The Olympic Training Center

On Saturday we got up bright and early to travel to Colorado Springs for a friend's baptism. After the baptism and yummy lunch we went to the Olympic Training Center. There are so many great things to do in C.S., but most are outside and it was just too cold to spend the day outdoors.

We had a great time learning about how Olympians train and seeing the facilities. It is amazing how much money goes in to the training of these athletes (all from private funds. did you know that?). Since my hopes of having an olympic swimmer have been dashed by my children's complete lack of interest in doing so, I was very interested to see all of the other sports they can still compete in (bowling???).

I love how happy my boys are with most anything we do. They are always up for something new. When I asked them to rate the trip from yawnfest to totally awesome, they both did not hesitate to shout, "Totally Awesome!"

A Snow Day!

We have gone so long without snow that even when the news channels said there was a bizzard warning we did not believe them. We were not even surprised to wake up to no snow on Thursday morning. However, by Thursday afternoon it was a different story! We tried to venture out of the house, but after getting stuck on a hill, having a hummer completely dent the back of our car, being towed by a large SUV and having to get out and shovel our driveway just to make it back into our house, we decided to stay put.

The boys of course had a great time. They would live outside if they could.

The missionaries stopped by to warm up and since Kelly had been sent home early from work, we invited them in for hot chocolate and oreos. Kelly repeatedly reminds me how I would never have let the boys have a cookie, or cake, or anything sugary before their first birthday, but I'm older, and too tired to listen to Laynie's screams when she sees the boys eating something delicious, so she ate her fair share as well!

The Last Two Weeks!

Wow! The last few weeks have been very busy and a lot of fun! This is the first track off time in a long while that we have not taken a trip. So, we have tried to keep busy doing fun things around town. Here is what we have been up to:

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day (with the cutest girl dressed in green!),

had a couple of crazy Family Home Evening lessons (this was Jacob as Samson),

And, remember how I said I would never coach Jacob's Destination Imagination team ever again? Well, of course, I just couldn't say no! We have kept very busy practicing for the competition. Ryan participated on a Rising Star Team (non-competitive) and, Jacob's team placed third in the district competition. Yipee! Which means that we now get to keep practicing twice a week to prepare for the state competition in April (do you like how I am trying to keep a positive attitude!).

We also went to an amazing park, had friends over to play, made a trip to the science museum, checked out many books and movies at the library, and met Kelly for lunch,

and the boys went to a very cool art class.

Ryan practiced soccer (the coach as scheduled practice three times a week to get the boys in shape!) and Jacob had his Pinewood Derby (he didn't win and was very upset. He told me he had never lost before and did not know what to do about it. Poor guy!).

Whew! We only a few more days left and we still have a trip to Colorado Springs, sledding and more D.I. practice to go!

Laynie's New Look

Laynie has discovered her hair clip and this new problem is seriously going to be the death of me! I have tried to distract her every way I can think of but she always finds her clips and she thinks it is so funny when she pulls it out! So, we are going for a new look. Ryan likes her in the side pony the best, but I like the double pony because it keeps all her hair out of her eyes. What do you think?

(This is how Laynie feels about her new do!)

Jacob's 9!

Jacob turned nine years old yesterday! We had so much fun celebrating. On Friday, Kelly and I brought cake to share with his class. It was twin day, and since he and Ryan have so many of the same clothes, they decided to dress alike (Ryan wanted to take a picture without his glasses on so he could look even more like Jacob).

On Saturday he opened all of his presents, played with friends, had pizza and cake at Olive Garden and spent his birthday money at Toys R Us.

Today, he asked for Cap'n Crunch Chicken Nuggets, french fries, corn on the cob, and of course cake, for dinner. We thought Laynie would have fun eating cake and she seemed to at first, but by the end she was pulling out her hair and crying. Hopefully she will enjoy it more on her birthday!

We love Jacob so much. He is kind, generous, funny, and very handsome! He is a great big brother. He is especially aware of those who have special needs. There is a girl in Jacob's class who he walks to ILC. He helps her with her backpack and makes sure she finds her parents afterschool. He is aware of how blessed he is and wants to bless the lives of others as well. We are so glad he is a part of our family!

Jacob is a poet!

(Jacob received his wolf badge last week-- Yeah Jacob!)

Jacob's teacher (who is amazing!) published a book of poetry written by Jacob and his classmates. Jacob has not put it down since he brought it home from school. He is very proud of the fact that he is now a "published author". Here are two of his poems:

Jacob Stohl

I am cool and funny

I wonder how space works

I hear kids yelling

I see the school

I want a four wheeler

I am cool and funny

I pretend I am a dog

I feel smart

I touch the table

I worry about tornadoes

I cry for my dad

I am cool and funny

I understand my homework

I say I'm cool

I dream that I am a Veterinarian

I am cool and funny

Thankful

I am thankful for many things in my life (my brain, my heart, and my sister).

Most of all school.

I am fortunate that I have all the things I need to live a happy life.

I want to end the war.

I strive to make good choices.

I will do the best I can to read a 315 page book.

I know that I can stop pollution.

Because of me school is an exciting place.

I am thankful and always will be because I love myself.

Seriously, is he a good boy or what ?!!!

Laynie is 10 months old! (and a poem)

The Most Important Thing About My Baby Sister Is . . .

The most important thing about my baby sister is that she loves me.

She rolls around the room.

She's always curious.

I love to hold her.

I play with her.

Her face is peach.

Her cheeks are rosy red.

She's hilarious.

She can be annoying.

But the most important thing about my baby sister is that she loves me.

by Jacob Stohl