Birthday Boys!!!

Brigg's masterpiece.
Go Vikings...RRRRR!

Cade with his school buds.

My boys.

Happy birthday to Cade and Brigg!!! Today is Cade's 6th and Brigg's 3rd was on Dec.9. Brigg is still young enough to not really care yet which makes things easy. He did get a remote control airplane from his Papa and Grandma Kempton that he played with for three days straight. Cade also got a remote control airplane from them that mom flew into the Christmas garland and broke a glass ball. Oooppps! The plane was a big hit with all of Cade's friends! But even more fun was that it snowed all day here in Vegas! They were able to make a snowman in the backyard and didn't come in until it was way after dark!

We also want to wish Papa Kempton and Aunt Randa Happy Birthday too!! Although we are not together to celebrate we think of you also.

Sorry this video is not super clear. I didn't take it until 4pm and it was starting to get dark. Still I had to show that it really can snow in Vegas!!

No More Braces!!

Yeah, Halli got her braces off today!! She found out on Friday that they were ready to come off. And when the receptionist asked if Monday(today) would work Halli practically shouted YES!!!

Now when I look at her all I see is teeth!

We got pretty lucky with her braces, she only had to where them for a year and a half. Poor Raegan had orthodontic treatment for six years! Well I guess that's two down, four more kids to go:(

Tiff, this is for you

In Loving Memory

Yesterday was one of joy and also sadness. A dear friend of ours, Casey Nish, lost his battle with cancer. I know his struggle with this awful disease was not only extremely difficult but a life changing experience as well. Not only for him but for those of us that had the chance to laugh and cry with him and his family too. He was loved by all. We will miss him but are grateful for the memories that were left behind.

Lani I love you. You have been such a good friend and an inspiration and example of faith, hope, prayer and so much more to all of us.

In One Ear and Out The Other

So the other day Kennedi(8) and Cade(5) came running in the house all excited. This is how the conversation went---

Kennedi- "Mom we just had a popsicle!"

Mom--"Really...where did you get it?"
(I'm thinking...I haven't bought popsicles in a while)

K--"from the guy in the yellow truck"

Boy did that get my attention!
M--"Wait, what guy in a yellow truck!?"

K--"the guy that goes to Skye's"

I then realized that she was talking about the Schwan's guy but I decided to do some more investigating.
M--"How do you know they weren't poisoned!?"

K--"They weren't mom, they were good." I was trying not to laugh after that.

M--"Was Skye home?"

K--"No"

M--"What if he tried to take you or Cade?"

K--"Mom he was nice and he gave us popsicles." She rolled her eyes while saying it. "We all got one...me, Cade, Branson, Karly."

M--"Do you remember that we don't talk to strangers and a stranger is anyone that we don't know."

K--"We know him. He goes to Skyes house all the time to sell her food."

M--"We don't know him and please don't ever do that again."

K--"Fine!"
Another eye roll from Kennedi. Cade was very wise just to let her do all the talking.

It was a funny exchange but it scared me and reminded me of just how innocent kids are. I hope my teachings are sinking in but sometimes I wonder. You can never remind them too much!

Brigg on Obama

One day last week after Obama had won the election, I had the tv on and a news station was recapping a story of his post election doings. My two (almost three) year old happened to walk through the room and stare at the tv. After several seconds he turned to me and said, "mom, his mouth is dirty". I hadn't been watching the tv, it was more like background noise, so I looked at him and replied with a "what?". Brigg then pointed to the tv and repeated himself, "his mouth is dirty". I looked at the tv and saw Obama . I didn't see anything around his mouth. Then I realized that he was referring to the darkened color of O's lips.

This Monday Family Home Evening Lesson: Physical differences.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for friends that push me to workout even when it means showing up at my house with their bikes while I'm still in my pj's. And then not taking no for an answer which meant they weren't leaving without me.Thanks Jill and Janette!I'm glad I went.

I'm thankful:

• I get to sleep in tomorrow because there is no school!
• Rich will be home tomorrow!
• For such GREAT kids that keep me focused
• good health
• for beautiful fall days
• and that I got the toilet unclogged

Plumber Please!

So I'm thinking I should have married a plumber since this seems to be happening a little too often. We put an extra lock on the front door to keep Brigg in, so now he is up to his old tricks. Notice the two empty rolls in the garbage. He had already put one roll in so I unclogged it and put a new roll on. Second roll was finished off within the hour. You can't see the water all over the floor but trust me it's there! Man he works fast!!

My brother Matt who is a plumber was just her a couple of weeks ago. While he was here, he was nice enough to clean out several drains, fix a toilet, and an outlet(he's available for parties too-kidding). Thanks Matt! I could sure use you right now!

I wasn't going to post this pic because Kennedi's face is partially covered up(it appears Taylor was ready to go home), but it was the only group picture that I had on my camera at Kennedi's baptism. Thank you to all who came!! We love you guys!

Kennedi's Baptism Weekend

Kennedi right after the baptism. She looked like an angel.

Who had more fun--the adults or the kids? Or should I say the big or little kids?
I think we lost Nicholas in the life jacket.
It was so cold that even though Uncle Scott didn't get in, he needed a towel just to stay warm!

We are so proud of our sweet little Kennedi and her discision to be baptized. We were blessed to have a lot of family with us for the occasion. 19 people under one roof can get pretty crazy! Can you say.. towel shortage. Rich and I wanted to have something for the kids to do after the baptism so we had been heating the pool for the last couple of days and then just our luck... COLD FRONT!!! What is up with that! The same thing happened last year when our families came around the same time. But that didn't stop the kids from swimming ALL day long! The pool was 90 degrees and you had to stay in the pool or you would freeze because with the wind blowing it was even colder!

We started the morning off with the baptism at 9a.m. Not my first choice but it was nice to have it done and play the rest of the day. My mom (bless her heart) had made Kennedi's dress and it was so pretty. Thank you mom, you do amazing work! We got to the church with only enough time to have Rich and Kennedi change. There were four wards so it all took a while. A big thank you to all our friends that came also. We appreciate all your love and support to Kennedi and our family.

Can you say 41?

This was when we went on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera a few years ago.

Father's Day. This is a candygram that the kids made up.

Playing with Brigg on the beach.

Braving the cold waters in Durango, Colorado with Cade. This picture is a couple of years old but so cute. Rich doesn't let me take his picture very often.

Today is Rich's BIRTHDAY!! We are sad that he has to spend his birthday away from home but we will make up for it this weekend when he comes back. He is such a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. We miss him and love him so much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICH!!!!

Two Weeks

Boy a lot can happen in just a couple of weeks! Lets see......Raegan took the driving test to get her license. The night before we had realized that we didn't have an updated insurance card in the car that she was going to take and made the mistake of not looking for one then. So 30 min. before the test we remember and are digging through papers and files. No can find! Result---taking the test in the suburban. I was a nervous wreck more because she felt bad about not looking for the card sooner but Raegan passed with flying colors. She lucked out and got a lady that was barely as tall as her so I think she took pity on the fact that Raegan could barely see over the steering wheel.

Raegan also got asked to homecoming by two boys on the same day within the same hour. And Halli too got asked by two boys but is not old enough to go(we consider that a date). The woes of being young and cute.

My sister Jodi came and stayed with us for three days. We stayed in our pjs until 11:00 everyday and would just talk and catch up. It was so good to have her come! My parents were also here for a couple of days as they were on their way to Utah. We will get to see them for the next couple of weekends as they pass through while vacationing.

I was able to spend the weekent in Denver with Rich. We spent the majority of the time driving around looking for an area that we want to live in. It makes me car sick just thinking about it. Several of my friends were willing to take a child or two so that I could go without them. Thank you to the Glenn, Nish, Baker, and Jangard families!!

I think that sums up the last two weeks and the next few will be very full so more to come.

Change is Good, Right?

They say change is good, well we are about to make a big one whether we are ready or not. Rich took a job in Denver, Colorado. So we will be moving. It all happened so fast and we were offered the job a week ago Friday. It will be a really good thing for us besides him having to fly back and forth until we sell the house. (Totally not looking forward to that.. meaning, being without him all week and also the part of having the house up for sell.)



If you're wondering why I am barely outing the info, it's because Rich left for Denver the following Monday and so we wanted to be able to tell our kids together before everyone else knew. They all handled it pretty well. It still doesn't seem real. Colorado. BRRR!! We have been to Durango several times to vacation, both in the winter and summer, and loved it. But not Denver. I hope my wimpy blood can handle it. I get cold when I drink ice water.



After being born and raised in AZ and then spending the last 9 years in Las Vegas I don't think my body or closet are ready for it. Rich, I'm gonna need to go shopping!! Won't he love to hear that.

I am ready for a change in scenery though. I've always said Vegas doesn't have real dirt only rocks crushed to look like it. All you Las Vegans don't get all crazy on me. We have loved living here and have made so many AWESOME friends. It will be very hard to leave.

Monkey see, Monkey do, Monkey get in trouble too

As you can see Brigg is still up to his old tricks but getting braver and his climbing skills would make any hiker jealous. He also scales our front gate, unlocks it and takes off. HELP!!

Eight is Great!!

Our little Kennedi turned 8 today! She is such a sweet daughter and her smile will just melt you. She has had the best and most kissable cheeks since she was born. Here are a few things about Kennedi that you may not know:

• She has only lost 3 teeth


• loves to swim


• taught herself how to ride a bike


• could tie her shoe, whistle, and blow a bubble by age 5


• likes to pick out her clothes the night before and sticks with what she chose


• fixes her own hair most of the time(occationally you can tell:)


• can be very stubburn, but also very loving


• somewhat shy


• keeps her side of the room alot cleaner than her sister


• is a good little helper with Brigg


• can't wait to be baptized


• is a big sister and little sister

We love Kennedi so, so much and are so grateful to have her as a daughter and sister. Happy 8th Birthday !!

Boxers or Briefs

Hurray, Brigg is finally potty trained!! My last one! He still wears a pull-up at night and naps because I refuse to wash sheets more than once a week. There is nothing more cute than seeing your two year old wear boxers! Now I just have to break him from going in the rocks. One thing at a time.

Crazy about Peaches!

All in a days work.
Look at those beauties! You think I'm just a little excited to have peaches in my food storage?!!

For the second year I have ordered peaches by the box through a lady in my stake. She puts out a mass email and anyone that is interested gives her a call. The peaches come from Utah. Last year they were somewhat small but still tasted delicious. This year they were large and even more delicious! I ordered three boxes and spent all of Labor Day--go figure--canning them. And for any of you who have ever canned before, you know how long it takes, but it was soooo worth it! I was able to get 28 jars. Aren't they just beautiful! My kids wanted to open a jar the next day to eat. THE NERVE!! I told them NO WAY. After all that work, those babies are going to sit on the shelf for at least a month(besides we still had lots of fresh ones in the fridge).

Our Summer In A Nutshell

Ok I'm back. In my last blog I said I was taking a summer break from blogging, well summer's over and it's back to reality. Here are a few things that happened this summer that I haven't already talked about;

*Had family visit (we always love that)
*Visited our families in AZ (ditto)
*Raegan turned 16 and went on her first date!!! (Rich felt like it was necessary to give the poor boy a priesthood interview before they walked out the door)
*Kendal turned 12 and entered Young Women's!
*We swam, and swam, and swam
*Halli had try-outs for the Volleyball team at her high school and made the freshman team! We are so proud of her.
*Got out of the heat for a weekend and went to Utah
*Went to San Diego for Lori's wedding(lots of fun!!)
*Beached it for a day and then left Raegan and Halli in Cali with their cousins for a few days(they happen to be in love with the boys that live across the street from their cousin. Help!)
*Cheer camp for Kendal
*Girls camp(I had three girls gone for a week)
and to top off the summer.....
*Brigg split his chin open a few days ago(It helps to have your best friend be an ER nurse and live just down the street)

So all in all it has been a fun and busy summer for us. We are definitely ready for cooler weather though.

Taking a Time Out

I know I'm a month late in saying this but I decided to give myself a 'time out' when it comes to blogging. With my kids home from school if has been very hard to find me time. I rarely even get to get on the computer and when I do, it's to pay bills. So I will update once school has started and my life is back into a real routine. Thanks for your patience.

Update

Reese and Kennedi at Lorin's baptism. Reese is so cute. She always has jewelry on. I love it!
Kennedi struggled with an earache but Reese was right there to comfort her.
The newest addition to the family...Tyse Peterson Cole. Tyse and Lisa after his blessing.
Robert and Barbara at on of the many family gatherings. What a blessing to be able to spend so much time with them in such a short visit.
How many kids can you fit in a wagon? Alex, Jake, Kailee, Brigg, Kennedi, and Rylee.

I know not staying current is becoming a habit but I guess I'm using the summer as my excuse. I seem to have taken a break from a lot of things; my blog, blogging in general, my friends (sorry guys.I know I have either been traveling or just anti-social lately), cooking. Is it the heat or just the lazy days of summer? Well anyways here's an update of the past two weeks.

We went to Arizona for 5 days to see our families. Rich's parents were home from South Africa for two weeks so we wanted to be able to see them before they had to return. It was great! They had lots of stories to tell and we got to see some video, curtesy of Scott and Lisa, of their crib(ha ha)and places they've been. Robert is doing legal work for the church over there and they travel alot. They brought back gifts for everyone. Each grandchild got an animal that was hand carved. The kids thought that was very cool. We love Robert and Barbara so much and look forward to their return next year!!

While we were in AZ we also were able to attend my niece's baptism and nephew's baby blessing. We stayed with Rich's brother Michael and Tiffany. They are awesome!! They are always so generous with their home(and kitchen). Thank you for taking us in and being so patient. Their daughter Reese and son Cash are so,so cute! Reese loved Kennedi and I think Kennedi loved the attention. It's always fun to see our families that we miss and love so much!!

Park City

Raegan and Halli had the opportunity to go to Especially For Youth in Salt Lake last week. Their cousin Ivy was Halli's roommate so she drove up with us. Rich, the four younger kids, and I were able to spend the week in Park City(thanks to our timeshare). The scenery was breathtaking! And to have to wear a light jacket for the first few days wasn't disappointing either. We were able to do some things with our friends, the Glenn's, who were also up their for the week too. Despite taking our turns getting different forms of the stomach flu, we were able to work in some fun.
The resort had lots of things for the kids to do that were free which was an added bonus!! It was right up against the mountain and all the ski slopes were green but we did have one morning where we woke up to a thin layer of snow on the ground. It sure made coming back to the desert heat difficult. But in the end it's good to be home.

Kids and Dough

They ended up with clovers , moons and stars too.

I had been promising Kennedi and Cade that we could make sugar cookies with these cute cookie cutters that I had. They totally make me think of summer and the beach because the shapes are a crab, seahorse, starfish, an octopus and a few other cute ones. I had been putting them off because the thought of a 7, 5, and 2 year old with flour and cookie dough = a big mess. With school coming to an end though it just seemed perfect. They had a great time and even the older girls loved it!

School's Out!!

This was at Kennedi's awards program and there were so many 1st graders that they took up half the gym and the parents were all crowded in behind. Needless to say, we didn't get the best pictures but it you look close Kennedi is the blond with the braids on the left.

Cade at preschool graduation. His teacher called him her "cool kid". Notice the hands in the pockets.
Next year......Kindergarten!!!
Halli at her 8th Grade Awards night. Next year....High School!!!
Kennedi at her 1st Grade Awards program. What a cutie!

We couldn't wait for school to be out so that things will slow down and the real fun begins! R&R for mom and dad and a lot of swim time for the kids. I know I am so ready and my kids too! Here are a few pictures from end of school year programs.

Larson Legacy

Jim and Julie Larson Family

Dad and the boys. Matt, Joe, Jeff, dad, Jared, Danny, and Ben.
Mom and the girls. Me, Mindy, Jodi, and Robin.

I know I haven't been good about keeping up with my blog. Sorry. Only one more day of school and then hopefully things will dramatically slow down. In May we were able to make a quick trip to AZ to have extended family pictures. It is always so good to see my parents, siblings, etc. This was an especially nice visit because we haven't had a Larson family picture in almost 8 years! Sad, I know, but with nine siblings you can only imagine how difficult it is to schedule something like that. It was a great success!! Everyone behaved well including my youngest brother Matt. He's always got us laughing, and it didn't take to terribly long.

I've always loved growing up in a large family. Boy, the memories of family nights, early morning scriptures, everyone trying to get to church on time, playing in the irrigation, swimming in the well, the "slide" in the ditch, dinner together at the table, long drives to gymnastics or anywhere for that matter(we lived 30 min. from the nearest grocery store), butterfly bandages(we got to the point where we could put them on each other if mom wasn't around), game nights. I have so many great memories of growing up and for that I thank my wonderful parents and siblings. I love each one so much.

Here's a challenge for you: my brothers and sisters and I used to see who could say all the kids names in order the fastest. It is still fun to hear one try.
Jodi....Jared....Jeff....Camille....Danny....Robin....Joe....Mindy....Ben....Matt

These are just more pics from girl's night.