The Hjorth Family

Happy Birthday Grandpa Richard

2011-06-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Everybody got together this past weekend to celebrate Grandpa Richards 60th Birthday! We love you Grandpa!

Birthday Boy

2011-06-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

"The King of the Snakes" officially turned 5~ He also goes by "King of the Jungle and King of the Sea Turtles and Sharks" (incase you didn't know).

Happy Birthday Hatalee!

2010-12-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

Hatalee was just complaining it didn't feel like her birthday because there was no snow! She got her snow and the day off of school, what more could you ask for? Happy Birthday Hatee Bug!

Fisher Towers

2010-12-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

The kids were mad about not spending Fall Break in Moab, so we headed south and spent the last warm weekend in the sun.
No matter how many times we visit Moab there's always something new to do. Brian took us to Fisher Towers to hike around and take in the scenery.

Birthday Girl!

2010-11-01T10:02:00.001-07:00

Our Hippie Girl turned 7 this week and she partied to prove it! The day of her birthday we ate at Brick Oven and Maren gladly stood on the chair so she could be serenaded. The next day she had a friend party, then a class birthday spotlight, and Saturday night we had all the family over for a Halloween Birthday Bash. Now today she is home throwing up, I guess that's what happens when you have a week long Birthday Celebration! Happy Birthday Wild Child!

TOU Logan Marathon 2010

2010-09-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

We Did It!!!! This past weekend my friend Addie and myself ran the Logan marathon. It feels so good to have it over and behind us. I couldn't have done it without Addie, and the support of Nathan and my family. They were so great to have there at the finish and running along with us. I love you all! Thanks for helping me accomplish 26.2 miles.

Back To School

2010-09-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

First Day of Preschool. First day of 1st Grade and 5th Grade.

To be honest, I really was sad to see summer come to an end. But since school has started I've really enjoyed the quiet, and not having the constant fighting and bickering between the girls. It's been quite enjoyable. Micah is a great errand buddy, as long as he has some sort of weapon with him in the car he's good to go.

The Toothless Wonder

2010-07-27T15:27:00.001-07:00

I guess no corn on the cob for Maren!

San Juan 2010

2010-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

We missed the last week of school and floated the San Juan River instead. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, the company was entertaining, and the kids loved it. It was Micah's first river trip, he did great. He enjoyed every last minute with the boys shooting guns and making gun noises ( I still think it's a trait boys are born with). Maren lost a tooth the first day- I told her the tooth fairy didn't know how to find us. Luckily she came once we got home.

Our River guide. He did a great job. No one popped out over Goverment Rapid.

The girls in the kayak.

Ty and Todd kept pressuring Hatalee to jump off, she was hesitant. But once she saw Rowan go she had to do it, not once but twice.

Maren

Our camp at Ross Rapid.

The kids couldn't get enough of playing in the mud.

Happy Birthday Micah Boy!

2010-05-31T12:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sword fighting, gun shooting, dinosaur digging, train riding, lego building, sea monster loving, Little Man!

Father/Daughter Date

2010-04-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Elementary School held a Father/Daughter Royal Ball. The girls dressed up, I ordered flowers and we talked Grandpa Richard into coming, so everyone had a dancing partner.

Marens Award

2010-03-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

Freezing in Moab

2010-01-21T09:24:00.001-08:00

It was a cold weekend in Moab... We hiked around..

Micah's favorite part was finding Dinosaur tracks.

We threw rocks over the bridge.

Carrying rocks to the bridge.

The kids loved playing on the ice at Kens Lake.

Happy Happy Birthday Hatalee!

2009-12-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet Hatee Bug! We love you and hope you have a Great Birthday!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

2009-12-18T09:54:00.001-08:00

Christmas Lamb Exhibit

2009-12-05T20:03:00.001-08:00

Hatalee's artwork was picked to be in the Christmas Lamb art show this year. There were 350 students who entered artwork and 70 were chosen. They held a little award ceremony today and we were able to see her picture on display. The exhibit is this week at the Springville Art Museum. All of the students did a great job!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T15:04:00.001-08:00

Both of our families were here for Thanksgiving this year. We had Thanksgiving dinner with the Murdocks, and tried to take some family pictures with the Hjorths. My lovely 3 year old cooperated very well with the picture taking. We're so Thankful for him.

Grandma and Grandpa Hjorth with their grandkids.

All of the Hjorth's.

Weekend in Moab

2009-11-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

We spent last weekend in Moab with the whole Murdock Family. We stayed in our favorite condo with the tree swing and springs running through the back. The kids caught minnows and kept them all over the condo in plastic cups. Micah named all of the pet fish "Fred", I'm still not sure how we got away without bringing some of them home. The boys got some biking in, some of us went to the Moab Folk Festival, the kids swam in the hot tub, we took some family pictures, celebrated McKells 23rd Birthday, and hiked to Delicate Arch. I'm not sure how we fit everything into 48 hours with only one minor melt down, but we pulled it off and it was fabulous!

Finding Freds.

I think we exceeded the kid limit on the swing.

Murdock Family.

The Girls at Delicate Arch.

Our family under the arch.

Hiking to the arch, we were the last ones to the top. Micah had to stop and look over every rock, stick and piece of dirt (they were dinosaur eggs, teeth and nests).

The whole Murdock Family at Delicate Arch. (Thanks for the picture Bri)

Happy Halloween

2009-11-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Maren

2009-10-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Baby Girl! I can't believe your 6 years old today! We love you and the spunk you've added to our family!

A Doughnut Date

2009-10-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today Micah and I were out running errands while the girls were at school. We stopped for a doughnut and I snapped a few pictures of my little guy. He's such a sweet little boy and it's been nice to have some time with just him. We sat and chatted (he just rambles on and on about dinosaurs) but it was nice to stop and spend some time on a "doughnut date."

Getting every last bit of frosting!

Fall Break at the Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

Fall

2009-10-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Every conference weekend we like to walk the Hobble Creek walking trail. This year was a little cooler and wet than years before, but still beautiful. This is my favorite time of the year.

The colors are amazing.

We found lot's of sticks for sword fighting...

and lot's of these little acorns...

Back to the 50's

2009-10-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Activity Days had a Father Daughter 50's date night. My mom is amazing and whipped together a poodle skirt for Hatalee (because everyone who knows me, knows I CAN'T sew). Hatalee had so much fun dancing with Nathan. I wish I could have been there to witness the dancing.

The Uintahs

2009-10-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

A Sunday drive to the Uintahs...

Labor Day Camping

2009-09-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

We took the kids and went camping down to the Boulders. We talked Meg and Jeremy into coming with us, I think this weekend was some good birth control for them. It rained off and on a little, but not too bad. We took Nathans parents camper and the kids thought it was a huge treat to sleep in. Our little family.

Such a beautiful place.

We hiked down to a small waterfall right by our campsite, Singletree Falls.

Nathan bought ONE fishing pole for the kids to share this weekend. Besides the constant fighting over who got to use it, they absolutely loved it and it kept all three kids entertained for hours.

The view on our hike.

Our group sitting by the fire and roasting smores.

The girls were constantly laughing at something. I think this was when Micah was eating marshmallows off a stick he found.

First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-27T15:37:00.001-07:00

After missing the actual first day of Kindergarten (because of the stomach flu) Maren was happy to finally start school! She was dressed and sitting on the couch with her back pack on at 9:00am even though her afternoon Kindergarten class starts at 12:40. I just hope her excitement lasts the whole the year.

HobbleCreek Half Marathon

2009-08-23T21:17:00.002-07:00

We did it!!!

Bre, Myself, Candace, McKell and Ashli

First Day of School

2009-08-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hatalee's first day of 4th Grade

Dinosaur Museum

2009-08-18T11:19:00.001-07:00

Alina and the boys came up for one last weekend before school starts. We took advantage of Thanksgiving Points "Two Dolllar Tuesday" along with the rest of the state of Utah. I've been wanting to take Micah since his fascination of "saurs" began so we went and stood in line with everyone else. The line moved fast and wasn't too long of a wait, once we were inside he just walked around trying to soak it all in. The kids were so excited to show him all of the dinosaurs and ran with him from room to room. The only thing Micah didn't like- the shark.

All of the Murdock Grandkids.

24th of July

2009-08-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

We went to the big Mapleton 24th of July parade with Grandma and Grandpa Zoey. Nathan is always working the 24th so he misses out on all of the excitement. We walked over the park afterwards and played games untill we couldn't stand the heat any longer.

2009-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

We left the heat and drove to Summit Park to BBQ with Creed and Jenn. The air was much cooler and enjoyable. We hiked up a trail near their house and Micah was in heaven with sticks to sword fight and rocks as dinosaur eggs.

All the girls-Ash, Me, Bre, Mom, Kell, Jen, Sedona, Maren and Hatalee

Hjorth Family Reunion

2009-08-18T10:49:00.002-07:00

Father's Day Weekend was the Hjorth Family Reunion at Millsite. The kids were excited to sleep in the tent and go camping. We packed up and headed to the campground, the kids played, rode bikes danced with light sticks and then it rained. So Saturday morning we packed again, this time in the rain, and headed home. The kids were sad to leave so Grandma Zoey finished the campout at her house and the kids slept over with cousin Rylee. Everyone was happy.

More action shots from the MFS

2009-07-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks Tiff!

THE MIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMON RIVER

2009-07-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation and many push ups, I along with some other fine boaters( Miranda's family) rafted this beautiful stretch of river. We had a fantastic time and this is the "happiest place on earth", not that place in California. Thanks to my trusty sidekick, my dad, the DOC did great for her first time in mountain waters. We only got hung up on a few rocks and were able to navigate the river without any mishap, other than my arms felt like jelly after the first day. Thanks again to all those that went and the Idaho River lottery system. Six years is too long to be away from such a special place.

Nate

Go Panthers!

2009-07-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hatalee's softball season came to an end this week. This was the first year the girls pitched and not the coaches (I was a little nervous), but they did great. There were only a couple of really loooooong innings of walking and no hitting. I think she's ready to challenge all of her uncles to a game of wiffle ball!

Cousin Camp 2009

2009-06-29T09:14:00.002-07:00

We survived another year of Cousin Camp. My mom has this great idea of getting all of the cousins together for a week and try to do as much as possible. The kids absolutely love being together and at the end of the week they're looking forward to next year. This year we made it to Lagoon, only after Bre and McKell promised to come with us. Tyler scoffed us for wanting to go to Lagoon but in the end his classes happened to let out early so he could come with us. I think he was just as excited (if not more) than the kids, and he made all of them ride the big rollercoasters with him. So thanks Grandma Janine for putting together another exhausting Cousin Camp. Towards the end of the week I thought I heard her say she couldn't wait to go back to work, I think we wore her out.

Moab

2009-06-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

We ventured down to Moab for Ridge's baptism in the Colorado River. We were glad to leave the rain and enjoyed the warmth of the sun. The kids swam and played in the water all weekend. They lived in the pool and begged to get back in. Even Micah warmed up to the pool after awhile and lost his fear of sharks in the water.

McKell is going to make an excellent 1st Grade Teacher.

The kids floated boats all weekend in the springs.

Everyone loved the hammocks.

Ridge after his dunk in the River.

The baptismal sight.

Swimming Lessons

2009-06-21T21:35:00.001-07:00

The girls finished up their week of swimming lessons, the weather was actually nice in the mornings for their lessons and rained in the afternoon. I didn't put Micah in lessons this year, and I'm glad I didn't. Every day we took the girls he was scared of the water and told me "Mom there are sharks in there".

The month of May

2009-06-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

I've decided the month of May is just as busy if not busier than December. This year Hatalee decided to play Spring Soccer, but I didn't realize how much it overlapped with the baseball season. So between soccer games and baseball practices and all of the end of the school year activities I wasn't sad to see the month of May come to an end.Get your game face on.

This year Hatalee got to run in the Hershey Track Meet. She and her friends did great. They signed up for the after school Track Club and got ready to compete.

Putting those long legs to work- I'm trying to talk her into running and doing track.

Hatalee finally took first place in the 3rd Grade Jump a thon. She has taken 2nd place the last couple of years, and was so excited to finally get that 1st place trophy!

Happy Birthday Micah Boy

2009-06-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

It was Micah's 3rd Birthday this past weekend-because of his love for "Saurs" we celebrated with a Dinosaur party. I found a T-Rex pinata and thought he would love smashing it and devouring the treats inside. My only mistake was letting him play with the pinata all week. He toted and and carried that thing around like it was his baby.

Everyone was having fun untill Big Sister took her turn and let the poor T-Rex have it- after she knocked his leg off the fun was over.

He no longer liked the idea of having his T-Rex baby strung up by a rope and being smashed and destroyed with a bat.

Nothing a little duct tape can't fix.

Our family of Scary Dinosaurs.

I even attempted a dinosaur cake, after the pinata I was just happy he didn't cry when we ate his "long neck". Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Maren did it- she graduated from Preschool. After much coaxing and bribing she finished out her year of Preschool. Ty Ty has been teasing her she didn't have enough credits to graduate because she would do anything to get out of going and missed several days of school. I only hope Kindergarten will be better, it's good we have all summer to talk her into it. Her class put on a little singing and dancing program, and she was so excited to see Kell and Bre. She could care less that I was there, but as soon as she saw Kell and Bre walk in her face lit up and she was all smiles. I'm glad her other mothers could be there to witness this momentous occasion.

Marens teachers, Miss Elaine and Miss Barbara.

The ones she REALLY loves, Bre, Kell and Grandma Murdock.

Doing the "Tootie Tah Tah" Dance.

Congratulations Meghan and Jeremy

2009-05-12T12:32:00.001-07:00

Meghan and Jeremy tied the knot this past Friday- here's some pictures of the joyous occasion.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

Me, Mom and Alina (The Murdock Mothers)

Abby, Karla, Nichole and Myself (The Hjorth Mothers)

(Proof that we're mothers) Hjorth Grandkids

Meg and Jeremy were married this weekend and all of Nathans siblings were in town. While Abby and Chad were here they blessed baby Tessa. It was great seeing everyone, and the kids loved playing together. Happy Mothers Day~

Congratulations McKell

2009-05-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend we drove to Logan to watch my little sister graduate from Utah State University. I have to brag about her for just a minute- she spent 2 months in New Zealand doing her student teaching and came home to graduate with a 4.0 in Elementary Education. I'm so happy and proud of her accomplishments. It was so great to see her graduate and give Logan one last honk as we drove away. :) "PINEAPPLE!" Her graduation gift was tickets to see "Wicked" with my mom and myself. We had a great time and loved the show, it was amazing!

Dad, Mom, McKell, Myself, Bre and Ty at Graduation.

Easter 2009

2009-04-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

"The great Easter truth is not that we are to live newly after death-that is not the great thing-but that we are to be new here and now by the power of the resurrection; not so much that we are to live forever as that we are to, and may, live nobly now because we are to live forever".
~Phillips Brooks

(My sister in law Alina used this quote on an Easter card a couple of years ago, I really liked it so I thought I'd share)

Birthday Boys

2009-04-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

While we were in Moab last weekend, we celebrated Nate, Brian and Dad's Birthday! We had birthday dinner at Pasta Jays (the spinach tortellini is delicious, it's become our favorite stop in Moab). Alina pulled through and whipped up one of her famous Dollar Store Creations Birthday Cake. This years theme was "Fancy Fillys" for our "Fancy" Guys!

Close up of the "Fancy Filly" Birthday Cakes- I think she may be taking cake orders.

Happy Birthday Boys!

Spring Break in Moab

2009-04-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

We left the snow and headed South for the remainder of the kids Spring Break. We took the raft and it was warm enough to float the river. The kids loved being on the raft and even came home with sunburns. Brians boys introduced us to some sand sledding. The kids took snow sleds and raced down the sand. They loved the ride down, just not the sand up their noses, in their ears and in their mouths! Our Spring Break began more like Christmas Break but ended nice and warm. The sun was wonderful! Hatalee said she and River fought over who got to sit in back- I don't know why they didn't want to sit up front.
Nathan had to take a turn, but didn't go quite as fast as the kids.

We stopped at this little beach and ate lunch- and drank in as much sun as we could!

Snow for Spring Break?!

2009-04-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

What do you do for Spring Break, when you wake up to this?

You take the kids for haircuts and and pray for the sun to come out! Tommorow were headed to Moab, hopefully it will be warm with NO SNOW!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-04-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a good one! We love you!

Marens New Smile

2009-04-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Maren has had a loose tooth all week and it finally came out! She was eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast when she stopped and had this funny look on her face. She spit something out of her mouth and it landed on the bar. We looked over and saw Marens tooth laying next to her cereal bowl. I guess that's one way of loosing your tooth. She is pretty excited about loosing her tooth. I keep thinking she's too young to be loosing teeth, but it probably helps when your wrestling with your sister and you get kicked in the mouth.

Micah's new haircut!

2009-03-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

After much crying, screaming and kicking we finally managed to cut Micah's hair. I hated his moppy long hair, but for those of you who know him, you know how much he loves to have his hair touched, combed let alone cut. So we braved the battle and won! Your next Ty Ty! He loves having his picture taken too, so I hurried and snapped this while he was recovering watching Sponge Bob.

Before the battle.

HOUSE BILL 187 SHOT DOWN, YA!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Looks like we have another year of fishing our waters and not someone else's. Please e-mail your local representitave and tell them how you fill about how they voted. It was closer than I thought 43 nays 31 yeays. Representitave Francis Gibson I will not be coming to your bar-b-que this year.

Nathan

http://le.utah.gov/~2009/status/hbillsta/hb0187s3.007h.txt

http://www.le.state.ut.us/maps/amap.html

Maui

2009-02-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

I'm finally posting pictures of our trip to Hawaii- our camera died right before we left so we had to buy a new one and it's taken a minute to figure everything out! We spent a week in Maui and loved every minute of it. It's such a beautiful place and the weather was absolutely perfect. I think we should spend a week there every February, it was heaven to leave the cold and the smog of Utah and soak in the sun and the beaches! We spent alot of time on the beaches snorkeling, we hiked into the National Park and to see volcanoes, waterfalls, took a boat out to do some whale watching, and just took in the sun. Thanks to our parents and my siblings for taking the kids- it was a nice break!

Haleakala National Park (Volcano @ 9500 ft. elevation)

You could see the whales surfacing from the beach so we took a boat out to get a closer look. They are amazing and huge! It was crazy to see them jumping out of the ocean and swimming around with their babies. They were so close to our boat we could watch them swimming underneath the boat.

Black sand beaches.

We hiked up to this beautiful waterfall in the state park.

I love the colors, the green plants against the black rock and the blue ocean. Everything was so amazing.

So Beautiful.

I talked Nathan into a Hawaiian Luau.

KEEP UTAH'S WATERS PUBLIC!!!!!!!!

2009-02-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

House Bill 187 is trying to limit public access to Utah's waters. You can try to read the whole bill but it is a little confusing. Google it and there are some good blog's out there to help you understand it. Plus the link below also gives you info about what is going on, so go there and if you feel that you don't agree with the bill please sign the petition.

Nathan

http://www.petitiononline.com/21809/petition.html

Spelling Bee Champ!

2009-01-28T14:58:00.001-08:00

Today was the 3rd Grade Spelling Bee and Hatalee took 1st place! Way to go! We're so excited and proud of you!

First Time Skiing-

2009-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hatalee went skiing for the first time this week! Her school class took a field trip up to Soldier Hollow. She was so scared and nervous to go, so I was glad Nathan was able to go with them. She came home all smiles, and had so much fun! The only thing she didn't like was the noisy bus ride.

Moon as bright as Sun

2009-01-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post some pictures from last nights moon. It was very cold but fun to get some good pics of the moon being so close to the earth. I took these pictures at 8:00 last night. Also check out Brian's blog for some more great moon pics from Moab.

Nathan

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

We spent New Years Eve with my family eating and playing games. We even had a little dance off with the Wii. I don't think I've laughed as hard as I did watching Todd and Brian compete against each other. We gave the kids glow sticks and they were entertained for hours. They ran crazy untill midnight, we light some sparklers and some fireworks and called it a night. Hap, Hap, Happy New Year!!!

Uncle Rico even made an appearance.

Christmas and Sledding

2009-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Maren woke up Christmas Morning and was really surprised that Santa had brought her toys instead of coal. I guess the night before while she and Hatalee were laying in bed, she told Hatalee she would be getting coal because she had been naughty. Then she proceeded to tell me that even if your naughty for a couple of days Santa will still bring you toys, because look what she got. She is such a little mess, I think she gets it from Nathans side of the family. Micah laid on the floor and played with his train for hours. He is in his own little world when it comes to trains and dinosaurs. He filled the train with his "saurs" and watched them go around and around the track.

The day after Christmas we took the kids sledding up to my Aunt and Uncles house. They had so much fun with all of the snow. They just kept on going and going...

Micah went down and couple of times and actually liked it, untill we made a train and crashed. Everyone ended up on top of him and he was face down in the snow. From then on when anyone asked if he wanted to go he'd just say "I fall", and would have nothing to do with the sleds. I was sneaky and caught this picture of him (that's why he's not screaming and covering his face).

Christmas Eve

2009-01-02T19:21:00.001-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve with Nathans family. Grandma Zoey prepared a delicious fondue dinner. The girls put together a little Christmas program. We had to go buy a Christmas piano song book for Hatalee to practice with. She played the piano, Maren made some pictures to go along with the songs and used the Nativity for props. We hurried home and left cookies and milk out for Santa. Hatalee even put his cup of milk in the fridge to keep it cold, because nobody likes warm milk.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

We're so grateful for the season and for all that we have been given. We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy 9th Birthday Hatee Bug!

2008-12-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my tenderhearted, caring, sweet, shy baby girl! I can't believe it has been 9 years! I'm so thankful to be your mom and be a part of your life. I love you and hope you have a Happy Birthday!

Hatalee wanting to ride her new bike in the snow storm.

Happy Birthday!

First Snow..

2008-12-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

The kids rushed outside to play in the snowstorm this weekend-

I guess Micah forgot about snow from last year, he ran out before I could put a coat or even a pair of boots on him. He laid down and started making snow angels with the girls, then realized he was wet and a little cold.

Making Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Mom and I found these really cute, little gingerbread house kits this year. We thought they would be great for the kids since they lose interest so fast, and the adults always end up finishing the houses. The kids loved them untill Ty Ty started calling them "outhouses" because they were so small. Thanks Ty. In the end they were just the right size for the kids, they had fun decorating and eating all of the candy, and they don't look like "outhouses"!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun this Thanksgiving Holiday. After looking through my pictures of the weekend, this is what I'm thankful for- I'm thankful for the gospel in our lives, and the joy it brings to us this Holiday Season.

I'm thankful for my own family and my husband. I'm thankful for the time we were able to spend together this Holiday.

I'm thankful for our Heritage. I'm thankful my children have Great Grandparents and Grandparents who love them. I'm thankful for their example.

I'm thankful for "Guitar Hero", it kept not only the kids entertained but all of the adults as well! Happy Holidays!

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Old Friends

2008-11-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to get together with some old High School friends and College roommates. We had so much fun talking and laughing at ourselves. My stomach still hurts from laughing so hard (Thanks Age). Thanks everybody for rearranging schedules and finding babysitters, so we could get toghether. We need to do it again, I love you all-

Happy Birthday McKell

2008-11-08T10:43:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to my FAVORITE sister!! We hope you have a Great Birthday- XOXO

Disneyland

2008-11-04T08:14:00.001-08:00

This Halloween we took the kids to Disneyland with Nathans family. The kids had so much fun, Micah wasn't sure what to think about everything. He only threw tantrums after EVERY ride, so that was enjoyable. The weather was so nice and warm, and then we had to come back to the cold Utah weather. It was a nice break and fun to be with family.

Marens Halloween Birthday Party

2008-10-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday MarBear!

2008-10-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Maren is always making us laugh with her crazy comments and stories. She always has something to say and has such a funny personality. She's a little spitfire and is a determined little 5 year old. We love you Maren, We're so happy your part of our family. Happy Birthday !

Pumpkin Picking and Consuming Cookies

2008-10-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

Alina and her boys came up to visit this week since the kids were out of school for Fall Break. We always have such big plans to conquer as much as possible when they come, and after it's all over we're always exhausted and didn't do everything we wanted. The kids are just happy being together and playing at Grandmas, but we did squeeze in some fun activities- Grandma made sugar cookies and we helped frost, decorate and of course eat them!

Micah just enjoying some chili cheese and chips while the rest of us frosted cookies.
An early birthday gift for Maren, from Aunt Alina.

After driving for an hour and a half to get to Santaquin (don't ask) we finally made it to the pumpkin patch. We got to take a tractor ride to the patch and pick our own pumpkins.
The night before we tie-dyed all of the kids orange pumpkin shirts. Nathan said it was cruel and embarassing to make all of kids wear the same thing. They loved it.
Picking the Perfect Pumpkin.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

Instead of carving pumpkins this year, we decided to do something different. Last night we painted our pumpkins and turned them into scary Halloween bats. They loved painting and I was the only one who spilled black paint all over the floor. Happy Haunting!

Rub a tub,tub-

2008-10-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

Rub a dub dub, A little boy ... And his "saur", both in the tub.

Happy Birthday Grandma Zoey

2008-09-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandma Zoey! May all of your birthday wishes come true.

The Witches are here...

2008-09-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

This has to be my favorite time of year- the weather, the smells, the leaves changing, I love it all. The kids had the day off of school so we went to Gardner Village to see the Witches. They are so funny and the kids love taking pictures with them. We walked around, enjoyed the perfect weather, devoured some bakery items, and spent a little money on the shops. Witchy Elvira and the girls.
Hurry and take the picture before you get hit with the pumpkin sword!
Micah loved the spiders crawling all over the witches.
After a long day of Witch Hunting.
My favorite find- we found a little shop selling all of these Ann Taintor magnets. We were laughing so hard at all of them, I finally picked this one to purchase. Nathan loves it!

Logan 5K

2008-09-20T17:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend was the Top of Utah Marathon and 5K run. Todd and Ash ran in the marathon, so we thought we'd go up and watch them and run the 5K. We had so much fun running together, and are so amazed at Todd and Ash's accomplishment. Team Murdock

The Marathoners, Todd and Ash.
Waiting for Todd and Ash to come across the finish line.
Hatalee ran the 5K with us and placed 1st in her age division.
We had such a great time in Logan, the weather was perfect, the leaves were changing in the canyon. It was beautiful. Maybe Team Murdock should attempt it next year? Maybe the half...

Weekend Festivities..

2008-09-13T20:31:00.001-07:00

Friday night we celebrated Ashli's birthday with LaCasita and brownies for birthday cake. Happy Birthday Ash, we hope all your birthday wishes come true! Saturday we celebrated Sedona' s birthday with a backyard picnic and a trip to the pool.
And some lizard lovin.

And the best part of the weekend... My "Adorable Disaster" t-shirt came!!

Spanish Fork 5K

2008-09-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hatalee and her friend Megan who ran with her.

Saturday morning Hatalee and I ran in the Spanish Fork 5K with a couple of friends. Hatalee took 3rd place in her age division, won a $50.00 gift card to Target, and I won a new MP3 Player. It was a good experience and I am so proud of Hatalee for finishing. She was so excited to receive her 3rd place ribbon and the gift card of course. Now she just can't decide how to spend it.

Marens First Day of Preschool

2008-09-04T13:11:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day of Preschool for Maren. She's been dying to go to school and was so excited. She came home happy because she counted on her fingers 8 things they did at school today, 1. Put their backpacks away 2. Did puzzles 3.Sat on the rug and watched a movie about letters 4. Played on the playground 5. Had Snacks 6. Read a book 7. Made a hand painting 8. Picked up their backpacks and came home! Oh the life a 4 year old....

Labor Day

2008-09-01T21:32:00.001-07:00

We thought it would be fun to take the kids on the Heber Creeper for Labor Day, so we drove up to Heber but we were too late. We missed the train and got to wave to everyone as they pulled away. We walked around, let Micah look at the "Choos" took a few pictures and left.
We did find the new Monument they just put up about one of my relatives, Joseph Stacy Murdock and the Peace Treaty he signed with Indian Chief Tabby August 20, 1867.
We went for ice cream, played at the park, and called it a day. Maybe we'll catch the train next time...

Hjorth Family Reunion

2008-08-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Hjorth Family Reunion at Aunt Kristine and Uncle Marks house. All the men went golfing and met up with us at the house later to swim. I think my kids grew fish gills on Saturday they were in the pool so long. They loved jumping off the diving board and just being with cousin Rylee. We had to coax them out to eat and then again to leave, they were in the pool about 6 hours and were sad when they had to get out. Maren and Nathan playing "Keep Away".
Hatalee doing some diving board tricks.
Maren, Hatalee, Micah and cousin Rylee from Las Vegas.
Micah and his "Pa".
Marens diving board tricks.
Hatalee waving underwater.
Aunt Mae-Mae and Micah.

Summer is Over..

2008-08-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Another sign summer is over- McKell leaving us to finish her LAST year at Utah State. We got together one last time for a hot dog roast, before she takes off in the morning. We've had so much fun with McKell around for the summer. I can't figure out why she wants to be with me and experience my mundane mom life, but she does and the kids can't get enough of her. We spent the week going to lunch and just playing around- one of Hatalee's friends told her mom she wished she had an Aunt Kell. I think we all do! Micah in true boy fashion poking and sticking things in the fire.
Mesmerized by the flames.
Mom and Hatalee with her Aunt Kell.
Mom, Myself, my Grandma, and my girls.
Grandma and Grandpa Murdock.
Jen, Kell, Me, Bre, Sedona, Maren, Mom and Hatalee together for a Girls Only picture.
Good Luck Kell, we're so excited this is your last year at school! Thanks for another fun summer! We love you!

Back to School

2008-08-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hatalee's first day of 3rd Grade. I can't believe summer is over and school has started. She woke up a little nervous and raced around the house getting breakfast for everyone and tidying up before she left. I walked her to school and kissed her good bye- I can't believe she' s a big 3rd Grader!I love looking back at our first day of school pictures growing up and laughing at the siblings standing next to us. They've just woken up, their half naked and faces are covered in food. So I thought I'd throw this shot in of Micah with Hatalee, since he is that sibling and he was pretty excited about his "Saurs". I took him looking like this over to the school and one teacher commented "I think you forgot half of his clothes". At least I got one dressed and to school on time. :)

Bees Game

2008-08-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Micah wanted nothing to do with the Bee.
Watching the Game.
I'm sure you can all guess what happened when I had to take Micah off the train- major meltdown. I actually had to pry his sticky little fingers off and pull him away kicking and screaming.
Riding the "Choo".

County Fair

2008-08-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

The guys went fishing Friday night, so we took the kids to the County Fair. Now I know why we've never been. Admisison is free but they charge you $4.00 a person to ride the Ferris Wheel (which you shouldn't ride after you've eaten scones the size of your head), it smells like manure, and there are flies everywhere. It really wasn't too bad, Micah did love the sheep but my camera battery died and these were the only pictures I was able to take.

Logan 5K- Here we come! Any Takers????

2008-08-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

Todd and Ash are running in the Logan Marathon next month, so we being such dedicated siblings decided to show our support and run the 5K. Hatalee even signed up and has been leaving me in the dust on our runs. Good Luck Todd and Ash!

High School Musical

2008-08-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

Nathans mom gave the girls tickets to "High School Musical" at Capital Theater on Saturday. I bought them High School Musical shirts to wear to the performance, so they could hardly wait for Saturday to come. I'm kind of sad it's over, it's been my only means of bribery for Maren. I kept threatening her all week if she didn't stop teasing her brother, or didn't clean up her toys she couldn't go to the play on Saturday. It worked wonders! We met Meghan at Macaroni Grill and had lunch together before the show. The girls loved every minute of it, and knew all the words to the songs. My favorite part was the guy sitting in front of us who kept standing up and dancing and yelling at the crowd to join in. (I would have got a picture but they already yelled at me for taking pictures inside the theater.)

Maren on Two Wheels

2008-07-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

After much prodding and harassing from her dad and older sister, Maren has finally figured how to ride without training wheels. She is so excited and proud of her accomplishment- Way to go Maren!

Spanish Fork Parade

2008-07-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

After living in Spanish Fork for 10 years we've never attended the Spanish Fork 24th of July parade. We usually end up going over to Mapleton for the parade and games at the park, but this year Hatalee was dancing in the Spanish Fork parade so we had to go and watch. We even persuaded both sets of Grandparents, Aunt Kell, and Aunt Mae-Mae to come over and join in the fun. When Hatalee's float came by they drove right past and didn't stop, so Kell and I ran down Main Street untill they started to dance to get some pictures. Hatalee was so excited and had so much fun being in the parade. She's already decided she needs to be in again next year. After the parade we went to Mapelton park and melted while the kids played games. I love the 24th of July heat!

Scofield

2008-07-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we stayed at a cabin in Scofield, and had a great time just being lazy. The guys took off and went fishing, which left us girls to do whatever we wanted. The kids tie dyed shirts, we gave each other pedicures, we ate, Hatalee tried her hand at tennis, we ate some more, oh and we ate. Hatalee loved having baby Everett around, they were inseperable. She toted him around all weekend, she became his second mom. Micah loved the basketball and tennis courts and all the balls he could chase around. Maren wanted to know if we could move in, because she didn't want to come home.

SIXTH WATER FISH

2008-07-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

To follow up with Brian's blog about catching big fish up Sixth Water here is a pic of the Rainbow I caught. Not as big as the salmon from Alaska but for a small stream in the middle of Utah somewhere( Brian no real names of fishing spots anymore. For those people who don't know where Sixth Water is it's by Delta.)it was a nice fish and worth the hike. I am posting another picture of a nice Cutthroat I also caught up on the same stream two years ago. Brian talked about the search for Steve so now we are putting a book together, instead of Where's Waldo it is titled Where's Steve!

Nathan

Happy Birthday Ryder

2008-07-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

My nephews were here this weekend for Ryders birthday, so my mom had this great idea and hired a clown for the birthday party. He was a spanish speaking clown and the kids couldn't understand him, so after he performed his tricks the kids just stared at him instead of clapping. After all the adults clapped and cheered they finally figured out what they were supposed to be doing as the audience. Mckell said we should have taught the kids about proper "clown etiquette" before he arrived. Overall the kids loved it, and I was amazed to see all of those kids sit for an hour and not move. Hatalee drinking from the "magic tea pot".
The Birthday Gang and the Clown.
Marens balloon flower.
Hatalees balloon giraffe.
The one responsible for the clown show! Thanks Grandma!

Alaska

2008-07-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

We just returned home from our cruise in Alaska with Nathans family. I've never been so thrilled to be on land again, it still feels like everything is spinning around me. We had a great time (other than I missed my kids terribly), but felt good leaving them with my family-Thanks! Alaska is such a beautiful place, It's such a crazy feeling to leave the desert we live in and then to be surrounded by water. Everything was green and growing and beautiful and cold. We really do live in a beautiful world. Thanks to Richard and Karla for making this trip happen, it was a memorable week and good to be with all of the family.

Swimming Lessons

2008-06-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

My two fish.
Hatalee on the diving board.
Maren wouldn't jump off the diving board- so this is her version of it.

The girls finished up swimming lessons last week and did great. I'm thrilled their lessons are over, getting three kids up and ready and out the door by 8:30 every morning is a task for me. I dropped off "Monster boy" at moms while I took the girls to lessons- this way I wouldn't be jumping in fully clothed after him. The girls love the water and by the last day Maren was finally getting it! :)

"Cousin Camp" in Review..

2008-06-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Running through the fountains at Gateway. Playing in the sprinklers at Grandmas.
Hot Dog Roast at Whiting Campground.
It wouldn't be "Cousin Camp" without Jumpin Jacks.
Painting at Color Me Mine.
Gateway.
Grandma and the babies.

The last couple of summers my mom has had this great idea to have a "Cousins Camp". River and Ridge spent the week at my moms(you have to be in kindergarten in order to stay without parents)and we tried to cram in as many activites as possible! The kids loved it and mom and myself were completely exhausted at the end of each day. The kids were hilarious in making decisions at what they wanted to do, but in the end I think they were all happy with what activities were chosen. So untill next year... (it's a good thing we have a year in between to recover from exhaustion) Go Cousin Camp!!!

San Juan River

2008-06-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the chance to float The San Juan River with my family. It was so nice to be with all of my siblings (we missed Todd and Ash) and spend time together. The weather was amazing, the water was high and moved fast, the kids loved playing in the sand and water 24/7, and amazingly enough we had no injuries or sickness! Yeah!! We left Micah home with Richard and Karla, so the trip would be enjoyable for me. :) Thanks Tyler for putting the trip together for all of us, it was an amazing time!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Micah

2008-05-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Micah boy! You've added a whole new perspective to our family. I'm still getting used to this whole boy thing, I'm not used to all the cars, trucks, balls and throwing anything and everything you can get your little paws on! We love you and are happy your part of our family. Happy Birthday! XOXOXOXOXO