A post of bragging

This little girl is quite the mimic.  She pays attention to everything and constantly repeats the things she hears from us, the TV, or from her friends.  Recently I witnessed her on her little blackberry.  She was playing with Ella and she pushed the screen and told her, very matter of factly, "It says, go north at the trees, through the cave, and in to where the wilderness starts."  Thank you Dora for that, but also Brian and I constantly looking things up on our phones. 

Her inflections are hilarious.  The other day she expressively told me, (insert dramatic valley girl voice) "This is kinda weird.  I have a story to tell you and it's soooo crazy.  The other day, I was watching a show at grandma's house, and one of the characters looked just like Mitchells mom!" (insert tiny squeal).  I laughed to which she responded, "I'm not lying or kidding, this is serious."  She is so passionate and intense.  She always has been.

While driving home, Bush was on the radio and he was singing, "this cloud, this cloud, this cloud, this cloud."  Xiana told me, "mom, can you turn this song off because this sound is annoying!" 

We watched Soul Surfer and Xiana was so excited at the end exclaiming, "she's surf boarding!"  she was very happy that she had made it up again. 

One morning I overheard her tell grandpa, "I'm in the right family, you know why?  my back hurts and so does my mommy's and my daddy's."

Another time I heard her tell grandpa, "lots of people jump the gun, but we don't.  Do you know what jumping the gun means?  It means doing it too soon."  We had recently had a conversation about that particular phrase.  Initially she called it, "shooting the gun."

Her little brother sits up all by himself.  The other day Xiana came in and kissed him on the head saying, "I just kissed-ed Kolton's sweet little head."  Another day she told me, "my grandma is going to get this stuff that's the same color as her hair and she's gonna dilate her hair!"  She couldn't be persuaded that the word she was looking for was dye.  She continues to memorize songs like crazy particularly Taylor Swift, Lady Ga Ga, and Adele.  She has an amazing ability.

Here is Kolton enjoying the show, sitting up all by himself thinking he's pretty big.

Brian often resorts to the sink for a Sunday bath... Kolton loves it!

He is getting really good at holding his own bottle, which helps save me time, but my mom loves to feed him because he cuddles.  She does not embrace his independence the way we do around here.  He generally requires a little cat nap in the evenings, just enough to take the edge off.  The other night he was crawling around while each of us were otherwise occupied.  We looked up to find he had put himself to bed... right on the floor.  I couldn't resist the shot.

I recognize that these pictures are ultimately the same, but I just couldn't bear the thought of not having both of them in our blog book.  He looks like such a big boy.  I just want to eat his little

cheeks for dinner! 

Xiana plays and plays with Kolton, constantly trying to make him laugh and help out with feeding/entertaining/changing/holding/bragging about him.

bath time is much more pleasant now that he can sit up alone.  He loves to splash and play.  What used to be the dreaded hour is now one of his favorite parts of the day.  I love his amused expression; like he knows what we don't and finds it entertaining.  These kids rock!

Santy Clause

My niece, Ella, is in a singing/ dancing group this year. They performed at Legends, and we decided to brave the cold and show our support. We couldn't help but comment on how much Xiana would love to be a part of a group like that, she's such a ham. I asked her if she would like to join that group and she said, "yeah, we better ask to see how old I have to be." Clever girl.

Kolton was cuddling Brian to keep warm when Santa Clause approached us asking if we had taken a picture with him. We had not. So, we did. Xiana was thrilled to be held by Santa and told him that he would be joining her ward, but only her ward, for breakfast. It was very sweet. Kolton looks so cute in my various hats.  This one makes me think of Oliver!  My little orphan.  

Fancy a show?

These darling, fancy girls, motivated by none other than Fancy Nancy, put on several fashion shows and a tutorial on being fancy.  The fashion shows were hilarious.  They made tickets for each of us, Kolton include, then they gave us fake money and Ekco stood at the door to let us in to the show.  Once there, Ekco had arranged a series of outfits and music that accompanied and reinforced the outfit.  For example, this outfit with wings was performed to a song about flying.  It was very clever.  Ekco was the MC, and she thought of everything.  Xiana posed, posed, posed, and posed.

Another really darling thing was that Ekco couldn't figure out how to make her ipod play through her karaoke speakers, so she held the ear piece to the microphone.  It was pretty cute.

Later that weekend they gave us tickets to their instructional presentation on being fancy.  Like the book, they had arranged various shoes, clothes, dolls, and accessories dubbing them either "fancy" or "plain."  It was funny.  Then they went through each member of the audience determining if we were fancy.  It turns out none of us were, however, I argued that my sparkling personality had to count for something!They played fashion show all weekend long.  I'm glad they can entertain themselves!

Kolton enjoyed the shows as well.  He loves to feel like he's part of things.  He sat on Xiana's bed in between Brian and I and acted like he was a big boy at a real show.  The girls complained that their audience wasn't very supportive because we were arguing with their depiction of "fancy," but they had a great time as well!  It was a fun, stay at home kind of a weekend.  

Sunday best

This stylish little boy is just about the cutest thing to ever see a 2 piece suit.  He is darling.  I love how big he looks in his little suits.  At six months he sits up all by himself and can even get himself to a sitting position from his tummy.  He crawls moderately, but he army crawls like nobody's business.  He is fast.  He can crawl on knees as well, but he's so much faster in his army crawl with his right elbow forward that he generally reverts to it.  He continues to LOVE his jumper and bounces like a maniac every day.  He is finally taking his naps in his crib.  No more swing for this little guy.  He continues to sleep through the night in his own bedroom, but he regularly wakes at 6:00 am which I'm not thrilled with.  Still, he is so easy to put to bed at night that you can hardly fault him. 

He still isn't the most cuddly baby ever, but he has taken to

giving quick and loving kisses and snuggles.  They're enough to make anyone melt.  He's a little more challenging for mom with his new mobility.  When I go pick up the kids she says, "he was everywhere today."  Indeed he is.  It's nice, though, because he's such an independent little guy that I'm grateful he can get around.  We throw various toys all over the living room floor to slow his efforts.  The one problem with his new found freedom so far is that he loves to pull the cords out from the carpet lining.  When I yell at him, he laughs.  He's always thought it hilarious when mommy yells at Xiana.  Apparently we are going to have to try a new tactic.  He used to eat baby food so nicely that I stocked up.  Just in time for him to decide he is beyond baby food.  He will only eat real food these days.  He especially loves cheesecake!  Hopefully there will be an eventual resurgence in his baby food eating desires.  Otherwise someone will be the lucky recipient of a lot of baby food.  He's getting more and more coordinated with his little fingers feeding himself.  I've discovered one thing he loves is to hold his own spoon.  Much of the food makes it onto his face, but he's content to play with the utensil so I let him.  He continues to be daddy's buddy.  He lights up when Brian gets home from work.  He also continues to be a squirm worm.  He bounces incessantly.  He never stops moving.  He is a wonderful, perfect, joyful, serious, baby.  He makes the earth stop.  We love him so!

 

And don't even get me started on this little girl.  She continues to be remarkable in all ways.  She is extraordinarily intelligent, gifted, beautiful, and spiritual.  She has now graduated to bearing her testimony solo (which is great for me because I no longer have to go up every single month, but I don't feel like I'm depriving her).  Last month she marched herself up to the stand, cutting off two people in front of her, went to the podium and said, "I like to bear my testimony, I know this church is true.  I love my family.  And I know that everything's gonna be great."  She then turned and shook hands withe the bishopric.  She is so incredibly confident and able.

She has memorized the first 3 articles of faith.  I think we're going to work on all 12 this year.  Her ability to memorize is astonishing.  I scarcely have to work with her at all in order for her to commit the verses to memory. 

For young women the other night, we watched the movie, Emma.  Xiana was telling us that Emma was Joseph Smith's wife and that he was the first prophet of the church.  It seemed she had a pretty solid handle on him so it shocked me when, at the end of the movie when Joseph was killed, she sobbed and sobbed and sobbed.  She was heart broken.  I kept asking her if she thought he was still alive.  She was broken hearted.  I explained to her that this was a long time ago and that even if he hadn't been killed he would certainly be dead by now, but she was inconsolable.  Finally, I explained that he lives again, like Jesus, and that we will get to see him again some day if we make good choices.  She is such a tender, affectionate little girl.  Sometimes I don't realize that she is still a four-year-old.  Her presence is so mature.  She is so sweet to feel the spirit and be excited to express her knowledge to the world.  She tells me all the time the teachings of the scriptures.  She loves primary and knows all the songs.  She is passionate about her lessons and takes class very seriously.  She is, like her brother, a joy to our family.  We love her.

 

I don't have a picture of Ekco for this post because we didn't have her this weekend, but I wanted to write about her as well.  She has grown into a young woman in the last year.  She is no longer a child.  It's remarkable to see her growth.  She, like Xiana, has such an ability to remember songs, scriptures, and stories.  She wants to write and illustrate her own fantasy book, and I think it will be exceptional.  She is thriving in school, but more importantly, her spirit continues to be nourished and filled.  When we read scriptures at night, she comprehends everything.  Parts that are challenging for adults are not lost on her.  Her prayers are so involved and articulate.  She is such a help with Xiana and Kolton.  She and Xiana disappear for hours playing imaginative and intelligent games.  She is also learning to cook and is a great help to me at dinner time.  She regularly comes in the kitchen and asks if she can help.  What a wonderful blessing she is.  We love her.

New toy

So Dad got a new toy...much to the dismay of my mom, but it is a great new toy! One which we will use as many times as we possibly can. We love dad's new toy!

We took dad's new toy out to the moon rocks behind our house.  Despite wind chill and blistering cold, we enjoyed ourselves immensely.  We took turns riding the ATV, but Brian was in charge of loading and un-loading.  Those not riding the toy still had fun climbing, talking, and enjoying the beautiful wonderful, great outdoors.  Xiana is much braver than her coordination should allow.  More than once she had to be told not so fast, or not so high.  She's fearless this little girl, completely and utterly fearless.

My mom wanted nothing to do with the four-wheeler.  She insisted that she was there to watch and only watch.  We tried everything to get her on the four wheels.  She was adamant that she had more fun from the sidelines.  I did not believe her.  She kept saying she needed practice first.  Finally, I insisted that she ride with me and promised I would not do anything scary.  She finally agreed (or was forced).  I took her on a very calm, very straight ride.  The whole time I kept asking, "see, isn't this fun?" to which she promptly responded, "no."  Well, at least she went for a short jaunt before deciding it was too scary.  She wondered how she managed to end up with such a group of thrill seekers.  I assured her that she, in fact, did not end up with true thrill seekers as evidenced by the other groups of people at the moon rocks that day. 

Part of her ploy to stay home was insisting that it was too cold for the baby to be out and she needed to stay home with him.  We let her know that he would not be missing this fun outing.  Cold or no, that boy loves the outdoors.  He was made for them.  He loves to be out in the hills, and he thrives on the excitement.

Plus, he had his little snow suit that kept him nice and toasty the entire time. The hood didn't cover his ears the way I'd hoped, but his mommy was kind to share her beanie with him.  While I was taking a ride on the ATV, Brian took the opportunity for a photo shoot.  This is my favorite.

But Brian is partial to this one!  When I got back Kolton had a mouth full of dirt... it's worth it!

Brian might constitute a true thrill seeker....   he loves to drive up rocks and steep hills.

Xiana was so proud of her ability to climb the rocks.  I was grateful that Grandpa was cautiously concerned, holding her hand and going on adventures with her. 

I went for one ride with Brian and discovered that he is much more fun than I am.  No wonder Xiana wanted to ride behind him.  He's crazy! 

Brian was certainly the only one that took the ATV up on the rocks. Of course, he has a lot more experience than the rest of us (never mind about the two serious injuries in incurred on recreational vehicles).

The very best part about being out there was spending time together in the outdoors as a family.  It's wonderful to have opportunities to develop and strengthen family relationships. 

Not to be outdone by Xiana, Brian had to take Kolton up the rocks as well.

And Xiana took a ride where ever she could get it.  She went on more rides than anyone else and wasn't the least bit tired of it.

My most favorite guys in the whole world.  Kolton enjoyed his little jaunt as well.

My climbing, proud girl.  She loves to explore.

It was a wonderful, fun filled outing.  And we made it back in time to get a lot done later in the day too.  I know my mom isn't thrilled with this new toy, but we are!!!!

Grandpa and his girl, smiling, having fun, and feeling the wind in their hair and faces.  This is the life!!!

ing

Jump it up

We went to Pump it up for playgroup this week. I can't say for certain, but we may have contracted the plague there. It didn't show up until several days later, but both kids, Brian, and I were all sick.... for a time. Still, Jumping in bounce houses is the epitome of wonderful. Last year, I got to run and jump and race with the kids. This year, I was WAY TOO BIG! Which brings me to another epitome.... must lose this stinking weight that I can no longer refer to as baby weight because that would be a lie! Anywho, I digress. So, jumping, racing, throwing balls... fun, fun, fun.

Also, trying to grab stars that are actually dyed into the carpet... fun... perhaps slightly frustrating, but

oh so funny! 

 

Then there is the very frustrating thing of not being big enough to jump on the big bouncy things when your passion is for jumping. Poor Kolton didn't get to go on the bright objects. All in good time Kolton, all in good time.

 

Which brings me to a sweet sweet baby whom Xiana thinks belongs to her. She does not, however, and has two possessive sisters to claim her.  Still, Xiana always asks if "my" baby is going to be there.   She loves this little girl. 

and finally, Where would we be without Xiana's favorite little friends? Their mom is the Young Women president and so the three of them wreak havoc on Tuesday nights for mutual.  Such a fun life these little ones.  It doesn't get much better. 

Art

I spent a good portion of the weekend cleaning out Xiana's art corner. There is this challenge in determining what to do with the vast amounts of creations she has. She spends so many hours doing art projects... the mess adds up.  She was a good sport.  I filled an entire garbage bag with her "creations."  I spent some time thinking about art.  What is it?  How do we determine what is invaluable and what is simply trash? I've seen plenty of childlike paintings go for millions....I recognize we could discuss for hours, thousands of hours, the intricate value of art, and what makes it worth something... all art.  So, as I de-cluttered our house a bit, I also delved into the age old question... In the end, I think art is arbitrary, political, contextual, and in the eye of the beholder.  I value many books others do not.  I also do not value many paintings others find moving.  For Xiana, the beauty of art is creating it.... not keeping it.  Perhaps some day.... For now I'm grateful to have the resources available for her.  I think of so many children around the world without the means for artistic expression.  My heart goes out to them.  Xiana spends her days in a world with glue, scissors, markers, paints, papers, bags, pom poms, and a vivid imagination.  For her, and for me, the experience is invaluable!  (and the time I get to have guilt-free towards my own artistic expression... or work... or cleaning the house).

Apple Hill

Apple Hill delivered like usual.  It is a wonderful family tradition.  I love to go there...even if we don't come home with bushels of apples!  The one thing Xiana insisted upon was the flavored honey sticks.  Apparently, they were the most memorable food for her last year.  This was Ekco's first trip and I think she was impressed.  Our first stop was Boa Vista which turned out to be very beneficial to us because we were able to run into everyone at our last stop.  We headed up fairly early because it was the World Series? or some equally important baseball game.  We like to go on Nevada day because all the Californians are still in school and it's not as nutso as Saturdays.  Kids inc. is a favorite stop.  Most people love them for their frozen apple pies.  However, they can't touch mom's homemade pies.  We like to go visit the farm animals... Plus, I'm kind of partial to this orchard because it is so beautiful.  One year we came and there was an enormous pig.  The next year she was gone.  This year, there was a return of the pig.... about half the size. 
Weeeeeee!!! 
I also like Kids inc because it is the orchard with the corn maze.  The girls went through just as a group of teenagers entered.  The teens were trying to scare each other and managed, in the process, to scare the girls... good scare though.  They thought it was fun and mentioned more than once how good they were at mazes.
The pumpkin patch here has nothing on the Andelin's.  Fortunately, we had no need for a pumpkin as we have in past years. 
Isn't it beautiful?  The weather was perfect also.  It didn't feel remotely like the end of October.

Here's the newest Wilbur. It appears as though Kolton looks like a tasty little morsel.  We indulged in apple fritters, caramel apples, pears, apples, and honey.  The extraordinarily ironic thing was that we came home with a box of... pears!!!  I didn't think I'd ever want another box again.  This were crisp, eating pears though.  So there wasn't anymore pear canning in my October.  Then end