Field Trip to the Aquarium

WARNING: A lot of horribly blurry pics!!!!

We went to the Living Planet Aquarium with Hunter's Preschool and I forgot my camera!!! I can't believe it! So all of these pictures were taken on my phone... Sorry!!!

The aquarium, or as Hunter calls it "The zoo for fish" was so neat! I was surprised to see how much was in there. I was sure the field trip would be over in about an hour, but we ended up staying for 2 1/2. Hunter loved everything. He was amazed by the marine biologist that gave the presentation, he was terrified of touching the sting ray (at first), but after it accidentally touched him, he freaked, and then he couldn't keep his hands out of the tank.
He also loved the octopus (squid) I took a picture but it was too dark.
We had a lot of fun with all our friends and can't wait to go back!

Sting Rays

Hunter learning all the "Facts" about Utah wetlands

Hunter's class: Hunter is 3rd from the left sitting down

My first report card! I LOVE Preschool...

Hunter got his first report card last week, and I must say, I am one proud mama! He got all Excellent and just two Very Goods!!!
He is so excited, and has been showing everyone he can. We went to the store and got some flash cards so we can keep working on letter sound and recognition, addition and subtraction, and a Kindergarten work book. Interesting enough, Hunter is excited to have homework now? I know it will last for about a day maybe two :) Hunter also got a prize for his EXCELLENT report card. He picked "The Cryptic Claw" from the Secret Saturdays.

Yay!!! We love preschool!!!!


Hunter, his report card, and prize

Hunter's 1st report card

Teachers Comments (in case you can't see them): Hunter is so awesome! He is such a NICE, NICE little boy! I LOVE that about him! He always says "excuse me" How polite!

Keep working on those letters!

Arjay's Baby Shower

So I am a terrible Aunt! I didn't get one picture of Arjay at her own shower!!! I am so sorry Arjay! I will have to steal one from you! By the way, Arjay is such a cute pregnant mama, she looked truly beautiful!

Anyway, Jenny and Jaimee threw the baby shower for Arjay, Joanne, Amy, Amanda and myself helped out where we could. We had it at my house and I was so excited about Arjay's theme that we went MONKEY crazy. I kinda spazzed out with it, so I did the monkey center pieces, monkey cupcakes, and monkey thank you wrappers on candy bars. It was so much fun and Jen the food was delish!

We are so excited for the arrival of baby Tatum, and having Arjay as a part of our crazy family!!!



Monkey Centerpieces

Monkey Cupcakes

Food!

Candy!!!

Ahhhh... January, or as I like to call it, the month of unattainable yearly goal planning... Which I have been just as guilty of in the past. So, this year I didn't resolve to lose one zillion pounds, become a brain surgeon, rescue a third world country, or to make one miillllion dollars. I know, I am being facetious, but let's be honest, most resolutions are broken within the first few weeks of January no matter how small they are.

When I was at home, a few days before New Year's Eve, and was contemplating making my annual list of things I wanted to do in the new year, to better myself (but knew I wouldn't) a blog of a high school friend I often visit came to mind. First of all this woman is amazing, her husband is in the military and they have four small children. She is often " alone" raising them while her hubby is deployed. I use "alone" in quotes because she is never alone, she surrounds herself with amazing friends and family. However, she is always organizing something to help some out! So as I was sitting there thinking about what I was going to do to better myself this year, my blog friend popped into my mind.

She does a monthly challenge on her blog for those who show some random act of kindness. BRILLIANT she is, because what person doesn't need to be encouraged to do more of that?
She picks a winner every month, blogs about what they have done, and sends a little hand-made gift to them. AMAZING WOMAN!!!

I would love to do a challenge for ALL (hee, hee, hee) my followers but I run into many road blocks at this point. Because I am not the most "Tech Savvy" person, I am not sure if I have any followers? and I am not sure if there are many out there who even visit my blog??? So maybe one day I'll get it figured out and begin a challenge (hey there's one for next years resolution:))

So this is it my "NEW YEAR RESOLUTION"

"the more you give, the more you live"

That's it! One thing! Resolutions are all about bettering yourself right? So what better way to do that then to serve others. I resolve this year to do random acts of kindness whenever and wherever possible. At least one every month, which I will blog about, and even have Hunter get involved in...

What comes around goes around... I can't DO everything, but I can DO something...

Happy New Year Everone!!!

Merry Christmas ~ 2009

Christmas... Uuhggg! Christmas came and went in a flash. We were so crazy and rushed it was like it never happened. In years past Hunter and I have developed many little traditions and with the exception of opening presents and making (a very small) breakfast nothing was traditional about this Christmas at all.

First of all (sigh...) this is the first Christmas Hunter's dad and I shared Christmas day (Great for Hunter and daddy, not so great for me) so with that being said, this is the first Christmas I spent all on my own (well for 5 or 6 hours of it).

So I will break down our day...

Hunter got up at about 8:00 a.m. He peeked around the corner of the stairs and came barrelling back into my room yelling "he came, he came... He really came!!! So I grabbed the camera and snapped those precious moments of excitement...
We opened presents, and looked in our stockings. Of course I had to open, assemble, and put batteries in toys as fast as I could. So while he busied himself with his toys, I quickly made breakfast. We ate and I cleaned up breakfast, then I had to get Hunter ready to go with daddy. After Hunter left, and I had my very short pity party, I got busy cooking for the Kimber Christmas dinner. I was hosting and since my house turns into Tom Thumbs home when you get 25 people in it, I wanted everything done before they got there. (By the way no matter how good I plan and organize my family likes to try to squeeze everyone into my kitchens 3' X 5' cooking space)??? So I got that going and finished. I ended up having enough time to watch a Christmas movie... "White Christmas" I am a sucker for the classics! I get lost in all the romance... Any who! Hunter made it home just before all the family arrived... Chaos ensues! It was fun to get together with the family however, I will NEVER again try to pack so much into two days. I was exhausted, Hunter was spent, and it was almost like it never happened. But for everything that it wasn't, I never for one moment, forgot to stop to remind myself just how good I do have it! I'm pretty lucky to have what I have...

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and may all of you New Year Dreams come true!



Hunter's letter from Santa

Merry Christmas Hunter

Hunter's real "GINTAR"

Hunter's wiggle car

The ONLY thing he asked for "a REAL robot

Our QUICK breakfast

Arjay & Baby Tatum.. I'm going to be a Great Auntie soon

My Joshy & Hunter!!! Josh had leave over the holidays, Yay... We won't see him until he graduates, but he should be home in time to welcome his son into the world!!!! We love you Joshy...

Kiddo's exchanging gifts! Can any of you sit like that (like Hunter) anymore???

Christmas House 2009

I'm trying to play catch up!!! Work has been so busy already this year so I have been neglecting my blog.

As posted before I love, love, love to decorate for the holidays!!! So here are a few pics of our "Christmas House"!!!


Front Door

Living Room & Christmas Tree

Nativity

Santa's cookie stop

Opposite view of front room

Dining Table

Gingerbread House