Travis loves trains and building

Travis spent several hours at my parents last weekend. He loves to build things, and my dad has a soft spot for Travis. So when Travis asked Grandpa what they could make, my dad took him out to the shop to create this train. Travis worked hard for 2days to make 3 trains, 1 for him, and 2 others for cousins. He was so proud. Today, as we sorted toys in the basement, he found a train engineer hat in the dress up box. (see previous post about why the dress up box was out) When I told him to put it away, he said "no mom, this is perfect for you to take a picture of me with my train." So for documentation of Travis' favorite things...Enjoy.

What my sister can make me do...

Someday, these pictures will be used for blackmail. I can already see it. Then people will ask me how old he was, and I will have to admit he was almost 10. What was Tanner thinking? I'm not sure he was. We had a cute friend over playing with Kaylee, and they decided to dress Tanner up. He enthusiastically went along. And he had a blast. When I told him I would blog this, he said "All right!!" Can I start planning the blackmail yet, or does that make me a bad mom? (and yes, we know he looks alot like Kaylee)

One down, three to go

Ty got his braces off. It was no big deal to him. Just another day. He only had them for a little over a year. Notice the self portrait. I made him take the camera to the appointment. I would say this is a good scrapbook moment, but let's be honest... it's been years since I scrapped. Now I just think "is it blog worthy?" He got them off while I was doing preschool, so Jessie graciously picked him up to take him to school when he was done. (thanks) I did not see him until late afternoon, and then for only 3 seconds, before heading out to coach.

But for mom... this was a big big deal! I was more excited than him. My uncle and cousin did the work... www.arizonabraces.com Thanks (both) Dr. Petersen! It went way faster, and did not cost us nearly what I had anticipated. His teeth look great, and I think he has a cute smile. Look out girls...he's almost 14!!

And in other news, Travis must be feeling a little neglected. He had to take pictures of himself. Here's a few I found on my memory card when I went to download Ty's pictures. What a goofball! Yep, he's gonna need braces too! PS. I think he was trying to prove that he brushed his teeth...see the toothpaste?

Where I have been lately...

I feel so loved that people have asked why I have not blogged lately. I have been crazy busy. So here is a quick update. Of course, preschool, coaching, my yw's calling, and surprisingly enough, real estate has kept me very busy. Along with all the mom stuff I'm supposed to do. But in addition to all that......

January found me making and glittering suits and headpieces for Kaylee's first meet. (She did great.) The meet was 2 long days, but she looked great and swam very well.

To start February, I've been making more headpieces. I also made personalized cookies for the kids' classes for Valentine's Day. Every year I say no more, but always get sweet talked into it.

So today, I took the day off. Todd and I took the kids to hike Fremont Saddle in the Superstition Mountains with some friends.

However, mostly Todd and I have been moping around feeling sorry for ourselves that 1 year ago we were on a cruise... relaxing on the top of the mountain is just not the same...

Update

Christmas was fun, New Years was tiring, I was glad the kids went back to school.

The "Merriest" Place on Earth

I figure I better hurry and blog about our trip before Christmas has come and gone and I am even farther behind.

We took the family to Disneyland for part of their Christmas present...thanks Grandma Wood...a>
We ( read Kara ) have always wanted to go during the holidays and it worked out perfectly this year. We went with some good friends that have never been before. It was fun to see everything throught their eyes.

We had a fantastic tour guide, Julie ( if I do say so myself ). The kids had so much fun going on rides over and over. Screamer was the family favorite, except Travis who wouldn't go near the thing! Yes, we were the ones escorted from the coaster because someone was crying so hard, and yelling he wouldn't do it before even getting buckled in.

We all love Disneyland and had a great time! Thanks Muhlestein crew for coming with us.

Synchro starts again

Kaylee had her first meet of the year on Saturday...sorry no pics...and she did great. This year she has to swim in the 13-15 advanced age group, so she is at the very bottom of the heap. But this certainly didn't stop her. Kaylee placed 10th out of 47 competitors. Since she missed half of November practices, we think this is pretty great. She was thrilled.
Several of my nieces swim too. One got 10th out of 20 in the 9-10 advanced, one got 3rd in 8-under novice, and one got 1st, one got 2nd in 8-under advanced. Must be something in the Nichols blood that makes them swim like fish!! We are all proud of these great girls!!