I don't know what all the complaining is about....

OK, Emma turned eight about 9 months ago. Eight is a big one, so we wanted to give it it's due importance. As I would tell my children stop whining. But I get it. So here you go.

Drew is still working. He just got called as Elder's Quorum President in October. He is super busy and recently gave up working out. Poor guy! We did enjoy the chance to see Elton John and Billy Joel in concert last month. It was very fun!

Lillie loves drinking her bottle ON her daddy

I recently started running again so I can 1. feel good 2. run a 10 miler in SLC in a few weeks and 3. get in shape 4. run with my family in the Ragnar Relay in June. I also got called as the primary chorister and let me tell you, it is a lot of work, but well worth it. The kids are so cute and really catch on quick.

This is from the St. George Marathon in October

Emma is still eight. She loves gymnastics and playing with her friends. We recently celebrated her build-a-bear's birthday with her good friends and respective build-a-bears. She loves to plan such parties, any excuse to have friends over for a late night. Emma is very goal oriented. We recently instituted individual chore charts and Emma can whip through it in no time, and just checking off each item gives her such joy! I love it too!

Emma with her bear

Mady still loves all things girly. She wants to wear a skirt to school everyday. But she is also an amazing athlete and loves gymnastics. I guess there is nowhere that it says you have to be one or the other! She is in kindergarten and loves, loves, loves reading, just like her mom. In fact everynight our girls beg to be able to read before bed. Sometimes we forget they are reading and it gets very late! I do the same thing, um, I mean did, as in the past.

Mady with her new shoes. She loves them!

Cooper is completely into cars, trains, and airplanes. I can't believe that he still drives or flies anything. Today his choice of vehicle was string cheese at the kitchen table, until he almost fell off his chair and I told him to sit down and eat it already! He recently participated in Itty Bitty Ball, which he calls Itty Itty Ball. He wasn't so into chasing after the ball or running at all. We will have to work on that.

My handsome boy!

Lillie is adorable! She has everyone wrapped around her finger, even Cooper at times. She gives you her pouty face and you can't help but give in. She has a wide array of words and phrases she uses. Her most frequently used one starts with "I want" followed by "dat(that)" "canie(candy)" "caca(cracker)" "bup(cup)" "jew(juice)" "gankie(blanket)" and on and on. The one that surprise me the most was about a month ago I sneezed while I was holding her and she said "cuse you" (excuse you)! She recognizes what things are hers and what are not and she will bring toys to the kids or my phone to me and say "heo" for here this is yours. Since I am out of nursery Lillie struggles a little when she is first dropped off. But it is getting better.

Lillie on dad!

Drew and I enjoyed a trip to New York for our 10 year anniversary in December. We saw Wicked! That was the highlight, the rest paled in comparison.

At Wicked

Anyway, here is an update. Hopefully I can do better. And if not, I am sure you will let me know!