Merry Christmas

Paul's Birthday

I should have actually called this post Pioneer Day, because Paul worked all day, came home for dinner, and went back out and worked all evening. I am sure that this Birthday didn't make the all time greatest birthday list. Oh well, I did make he the most delicious cake. It is making me drool just thinking about it. We (meaning everyone except Paul) went to the Monroe Pioneer Day Parade and came home with a very full grocery sack full of candy, which will last us for five plus years (is candy part of food storage?). Then we went to the booths at the park, the boys all had a horse ride, and then we played the win yourself a frog game, and we came home with two very small frogs. Something I thought I would never do, allow pets. The frogs aren't so bad, but we have a toad now too. I think the toad smells, he might have to go. After a delicious birthday dinner and cake Paul went to work and we went to the country music concert that was before the fireworks. We had a great time! I hope Paul has a better birthday next year.

We took a picture of that car, just for Grandpa Washburn (It says "Dedicated to Grandpa Washburn").

Paul and Emily Go Backpacking

Isn't it wonderful to get away with your spouse for a few days! This was a great trip, Paul's parent's watched the boys while we went for a two day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevadas. I believe it was Pyramid Peak that we climbed which is the highest peak in the Desolation Wilderness, for any of you that know what that means. It was a gorgeous hike, and we had a lot of talking time, and some relaxing time. It was wonderful, and on the way home we filled our hungry bellies with burgers, fries, and strawberry milk shakes from In N Out Burger.

Paul's Lost Coast Trip

Paul and his cousins Ryan and Jonathan had another one of their great adventures. This year they went to the Lost Cost in California. They backpacked a total of fifty miles in 5 days. They had an awesome time, nobody went hungry, and though they saw some wildlife they weren't threatened by any other than Paul being sprayed by a skunk. That happens to him once in a while.

Ragnar

I have been running regularly since I had Will. I have run some 1/2 marathons, 5Ks, and 10Ks, but never a relay race. Running the Ragnar Wasatch Back was more fun than I have ever had running a race. It was challenging, exhausting, and you were in a van full of stinky women, but what could be better. They came by to cheer me on or bring me some gum while I was running, and it was great, cheering your friends on during their race. I ran a total of 18 miles. Our team of 12 ran a total of 188 miles between Logan and Park City, UT. Our teams name was Makin' Bacon. We were all pigs.

First Grade Talent Show

Will played the drums for his talent. He was awesome. I love watching my kids do cool things. I can't help but gush with pride. He even has his tongue sticking out, Paul does that when he plays guitar. It must be genetic.

Will Lost His First Teeth

It is the very end of first grade and Will has be coveting other children and their spacious mouths due to missing teeth. He had two slightly loose teeth when he went to school in the morning, and when he got home they were hanging by a thread. I can just see him in class trying to write with one hand while furiously wiggling his teeth with the other. Sadly, for him, he still had no missing teeth when he got home.

We finally suggested he get a napkin and just yank on them. He went into the kitchen and came back victorious. Now he would see if the tooth fairy would really come. Well after Paul and I had a discussion over the proper tooth fairy guidelines, he went to seep with his little teeth in a zip loc baggie under the pillow.