Creative Genious

There has been an out-pouring of creative genius at our house lately. It all started one lovely Saturday morning when Mom was sleeping in. Dad and DA decided they were going to build the Tower of Babel in the living room:


I was happy I was able to get a picture, because this was the result:

Since then DA has taken off on a building spree that has lasted for months. I've only been able to get pictures of a few creations before they fall apart, but the ones I have are phenomenal. He's built everything from cars, boats, and airplanes to bridges, towers and cities or forests all out of legos.

The most amazing one that I completely regret not getting a picture of was a crane he built. Somehow over the course of a morning of building he was able to build a skinny little tower that supported two opposing arms that were so well balanced and supported that the whole structure (built on the base of a 1 inch by 1 inch lego tower about a foot high mind you) actually stayed standing long enough for Dad to get home from work and see it. I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture because it was really cool. Anyway, here's some samples of his work:

The Garage

The Submarine and Dock

Spaceship #1

Jet #1

The Boat

A Car

The Guns

City #1 (with the assistance of Uncle Zach)

City #2 (on his own)

The Tower

Space Ship and Landing Platform

Tower #2

I am definitely going to have to enter him into some sort of lego building competition. This boy has a limitless imagination and builds until he is satisfied not matter how many times it falls down. There have been many mornings where I've heard the crash followed by, "Oh man!" then the sounds of reconstruction. I love legos! I'm so glad DA loves legos too.

Fall Break

My lovely sister gave DA and I a wonderful gift a few weeks back and bought us these fabulous passes that get us into Trafalga, Seven Peaks, Owls games, and Flash games for a whole year for free. DA and I had so much fun the first time we used them with my sister's family that Jake was convinced he wanted a pass too. He and DA went to Trafalga while I was on vacation in St. George with my girlfriends. They had a blast too.

Well, this week was fall break for school, so we decided to use our passes for the first time as a family. We went to Trafalga in Lehi for the day. We rode all the rides except the boats (it was way too cold to be doing water activities), played mini golf, laser tag, and generally had a great time together.

There was only one incident that wasn't fun, but it was pretty funny in retrospect. When we were playing laser tag, DA and I were on one team and Jake was the other team. At the very end of the game, DA and I cornered Dad and were getting him right and left. Jake turned around looking for an exit and slammed full speed straight into a wall. He was wearing his glasses at the time and split his nose open. It hurt pretty bad, but I still can't help giggling remembering his blind dash that landed him on the floor. Maybe I'm not very nice, but it was hilarious to watch. Anyway, here are some photos from the day:






The first time DA went on this ride with his cousins he was absolutely terrified and in tears by the time he got off. I was surprised he wanted to go on it again this time, but with Dad by his side, he was all smiles.




His face at the top there was priceless, but I didn't get it on camera. He looked pretty frightened, but still trying so hard to enjoy it.




I'm afraid to think what teaching DA to drive is going to be like after this experience, but he had fun, so that's what counts.




Thanks Rachael! We never would have bought these passes without you! We're totally excited for ice-skating at Seven Peaks and going to some fun games this year.

Wow, 3 Years in the Making

Three years ago, my sister Juli was having a baby. My other sisters, my mom, and I threw a baby shower for her. One of the things we did at the shower was have everyone write or draw a picture on a quilt square. I was going to be ambitious and make a beautiful quilt for her baby boy. Well it's been three years in the making now and baby is no longer a baby, but I finally finished the quilt last night! And here's the finished project:


Each of the squares had a fun little message to Juli or her baby and some had the most adorable drawings done by a good family friend. I ended up quilting it with stars and binding it lazy-man style, but it turned out beautiful and my little nephew loves it! Here's one of the pictures drawn for the quilt so you can see just how fun and cute they were:


I want to say thanks to Melissa for helping me put this together and to Brigitte for the loan of her machine when mine was broken. This was my first quilted quilt and I loved how it turned out. Thanks guys!