Top Of Utah

Rain, sunshine, hail, lightning, thunder, wind, cold....

it didn't matter.....

This is what a marathon runner looks like!

We think our dad is awesome!

July Is All About....

I have a small obsession with list making. It's how I keep life organized. A list of groceries to buy. A list of goals for the year. A list of things I have to get done this week. If it's not on a list it most likely won't happen, and even if it is on the list it's no guarantee. So, at the beginning of the summer my niece sent me this idea for a summer list. I've learned if you don't plan summer it evaporates too quickly and you don't get a thing done. We made our family "Summer To Do List" that included anything we might possibly enjoy doing this summer and have enjoyed checking off each event, thus realizing how much we really do accomplish in the few days we are free from school and routines. We won't get to all of them this year, but hence the downfall of listmaking....it never seems to be finished.

Some of our favorites this month included going to Boondocks for a day of bumper boats (Sadie the crazy driver and mad quirter), miniature golf, mini bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and go carts.

Going to Ferron for the Snyder family reunion and picking up the older boys who had been there staying with Grandma and Grandpa for a week. They became sprinkler pros and about wore out their old go-cart racing around the farm. We also left Sara the following week to enjoy some time with grandparents and cousin Madi. The kids were completely spoiled during their visits and are anticipating next year already.

Having cousins come and sleep over at our house! Really, what could be more fun than cousins your same age to grow up with?

Hayden's first scout camp at Camp Bartlett (Montpelier area) with his dad joining for part of it, until he had to head off for another China work trip. He would have much rather stayed at scout camp.

Youth conference for Austin.

Going to see the final Harry Potter movie! The three older kids have enjoyed reading the Harry Potter books and Sara finished this year and has watched the movies with each book. The final movie was very timely especially for her.

Family yard sale to earn some saving money and fun money for the kids. They enjoyed earning money and mom enjoyed getting rid of lots of stuff! They also sold homemade oreos (mostly to one happy old guy who apparently loves oreos more than life!) and shaved ice. It was a success!

Finally, a photo shoot of our Sadie Lady. This was supposed to happen when she turned 8, but she was closer to 8 1/2 by the time this activity got crossed off the list! She's a cutie in her glasses.

And we did actually get a picture after the Freedom Run we'd trained for on the 4th of July! The boys did fantastic, beating mom....who had a great excuse of pneumonia for her slow running time. They haven't run a day since, but claim they will do it again next year, and possibly even the half marathon.

Their first 15K earned a BIG checkmark when it was complete.

So now we can remember the big "check offs" of July....maybe next year we should add "take more pictures!" to the list.

4 Months In 1

Well, what can I say, it's been 4 months since I've blogged. My lack of blogging didn't come from shortage of material or events. Actually, quite opposite as we've been too busy living life to write about it! I guess I'll skim the surface and then try to stay more on top of life. No promises.

Every family member set a running goal this year and we've been training for them. Todd and Nikki will participate in the TOU 1/2, Austin and Hayden are running the Freedom Run (15K) on the 4th of July, Sara wanted to run a 5K with mom, and Sadie and Carson said they were up for a mile. Our first family Fun Run was during Nibley Heritage Days, where we quickly discovered Fun Runs aren't so fun when you have to drag everyone out of bed early in the morning! We did end up enjoying ourselves and walking away with three 2nd place ribbons, and all of us finishing! The older boys have really stepped up with their training and are actually doing much better than we anticipated. They easily outrun us and have celebrated each new mile increment. They've discovered the secret joy runners have when you know you got up early and ran 5 or 7 or 9 miles before most people their age are even rolling out of bed.
Spring Break was a welcomed sunny break in St. George. Spring this year was long, wet, snowy, cold and did I say LONG? A little sunshine, hiking, climbing on the red rocks, shopping, visiting with grandparents and eating at 5 Guys does a lot in making the Snyder family happy.

Sadie has had an exciting year so far. Her baptism was postponed when she ended up in the hospital after what we can guess was a combination of a virus/flu and her Thalassemia caused her to "crash". She was one sick little girl and we missed every clue, learning about her blood disorder the hard way. After a transfusion she was a new kid, and we've been monitoring her each month.

Her school teacher said she complained about not being able to see, so after a trip to the eye doctor she is sporting a pair of new glasses, which she looks mighty cute in. Sadie finished up the school year on a high note, earning her 25 point award in the Reading Counts program.

Sadie's was also able to be baptized, which was a wonderful day (and earned it's own post). The next day was Sunday and she was able to sit on the stand at church. When mom went up to bear her testimony, Sadie jumped right up there as well. She's wanted to bear her testimony since the first time she saw people doing it. She FINALLY saw her chance and took it!

The girls had a great time in the Nibley Princess Pageant again this year, and Sadie was most excited about being able to do a talent. She recited the poem "Mother Doesn't Want A Dog", and really did a great job.

Sadie also will crack up the family with things she says. They were building a new Chuck-a-rama in town and of course the kids had heard from friends how great it was. We were deciding where to eat one night and Sadie suggest "how bout Chuck-a-mama?" Another favorite of mine is when I'm tucking the girls into bed and Sadie wants to ask about something that will happen the next day and she starts out by saying, "in the good morning...".

I love this picture of Sadie because it oozes pure joy!

Sara has become a huge Harry Potter fan and constantly was lugging around the huge books most of the school year. Consequently they helped her earn the Iditarod Champion Reading award at school this year, which is the highest award at the school. This isn't the easiest thing, so her reward for her efforts was a choice of a precious moments or getting her ears pierced (a year early). She went with the ears and was thrilled with her choice right until we got to the store and they put the guns up to her ears. She was tough and luckily pierced them both at once. After it was done she said "That wasn't so bad." Sara is looking forward to the final Harry Potter movie. She's moved on to reading Little House books, which she loves sharing with her Grandpa Reeder.

Sara had a good spring soccer season, which helped her get in shape to run the 5K with mom. She wanted to walk during the race but when she saw Justin (from the Biggest Loser) running right behind her, she stepped it up and finished strong.

Sara loved learning cursive and times tables this year. She also enjoyed learning about Mountain Men, and has convinced Grandpa to make her a pair of moccasins. Sara played a piano piece for the princess pagaent and was chosen as one of three younger girls picked to perform during the older girls pagaent later that evening.

Our family enjoyed watching American Idol and Biggest Loser this season. We laughed at eating treats during Biggest Loser and smiled when Sadie would cry when participants were eliminated.

Todd and Nikki celebrated their 16th anniversary in March with dinner and shopping. We didn't know the great vacation would be in a couple of months (more on that to come).

Easter was spent without dad since his work trip to China was extended and ended up being a month long :( But the rest of us enjoyed coloring eggs, finding treats from the Easter Bunny, wearing our new purple attire to church, and rolling eggs down Old Main Hill.

Carson graduated from preschool, got 5 stinky shots, and is now registered for Kindergarten. He's thrilled....mom is sad. He could play his DS way longer than he should if mom would let him. It's obvious he hangs out with older kids often, but he's much more willing to play with friends in general. We love the way he adds "ed" to everything, such as "eated". Another favorite is "pursh" for push. He's growing up too quickly, except when it comes to going into the scary basement by himself.

While hiking in St. George the older boys convinced him there was polar bear in the area that fed on kids named Carson. So for his own safety we would call him "Steve", which he was dubbed the remainder of the trip.

Hayden is our master orange julius maker. There was a stretch he had to have at least one a day. We all didn't mind, since there were leftovers to share. He's been learning a hard duet on the piano with Austin. And after much pleading, he finally finished his reading this year and earned 4.0's every quarter. He really has enjoyed Middle School. We were more than happy he got himself out of bed so early and made it just about every day to the bus on time, which is amazing considering how perfect his hair has to be. He is usually either riding his bike, eating fish crackers, making a movie for youtube, or teaching someone else how to make a movie for youtube.

Austin....apparently doesn't get in many photos lately. You'd think he'd be happy to show off his brace-free teeth. Austin loved attending EFY in Montpelier, Id. with 5 friends the first week of summer. Mom misses having his help when he's not here, but he really learned some valuable things from attending. We love requesting him to sing for us with his changing voice. Austin was ordained a teacher on Father's Day weekend. He loves making lego movies and is even helping Carson make his first one. Austin ran an impressive 21 minute, something second 5K. You'd think he'd enjoy running more than he does. He also received a year of 4.0's. We took him and Hayden to Maddox for a prime rib dinner to celebrate their awesome grades.

Whew....no wonder we look forward to bedtime each night!

Carson is 5!

Car car is growing up entirely too fast! He turned 5 on June 20th and we celebrated a couple of days early with a friend Mario Party. His siblings helped mom plan that party, create the games and entertain the crowd when they were here! I really couldn't have done it all without them this year, as we were busy with the play. We did "Pin the Mustache on Mario", a treasure hunt for Mario hats, Mario-Mario-Yoshi (duck-duck-goose), Chain Chomp Balloon Stomp, and an obstacle course the boys put together which was like playing a round on a Mario game. The kids seemed to have a great time, and most importantly Carson was happy with everything.
We also have a new favorite rice krispy treat made with Fruity Pebbles--it's one of the few homemade treats that he loves.

This was actually Carson's first friend party. In the past year he's discovered how fun it can be to hang out with a buddy or cousin.

He was even happy with his Mario mushroom cake mom made!

Happy Birthday big guy! We love your big smile, your twinkly blue eyes, and how sweet you are!

The Sword In The Stone

Summer always starts off hectic at our house with the kids all being in the city play. It was Carson's first year, and Austin wasn't able to participate since he was at EFY during practices. Grandma Reeder helped the kids get to try-outs and sign-ups this year since mom and dad were off playing in Europe. Carson was determined that he "HATED" it and was not going to do it (along with every other extra curricular activity suggested to him.) Mom told him he had to try one practice and he absolutely loved it. Whew!

Each child has a practice time Monday through Friday and then practice/rehearsals the following Monday through Wednesday. Then it's showtime on Thursday and Friday! It's a lot of running/biking back and forth, but it's fun to be involved in such a worthwhile activity. We love the play and anticipate it each summer. Mom helped with props and stage managing this year, which was enjoyable, but I miss being able to watch the play.

The first performance night was bad weather and we had to move to the church, but the second night was at the ampitheater. It's amazing to see the hours spent in making it come together, and so great seeing the final product!

Carson was a perch (fish) this year. Each age group has a song and dance they learn for their little moment on stage. He was the youngest in his group but he knew all the words and actions by heart. We'd hear him singing his "Little Fish" song around the house all week.
Hayden was given the roll of Archimedes, Merlin's owl. He is so great at learning his lines and it's so fun to watch him on stage. His shy tendencies disappear and you can tell he loves doing it. I just wish he'd get brave and let them actually hear him sing one of these years.

The girls were both Butterflies. Their song was very difficult and very fast. Sadie worked so hard trying to get that song down. Both girls looked cute as can be during the dance. Sara also got a few lines, which she was excited about.

And that's the beginning of Summer 2011 for us!

Sadie's Day

Sadie was able to wear her temple dress again for another special day. Sadie's baptism was on a beautiful spring day, June 4th. Many family members and friends came to share her day. She was excited for weeks before, telling everyone that it was coming. She would refer to it as "my special day!".
After not happening for a few months (mom not realizing we could have done it in Feb., spring break, sickness), we were grateful that it turned out perfect in every way. Sadie and Sara's good friend Sophie Wuthrich was also baptised the same day, so it was nice to share with a close friend.

Sadie asked her dad to baptize her and her Grandpa Reeder to confirm her. Her cousin Aleisha gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. All the Snyder kids and Sweeten kids joined Sophie and her cousins in singing a song, which Austin accompanied. She was spoiled with many fun gifts--CTR ring, necklace, baptism book, and of course new scriptures.

Afterwards we had a lunch at home and enjoyed being with those we really love.

Sadie has such a big heart and is so kind. I can only imagine what she will do during her lifetime to build Heavenly Father's kingdom that she is now officially a member of. We are so happy that she has learned so much about the gospel and wants to follow Jesus' example. This is a big first step.

We love you Peanut!

Busy Days

I am so far behind in blogging that in order to catch up I'm doing a summary of the entire year! It's been two months, but they've been filled with tons of fun activities for our family.

January and February were for.....

shoveling snow (the boys favorite....at least they get paid!)

starting swim lessons (Sara)

Western night for the girls at their school (Austin helped out Dad this year)

Valentines Day candlelight dinner with the whole family

Valentines Stake Dance (Todd and Nikki's first attendance ever since it was a western theme...after how many years we finally got to country swing again....although body parts weren't as flexible as they used to be)

Adults only dinner and dessert for an "early" valentines date with neighborhood friends--dinner at Coppermill and dessert at our place with 10 couples

Priming, sanding and painting cubbies in the laundry room....they'll be awesome and well used!

Seeing Brian Regan at the Eccles Center (Todd, Nikki, Austin and Hayden) very fun date!

Sleeping over at cousins (Sara and Sadie)

Skiing after a snow storm that dropped a foot in the valleys! (Todd & big boys & Wises)

Cleaning "the sink" at Angies
The "before" picture and "before" bellyache!

Chinese New Year at Mandarin Gardens....Year of the Rabbit

Getting spoiled by Dad for birthdaysHarry Potter Birthday Party with friends

The big 8 for Sadie girl! There was a celebration at home on the birthday, a polly pocket party with friends on the weekend, and a shared w/ Sara family celebration as well. We should all be oozing sugar still!

After 4 1/2 years it was time to chop the hair and donate....11 inches gone!

And of course the training of the puppies continues.

It's amazing we have time to squeeze in eating, sleeping and school!

Christmas 2010

I've thrown away the December calendar which means I'm trying to remember the craziness of December. You'd think after over a year of blogging I'd remember which order to put the pictures in, but alas I can't recall once again if they load the same as you enter them or opposite. Oh, who cares, it was hectic and crazy and magical and it all added up to Christmas regardless of the order. So we'll let the pictures tell the story.
We surprised the kids a couple of days early with a very memorable Christmas gift....2 shih tzu puppies! Macy and Odie have joined the Snyders. It was the kids first day of the holiday break from school, which was perfect timing to allow hours of puppy fun. The idea behind the puppies was a friend for our dog Daisy, and a life experience for the kids, especially the younger ones who weren't here when we got the last puppy. It was love at first sight and they've been the most loved creatures in town. It was supposed to be one, but Todd fell in love with the other, so here we are with two new dogs. Which hasn't been such a bad thing since there are two of them to go around with all the kids. Sadie's face was complete surprise, not really understanding we actually got to keep them, until we explained they were really ours. Carson tells us at least three times a day that they love him, which really translates to how much he loves them.

The kids had been guessing for days what the present would be and we laughed when they were asking questions. "Can you sit on it?" "Does it require assembly?" I knew they were happy with the results when they said they were even better than a swimming pool! Yep, we gave the ultimate gift...times two! And after a week and a half the kids are still good to help out when it's potty time, even when it's freezing cold outside. We've laughed about Odie shivering from the cold and from fear of the neighbors barking monster dogs.

The Reeder family party was at our place this year, the day after Christmas. Mom and dad have downsized and didn't have enough space for the entire crew. We had close to full numbers and it was the usual fun. I loved having it here since it meant cleaning up the Christmas mess. I'm so glad I really do love my family. I wish we could just hang out more often.

Christmas Eve was full of the usual traditions...Grandparents here to celebrate, new pajamas and our annual picnic of finger foods and cherry slush. We added a recital in this year with piano pieces and singing. Grandparents are always a willing audience. We were glad Todd's parents made the trip up to spend the night with us and then enjoy an early Christmas morning. It was painful, but the kids waited until 6 am. Santa's delivery seemed to be a success.

Carson was super fun this holiday. Being four years old means Christmas is as magical as it can get. He made this Santa face at preschool and each day was supposed to glue a cotton ball onto Santa's beard until Christmas arrived. It was the first thing he wanted to do each morning. As a mom I hope to remember it's the simple things like this that make Christmas perfect.

The kids love decorating gingerbread houses. We bought kits this year with villages, that had enough for everyone to decorate two smaller houses. Gingerbread houses are great because they always look good when you are done, and it's always fun to see the kids' creativity as they get older. Carson would comment with each piece of candy, "Oh, that looks perfect!"

One of my favorite things about the holiday is decorating the Christmas tree. I love hearing the kids delight as they find their ornaments from previous years, especially the really impressive school made ones! It doesn't take long to decorate a tree with five helpers. I was excited this year to decorate my own tree which was twelve feet tall! It felt like a whole forest was in the living room for a few days, but we finally get used to the monstrosity and loved having a tree upstairs for a change.

Amid the busyness we throw in Hayden's birthday party. It was an important one with him turning twelve and being able to receive the priesthood and start passing the sacrament. It was a good day to watch two Snyder boys during sacrament meeting. Hayden took a few friends bowling at the Fun Park and the rest of the family met the party for ice cream at Charlies afterwards. I wonder if Hayden's birthday wish is to be as tall as his friends next year! He looks good with his new short haircut no matter how tall he is.

Todd headed back to China the Monday after Christmas and was gone for a week, missing the New Year. The kids and I went to the Fun Park, shopped, came home and made pizza, played games, watched a movie, and brought in the New Year. Todd was climbing along the great wall of China at 1:11 pm on 1/11 to bring in his new year. I ask the older boys if they wanted to have a party with their friends since they are getting close to an age they'd like that and since Todd would be gone. They looked at me like I was crazy and said New Years is supposed to be with your family! I'll enjoy it while I can.

We also worked on our New Year Resolutions....our favorite being Carson's who wants to go to Chuck E. Cheese and become magic!

So, after all this...Todd is home from China, the decorations are put away, the kids are back in school, and I'm doing laundry....life as usual, until we begin the countdown to next Christmas! Maybe we'll just work on enjoying January first.