Opera -- why we LOVE the opera

We had the opportunity to go to the Special Needs Access concert again this year. The kids recognized it and we're so excited. I snapped a few pics before the very nice ushers came over and reminded me that it was against policy to take pictures in the theater -- whoops. They were so very nice about it -- which was probably good because it was rampant!!

The kids are mesmerized by the incredible theater. And apparently we're one of the first audiences after a major renovation -- really beautiful. 

Cole starting laughing at all of the kids and instruments warming up ---- 

and then neither he or I could stop …. 

HILARIOUS!!

One of the renovated fixtures -- it was so sparkly in the main lobby. 

Caught Cole's attention. 

And then we get to see the toothless grin … starting to lose teeth now. He's getting so big!

Hey -- It's Happy Catch Up Day (week, month, you get the idea)

Ok -- We're so pathetically behind in posts, but I guess that's what raising 3 small children will do to you. Besides school and the assortment of extra circular activities including dance, soccer, t-ball, swimming, music camps, camping, summer camp, we're just about worn out. And that doesn't include all of the homework and practices when school is in!!

But we wanted to include a few (dozen) pics since we're so busy especially this summer so you'll have a chance to catch up even if we can't always catch up in person.

They don't need a holiday like Valentine's Day to enjoy CANDY, but it helps!

We'll post more over the next few days, but it's time to put everyone to bed!

A Night Out On The Town

[Had a hard drive go out, so we're a little behind in getting the pics up on the blog & it's been a crazy busy summer so far]


We had an opportunity to attend a special event at the opera hosted for children with special needs and their families. It was held at the Capitol Theater and it was a mix of operas, ballet, some famous symphonies -- some (or all) of which the audience could sing along to or just hoot out with glee.

It was a HUGE hit for all.


Cole loves anything musical so he was enthralled the whole time and had a big smile on his face all night, especially when the orchestra would play something extra loud or when the whole audience was singing and clapping.

And Brooklyn and Jace couldn't get enough. They were on the edge of their seats and pointing to the stage and looking back to us. We got pretty good seats -- middle section, about 20 rows back but I think they really would have loved to be on the first row. Of course, I think they would have ended up in the orchestra pit so it was probably just as well.


They mingled with all of the kids and families at the event, including intermission where they were serving cookies in the foyer. This is one of the few activities we participate in where they are glued to what is going on on the stage and can't take their eyes off of it.


And lest you think we're getting too sophisticated, here is a shot of what we were working on before the lights went completely down!

Unfortunately, we forgot our camera so the cell phone pictures are a little grainy -- but we can't wait until next year.

Here Comes Peter Cottontale...

Easter was a big hit!

We colored eggs on Saturday in preparation.

It was a great exercise because it also allowed us to practice learning our colors and counting. The only problem was waiting for the eggs to turn colors fast enough,

But the good news is the waiting allowed us time to practice our counting skills!!

that and the desire to drop the eggs from nearly 7 inches above the colored water -- thank goodness for vinyl tablecloths and oversized t-shirts.

Then Easter Sunday we got up early before church so we could check out the goods. And because everyone was especially good, baskets, eggs, and candy filled the house - well it felt like that.

Everyone found their baskets first and then focused on the eggs

Brooklyn was especially adept at finding the eggs! (She still talk about it today)

Cole had a great time listening to the clatter and squealing, mostly coming from his sister (especially with his basket tucked close at hand)!

Jace quickly caught on and followed behind her to pick up her left overs and misses.


After church, still clean and in our Sunday attire, we took a few shots with the kids together on the couch -- very adorable and very funny, well they think they are.

Apparently the bunny glasses were a big hit, at least by the child who wasn't wearing them - this picture of Jace cracks us up!!

Then we headed over to Grandpa Keith's and Grandma Jacquie's for Easter dinner and talk that the Easter Bunny had left the big stash at their house.

Cole showing Brooklyn how it's done.

Within no time, she's scoring eggs at Grandma's and Grandpa's house.

Egg in hand, but looking ahead for more hidden treats.

Sister sharing her eggs -- nice!

With Cole in dad's arms, he can spot the ones up higher the others can't find. 

All worn out and sleeping off the day -- lucky kid

Chicken Watch 2012 - 1

Well we did it ... we are official chicken farmers, well chicken owners. Let's see how successful they and we are before we go the big distance and declare ourselves chicken 'farmers'.

Teri had wanted chickens for the last few years ... don't know why. And we went to our local Intermountain Farmers Association store for fertilizer the same weekend a HUGE amount of baby chicks (and ducks, and geese, and bunnies) came in. SOOO cute little balls of downy feathers.

Our original plan was -- 'let's try one', however as we discovered chickens are 'flock' animals and IFA frowned at selling us just one -- min was 3, preferable was 5 -- good racket! And it worked, we split the difference and picked up four. Two are called Buff Orpington's. i've included a link to a site to give you an idea of what they will look like fully grown. They are large, winter hardy, mild-mannered, kid-friendly (a pre-requisite), and prolific egg-layers (6-7 a week, per bird). Ours are a golden or buff colored, although the breed comes in a variety of colors. But they are great looking birds with big fluffy backends and so much fluff and feathers around their legs it looks like they are wearing petty coats (look it up -- you youngins') The other two are called Speckled Sussex (nice alliteration). Also large, winter hardy, cordial and curious, kid-friendly, and good layers (5-6 a week, per bird). Here's a link to how they'll eventually turn out.



Everything we've read, and we can't stop reading about them, says to hold them a lot so they are used to people and contact. It's no problem -- they are really great, curious, and generally good natured. The kids can't get enough of them -- holding them, petting them, squeezing them (gently).



Of course, we completely broke the cardinal rule of chicken keeping (as reminded by our friends -- build the coop first, THEN get the chickens. So our laundry room has become our temporary chicken nursery. We've set up a heat lamp to try and get them accustomed to the cooler temps (eventually) and they're eating and drinking everything in sight, which of course leads to having to clean out the plastic tote daily to reduce the smell. But the tote is clean and keeps the dust at a minimim. And provides hours of entertainment for the dogs (especially Ellie) who can't get enough of them.

Shawn and Uncle Brendan are working on the coop based on plans we've seen on assorted sites. I've copied in the link to one which is close to the one they're building -- its' called the Wichita (check it out at your own risk ... you may elect to jump in and get your own chickens). Some are quite amazing and clearly these people have more time than we do. But they are fascinating to look at. More pictures to come as the chickens and the coop gets a little bigger.

Stay tuned.

Valentines, Valentines, and More Valentines

The kids were absolutely thrilled getting cards (they love getting mail and showing each other their cards) from Grandpa Steve & Grandma Rosy along with their Grandma Jacquie and Grandpa Keith.








It was a big hit -- even though Brooklyn can't seem to keep her eyes open!!!