It's a Wonderful Life

Tyson's Indiana Jones Adventure

2009-02-25T09:13:00.003-07:00

For Tyson's 7th Birthday he decided he wanted a snake cake. His birthday party theme was planned around the cake. Thanks to Kierra's help we had a really cool map, snake pit (with sound effects), sand pit, and a mummy. It was fun putting it all together. The boys used the clues and eventually found the lost treasure. Tyson's day was capped of with the movie Coraline(very creepy) and dinner with the cousins. He loved every minute of it!

A Valentine

2009-02-25T09:03:00.004-07:00

Madison was so excited to do Valentine's this year. Of course she picked out the Princess ones. She was able to sign her own name. It is hard to believe that she is still 3 yrs old. She loves to do her "homework" everyday and read with me. After we send the kids off to school it is just the two of us. She is my little sidekick and tells me several times a day "you're the best mom ever!"

Rebel Child

2009-01-21T21:56:00.004-07:00

Our "perfect" child is slipping. Twice in the last week Kierra has overslept. She has also gotten in trouble for being disruptive in class. She bought a pen that delivers a shock when you push the button. Somehow she got everyone in the class to try it. I "talked" to her about this inappropriate behavior. She said her grades were still high. I think her lowest is a 96%.
I am relieved that she is having some fun. Her mischievious side is coming out!! Watchout.

Breakfast with Santa at Hogle Zoo

2009-01-15T13:37:00.003-07:00

We made a trip to Salt Lake and enjoyed a night in a Hotel. The kids were in heaven. A pool, hot tub, and games. The next morning we took off for the North Pole( the Hogle Zoo) where we were greeted by Mrs Claus. We enjoyed breakfast, while zoo employees brought in an armadillo, snake, chinchilla, parrot, etc.. Santa was magical. The kids also enjoyed doing a craft. After breakfast we all enjoyed walking through the zoo. It was so quiet. I've never enjoyed the zoo so much.

2008-11-23T06:57:00.003-07:00

I have decided that Tyson's 1st grade teacher is my Fairy Godmother. She transformed Tyson back into the the happy, content, huggable little boy he once was as a toddler! He now enjoys playing with his little sister and is nice to her. For my birthday last week Tyson made me three amazing birthday cards, and a birthday crown. I will not kid you. Tyson is not perfect. He is still mischievious!

The Williams are excited for Thanksgiving break. We are excited for turkey, cousins, and the upcoming Christmas activities. Tyson is especially excited for his 1st grade Christmas program. Kierra just became involved with the BYU Science power program. She is really enjoying that so far. She gets to go to BYU campus and attend a Science lecture every month.

Fall Fun

2008-10-22T09:26:00.003-06:00

Last weekend was our fall break. We really enjoyed our home "staycation". A trip to cornbelly's where Tyson enjoyed climbing the haystack. It brought back my memories of playing at aunt Lennie's farm in Oregon. We took a little trip into the corn maze and Madi and Tyson buried themselves in the cornbox. We also took a trip up the Canyon to see the beautiful fall colors. The children brought home a few leaves and rocks. I love Fall!!!

Where is the magic?

2008-10-22T09:22:00.003-06:00

Tyson recently lost a tooth. He put in under his pillow and when he woke up he was dismayed. I tried to blame it on the tooth fairy, but he would have none of that. Tyson said I was the tooth fairy and basically he was cheated. A little later that day Madi asked, "Is Santa real or not?"
As a parent, I feel like all of the fun has been taken away!

2008-09-12T13:42:00.002-06:00

I love fall! I wish it could remain so for a few more months. The cool, crisp air in the morning is so refreshing. It is amazing to see all of the fall foliage and the canyon is beautiful this time of year.
We are starting to finally fall into the school routine. I love having Tyson, Garrett, and Kierra all at the same school and on the same schedule. I am so excited to have the freedom to be able to send my children to a charter school. I feel like their education has been so greatly enhanced compared to the mediocrity we saw in the neighborhood school. We spend a lot of time doing homework, but it is worth it.
Madi is enjoying preschool immensely. She is the only girl in her class, but that doesn't phase her.
Fall also brings football. GO BYU COUGARS! Garrett throughly enjoyed attending his first BYU football game with Gary.

The "Unboss"

2008-09-12T13:38:00.004-06:00

The other day Gary was trying to explain to Tyson why I am the boss of the house. Tyson's reply was that I am not a Williams, I am a Kephart and therefore, the "unboss"! Clever little boy, it was, in fact, a bit amusing. It's a good thing he is only 6 yrs old because he has a lot to learn.

Trip to Washington

2008-08-27T14:43:00.004-06:00

We just returned from a visit to Washington. We were fortunate to experience typical Washington weather and enjoyed a couple of beautiful days as well.
We visited the science center, Grandma and Grandpa's house( Garrett was a little concerned about going there because of the recent coyote sightings) , Deception Pass, and the Point Defiance Zoo. Whenever our vacation includes a hotel with a pool the kids are in heaven.
Everyone loved the beach. We took a boat ride and were able to see harbor seals and porpoises. On our little hike the kids enjoyed seeing wildlife. I loved the rain and the cooler temperatures, but i know after living in Utah for so many years it wouldn't be long before I missed the sun. Garrett said he would not like to live there because he is not a rain person. I couldn't have asked for better travelers. It was a perfect ending to our great summer!

Life with Tyson

2008-07-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

Here is a tiny insight into life with our 3rd child. He is our "Dennis the Menace". Tyson is a fun loving kid, never a dull moment. When he was 3 we were in Washington State watching the Blue Angels take off from the Boeing museum of Flight. There was quite a crowd that day. After the take off we went inside to get in line and buy tickets to tour the museum. While my mother and I were figuring out details, Tyson was in line with the rest of the fam and spotted the fire alarm (it was right at his eye level and too difficult to resist). He pulled it and the entire museum had to be evacuated, even after I went up to the front desk and admitted it was my child and not really a fire! We didn't even get to take a tour!
Last Christmas at our annual neighborhood bonfire, everyone was visiting and the children were roasting marshmallows and having a great time playing in the snow. Tyson's marshmallow catches on fire and so he is waving it around trying to put the fire out. The flaming marshmallow lands on our neighbor's pants, fortunately our good friend Brian was wearing ski gloves and put it out quickly( all the while he is laughing because it is not his child). Later that night Gary and I were trying to discuss the severity of the situation with Tyson. Didn't he know someone could've been hurt ? He just smiled and we asked him what was funny- Tyson said, "because an adult laughed."
From time to time I will try an add our best Tyson stories. Stay tuned!

Summer

2008-07-17T14:27:00.000-06:00

Summer is in full swing! We spent a few days relaxing in Park City(I'm ready to get away again). Kierra and I spent a week at camp-(where it snowed!), we entertained our good friends from Arizona, and immediately after that hosted a Kephart Family reunion over the 4th of July. Garrett has been busy with swim team and tennis. Kierra has been taking art lessons and tennis lessons. Tyson has been busy tormenting his siblings, and Madi is always ready for another playdate.