Sling Shot Vs. Pocket Knife

Wednesday night McKay came down (the night before cub scout day camp) and asked Jeff and I for help making a decision on which souvenir to buy from the trading post.  He was wavering between a sling shot and a pocket knife.  He told us he had good reasons for both.

Slingshot:
1.  I (McKay) would have fun.
2. I think I would learn something from it.

Pocket knife:
If I was walking and crossed a railroad track my shoe might get stuck in the track.  If it were too small I could use my pocket knife to cut the laces of and escape.

We tried to keep a straight face.  Really hard.  I'm sad to say, it didn't work.  The kid is hilarious.  And creative. Love my boy.  He chose the Sling shot, by the way, due to the fact that the life-saving pocket knife is now only available at the Weblos camp.

Kiev (not Ukraine) and Keane

I love a good  concert.  Sometimes I lack the words to describe them.  

 Cami and I anxiously awaiting the arrival of Keane

The band Kiev kept us entertained while we waited.  They were pretty good.  Their sound (at least live) is slightly reminiscent of Mute Math. (Another fabulous concert I attended this year)

The album they were promoting.  I like it.  Full of hope, despite sounding somewhat like a break up album. Favorite song: Disconnected.  If you like scary movies you should check out their video for this, but if scary movies haunt you (haha), don't watch it.  The song, though, is not scary.  Just the video.

Tom Chaplin, lead singer.  Beautiful voice.  Gracious and kind entertainer.  (Thoroughly enjoyed the enthusiam of the Salt Lake crowd- which was pretty lively)  

Kiev and me.  We met up with them at the end of the concert.  Nice guys.  Sorry we ran away like star-struck 12 year old girls.  Hey.  Keane started up with their encore.  Can you blame us? 

Love Keane and had been looking forward to this concert since I heard they were coming.  Keane did not disappoint.  They had lots of good energy, the singing was amazing, and listening to the lead singer talk...sigh...(hey, he's British.)  ;)  

In case you haven't heard them, and are interested, here ya go:

Grandpa's Cabin

Without much planning, we decided to head down to Jeff's family cabin for a couple of days.  The kids, like always were thrilled.  Planning even an overnight trip can be stressful. (Can I get an Amen! from you moms? :)  This time around it wasn't.  I didn't make a list let alone check it twice.  I did make dinner ahead of time at home with the intent of warming it up when we arrived.  (Worked like a charm, btw.)  We played and played and had a blast.  

Eating our yummy pre-made chicken and stuffing dinner with  corn muffins.

My beautiful, independent baby playing in the red ants.

Who plays miniature golf at a cabin in the middle of nowhere?  We do!  (Thanks Grandpa!)

I love when they start posing for pictures. :)

Still posing....Just cooler now.

Good morning!  Love the view from the front porch.

6 people and 1 dog finally finished 9 holes of Frisbee Golf.  Only 4 Frisbees actually survived.  Sorry Grandpa. 

After watching everyone else have a turn on the rope swing, Chloe insisted she have a turn, too.  She loved it!

Lyndsi was our big helper of the day, getting her  Sophie on and off the rope.

McKay trying his hand at archery.  A bow and arrow has now reached the top of  his Christmas list.  

Bells Canyon

A couple of Saturdays ago Jeff and I took the kids hiking. His friend at work had told him about this hike in Bell's Canyon that went to a hidden lake.  So.  We grabbed some snacks and water and headed to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

The kids did really well and had lots of fun.  Even Chloe had a good time.  The kids made some walking sticks over memorial weekend and got lots of compliments on them from the other hikers.  McKay was wishing we had a canoe to row on the lake.

I think we'll find some other family-friendly hikes to take them on this summer.

Sharing What's Working For Us

I'm constantly looking for ways to make working easier, more fun, more interesting, etc for my kids.  And while I'm at it can we throw in something where they seem more willing and actually do a decent job and maybe perhaps see some consistent cleanliness is certain areas?  I hate to sound like an infomercial testimonial, but I found something that works!!

The funny thing is it's so simple it's almost dumb.  I can't even take credit for the idea.  Some wise grandmother suggested it to me about 2 months ago and I cannot believe how it's changed my life at home.

Here it is:

See?  Simplicity.  Each kid has responsibility for his/her room and one other area in the house (which rotates on a weekly basis).  If they do the job, they get a plus.  If they don't do it (or have a bad attitude, are sloppy, etc), they get a minus.  If they practice the piano for the allotted amount of time, they get a "B" for bonus.  They can earn a certain amount each week based on their age. For every minus, I get to deduct 25 cents.

So far it's had a lot of benefits.  The kids are helping more.  They're happier (at least I think so).  I'm happier.  They're learning about saving, paying tithing and spending.  Things aren't perfect, but they're consistent.  (And consistently clean)

McKay

Turned 8 in April.

McKay was speechless when we took of the blindfold and saw his new, blue bike.  

became a Cub Scout

Ok.  I know this has nothing to do with Cub Scouts, but Sharks are cool  animals .  They only choose cool "boy" animals for scouts.  Plus sharks have sharp teeth and so do wolves which is what McKay is. It works.  Sort of. 

and was baptized.

2 kids down, 2 to go.

The boy is on cloud 9.  8 year olds are fun.  Not quite as whiny as 7 year olds.  Plus they're more helpful.

Thankful...Friday

Today I am thankful for

1. A dad who took his family out to dinner because that's what the kids wanted and had fun with them. And who also reads Harry Potter to his son despite having already read the book himself.

2. Reading Princess Academy with Lyndsi. We each have our own copy. (Hers is even autographed, lucky girl.) she is loving it. Tonight I noticed she is starting to do voices for characters more. My mother heart couldn't be happier.

3. A kindergartner whose passion is learning. If she wants to do homework (and trust me she does!), we can be at it for hours and I'm usually the one begging to quit. Love it!

4. The funniest baby ever who doesn't mind cutting one front tooth and two molars simultaneously who loves to play outside and whose favorite beverage is water.

5. My laundry room cabinets being nearly completed and my light fixture redo turning out better then I could imagine.

And last but not least, spring! Hasn't this been such a gorgeous spring? I love it.