Why?!

That seems to be the ONLY question we hear these days. Why would anyone move their family out to Grantsville, UT? I have heard ALL the reasons why NOT... the commute, the water, the schools, the COMMUTE! I just want to reassure all of you AGAIN that a lot of soul searching and prayer went into this life altering decision. Taking the boys away from the city where they have accumulated almost all of their memories, where they have so many amazing friends and family, and where we find ourselves surrounded by constant love and support was not an easy decision to come to.

We prayed, and cried, and searched...


but in the end...


This won out! That is the veiw of our soon-to-be yard. And way back you can see the boys and I standing at the back fence.

Here is a closer shot...kind of... We took the boys out there last week to show them. They jumped out of the car and ran like the wild things that they are. They spent the next very cold few minutes digging at mouse/snake/gopher holes and throwing rocks. I didn't have to say "Don't yell, you will bug the neighbors!" or "Stay out of that yard." They were just free. Considering they have been calling a postage stamp their back yard for the passed 4 years, this was heaven! Already they are making plans for a dog...ummm...I told them dogs require fences so I think we dodged the bullet on that one for a little while...

This is the reservoir near our little plot of weeds.

I realize this is not everyone's ideal place of residence, but it is perfect for us and I am in love!

100!

Today Michael has been a Kindergardener for 100 days. It's a big deal...when you are 6. So there had to be a party to celebrate. All the kids in his class dressed up like they were 100 years old and are at this moment wolfing down cake and playing pin the dentures on Grandpa (or some other geriatric game!) This is our version of old man: Pretty adorable, right? I tried to talk him into some eyeliner wrinkes, but no matter how hard I begged, his answer was, "Grandpa Goostrey doesn't have brown wrinkes." Sorry Dad, to him I guess you are the closest thing to 100! The hair paint didn't go over so well either. Gagging on the fumes he wailed, "I'm dying! I can't breathe!" He changed his mind though, after looking in the mirror.

His brothers were so sad that they didn't get to attend the 100 day party that we had to make a quick trip back to the party supply store so they could join in some of the fun.

Here they all are, ready for the nursing home!

All I want for Christmas...

...is my two front teeth! It finally happened, our first visit from the Tooth Fairy. That darn tooth has been wiggly for a few months now, and finally on Valentine's night, while trying to separate tiny pieces of a transformer (with his mouth) out it popped! As you can tell from his expression, Michael was WAY excited. Sleep did not come quickly as he pondered what treasure the Fairy would bring, and how awsome it would be to show it off in class the next day.

Just 'cause they are cute!

The Little Guys

Last Sunday we had nursury cancelled. So I decided to bring Daniel and John home for the last 15 minutes before I had to be back for our final meetings. Anyway, I figured since I had the boys dressed up I might as well take a few pics of the little guys together.

Snow Day

I just wanted to get a few pics posted from one of our recent outings after Christmas. The boys wanted to get out of the house to ride their new scooters. Apparently the kitchen wasn't big enough. So we set out for the park at the end of the neighborhood. Luckily one side of the park had snow removed on the trail and the boys were able to ride. It didn't last long though as the boys were still not comfortable riding their new toys.


We headed over the bridge to the playground and the boys let the ducks know that they were headed their way.

Here are a few pics from the playground...

OCTOBER

October is one of my favorite months...well, from October 1st until January 31st is my favorite month! There are birthdays and holidays galore and it all ends in the best celebration of all...my anniversary (cheesy, I know)! Fall colors, presents, cakes, sugar cookies, snow, and decorations...it just doesn't get any better!



November is almost over and I haven't posted any of October's excitement, so I decided to give it to you in one big lump...



It started off with Drew's 33rd bday!The boys and I had fun hiding his presents and making him solve clues to find them. He's a good sport.

Here is Michael's card to his dad.

Then came Michael's big day. My kids get pretty excited for birthdays. Michael made his teacher count down the days on the calendar in class everyday for 2 weeks. So he was a little bummed when October 22 came and we all woke up with fevers and sore throats.

We weren't about to let that ruin the day though...

We had birthday breakfast...cinnamon toast...birthday lunch...peanut butter and honey sandwiches... (Michael's taste is very gourmet) and then we headed to the park where we figured we could avoid the public and still party on!

We brought our rakes and made a huge pile of leaves (huge considering that we were all sick).

then took turns jumping in and getting buried.

About an hour into our adventure we were getting cold and tired so we piled into the van and headed home for birthday dinner (which may or may not have been mac and cheese) and then spider cupcakes and ice cream.

6 years with this smart, funny, creative, deeply thoughtful little man...I am blessed!

What would an October post be without Halloween? I know a lot of people won't agree, but THIS is one of my FAVORITE days of the year.

Here is Michael and some of his kindergarden buddies...

There was the most adorable schoolwide parade, but sadly my abilities in photography are somewhat lacking and nothing turned out. But I did get one of him with his teacher.

His class played this toilet paper mummy wrapping game that sounded like a great idea.... but quickly dissolved into a TP fight...

Halloween in Salt Lake REQUIRES a trip to Gardner Village to see the witches.

and pop into the candy shop...

I LIVE for moments like this.

I was too caught up in the moment to get any pics of trick-or-treating, but trust me, it was hilarious and adorable!

Almost all the cousins on the Goostrey side....

Did I mention I LOVE Halloween?!