Science night!

Last Thursday we had Science night at the elementary school! It was a lot of fun and the kids were so excited about all that was there! They had scientists from different fields come and speak -- NASA was there -- Fish and Game, all the 6th graders had hands-on science projects the kids could do, and then we were able to walk through and see all the science projects on display. Mikelle thought her's up all on her own -- Her title was: Why does a camera need to flash? She did several experiments using no light, low light, and flash and came up with her hypothesis and results. That night they announced the winners adn she got 3rd place! We are so proud of her!!!

B-Day part 2!

Grandma and Grandpa in Africa surprised Mikelle with
a special Birthday message from the missionaries in Zambia!
She was so excited!!!

We made her favorite rice crispy bears for
her to give out at school as her B-day treat!
The molds were a hand me down from my mom and
are one of our kid's favorite things!

After going out for pizza, we came home
and had presents! This one was from Grandma Netty
that she got her before she left!

This pretty much shows Carter's mood
for the night - he was a little upset that the
party wasn't for him and he didn't think "helping"
open presents was as fun as when you get them all
to yourself!

Kel loved her matching PJs for her
and Kit!

Happy Birthday Kels!


It was such a fun day -- She got a cute email from her Uncle Andy,
calls from best friends back in Utah, singing phone calls
from family, fun mail from Grandpa Dave and Rosie, had a fun
day at school, and a great night with the fam! Love you Kels!

Happy Birthday Mikelle!

Today is Mikelle's 8th Birthday! Here is a little collage of her first 8 years! She is such a light in our home and brings more joy than we can even say -- She is always such a help to us and is so good to her brother and sister! Carter loves his "Wakelle" and how she always helps him. Aubs loves her big sis and how she is such a fun roomie and plays dolls with her, helps her with homework, and is her idol! We love her fun sense of humor and all the laughter she brings into our home. We love that she was finally able to talk us into a dog. WE love her strong testimony of the gospel and the great little missionary she is. WE love what a good friend she is and how truly sensitive and kind she is to those around her. WE love hearing her play the piano and catching her reading in her bed at night! Mikelle -- we love you so much and are so grateful you are ours and have been a light in our lives for the past EIGHT years!

Quite the weekend!

We decided to go camping on Thursday and Friday down in the Verde Valley. Gracia and the girls (Ry's sis) came up and met us -- We took off Thursday morning and had to got to three different places before we found a spot. It was busy with Spring break. We ended up at a great site in Cottonwood near a river, Tuzigoot and Montazuma's castle -- Great national parks and Indian ruins! We had hot dogs and Smores, went to the castle, hiked around, played in the river adn skipped rocks, ate dutch oven, and had so much fun with cousins! Our last night we had literally, the worst night of sleep in history! Aubs got so sick with a very sore, cancery toungue, Kel's cough started kicking in again, Carter kept inching out of his bag and it got so cold -- Bless their hearts -- they were troopers -- But we high tailed it out of camp yesterday and headed for home! WE got to the dr. and it ended up that Aubs had one kind of strep and a wierd virus in her mouth, Kel had a most likely sinus infection, Ry still didn't feel great from being a bit sick too, and I woke up this morning sicker than I think I've been in a very long time. Sick enough to go to the Dr. on a Sun. So now, the whole family is on drugs and had one of the best weekends and also one of the hardest! Let's pray there's an end to the sickness!

WET DOG!

We gave the dog a little bath and it was seriously so funny! She looked like a little wet rat and I don't think I've heard the kids laugh so hard in forever! Sorry Na Na! Glad you survived!

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S!

Today was a fun day at the Patterson house- We love St. Patty's Day! We got up and had green eggs and ham (bacon) :) Then went to a fun preschool St. Pat's party that Mikelle and Aubs were invited to as well! They got to go on a fun treasure hunt, have snacks from all the colors of the rainbow, and found a pot of gold hidden by a leperchaun! Then tonight we had split pea soup, homemade green bread, and our favorite dessert! The highlight of the night was our cute little concert -- the kids danced for us to Lord of the Dance and they were a hit! A fun night at the St. Patterson's !

Red Rocks!

It's the first day of Spring break today and my friend Steph and I took our kiddos hiking in Sedona at Red Rock State Park! It could not have been more beautiful! We toured the Visitor's Center, the kids earned their Junior ranger badges, we had a picnic lunch, played by the river, and even saw a rattle snake! Thank goodness it was behind a wall and far enough away that we dared to get close! It was a great first day of SPring break and I loved having time with the kids that I usually don't get when they're at school! Tomorrow we're doing a St. Patty's party and are hoping to go camping the end of the week! Happy Spring everyone!

Farewell to a friend!

Tonight we had a girl's night out -- We went to dinner to say farewell to our dear friend Wendy! She is one in a million and thank goodness isn't moving too far -- but still - we are going to truly miss her! What a blessing it is to have such dear friends and have nights like tonight where you can just be together, laugh so hard, share fun stories, and memories, and enjoy a great sisterhood! We will miss you Wendy!!!

NOT getting baptized!

Mikelle is getting baptized in April so it's been the topic of much conversation at our house! She is so excited and can't wait. Carter on the other hand is not as excited about the idea -- Today at the store we had the same thing happen that has happened about 5 times before this -- In the past few weeks! This cute lady was talking to him and asked his name. He says "Carter." Then she says, "How old are you?" and he says: "I'm three and I'm NOT getting baptized!" It's really embarassing but kind of cute too! They always walk off looking a bit puzzled!

One more pic

A new addition!

Na Na -- our new addition!

takin' a nap!

Kite flyin'

Pirate Island with cousin Rylee!

Well, this weekend we took a little trip to St. George to pick up a new addition to our family -- A DOG! We have been researching, wanting, almost getting, and the kids completely dreaming of a dog for forever! WE finally narrowed it down to a Shitsu -- and called my brother and sis-in law who are experts at finding great dogs -- Well, a month ago we called them and told them that's what we'd love them to start looking for and we would look here too and then Tammy said, I think I found one -- OURS! They have the cutest dog, Shitsu, 2 yr. old, amazing with kids, our kids know her already, and even better -- totally potty trained! They were at a point where they needed to find her a home with a fenced yard and a little bit older kids that could take care of her a little more and wondered if we were willing -- OF COURSE!!!! So we made a trip out of it and met Tammy and Rylee in St. George and got the dog. We had a great trip and the cousins loved seeing each other! LAst night we had a fun dinner at Pirate Island -- long wait but fun for the kids -- We also had some nice family time that we haven't had in a while -- IT was a much needed break and so much fun to get a dog out of it. The trip home was a bit crazy though -- A dog added an extra challenge (not bad though) but Kel got the stomach flu on the way home and we were stopping quite frequently and womdered if we'd ever make it -- Thankfully we did and all are grateful to be home and Na Na (like the dog on Peter Pan) is enjoying her new home so far!