Good Bowling Weather Too

Great Sledding Weather

Oh to be young and never get cold! Thank goodness their Dad loves to go sledding with them and all I have to do is take a few pictures.

Fun Morning With the Chipmunks

I took Connor and Ian to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" this morning. They loved it, despite the 1.5 stars the critics have given it. Hey, at least it wasn't an animated movie, and there was singing and dancing. I think I even liked it. Nonetheless, it was just fun to go with the boys and watch them thoroughly enjoy every minute of it!

Chillin' Out During Winter Vacation

We've really enjoyed chillin' out at home during the holidays. Yesterday we cleaned closets, returned a few gifts and went to lunch. Today we're headed to the library and plan to do more cleaning this afternoon. I have to take advantage of the fact that Connor and Ian still think cleaning is fun!

Some of Our Christmas 'Loot'

The Festivities Have Begun

This afternoon we went to the Salt Lake Children's Theatre to see "Babes in Toyland." The boys sat mesmerized through the entire two hours of fairytale characters. They talked about it all the way home. Broadway it wasn't, but we enjoyed going as a family and the only thing that matters is how much the boys loved it. It was the perfect start to our holiday celebrations!

Merry Christmas from the Colton Family

Ian's Christmas Program

This morning was Ian's preschool Christmas program at the Draper Theater. We were amazed at how many songs they learned. Ian did an excellent job remembering all the words We taped the program so we can watch it again tonight with Connor. After the program, I went to Draper Elementary to talk to Connor's kindergarten class about our family holiday traditions. It was so much fun to be with him at school.

Guess Who's Guiding Santa's Sleigh?

Cute reindeer huh?

New Disney Flick

Yesterday we saw Disney's new movie, "The Princess and the Frog." It's truly one of the best animated films we've seen in a long time. None of the animination is computer generated; it's all done by hand in authentic Disney style. Very impressive (although the boys didn't care either way). Kim expects a Broadway production of it in no time. In honor of the New Orleans theme, Kim made bananas foster french toast with pecans this morning.

In-N-Out in Draper!

In-N-Out Burgers finally opened in Draper. The boys and I braved the long lines last night and did drive up. It only took about 30 minutes. We tried to time it just right so we had hot burgers when Kim got home. No such luck! One tip: Don't do take out. Dine in. It tastes much better that way! They boys didn't seem to mind; Kim and I are much pickier I guess.

Happy Birthday Connor

Today is Connor's 6th birthday. He is growing up so fast. He'll be 16 before we know. Our morning started with opening presents, his favorite breakfast of pancakes, bacon and chocolate milk, and Kim telling him the story of the day he was born. Remembering the day he was born is always my favorite part of the boys' birthdays. Connor adds such a special spark to our family and we love him very much. Happy Birthday Connor!

Connor's Birthday Party

Today Connor had his birthday party at Classic Fun Center. He invited his entire kindergarten class and had a good turnout. The kids bounced on inflatables, climbed in the jungle, and got shot at in the Blast Zone with nerf balls. After cake and ice cream, we gave the kids token to go play games and win prizes. It was a bit hectic (big understatement) but Connor loved be surrounded by so many friends. He really is Mr. Social. His actual birthday is Tuesday, Nov. 24; he turns 6. Kim and I still wonder where the past six years have gone!

Carving Pumpkins

We (or should I say Kim) spent the night carving pumpkins. The boys drew their face designs on paper and it was Kim's job to transfer it to the pumpkins. He did a great job! The boys really love this time of the year and they especially love doing their pumpkins! Today was a full day. Connor participated in his first Halloween parade at school andI got to stay and help with his class party. We had a great time. Ian's class party is tomorrow.

Halloween 2009

Happy Halloween from Scooby Doo and Shaggy!

Unusual Pet Show

Today Kim and I attended Connor's "Unusual Pet Show" in his kindergarten class. The past few weeks the students have been learning about pets. They even had a field trip to an animal hospital. The show included a program with songs and dancing, and each child created their own unusual pet from items at home. Connor did a dragon (from a liter soda bottle, legos, burlap, TV dinner tray, and foam paper). He really loves school and has made some fun new friends. Next up: the Halloween Parade next week. I'm also helping with his class' Halloween party -- a morning filled with 5 and 6 years old hyped on sugar -- can't wait!

A Week of the Flu

It has been an incredibly L-O-N-G week at our house and one of our sickest weeks yet. Last Sunday Ian started to come down with the flu. Then by Wednesday, I had it. It got so bad I had to make a quick trip to InstaCare to make sure I didn't have pneumonia. Now today, both Connor and Kim have come down with it. The week ahead promises to be another long week like the last. This is the worst case of the flu I have had in 10 years. And it seems to have hit me the worst. Both Ian's pediatrician and my doctor say it's Influenza B (which our flu shots doesn't cover very well...obviously). It starts with a soar throat and forms into a terrible cough. Then you add in a constant headache, a few aches and pains, some high fevers, etc. Poor Ian and Connor are coughing all the time and have really terrible fevers. Kim, who has been our nurse the past week, now has it. Here's hoping the flu doesn't plan to visit us again this season!

P.S. Connor has another loose tooth (which will make this week seem even longer for him).

Tooth Fairy Comes Tonight!

It was a very exciting day for Connor. He lost his first tooth! He is so excited to put it under his pillow tonight and get a visit from the Tooth Fairy. I'm anxious to see what the "going rate" is these days for a lost tooth. It was a quarter when I was a kid. I'm sure, what with inflation, the Tooth Fairy pays a little more 40 years later. The good news is that today was picture retakes at school and he still had his tooth for that.

A Visit to Colton Cove

We spent the weekend in Santa Clara visiting Kim's mother. It was nice to leave behind the 48 degree weather and enjoy temperatures of 82 degrees there. The boys love to visit their Grandma Betty and play in the red dirt. The boys found Betty's Monopoly game in the back closet. They are now Monopoly addicts. The three of us played the game for an hour and a half. It was a fun weekend and it was nice to visit Betty and help her get a few things done around the house. P.S. Connor took this picture as part of his homework for the PTA Reflections Contest.

Primary Talk

Connor gave a talk today in Primary. Ian was his assistant (holding up the pictures). Connor has a great talent for speaking in public. He loves the attention (can't imagine where he gets that from). Ian gets a little shy in front of a crowd (we REALLY don't know where that comes from). Connor's talk was on the prophet, Abinadi. Everyone was so impressed he could read his own talk. He did such a good job!

A Fun Night at the Movies

The boys have been counting down the days for the movie, "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" to come out. So of course we had to see it opening night. It was our first full-length movie in 3D. It was a lot of fun! The movie celebrates smartness -- a message I really liked. And it also offers insight into the importance of father/son relationships. It was a fun family night out and a great start to a very busy weekend.

Game On!

Connor starts his first season of soccer tonight. He is so excited to play. It's a beautiful evening and should be a great start to kindergarten soccer. Here he is in his new uniform -- we think he looks pretty official.

Heading for Brazil

Our cousin, Daniel, gave his missionary talk today in West Jordan. He is going to Manhaus, Brazil. He hasn't received his VISA yet, so he may be heading this week to the MTC in Provo intead of the MTC in San Paulo. We took this picture so we can see how much the boys have grown by the time he gets home. We are very proud of Daniel and excited he has made the choice to serve a mission.

Soccer Season

Connor started soccer today. (It takes their minds off of Charles). Connor is on a kindergarten team. Sam, who is in his class at school, is also on his team. He's very excited about his royal blue uniform and the fact that's he No. 10. Their first game is Wednesday. Ian told us he didn't want to play soccer until he was 6. He asked today if he could take an art class. This is such a fun time in our lives!

Sad News about Charles

t is with deep regret that we inform you that Charles, our goldfish, has passed away. Connor and Ian are very sad! We hope Charles is happy in "fish heaven." Rest in peace.

Meet Charles, the Goldfish

After we got home from Midway, we went to get the boys their first pet -- a goldfish they have named Charles. It is their reward for being such good sleepers the past few weeks. Here's a picture of the newest member of the Colton household. Let the fun (and drama) begin.

Weekend Getaway

We decided at the last minute to make a quick visit to Zermatt Resort in Midway.  It's the one place all four of us love to getaway.  Connor loves swimming, Ian loves the carousel, Kim loves the gelato and I love room service.  The guys are outside playing giant checkers/chess right now, and I have the condo all to myself.  Ahhhh...peace and quiet.  So far it's a great getaway!

First Day of Kindergarten!

It was such an exciting day at the Colton home. Today was Connor's first official day of kindergarten. He was soooo excited, and so were we. We attended Draper Elementary's open house last night and we were able to meet Miss Ipson again and see where Connor would sit. He said it was the perfect first day. Recess is his favorite part of school, especially the monkey bars. He is so happy to be a Draper Dragon. We are so proud of Connor and hope he always loves to go to school.

Kindergarten Assessment

Connor has his assessment for kindergarten this morning at Draper Elementary. His teacher is Jennifer Ipson. His teacher was very impressed and said he's way ahead of the curve. We already knew that, but it's nice to have outside validation. Connor is so excited to start morning kindergarten and be a Draper Dragon. His first official day of school is Sept. 3.

A Week of Family

We had lots of family at our house this past week. My nephew, Blaine, got married on Friday. My mother, sister and her husband, their daughter, and "the groom" stayed at our house. Oh yes, and we also hosted my mother's dog, Cindy. The boys loved it more than I did. I took most of the week off. It was hectic but I was glad we had a place for everyone to stay. The wedding was beautiful. Elder Marlin K. Jensen sealed Blaine and Alayna. It was an honor to be there. Everyone left Saturday morning so we have been busy putting the house back together and trying to gear ourselves up for the week ahead, including Connor's kindergarten assessment on Wednesday. Here is a picture of the happy couple.

Another School Year Begins

Ian started his second year of preschool at Newcastle on Monday. His teacher is Miss Marci. She was Connor's teacher his first year at Newcastle. We thought he might have a hard time adjusting to going to school without Connor but he's done great! Connor has his kindergarten assessment on Wednesday. He will be attending Draper Elementary School and his teacher is Miss Ipson. It's hard to believe another school year is already here.

What I Did This Week

It has been one of the busiest weeks I can remember. It has been a whirlwind ever since Monday. Monday was filled with a lot of news media interviews concerning our tax hearing on Tuesday. My staff hosted open houses at our new school district offices on Tuesday and that night we all worked at the Truth-in-Taxation hearing. Jordan District has proposed a 40% tax increase and the taxpayers came out in full force to yell at the school board. I was incredibly disappointed with the tone of the meeting. Residents were angry, rude, disrespectful, uneducated and vocal. What a sad commentary on our society. It seems we are no longer respectful when we disagree with other's decisions or opinions. Wednesday was filled with more news media interviews about the hearing and Thursday was the annual Administrative Leadership Conference. Whew! Here's hoping for a quiet Friday.

Discovery Gateway

We spent the afternoon at the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum in Salt Lake City. It seems like forever since we had been there. The boys absolutely love it. Connor is obsessed with the balls that float up through the tubes, and Ian loves the grocery store. It's such a great place and stimulates their creativity.

Pioneer Day at Snowbird

We wanted to spent the day somewhere with cooler temperatures, so we headed up the canyon to Snowbird. I'm not sure the temperature was that much cooler since we all got sunburns. Regardless, we had a great time. We (the boys) did most of the activities: bungee trampoline, alpine slide, tram ride, climbing wall and bounce castle. It was a fun way to spend Pioneer Day!