The Garrison Blend

September 2010 China pics

2010-11-09T17:11:00.002-07:00

Here are some random pictures of our Beijing home, like the skate park and the Blue Frog Restaurant.

September 2010 China pics

2010-11-09T16:59:00.002-07:00

These are pictures of Ri Tan park which is the temple of the sun, so it has the sun alter that the Emperor used. Just out side this park is one of my favorite Chinese restaurants.

September 2010 China pictures

2010-11-09T16:47:00.002-07:00

More pics of the Branch Great Wall trip. The one with Sydney is the tower she slept in on the wall. The extra boy in our pictures is Stockton's friend Kia in our branch. One with Nic is where we found a large preyingmantis.

September 2010 China pics

2010-11-09T16:30:00.002-07:00

Here are pictures of the two Beijing branches trip to the Great Wall, where Syd got to actually sleep on the wall with the young woman. And our little cabin was right below the Great Wall with an awesome view.

September 2010 China pics

2010-10-29T00:42:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures of the two boys in their soccer uniforms.

September 2010 China pics

2010-10-29T00:29:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures of Sydney with her Jr High soccer team. They are one of the smaller schools in the sports between schools, so they only have one sub for the game. Syd usually ends up playing forward all game, and she has scored two goals this year.

September 2010 China pics

2010-10-29T00:20:00.002-06:00

Here is pictures of Stockton in cub scouts and his great wall hike with all the cub scouts in Beijing.

September 2010 China pics

2010-10-25T22:04:00.002-06:00

More pictures from the Confucius Temple.

September 2010 China pics

2010-10-25T21:54:00.003-06:00

Pictures at the Confucius Temple, and the Bell that is inside the gate there. I am standing by one to the Confucius tablets.

September China 2010 pics

2010-10-25T21:48:00.002-06:00

Pictures of Sydney, Stockton & Nicholas eating at the local Chinese restaurant in Old Beijing, and the Hutong that is there, with the bird on the leash.

September in China 2010

2010-10-25T07:56:00.002-06:00

I know I know I am behind. But I promise lots of picture postings. September was a month of joining in groups and getting our shipments and seeing the sites.

The kids had been in school for a little over a week when September started, and Syd decided she wanted to get involved in the sports at her school. She mainly started out wanting to do volleyball, but found out they needed more girls for the soccer team, so joined that first, since volleyball didn't start until November. She really impressed her coach on her speed and not being afraid to be aggressive. The boys also wanted to play soccer, so we joined them up for the Beijing Sports program, which the soccer is similar to the little programs you would get in Utah. Stockton got to be on the same team as his new friend Kia in our branch and Nic was excited to be on the blue team again like he was in Utah. Stockton also was able to sign up for Cub Scouts in Beijing, they really have a nice size group here I believe there is at least 85 boys in the Cub Scout program. It is different doing it through a group other than the church, since outside the church Cub Scouts actually starts at age 6 with Tiger Scouts and the boys go through by grade not age, so Stockton has to both is Wolf & Bear books in one year. His first activity was a Great Wall hike, which was a lot of fun and he earned a cool badge for his vest and his hiking belt loop.

During September I had a lot of time on my hands with Jon working and kids in school, so I decided to go to a kick boxing class with another lady in our branch, and to my surprise I really enjoyed it. This came in very handy since there were still lots of days I was ready to come home and not come back. Food was still a big challenge both in trying to cook and eating out. I am pretty sure food is always going to be the challenge here, either I will get very sick of the few places I like to eat or just plane sick of the food all together.

Jon is really good about trying to get us out on weekend site seeing, which helps me get through the week. So one of the first weekends we went to a Hutong down in a part of Beijing known as "Old Beijing" and it is also were the Confucius Temple is. It is also the area that they built the first higher education buildings. It was really neat to see some of the original tablets they wrote on and the beautiful campus that the education buildings were built on. We were definitely in a local part of Beijing, the restaurant we ate in had 7 tables and local dishes. We have discovered that our safe go to dish is Guang Po Chicken, any thing else even if it seems like you know what it is, is a crap shoot when you this local. There were two no smoking signs in this little restaurant, and our table and one other were the only ones not smoking. We also had the delight of being watched the whole time we ate. To top off the experiance, Jon took Nic to a public bathroom so while he was gone it was just Sydney, Stockton and myself, and the table right behind Syd was ordering their food and the must have needed to approve one dish, because next thing we knew the cook was bring out a large live fish in a net for the people to look at. It was funny to see Syd and myself jump when the fish kept moving its head and tail. The cool side to being down in a local old hutong is to get to see how people truely live in the city. We shopped and the kids got to see the local people playing Chinese chess and to see that they keep wild birds(like a black bird) as pets with a collar and leash on its neck.

On the weekend of September 18th the two branches do a special trip to an awesome location of the Great Wall. You head up on Saturday and you can hike and have free time, then they have a big group dinner and a fun talent show that ends in fireworks and dancing. Young Women and Young Men leaders take the group of kids who want to go sleep on the actual Great Wall for the night. So Syd was so excited and loved the experiance of knowing very few people in can say that they got to sleep on the Great Wall of China. The rest of us stayed in very rustic cabin type rooms, but the view from our window and area was amazing, the Great Wall was just about 150 yards from these cabins. Then on Sunday morning we had a group breakfast and did a sacrament meeting at our cabin's gathering area. The spirit there was so awesome. I do need to back track a little to say that the drive up to this part of the wall was crazy. Once you left the main road, you were basically on a one car road through a little old mountain village, and for us it was early evening. We were following a large passenger bus on this road that allows traffic in both directions, and this bus was going at least 20 miles per hour over the posted speed and kept passing cars on "s" curve roads. There were a few times we saw the bus turning on the wheels on one side only, not to mention the two times it almost hit a sheep herder and a group of people. All I can say is driving in China is never ever dull.

We also took one weekend back into Beijing and went to Ri Tan Park, which is the Temple of the Sun for the old emperors. It is one of the smaller temple areas and more of a large park area. It also has a great restaurant that I love, it was the first Chinese restaurant that Jon and I ate at back in May on my first trip over. If I could eat here every day I would be very very happy.

September finished up with soccer games and enjoying the skate park and swimming pool in our compound, and we also found a new fun restaurant called the Blue Frog. The Blue Frog is kind of like a Hard Rock in some ways, they have about 3 or 4 restaurants in China.

August China Pics

2010-10-15T08:08:00.002-06:00

Pictures of first day of School and our First time to the Great Wall of China.

August China 2010 pics

2010-10-15T07:54:00.002-06:00

Pictures of Jon with traditional Chinese medicine, and the kids at the Blue Zoo.

August China 2010 Pics

2010-10-15T07:36:00.003-06:00

More pictures at the Llama Temple.

Aug. 2010 China-pics

2010-10-09T08:09:00.002-06:00

These are some pics of the first few days of China shopping and the Llama Temple.

August in China

2010-10-09T06:55:00.004-06:00

Jon took a few days off when we first got to China so we could get settled. He had got us a car and driver, Mr. Tao(which meant Iron Man) so the boys always called him Iron Man. The jet lag was not too bad, it took about 5 days for the kids, especially Nic to not want go to bed at 3pm and wake up at about 2am in the morning for about 20 minutes before we could get them back to sleep. Those first couple of days we went and did some shopping and went to the Llama temple. For shopping we did a little outlet mall by our complex which is ok, but there is definitely better shopping other places, but we also took the kids to experience Yashou which is were you barter for the price. Which was funny since the kids could not figure out why Jon would try to walk away before they got the thing they wanted. This was also the kids first experience with Chinese people wanting to touch them and their hair and talk to them. Three blond children with blue eyes in China is a huge novelty. Jon took us to eat Chinese and all though the dishes were pretty normal for the most part they still had their China twist to them, like the chicken dish came with bones in all the meat pieces and the skin on every piece, and the pork dish was the thick pork cuts with meat and fat and all. This is also were the kids tried fish eggs for the first time and found that they liked them, this did happen by mistake, but for good. We had dumplings and they came out garnished with little orange dots that looked like sprinkles, and before the kids asked what they were they were trying them. It was after they had tried the eggs and the dumplings and had enjoyed them that they asked Jon and I what the orange stuff was. For me eating this first few weeks consisted of one meal a day and then surviving on Coke the rest of the time. The Llama temple was cool, it has the largest Buddha made from one sandal wood tree, and the kids got to see how a new religion is viewed. This was also the boys first time seeing a squatter toilet, I was nervous that this would make Nic and Stock and Syd not ever want to go to the bathroom again, but for the boys they think they are great. Syd is more like me, find me the handicap toilet or I will hold it if possible. Because of these toilets and the lack of concern for just going to the bathroom outside where ever you please, China has a strong bad smell at times, which we still are not use to, but can handle a little better than this first few weeks we were here.

Also in the first week we were here we had lots of fun complications that we have found out come in one way or another for all expats that move to China, every one has adopted the phrase welcome to China when these things come up. As for me I was ready to get back on a plane and leave that first two weeks here. Food is not the same here, school had about 100 hurdles to over come (thanks to Aunt Jo for the final push that helped us), and it seemed one thing after another. It seems every time we turned around we needed one more paper filled out, 3 more passport pictures, another 500 yan, and after that come back in two days then we can fill out the paper work. Needless to say I was home sick and hungry, the kids were happy they got to start school 4 days later than they should have, which meant more play time with their new pool and compound. Our apartment is about 600 sq ft, which makes for very cozy living.

Jon and I decided that before the kids went to school we need to get the boys hair cut and I was due for a foot massage and Syd could see what they were like as well. So Syd and I went for the Chinese foot massage while the boys got hair cuts. The people giving us the massages tried to speak to us so I turned to my way of communicating with shoulder shrugs and sign language, it works sometimes, and Syd just laughs. The boys got done before us so Jon set him and the boys up with back massages too. Stockton really enjoyed his, but Nic said he just wanted to be done shortly after it started. The boys did get their bells rubbed as well, which made them very regular, we never saw them have to use the bathrooms so many times in two days. Syd and I really liked ours, we even had Chinese cupping on our feet which was different but felt good. Of course then there was Jon's massage, I swear that man can never pick the thing that just relaxes him.. He decided to go with all the traditional medicine items with his massage. So he had is back scraped to nothing with a large sharp fish bone, then he had the cupping done on his back which they keep there for 15 minutes. He told us he was done too right after they started, but got the joy of enduring until the end of his 45 minute massage. We will post a picture of his ordeal.

We also took a tour of the Blue Zoo of Beijing, which is like an aquarium with sharks, turtles, large sting rays and other fish. It was interesting to see how many Chinese people can fit inside one building. Nic and Stockton have also decided that they enjoy Chinese snacks, which is Chinese hot dogs on a stick, which do not look great and from Jon's opinion do not taste great, but if the boys will eat them all the better. China has definitely made Nicholas a better eater and Stockton and eater more like myself. Syd and Nic are always up for trying a new food if it is not too weird, but Nic likes more and more veggies and some types of tofu, which is huge since his diet use to consist of corn dogs and chicken nuggets and cereal.

Finally, in August the kids did get to start school. We went and picked up their uniforms and got their teachers introduced and Syd a tour of the upper school. We were still having welcome to China issues with the school transportation, so for the first month the kids had their own driver until we could get a bus figured out. Nic was excited to start school and go to lunch and recess, but he did end up with a little home sickness those first few weeks of school. He would get sad if he saw Stockton on the playground and could not go play since it was his time for lunch. He would also get nervous that I would not be home when they got back. But after getting the routine down, Nic loves school and learning both Chinese and the violin. He has made some great friends and loves all of his teachers. Stockton loved getting back to school too, we found he was a little behind in math since the USA does not go as fast in math as the Asian countries. But he is a fast learner and really loves his teacher. He loves making friends and learning new things. Syd has actually had the biggest adjustment. 7th grade hear is full of lots of classes, lots of homework, and beginner Chinese is very fast paced. She is getting her bearings and made a new friend right away and has made many more. She is on her schools soccer team and wants to try out for volleyball and basketball too. Their school name is Yew Chung(YCIS) and they are the scorpions.

Meeting the 3rd Branch members has been great for all of us, but especially me. The sisters are very nice and they all have been through what we are all going through. Syd has been welcomed into Young Womans with open arms and loves going to the activities, there are 3 Beehives and about 4 more coming in before the end of the year. We as the women get together and have luncheons once a month, and there are people who get others together for fun shopping or site seeing. All of the kids have made friends with kids in our branch, Stock's best friend here is from our branch and luckily lives in our same complex, so it makes cub scouts and playing lots of fun.

One of our last outing in August was going to the Great Wall of China for mine and the kids first time. It was awesome! We went and took a tram up to the wall, then we hiked on the wall, clear up to a high point. We bought the kids medals that said "I hiked the Great Wall" and they carved their name and date on them. Stock and Nic bought wood swords from this trip and Syd got a great Chinese umbrella, the kids and Jon also had fun catching a lizard on the wall and finding all the secret stairs to get up the guard towers.

August was a great yet hard month in China. Everyone tells me that it takes 6 months to adjust, I think for me it might take that long to be fully adjusted, but as for the kids and Jon they seem well adjusted and ready for all the business that comes their way. Not that I am not enjoying all the family time and going to all the great places, it is very different here and I still get home sick! But tomorrow is a new day with a new view.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2010-10-09T06:30:00.002-06:00

So on August 9th we headed on a plane for China. The kids were really excited for the new adventure, but sad to leave so many loved ones behind. Jon was super excited too, since we had not seen him since the end of May. I was nervous, I wasn't sure I wanted to go and leave all a had known behind, but I knew we needed to try. Probably the best part of heading over was the kids being so excited, part of their excitement was going First Class the whole way over to China. I had told them that their sets on the plane from San Fransisco would be huge and lay back and they have their own TVs and any snacks they wanted. When we got on the plane in Salt Lake Nic could not wait to take off, since this was his first plane ride he could remember, and Stockton wanted to have the flight attendants start serving him snacks from the time we walked on the plane. I was nervous that they were already too spoiled before we even took off. Then we got to the plane in San Fran, and holy cow these kids were happy. The chairs were huge, they got big pillows, quilts, slippers, head phones, drinks and night masks, and they were sure they had it made.

The kids did great on the long 13 hour flight, they all slept and actually ate pretty well for the quality of food you get. When we landed they could not wait to see Daddy Jon! Nic was so excited to see him, that we just got through the entry point for the country and he went running out and thought he saw Jon on the other side and ran up and hugged a complete stranger. This of course went on the "no talk list" and he was embarrassed and cried a little, but we told him it was an easy mistake since we told him dad would be waiting when we got off. We then had to travel on a airport tram and to the luggage which was 12 bags + our carry ons. It took three carts to get our luggage and I told the kids to just walk quickly through the customs point so they would not stop us and take all my meds and shampoos I brought from home. At that point we finally got to see Jon and Nic got to run and give him a big hug along with the rest of us.

Stockton's Baptism

2010-10-09T06:17:00.003-06:00

Stockton turned 8 years old this year and was baptized in West Jordan, Utah before we moved to China!

Birthdays always come in threes and fours

2010-08-24T07:48:00.003-06:00

Always in threes at our house, since all the 3 kids are two weeks a part, and Lucy's follows 1 month later so we get a small breather there. At least it is 6 months between them and Christmas time. This year the 3 kids had big birthdays, Syd turned 12 and started Young Womens, Stockton turned 8 years old and was baptised, and Nicholas turned 5 and starts school this year in China of all places.

Lucy Girl had a swimming birthday party in Fife, Washington, in September and got to have two of her best friends be there. We hate missing her birthdays, but we love skyping with her and talking on the phone.

Wyoming in July 2010

2010-08-24T02:10:00.002-06:00

Here are some more pictures of Wyoming this summer!

Wizards of Wyoming

2010-08-24T02:05:00.002-06:00

Here are the pictures of the kids making their wands with wandmaker Uncle Jared. They had a blast making them and even more fun playing Harry Potter with them.

Wyoming Birthdays

2010-08-23T08:17:00.001-06:00

Pictures of Fishing in Wyoming for Stockton's 8th Birthday Party

Where Did Summer Go?

2010-08-23T07:40:00.003-06:00

You will need to bare with me I have some catching up to do on the summer. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of my June and early July happenings, I will need to get them from Codi and you can also catch the 4th of July celebration on Amy and Tyson's blog.

June was very busy and crazy and thank goodness Codi came to stay with me and brought Mara and Branden. She came to help me get my house ready for our move to China. Jon headed out June 1st to start work in Beijing, and that meant I needed to get the rest of the house ready for storage and move, before we headed out in August.

Codi had her work cut out for her, between the house and me not wanting to do the work, since it meant I was going to China. But we did fit in fun for the kids, so they would not feel like all their summer was stuck in a torn up house.

In mid July we did get to go to Wyoming for the kids annual trip to Greybull, and we got to go to movies, mini golf, and the mountains. The kids were so happy to be in their element in Wyoming. Stockton, Nic and Syd went fishing with Grampa on Stock's Bday and Stock caught his first fish from start to finish, he was so proud. I was happy to see that my kids ended up with some of their Grampa's genes when it comes to fishing. In the mountains the kids got to play at their rock castle at the Dead Swede camp ground in the Big Horn Mtns. It was great for the kids to play with Mara, Branden, Audrey, Hunter, Berlynn, Carleigh, and Austin. Uncle Jared also became the best wand maker in all of Wyoming, Utah and Texas.. Branden, Stock and Nic, became obessed with Harry Potter and all the spells the whole ride to Wyoming that when we got there Codi and to look up on the internet all the spells from the movies. Then we were going to let the kids make wands out of tree branches. But Uncle Jared, had a wand making shop instead and all of the kids got to pick out their wands, and what magical power went into them, and also the color of their wands. Then Uncle Jared made the wands and magically created them for the kids to transform into the world of Harry Potter.

After Wyoming it was back to Utah to cram in last minute house sorting and the kids birthday parties. I was able to have Nic's party before Wyoming, he had a water fight and cake and ice cream at a park. Stock and Syd's parties I had to fit in close together, Stock also had a water fight party and cake and ice cream. Between Nic's and Stock's party Codi had to fill over 550 water balloons.. I did offer to help, but it was pathetic to watch Mara and I fill water balloons. Codi could fill about 15 to my 1, in Mara's defence she got a lot better at it then I could do. Kids loved the water parties. For Syd's party we had a luau party, so no water balloons needed (Codi was happy about that). Instead Codi and I made candy lei's, and Syd had both boys and girls at her party, and we did fruit and cheese and meat trays.

Disneyland Pictures 2010

2010-05-26T23:51:00.001-06:00

More pictures...

Disney Pics 2010

2010-05-26T23:48:00.001-06:00

Just some more Disneyland pictures to share.

M-I-C-K-E-Y Mouse May 2010

2010-05-26T23:26:00.003-06:00

Family vacations are great! We took our whole family to Disneyland in May this year. It was Nic's time to go where he could have his own memories. I took him and the kids back when he was about 8 months old, so obviously he didn't remember much from that trip. We had a lot of fun, Lucy flew in to Salt Lake on Tuesday the 18th and we took off in the car that day for California. The car ride went really well, even with Lucy and sometimes Nic asking "are we there yet" about 100 times. We spent 4 days in the two parks, and one the 1st day the kids got the chance to get their picture with Mickey Mouse, it was a great way to start off the fun. Nic was a little nervous about going on Pirates and some of the other rides, but after the first time around he was definitely up for a second turn on all of them, even the Haunted Mansion. All the kids got to enjoy going on Grizzly Bear rapids in California Adventure, and it became on of the favorite rides for all of them of the trip. They could not wait to see who would get soaked on the ride. We were also able to take time and get the kids profiles done on Main Street, I can not believe how great the are and how the really do look like the kids. Between Jon and Nic, the wanted to get a fast pass option for the corn dog line, I think it was the favorite meal in the park. Not to scare anyone to badly, but I got to sing with the Disney Dapper Dan's on the first day and I became an honorary member of the group. It was a fun experience, and the rest of the trip when ever we would see them singing some place, Nic would always say "Mom there are your friends". Oh the memories of Disney.. we can not wait to go back, although we might have to make the next time be Disney Hong Kong!

Home Sweet China??

2010-05-26T23:00:00.003-06:00

Yes Yes, China will become our new home base in August of 2010. Are we excited YES.. Are we scared YES.. do we (I mean Darcy) like change NO, but we will make it a great experience. Jon has received an awesome opportunity to go to Beijing China for Goldman Sacs for a few years and work. With this Syd, Stock and Nic will also get the opportunity to go to a great bilingual school and get a great education plus come home speaking Mandarin Chinese. And yes, I Darcy, get a great opportunity to shake up my world again, this time in a good way. Jon and I got to visit Beijing on May 1st for a week to look for housing and schools, and I also think it was Jon's way to get the shock factor out of the way for me. If you can believe it, I actually found some good food to eat, so I might not starve after all. I am concerned about one thing, and that is surviving the driving in China. In China everyone feels they have the right of way at all times, and things like traffic signals seem to be a suggestion to the Chinese drivers and Chinese pedestrians for that matter. It was awesome seeing some of the sites of China in between looking at schools and apartments, and I think we will make the most of our few years there and have great stories and memories to share. We will get back home to SLC for summers and Christmas time... But, we do want visitors while we are there, all are invited.

Soccer

2010-05-26T22:42:00.004-06:00

Wow it has been a while since we did a post.. Soccer started in April for all 3 kids in Utah and Lucy did a soccer basics camp in Washington. Syd, Stock and Nic had 8 games each this year and loved it, even playing in the cold weather. It started out by chance, then I had to make it happen for all 3 kids, but they all had the #5 jersey on their teams this year. And they thought that was pretty cool. Syd is our go getter and aggressive, with her size you would think she might hold back going up against the bigger kids and boys, but she isn't. She hustles both on offense and defense. Stock is our most improved this year, especially from his first year of soccer, were he just wanted to be friends with all the players and going after the ball didn't matter. This year was different, he is a great hustler and an awesome goalie, it might be his niche in soccer. This year was Nic's first year for soccer, and he was not going to be out shined by anyone. He made two goals on the Saturday game that Grampa came from Wyoming to watch. And according to Grampa he definitely has the fist pump down and can really celebrate scoring, he is not my shy son at all. He would come out of the pack holding up is fingers in the #1 sign and giving high fives. I believe he is my first child at that stage in sports who knew if he really won or lost in the game, because he definitely keeps track of the goals. Soccer rocked our world this Spring!

Easter Baskets

2010-04-05T21:42:00.001-06:00

Kids got spoiled some more... Thank you Easter Bunny!

More Easter 2010

2010-04-05T21:39:00.002-06:00

More kid pics

Happy Easter 2010

2010-04-05T21:31:00.002-06:00

We had a great Easter weekend! Lucy headed back on the Saturday and we missed her even before she left. We dyed eggs, found easter baskets, and kids got cute new clothes.

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-05T21:21:00.002-06:00

We got Lucy home for Spring Break.. and we took time off and played and played and played. We got to go swimming, laser tag and ice skating. Lucy had a very loose tooth the whole time, but was very nervous about it falling out, so she ended up going home on the plane with it almost out and it fell out that afternoon when she got back to Washington. Laser tag was a big hit again, thanks to Ty Ty's family for introducing it to Sydney and her bringing home the love. Jon did get the most points over all in our round and Lucy happened to some how get minus points, yet we all had a blast. Ice skating was soo fun, Jon took Syd, Lucy and Nic on Wednesday while I took Stock to the Jazz game, and they had a great time so we all decided to try it on Lucy's last day home. This time Nic and Lucy and Stock all tried really hard to skate by themselves.

St. Patrick's Day 2010

2010-03-21T20:26:00.002-06:00

With the Luck of the Irish the Leprechaun escaped the traps the kids set for him... but he did leave gold candy, green dust and limeaid. I tried to be the creative mom and made rainbow cupcakes and a rainbow fruit tray. The kids went the day wearing green!

Syd gets the new skiis

2010-03-21T20:22:00.002-06:00

Daddy Jon came through and Syd got her new Roxy skiis for doing sooo well in skiing last year and this year.

Nic's first ski lesson

2010-03-21T20:19:00.003-06:00

Here are a few pics of Nic's first ski lessons this year.. and he jumped 1 level before he really got started. He loves it and is doing great.

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-03-21T20:14:00.004-06:00

I have been behind on my blogging, which I know is not a shock to anyone... So here is the catching up. Valentine's Day 2010 all the Girls got flowers from their Dad's and the two boys got balloons. I don't have a picture of Lucy with her flowers yet, but I will post them when I get it.

Dallas

2010-02-17T19:03:00.003-07:00

Syd and I got to go to Dallas to visit Ty's family, for "Danny Boys" blessing. We had a great time, Audrey, Syd, Berlynn and Carleigh got to do foot spa treatments and make up at the hotel, and they did a great job painting all the girls nails. I also learned the Red is Carleigh's lipstick color, and don't even try to change her mind. :) Hunter got to bring the Wii to the hotel and showed us how good he is at playing the games. I got Berlynn as a bed partner at the hotel and she was my kind of sleeper, and Syd got to sleep with Audrey. Austin Daniel is a great baby, he is so cute and hardly ever makes a fuse. We had a blast, we got to go bowling, drive go karts, and play laser tag where Berlynn was my partner again. Monday Mom, Dad, Syd and I got to visit some of the museums in Dallas in a big rain storm , and when it rains in Dallas it rains in Dallas. We found our selves walking to a museum with out an umbrella. We went to the Holocaust Museum and also to the Sixth floor museum which is where JFK was shoot. Then we went to the famous Sprinkles Cupcake store for delicious cupcakes. Dallas did not bring sun, in fact it was cold, and right after we left the state they got a huge snow storm.. so much for going where we could be a little warmer in February. All in All we had a great time!

January fun

2010-02-17T18:51:00.001-07:00

Well after China Jon had his friend Andrew come to Salt Lake early to visit our crazy family life. Andrew was a hit with the kids. He got to stay with us and then go skiing at Alta, his first night back at the house Nic ran for the door when he got home and told him how much he had missed him that day. Thanks for coming to Salt Lake Andrew and being an awesome guest for the kids and all the help with homework and playing the Wii.

Jon then had to go to work for a few days in New York so he took off on Sunday and was gone until Wednesday night, the night before Syd and I left for Dallas to see Ty's family.

January- China

2010-02-17T18:42:00.003-07:00

Wow where did January go... There was a lot of travel for Jon during the month. He got to go do a week of work in China, first Hong Kong then Beijing. He got to meet the China office and do a hike along the Great Wall of China. He loved his trip, but we missed him while he was gone. Syd Lucy and I can not complain too much, he did bring us home pretty jade bracelets. Jon will need to post more on his trip, but he did take one of Nic's and Syd's stuffed animals to take pictures of China.

New Year Bangs

2010-01-04T23:00:00.004-07:00

Can we say electrical engineer?? Nicholas decided to bringing in January 3rd with a bang.. after church on Sunday while we were finishing getting dinner ready, all of the sudden Jon and I heard a bang and pop sound coming from the counter. As we turn to look, there is smoke coming from the telephone plug in the wall from where the pop/bang sound came from. Nic had the biggest OH NO look on his face, as Jon ran over to make sure there was no fire, he found the penny Nic slid in between the plug and outlet. Needless to say the penny and plug were melted, and Nic was ok. It did give us a good teaching moment for the kids on why we do not stick things in the wall outlets, and a good selling point for the wall outlets that have their own kill switches to the power.

Christmas PJs

2010-01-04T22:42:00.003-07:00

On Christmas Eve we always get to open new Christmas pajamas from gramma and grampa.. the kids love it. It always means it is one step closer to Christmas morning. Thanks mom and dad Jon and I loved our PJs too, you are the best!

There is also a picture of Lucy Girl trying on some new Christmas clothes!

Dec 2009 Gingerbread houses

2010-01-01T22:34:00.002-07:00

Here are pics for the Gingerbread houses we did this holiday season.

Christmas Clothes

2010-01-01T22:29:00.002-07:00

Here are pictures of the Christmas clothes the kids had for 2009.

Wyoming Christmas Bowling

2009-12-28T22:31:00.001-07:00

Pictures of the Christmas bowling.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T22:08:00.003-07:00

Everyone was very spoiled this year for Christmas. All of the children were on the nice list and Santa stopped at Gramma & Grampa's house in Wyoming, and he did stop in Seattle to drop off Lucy's presents as well.

Christmas in Wyoming is always soo much fun, Jon teases Nic, Stock and Branden that they played so many hours of Lego Wii games that the only communication they understand is the Lego character talk. Syd and Mara got very very nice hair irons and new nail design sets that they spent lots of time getting ready. Playing spades this year brought new players to the table, Syd and Mara got to join the big table game and had fun learning to bid on their own, and Jon was excited to win a game.

We did our traditional day after Christmas bowling and movie in Cody and with Dad and Mom coaching we are all getting better in our bowling game.

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-28T21:58:00.002-07:00

Prime Rib, Shrimp, presents these are a few of our favorite things on Christmas Eve... What a great start to Christmas, we had good weather for travel to and from Powell, Wyoming this year. We had a blast spending time with the Wirtzberger family and enjoying all of our favorites. It did actually start when Dad and Uncle Bill almost burnt down Aunt Jan's house trying to deep fry a wonton in a frying pan. But the prime rib was awesome, the shrimp was very delicious and the kids were having a great time.

Decorating the 2009 Christmas Tree

2009-11-29T20:26:00.002-07:00

Kids had full say in the decorating of our Christmas tree this year and they did a great job. I believe there were only a few decorations that were broken this year, but no injuries.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T20:22:00.002-07:00

With Thanksgiving 2009 we had all the kids home for the holiday in Utah, we got some family pics and got to decorate the Christmas tree.

Last batch of fishing 2009

2009-11-29T20:18:00.002-07:00

Between Grampa and Daddy Jon I am pretty sure these kids will be very well rounded in outdoor sports!

More Fishing Pics

2009-11-29T20:16:00.001-07:00

More pictures from the summer 2009 fishing trip in Wyoming

Fishing in Wyoming

2009-11-29T20:12:00.002-07:00

This last summer when the kids did there annual vacation with gramma and grampa in Wyoming, they got their own fishing poles for their birthdays and grampa took them out to break them in. So here are some pics of them out fishing.

Skating November 2009 -- a few more pictures

2009-11-18T20:16:00.004-07:00

Sydney got up the courage to roll in. Stockton rolled in on his scooter. Nic rolled in on his bum.

2009-11-18T00:00:00.006-07:00

We had a spell of warm weather in early November so Jon took Syd, Stockton, Nic and two neighborhood friends of the kids to the skatepark in Riverton. Not so crowded and we had the peanut shaped pool all to ourselves for awhile. Syd even had a few boys showing off for her a bit.

"He he he" was all she said.

Halloween 2009 Lucy Girl

2009-11-03T22:45:00.003-07:00

Here are pictures of Lucy in her Halloween T-shirt we got her and in her costume as Alice in Wonderland. She had lots of fun on Halloween and got lots of candy. There is also a picture of Lucy with her kindergarten class in their pumpkin patch.

Random Pics for Halloween

2009-10-31T22:51:00.001-06:00

Halloween T-Shirts 2009

2009-10-31T22:49:00.001-06:00

Here are the T-shirts for this year!

Halloween Costumes 2009

2009-10-31T22:46:00.001-06:00

Costume Pics

Ward Party

2009-10-31T22:43:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pics from the Ward Halloween Party!

Halloween and all the Glory!

2009-10-31T22:26:00.003-06:00

Well it is Halloween 2009 and what a holiday it has been. After the kids finally decided on their costumes which it changed about 20 times, except for our Lucy girl who knew she wanted to be Alice in Wonderland in June.. they were the following Syd as a Black Widow(with attitude), Stock a White Ninja(with all the right moves), Lucy was Cute Alice, and Nic as Wolverine (with claws and hair). Halloween was about a week long event for us this year.. starting Wednesday with carving pumpkins and what a memory is that, Syd was big enough to clean her own, and Stock was wonder how you got the pumpkin guts out of the pumpkin and after putting his hand in and trying very hard not to puke Jon had to clean the pumpkin. I was cleaning Nic's and when I brought out the first of the insides of the pumpkin Nic decided not to sit so close to his pumpkin, then all of the sudden he was under the table telling us he puked, that he hates the smell of the pumpkin guts. Then when it was time to actually carve them Nic came back to help, but instead he decided to puke again. In all the commotion of Nic, Jon ended up carving Syd's pumpkin and that started a new round of drama. So with the event of Pumpkin Carving behind us, we did get cute pumpkins, though I am not sure we will ever do it again.

Then on Thursday we had the kids school Halloween party and the Ward party, which actually made it nice for getting the kids all dressed up.

Friday was work Halloween day, I took off 1/2 a day to take the kids to my work and then up to Jon's work for their company's kid day for Halloween. Needless to say the kids got tons of candy we could have called it a great Halloween with that. Then we went to a Garrison family party and the kids got to bob for apples and other games which ended the night great.

Finally, we get to Halloween.. and trick o treating in our neighborhood, the kids had a blast and filled their pumpkins with a lot more candy. When all is done this was a very fun and successfully Halloween!

Lagoon Oct. 2009

2009-10-24T14:45:00.003-06:00

Pics from Lagoon Frightmares..

And Nic got to ride on his first big kid ride of the year, it is a roller coaster called the bat, and Branden and Stock got to enjoy the white roller coaster, the Fire Dragon Roller coaster(2 loops), and the roller coaster called Wicked (giant drop straight down)

Big Cottonwood Pics

2009-10-24T14:42:00.002-06:00

Here are pictures of the kids at Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Family Fun!!

2009-10-24T14:34:00.003-06:00

Codi and the kids came for a visit to Salt Lake, so we had a great weekend of fun. We went to Gardner Village, Stock's last flag football game, Lagoon and saw Where the Wild Things Are! And the kids played, and played, and played. Also Jon thought it would be fun to take all the kiddies rock climbing up Big Cottonwood Canyon, I do think everyone had lots of fun.

King of the Mountain

2009-09-26T21:43:00.002-06:00

Jon took the kids and I rock climbing up Big Cottonwood Canyon. This was the kids first time really climbing a wall of an actual mountain. This ledge was about 30 to 35 feet high, and Syd made it all the way to the anchors and the boys both made it about half way up.

Golf-Golf-Golf

2009-09-26T21:37:00.003-06:00

Here is the kids first time using their new golf clubs, boy did we have fun!

More School 2009 Pics

2009-08-26T21:35:00.001-06:00

Just some more cute pics to share of the 1st day of school 2009!

What it can't be another year begins

2009-08-26T21:28:00.003-06:00

Ok, it is not fair, really not fair... how do I have a 6th grader, 2nd grader, kindergartener and 4 yr old. I just think time goes by too fast for my taste. Syd and Stock were really excited to start school this year, I think mainly to return to the social life haven. Nic was ready to start his schooling with Debbie this year, I am very greatful for a great one on one pre-K experiance for my kids. Lucy girl will be starting school on Sept. 2nd and Jon will get to be there in Seattle for her birthday and 1st day, her class is called the Starfish and she is excited. I will be posting pics of her soon, when Jon gets back from the trip next week.

Mt Timpanogos

2009-08-26T21:22:00.002-06:00

We took the hike to the Mt Timpanogos cave this August, it is not any easy hike but the cave is worth it. The kids thought the cave and all its wonders were very cool. At one point the guide was going to show our tour what it is like to be in total darkness in the cave, and as the lights went out Nic points out to all that his shoes glow in the dark! So much for experiancing really total darkness.. thank GI Joe shoes! :)

Rock wall - Rock Climbing

2009-08-26T21:18:00.003-06:00

We now have one great rock wall in our garage and the kids are getting really good at climbing it. Syd is our natural mountain goat, but Stock is really catching up and Nic likes to try and swing on the ropes.

2009 Birthdays

2009-08-03T22:51:00.002-06:00

Stockton was in Wyoming for his actual 7 yr old birthday, and then they all came home on August 2nd, so Jon and I decided that they could open up their birthday gifts Sunday when we got home... that way it was not on anyones actual day. We decided that it would be fun to get them all golf clubs.. Stock asked for some about a month before is birthday, I figured it was a good idea for all. So mark it up for one more family activity we can all enjoy!

Wirtzberger Blood

2009-08-03T22:44:00.003-06:00

Sydney, Stock, and Nic all got fishing poles from Uncle Jared and Aunt Codi & Mara & Branden for their birthdays.. so of course Grampa got to take them out fishing. According to Gramma they have the Mike Wirtzberger blood when it comes to fishing and catching fish, they all got bites and even reeled in the fish all the way. Syd ended up landing the largest of the day, but Stockton had the biggest on his line, but it got away. But he just said he ended up being King of the smaller fish.. and Nic just was happy to do it himself. When Gramma asked if he was having fun he said it was awesome, then a few minutes later he turned to ask Gramma if she was having fun. That is my funny boy.

Summer July 2009

2009-07-28T22:41:00.002-06:00

We got to have Lucy home for all of June and about 1/2 of July, and we had fun. We filled the time with going to Lagoon, trips to Grandma and Grandpa Garrison's, picnics in the mountains, and Playing at home while Jon painted the kids bedrooms. The girl's room got a pretty lime green and cream, while the boys room got a great bright blue and cream. They love their new colors. To finish off July, Lucy headed back to Seattle and the other 3 kids headed for the two weeks in Wyoming with Gramma and Grampa. This is a trip they would never pass up... this year Gramma & Grampa with Uncle Jared's help built the grandkids a Wyoming Club house. Let the fun begin!

2009 Family Summer Vacation

2009-07-28T22:31:00.004-06:00

For the end of June and beginning of July we took our family vacation to Souther/Central Utah for camping and hiking.. not my idea, but Jon and the kids love it. I will admit that we had fun! We started out in Capitol Reef Nat'l Park near the Fruita area, the rock formations and views were beautiful. The kids got to explore and become Jr. Rangers, then we hiked to the Hickman Natural Bridge which was worth the effort. The kids did great on the mile in and mile out hike, and it was hot. We even had to scare off a racoon that ate some of our cashews from our campsite one night. Then we finished out trip at Gobblin Valley.. the rock forms their look like gobblins or mushrooms and the kids got to play and climb all over them.

Father's Day 2009

2009-07-28T22:28:00.002-06:00

Jon had a great Father's Day, we had all the kids around. And they got to make him a great shirt and cards!

Memorial Weekend

2009-07-28T22:23:00.002-06:00

Over Memorial Weekend the Kids and I got to go to Wyoming, I was feeling home sick and need to make the great trip.

June 2009

2009-07-28T22:18:00.002-06:00

Wow were did time Go? Here are some of our family pics from June.. Syd's Dance Recital and Gramma & Grampa's visit to Utah.

East Egg Hunt

2009-04-12T23:23:00.003-06:00

Easter ended with a nice dinner and a kids money egg hunt.. Syd ended up with about $11.00, Nic got $8.50 and Stock came in with $4.50 and did they have fun.

Easter Dress

2009-04-12T23:18:00.001-06:00

Here are pics from Easter with the kids hair done and dress for church!

Easter Bunny Visits

2009-04-12T23:05:00.002-06:00

Well Nic is really learning how all the holiday's work.. on April 1st for April fools day Nic watched as everyone would play jokes, so that afternoon Jon took the boys to the library to get books and while they were there Nic told Jon that he wet his pants, and as Jon was shocked and wanted to know way he didn't tell him sooner Nic told him April Fools. So with Easter coming Nic realized gifts come in a basket from the famous Easter Bunny.. so Nic put in his order and he waited kind of patiently, only asking for the last week or so if it was Easter yet. Well with the dying of eggs and learning a hunt for them would happen Easter morning Nic was ready to find the most, along with his basket. So now Syd and Stock have even more competition..Syd really took on the big sister role and let Nic enjoy the hunt, and Stock was smart and went to the basement to come out the big winner by one egg. And Nic's order was delivered, him and Stock got Ninja Turtle parachute figures, Syd got shoes, not to mention all the candy.

Dance Dance Dance

2009-04-12T22:58:00.002-06:00

April 3rd & 4th was Syds first dance competition for her jazz dance team.. they dance to the Cruella Devil song. It is a really cute dance and Syd does great. She loves the energy of the competition.. as for the parent, not as much fun. It was fun to see Sydney soooo excited.

Toothless Stock

2009-03-23T21:55:00.002-06:00

March 23, 2009... Stockton lost his very first tooth. It was his bottom left tooth and he has been waiting for weeks for it to happen. He beat Syd by a year on age for loosing the first tooth, Syd was 7 1/2. Stockton kept wanting us to pull it out, until tonight that is when he got nervous. Finally, we talked him into letting Jon feel it and he was able to just pull it out with zero pain.

Flat Stanely

2009-03-23T21:39:00.003-06:00

Stockton had a first grade project called "Flat Stanley" this year. He had to send Flat Stanley to someone he knew, so that person would color him and send back pictures of the area he visited. Stockton chose to send Flat Stanley to Kam in New York City.

Kam took Flat Stanley all over the city; he rode the Staten Island Ferry, saw Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, The Met, MoMA, and Columbia University. Stockton was so excited to read the captions and anecdotes Kam sent back with all of the pictures of Stanley's visit. It will be the best presentation! Stock can't wait to show his classmates.

Lucky Day

2009-03-23T21:32:00.002-06:00

St. Partrick's Day 2009 started off with a visit from Lucky the Leperchan, leaving the kids golden candy and green milk. We all dressed in our green shirts to keep from getting pinched during the day.

Park City Skiing March 14th

2009-03-15T21:52:00.002-06:00

Well we had the best intentions for a family day of skiing. We loaded up our skis and were all dressed to go and headed to Park City for a day of skiing. When we got there Jon and I got all the kids boots, gloves, helmets on and got the kids loaded up with their skis, then it was up to me to make the walk with the kids to the ticket office while Jon parked the car and got his boots on. Needless to say the walk was not good, Lucy did not want to carry her skis and was stopping in protest and Nic was not wanting to ski at all with a fear of falling off the mountain so he kept stopping to sit and cry. So by the time we got to the ticket office by the lifts, Nic was not willing to ski at all and kept crying in protest, so I bought Jon a pass only to ski with our other 3 kids, and Nic and I spent our time in the lodge having lunch and resting. About 3 hours later Jon was down with the kids only after doing 2 runs, with the 2nd run taking over 2 hours. This was due to Lucy stopping lots and lots on the mountain to lay down and cry about not wanting to ski. This left Jon with close to no patients with kids, so I took Lucy and Stock with me and Nic so Jon and Syd could enjoy one more run. With the day done, we really did have lots of memories, Lucy can ski just doesn't want to and we got the kids picture taken with a St. Bernard dog.

Jon's early B-day

2009-03-15T21:47:00.001-06:00

Here are some of the pictures from Jon's Ben 10 party!!

Lucy home in March

2009-03-15T21:35:00.002-06:00

Lucy was home again for 10 days in March! We had a lot planned for her visit. We had all the kids her first night home, then Saturday Jon, Lucy and I went bowling. Jon got to take a few days to work from home so he kept Lucy and Nic for those days with him. We also went to the Draper Temple Open House then out to dinner at Timpenyaki. We got to see Codi, Jared, Mara and Branden for lunch on the 13th, then that night we did a surprise early B-day party for Jon. It was Ben 10 themed of course.. we almost made it the whole time with the secret, until about 1 hour before we left to decorate, then Lucy decided Dad needed to know. Nic also helped clue Jon in by saying we still get to go to your birthday party right, and so the surprise was more the theme and fun. It was fun no matter when he found out, Syd and Lucy decorated while Stock and Nic kept Jon company at home. Saturday we ended with skiing in Park City!

Spring School Photos

2009-03-15T21:29:00.002-06:00

So every year I usually forget the day they are doing the Spring Photos at school, and of course last year the kids were not in their best outfits and Stock just could not believe I would not buy his pictures, so I bought them. But this year I remembered, it did help that Syd was going to the symphony the same day, so she would have looked cute no matter what. So here are a few pics of the kids before school, and one of Nic not wanting me to touch his hair that day, but wanting his picture taken.

Nicholas' First Primary Talk

2009-03-15T21:23:00.002-06:00

Nicholas gave his first primary talk in February this year. It was on Every family member has a responsibility. He was excited to give the talk and even helped with the ideas, but when it came time to practice he was not excited. I was afraid he would get up and pout and cry through it like he was doing at home, but he did great and now wants to give the talk every Sunday.

Skiing 2009

2009-03-15T21:05:00.004-06:00

This year has become a big year for skiing for the kids this year. Sydney is skiing double blues and has earned her new Roxy ski's that Jon promised if she would ski blues for most of the season. She started this year on the green runs at Brighton for a few runs, and from there she has been skiing the blue runs at Brighton and Park City. Stockton wasn't sure about skiing this year because it was really cold the first time they went up to Alta with all the kids, but Jon got him to Park City with Syd at the end of February and he was skiing the blues all day at first with some help. Then Jon said if he would ski the rest of the day without any help then he would get a set of poles. So at the end of the day Stock came home with new poles, which he wanted from the beginning of the season.

2009-02-21T22:35:00.002-07:00

Sydney and Stockton learned dances at school and last night they performed them for the parents. Here are some pictures of them at the dance.

2009-02-21T22:25:00.006-07:00

Valentine's Day 2009, was great.. all the kids got fun gifts and I got flowers from my Dad!

Dino Museam

2009-01-19T22:03:00.002-07:00

We got to go the Dinosaur Museam at Thanksgiving Point with some friends from work and their kids. The pictures will tell you the kids had a great time.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-19T21:58:00.002-07:00

On Jan. 15th 2009 Syd, Jon and I got tickets to the Draper Temple Open House. Sydney was really excited and not sure what to expect, she even called Gramma to talk to her and after getting off the phone will her she could not wait to see which room was her favorite. Her favorite room ended up being the Celestial Room with the bride's room in close second. The last room we saw were the sealing rooms and Syd got the best visual of what it means to be a family forever, the mirrors on each wall helped her understand that her ancestors and her future are all linked together and she was very happy.

Its all Downhill

2009-01-19T21:44:00.003-07:00

Jon can bite off more than he can chew sometimes.. and on Friday Jan. 2nd, he decided he would take 4 kids skiing. Not just any 4, but 3 inexperienced skiiers(Syd, Stock & Lucy) and 1 first timer(Nic). Well he does want them to have the great memories. So they went to Alta to the tow rope, and the outcome was this in a nut shell. Syd took the hill a few times and looking good, Stockton I think went down once and ended up skiing into the ski shack more then anything, Lucy tried at least once down the hill, but wanted to put in very little effort on her part and finally Nic went down once and spent the better part of the time eating snowballs. So with that Jon decided it was getting late and the kids were getting cold, so they attempted the tow rope between the runs, here Jon decided Syd needed to help with the other children and put Nic between her skiis, needless to say it did not go well, Nic crossed his skiis and then turned around and took him and Syd out in one swoop. Syd's version is better, but it took help from others to get them up. Syd then attempted Lucy and Stock, but again inexperience overruled. I do have to say they all came back happy, but only Syd wanted to go again the next day, the others had had their fill. Heres to Jon.. may he be brave and attempt more good memories.

Good-Bye 2008

2009-01-01T09:16:00.003-07:00

Well the time came for 2008 to come to an end. With that we had 2 kids with sour tummies and the boys got hair cuts(thank goodness). So here are last pics of the kids in the year 2008!

New Christmas Clothes

2009-01-01T09:10:00.002-07:00

All the kids got really cute clothes for Christmas this year... and even Nic did not mind opening closthes prestents this year. (miracle)

Daddy's are the best...

2008-12-25T15:45:00.002-07:00

I love, love, love my Dad gift... the ring was beautiful. Thanks Dad, I love you.

Christmas Morning

2008-12-25T15:42:00.003-07:00

Opening presents is always exciting, and all the kids really loved everything.. even Nic liked his clothes this year.

Stockings were hung

2008-12-25T15:40:00.002-07:00

Santa came and delivered...

Boys vs Girls in Christmas PJs

2008-12-24T23:34:00.001-07:00

It is rare to get so many photos, but Nic was definitely winding down...

More Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-24T23:28:00.001-07:00

Just a few more Pics from Christmas Eve...