The movie "Earth"

We all went to see a movie screening of "Earth"; coming to theatres on Earth Day. disney.com/nature Since our family has an aquarium membership, I entered our name in a drawing to win free tickets to this private showing. We won! Unfortunately, it was on the same night as Libby's play. We all saw the play before that night; except Perry. So he went to see the play with his Mom and Aunt Jenny came with us to see the movie. We all agreed it was fabulous, except for the timing. It started at 7:30, which meant a late night on a school night for two little girls.
Large popcorn shared by all 4 of us, got refilled for 50 cents before the movie even started! Did you know that Aunt Jenny loves movie theatre popcorn? Remember that for when you want to make her day special.

Brooke found a way to make her seat the right size...a booster, provided by the theatre.

Yes, we were very thirsty after all that popcorn. I thought to bring a water bottle for just that reason...just didn't think to bring several water bottles for everyone. It gave great excuses to get out of our seats several times before the movie started.

Visiting the bathroom was another reason to leave our seats. You might be thinking, "Why would you have that much time before the movie started?" Well, we needed to get there an hour early to reserve our seats, the literal seats. Our names were on a list to get in, but the seats were first come, first sit. Personally, I think we had prime real estate.

The movie is basically a narrated National Geographic video, produced by Disneynature. There were moments shared on the screen, that many of us would never experience on our own. Such as, watching polar bear cubs emerge from a den and seeing daylight for the first time and walking for the first time. I love to watch that, but honestly would not want to be there. There are some sad, but very realistic moments such as death of animals. I thought the movie handled these realistically, but kept the gruesome from entering the show. Very enjoyable!

Libby stars in "Ugly"

Libby is the swan in the left part of the picture, the spotlight was not on her, but you can see her graceful moves.

Lee helped paint the bridge on his day off. Here is a shot of the skunk and the ugly duckling, Noah.

A story about the Ugly Duckling was presented by Libby's 2nd grade class along with a 5th grade class. It was a musical that has touched all of our hearts. They perpetuated the idea of taking control of your own future. Libby played the role of a farmer as well as a swan. A friend of ours, Noah, played the ugly duckling. He sang a solo and then a duet with a skunk like a professional. They performed 7 times in 2 days; these kids will never forget this experience.

Piano Recital 2009

Let the music begin...


This year was Libby's first recital. She really wants to play the piano. After going to last year's recital, she kept insisting that she wanted to take lessons. Good job Libby, you have stuck with it.

Piano teacher, Grandma, Suzette, Mom, neighbor from across the street. Whatever you call her...she is great to us!

I didn't notice Sage's jitters this year. I commented about last year's recital: Sage would cry when you even mentioned the word recital, this year was completely different. What a difference a year makes. She is very motivated and even has started trying to play primary songs.

Perry performed very well, business as usual for him. I think he has nerves of steel. It is hard to tell with an 11 year old, how much they play for themselves and how much is for the parents. Oh well, he is a good boy to do it. (Side note: he lost a tooth tonight)

I will just have to leave you all waiting to hear what they will play for next year :)

Brooke has new eyes

Brooke picked up her 1st pair of glasses today. She was so excited to receive this little glass/purse case to keep them safe in (even though she will be wearing them all the time). My big mistake was saying to her on the way home, "How cute, it says Barbie on the side" She proceeds to say, "I thought it said Brooke" Why I just can't keep quiet, I will never know. I forget that she can't read, and it starts with the letter B, it must spell Brooke on her glasses case. Well, I burst that bubble.

The glasses have little hearts on the side arms that you can't see in the picture.

Brooke has always watched TV sitting in a chair, right in front of the TV. Look at her today, she actually watched a program sitting on the couch...she was soooooooo excited. It is a whole new world for her. She told me that she will be used to them before Kindergarten starts. I sure hope so, that is 6 months away!

Snow Day 2009 with the Scullins

We all know that I don't take that great of pictures, so if the photo looks great and is in sepia tones, it must have been taken by Kandra.
The long awaited day up to the mountains finally came last weekend. I checked the kids out of school early on Friday so we could beat the traffic and we did! Kandra is a roommate that I bunked with at BYU. She actually remembers Lee from before his mission. Her family lives in Running Springs, which has plenty of snow right now. From the moment we walked in the door, we had fun! One of their boys, Hunter, just turned 7 and was having a party when we arrived...we joined in! What I didn't get a picture of was the thrill of shooting darts up at their fan (placed on a high ceiling). Libby actually got one to stick to the light bulb and nobody ever could get it to come off. Seems like girls enjoy ammo as much as the next guy. Anyway, we played in the snow for hours on Saturday: built forts, walls, snowmen, and sled down the hill in their yard. Don't let me forget the snowball fights...that is what the walls were built for. The grown ups actually played a game of strategy called "Settlers" as well as got the kids in on a few rounds of "Pit". Kandra definitely helped our bellies stay full, we enjoyed every minute and can't wait to go back. I'm sure their family is still picking up the pieces from having all 6 of us land there for 24 hours, but we are hoping they come visit us in the summer.

Lee-the great builder (spent most time out in the snow)

Staci-the great planner

Sage - the great sledder (liked to stop at the tree stump)

Perry - the great fighter and defender

Libby - the great fun one

Brooke - the great dependent one (do you want to pull me in the sleigh?)

Harrison and Hunter

Does Brooke like she is posing for a snow catalog shot?

Brooke is enjoying a house with boy toys

Nothing like some hot cocoa after playing in the snow. Kandra spoiled us!

Sage helped flip the yummy pancakes we enjoyed for breakfast.

Kandra and Sage up at their base during a snowball fight. The base was destroyed later that day by the team of boys.

Libby at the beginning of her wall build.

The boys showing off their fort. Perry actually made 2 holes which created a tunnel.

Brooke making a snow angel

Some of us just couldn't wait to get out in the snow. This was taken within the first 30 minutes of arriving.

Honeymoon in Palm Springs!

Lee and I finally did it! We were alone (away from the kids) for 48 hours in sunny Palm Springs. Sorry, no pictures. We took a tram ride up to about 10,000 ft. and there was snow everywhere...a winter wonderland. To think we played tennis that same morning. It was very relaxing and I will leave the rest for us to know about. hee hee :)

Fun Times as a Family

We spent Valentine's day together as a family, since Lee and I will be away for the weekend (this coming weekend). Had a great time at a local arcade called "Nickel, nickel". Lee became the top scorer for Frogger (free game). Brooke loves the shooting and motorcycle games.

All 3 kids worked together to "bop" the crocodiles to get a higher score.

We then went to the movies to see, "Bedtime Stories". What a fun day!

The night consisted of playing, "Life", Black jack and going to bed late!