Union Station In Odgen, UT

So the day I came down from Idaho to pick up my boys I met my mom in Ogden for my cousins wedding reception. I figured this was a good spot as it saved me two hours driving. Little did I know that there would be actual trains my kids could play on that were no longer in service there. I couldn't have picked a better spot. They loved it!
Now that is big. I wouldn't want to get run down by a train. Have you ever stood next to one? Very massive indeed.

Awestruck Ian.

Pleased as punch.

Things Kids Do & Say That Make Me Laugh

I am sorry to people who expect to see pictures on every post. I mostly do this so that someday I can print up a couple of books and give one to each of my children. This post will have no pictures, unless I am lying and then in that case I take it back. Anyway, some memories don't have pictures, but I want my kids to have them none-the-less. If you are actually reading, (does anybody really look at this stuff?), you can stop now unless you are in some way intrigued and then in that case, go for it.

A Day at the Cowdens

I took the boys to to play with some friends on a freezing -11 degree friday. Within 15 minutes of arriving Taylor is ecstatic to show me something, "so cool!," he says. I head up two flights of stairs to the attic, and come across Caleb wearing adult sized full coverage goggles with the biggest craziest grin you can encounter. Taylor proceeds to pick up a nerf gun and shoots the poor kid in the face from point blank range. At this point I can see the need for goggles. The two boys fall into laughter, and I am trying really hard, (and I really should have tried harder), not to laugh at this 2 year old with a nerf dart sticking off his goggles all the while he is grinning from ear to ear. How do kids think up these things? And do we really want to let these boys use nail guns come wood shop? I really wish I had a picture for this, but I don't. I've thought of recreating the whole situation, but it is never as good the second time around.

A Look Back 2 Years....

I have to write this one down because I am afraid of forgetting this. I find it so funny simply because kids are sweet and innocent beyond reason. Don't be grossed out, and if you are I promise the rest of my memories aren't like this one.

Driving in the car one day Taylor calls to me from the back of the van and states in a I've-really-thought-this-one-out sort of a way, "Mom, if you get a penis you could be a boy like me and dad."

Yep Taylor I could, but do I really want to? Now that would just be weird!


Kyla Borrows a Pull Dog

At our house we really love Taylor's friend Kyla. She is usually good and extremely energetic which keeps us on our toes, (yes, I can relate to the whole energy thing). Taylor has a pull dog that is rather popular with the friends who come by including Kyla. We have lent it out a few times to Kyla and the last time it stayed away for quite awhile. Taylor, always looking for something to worry about, began to fear it would never return. I had him ask Kyla to bring it back and I sat back to listen to the exchange. Kyla kept saying she couldn't return it, (she really really likes this dog), she needed it longer, etc. Finally in her Barbie villian movie voice Kyla says, "You will never see your dog again!" Taylor immediately cried, and I had to comfort him all the while trying to maintain my composure. I love the things kids say. So I did what I should have done 5 minutes prior, I asked Krystal, (Kyla's mom), if Taylor could get it back next time they stopped by. We got it back soon thereafter, and I haven't seen it much since. I think he might have hidden it and since forgotten about it.


The Computer Gaming is Out of Control!

We love Ian, we love him alot. All that love doesn't mean we want to see or hear from him in the middle of the night. We have this whole 'everybody should be sleeping' complex. Two nights ago Ian comes into our room and Kelby sends him back to bed. Five minutes later Kelby hears Ian on the computer playing computer games, in the middle of the night!!! I think this kid has a sleeping disorder. I never thought I would have to password my computer against a 2 year old, but there it is. I thought this type of behavior reserved itself for the teenage years. I hate when reality slaps me in the face! And I was so proud of Ian for learning how to use the computer, Bleh!

Taylor & Ben Know Where Heaven Is

Taylor had a friend over the other day to play. Somehow the conversation turned to Heaven and Taylor explained to me that he knew it was in the clouds. He has figured out when I don't collaborate with his beliefs so he says to Ben, "I know that Heaven is in the clouds, and I know that you know Heaven is in the clouds. We know." Now this is the funny part, Ben looks at Taylor and says, "Next time I fly on a plane I'll look out the window and check if Heaven is there." I wish I could have recorded the whole conversation, but that was the funniest part of it. Kids are funny!

Did I Just Hear Myself Say That?

So we are at church and it is during the Sacrament. Ian takes his piece of bread, chews it up real well, turns to me with his mouth wide open, and says, "Looky mom." I respond, "Don't show me your food at church." Then I caught myself. Essentially what I just said was, 'Show me your food at home or the playground, but at church we try to act more responsible.' Yep, that is what I said, and the terrible thing is how true it is. Oh dear. At least I try to keep up the Olson image in public:)

Valentines

Have you ever had a cookie with 2lbs of frosting on top and enough candy for 15 cavities? If this sounds familiar to you then you have most certainly allowed your children, (or young relatives/friends), to make valentine cookies. Lucky for us these boys wore out after just a few cookies and the rest were finished by adults. The adult cookie is characterized by a light skiff of frosting, and possibly one well chosen piece of candy. This type of cookie is much easier on your insulin levels.

Just in case you are wondering we did this with the Cowdens, Brande, & Issac. And the mess? It was a well organized one so with 3 moms it was a cinch. Go us!

Nice frosting Taylor. And for Ian? Poor thing, his hands are dirty. If it was dirt he wouldn't care, but food is an entirely different story.

Sledding

We ran into the Claytons on the hill by the Coventry Library. Taylor & Ben went down together over and over again. Brooke & Alta are to the left, Jeff & Cory are in the pic on the right, and Taylor is sitting with Ben in the middle pic.

Daddy & Ian.... Ian is so funny to sled with because he tries to scream, then he laughs, and when you have come to a stop he says, "Again." It could just be me, but I think he likes it.

Mom and her boys. I wouldn't miss a sledding opportunity! So many moms hang out at the top of the hill and I don't get it. We are grown-ups all the time why not break down and play?

Ian just being cute.

Randomness

Just being cute. Ian can't let Taylor play a game without looking over his shoulder. We wouldn't want him to miss anything now would we?

On their snowday off from school we invited Kyla & Kalisa over to make cookies. Kyla is the diva striking a pose and Kalisa is staying clean with an old white shirt. Taylor sure knows how to make a mess. Those are some hands.

The boys got moonsand for Christmas from their cousins. Luckily this stuff is fairly easy to clean out of hair, clothes, off the table, chairs, and floor. Somehow Taylor managed to get it EVERYWHERE. I never suspected a 2 year old to be cleaner than a 5 year old, but there you have it, it's true.

How do you get kids to wear their pajamas? Get creative. This picture proves it works. See how happy they are to have them on?

Mom is in on the action too.

Our Crazy Ian

Ian is a crazy one to be sure. He keeps us laughing and if we aren't laughing he fills in the blank spots with his own giggles. What did we get ourselves into with this kid?

Give me the camera Mom! How do 2 year olds get such a sense of 'mine'? Honestly!

Daddy teaching Ian how to be tough. Now just pull...pull...try a little harder... He is working on him anyhow.

This is my little boy. Taylor is definately a daddy's boy, but Ian is mine. Every morning my bug comes in and curls up with me in bed for awhile. I look forward to this and sometimes I stay in bed long after I wake up waiting for Ian. I wouldn't miss this for the world.

I went to check on Ian during his naptime and I whacked the poor kid when I attempted to enter the room. Kids should warn parents when they fall asleep just on the other side of the door. He cried out in his sleep, but settled right back into a peaceful slumber. Amazing.

He is getting so big! Wearing his new shirts I planned to give him next year. Oh well.

My cute little helper. If I work hard at finding things for Ian to do he has less time to indulge in less than savory behavior, (usually exhibited by tormenting his brother Taylor). See how his hair sticks up in the back? I love that. Totally signature Ian. Classic.

I Love Taylor's Artwork

I love Taylor's Artwork, but I can't bring myself to keep it forever. What good is it packed away in a box anyway? I take pictures of my favorite ones and put them in posts like these so I can look back whenever I choose. Less clutter and more organized. What more could a mom ask for?


This is a self-portrait of Taylor he did during a fieldtrip. He was wearing one of his favorite shirts and as you can tell it was red and blue striped. I have no idea what the red thing is sticking out of his mouth!

A Christmas creation. To bad we didn't get it home before Christmas was over. Oh well!

I love this one!!! Taylor's first labeled picture. How cute!

Taylor's first pictures that resembled anything other than scribbles. I was so proud when he started whipping out these babies.