It's a Boy!!!

Although most of you have already heard, we had the ultrasound on Monday and found out that we're having a little boy. (Ha ha. Probably the rest of you didn't even know I was pregnant!) I was a bit surprised. I'd done all those tests on the internet and gone through all the old wives methods of determining the sex, including tying a piece of my hair to my wedding ring and dangling it over my stomach, and they ALL indicated I'd be having a girl. But, lo and behold, the ultrasound tech pointed out little boy parts, so there you go. Davis is, of course, ecstatic. I told him by handing him a blue lollipop and he jumped up and down, "I knew it! I knew you were having a boy!" He has already named our son Ash and says he's going to be a Pokemon trainer when he grows up. (You have to have some knowledge of Pokemon to know where that comes from--I, unfortunately. have my fair share.) Anyway, baby is healthy and still on track for his due date--February 26.

Eden, the Monkey, Turns 2

This last Sunday, Eden turned 2. We decided to throw a Monkey party for her. After all, she's curious like a monkey, she climbs like a monkey, and she eats bananas like they're going out of style! On Saturday night we had a few friends over for banana splits, some monkey tunes ("Hey, hey we're the Monkies") and some fun monkey games, such as Pin the Banana on the Monkey. As the party ended early, due to the waning sunlight, Allen made a split-second decision, set up his projector and a screen outside and we all bundled up in blankets and watched Horton Hears a Who. I told you I like that movie!
Sunday evening, Dustin and Stephanie's family came over for cake and ice cream. Eden was hilarious when I brought the cake over to her. She took one look at those dancing little flames and started waving her hands back and forth--"No, no, no, no..." I think she's a little paranoid when it comes to hot things and thought I was there to burn her or something. What a fun birthday for a fun little girl! Thanks to everyone for remembering her and for for the generous gifts you gave.

What's Up With Davis?

Davis is in first grade. Davis rides his bike to and from school BY HIMSELF every day. (Okay, it's only 2 blocks away, but still...that's responsibility!) Davis has lost 3 teeth since June and is working on a fourth as we speak. Davis had the opportunity of meeting a hero this summer at the Timpanogas Storytelling Festival--storyteller Bill Harley. It was a lot of fun meeting him and hearing stories live that we've only heard on tape before. He'll be there again next summer and if you've never gone, I highly recommend it. Visit www.timpfest.org for details.
I've also found that first grade is the era of note writing. As the kids really practice their penmanship, Davis has taken to writing me notes and leaving them under doors or on my desk. There are usually a lot of hearts involved. (I did not include the note that said, "Dear Mom. I'm sorry I hit you....") Every time I get one of these notes, it reminds me why I really do love being a mom.

Summer Update

This summer flew by without me getting to post any pics or update on fun things we did. Part of that had to do with me feeling pukey most of the time....So glad that's over! Well, here's a few highlights. Our ward this year had a Pioneer Day celebration in the evening. We met at the church for rootbeer floats, watermelon (Eden's favorite), butter churning, handcart rides, stick pull competitions, square dancing and a bunch more old "pioneery" activities. The kids had a blast...so did we!
"Stay-cation"--After Allen had been working too many consencutive days in a row (including Saturdays), I talked him into taking the afternoon off to spend with the family. We went downtown where we rode the paddle boats--something we've always wanted to do--after spending a couple hours at the Boise Zoo. It was the first time Eden's been since she's been walking and she had a great time going down the big Giraffe slide with big brother Davis. After all the play in the hot sun we went and got cool in the movie theater and saw Horton Hears a Who. If you haven't already seen it, rent it! It's a personal favorite.

Last but not least, we did get in a couple trips down to Utah. Katie was so generous to get a bunch of us Seven Peaks passes and we had a great time basking in the sun and being with family.