, we did get the breakfast washed off, though).

Life is good!

The boys used the floor of the basement playroom to invent dinosaur chess (I think we have the meat-eaters vs. the plant-eaters). Apparently it's just like regular chess, except that certain pieces have extra-special powers and it takes most of the game time to determine exactly what they are and who will benefit the most from them. The game actually kept the playroom relatively clean for quite a while.

On Christmas Eve, the boys opened up Christmas pillowcases that I'd made for them. Instead of inspiring a restful afternoon, the pillowcases were immediately commissioned for impromptu sack races around the house. Sigh*

Addie "helps" Marenda play the piano.

My mom and the grandkids after they opened their new Christmas jammies. Kira, Sheridan, Drake, Trenton, Marcus, Grandma, Addie, and Caleb.

Marcus, Trenton, Caleb and Kira are the Christmas Cookie Crew

Marcus, Kira, Caleb, Drake

Christmas Day. Mitchell, 2 1/2 months old.

December 2006: Caleb thought it was pretty cool that every time we opened the front door, we "opened our giant Christmas present."

12-19-06
One afternoon, I heard lots of bird commotion out back and looked out to find this hawk in the snow. Initially, it's positioning made me think that it had hurt its wing, but then it flew a few feet and we could see the large quail in its grip. After examining our pictures, Sheridan and I decided this was probably a Cooper's Hawk. His kill was too large for him to fly off with, so he "took care" of it in our backyard. It was fascinating to see this bird, but I couldn't watch him enjoy his meal.

Maybe not with the greatest of ease, but it was really fun to watch Marcus on the uneven bars because he just has no fear. These pictures were taken on the last day of his Fall Gymnastics for Children class at BYU. Both Sheridan and Marcus are taking this semester and having lots of fun. They especially love when they get to jump or fall into the foam pit.

(The white flecks in the pictures are from all the chalk dust in the air.)

This picture was part of a Valentine surprise for me. I love it!