New Year's Eve in Midway

The last three years we have been staying up in Midway over New Year's. This year was especially cold, but beautiful on New Year's Day. (Check out that crispy blue sky!) It's become a really fun tradition which always includes breakfast at "Chicks Diner" on New Year's morning, and "hot tubbing/snow diving" on New Year's Eve. This latter activity entails sitting in the hot tub and then running out in the snow and diving in head first, or making a snow angel or running about 50 yards across the meadow and back all in one's swimming suit! It's so much fun and all of the kids did it this year except Boss. Bruce had taken Tal, Max and Olivia skiing in 2 degree weather before we went up there, so they were especially grateful for the hot tub. After everyone had done their snow run, they were just hanging out in the the tub and Tal said something really funny. Bruce was jokingly posing in his fun way and asked if he looked chubby. Tal said: "No, but you are sporting a nice belly button goatee." It took us a minute to get it and then we laughed our heads off! That patch of hair is now referred to as the BBG. (Let me know if anyone needs an explanation :))

And we thought only the little ones said hilarious things...

Surgery

So tomorrow is the big day for Ava Rose when she's having surgery on her thumb. The children have been so sweet about it and wish she wouldn't have to have it. Talmage and Bruce are fasting for her. I know she is going to be fine--the surgery should only last about 30 minutes. The thought of anesthesia on a 2 month old is a little unnerving though. I remember when Olivia was 11 months old and needed tubes in her ears. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do--hand my baby over to the nurse and helplessly watch as she was taken through those ominous doors. Bruce and I were very impressed with her surgeon, Dr. Leonard. He seems like a great person with decades of experience. We feel blessed that we caught him before he retires next year. Above all, we feel blessed that it is something so minor and easily corrected. We'll keep you in our prayers Ava Rose!

The Inevitable

Yesterday the inevitable happened. We have been fortunate to never have had a vomiting episode outside of the home. Well, yesterday was our day! We were in the back of the gym for Stake Conference and sweet little Boston was sitting on my lap. He told me his tummy 'didn't feel right' and about one minute later it was all over me, him and the floor. I tried to catch it in my skirt. When that happens you are not sure what to do for a second. You really see people's true colors come out. Bruce jumped into action and took Boss out and I headed for paper towels. A sweet lady in front of us didn't miss a beat and was down on her hands and knees cleaning it up, along with Olivia.
On the other hand, a man in the hall was watching us and when he saw my skirt and realized what happened, he started backing away with a mortified look on his face! Can't really blame him.
I am so grateful for the mystery lady who helped out and other good people like her. I hope I would be as charitable in such a situation! She was a great example. There is a lot of good in the world.
Boston is back to himself today--thankfully.
Life would sure being boring without our little gaggle!

Ava Rose

Ava Rose joined our family on November 18, 2010. She is so adored that we have had to set timers and have 'holding rotations' so all of her brothers and especially her sister can get enough of her! How great to be so loved by so many! And be loved by her. I have a quote hanging over her rocking chair:
"How beautiful a thing
when those who are so fresh from God
love us." Charles Dickens
After a stormy 2010, she has been our healing rain. I am so grateful. We love you Rosie!
These are some pictures of her at 5 days. (thanks Katie) More to come, you can be sure.

New Year's Resolution

I've thought about doing this for a long time now. I figured the new year is as good a time as any to get started. I am excited to have a place to note the funny, happy, challenging, uplifting, struggling etc. etc. times we experience as a family. I hope to have this for a very long time, to look back on it with Bruce and my children and remember together.
Happy New Year!