Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas from the Coltons

President Thomas S. Monson: "I know that it is the desire of each of us to make time in our lives and room in our hearts for our Savior. No matter how successful we have thus far been at accomplishing such a goal, however, I am confident we would all wish to do better. Now, this very Christmas season, is the perfect time to renew our efforts."

Click here to view one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Winter Recess Fun

Today is our first day of Winter Recess. After running a few errands and going to Golden Spoon, we baked cookies to correspond with our family home evening lesson tonight.

Connor's First Recital

Connor had his first piano recital Saturday afternoon. He played "Jingle Bells" -- and he did it perfectly.

Merry Christmas

Connor's Baptism

Connor was baptized this morning. Our dearest friends and family were all there to share his special day! We are so proud of him.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fun and Games

We had snow on the ground and nothing much to do today (a rare thing for a Saturday afternoon), so we decided to play JENGA -- Connor got it from one of his friends at his birthday party. The boys picked it up very quickly and I was the constant loser. I cherish these moments of fun -- something as simple as playing games with my three favorite guys!

Ian Wins First Art Contest

Ian won 2nd place in the visual arts division of Draper Elementary's Reflections contest. He now advances to the district-level of competition. He loves art and really has a talent for it. We are so proud of him! His best friend, Ethan, won first place in the photography division.

Connor's 8th Birthday Party

Since Connor' birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year, we had his party early. He had 21 friends join him at The Living Planet Aquarium. It was a great party!

The Big 5-0!

I turned 50 years old on Nov. 12. Connor says I look 36! This birthday, more than any other, has forced me to reflect on the wonderful life I have. I have so much -- a husband who I love and adore, and two sons who are the joys of my life! Life is great at 50!

Winter Has Arrived

Hard to imagine we were at the park playing outside less than 24 hours ago. Glad we got one last day in of fall weather. The boys don't seem to mind. Connor loves playing in the snow more than anyone I know and Ian thinks there's nothing better than hot chocolate with marshmellows after being out in the cold!

Friends from School

There was no school today so the boys each had a friend from their classes come play -- Brigham and Ethan. I fear it was the last day we'll be able to play at the park. Winter is on its way.

Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween from our magician and vampire!

Ankle Hardware

Had all my hardware taken out of my right ankle on Friday -- nine crews and a plate. It was outpatient surgery and I can't believe how good I feel. The pain is fine and certainly not anything like when I broke my ankle last summer. I can already tell a difference without the hardware. So glad I had it done. Now I just need to take it easy a few more days so I can recover quickly.

Silver Lake

We figured today was going to be our last day of good weather so we drove up to Brighton today. We walked around Silver Lake and then had a picnic. We got some great pictures and just enjoyed being together as a family. It's amazing how quickly this year has gone by. It's nearly Halloween and it seemed like we just started our summer. Here's to a joyous fall!

Great Thoughts

Saw these two quotes on Facebook today and had to share them! Both are great reminders for all of us.

Our Family Vacation

Make your own slideshow design

First Broadway Show

We took the boys to see "Mary Poppins" last night at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City. They loved every second of it. Looks like the two of them love theater as much as their parents. They claim they are ready to go to New York City next time Kim and I go. ;-)

Grandma's Visit

My mom has been here the past six days visiting from Montana. She came for my nephew's homecoming report from his two-year mission to Manaus, Brazil. We kept a hectic schedule but it was nice to have the time to spend with her. Connor and Ian have enjoyed having her here. She will be back in December for Connor's baptism.

Home From Brazil

My nephew, Daniel Koehler, returned this week from a two-year mission to Manaus, Brazil. Today was he reported on his mission at Church. It was nice to have so many family and friends there. He has matured so much in two short years and has truly grown to love the people of Brazil. We are grateful for his example to our sons. Above are the "before" and "after" photos of the boys with Daniel, and a photo of the cousins on the Koehler side.

Heading to Disneyland

We are getting very excited about our trip to Disneyland next weekend! The park will be decorated for Halloween which makes Ian very happy since Halloween is his favorite holiday. It's been three years since we've taken the boys there. It will be nice not to worry about a stroller. And it's going to be nice to get away and spend time together as a family.

Bountiful Baskets

A few weeks ago we started doing Bountiful Baskets. It is a nationwide co-op that allows you to purchase fruits and vegetables at a reasonable price. Each Monday I go online and order a standard basket for $15. I get 5 fruits and 5 vegetables, which change every week. We have loved the fresh produce and introducing the boys to new foods. Here is a photo of this week's purchase. I also tried the 9-grain bread and it's delicious and low in calories. Here's the healthier eating.

Ian's First Day in First Grade

Ian started his first full day in first grade this morning. He is in the Chinese immersion program like Connor. He was so excited. He was ready 30 minutes early! It was also my first day home without either of them. ;-(