End of the Year

Once again, we come to close of another year of Brown Family Adventures.  I will be using the blog at www.michaelandkari2013.blogspot.com for next year!  Happy New Year!

Last Minute Getaway: Destination Park City

Have I mentioned how awesome our extended family is for sharing their fun toys with us?  Michael’s brother sold his boat recently, but until he did, he would take us out on it in the summer.  His sister Maren and her husband Clarke, own a condo in Park City and called us up and offered it to us for a few days over  New Year’s.    We’ve never gone somewhere as a family before, without it serving an additional purpose of visiting some extended family!  We packed up the kiddos and head up there on the 30th and came back on New Year’s Day.  It was so fun!   It sleeps 12 and there was plenty of room for them to run around.  On the deck they have a hot tub.  Of course that’s one of the first things the boys noticed about the place and was the first thing they asked to go do!  But, as they were making that request, they were a bit distracted by the foosball table…..and Michael was too!  We really just enjoyed some quality family time; less distractions, less media, more interaction.  It was nice. 

Aside from just hanging out a lot, we managed to venture out and see the Olympic Park with the kids.  We took a tour of the museum over there.  The kids liked the hands on activities.  Favorites included the 3D skiing (especially Scott who went through a strange obsession with watching roller coasters on YouTube, and pretending he was really riding them….this was right up his alley), and a display that showed downhill skiing technique where they pulled a lever and watched these big balls run down a hill with a big mogul on it.  They also like the idea of Bobsledding.  Thanks to the babysitter, they were recently introduced to “Cool Runnings,” and bobsledding.  Ironically enough I had just told Michael I wanted to show them that show, thinking they would probably like that…..and they did :)  We also ventured down to an actual bobsledding course and walked onto it.  They have a zipline and obstacle course set up that you can try out, but honestly, it was WAY too cold to even attempt….not to mention Scott was a bit under the weather.  After that we rode around town a little and took the boys to Café Rio for lunch.  Going out to eat anywhere and sitting down is a big deal, so they thought that was pretty special!  They make me laugh (most of the time).  I have to say there was one experience that was a little sad.  Scott had hurt his hand and really was miserable with whatever this cold/flu is that he’s had and started screeching when he got hurt, at the restaurant.  This woman sitting next to me (obviously judging me….I could feel it, big time as she stared), starts chatting with her daughter about how this must be a screeching session we are having.  They both eyed me and I have to admit, at first I was  a little embarrassed, but that quickly turned into anger within minutes at how they would try to make me ashamed of my kids and having 4 of them.  Trust me, seriously, that much was conveyed in the expressions and stares……and comments.  How sad are they!?  We left and it was quickly forgotten, or  so I thought, until I started blogging this…..but you get the picture…..

When we got back, Michael took the boys sledding near the condo.  When that time rolled around, quite frankly, I was chilled and a bit tired of being cold, so I bowed out.  They still had fun, but it only lasted about 20 minutes before Michael decided he felt the same.  I think it was only 15 degrees midday! 

We did manage to make it to the hot tub too!  That was fun!  I was bummed I forgot my swimsuit, so I was able to don Michael’s shorts and T shirt instead.  I think it was a bit colder than it would have been, had I been in a swimsuit.  Sitting in a hot tub in the snow is awesome!  Sitting in one without kids would be even more awesome, but sitting in one with them was fun!

All in all, it was a really nice time and we are so grateful to the Hilbigs for sharing their fun toy :)

More Snow Fun

Through the break we kept getting snow and the kids kept longingly looking at all the neighbor kids being towed behind quads to sled.  It looked like fun but Michael and I were worried it might be dangerous.  All that went out the window with their glances this particular day.  It seemed harmless enough and yes, I’m sure if you aren’t careful, something horrible could happen, but it was Amy and I trusted her. :)  Amy is my best friend that lives in my neighborhood.  She’s such a great persona and lots of fun!  She took her boys out and stopped by to offer to take our boys too and they had a fun time!

After they rode the luge around the neighborhood, we took them all sledding.  There was a close by ampitheatre that our next door neighbor suggested to take them to.  When we got there, it was pretty busy, but not so busy that we couldn’t squeeze in too!  In some patches the snow had melted, and you can’t tell from the pictures but there were moguls all the way down.  I was worried Mason might be too small to ride, but he did great!  It was so fun to watch him sled down in Michael’s lap; puffy pink cheeks and pink little nose bobbing in the air while he smiled and giggled!  He’s such a fun baby!  I know, I know, not really a baby anymore, but I’m afraid, he probably will always be, to me.  Jared was funny – he wanted to sled with his Dad and it was hilarious that they pretty much were dragging their wagon down the hill.  Too much dead weight!  After that, Michael kept taking Mason!   It was fun to go sledding for the first time that everyone in our family could go and I didn’t have to worry about a newborn.  It was nice.

Mason & His Friends

Sweet Mason has an affinity for stuffed animals like we’ve never seen before at our house!  He has to have his friends surround him every night when he goes to bed!  At the top of the list;  Mickey Mouse and his “Bear.”   Then, of course there are 2 other bears, a dog, 2 puppies and most recently, he’s inherited Scott’s retired “Thumper” bunny (Scott lovingly referred to it as his bummy).  Mason will take inventory, so don’t ever try to pull a fast one and not give him all his animals!  :)

The other afternoon when we walked in after his nap, we had to take a picture of this before it is gone…..like all our other fun memories.  Things like this make me reflect, like I’ve mentioned many times before.  I heard someone once say, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” 

I will try.

Weeeeee!!

Inspired by our neighbors who usually build a grandiose slide out of snow because their Dad has access to some pretty cool materials to make tunnels, we decided to make our own version……and this is what we came up with!  First Michael and I started and then Colby and Natalie nextdoor came out and helped us too!  It was fun to build and watch the kiddos have some fun…..especially the BIG kiddo!

 

 

 

 

Oh and here’s one of my favorites: 

 

Jared BEFORE:

 

 

 

 

And Jared AFTER:

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! Every year I say it comes around fast and every year I swear it does…..faster than the year before!  Hard to believe it’s come and gone again!  Our Christmas morning started briefly at somewhere around 3am when Scott came running in; unable to sleep due to the combination of anticipation and coughing from whatever bug we’ve managed to pick up now.  He had been sleeping with his brothers downstairs, but it was easier to plop him in his own bed upstairs for the rest of the night.   We put the boys down the night before, telling them what we do every year, “Don’t wake us up until AT LEAST 7am.”  And….like every year so far…..they listened!  It seemed early, but really they were great to wait that long!  I know I never did when I was a kid! 

The morning started with the kids all in unison, storming our bedroom and pouncing on us while we were in bed.  I sleep with earplugs, so I was ready to jump through the roof with such a reception!  The boys all loved getting bows and arrows this year, and I LOVED Scott’s reaction to getting his “Bop It Smash.”  This has been his coveted toy for the last year and his reaction was priceless!  I love the reactions we get!  Gavin was thrilled to get a Nintendo 3DS and Jared as shocked to get a Kindle Fire (computer tablet with parental controls).  I also loved watching my honey’s reaction when he opened his gifts.  I bought him these funny looking headphones he’s been saying he would really like for work that are bluetooth.  I affectionately call them his “Princess Leah” headphones….he claims that they are soundproof.  I joke at how hot he looks with them on! ;)

After presents and breakfast, we spent the afternoon just hanging out and checking out all the new gear.  My favorite thing I got was a new robe; it’s so soft and warm!  Love it on snowy nights!  Late that day we went over to my parents’ house.  Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse with Kenna’s family and their health.  Now Melissa was coughing, Shawn had a big headache and was feeling horrible and Derek was now running a fever!  Such bad timing!  So, with Kelly being pregnant, me being a bit of a germaphobe, and Gee having heart problems, Kenna and her family celebrated Christmas on their own at their house and the rest of us  celebrated at Mom and Dad’s.  It was still a nice night.  We had a big dinner and after than played a charades game and opened presents.  So sad to see Christmas go! 

Christmas Eve 2012

This year we were able to spend with my side of the family.  As per tradition, we went out……this year, it was to Los Hermanos.Unfortunately we’ve had some of the family down with a bug that gives you a high fever, sore throat and a cough.  Kenna’s family was hit with it, so we were able to see the WHOLE family briefly at dinner.  Melissa was the one who was down this year on Christmas Eve, so she was able to come to Los Hermanos, but Brad took her home for the rest of the evening’s festivities (which were being held at my Mom and Dad’s house).  Gee is still really fragile from her heart procedure, so everyone is being extra cautious. 

When we got back to my parents’ house, we had all the kids dress up to reenact the Nativity story.  Kelly has a wide variety wardrobe that spans everything from shepherd to angel that she shares with us.  I laughed so hard at the livestock the shepherd boys had (Lincoln and Scott……I think Scott’s was a dog hand puppet)! This picture I have of Jared and Mason, I love!  Jared was a wiseman and Mason was another shepherd.  I love that in every picture I take of the boys, when I tell them to say, “cheese,” Mason puts both his hands up and reaches for me and yells, “cheese.”  You can see his little arm protruding out of his robe, with his pose.  My mom has this cute little 20 minute script she uses each Christmas Eve, where we take turns reading parts of the story and then sing songs in between, while the kids walk out in full garb, pretending to be at the birth of the Savior.  After we were able to do that, we made homemade donuts for everyone to snack on while the kids decorated a cookie for Santa.  It was a fun night and we left with the kids on a total sugar high!  They were so anxious to get home to get ready for Santa to come!  It was very cute :)  ( See other post on their letters for Santa )

 

Scrounging for Snow

As I’ve mentioned, we haven’t had the best snow season this year…..or any year recently, I might mention.  I keep wondering whatever happened to Utah’s “Greatest Snow On Earth!?”  The kids had to scrounge for snow to build a snowman, but they came up with one that had personality!  I think it was a skater……oh, and Gavin and Hadley nextdoor built a snow chair recliner too!

Anticipation

I have cute kids…..have I mentioned that?  It’s Christmas Eve, Michael and I are sitting in front of the TV waiting for time to go by until Santa comes!  The boys are so sweet.  They got put into bed and then came running up to hurry and put out letters for Santa.  Of course, Jared and Gavin made a nice spread for him; the letters are all perched nicely around the plate of cookies and milk. 

This first letter I’m posting is from Scott.  I believe it says his name and  “Bop it Smash and Wii U.”  Jared did a little summary for him at the bottom, specifying these are the couple of things Scott would like to ask for.

 

This next picture is of Gavin’s list.  This boy makes me laugh.  Of course there is a rather detailed, somewhat demanding list of things he’s been dreaming of.  A few of them;  a new marble set, an archery set, a set of dominos.  We’ll see if Santa can deliver!

 

 

 

 

Jared’s letter was pretty sweet; it’s refreshing to see a kid that’s grateful and that he’s only asking for one thing……even if it is expen$ive!

Trolley Time

Just like every other year, we went to see the lights over at Thanksgiving Point again as a family…..my side.  It was fun!  Last year Michael was traveling for work so I was glad he could be around this time to be with all of us!  At first Mason sat by me, but by the end of the ride, he made his way across the aisle to sit by his cousin Levi (Kelly & Kirt’s youngest……out of the womb) :)  Mason has a love/hate relationship with Levi.  Let’s just say neither of them are the best at sharing.  Anyway, they were pretty cute with their little Santa hats on and their baby heads bobbing by the window as they peered out to take in the lights.  Of course, the Christmas Caroling took off too and we had  a fun time getting in the Christmas Spirit. 

When we got off the trolley, of course the first thing Jared wanted to do was run to the ice sculptures and check them out.  It’s amazing the talent some people have.  After that Mason was over checking out the reindeer……and so were all the other boys!  Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snuggle Babies

slow down mommy, there is no need to rush,
slow down mommy, what is all the fuss?
slow down mommy, make yourself a cup tea.
Slow down mommy, come and spend some time with me.
slow down mommy, lets put our boots on and go out for a walk,
lets kick at piles of leaves, and smile and laugh and talk.
slow down mommy, you look ever so tired,
come sit and snuggle under the duvet and rest with me a while.
slow down mommy, those dirt dishes can wait,
slow down mommy, lets have some fun, lets bake a cake!
slow down mommy I know you work a lot,
but sometimes mommy, its nice when you just stop.
sit with us a minute,
& listen to our day,
spend a cherished moment,
because our childhood is not here to stay!

-R.Knight 2011

Guilty.  This is something I fight with myself constantly and time is running out.  I look at these boys and melt.  Time is going by too quickly.

Class Christmas Parties

Fortunately for me, Gavin’s teacher is very organized and because of this, she holds “homework parties” instead of holiday parties.  These homework parties are monthly and can be themed after whatever holiday happens to fall that month, but its entirely up to the two moms who sign up for that month.  That being said, he had his Christmas party last week and was a little bummed his didn’t fall on the last day of school, like his brothers.  Because I’m room mom for all 3 boys in school, I was relieved not to have to run a third party!  I had to organize Scott’s which was from 11 – 12 and then Jared’s from 1 – 2!  They were both a success.  The entire school does a little sing along in the multi purpose room where all the kids perform for each other a holiday collection of songs.  Once that was over, the party began in Scott’s class.  We made Christmas ornaments out of popsicle sticks and let the kids decorate them.  The day before, I went to the school to take pictures of the kids in their Santa hats, that we could print up and cut up to fit in the little frame the kids made.  Last,  we put a string on back to hang it for an ornament on the Christmas tree.  That took up a little over half an hour and then we did a “hot chocolate bar.”  We made up hot chocolate with marshmallows and passed out candy canes to stir with, and a mom brought in cookies.  They had a great time and got all sugared up and then we sent them home! 

I ran Scott home after his party ended, and then returned for round 2!  For Jared’s party, we started out with two different games and split the class in two to break up for them.  After 15 minutes we had the kids trade games.  At one of the stations they played a “Boggle” type word game and at the other she split it into two games; one where you guess the clue on your forehead asking friends yes or no questions (kind of a variation of what I’ve known as “Polish Poker.”)  The second game she did at that station was one where the kids put paper plates on their heads and she described a detailed Christmas scene they were supposed to draw on top without looking.  It was funny to watch and the kids really liked it!    After half an hour we also did a “hot chocolate bar” in their class.  The kids had a few more toppings to choose from (including whipped cream) and had a cookie as well.  Then some little girl passed out doughnuts she had brought in class to share with her classmates.  These kids were WAY sugared up!  After we dished out the treats we played a fun music guessing game for the last half hour.  It’s the one where you draw out a word and the room gets split in half and the kids go back and forth coming up with tunes that have that word in it.  It was fun to watch and….I helped play a few rounds too!  It was fun and totally interactive.  At first the kids were a little shy about singing, but after a few minutes they got warmed up and it was a fun time!

A Game We Play

This is an entry about my little Scott.  Every year since  I married Michael, my grandma Gee has bought us a special ornament to go on the Christmas tree.  There is one of a nativity scene that has doors on hinges that open and close to reveal the scene.  Every day Scott goes and closes those doors and EVERY DAY I re-open them.   I don’t say anything to him, I just fix it and next thing I know……they’re closed again.  He’s so cute.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

I have a certain obsession with Pinterest.  I keep this blog for my boys so that one day they can read about their day to day activities, so who knows, my sons, when you read this one day, if Pinterest will still even exist…..probably a way different version than I know :)  Pinterest for us now, is a website where you have virtual bulleting boards you can “pin” or bookmark your favorite websites, so you can return to them later and read about something that interests you.  Well, after that long explanation……I found a pin that had a bunch of ideas for homemade ornaments on it and we attempted this one!  I think it was a success!  The boys seemed to like it……I think!  They turned out pretty cute.