Treehouse Museum

I have a wonderful family. Justin, my younger brother, was so sweet and at a moment notice decided to come to visit myself and the boys in Utah while Jordan was gone away on a work trip. I thought he was crazy because he was going to travel from California to Utah with his 3 little girls on a Friday and then turn around and go back on Sunday. But, he wanted to come and see me and the boys and was willing to sacrifice the hellish ride both there and back to spend time with us.

Unfortunately, he had car trouble both trips and went through a lot of crap but he never complained. I felt horrible for all the stuff he had to go through but I loved having him here. We rarely get to see them and I completely enjoyed our time together.

We took the kids to the Treehouse Museum on Saturday and they were in heaven. Justin's girls: Callie, Mariah and Nora have incredible imaginations and made the trip so fun. Because they play so well, they were able to show my boys how to play dress up and use their imaginations at the different areas of the museum. We spend hours there and I really enjoyed myself.

Here are some pictures of the kids:

Luke and Callie riding a bull in a rodeo.

Dylan's turn riding with Callie

All the kids were in a little play at the museum. The employees told a story and the kids acted out the parts. Luke was the dad in the story, Callie was a child, Dylan was a child and Mason, Mariah, and Nora were different farm animals. Here is a picture of Callie and Dylan on the stage acting there part.

Mariah and Dylan racing to the next fire!!!

Luke dressing up as the father in the play. I love this pictures. He looks so sweet and innocent.

Mason playing some instruments and playing the part of a pirate.

Nora trying to play the part of a pirate but the hat was a tad bit big on her.

But, she does make an adorable pirate.

My favorite picture of the day. Mariah putting on some more dress up clothes.

Prince Luke giving his suave pose for the camera.

Callie dressing up like royalty. She really fits the part.

Justin getting into the role play with the kids and dressing up like a court jester.

Queen Mariah in her castle.

Overall it was a great day! My kids loved hanging out with their cousins and using their imagination all day.

Island Park 2010

This past summer we were invited to go to Island Park with a bunch of couples. We have attended this couples only weekend a few times before.

It is a fun time where we play games, talk, laugh, relax and not have to worry about anything.

This year we had a great time. The guys always think of stupid things they can do to show off to one another. This year the decided to do the strongest man competition in Island Park.

Here are a few pictures of the competition:

One of the competitions they did was bench press log seats.

Jordan was all ready to lift the bench when Mike jumped on the bench without Jordan knowing. After a lot of grunting and pushing and not being able to move the bench one inch, he finally figured out that he had about 200 plus more weight to lift.

One of the other competitions they did was to see how far they could throw a log with one hand. Here is Jordan doing his best to throw the log.

Nate Anderson doing his best to throw his log.

A face only a mother can love! Rod putting all his energy into getting that log in the air.

Can you believe he can throw a log from his fingertips?????

Another challenge is to throw a stone over their heads to see how far it can go.

Mike taking a look at the competition and how far he had to throw.

Jordan trying to keep up with the other boys, but didn't win this competition.

The Anderson boys trying to look suave while throwing their rock.

Jordan giving it a 100%.

Jordan also trying to look Rico Suave.

Rod, Nate and Jordan. The 3 Amigos.

If looks can kill, we would all be dead. Mike getting really serious about the task at hand.

Lifting the log contest.

This is the back view of the cabin we stayed in.

This is the river in the back yard of the cabin.

Mike explaining the games that we would play the first night at the cabin.

Overall, it was a fun trip that allowed us to have a Calgon moment and just get away.

Two thumbs up!

We have a girl in the family!!!!

Tonight as we were hanging out, somehow the idea came up that Mason wanted to dress up as a girl. He was excited about the idea, so I went to get some props. I don't have much for a little girl but I got my trek bonnet and a dress that I have kept in the boys closet just in case I ever had a girl. Fortunately, it was just his size and this is what we came up with...

Either gender he is a cute kid!!!!

Clearfield's 4th of July Parade

For the past two years, we have attended the Clearfield's 4th of July Parade. It is fun for the kids and Breanne's (our nanny) grandma house is right on main street so we always have great seats. This year we had both of my parents and my niece and nephew with us because they came for Luke's baptism. It was fun for the kids and they got some candy which always makes any activity a success.

Here are some pictures I took.....

Breanne and Mason

Breanne, Aubrey, Mason and Heather

Elijah and Dylan

Grandma and Julianna

Grandpa and Luke

That night we went over to the Clearfield's Junior High field and watched fireworks. It was a great show and the kids loved it.

Jelly Belly Factory

This summer we went to visit Grandpa Marvin and Grandma Marcia. As one of the activities that we did together we went to was the Jelly Belly Factory. We were able to go on a tour and see how the jelly bellies are made and the history of the jelly belly. It was entertaining and the boys did pretty well during the tour.

We weren't able to take pictures inside the plant but here are the boys (with their jelly belly hat) outside next to the Jelly Belly van.

As a gift from the factory, each person got a bag of Jelly Bellies. The boys were in heaven and had a good time.

Luke's 8th Birthday

Luke turned eight. I can't believe it! I have a son who is 8 years old. That seems crazy to me. It seems like yesterday I was holding this little 7 pound boy in my arms at LDS hospital wondering what he would be like when he was 8 years old. Now that time is here and it is all very surreal.

He has been so excited for years to turn eight. He knows this is a big year for him. He is going to be baptized and go into 3rd grade.

For his birthday we took him on a date to a Japanese restaurant. He was in pure heaven. Watching food flying though the air and then land on his plate. It was a perfect day.

Here are a couple of pictures of Luke with his birthday cake.

Luke wearing the birthday hat and getting excited to blow out his candles.

Luke putting 100% into blow out each candle and making sure his birthday wish comes true.

Keep going Luke, you are almost there!

Luke we love you so much and are so proud of the young man you are becoming. Thank you for always bringing a smile to our faces and for the sweet spirit you possess.

Happy Birthday Luke!

Skinhead Rowell Boys

For some reason, Luke got it into his head that he wanted to shave his head. I don't know why he wanted to do it but he kept bugging me about it. So, being the great Mother that I am (ha ha) I told him he could shave his head but not until after we took Easter pictures.

Of course, the minute that Dylan saw Luke's head he wanted to shave his head. Then the domino effect happened and Mason wanted it as well. I had to put my foot down on Mason but I did allow Dylan to do it.

Here is what they look like.

Before

After

After

Happy Skinhead Day!!!!