Happy Holidays!

Christmas Day hike to the Moab Rim, 2010

Merry Christmas from the Andrew Family! Sorry I haven't sent out Christmas letters for years, I'm really bad at that. In fact, I barely remember that I have a blog, and Christopher has to help me get on and walk me through every time. He loves blogging and has a great one, check it out here. I may as well just give it up. Jeez. Love you all and thanks for reading,

Chris...er...I mean, Mom

fish or duck?

Last weekend Ray took all the boys to Lake Powell for a Father and Sons Campout.  They all loved it and had the sunburns to prove it.  When they got home Saturday evening, Matthew couldn't stop telling me all about the fun he had in the water.  I commented that he was just like a fish.  He informed me that ducks float on the water not fish.  And since he floated on the water with his lifejacket he was just like a duck not a fish.  I stand corrected! :-) 

cool dude requirements

Matthew just informed me that to be a cool dude you have to:

-wear reflective sunglasses
-have a ton of Axe body sprays
-give a cool hand shake
-go to Dance Festival practices
-wear Chaco sandals
 
Interestingly enough his older brother, Joseph, does all of these things. :-)

yes, we're homeschooled...

While I was trying to hurry and make dinner one evening this week, Anna came up to me after one of her dreamy adventures in the backyard and said, "Mom we need a gaze-ah-bow in our yard." I looked at her in total confusion as I'm trying to stir the contents of the pot. I said, "A what!?" "You know like what Grandma and Grandpa Andrew have in their yard," she tried to explain. Christopher piped up, "I speak Anna-ish. She means a gazebo."

am I ready for this?...

Christopher started his river guide training this past week for World Wide River Expeditions, the Hazlett's business. He came home late Saturday night looking scruffy, burnt, and happy. He was on a 3 day Desolation Canyon trip (a white water section of the Green River). He is super excited about living at the Hazlett's warehouse this summer with the other fun guides. I think the only way I can tempt him home is with some homemade food!

not quite whistling dixie...

This morning while I was doing Olivia's hair she puckered up and inhaled through pursed lips. She surprised herself and me when we both heard a whistle! Later on during lunch she demonstrated it for Christopher and Joseph. They both gave he high-fives.

She's also picked up from her older brothers the phrase, "Dude!" It is hard to not giggle when she isn't even trying to be funny.

the BEST ideas...

One morning this week, Matthew came bounding upstairs before he was dressed for the day. He snuggled right next to me on the couch during my scripture study. He commented that the bathrobe I had on looked just like his Aunt Charlotte's bathrobe and was just as comfy. I told him it was because Charlotte gave me one just like hers for Christmas. He then stated, "You and Charlotte have the BEST ideas." I think I'll put that on my next resume!

and the winner is...

As a Bear in Cub Scouts, Jacob got to do the Pinewood Derby. This year Joseph and Christopher helped him out with his car. It wasn't anything fancy or elaborate and it took only a couple days to finish. To our surprise, Jacob took first place! It was a pretty exciting event for him.

(Joseph, Jacob and Christopher with the first place trophy, 2010)

another version of a camping favorite...

While visiting with family and roasting s'mores over a campfire, a little cousin asked what "those white things on the sticks" were. Matthew explained, "Mushrooms! And then you get the chocolate and the crackers and you put it together and eat it!" I'm not sure I'd want to eat a s'more with those ingredients. :-)

(Matthew building a home with blocks, 2010)

not so "sweet" dreams...

Christopher informed me one morning that Olivia yells in her sleep. He said suddenly at 1 am he heard her say, "MATTHEW!!! STOP IT!"

(Olivia fell a sleep on her Aunt Susan's floor after a long day of playing with cousins, 2010)

wishful thinking

The other day Jacob told me, "I wish I was bald and had no ears." What?! I later found out that he meant that he didn't like it when siblings (okay, and me...) pull on these wonderful devices to get him to do something or go somewhere. Hmm, maybe I should shave him next haircut, whatdaya think? Still wouldn't solve his ear problem, but he'd look more like his daddy! ;)

(Cousin Austin and Jacob hunting for easter eggs, 2008)