CALIFORNIA

We just got back from our trip to California. We had so much fun visiting Staci and her family. We went to the beach and Disneyland. It was around 90 degrees everyday. I thought Disneyland would be hard with so many little kids but they were all really good. We loved Disneyland and rode a lot of rides - the lines weren't bad at all. Every time we go to the beach my kids beg to never leave. They love to playing in the water and sand (obviously, that is what is at a beach). My kids were so good (considering how they usually are) in California. I am thinking maybe I'll move in with Staci so they always have a friend.

Wayke at the beach. My chubby little boy is starting to slim down!

All the kids and my mom playing in the water.

Rayce loves the beach. It doesn't matter if he is throwing rocks or swimming - he love to be at the beach.

Grandma was a trooper playing with all the kids in the water. Wayke was so scared every time Ridge got close to the water he would freak out.

Staci celebrated her 25th birthday while we were there. My mom made her a cake and even put 25 candles on it. Rio and Taft were happy to help their mom blow out the candles. Thanks to Staci for the fun time - we'll be back in March to see that new little baby! (And if it really comes out a girl - I'll be stealing her!)

This is at the entrance of Disneyland. I am sure I was about to say something profound like, "Rayce put your hand down!"

Last night we had a Zager Family Halloween party. They said if we didn't dress up we would be humiliated - so I was humiliated and dressed up!

EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING

This will include everything and anything. First, a few weeks ago, Rayce learned to ride his bike with no training wheels. He is so proud of himself - it is cute. He asked Dusty one night to take off the training wheels. He practiced a few times. Then for the next couple of days we practiced on the lawn. Eventually he got brave and rode it on the side walk. A couple of days later I walked outside and he had got on the bike himself and started riding around. Rayce has always been a very quick learner - once he decides he wants to do it. (Like potty training at 2 years and 2 months - one day and no more accidents) Next, we always knew it was coming. Rayce is coming upon his 5th birthday and hasn't repeated a swear word yet. Until.... him and Dusty were playing the Wii last night. Dusty was bowling and out of nowhere Rayce says, "What in the he**?" I busted up laughing while Dusty is trying to give the "we don't say those words" talk. I wanted to pass out - I was practically rolling on the ground. How do you explain to a 4 year old there is a difference between the usual naughty words - shut up and stupid - and then the "real" swear words. Well, Dusty gave it his best shot at trying to reason with a 4 year old - that part was funny too! By the way, we asked him where he hear it and he said, "That bad movie." I never realized how bad Sandlot 2 swore until one day I walked out and in like 5 minutes I heard many different words I didn't approve of. Now, Sandlot is known as "That bad movie" in our house.

And, when Dusty and I were first married my friend Suelyn gave me a wall decoration that said, "We interrupt this marriage for hunting season." Well, that is nothing but the truth this year. Dusty drew out a moose tag and to say the least - we don't see him much. He has missed a little - or a lot - of work. If he does go to work as soon as he gets home he's off to find that moose. He says it is his job - provide food for the family! Only 1 more week and the hunt is ended - and I'll be in California next week! I can't wait to have my husband back :)

Today Suelyn and I took our kids up to the corn maze in Bluebell. The kids had a lot of fun. There were slides and a pit full of kernels. Then we went through the maze. About half way through the maze Rayce was bored out of his mind and I was carrying Wayke. We left, and I almost forgot Wayke, and went to the park. Suelyn got them ice cream and they played at the park for a while. We had a really good time. I would post pictures but of course I didn't have my camera. Dusty has it with him just in case he finally finds that moose! When Suelyn post hers I will steal them - HINT HINT!

Just a few more thoughts. The other day it was really cold and Rayce wanted to go outside. I told him to get dressed. A little while I went to check on him and this is his version of "dressing warm".

Well, if any of you have any advise to potty train Wayke I would really appreciate it. I have about had enough of 2 in diapers. (Which many of you are thinking it is your own fault and you're right!) After Rayce was so easy I thought Wayke would be the same - and like EVERYTHING else, it isn't the same and it isn't as easy! Ridge's middle two teeth are just about the break through. I hope they do soon - he is getting up about 3-4 times a night. That's all my random thoughts for tonight!

Ridge is Walking

Ridge started walking a couple of days ago. He hasn't really even tried then we were at my moms house and he was playing on the stairs - which he loves - and he let go and went about 12 steps. He keeps trying without any encouragement. He holds on to the couch and tries to make it to the other couch. I think he is tired of his brothers running around all day and he can't keep up. He wants to go with them so he is determined to walk. Ridge is almost 11 months old. Wayke didn't walk until he was 14 months old (and I was 7 months pregnant) so I was hoping Ridge would walk a little earlier than 14 months. Rayce walked at 9 1/2 months. (This is mostly information for myself so I can remember!)

Ridge letting go of couch.

Falling right before he gets to me.
He decides maybe crawling is faster.

Lessons Learned

I never learn my lessons like I should. Everytime my kids bath I know I have to stay in there with them or water is EVERYWHERE. I usually let them have only a couple of inches a water. Today I got home from town and wanted to do 100 things. I started making strawberry and raspberry jam. Rayce asked if they could take a bath. I thought what a great idea then they won't be under my feet. I started their water and left and was making jam. I heard them laughing and playing. I went back and checked and they had a little bit so I told them to shut it off in a minute. Well, I forgot until.........

Rayce said, "Mom is going to be so mad at you."

I walked back there and the tub was full clear to the top and there was a couple inches of water on the ground. I would have got mad but it was my own fault. So, now I have the jam mess to clean up and water all over the bathroom that needs attention!

As promised, here is the picture of Ridge's first teeth. His middle ones are finally coming in and he has four on bottom. These are the first ones he got though. Looks pretty funny!!!

VEGAS - HERE I COME!

Well, its official! I have signed up for the Las Vegas Marathon, 26.2 miles. I figure if I post it then I will really have to do it. I started training a couple weeks ago after I didn't go to the Logan Marathon. Every race I do I say, this is my last one. But I will have to admit they are kind of addicting. I would say that Las Vegas is my last one but my plans are to start in March with Moab then do Provo, Odgen, then Ragnar (these are not all full marathons). A lot of people ask me when I am going to have a baby (Since my past history is to have my children REALLY close together). I guess it doesn't look like it is in the plans - but who knows. I did my first half marathon when I was 3 months pregnant and did my first full marathon when my baby was 5 months old. Who knows, maybe I can squeeze one in somewhere?

I have put a team in for Ragnar (12 person team, 182 miles, 30 hours!) It is the end of June. I almost have all 12 people but if you are interested in doing it let me know. It cost about $85.00 per person. It is honestly the funnest/best race I have ever done! I promise you won't regret it.