Southern Exposure

Ali is going to be 6 months next week. She is still an amazing baby. She is just getting too big too fast.

Uncle Richard left on his mission for two years. He had a five hour layover in Atlanta, so the kids and Alisa decided to take a little road trip to keep him entertained while he waited for his flight to England. Not only were we excited to see Richard, but Alisa thought it would be a good experience for the boys to see Richard as "Elder Cunningham." On the way to Atlanta we talked about missions, why there are missionaries, and what missionaries do. Owen seemed to pick up on the important parts. Now every time we see the missionaries in our ward he asks... "Can they not watch tv or listen to music either?"

The kids were so excited to see Richard. Briggs wouldn't let go of him and Owen just kept running circles around him. It made it quite difficult to take any pictures.

Richard trying to hold on to all three kids. He kept asking...How did my mom do it with five?"

We wanted to make sure that Richard had plenty of time to get back before his plane left. We were about 15 minutes from the airport, so we thought leaving the aquarium 2 and a half hours would give him plenty of time. However, as we headed to the airport, we were sitting at a light waiting to turn left in the middle of downtown Atlanta. Richard asked, "Why is there a zebra running down the street?" I looked up and sure enough there was a zebra coming full force towards our car. We debated which was more important; get out the the zebra's way or find a camera, (We knew for believability this needed to be documented.) The zebra got to the middle of the intersection (about five feet from our car) stopped looked right, then looked left and then took a sharp right and ran down the street onto the freeway. Yes, that would be the freeway that we needed to get on to get Richard back to the airport. When we got onto the freeway it was like a parking lot. For a half hour we did not exceed the speed of 2 miles an hour. To make a long story not any longer, we did get Richard to the airport with a couple minutes to spare and he did make his plane. I know this story does not seem believable, that's why I have attached the story below...

Briggs turned 5 this year... It is hard to believe that he is already that old! Although in some ways he seems so much older. He is such an amazing little guy that has brought so much happiness into our lives. He is such a wonderful example to his little brother and sister. We love you Briggs!!!

Birthday Boy

Briggs' party at Giggle Bugs (inflatable indoor jump toys)

Briggs, Owen, and Randy (His school buddies)

Briggs blowing out his candles. His wish... "That all of my friends here at my birthday party will be my friends forever"

Having a 5 year old isn't so bad... Briggs potty training Owen

and

Feeding Ali

This year we have been lucky enough to have two snow days. Well, the first one was more of an ice day. The second day was full of the beautiful fluffy white stuff. I have to admit, I am liking just having two days of snow. Just long enough to have some fun, build some snowmen, do some sledding, and then back to normal. The boys absolutely love the snow. They have had a great time with our neighbors and luckily this year it has snowed on the weekends, so Rob has been able to enjoy it with them.

Yes my Idaho/Utah Friends... This is what we call a "snow day" in the South

Heading upstairs to see what Santa brought

Briggs checking out his stash

Ali's first Christmas... Still the best baby. It is amazing how good she really is.

The boys checking out each others toys

Owen playing with the only pet he is going to have for a long time. The phrase this year was... "If it doesn't poop, you can ask Santa for it."

Even Mom got spoiled this year!!

The boys took a little break to have a cookie for breakfast.

Two peas in a pod. While everyone else is opening presents...They are making sure their bellies are taken care of.