2nd Week of January

Here are some highlights from the 2nd week of January.

Monday afternoon we had our girls' activity days at the church.  We discussed goal setting as we're starting the New Year and had the girls write down a couple they want to work on.  We'll check on their progress next time they meet.  My goals are to do 3-5 minutes of DuoLingo every day (on my phone), practice 15 minutes of the Ukulele,  do 15 minutes of Pilates during the weekdays, and reading scriptures together as a family every night.  So far so good.  Even if we missed a day, as long as we are trying and keep coming back, that's all that matters.

Our back neighbor finally hired a tree company to come cut down his dead Cottonwood tree.  We're thankful he did as it was growing into our side retaining wall.  Hopefully it won't need replacing.  Hudson also developed a fever and didn't want to do much but snuggle.  Poor little guy.  

Hudson came and laid on my leg while we were eating dinner.  He had a little bit of energy and was playing w/ his excavator during his nap. 

Carter playing w/ the Magformers.  Cool design!

Carter wanted to go to Nyles' karate class.  Carter decided to take a break until he's 8 from karate, since it takes longer to earn a belt.  He still really likes karate/martial arts, so he wanted to go do it w/ Nyles.  Nyles is now going to the later class that starts at 6:45pm, so there are only 2 other boys in his class.  The instructor let Carter participate the whole class.  

Afterwards Carter asked if he could join again, but be in Nyles' class (just on his own he didn't talk to Steve or I about it).  The instructor said as long as Nyles was ok w/ it.  After going home and talking about it we agreed that it wouldn't be in Nyles' best interest for Carter to attend his class. Even though it would be fun for them to be together, we know Nyles wouldn't be pushed as hard, and thus wouldn't grow as much.  Carter and Nyles agreed.  So Carter is going to wait one more year until he's 8, then plans to join again.  Nyles is more than half way to earning a black belt now.  He has 4 more belts after his current green one.

Cute Carter and Nyles practicing together.

Though Hudson had a fever the whole week, he was begging to get outside.  On a day the sun was shinning we went outside for a little while to get some fresh air.  The boys playing w/ the magnets.

Steve went over and helped Diane put away Christmas decorations and also his parents w/ theirs.  Hudson loves to vacuum, either w/ a real one or his play one.  Silly Piper stretching, begging for someone to pet her.  Cute Hudson asleep.

On Friday, January 13th, the boys didn't have school.  I took the day off as well.  We were originally going to go up to visit my parents (after not being able to over Thanksgiving when Hudson was sick, then over Christmas due to the weather), but my parents were both sick and Hudson was still showing a slight fever.  There was also a chance there was going to be a snow storm coming in over the weekend, which would have made it difficult to get back.  All things considered, we decided to stay home.  Friday afternoon we decided to go to the zoo w/ Dave and Joann in an effort to get outside.

At the Hogle Zoo.  Looking at the zebras and elephants.

Elephant and rhinoceros.  Then going on the Merry Go Round.  

So much fun!

Then looking at animals, reptiles, birds, insects inside.  Carter by the huge tortoise.

Carter took some pictures of the animals on display.

Hudson catching a ride w/ Steve.  An iguana and an owl.

The tiger was out which was cool.  Nyles standing by the bear size display.  Carter by the Polar Bear (in the background laying down).  A cute red panda licking itself so we didn't see it's face.

Looking at the sea lions before calling it a day.  It was a lot of fun.  Thanks Dave/Joann!

Saturday morning Carter had a basketball.  Steve took Nyles and Carter while I stayed back w/ Hudson since it was at 8am.  Carter did awesome.  He even shot the ball by the free throw line and made it!

Great quotes.