Field Trip

So, you may be thinking: "Wow, Bruin already went on his first field trip?" But actually it was my college field trip that I am referring to. For my college Biology class we had a not so "optional" field trip to the Dana Point Harbor. As a class, and along with my professor's fifth grade class we took a boat out off the coast to take some samples from the ocean floor. I took Kirk along with me to join in the "fun." Which I didn't realize would actually be such a memorable experience.

We started out by going off the coast a couple miles. As we were going out to sea Kirk and I went up to the top of the ship (where the captain is). There were some nice benches up there, and it was nice to be away from the children (since we had left our 3 with my mom for the day). As we were sitting up there we noticed that the captain was talking to some other captains about the unusually large swells. We asked him about it, and he just said it was just a little rockier than had been predicted. I was just hoping at that point that I didn't get sick!

Kirk on the top deck

Meanwhile we see him looking into his binoculars over and over in the same direction. He would drive a little and then stop and look again. He then announced that we were going to see if we could catch up to a pod of dolphins that he had spotted. I was instantly excited! I was thinking, "neat, we are going to see a few dolphins out here." Little did I know that this pod was giant! As we approached the pod there were tons jumping out of the air and swimming swiftly opposite our direction. When I say tons, I mean hundreds! The captain turned the boat around so that we would be traveling in their direction. He explained to us that some of them may "bow ride" if we were lucky. By that point I had gone down to the bottom deck and grabbed my camera hoping to get a good shot of some dolphins. They were just too fast for my slow camera- sorry to disappoint. This is the closest I got to getting a good picture of them. You probably can't tell that there are two of them swimming under the water there next to our ship.

Several dolphins decided to "bow ride" as the captain had explained, which was really neat to see them swimming along with our vessel. My professor yelled, "any college students who are interested, there is some mating going along on the right side." I briefly saw the interesting sight of dolphin mating, which I had never thought much about. I'll spare you the details, but there are some videos on you tube if you are interested. Toward the end of the dolphin adventure the captain told us that he thought there were about 600 or so dolphins! It was a neat experience that I will never forget, and all thanks to my college biology class. Who knew a bio class could be so much fun?

The trip ended well with us pulling up some samples and sea life from the bottom of the ocean. These are a couple of the interesting fish they pulled up. The one bent in half is not dead, its a defence mechanism they use when they are being "attacked." The flatfish on the bottom left is an interesting creature. It is all white on the side facing down, and has eyes only on the one side of its body. When it is hatched an eye is on either side, and then one eye "migrates" to the preferred side where it remains. They are referred to as either left eyed or right eyed depending on which side they chose. Kirk and I were lucky to feel well throughout the entire ride (while some of my classmates were not so lucky). One poor girl in my class could not wait to get off the ship, and as soon as she did she was losing her breakfast into the ocean. I felt bad but didn't want to watch (since I had already seen enough puke this week with my sick kids). Below I wanted a picture of this pirate looking ship to show Bruin.
I love being on the water, so this trip on the ocean made me even more excited for my cruise next week. Kirk and I will be off for a few days with some friends on a Mexico Cruise relaxing and celebrating our 7th anniversary.

Thanks mom for watching the kids while we were off watching the dolphins, regardless of Hudson being a little sick still. We really had a wonderful time, and could never do things like this without such a supportive family to leave the children with.

L.A. Fair and Husband bragging

Yes, I am aware that the L.A. Fair was a while ago... better late than never I guess. I have to boast that my husband has been so wonderful lately. He has been extra helpful with the kids, and also around the house. I have been coming home to a clean house, clean (sleeping) children, and dinner on Weds. nights when I return home from school, which is amazing! A few weeks ago he ventured over to the L.A. Fair with all three of them while I was at school, and he even took some cute pictures, BONUS!!!
The kids love sledding in the snow! Bruin told me that they went 100 times! I don't know if it was that many, but Kirk did say they spent a long time in the Winter Wonderland. I have always avoided the whole snow thing because I'm worried that the kids will just be cold, uncomfortable, and that Bruin will get sick up the mountain. Maybe we will take our chances this year and try out real snow on a real hill.

Capri's 4th Birthday

I can't believe my little girl is already 4, and only has 1 more year here at home with me before she runs off to school. Capri's birthday started nearly a month ago when we had a Salmon family get together on Labor Day. Since then she has been counting down to her official birthday. The weekend before her birthday we had a little party at my sis. Janell's house to celebrate Capri and Trent's birthday. We had a low profile dinner, cake, and they both opened presents from Grandma Heaps. Capri received two beautiful dresses and a craft kit that she and I spend an afternoon doing. My mom always pulls through with great gifts that the kids love!
Trent 7 and Capri 4

Grandma helping Capri read her birthday card

Capri's birthday resumed on Monday when we went as a family to Disneyland. She was so happy wearing her birthday pin, and feeling so special. As we were waiting to get in she wanted a picture with the letter "C" just like her name. I am so proud of her for starting to recognize her letters, and improving her writing skills.

We made sure to get Capri her birthday button. When the workers would say happy birthday and ask how old she was she would respond that she was 5. I kept having to correct her. I think she was confused because she had been celebrating so long.

Chip or Dale? I have no clue.

The next day we celebrated her birthday party at our home with a few of her best friends. She chose to do a My Little Pony Party. With the help of a friend, and some creative ideas online I planned a little party for her. Capri and I had a great time making her "Pin the cutie mark on the Pony" game and also finding some "tails and manes" for everyone to wear.
The girls all were so cute singing happy birthday and watching Capri opening her gifts. I loved that all of them made Capri homemade cards that were so adorable.
After the gifts I reminded Capri to give hugs and say thank you, but this is how it ended up.

GROUP HUG!!! SO CUTE!!!

The Posing ponies

This was the easiest party I have ever thrown, and I loved it! I loved watching them just play together. I literally had time just to watch them play. They couldn't believe that I actually let them open up some of Capri's gifts and play with them (which would never happen with a big party). After the mommies came to pick up their "ponies" Capri and I sat down and made birthday cookies for her to take to Tiny Tots. She loves baking with me, so this was really special for her.

I feel so blessed to be the mother of Capri. She is such a beautiful, sweet girl. She loves everyone around her, and loves life. Every moment I have to spend with her is a moment I treasure.

Happy Birthday Capri, Love Mommy.

7 years bad luck?

Hudson has just been our little busy body lately. He is into everything he can possibly get his hands on, and sticks every thing into his mouth. His favorites include but are not limited to: toilet paper, daddy's remote controller, the phone and phone charger, any pieces of paper or food on the floor, cords to Bruin's guitar hero game, and finally; any immobile babies that can be tackled, sucked on, or used as a stepping stool (his cousin Lauren, and other babies in the gym's kids club have seen the worst of it).

He also thouroghly enjoys climbing up the stairs (very frightening), and even locked himself in our walk in closet last week! Yes, very scrary. This is how it happened.

Hudson loves grabbing all daddy's flashlight chargers in the closet, and also enjoys looking at himself in the mirror that leans against the wall. So, he was doing his normal stuff in there, but somehow he managed to slam the door closed behind him and knock the mirror down. The mirror fell so that the door could only budge open about an inch or two. He was crying, so I was worried that he had been hurt by the mirror falling. Lucky for me, Kirk was home. He tried reaching in to get the mirror moved, but there was no hope. He had to force the door open and break the mirror, and then rescue Hudson. BABE, YOU ARE MY HERO!!! Here are some quick pics I took of the damage before the clean up.

Broken Mirror, and Daddy's chargers.

The picture at the top is Hudson after the incident, so he made it out of the mess just fine. I don't remember as much busyness from my other two children, so I think this adorable one is just going to be the child that keeps me on my toes.

Anyone else have a story about their busy child that they would like to share?

GO DAD!!!

Kirk has been playing on a city league basketball team that his friend Tyler in our ward compiled. The kids and I spent some late nights there rooting him on. They love chanting DEFENSE...DEFENSE...DEFENSE. They haven't quite figured out when to chant it, but they are learning quite well.

Anyways, this week was the finals, which of course I am so proud that they made it that far. Rumor has it that the team they played against have won a consecutive 8 or 9 years! Kirk's team kept up pretty well, but didn't end up taking the victory. We still had a wonderful time cheering for him, and objecting to the referees' calls. Bruin made a cute sign for the final game, and made sure to hold it up several times throughout the game to let Daddy know that we love him.
Aren't those basketball players to die for?

As you can tell, my kids are all ready for bed. Of course Capri wanted me to snap a shot of her.

I wanted to get a picture of the team with their 2nd place trophy, but I didn't want to be the cheesy wife. Maybe next year they will have the first place trophy and I can make them pose for a picture.

42 inch firsts!

Since Capri has grown an inch this summer, she reached some new milestones at Disneyland. Fortunately my wonderful mother-in-law asked if she could take Hudson for us, so we were able to ride both Mulholland Madness, and Grizzley River Run as a family of four for the first time. The looks of both Capri and Bruin's faces were classic as we got soaked on the River Run. We took some pictures afterward, but it is really had to tell how wet we really are. Let's just say that I am hiding behind Bruin for a very good reason! Note to self: If planning to ride on the River Run
DO NOT WEAR WHITE SHORTS OR SHIRT!

We also got to wear these fun glasses for the first time on the new Toy Story Mania ride. We were able to get on it twice, and Kirk barely beat me the second time. I think our next date night there I will definately be victorious. If you haven't tried the ride out yet its worth the 25-30 minute wait.

The kids also got their first close encounter with this fellow. We are not one's for waiting in long lines to get a picture with the characters, so I was pretty excited when we saw Mickey standing there with no one else around.

Capri also got to do something pretty fun at the Tortilla Factory. We got a little hungry, so we decided to stop for a little snack (free tortilla samples) at the Factory. The worker there asked the kids if they wanted to do a little magic trick. Bruin was not interested, but Capri was. First, she cut the tortilla with the mickey mouse cookie cutter. Then, she had to sprinkle on a little fairy dust (cinnamon and sugar). The tortilla went into the oven as Capri was instructed to say, "Abra Cadabra!" The lady then pulled out the finished treat- yummy tortillas that tasted more like churros to me. She sent us away with 4 bags of these delicious treats, which made me sick for the next hour or so because I ate way too many!

I love how Disneyland has so many fun little surprises. It seems that your visit to the park is never exactly the same as the time before. I had such a great evening with my family, and look forward to many more Disneyland memories until our passes expire.

First week of school and Tooth #2

This week was quite busy with Bruin starting kindergarten, Capri in Tiny Tots, myself in 2 courses, and with Kirk's busy work schedule. I am taking the days one at a time right now, and trying not to forget too many things along the way.

I'm glad to report that Bruin absolutely loves school! He is so excited to go to school every morning that he wakes up at the crack of dawn to get ready. Usually he is all dressed before he even wakes me up. I'm trying to get used to waking up earlier, and being more on a schedule. On Bruin's third day of school he lost his 2nd tooth during snack time. From what he explained, it was the event of the day. He was sent to the nurse's office, and received a mini treasure chest that was just big enough for his tiny tooth. He also had a certificate (which he is holding in the picture), and a sticker that says "I lost a tooth today." He was happy when he received 50 cents from the tooth fairy(no more 1st tooth special). He called a few of his cousins and told them the news. Thanks to Capri we have a picture of Bruin on the phone :).

He was also happy to pay his tithing of 55 cents today on the total that he has received from the toothfairy.
I'm so proud of my big boy. We have already been working on learning his "sight words," and he is doing very well. He is so anxious to learn, and especially to be able to read. I am so glad that I am going to be able to do my student teaching hours in his classroom starting this week so I can see how he is doing.

Look What's Missing!

You may be thinking, "Isn't Bruin a little young to be losing a tooth?" Well, you are right on the money if you were thinking that. This first tooth just got a little help along the way. Let me explain...

Bruin's good ol' creative Uncle Darin came through like always with a fun new camping game this year called ladder golf. He made his own "ladder" our of PVC pipes (I think that's what they are called). The game is that you throw these two golf balls connected by a rope at this ladder and see if you can get it to stay on the ladder. The cousins were having a great time and all the while all the parent were thinking, "I wonder who is going to get hit by those golf balls first." Sure enough it was Bruin, my little Mr. sensitive, and he got knocked right in the mouth. I ran over and felt his two bottom teeth were loose right away, one more than the other. He was worried until I explained to him a little bit about the tooth fairy.

Now, skipping ahead to about two weeks later, after a lot of wiggling that little tooth came out with no tears at all. We were walking back to the car from a little family day at the beach, and Bruin yells to me excitingly, "Mommmy, Mommy, my tooth, my tooth!" I ran back to see if he was ok and all I see is a big bloody grin on his face and his towel covered hand outstretched to show me the tiny tooth. I just started laughing, and telling him how good of a job he did. He was happy the entire way home even into the night when he put that tiny tooth in a baggy under his pillow. He awoke to a note from the tooth fairy, and 5 crisp dollar bills. He was a little upset when we told him that he should first pay tithing on that money, but once he came to an understanding that he would receive more blessings for following the commandment of tithing he seemed ok with it. He spent almost all of his money today on POKEMON cards, which he has been wanting for a while now.

That little hole in his smile is so cute that I can't help but smile right back when he smiles at me. Now we are just awaiting that second bottom tooth to come out since it received a direct hit from the golf ball as well. We will try to keep you posted on that. Maybe next year Uncle Darin will come up with a game that is just a bit safer- just kidding Darin.

Perfect way to end the summer!

This last week Janell and I finally went to Glen Ivy together! We have been wanting to do this since April when there was a free day that neither one of us made it to. Her wonderful husband gave her a gift card last mother's day to go there, and both of our husbands were wonderful enough to let us spend the entire day there from 10-5:30! I think both of us needed this day of R & R after our 2 week camping trip, and before school starts. Who says a mother never gets a day off?

We were making everyone around us either stop and stare or totally laugh, and we didn't care one bit. We had a bit of a laugh too because one bald guy was completely covered head to toe in that stuff. We wished we would have gotten a picture. Guess we will have to go back again soon and see if he is there again.

I had to kind of persuade Janell to get in the mud pit,

but I think she enjoyed it. What do you think?

The day just flew by as we chatted by the pool, floated around in the water with our beloved Twilight and Breaking Dawn books in hand, got our exercise in with the water aerobics class, sat in the spa some, and then took quiet showers with no kids watching or knocking. I decided that the reason the spa is so relaxing is because there are NO CHILDREN! Sometimes we go out without kids, but there always seems to be someone's kids around no matter where you are. This is one place you will never see a child running around, so nice!

Thanks babe for watching these three while I took a "day off."



If you can't tell, the kids got to the camera again. These are the best of the shots they got. We had about 20 shots of the Tom and Jerry show they were watching on T.V.

One more thing....

Kirk surprised me with a yummy dinner at Outback Steakhouse- our favorite place for delicious prime rib- when I got home from the spa. We went all out and ordered some crab too as you can see in the picture. Thanks babe!

Hudson's first official haircut

FINALLY! I have been putting off getting Hudson's haircut for way too long. I was sad to see the curls falling to the floor, but happy to see my baby looking so cute and grown up.

I had to hold Hudson so tightly to get this cut done, but we made it without too many tears. I had Bruin run and get the camera and take a picture quickly before the curls were all gone. I have to say that he did a pretty good job!

Meanwhile the kids had fun taking some self portraits. Guess that's what happens when a mother takes her 3 children to a salon by herself.



Hudson's new handsome hairdo- doesn't he look so grown up!


Hudson is now 8 months old, and is growing up way too fast for my liking. He is cruising around on furniture now, and keeping me on my toes putting everything in his mouth. Wow, how time is flying by.