To Van or Not to Van?

OK, so Chad and I are in somewhat of a disagreement. I'm sure it is partly my fault (not usually). :-) I have always said that I don't want a van. Actually I have been pretty vocal about it. Then comes along baby number 3, and gas prices go up like crazy, and a van isn't looking to bad to me. We could fit another kid in our car, but we wouldn't be able to take anyone with us. I have tried to explain that to Chad, but he doesn't quite understand it - you moms understand what I mean. So I took the liberty of searching for vans online and I showed the list to Chad. I think he rolled his eyes. I know he wants his big SUV, but I would like a car that I can afford to drive farther than Winco. He will still have his pick-up so he can feel matcho when he's not with all of us. Am I being unreasonable??

Roller Skating

Saturday was a crazy day! Claire and I made it back in time to have some of Chad's siblings over for pizza and some roller skating. Claire thought it would be like the princesses on ice, but she wasn't to fond of having wheels strapped to her feet. She made one lap, and then preferred the stroller. Owen didn't want to try at all, but once he decided that it would be fun we couldn't get him off the floor or out of the skates. He figured out quite quickly that holding onto the wall was the best way to stay up. He actually did very well. We had a blast, and even though I couldn't skate, it was fun anyways. It was fun having everyone here.

Claire's Weekend

This weekend (thanks to Kim), I found out it was Disney Princesses on Ice in Salt Lake. I immediately got online and found some tickets. Called Chad, and decided that Claire and I were going. She was so cute when we told her. She just kept asking me if Cinderella would be there.

We jumped in the car Friday and went to Chads sister's house Stacey and stayed with them. The kids had so much fun. I practically had to pry Claire out of the house the next morning even though she knew we were going to see the Princesses. Thanks so much Stacey.

We made it to the show just as the opening music was starting, but I had to go to the bathroom so bad! Claire was so mad at me. She just screamed - it was actually quite funny, but we made it in and didn't miss any princesses. She was also mad that I didn't let her bring a princess dress - I guess I just didn't think to pack one. Oh well! It was so great to take her. Her eyes were glued on the ice and she was so funny to watch. I enjoyed the show but I enjoyed watching her even more. She didn't quite understand the whole intermission thing so she just looked up at me when the lights turned on and said, "Is it over? Cinderella didn't come out yet." I then had to explain that they needed a little break. We then went out and got her a souvenir and a drink - all was well.

Once it was over we were talking in the car and she informed me that she would like to go again tomorrow. I just laughed. We then did some shopping (she is a great shopping buddy!), and then headed home. Of course we hit a snow storm (in March!), but made it just fine. It was so much fun going with just her and I, and I can't wait for another girls weekend!

Claire, Colton, and Morgan

Checking out her stuff

All About Claire

Tania, thanks for this fun idea. Here is a list of things all about Claire.

1. She loves to dress up like a princess. Cinderella is her favorite. Most days it is a pleasure to see what she is wearing under the princess dress. She does have to take it off for meals and washing.

2. She tells me every day that she wants to see Cinderella and Snow White when she plays on the Disney website.

3. She knows how to navigate on the computer and can find her favorite websites. (I'm pretty sure I didn't teach her that.)


4. She sucks her thumb, but it has always helped her to sleep well. It has its perks.

5. If she doesn't take a nap, she is in bed by 7:00. She still needs a nap but of course is refusing to take them - I don't always mind the early bedtime.

6. She still wears pull-ups to bed.

7. She knows all of her letters and sounds. She now makes me stop in the grocery store to point out letters.


8. She has a sweet tooth.

9. She likes to be the boss.

10. She can hardly wait for her birthday and wants a Beauty and the Beast cake and told me the other day that she needs a yellow dress so she can be like Belle.

11. She keeps me fully loaded with laundry. She will change her clothes 3-4 times a day. It drives me crazy!

12. We love having her in our family, and can hardly believe that she is almost 4 - time sure flies!

Fun in a Minute

86 words

Speedtest

OK, we all remember the typing classes in high school. The only difference between then and now is that we actually used typewriters. Man, I'm getting old!! Thanks Shanna for the fun, I haven't done that in a long time!

Weekend with Cousins

Last weekend we had all of the Clayson grandkids together, so we tried to get a picture. Unfortunately, a few weren't cooperating, but it was fun anyways.

We started our weekend early on Friday where we had to go to Firth for a funeral of someone Chad grew up with. All of the Clayson kids were there, and we sent all of the kids to one of their cousins house. They had a blast all playing together.

We stayed Friday for a wedding reception and were on our way home when Claire decided that she wanted to stay and play with Colton. We had an extra outfit (luckily a dress), so with permission from Grandma, she stayed all day Saturday and went to church with them on Sunday and then we picked her up. She had so much fun. She got to go "treasure hunting," geocashing (not sure if I spelled that right), with Uncle Brad, Aunt Jessica and Aunt Jeanna, and just played with Colton. It is nice that they are good friends.

Chad and I thought that church would be a breeze with only one child to take care of, but Owen was crazy - I think he enjoyed having all the attention. We had a blast on Saturday. He helped me clean the house, and then went and ran errands with me. He got a new Doc car which was the highlight of his day. We also went to lunch at Taco Bell. He thought it was great and was having so much fun we stayed for an hour. What a guy.

Sunday we picked up Claire, had a great dinner, and played some more. The boys have decided that they are going to have a pumpkin growing contest this summer and the winner will be announced in October. Does anyone have any hints for us?? We had a great weekend and thanks again Grandma and Aunt Stacey for watching Claire she had so much fun.

Annie, Colton, McKell, Claire, Kate, Owen and Morgan

Play Time!

Owen just loves to be outside! I can't hardly get him to come inside once he's out there. Last week the weather was OK, so we headed outside for quite awhile. Claire was busy inside with her friend being a princess, so she didn't get in any of the pictures. We had a lot of fun, and are enjoying the weather this week - it has been high 40's. It's a heat wave. We are definitely looking forward to spring!!

We can hardly wait for all the snow to be gone!!

The slide - is second favorite thing!

Owen with one of his many trucks.