Houston is 5?!?

Getting donuts for a birthday breakfast.

That night we were planning to go out but between the bad weather and Cooper having a rough day we decided to save it for another time. Instead we had fun eating Houston's favorite meal, Spaghetti and watch BYU football.
The next day, we had Houston's Lego Party. The kids all built their own creations and Houston picked his favorite.




Dear Houston,

You amazing me every year with how much you change. Being my first born, every new thing to you is new to me as well. We have learned a lot together along the road. You have taught me so much about motherhood and will continue to do so as you get older.
I couldn’t ask for a better first-born child. You help me everyday more than you know. Little things like getting me a tissue to wipe your brother’s nose, to giving me hugs when I’m sad.
One thing you love right now is Lego. I am simply amazed with your abilities to solve problems and figure things out. You work hard and don’t like to give up on your goals and projects. You get so excited when it is time to make holiday gifts for your friends. You have creative ideas and are excellent at following directions.
Your imagination grows with each new day. You are confident with ideas that you have and try to include everyone in your play. Those are qualities that will make you a great leader.
You are strong in both body and spirit. I love watching you ride fast on your bike and run across a field. I hope being active continues to bring you joy.
I can tell that you love to make people happy. You give out very sincere compliments and I have even heard Damon start from your example.
Another thing I love about you is that you are already very aware of the difference between right and wrong. And you love to do what’s right. While at a friend’s house one time, they started watching a movie that mommy would have considered an “adult movie”. When I came to get you, you were playing in your friend’s room by yourself. Later you were upset about this and told me the whole story. I was so proud of you and for doing what you knew to be right.
Next year you start kindergarten and I can’t wait to see the leaps and bounds you will take with that new adventure. I love you so much and thank you for teaching me how to me a mother. I love you more than you will ever know.

To celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving we went bowling! This was Damon's first time and he loved it. These videos perfectly show their different personalities.

Busy October

WE LOVE VISITORS!!! Great Grandma and Grandpa Cooper stopped by for a week during one of their RV trips. One day we all took Grandpa for a bike ride down the river trail. On one of our stops there were ducks that Damon was deathly afraid of. He would not let Grandpa put him down.

Even though daddy was out of town, we had a relaxing conference weekend. Unfortunately mommy was a little sick. On one occasion, mommy was trying to catch some much needed sleep on the couch and Damon was in the kitchen playing in the sink. Normally mom would put a stop to this because he ends up making a huge mess or braking something but she was desperate so she let him play for a few minutes. When she finally got energy to get up, this is what she found. Apparently he was washing his clothes in the sink.


Every month or so our public library has a party and this time time it was a Star Wars party!! Since Houston is being Yoda for Halloween (costume made by Grandma Schlenker) it worked out great to even come in costume. After finding a cheap mask and whipping together a cape, Damon was able to dress up too!

This was a busy day! After the Star Wars party we ate a picnic lunch at the park before heading to another CMU football game. Damon was quite tired by this time and apparently mesmerized by the marching band.

Did September actually happen?

We found this little gem about 2 miles from our house!


Damon, like with many things, gives love and attention to Cooper for brief moments during the day but lately he has been trying to really connect with him and it is precious!


Cooper is almost 8 months old!



Apparently Cooper wanted some stale hamburger buns


First Football game (with buddy, Carson). Yes, Damon is wearing a cape.
Building Lego at the Library

Getting ready to turn 5!!

Daddy trying to take Cooper on a trip.

Canning delicious pears! I guess mommy didn't hate canning as much as she thought. It helps that she actually knows what she is doing now.

Daddy used his birthday gift money to buy this beauty. When it isn't poring rain, he is able to ride to work multiple days a week.


Look familiar? (Houston)

Summer Travels part 2b: Week 2 at Ashley Lake

A few more pictures from Ashton's baptism day:



The second weekend we were there, Uncle Derek, Uncle Mark, Auntie Laurel and Cousins Ashton, Nick and Beckham came. Grandma and Grandpa Campbell were even there for a bit. We had amazing weather all week and tons of fun in the sun!

Grandma Loves the "hot tub" as much as us grandkids.

Putting the water trampoline in the water

Uncle Derek had a grand idea of a super Slip 'n slide. SO FUN!!

Uncle Mark found a baby bat and this is us trying to keep it alive. The boys were GREAT at killing bugs and feeding them to the bat. One night we let it out of his temporary home and he was gone the next morning. We are assuming his parents found him and took him to his real home.

Of course we got our quadding fill in.

As a thank you for letting her stay, Grandma Cari funded the building of the long awaited road sign. Daddy built it and did such a great job!!

Hangen with Uncle Derek

Grandma taking all the boys on an early morning bike ride

Cooper skinny dipping.


As much fun as we all had, there was one part that was difficult for everyone, especially mom: Cooper would not sleep at night. On average he would wake up 5 times a night usually with these crazy screaming fits with nothing to calm him but mom nursing him. Mom was so desperate for sleep she was trying all sorts of remedies and diets thinking it was gas pain but nothing really worked. Because of our very long 2 day drive home and knowing this, dad was able to finagle 2 hotel rooms on the way home. Though she knew she had a long night ahead of her, she was in a happy place going to bed alone in a king-size at 9pm.

A stop in Dell, Montana