BYU Graduation

It always feels so great to me to step back onto BYU's campus. I have so many wonderful memories there and still look upon some of my experiences there as some of my favorite times. So, it was such a treat to head back to Provo to see Lamont's brother, Chase, graduate this spring. We decided last minute that we would go to Utah and surprise Chase by just showing up at his graduation. It was very fun to see his reaction and also his brother, Kimball and his family's reaction, when we just showed up. It was like a mini reunion to have a chance to visit and hang out for a couple of days. We took the kids around campus to the Beane museum and bought them some candy at the creamery to last through graduation. It was a great weekend enjoying good food together and playing games. We were even able to enjoy some time with my family as well. It's not too often that you can take a short little get away and see so much family.

My cute little Everett enjoying the graduation festivities.

We also enjoyed an afternoon at This is the Place Heritage Park. The boys had such a wonderful time with their cousins. They enjoyed a cute little petting farm there and were able to each take a pony ride. We also visited some replicas of old pioneer homes and even sat in on a pioneer school lesson. The boys thought it was hilarious that Lamont was the one called up to wear the dunce cap in corner! Too bad I missed the picture on that one.:)

Happy 9th Birthday Carter!!!

I always have a hard time on Carter's birthday believing that I really have a child that old!!! However, I couldn't have asked for a better son. Carter is so smart and caring. He always tries to do what is right and is such a great example to his younger brothers. Happy Birthday Carter! We love you!

Easter 2012

I love dressing up my boys for Easter Sunday!

The boys always enjoy coloring some easter eggs the night before. Then Sunday morning the hunt is on as they search in every crack and crevice for the Easter candy that the Bunny has hidden. Happy Easter!

Catching Up!!!

I can't believe how far I have gotten behind in the blogging world. I am not sure exactly what to blame it on...the holidays, a baby, or maybe it's just the everyday busyness. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks I will get caught up, so continue to check in for updates below until we are current.

Everett at 7 months

It's a Cars Birthday!

Tanner (our Little T) is 3 years old!!! Tanner has grown up a lot over the past year, but one thing has not changed - his obsession for Cars! He knows each car from both movies by name and plays with them every day. I think the pictures below pretty much sum it all up!

Chase and Tiffiny's Wedding

Lamont's brother, Chase and Tiffiny Stegall were married on December 30 in the Dallas, Texas temple. It was a beautiful day in Texas and a beautiful wedding. We are very happy for Chase and Tiffiny!

All the girls in both families!

Many nieces and nephews

The Larsen family (minus Alan who is serving in Afghanistan)

Good times with cousins

After Christmas it was fun for the boys to spend time with some of their cousins.

They spent time getting all their energy out by running around at the park. They had a great time playing football and playing in the dirt. It always amazes me how the dirt or rocks is the main attraction with a great playground right there.

Grandpa was clearly worn out from playing with all the grandkids!

Cousin Hadley was such a good little helper with Everett

Carter and McKay were up for game after game with the cousins.

Thanks to Uncle Bryce for a fun filled New Years party a couple hours early!

CHRISTMAS!

Christmas day was wonderful. Santa came through this year with a big surprise for Carter and McKay - just want they had been dreaming about - A Wii! Tanner was happy with everything that had anything to do with Cars. Everett was not quite sure about all the commotion. We enjoyed opening some presents and then it was time to go to church. I actually really enjoyed attending church and being able to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas. There was so much beautiful music and uplifting words. It really made the day complete. Once we were home, it was round two of presents since we did not have time to finish before church. We were then able to enjoy the rest of our day with games and even a little nap. We then enjoyed a turkey dinner together that evening, before the chaos of trying to get out of town the following day began. We spent so many years doing Christmas day with our families that it has taken some time to develop our own traditions and to just enjoy our time with our own little family. Now that our boys are getting a little older, I feel that it is important to cultivate some strong traditions. I think this has been the best Christmas with just our family yet.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I love getting ready for Christmas. The snow is here, and it's time to get all bundled up with some hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.

The boys have been wanting to decorate this gingerbread house for the longest time. They had a great time and it was fun to see the artistic touches they each added to the house.

Awards!

Recently our boys have the been the recipients of some awards. We are very proud of them!

Carter received his Wolf and two arrow points in Cub Scouts.

Carter took third place for third graders in the district Rich Morrow Math Challenge Competition. His school also took third place in the third grade competition.

Carter and McKay both received an award as DU (Denver University) Rising Stars. They received this award based on Academic Excellence and Outstanding Character as a future leader. They were both awarded tickets to the DU vs. Wyoming basketball game and were recogized at half time. After the game they were able to meet the basketball players and received autographs.