Family Picture

The whole Myers clan were together for Christmas this year - A once in a lifetime opportunity.  We all had some pictures taken...Here was ours (with Aunt Katie's Christmas lights strung through the background).

What We've Been Doing

It looks like 2013 is off on a good note.  This is what we have been doing lately, which is quite a bit. Colton

is learning to ski and had lessons at the Canyons Resort.  It was the PERFECT day!  The sun was shining and it was actually quite warm.  While he was at his lesson, which was all day, Brett and I had a little shopping and lunch date. It is so rare that an opportunity like this presents itself...that we took full advantage of it.  Colton is now a skier, and I am excited to go up on the mountain and "re learn" a sport from my youth!

 Alex is trying his hand at basketball, following in the footsteps of his older brother.  This sport has not come as easy as soccer and t-ball.  The coordination that it takes to dribble, stop and shoot is a little bit frustrating and as seen below he would rather just run up and down the court with his good friend Tyler.  They play most sports together and are good buddies, on and off the court.  I think more than the sports, Alex just likes collecting trophies. 

*Science Fair Winner!
On a more academic note, which is more McKaleigh's pace, She competed and won in her school's science fair.  It was a shock it all of us, and when she called and told me that she won, I thought she was joking...I did not believe her!  The back story is this...McKaleigh, a notorious procrastinator, delayed her project until the Fri/Sat/Sun before it was due.  She then worked like a crazy person, pestering her dad and I for assistance, which we declined to give - other then computer tech help.  She did the whole thing alone and I wished her a joking "good luck" Monday morning - both of us knowing what went into the project...and she pulled it off!  She is such a good student and always gets the job done, even if its a close call!

 As a family, we have been indulging in the usual sporting event - Brett and I going to UofU basketball games and the whole family attending a hockey game.  I don't know how I feel about the fact that the kids LOVE hockey games - they wait all game for the gloves and masks to come off and the fights to begin.  They did not have to wait long at this game.  During the first period their was a huge fight that lasted for quite awhile - and the whole time the kids are cheering them on...

 We have also been really busy building snow caves and snow men.  The last big snow this is what we built.  Colton was able to fit all of the way inside - and even wore his headlamp to illuminate the "ice cave".  They had a great time building it and even stayed out in the dark to play. 

 We LOVE our life!

2013 - An Exciting New Year!

Happy 2013 to all of our friends and family!  We are so excited for the great things that this year has to bring our family! 

The beginning of this year started with all of the kids (even Alex) running out in the front yard, in the 6 degree weather, and lighting sparklers with dad (mom watched from the warmth of the office window)!  I was amazed at their ability to stay up, play games, have treats and watch the traditional music video countdown from the previous year.  Since then, we have been going full speed ahead.  Here is what the future holds for our family.

Daddy:  Well, he has some really great goals this year revolving around fitness and family events.  He is always so thoughtful of each one of us.  He has really turned into a fitness nut and regularly turns down cookies for a bag of carrots (dare I say he is becoming like Grandpa Walt?).  He eats lots of whole grains and drinks mostly water...He is really setting a good example for all of us to follow.  He has also been going to the rec. and running on the treadmill a few days a week.  He loves to play games with the kids each night, and during dinner he often gets the children to vote on how they would like to spend the evening.  He is still working really hard and traveling quite a bit.  It sure makes a difference when he is gone - but everyone knows how important it is to be supportive!  I think he would say that life is pretty o.k.

Mommy:  Is still going in too many directions!  I am still taking classes, babysitting (which will be done in March-), crossing and looking for a job.  I am trying to follow Brett's example and be more fitness minded, but it's so darn hard for me! I do love a good treat and would prefer an uninterrupted hour online to an hour of exercise. I have been snowshoeing (a great new Christmas gift) and love that-and it burns quite a few calories.  I have been playing more online games with the kids - but I am not very good at that and have a goal to keep the house more organized - you know, there is a place for everything and everything has a place kind of organization.  I can't complain, life is good.

McKaleigh:  She is loving 9th grade and all of the perks that come with it.  She has been attending the 14 and up dances, going to the movies and mall and wherever with her friends.  She loves her new phone (with unlimited text) and enjoys her time with friends.  She loves to play volleyball and is taking a few different classes and camps through the rec. center.  She is hoping they will help her during tryouts for the high school team next year.  She is also hoping to join debate - which I sure she will excel at!  She is a hard worker and wonderful older sister.  She is still babysitting quite a bit, and spends her money when she gets it.  She is excited for high school next year and tends to live in the future.  She still reads and really enjoys watching movies on her Nook.  Brett has started taking her to the school and giving her driving lessons and she is very excited about moving to the next part of her life (jobs and cars).  We are always telling her to slow down and enjoy the now!

Colton:  He is our sporty kid.  Any sport or activity involving skill and Colt can have it mastered in a few minutes.  He is playing basketball, skiing and snowboarding.  He also enjoys tennis and playing with friends.  He is a pretty well rounded kid, with straight A's and lots of activities. I am always running him here or there.  He also loves to go to the rec with Brett and play basketball, run on the treadmill or swim.  He really enjoys scouts and the camping trips they go on.  We can also find Colton curled up with a book reading or down in his room snuggled in bed with one. Every night at dinner when we share the best parts of our day - you can bet Colton's will be math or science!  He LOVES talking about math!  He is a really great older brother and is willing to play with Alex anytime anywhere.  He has a few good friends and has started to branch out and call other kids in the neighborhood.  Next year he will be over at the junior high, and finding a whole new experience.  I think he is excited about it, but the only thing he has said is that, he is excited to take P.E. the whole year - typical Colton!

Alex:  This is his first year at Viewmont Elementary.  He is in morning kindergarten, and has lots of friends. Alex is such an easy going kid that he makes friends easily - boys or girls, it doesn't matter.  He really enjoys getting up and going to school with Colton.  Almost every night he asks about whether or not he will have school the next day.  He is doing really well with his reading, but his favorite subject is math.  He counts everything - from letters in words to random items around the house.  I think he will take after Colton.  He is also playing basketball, and is waiting for soccer and coach pitch baseball to come around in the Spring. He really loves playing with Brett and is always asking for more and more time with him.  A common question he asks is, "dad, what are we going to do next."  Like McKaleigh he lives for the next activity or day.

All in all, 2013 promises many family adventures and fun...Well see you around!

2012 - A Busy Christmas Season

 The Christmas holiday season came and went too quickly.  We had so many plans with family and friends that it seemed like the kids were home for just a few days instead of 10!  The whole Myers clan were together in Utah (which is a rare event), there was a new baby born, a family picture taken and many  dinners and events to attend.  During this time, colds and flu were found in every family and unfortunately at least one family member was left out of most of the events!  We ate too much food and became really familiar with all of the candy, cookies and treats just sitting on the counter ready to be tasted.  The kids were treated to movie dates by grandma's and grandpa's and got really comfortable doing a whole lot of nothing.  I'm not sure what mommy did - but it seemed like there was an endless "to do" list - although i'm not really sure how much got done.  Daddy spent time playing with the kids and enjoying his time off - but it is never enough...the kids love to have him home (he is much better at Wii, playstation, and general playing of games than mom is).  It was a great season, and here are just a few pictures from the end of the year!

 Grandpa and Alex over at the sledding hill

Uncle Brian, grandpa and Eric watching Colton learn to snowboard down the hill.

 Christmas at Grandma Deb's and Grandpa's home.  All of the kids lined up, ready to dig in to their presents.

 Grandma and Grandpa enjoying their new gifts.

 Everyone got way too spoiled with lazy days and family activities.  It was a busy season, and we are looking forward to the New Year.