Kids say (and do) the darndest things

Apparently one of my catch phrases I saw all the time to my kids is "Chew, chew, chew" when they are eating. Case in point:

I was drinking some water in preparation for taking some Tylenol.
Jeffrey, "Taste good?"
I nodded and took the pill.
Jeffrey, "Chew, chew, chew"

2/16/18
Rod put on jeans over the top of his red onsie pajamas when I told him to get dressed.
Me: "Why are you wearing that?"
Rod: "Cause I wanted to look cool."
Me, "You definitely do not look cool."
Rod with an exasperated tone: "It's cause I need to put my jacket on. I'll look cool once i have my jacket on."

3/15/18
From Rod's preschool teacher today:
"Funny story-- conversation between Claire and Rod during snack time.
Claire: Do you know Bon Jovi?
Rod: Bon Jovi??
Claire: Yeah, he has long hair, but now he got a hair cut I think and he is older than my grandma.
Rod: No, but have you heard about Nacho Libre? He wears stretchy pants."

3/30/18
Rod just came downstairs shirtless, got the resistance band, did a few over-head shoulder presses, put down the band, flexed his muscles, kissed both his biceps and then walked off.
I text Steve and told him
Steve: Nice. That's your son.
Me: Ah no, that's totally YOU.
Steve: Ok, that's true.

7/19/18
Jeffrey, "Come on let's go neighbor." "I'm playing with my ball neighbor."
Jeffrey is putting all the shoes in the shoe basket and he missed the basket, "Oops. *singing* Keep trying you'll get better."
I think he's been watching too much Daniel Tiger.

4/11/18
Rod: "What do you get when you put 6 whales, a fish and a lion together? A shark! That's a joke. A REAL joke."

Jessica and Chase's Wedding

Mr and Mrs Chase and Jessica Peterson. They tied the knot on 8/18/18

Amber was a saint and organized, packed up and delivered all her wedding decor stuff to us in Pine Valley while we were there for the family reunion. I met with Jessica and Chase and some family and friends the night before to decorate. None of us knew what we were doing. But I had a vague idea about how to put it all together and a few of the guys had a 'take charge and get it done' attitude, so all 10-ish of us working together we got everything put up in about 6-ish hours and I thought it turned out really pretty.

It was a beautiful day the next morning and it was really fun seeing family and catching up before and after the wedding ceremony.

4 generations with Steve's dad and Grandparents.

Dancing at the reception.

Everyone (but the bride and groom) came over for Sunday dinner the next day and we had a blast doing Just Dance afterwards.

Chase is a really great guy that has easily transitioned into a member of the Oliver family. We're happy to have to him and so happy for Jessica. 

Grandma Atkinson's Burial

Dad and Amy met Warren in Preston, NV to bury Grandma Atkinson's remains. It's the same cemetery her parents and several of our other ancestors are buried in. They shared a few thoughts, Amy sang a song and then they dedicated the grave.

Girls Night Out

Several Months before the event my friend Georgie invited me to a "Mominator" party. I had no idea what that meant. But I'm always up for a girls night. So I said yes, and I'm so glad I did. Life is a lot more fun when you say yes. It turns out it was the wife of Alex Boye who hosted a girls night out for about 200 woman in Salt Lake.

Tacos, laughter, dancing until your makeup melts off- all good for the soul.

(Pic Below) Left to Right: Lavern Soelberg, Me, Molly Miller, Georgie Johnson

Summer 2018

Swimming lessons- both boys passed their levels.

Growing up we had a box of books with narrations you could listen to on cassette tape. Amber gave them to me and our boys loved them. Unfortunately our extremely old cassette player gave up the ghost after a few books, we'll have to get another.

He's been refusing to take naps sometimes- which sometimes results in him falling asleep other places.

Pajama party at the park to try and beat the heat.

We got to meet Minnie and Mickey at a library event at the park. Jeffrey was enraptured and could barely take his eyes off them.

Western Heritage Parade.

Spanish Fork Public Safety put on a night for families to come eat dinner, see all the vehicles and meet the workers. Boys loved it- especially Rod who still wants to be a policeman when he grows up.

Rod reading in the "Fort" he made.

"Mom take our picture"

Went with dad to IFA.

Dad and Amy are heading to China for a year to teach English through a BYU program. We went down To St George to attend their "farewell". We'll miss them but are so excited for their adventure!

Oliver Family Reunion

Oliver Family Reunion 2018

We went up to Pine Valley and stayed at the Wastlund Cabin. It was beautiful and fun. Unfortunately the AC unit went out when we got there and it was going to be a week before they could replace it so it was very, very warm in the cabin. Other than that, it was perfect.

A lot of cousin time.

Beautiful nature walk.

Games at the Historic Pine Valley church for Pioneer Day. Jess and I even did the 3-legged race as two pregos.

Uncle Jarom made a giant bubble wand.

Girls break to go get ice cream.

Robin got us all fun socks. 

Kayaking and Canoeing.

I love family reunions. Such a special time spent with loved ones, building relationships and bonds to last us until the next time we're together.