Day before Thanksgiving Knudsen/Johnson dinner

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. The day before we celebrated with Rick's family. Rick and I hosted at our home. I think it turned out really nice. We had 18 people for dinner. All went well and the company was great. It was so nice to see the Johnson's again! Lots and lots of delicious food!
The boys at the No Adults Aloud table : ) They thought they were pretty hot stuff!

Day before Thanksgiving bunch!

The day before Thanksgiving we had the opportunity to host some of Rick's family for dinner. They came from Minnesota, Arizona, and Provo. We had such a great time with them. The dinner turned out nice and the company was great.

Our last family picture was when Talon was 3 months old. He is now 7.
One of my favorite parts of getting together was taking 3 of my cute nieces to a Zumbathon! It was so fun to have them along. We went a bit after dinner so we were stuffed but still had a great time. They are troopers, they borrowed my workout clothes and shoes and just went for it. Thanks girls! Love ya!

Flashback Friday

I haven't posted a Flashback Friday for along time. This picture just melts my heart and makes me smile. What a good brother Keaton is. This is when Carter was just a little one. Oh how time gets away from us doesn't it. I just love how Keaton is looking/studying his new little brother.

Keaton taking it easy

Over the summer we went to Lagoon. We only made it to Lagoona beach a couple of times, but when we went we had such a great time. This is a picture of Keaton taking it easy in the shade after playing hard in the water. Keaton loves the water. He had to be a sport and help me out with his little brothers a lot when we were there though. I know he would have loved to do the bigger things, but he is a trooper and didn't complain. Next year Talon will be able to do a lot more and the two of them will have a blast! Isn't he just getting so big....a couple more inches and he will be as tall as me!

A special feeling..........

I have been debating whether or not to post this but I decided to go for it. This is a type of journal for my family and I would like for the boys to remember yesterday. I had a few things posted on ksl.com. One of them was a dryer that I had posted for $75. I got a few calls and then a couple days went on. A lady called and asked if I would take $65. Others had asked but I told them no. I told her yes and we set up a time for her to pick it up. All throughout the day yesterday I kept having a feeling that I needed to do something for someone. Before the lady arrived I told the boys I had an idea.....we could let the lady have the dryer for free. I told them that we don't know anything about her, but I thought she was the one I needed to help. They were so excited and thought it was a great idea.

Her husband came to the door and went to the garage for the dryer (the boys were skipping around with big smiles on their faces). He checked it out a bit and thanked me for being willing to take $65. I then told him that we talked about it wanted to give it to him for free. He got a bit teary eyed and shook my hand and said thank you. He went to his vehicle and got his wife to help move it. She walked over to me and said....my husband just told me what you are doing for us. She was also teary eyed, she shook my hand and said I had no idea how much this meant to them. They didn't know how they were going to pay for Christmas and gasoline for their vehicle. They had a little infant crying in the vehicle and a boy about 8 or so with them. They thanked me again once it was loaded up and I told them Merry Christmas.

The boys and I went inside. I felt so great. They told me how happy it made them feel too. We were able to feel the love of giving without receiving. We were able to help someone by listening to my prompting. I am so grateful for my sweet children and the wonderful opportunity we had to help someone we didn't even know. What a special feeling!

Grandma Salmon

I've been thinking about my Grandparents a lot lately. I don't get over to visit them often. It is a bit stressful visiting with all the kiddo's in tow. Last week after church Keaton and I drove out to visit them. When I first saw them I was a bit sad because I realized how much time has gone on since my last visit. Then I decided to make the best of my visit and move on. Grandma had a bunch of crafts that she was trying to figure out how to divvy up for the kids for Christmas. I stepped in and helped her out. It was nice to work together as a team to get the job done. As I look back at my younger years I can see how my Grandma helped shape who I am today. Some of the memories I have with her are.....cake decorating, painting ceramics, oil painting, Christmas decorating, Easter egg hunts, candy making, puzzles, sleep overs, working at the swap meet, loving all her jewelry, getting tickled by her long finger nails, all the help she gave me with Keaton while I was a single mom, french braids, taking me out to drive, going to the Disney movies, cracking walnuts, getting calendars, thoughtful cards for birthdays and holidays, and I suppose I could go on and on. I am thinking that I need to visit more often and not only rely on phone calls. I love her.

Carter turned 4

FOUR, my baby turned 4! The night before his b-day I was getting a bit sad to think he was having another birthday. My kids are all growing up and I miss the little guys. I love the new big guys but you know what I mean. Carter was not sad whatsoever. He was waiting for his b-day to arrive FOREVER according to him.

Checking out his b-day cake (can you tell it is a pirate? Not my best work but hey he loved it, that's all that matters : )
Carter is such a loving boy. He brings our home so much happiness. He loves his brothers like crazy. They in turn love him back ten fold. He is getting so grown up I just can't believe it.

Blue eyed Talon

It has been fun going back through pictures tonight. I am way behind and out of order on my blog but hey, at least I am posting something : ) I came across this pic of Talon from 2010 at Lagoon. He looks a bit tired but I just love my blue eyed Talon. What a handsome boy!

Pumpkin carving 2011

Rick working quickly to get his pumpkin finished so he could help the little guys. Keaton is obsessed with BYU so of course he crafted up a Y. We started carving pretty late so after everyone was in bed Keaton and I stayed up and finished all of the pumpkins. It is fun that he likes to get involved with all the goings on. He gets in there and finishes up the job!
Looks like I am the gut scraper for the pumpkins. We ended up with so many pumpkins this year. We had quit a few places we went for activities. It was fun to have a bunch of them all lit up though.
Carter was creep-ed out by the guts. I did have him try to do it, but it ended up being my job. He thought it was pretty cool to come up with something for me to cut out.
Talon had lots of fun ideas for his pumpkin. He did a great job getting the guts out of his. I think the boys enjoy all the fun traditions we have for the holidays.

Talon turned 7 in July

Holy cow.....clear back in July Talon turned 7. Normally I make pancakes in the shape of # of their birthday, but an Eggo's had to do that morning. I redeemed myself and made them another morning. He still had fun being the center of attention for his birthday song and candle blowing : ) Awe, I wonder what he wished for? Wowzers.....I still can't believe he is 7 already.

Going on an adventure

This was so cute.....Carter filled his backpack up with all kinds of trinkets and treasures. He had his hat on that I brought back from England and was sporting a fully coordinated outfit. He looked so stinkin cute.
He would wander around a bit and then unzip his backpack, chose something to play with for a bit then load it all back up again.
I have had such a great time being able to spend so much one on one time with him. He brings me so much joy. Love ya buddy!

Carter having fun on Western day

Here is Carter singing a cute song about cowboys. He has so much fun in his class. It is cute to see him interacting and making friends. He is a social butterfly. I like this back view. He was so into the assembly.
Not looking so happy here. I think he was waiting patiently for me to get the camera ready.
Here's the cute boy I love to bits. He was thrilled to be a cowboy for a day!!!

Halloween 2011

We had such a fun Halloween this year. My sister Melissa had a great party at her house a week before the big day. I helped her a couple days beforehand to set up an awesome haunted house in her backyard. It turned out super cool and extra creepy. We did trunk or treat this year for the first time and it was so fun to see all the costumes. The weather was so perfect for trick or treating. I don't know why I like Halloween so much but I am glad that the boys love it like I do and have a great time. Here they are out trick or treating. Carter would have gone out all night long if we would have let him. He had a blast.
Ok, my costume was put together super quick. I saw it on a blog and decided to go for it. I was "struck by lighting". I let Keaton help me with the burning of the shirt and umbrella. He thought that was super cool!
Talon was a werewolf. He was so stinkin cute. He got a lot of complements on his costume. He was the only one of the boys that had school on Halloween so it was a long day for him. He was so tired once the night was over. He had lots of fun with his brothers though.
Keaton was a nerd. He was cracking me up. We let him venture out with a few friends for trick or treating. This was new to all of them. They had so much fun together. He is growing up to fast!
Carter was Flash. He wanted to be flash forever! I found his red little suit at Savers and used felt to make everything else. Oh, his hat was also from the thrift store and I used cardboard in between the lightning bolts to help them keep the shape. Carter also wore his flash undies so he could run extra fast : ) He has been wearing his costume a ton since Halloween.

First Day Of School Photo's

Wow, Keaton started 5th grade this year! I can't believe how fast time goes by. He is such a fun, kind, good student and friend. I am now just posting for the first day of school but he just had parent teacher conference yesterday. His teacher loves him in her class because he is such a good boy/student. Way to go Keaton, love you buddy!
Look how much these boys have grown. No wonder I have to run my dishwasher twice a day....boys = lots and lots of food.
Talon is Mr. jabber box. He is such a smart guy also. Everyday he comes home with pictures that he has drawn because he finishes his work so quickly....his teacher lets him draw once he completes his work to keep him from talking to his classmates. He is doing so well in school. We are very proud of him. Oh, he also looooves his uniform. On dress down days he often ops to wear his full uniform. This is his last year in private school. It is going to be a shocker once he begins public school. Talon is awesome at reading. He reads nonstop. He is also a great mathematician. I don't like correcting his homework because most of it he does in head but I have to do it long form to figure it out! Ugh! If anyone needs spelling help Mr. Talon usually knows the answer. I swear he is like a walking computer.

I am happy but sad that Carter started school this year. He is in preschool 2 mornings a week. He was thrilled to start school! He couldn't wait to be just like his big brothers.

One day a week he gets to bring in show and tell, or if you ask him it is showingtell. He is learning so quickly. I am so amazed what he tells me each time I pick him up.
Oooo this is an action shot : )

What a great summer!

We had the greatest summer! I am so sad that it is over. Here are some of the fun things that we were able to do. ****because I want to remember and I don't have pics!!****

Lagoon

Layton Surf and Swim

Roy pool

Bike rides

American Heritage Center (by far the kids favorite)

Family parties

Camp-out on the trampoline

Roller skating

Drive in movie (Smurfs and Cars 2)

Davis County Fair

Sports Camps

Swimming Lessons

Ahhh.....so sad that it is over!!! What fun memories we have!

Little Orphan boy

K, this picture is cracking me up. Carter looks like a Little Orphan boy. This was taken at a party at my sister Meli's house. Carter was loving the cowboy vest. Looks like he is finishing out his root-beer float. The kids had so much fun, but they all ended up so grubby. Their backyard is a boys dream! My bro in law has built a wooden tee-pee, a tree house, and some benches out of old tree stumps. In the far back yard it is like being in a forest. They love to explore and dig in the dirt. Keaton has found all kinds of treasures....marbles, old toy cars, and money. They love it!!! I can always count on them being tired when we leave.

A common sight

This is a common site at our home. Talon loves giving Carter hugs. Too cute! I love it.

Talon in "Pirates"

Talon was in a play for children 6-13 a few month's back. He practiced for month's on end for this play. He wanted to do this class so bad, he was so excited for it. He was loving it at the beginning, but quickly got bored with the class. We had him stick to his commitment and finish it out. He was one of the youngest kiddo's.

His part in the play was purple beard. He was so cute to watch. During the play he would get bored and find a mop or other prop and start adding his own parts to the play. During a few speaking parts the other kids had, Talon would all of a sudden add his own part. What a silly kid.

He did end up having fun and meeting some nice kids but he doesn't want to be in another play anytime soon.

Last week I took him to a Music Man play so he could see that it can be fun. It just takes a lot of work. He did say when he gets older he will try again.

I think he did a great job and looked like a darling pirate. I am so proud of him for trying something new and fun. He is a brave outspoken little boy and I am happy that he stuck to it and finished it out. Way to go Talon.

Rick's Graduation

Last week we had a great reason to celebrate. Rick received his Masters degree in Business. It has been a lot of work for him. He has been working full time, deploying, being a great dad and a great husband. We are all so proud of his great accomplishment.

All of the pictures are out of order.....oops!

The boys were so excited to see him. We were in the Maverick Center for about 2hrs for the ceremony. The boys did great though. Nanna and Grandpa were also able to attend (that helped to keep the kids occupied).

Ahh, look how proud he is :)

Tangled

Over Spring break the boys and I took my Grandparents to the movies. We watched Tangled in 3D. This was their 1st 3D movie, they thought it was pretty neat. Grandpa did fall asleep a couple of times : ) When I was younger my Grandma would take my sisters and I to all the new Disney movies that came out. It reminded me of that. It was such a cute movie. We all enjoyed our time out.

Keaton and his new look

Well, we took Keaton to get his eyes checked and low and behold he needed glasses. Apparently he couldn't see well for awhile but in the summer we took Talon in to have his eyes checked, and he was faking that he couldn't see. So, Keaton thought maybe his were not bad either. I had just noticed there were many things I would try to show him and he would say "you can see that" so I had him checked out. He has done pretty well with them so far.

Talon lost his first tooth

Talon had waited a long time to loose a tooth. Everyone in his class had lost one way before he did. It was getting pretty loose but he was afraid it would hurt to pull it out so he asked me to help him. Here he is pointing at the loose one : )

After we pulled it and cleaned up the area. Notice the permanent one ready to take it's place. Since then it has moved right on in. The next day he lost the one right next to it. 2 nights of tooth fairy visits, what a lucky kid!