Thanksgiving

Rail Barron. We spent hours and hours playing this game at Ben and Joy's house on Thanksgiving. In the end we didn't even finish one game since it was getting too late and there were little ones to put to bed. Mitch was the closest to being King of the Tracks but who knows, maybe I was on my way to an outstanding come back.
As for the rest of the day the food was good, the company was good, and the resting was good. Zach and I took our annual "Thankful Walk" together and made it through the alphabet of things we are grateful for- not the least of which is health, friends, and family. I think the ipad debuted on the list this year too though. Giving Thanks > Making wish lists.

A Quiet Place

I love quiet moments. I love black and white photos. I love window light. 

The End.

The many sides of Mac

Last Sunday when I put Mac in his room alone to wait for lunch it got very quiet. That can only mean one of two things- either he's doing something he shouldn't or he went to sleep. (Only rarely does it mean he's engaged in a nice quiet activity like looking at a book.)When I went into the boy's room to check on him I found this. He had crawled under David's bed and fallen asleep. I snapped a picture and tucked a blanket in around him. It reminded me of the time I found Gabe asleep in the closet when he was about the same age,except when we found Gabe he had some how misplaced his pants!

If David is costume king then this is his prince-in-training. 

Most days they are like peas in a pod running around playing one thing or another together. 

On Thursday I was giving thanks for an adorable 3 year old to jump on the trampoline with. Love his Crazy hair

You make me smile Mac :o)

Look Who's Walking

(Photos taken by Zach- thanks babe)

You guessed it, Ruthie Anne is walking! She took her first steps a few weeks ago (9 1/2 Months) and now she does it all the time. She isn't a full walker yet though. She still crawls a little bit, and occasionally spider man crawls with her bum in the air, but it is becoming less and less frequent. She is my earliest walker so far. The boys were between 10-11 months. It is so fun to watch her test out her new sea legs but I'm also sad to see her babyhood winding up so fast. By the time they say their first word I declare it officially over and into the toddler phase. She has been such a delightful baby I wish I could freeze her in time. I guess I'll just have to settle for taking a lot of pictures and enjoying it while it lasts. 

A Nice Niece- Sarah

What can I say- those Hutchins are baby people, adults and teens alike. Sarah and Ruthie became fast friends in her short stay here in Utah. Just think Aaron and Rachel, a child looking very similar to this will be her OWN baby in less than ten years. And THAT will make you guys grand parents. Whoa. 

Costume King

This is my second born. He is master of finding items around the house and turning them into costumes. All the boys like to dress up but the other two usually stick to the contents of the costume box. David likes to think 'outside the box' if you will. This was a toy ball before it became a cap. He likes to be silly and it makes me laugh. 

On a more serious note, Zach's Uncle David passed away two years ago today, the man for whom my David is in part named after. So in a way this is my David helping us remember our other David. Here's to you Uncle David! (We love you Dad and Aunt Shirley!)

Kangaroo Zoo

 Mac's Birthday Part II. A green light to run and jump and yell all you want. What's not to love if you are a little boy? 

Chic Geek Bow Ties

A BOW TIE STORY

I have the kind of husband who stands out in a crowd. He is 6'6" so he's more than used to getting a second glance. He is also a professor and definitely has a unique style of dressing. From suspenders, corduroys, and sweater vests to formal suits and ties he likes to play with his image. That is why he asked me a few years ago to buy him a bow tie. I bought one but one wasn't enough. I figured I could make it for half the price I paid so I made him another. And then another and another. The more he wears them the more people ask him, "Where did you get your great bow tie?" and he always replies, "My wife made it." Well, now I've decided to take the bow tie making adventure public and offer custom bow ties to YOU.

If you have a creative fashion sense or know someone who does check out my new blog. They make a great Christmas gift. 

http://chicgeekbowties.blogspot.com/

Mac's Birthday Celebration

Can you see Zach 'helping' him out with his Birthday bite?

This is my favorite three year old. If he were eggs he would be sunny side up. Mac requested a race car cake this year. (This is the third cake I've made with a car theme, two different ones for Mac and one for David) He also got a Cars movie comforter and sheets for his bed. We made a balloon gauntlet of sorts for him to walk through in the morning, went to Kangaroo zoo, ate hot dogs for lunch, opened presents and enjoyed his cake after dinner. Uncle Aaron and Sarah were there for dinner to help celebrate. Little Kenneth has taken to calling himself by his real name once in a while "Kenny" which I think is cute. He likes the color blue and LOVES to go to preschool on Fridays. He also loves Nursery, his brothers and sister, being read to, and making people laugh. I'm a lucky mom. 

Queen of the Commode

Look what I found after stepping out for a few minutes. Little Miss Queen of the Commode having as much fun as you please. She is actually fairly good at stopping something if you tell her no in a stern voice, but I wasn't there to tell her no. I had to snap a shot before I cleaned up all her fun. 

A Joyful Noise

Gabe is the boy on the far left next to the blond little girl in the second row up. He has his chin down. 

         On Friday Gabe had his first Junior Choir concert at school. They sang about five songs including "You're a Grand old Flag" and "Never Smile at at Crocodile". The crocodile song was Gabe's favorite because of the accompanying hand motions; he preformed them rather enthusiastically and spasmodically. I thought he sang the flag song the best since he knew all the notes and words and paid attention very well. Of course I couldn't hear him specifically but I could tell how he was singing from my seat. We signed him up for choir 1. Because we don't have a piano yet and 2. Because his ear isn't what  you would consider pitch perfect. Really it was hard for Gabe to carry a tune in a bucket, but he is improving. The Choir instructor is a marvelous volunteer who always has a smile and kind words. Thank you to wonderful women like that and way to go Gabe, we are proud of you.

Googly Goggles

The boys love looking at these pictures. They ask to see the 'google goggles' pictures and laugh out loud every time I show them. I hope there is a little bit of silly in your day. 

"Master" Mac Hutchins

SOMEONE in our house is having a birthday soon.This Someone is about three feet high and almost three years old. He is a happy little guy and a good snuggle-buddy to boot. He has recently learned all his letters by sight and is almost done learning the sounds they each make. I love you Mac!!! Happy Birthday.

Addressed to Master Mac Hutchins

Mimi has out done herself again. Looks great, fits great. What a fun pirate birthday sweater. Thanks Mom!