Halloween 2009

Madison, Shaylee, Brinley and Judd

Last night we had a small party for the kids,their friends, and our friends.

Brinley, Judd and their cute friends.

A couple of weeks ago we gave Shaylee and Madison a Halloween party. We had a total of 24 kids. It was loud and crazy, but so much fun.

Madison and her friends.

Shaylee and her friends.

Sweet Surprise!

Just over a week ago, Brandon sweetly surprised me! He and Tyler Schenck had arranged for my dear friend Kelli to come out and visit me for Mother's day. It was the best surprise ever. Kelli flew out on Thursday. We did lots of shopping, gave Kelli a taste of home here, and spent a night in Chicago. I have missed her so much. On Sunday, I took her back to the airport. We had such a great time. I only wished she could have stayed longer. She is a priceless friend that I am so lucky to have!

Kirtland and Palmyra

Over spring break we were able to drive to Kirtland and Palmyra. Kirtland is a six hour drive from our home. Palmyra is another four and a half hours. We feel lucky to have been able to see these sites while we live out here. We had lots of fun.

We were able to go in this original building and see the school of the prophets.

The Community Church of Christ owns the Kirtland Temple. We were able to take a tour of the temple. No pictures were allowed inside. It was so fascinating.

This is where the first Book of Mormon was published.

This is the Sacred Grove. It is a short walk from Joseph Smith's homes. This must have been close to how it looked when Joseph had his first vision which was in April.


This is a replica of J.S. home. It was built on the old foundation just like the original.

It was a cold and rainy day but we did it all anyway. The Hill Comurah is only a couple miles from the J. S. farm. We couldn't believe how steep the hill was. I wish I could post more pictures. It was so beautiful and special.

I can't seem to get my act together and get any new pictures on. So instead I thought I would post an old picture of Judd. Why do they grow up so fast?

Chocolate Cake In A Mug

We had a couple of days when our temperatures were too cold for the kids to go to school . We decided to have fun and make these microwave cakes. The kids loved making their very own cake. The cakes are a bit spongie. But, if you put frosting with them and serve them with ice cream, they're pretty good. It's a great family night activity. It also takes care of your craving for chocolate cake in a hurry. Here is the recipe if you want to try them.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

A Day to the Museum!

We recently were able to go to the Museum of Science and Industry. It is a very large and incredible museum in Chicago. We were there the whole day and still were unable to see it all. We loved it.

They have a Boeing 727 that you can go in and see the cockpit and other parts of the plane. All the planes are really interesting. They also have a very large model train exhibit.

The kids were able to watch a robotic toy factory. They ordered their toy and watched it get made step by step.

Our favorite part it of our day was this real submarine called the U-505. This is the only submarine that the U.S. captured from the Germans in WWII. It has an incredible story. This sub was brought down through the St. Lawrence river from the Atlantic Ocean. The museum then built around it. You can also take tours of the inside of it. It is a huge, spectacular sight!

Judd and Vinnie

Our dog Vinnie, is the closest thing Judd is going to get as a brother.

They even like to dress alike.

A taste of Utah to Illinois!

We have been getting lots of snow. Last night Brandon gave all the kids in the neighboorhood a great thrill. Pulling the kids on sleds with the four wheeler is one of our favorite winter activities. The kids in the neighborhood had never done anything like this before. I could hear their giggles all the way down the street.