Merry Christmas!

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Early Christmas at Zermatt

We spent the weekend at Zermatt with Luke, Ally, Maddie and Izzie. They traveled 30 hours from Perth, Australia. We had such a great time! We went swimming and had a birthday party for Izzie on Friday (she turned 3). On Saturday we went tubing at Soldier Hollow, went to storytime with Mrs. Claus and decorated cookies. Here are a few pictures of our fun, early Christmas.

Draper Art Show

Connor and Ian participated in their very first art exhibit tonight -- the Draper Historical Society Art Show at Draper City Hall. They have been taking a weekly art class the past three months after school. Tonight we got to see five of their art pieces. Kim and I were very impressed. They loved taking the class together and it's so great for them to try new things. They have both decided they really like art.

'Tis the Season

Last night we attended the Festival of Trees at the Southtowne Exposition Center. We saw more than 800 decorated holiday trees. I am amazed at the creativity of some people. Two members of our decorated trees in honor of children they lost this past year. It was very heartwarming!

Musical Theater

We took the boys to see Hillcrest High's production of "Cinderella." Our dear friend, Paul Winkelman, directs the musicals and always does such a great job. We figure it's a good way to introduce the boys to the theatre. Connor and Ian both loved it. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon,

Connor's 7th Birthday Party

Because Connor's birthday falls the day before Thanksgiving, we had his party today. It was held at My Gym and as you can see by the photos, a "good time was had by all." It's so hard to believe he is turning seven. He is turning out to be such a kind and caring young man. We are very proud of him and so honored to be his parents!

Best Husband in the World

I love a surprise visitor at the door, especially if he is delivering roses. Kim sent these to me today. My birthday is Friday and he always likes to send flowers early so I can enjoy them all week. He has sent me a dozen red roses every birthday since we started dating. Aren't the beautiful? He is truly the best husband in the world and a true romantic.

Halloween 2010

Happy Halloween from the Coltons!

First Snow of the Year!!!

Snow before Halloween? We just hope it's gone by Saturday for the trick or treaters. The boys are so excited for winter. Connor especially loves the snow.

Principal's Pride Award

Connor was honored today at Draper Elementary with the Principal's Pride Award for "truthworthiness." He is very trustworthy in doing his homework, especially as he is learning Chinese this year. His teacher, Mrs. Smith, nominated him for his honesty in his classroom. We are very proud of Connor!

Trip to Montana

We spent the last five days in Libby, Montana, seeing "Grandma." The boys had a great time in the cold, fall weather. It was nice to have Jordan come along. She was a lot of fun and a tremendous help. Here are some of the highlights of our trip.

Unusual Pet Show

Today was Ian's "Unusual Pet Show." He has been learning about pets the past week in kindergarten. The students had a program and then parents got to walk around the room and learn more about each 'unusual' pet. Ian got the award for the "boldest pet." His bee is named Buzz and he eats bugs.

School Carnival

Tonight was Draper Elementary's annual School Carnival. They call it a "fun raiser" in an effort to build a sense of community for the kids and parents. Three hours later, we made it home. The boys had a great time seeing all their friends, playing the games and doing all the rides.

Kindergarten Volunteer

I spent my first morning volunteering in Ian's kindergarten class. I was in charge of one of the "centers." The kids rotate through each of the three workshops during the course of an hour. The students were learning about "before" and "after." It was so fun to be there with Ian and see first-hand the things Miss Ipson is teaching him. I will be there every Monday helping.

Fall is Coming

We drove the Alpine Loop this morning in the Uintah National Forest so we could see the beautiful fall colors. They are especially vivid this year! We stopped about halfway through so the boys could take a short hike and collect some leaves of their own. I love the changing of seasons, and fall is one of my favorites.

Dads & Donuts

Today is Ian's first official Dads & Donuts at Draper Elementary. He is so excited. I think Kim is too since he gets to take both boys. For those of you not familiar with Dads & Donuts, the PTA provides donuts (Krispy Kremes) and milk, and all the students bring their Dads and read together for 45 minutes before school starts. Our school has it once a month. It is such a great way to promote literacy!

First Day of Kindergarten

Ian started kindergarten today at Draper Elementary. Despite the thunderstorm, he was so excited to start school. His teacher is Miss Ipson, the same teacher Connor had last year. He also sits next to Marissa Brunt who is also in his Primary class. It will be nice to see familiar faces today.

First Day of First Grade

Connor started first grade this morning. He is in the dual Chinese immersion program at Draper Elementary. He will spend the morning learning the language, math and science in Chinese with Mrs. Smith. His afternoon will be spent with Mrs. Snow learning language arts in English. He loves learning and he loves school.

Back to School

Connor and Ian both had met their teachers today at Draper Elementary and had their assessments. Connor officially starts first grade tomorrow and he is in the dual immersion Chinese class. Mrs. Smith will teach Chinese in the morning, and Mrs. Snow will teach English in the afternoon. Ian starts kindergarten on Aug. 30. His teacher is Miss Ipson, the same teacher Connor had last year. They are both so excited to start school!

Our Favorite Things

Here are some of our family's favorite things, in no particular order:

1. Making cookies

2. Playing Monopoly

3. In-N-Out Burgers

4. Visiting Grandma

5. Soccer games

6. Making up stories in the car

7. Family Home Evening

8. Ian's magic shows

9. Chocolate brownies

10. Ice cream

11. Saving money

12. Webkins

13. Wipeout

14. Toy Story 1, 2, 3

15. Redbox

16. Homemade pizza

17. Wheel of Fortune

18. Rain

19. Cell phones

20. Reading before bed

21. Baths

22. Clean, crisp sheets

23. Watching old family movies

24. Zermatt Resort

25. Mini golf

26. Ipods

27. Chips of any kind

28. Charleston Chews

29. Kathy and Nicole (former nannies)

30. A quiet, clean house

Kindness Continues

Our neighbors and friends continue to do so many kind things for our family. A young woman in our ward, Alex Saxton, brought these darling cupcakes over a few weeks ago. The boys loved them -- of course they love anything that has an Oreo cookie on top. Alex is so thoughtful and probably had no idea how much I love sunflowers. I was so impressed she wanted to do this since she is busy trying to get ready to leave for college. Thanks Alex!

Great Neighbors

Our family has been richly blessed the past few weeks since I broke my ankle. Neighbors and church members have been so good about checking on us, dropping off books to read, bringing in meals, and making special treats. I am amazed at the diverse people that have worried about me -- most of which are so unexpected. And I have loved that they have all offered kindess without being assigned. That is what has meant the most!