Hiking

 We decided it was time to introduce Renn to Red Rock.  It was a great day for hiking and being out in the desert.  One of the last warmish days of the year.  

The hikers, Ruby included.  They all think they are mountain goats, Ruby included.

A little social studies lesson included for free.  

See Renn you will grow up to be a great mighty warrior just like your dad who is manly enough to not care that he's wearing you on his chest to save his wife's back.

See kids, this is why they drew those stick goats into the rocks.  I have never witnessed such an impressive herd of big horn sheep in my life.  There were at least 20 and so many rams.  Big rams.  With lots of curly horns. We were so close I might have been a little afraid at one point they would fear Ruby's dumb dog antics and  stage a charge.  

Hike #2

More wild animals in the desert, native species, the kind that go crazy around Christmas and need to be thoroughly exercised.

I want to hike like Renn.

Thanksgiving

For the first time ever, we traveled for Thanksgiving to a land of snow and ice.  Jed's parents, upon return from their African mission, moved to Salt Lake.  The above picture details the amount of clothing that goes into a four day trip for four kiddies.  If you want to see the return pile just imagine twice that, funny how it multiplies so easily.  

Jara is a true Wheeler, sleeping with her ear plugs in.  Did I mention she is really good at being prepared for all contingencies?

Renn's first Thanksgiving meal: sweet potatoes, turkey and a green bean.

The pie table.  I am grateful for pie.  

Jara's snowman, mini sized, maybe we live in the desert.

My little pilgrim and Aunt Loni.  Aunt Loni was kind enough to house us and let us eat up all of her cereal.  The girls only have three out of sixteen cousins on the Wheeler side who are girls.  Loni has two of those girls and they are the same age as my girls, it's perfect!  They play so well together and are fierce allies against the boys. You may be wondering why there are no pictures of the older children, once they are with cousins they are gone and their fun at the trampoline park was only video recorded, hence no pictures.     

Jack's Hobbies

Flag Football

Jack was excited to score touchdowns, PULL SOME FLAGS and have snacks (most importantly).  Thoughts on flag football:  it's freaking freezing at night, their coach should have been paid- dude had the patience of a saint, Jack can run, kinder/1st grade sports are adorable, and they actually accomplished a few well executed plays.  

Skiing

Jack on his second ski trip.  Jed has him hooked, he loves it!

I watch the video of him careening down the hill and my heart stops.  Thankfully he has been safe, warm and well taught.  

Jara's 9th Birthday

Every other year is a friend party, Jara's turn was due.  Parties have a formula around here because clearly I do not know the definition of party.  We play three games, have food/cake, presents, and done.  Out of all the parties I have ever done this just may have been my favorite.  Jara chose a Halloween theme and because her birthday was on a Sunday we went ahead and did the party on Halloween.  

Mummy races

Presents

Friends-I love this group of girls (one is missing) they are all sweet, fun, kind and cooperative.  I think nine is a good age, they are starting to have a sense of humor but still lovable!  

The family partay!

Jara's load.  She is easy to shop for, I went to the store and bought crafts, might have gotten a little carried away.  Who doesn't want glitter glue and felt for their birthday?!

My birthday girl.

Jara- eight was great!  You were baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you learned to swim strokes, play the piano and became a big sister for the third time, a sister that helps with each of her siblings, you also learned multiplication facts, wrote your first thesis (stinking animal report) and were student of the month for your lovely citizenship.  You are beautiful, make us laugh and are well prepared!  (She has her own emergency kit she carries around.)

We love you!

Jack's 7th Birthday

The cake

The bazooka

The party (frozen) people

The hoop

The birthday wish

We decided to have his party at the park, complete with lots of outdoor games and fun.  Of course the weather smiled down on us with relief from the summer.  Unfortunately, it was probably the windiest, coldest day of 2015.  Party cut short.  Jack is a easy-going guy and didn't mind, he was excited about presents: a bazooka (from his cousins) and a basketball hoop.

Jack's 6th year he learned and grew so much.  He learned to read and spell all of his kindergarten heart words, played two sports, learned to swim strokes, started reading chapter books, learned to snow ski, went elk hunting for the first time,   (I think three of those things I've never even learned/done.)  He's adventurous, smart, confident and a little shy at times too.  We love you Jack!  

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you

Speedy Jack

At the beginning of October Jack started telling me he had to wear shorts and tennis shoes on days that weren't normally PE days.  He said he was practicing for the speed meet.  Mmmhmm okay...fine you can wear basketball shorts, I didn't think much of it.  I had never heard of this speed meet business and Jara has been in school three years, must not be too big a deal.  Well it is. Four participating schools and the top 15 or 20 (still not sure) runners from each school compete in a 50 yard dash.  Apparently Jack can run.  And fast.  I watched his grasshopper stride finish the first race and was astonished.  I had no idea he was a runner.  He placed third in his last heat/group.  Only one of two first graders from our school to medal in first grade boys.  Impressive Jack, impressive.