It's blog day...but it's going to have to wait. We've had a great week, but today we moved-bummer.

I have lots to update, I'll catch up soon!

Saturday started off with a trip to the zoo, we finally got to see the tiger (more than just laying around) and the polar bear. (I failed on the polar bear pic)

After naps we took the boys swimming--after all kinds of debate over hot springs and which one and so on we settled on a little aquatic center that was about 10 minutes away, by far the easiest option :) Smiles from mom. And while you never would have guessed it last week I think those swimming lessons helped. Getting water in his face wasn't slowing Cannon down a bit, that is progress!

The boys capped off the fun day by borrowing the neighbors saw and cutting down some dead limbs! Then they went over and helped the neighbor cuts some down Monday too. Cannon had to got up and down this ladder 50 times-that I saw- he'd slowly get a little more brave and "check on" his dad about every 30 seconds. "Hey dad, you doing Oh right?" (He rarely -if ever- says "alright" but the "oh right" think makes me smile every time.)

Sunday I got a picture of Cann Man with sweet Sister Russell (ok he wouldn't cooperate-because he's 3- so I said just snag him and this is what we got.) A little blurry but I had to be quick.

Cannon and two other nursery kids are leaving (3 of the 5) so Thursday Amy did a little nursery party at her house. So cute. So fun. And when I got there with Cannon she took Colt too and sent me on my way to be kid free for a couple of hours. Awesome. I'm telling you, its a toss up whether Cannon is going to miss her more or me! When I got back they were walking over to her neighbor's house to check out his VERY IMPRESSIVE train set! Cannon had a really REALLY hard time not touching but it was so awesome. I couldn't help but think how much Isaac and Grandpa Ison would have enjoyed it too. Thank you Mr. Gochner!

As we get closer to leaving...next blog day is moving day :( Oh crud. I did talk to my sweet friend Ginger this week though about checking on our place and turning the air on before we get back, just hearing her voice and that southern accent was awesome, we have a lot to look fwd to when we get back to that home too! Anyway the boys were playing on Cannon's bed and I realized I haven't even documented Cannon's little "room" the hallway has been good to him!

I've been trying the little baby signs -to no avail- with Colt for a while now, just a few: more, please, and all done. But I finally got him to singed please, for a cookie, that's my boy! He did it twice, for a cookie both times...maybe he thinks it means cookie...no I'm just kidding but I am noticing how much he understands. He really is growing up so fast. I'm working on getting him to show me 1 finger when I ask how old he is, cuz that is just a blink away! The other day he was getting into Isaac's drawer (That's a favorite activity) anyway he was grabbing clothes then crawling over and putting them in the dirty clothes hampers. Super cute...except I hate laundry and thanks Colt but I don't want to wash any extra. Oh speaking of laundry, I really shouldn't complain about the laundromat, a super nice lady there gave me John Stockton's autobiography this week. That was cool. I'm only about 50 pages in but hey-his mother's maiden name was Frei, his grandfather immigrated from Switzerland.  How bout that to get me going on my genealogy? (Because really my pledge to give family history and Facebook equal time unfortunately really turned out a flop. Bummer.)

We snuck down and saw Devin and Jill again this week, I love how cute Cannon and Ryker play together and while its annoying I also get a kick out of Cannon's constant begging to go to Ryker's house and play with his trains, trucks, and excavators.

We had to deal with Colton puking a couple different times this week. I hate that and its heart breaking when you don't know what to do to help them feel better.  He's working on teeth but I didn't think that should equate to puke, maybe, what do I know? I told Isaac "Motherhood is not for wimps!" Thankfully Isaac is a good helper too. One time I handed him a pukey kid and sent him to the tub and the other time he sprayed out the car seat for me.
Life.
What else? We took turns going to the temple, I went on Tuesday he went on Thursday--I liked Tuesday better :)
I think that's about it, for now anyway. 

Last Saturday's main event was rotating the tires on the skate board. Classic. The boys had a great time helping dad.

 Here's a high five from Colt!

Building our little "pond" in the creek...and the reason Colt can't play in the creek-he puts everything in his mouth!

And we also figured out kind of when we will be leaving and heading back to Mississippi and all that jazz, this summer has been a dream! Definitely a tender mercy, but its very good to have a schedule and a plan and feel like I kind of know what's going on.
Sunday was a fun day. They asked us to help in nursery a while ago but every time I would offer Amy (aka Sister Russell) would decline, as we were walking in a couple of weeks ago the primary president (Sister Alder, so we've been to her house a lot) asked again and I just looked at Isaac and said "I am staying in there today-no matter what." And it has been so fun! Cannon adores his teacher, I know why he quickly fell in love with Sister Russell she's so great we've had a great time visiting, and that place is Heaven with the little Colt man, so much better than wrestling him through R.S. and Sunday School-I just turn him loose. Unfortunately I'm going to have to wait about 6 more months until that's real life.
(Bad light but I couldn't pass on Cannon's smile)

I mentioned a few weeks back that Sister Russell sent him home with a train but EVERY WEEK he asks if she has a Thomas, well this last week she showed up with a Thomas just for him. Unbelievable! She is so nice, those two have a special little bond, her oldest son is a missionary in Canada and Cannon reminds her of him, so he holds a special place in her heart too. I really need to get a picture of them together (Hopefully I remember Sunday) he loves her so much.
A tender mercy of this week was when she shared with me part of her email to her missionary son about Cannon. As mentioned periodically here on the blog he has been so challenging lately, but this was just such a good reminder for me about what a good and special little boy he is, I was so thankful she shared. With her permission here it is, it is so sweet:
Cannon won my heart the first time I met him, because he came running into nursery with a "Future Missionary" badge, pinned proudly to his little white shirt.  I told him that my son was a missionary, and he immediately asked, "Does he know about me?"  (I told him that you probably did know about him, so cover me if he asks).  But Cannon is such a fun reminder of you.  He's in a huge Thomas the Tank Engine phase right now, but he also knows every type of construction vehicle that exists; and loves to throw any ball he can get his hands on.  But one of my favorite things about Can-man (as his parent's call him) is that he knows every BoM story there is!  It's actually quite amazing!!  So, I spend my Sundays with Can-man and today we even had the fun treat of having him sit with us during sacrament meeting.  When he got bored during the meeting, I got out my phone and showed him pictures of "Elder Wussell", as he refers to you.  After looking at your pictures for a few minutes, he asked where you were. 

 I told him, "Elder Russell is in Canada".  I opened up a map to show him where that is.

Looking confused, he said "But why isn't he at church with you?"  

"Well, Elder Russell is at church, but he goes to church in Canada."

"When will he get to your house?"

"He'll be home in 14 months."

"Is that today?"

"No.  Fourteen months is a really long time.  It's more than a year."

"No, but when will he get to your house today?" He was getting pretty agitated at this point.

"Elder Russell won't get to our house today.  He doesn't live at our house while he's on a mission."

"But, who stays with him?"

"He stays with a companion, who is another missionary."

"Like me?"

"Yes, like you!  But his companion is little bit older."  I scrolled back to a picture of you and Elder Howell.

"How come he can't stay with his mommy?"

"Well, Heavenly Father needed him to go to Canada to baptize people there."

"Alma went to the Water's of Mormon"

"Wow!  Yes he did go to the Water's of Mormon!"

We moved on to play a game on my phone for awhile, but I think things were stirring around in Cannon's head still.  Because close to the end of the meeting, this little three-year-old said, "When you go to other churches, there are friends there too."  I'm sure that this is something that Cannon's parents taught him when he had to leave his home for the summer and go to church here.  But, I just know in this sweet little boy's head, he wasn't saying something random.  He had been thinking about a mission in a new way.  It might have been the first time that he really understood that going on a mission meant leaving home.  But his little mind put together the things he knew, and he went to a place of hope, because what Cannon said to me is true, "When you go to other churches, there are friends there too."  

We sometimes forget to see God's hand in our lives.  He's not just there for "big stuff", He is also there to tend to the small, quiet corners of our hearts that need lifting.  Cannon's dad needed to come to Utah in order to complete some of his doctoral work, and perhaps that part of God's direction in the Ison's life had nothing to do with me.  But as long as they were here, I just know that a loving, kind Heavenly Father sent them to our ward because He had some work for Cannon to do.  Heavenly Father knew I needed a little lift, and He knew who would be just the right man for the job .  Cannon reminds me of my little Michael--so happy, so joyful, so fun, so funny.  Like you, he's so ready and willing to learn more and love others unconditionally.  He reminds me of the "becoming" part of your life, as you prepared for so many years to be the missionary you are now.  And today, he reminded me of something so simple but true--that for you there are friends to be made in Canada.  In fact, Heavenly Father has called you to find friends in Canada.  Not just the wonderful people you baptize, but other hearts that need lifting.

Isn't that so great? She is wonderful! And I will miss her just as much as Cannon will, such a fun fast friend. We have made such wonderful friends here this summer...forever on the Christmas card list-and hopeful we will see them again! Cannon colored a picture for Elder Russell Sunday night.

Anyway Monday we headed south for swimming lessons. Cannon hates them, he said "I know how to swim when I'm holding on to you mom." Or he asked 50 times "Could I just can't go?" He just hates water in his face-or ears and I've been trying every bribe I can think of. They have been really good for him though, his teacher is great she does a really good job of stretching and pushing him but whoa-its been a struggle too. It breaks my heart when he gets all worked up about the prospect of having to float on his back the night before. These pictures don't even do it justice, I took a movie but really, who wants to watch a movie of my kid screaming? I was awful enough for me to watch in real life! Finally today, the last day we had her do the back float thing first...when he knew he was done with that he was a whole different kid.

Here's a few more random pics...
Colt hang'n with Poppa Great (and getting into his wallet-he's no dummy)

Figuring out how fun it is to feed Sugar his food :( and then standing, NO HANDS, Grampa Chip is hoping he gets to see him walk before we leave (I'm really not it a rush, he's plenty hard to keep up with as it is.)

 Lunch with Grama

We went up to Shol Creek (spelling???) and checked on the horses. I love watching my kids interact with my parents...its one of my favorite things...the linking of generations, I'm pretty sure its a thing of eternity!

 

And we hit McDonald's (filthy) play place in Beaver on the way up...they boys don't mind that its gross and we definitely need some time with rear ends OUT of carseats :) Its worth lengthening the drive. Cann had a blast and Colt was feeling like a big boy!

And now were back in SLC, it was good to see Isaac tonight!

Pioneer spirit!

Isaac needed the computer today but knowing it is blogging day he offered to take it and bring it back but I said don't worry about I'll see what the phone and I can do :) 

Living at the mouth of Emigration Canyon for the 24th of July...Awesome!

Saturday we hit the children's parade with Miss Carol-I didn't really know what the children's parade was but it was tons of primary kids, the stakes made floats, it was great. 

Then we finally caught the bird show at the Zoo, Isaac has been wanting to go for a while and I'll admit it was pretty cool. Colt was a wrestling match but that's ok. I tried to take pictures of the birds zooming over our heads but none of them turned out. This is how close they were though.

Sunday we had a fireside with our ward at the bowery--ok I didn't even know what a bowery was but now I do and it was really cool! Such a fun tradition they have, so cool to have this is the place park right in our ward boundaries.

 

 

Cannon is clapping for the Primary children after they sang but I had to include this picture because...you can see how much rain that would have kept out. NONE. But it knocked all kinds of junk off and into the food. Oh well-and really we were done eating mostly just visiting. Clean up went super fast and people scattered pretty quick but it cleared up in about 10 minutes and it was beautiful, and there was even a double rainbow...but the picture I took it looked pretty faint. 

For Family night (We're kind-of rock'n the Family Evening thing, we might need to work on the Home part--but we have a plan for that.) Anyway we hit the Bees game, we met Jesse and Uncle Shawn there too, it was fun.

Smith's has a deal where you can get 4 tickets and 4 hotdogs for $20 bucks on Monday night, but you have to buy the tickets before 5:00, well, we didn't, so Isaac bought tickets for another Monday and them used his charm and our cute kids to get them to exchange them-- I would have said oh bummer we missed it, but he's not do easily deterred! And hey it worked out--it usually does.

Speaking of Smith's somebody found the kids size shopping cart, he was in heaven, only thing was he wanted Colt him his cart...no. But getting to drive the little cart was a good bartering tool for behavior. Unfortunately he also thinks he should get to drive any cart at any store. "Its small Mom! Its small!" He says about every cart.

Tuesday we barbecued with Carol here's Cannon helping his dad all the while informing us he knows "all about chicken" 

In fact he knows all about_____ just fill in the blank. He's been a pretty challenging lately, sassy always says "no" in a snotty voice not matter what I ask him to do. This week I yelled at him "we do not act like that"... I don't even remember exactly what he did, but Really--Do we act like yelling at our children? I don't think so... I have a long way to go :(  (and it seems like I type that every week-it must be true) the sooner we get through this little phase though the better, but I also have to remember his world is a little crazy these days too. And I did better after realizing I too was acting how "we don't act".

Moving on:

Back at the Alder's, see how high he is--ok it doesn't look that high but it was and almost falling out, I was beyond freaked out but he and his dad were having fun so I bit my tongue, and took a picture.

Colt man is happy with a snack-he loves giving high fives lately, it's pretty cute, he smacks his lips for kisses but I haven't got him to blow them yet.

Oh yeah and Cannon told me this week he has lots of money :) I'm hoping to cash in on some if it soon :) 

We went to the float preview thing for the days of 47 parade-very impressive-and caught some of the parade on Thursday, it was fun, President Monson was our favorite part, (too bad this girls back is in our picture-and too bad I didn't get it cropped) Cannon found a dog to "tend" he was in heaven.

Tonight we went to the a dance performance with Kathy and got to see Uncle Bryan and watch Sister Urie preform. It was fun. Not the best pics but oh well.

Cool Uncle Bryan let Cannon change the lights--pretty fun!
PS-Cannon doesn't really need a dog, he's got Colt to play fetch with...

Sing'n "If your happy and you know it!"

Lest you (or I) think its all fun and games here in SLC we don't have air conditioning (ok its tolerable because we're at the mouth of the canyon and shaded most of the time and its not like we have Mississippi humidity or St. George heat but I'm just saying, it was getting a little bad-it hit a hundred earlier in the week- but we did borrow a fan from Miss Carol so that helps a ton and its mostly pleasant 90's outside so it stays pretty ok here in our basement shade.) Sunday night Isaac and the broom went one on one with  a mouse-in the house! Thankfully he won. AHHHHHH I can't think about it. But I had to listen to Cannon "I like mouses...I'll go help dad...Mice are not scary mom..." and so on. Carol was horrified, when the Ghanian's were here she had them put some food in a pantry that usually doesn't have it--anyway she HATES mice and found turds then caught two. YUCK. So now traps are set so far no more for her or us--keeping our fingers crossed. And one more thing, I HATE having to go to the laundromats! (However I'll tell you that is one extravagant thing I've learned I want in my house someday-2 washers and dryers-getting multiple loads done at once is pretty awesome. Its just the doling out hundreds (literally) of quarters and wrestling/entertaining two kids when at least one of them should be napping I'm complaining about.)
And really other than that it is pretty much heaven.
Speaking of the quarters though, I did the stupidest thing this week and didn't count the quarters after I put money in at the laundromat--I just put the big handful in my pocket. Well apparently the machine drops quarters two different times, so off I ran to get my batches started and get back to my kids who I left in the car (running but I locked it but the first time I went there the guy pointed out that it is illegal...thanks dude) anyway I'm not talking about four quarters here-try 40! (Who can't tell the difference between 40 and 80 quarters--obviously my rushing brain wasn't working right, $10 bucks I lost in quarters. BUMMER! But do you know what Isaac (who has his flaws but seriously he's my own little Mr. Wonderful, he has such a good perspective on life) he said "Well there's a good chance that whoever found them really needed them." Such a good guy! I'm really lucky!
So last week was the car-this week the quarters-if I do something really stupid this week I think I'm going to have to skip it on the ole family journal! Yikes!
So on to the fun and games
Friday we got to go to the zoo with Grama and Klint's family then swimming at the pool in their hotel.

 

This (stupid) leash kept both these boys in check. Cannon loved getting to "walk" Riley like a dog! 

Saturday we hit temple square. Before my boys crashed with late naps and they headed to the Aquarium and then home.

Saturday night the boys got in some backyard dirt time and played in the creek. Both boys were crying to start but ended up loving it-Isaac wasn't letting them back out before they had some fun. He did tell me they had a lot of me in them though--yeah right.
They also helped repair a couple of Miss Carol's steps.

Sunday night we were out on a walk/dog hunt. We went to the golf course but I was having a cow because we walked right by a no trespassing sign. Isaac didn't really care and he and cannon were out running after a ball through the sprinklers when another ball hit. He said "They're still golfing!" so we hurried out of there! (Even though we think it was just kids golfing.)

 

 

We ended up going to the Alder's house to check out a rope swing Bro Ely had told us about...well they have a sandbox...Cannon's new favorite place! He asks to go 50 times a day! (The dog is a bonus too) They are so nice and just say come whenever! (Everyone here has been so nice to us!)

 

The Salt Lake temple has been closed pretty much the whole time we've been up here. But Wednesday was a highlight for me! I got to go with some members of our ward/stake here and clean it. It was so cool! I've been to a session there once but it was just a really really neat experience! I loved getting to tell Cannon about it too-changing into white clothes-and why. Oh it was just really a great!
When we can't think of something else fun to do we just go tot the zoo :) We stopped to cool off at the little water place and Cannon kept kicking water in Colt's face, I loved this picture of paybacks!

About a month ago my cousin's son Chase was in a horrible accident with a loaded Semi, I've become quite the facebook junkie checking every single night for updates. In all of the awful, its been a really incredible and faith building experience, I feel like know a my cousin so differently now as she's endured and is enduring this experience as a mother. One of the things she pleaded for was for prayers on behalf of others in similar situations. Last week Becky called me and told me about an accident over the 4th of July that one of the kids that used to play basketball for me was in, her name is Makenzie. It was kind of neat to think we'd been praying for her before we even knew about her accident. She and Chase are both producing miracles that are brought by faith, its really incredible. Makenzie is up here at the U so while I didn't get to see her (except through the glass) I met and talked with her grandmother and recorded a message for her on the ipad. But this week as Isaac and I were reading Moroni Ch. 7 I definitely thought of these two teenagers. Faith. Hope. Miracles. And a loving Heavenly Father who is so good to us!