Fun with cousins....

Dalin and Hannah had some business in Saratoga to do so they came to say hi and left two of their boys with us for a few days. The kids had a blast and I was amazed how great they got along. I just have to laugh though at Annabelle and Kyler. While we were in Wyoming for our short visit, Annabelle singled out sweet little Kyler (the one on the horse) to pick on--she liked to pinch his cheeks when no one was watching--and sweet little Kyler never retaliated. So Kyler comes in this weekend and Annabelle attacks again. This time though he whips around and gives her a much deserved wack. They both stopped and starred at each other for a time not sure of what just happened. After that, they were best buds and by the end were giving each other hugs.

On friday we went four wheeling and sledding. We were determined to go even though it was cold out. Grant brought his helmet so he could go for a ride and once he got here Casey and him only took off those helmets for dinner and bed. We stopped at the post office for cookies and mail. We have an awesome postal lady who gives kids cookies if they ask nicely. Casey's gotten very good at asking politely. Poor Annabelle though, I'm not sure if the post lady realizes that Annabelle has a limited vocabulary, but she tries everytime to get her to ask appropriately. Here are the boys in their helmets and you'll notice in other pictures that they don't come off.

After four wheeling my neighbor (who's name happens to be Janna) invited the kids over to see some of her "creatures". Here's her taranchula. Freaky!!

And then the not so scary turtle. My neighbor also has a large aquarium full of fish but I didn't take pictures of them. It was quite the zoo. The picture also reminds me of the millions of times I had to play dead from being shot with a toy gun. Poor Casey (if you haven't noticed) takes everything so literally and was not happy that I kept getting shot:). Grant had to keep reminding him that it's not real.

Later that night Matt and I took all five kids to the hot springs. We didn't realize how stupid of an idea that was until we had told them of our plans, gotten them ready, and in the car. As we were pulling out we both looked at each other and thought "are we crazy"? Yes!! We went to the front counter and the lady asked with a judgemental smirk (maybe we were just paranoid) if they were all ours. We got many looks that night. But everyone had a great time and we were happy we had a momentary lapse of sanity.

Saturday we celebrated Casey's 5th birthday!! He had in his mind that he was going to make out BIG this year. He had been to a few friends parties were 20+ kids were invited and they took home quite the loot. Casey had a great birthday but at the end of the day he was asking where all his friends gifts were. In fact, he kept asking people where their presents for him were. I'm really trying to teach my kids manners, but it's hard --they don't always listen. We started off with a snowmobiling trip up Cottonwood pass. Dalin and Hannah were pretty sick with a stomache bug but they were great sports and came with us anyways. Our friends the Trails came too and let them borrow a few of their sleds. We took our cameras but didn't get them out--oops. Here's afterwards during presents...

I think Casey did pretty well on presents and loved everyone of them. Matt made him a "real live" work bench with a hammer, nails, screw driver, hand drill, small hand saw, chisel, C clamps, etc. Just enough stuff to be dangerous. Casey and the kids didn't want to stop playing they loved it so much. He has to be supervised while working. He started building my birthday present right away. He's so sweet. He was talking to grandma and grandpa on the phone and whispered that he's making me an airplane. Just what I wanted, how did he know. I'd love anything that came from him. Hannah sewed this really cool cape for Casey. It's reversible with batman on one side and superman on the other side. You can see the front and the back in the next two pictures. Very cool!!