OneTreeForest

2012-01-31T15:06:00.000-08:00

The end of a fun day at Knott's

Hi boys! Cosette was riding Boomerang with her Aunts and Uncles...

Girl's Night Out - painting pottery

Knott's Merry Farm!

2012-01-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

A few more

2012-01-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Here we are! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Presents for 19 people...

What is there to say?

Aunt Annie and Cosette

Sarah's favorite Christmas present

Family

2012-01-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Always in a tight spot

Kitchen helper

Decorating mugs for Grandma's house

Aunt Nic, Mira, Cosette

Hand wreath made in preschool

Fun

2012-01-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

What did Santa bring?

Thanks Grandma Wood! We love the blankets.

Ethan's gifts

Cosette's gifts

Isaac's gifts

Christmas Eve

2012-01-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

Santa called and asked for a cheeseburger and chocolate milk instead of cookies

Setting the scene

Nativity puppets

Since last we saw you...

2012-01-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my sister informed me I'm behind in my blogging. Here's my attempt to make up for it.

Yes, lots of pictures of Sarah, but that is because she is at that stage where she gets into EVERYTHING! The other pictures are at the Idaho Museum in Idaho Falls.

Sarah! 7 months

2011-12-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

Punctuation Can Save Lives...

2011-12-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

Students cook and serve Grandparents.

Lets eat Grandpa.

and Ethan...

2011-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Treat

2011-12-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Wood spent Thanksgiving at our house this year. It was YUMMY!
Thanks to Grandma Poole for this adorable dress!
Scary Sarah
We went to Salt Lake to see the temple lights. Here are Cosette and Isaac in front of the Maori creche display.
Saturday after Thanksgiving was decoration day.

Sad but True

2011-11-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

It was a very sad day in our family the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Our furnace "Franklin" died! It had been with us from the first day we got to Idaho. It kept us warm on the coldest of days and kept us cool on the hottest of days. After a hard days work it still woke up to warm us at night. We were very DISTRAUGHT when we discovered the screaming we heard was from Franklin dying while still trying to heat our place. Robert had to pull the plug on its life support. The doctor who came told us that Franklin has been giving up the ghost for quite some time now leaking carbon monoxide into the house through pretty big cracks. Two other parts had given up and Franklin was pronounced dead at 9:10am Tuesday November 22, 2011. Funeral proceedings followed quickly the next day and that night we felt the chill of death as we shivered around small space heaters on yet another cold night. We did not know how much we would miss our dear Franklin until it was gone.

Following the funeral we met another, younger, more efficient, better looking furnace named Heat Cliff. It went to work right away tirelessly working to make us comfortable and happy. We are promised cost savings everyday but all this comes at a back breaking cost that we are unable to afford. Since warmth and Heat Cliff are so very important to us we have committed to tightening out belts a bit and going without some things for a while.

So when you get a chance, stop by and meet our new best friend Heat which works all over the house evenly. Our old friend would only work in parts of the house but it was good enough for us. Heat Cliff covers it all.

Just for fun

2011-11-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Up on all fours. A lot of rocking and rolling, but no crawling yet.

"I can't see you!"

This hen has laid a good egg.

Need I say more?

Isaac made this slime in his Kindergarten enrichment class he goes to. It's made with glue, water, and a "secret ingredient" which he can't remember, but it's Borax. He came home and played with his slime for about an hour. He has his new Hot Wheels cars on his head, on the slime. There's a Transformer band-aid on his face from the bump he got a couple of nights before. Only a band-aid would make it better.

Halloween is in the Air (part 2)

2011-11-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

She's crying because her bottle was taken away for the picture, but that's because this outfit was just too darn cute not to remember!
Trick or Treat! Ethan is a superhero, Isaac is Bumblebee Transformer, Sarah is a pea in a pod, Cosette is the Cat in the Hat (and don't tell her otherwise!), and Rob is a jack o' lantern.
Both of these pictures were posted because we couldn't decide on one. The boys are great in one shot and the girls are great in the other...well, Sarah is cute eating the counter anyway. Cosette wasn't too keen on the head photo. The kids helped paint the witch and Rob did the touch-up.
The Mad Hatter for work. Cosette had to stop by to pick up her costume for trick or treating on Main Street...

Birthday Madness

2011-11-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

Ethan invited a few friends over. The boys were on high volume the entire night! Fortunately it was just an hour.

The kids get balloons every year for the age they're turning.
Birthday waffles since we couldn't figure out how to put a candle in cereal, Ethan's favorite food.

Whoa!

2011-11-04T17:50:00.001-07:00

It's hard to see in these pictures because the light was fading, but this is how much snow we got in 2 hours...about 2 inches. And it was beautiful! Cosette made this snowman all by herself. Rolled the snow right up into a ball.
Here is Cozy taking a "Penguin slide" down the hill.
The rolling of the snow.
Birthday Boy! Ethan turned 4 yesterday. How could that be? The means we've been in Pocatello 4 years now. Ethan was 8 weeks old when we moved in (and there was snow on the ground then too).

Costumes?

2011-10-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Which do you thin the costume looks better on?

The Elephant in the front yard?
Or Reese our dog? I know the dog would say it is much better on the Elephant.

Brooklyn's Playground

2011-10-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Funny story...

Brooklyn's playground is an all inclusive playground for all children, especially those with disabilities. Over $500,000 was donated and over 450 volunteers a day built it in 1 week. Emma and Rob spent a day on the the project and it was super duper rewarding. We took the kids to the ribbon cutting event on Saturday morning. Disney Princesses were there, free BBQ, ice cream, and cookies for all who attended. During the ceremony Ethan wandered off to find his friend Mason. He quickly got lost and we were searching for him in the very large crowd. We found him in the arms of a woman who was looking for us. Ethan was crying when she picked him up and she asked his name. He looked at her and he finger spelled E T H A N. She immediately thought...oh NO he can't speak and he is DEAF! It was about that time that we found him. We have not stopped laughing about that. Silly boy!

Halloween is in the Air

2011-10-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Robert got a hammock stand for his over-sized hammock. He got to use it a few times before it turned cold.
Emma got all these shirts of a couple bucks...last year.

Weekend Warrior project - Oct 8

We still had bricks left over from the retaining wall we built in June. We've been waiting for the weather to cool down to fix the front beds. We still have a few bricks to cut, but in all, it's done. Whew.

Robert thought a two tone look would be unique. He was right, it is unique and we kinda like it.

Frankenstein!!

(After the picture, the mouth was moved lower so it looks better...)

Tony Grove - Logan Canyon

2011-10-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Off to the left of Isaac in the picture above is a man and his son fishing. They caught a fish while we were there. There were also people in a canoe. it was BEAUTIFUL.
It was a short hike around the lake, we could have gone on a much harder hike up the hill but chose to just sit by the lake and enjoy the sun.

Behind us is the lake and part of the trail. it is billed as a family hike, and it was.

This tree was from our hike on the Limber Pine Trail. The kids liked that it was crooked.

Bear Lake - Sept 29-Oct 2

2011-10-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sunrise on the lake

Ethan says: "Take a picture of me being wild!"

There was very little beach to play on because there was such a wet winter.

Had to show Sarah was there too

Sarah found her toes this weekend! She's 4 months old.

Funny Story

2011-10-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Robert was at work today and one of the students he works with said "Wow Robert you shaved! You look so young. You look like you could be in your 30's." He is 35 but he simply replied with a thank you.

Scenes from the Wedding

2011-10-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures fro the trip. Click on the picture to see them bigger. Isaac asked Emma to walk around the temple with him. This is the picture we took. Going to Kindergarten makes him nervous. Ethan has his aunts wrapped around his finger :-)

It's party time at the reception Ethan partied the hardest.

California Trip #2

2011-09-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Allison had fun meeting each other. Allison is Katie Jacquez's daughter. The girls are 7 weeks apart.

Our second trip to California in 3 weeks was for a good cause...my brother Alan got married! This picture is Sarah with Grandma and Grandpa Frost!

Flower girls

Middleman Reunion 2011 montage

2011-09-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

We're usually not big fans of collages, but given the event, thought it wouldn't be so bad. Click on the picture itself to see it bigger.

Middleman Reunion 2011

2011-09-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Some shots from the Middleman Reunion...

Night one Emma slept in the car with Sarah. The kids were supposed to sleep on the trampoline. Isaac decided he needed Mom, so he slept in the van too (although he slept on the trampoline alone Sunday night...go figure)
Cousins Cozy and Asypnn were inseparable all weekend.
Popi has it all under control...Sarah and Matthew are only 3 months apart, give or take.
Ethan was fearless. Only problem was when he forgot he didn't have his life jacket on and jumped with his cousins...
Silly Grandma...it was hot, almost 100 degrees. They were getting their hair wet until they got the okay to get in the pool by mom.

September 11th

2011-09-11T13:36:00.001-07:00

I had a moment today while the kids were resting to reflect on today - the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I remember the feelings I had that morning. Rob and I had only been married for 3 weeks. I was in definite shock. Going to school in Los Angeles and the potential of another attack on a highly populated location, I always had my eye to the sky when an airplane flew overhead. It lasted for about 6 months (although still today if an airplane is flying low and I don't know of an airport around, I get nervous).

I am grateful for the blessing I have of living in the United States. For all the turmoil, political, economic, and otherwise, I am thankful for my family and the opportunities we have here. I hope we maintain a healthy sense of gratitude for those who serve around us.

1st Day of School

2011-09-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here are our Kindergartener and Second Grader. The first day of school is always bitter sweet.

Isaac's first day of school was more of a meet and greet. Here he is by his apple. Last year the district moved from a half-day, every day Kindergarten to a full day two days a week and every other Monday. The jury is still out on how the schedule will work.

Cosette loves that she can take herself to school on her scooter. It's easy getting to school...coming home is the hard part.

What Rob Does...

2011-08-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

So, while Emma is at school Rob decides to can most of the peaches she decided to buy...

and he plays Dr. when his kids need help after a bee sting...

or two...
from a yard that is green because he enjoys watering the plants...

and the garden.
What will he do in the winter time when all the world is white?

Summer Fun

2011-08-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Isaac's tread-rash. He was on a treadmill with his friend who jumped the speed up to 5 mph.
Cosette's experiment. Two groups - one group of cookies were made right, the other group had about three times as much salt. We had to tell her which cookie we preferred. She charted her results. Ethan was the only one that liked the salty ones.

Cousins Challis and Sarah.

Goof ball Ethan

Coming home from Idaho Falls over the weekend, the kids had played hard. Cosette was on Ethan's lap because she didn't want Isaac to touch her. Silly girl.

California Fun...in Idaho

2011-08-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

Janelle, Natalie, and Emma grew up in California together. Through life events they have landed in Utah and Idaho. Last year they got together in August to visit and have the kids play together. Come this August, all three had babies within a few weeks of each other.

Hot dogs on the lawn. What a great dinner.

Sarah (May), Lincoln (April), and Heather (June)

Here's the whole crowd! 12 kids in all.

Grandma and Grandpa Wood came for the weekend as well...doesn't Grandpa look beautiful as a "Pretty, Pretty Princess"

Jensen's Grove

2011-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Went to play in the water in Blackfoot.We took a lunch, but Mom forgot the spoons for the pudding...this is what happened.
The kids enjoyed the dock and playing in the sand. Cosette made a car out of sand. Any guesses what Isaac is doing in the middle of the swimming hole all alone?

Fun times

2011-08-07T15:46:00.001-07:00

This might be the only time in Sarah's life that her brothers are excited to see her.

The boys found Emma's canning rings and magnet to pick up hot lids. It was good fun!

Mish-Mash

2011-08-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

We love summer sunsets here in Pocatello. Out in the west where the sun sets is the American Falls reservoir that makes a pretty reflection
A boy and his dog. We don't know how willing Reese is to be lugged around as she is, but she hasn't snapped at him yet.
Emma took the kids for a short hike last Friday. Rob had to work late.
Sisters - nothing like them in the world. :-)

Fun in the Sun

2011-08-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Last week Emma and the kids took a trip to Lava with some friends. The kids LOVED it! Cosette is a fish, as long as she has goggles on. All three enjoyed the water slides as well. They even went on the big ones in the back of this picture!

Here's our setup. Four adults and 10 kids. Pure craziness.

Raspberry Jam

2011-08-03T17:42:00.001-07:00

So Robert was home Thursday night while Emma was at band practice. He got a bug in his hat (bee in the bonnet) and decided to make raspberry jam. He picked all the raspberries on our tiny bush and made 2 half pint jars (which we ate) and then the following Wednesday, he and the rest of the family, picked raspberries again only to make 3 more half pint jars. Who knew our tiny bush could produce so much yumminess? He used the "lazy mans raspberry jam recipe."

Ode to Dad

2011-07-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Rob...here are somethings the kids said about you:

1. What is something dad always says to you?

Cosette: I love you

Isaac: No, Put your seatbelt on, Leave your seatbelt on!

Ethan: No

2. What makes dad happy?

Cosette: happy thoths (thoughts)

Isaac: If you tickle him

Ethan: When I do something right

3. What makes dad sad?

Cosette: sad thoths (thoughts)

Isaac: hit him

Ethan: something that he ate bad

4. How does your dad make you laugh?

Cosette: jokes

Isaac: tickle me back

Ethan: by something funny - like if he shows me something funny

5. What was your dad like as a child?

Cosette: a little boy

Isaac: me

Ethan: I don't know - I'm not going to tell you anymore

6. How old is your dad?

Cosette: 39

Isaac: 25

Ethan: 18?

7. How tall is your dad?

Cosette: 18 feet

Isaac: taller than me

Ethan: 12

8. What is his favorite thing to watch on TV?

Cosette: football

Isaac: I know what…Pet Force!

Ethan: football

9. What does your dad do when you're not around?

Cosette: Go outside

Isaac: Look for me

Ethan: Play with not me

10. If your dad becomes famous, what will it be for?

Cosette: the name

Isaac: Be happy…am I smart? (yes) Very smart?

Ethan:

11. What is your dad really good at?

Cosette: sleeping in

Isaac: training me, from big boy bike

Ethan: I got to think…the Fire Mario

12. What is your dad not very good at?

Cosette: to work on time

Isaac: running - I run faster than him

Ethan: Golfball - the Wii golfball

13. What does your dad do for his job?

Cosette: money

Isaac: The job chart over there (on the wall)

Ethan: at his work

17. What do you and your dad do together?

Cosette: go to Texas Roadhouse

Isaac:

Ethan:

20. How do you know your dad loves you?

Cosette: hugs and kisses

Isaac: peace in our heart that goes to anybody that we love

Ethan: play with me

21. What does your dad like most about your mom?

Cosette: helping mom

Isaac: be good

Ethan: loving you and giving hugs to you and kissing

Who's been playing with the camera?

2011-07-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Cozy's story about Sam, the library mouse (with illustrations)

If you ever want to know who was playing with the camera...

Just wait and he will reveal himself!

2 months already?!

2011-07-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's Reese! Rob tried about 10 times to get a picture and she never would look at the camera!

Isaac adores his sister. He'll plop down on the couch and yell, "I want to hold her!". He's even game to help change a diaper or two.

Cosette loves to write, write, write. Here she is writing a story about a library mouse named Sam. That story will be featured in the next post. Cozy is also very good with her baby sister. Sarah has moved into Cozy's room. When Sarah wakes up at 5:30am, Cozy is already up and putting a pacifier in Sarah's mouth before Mom and Dad can get in there.

My, oh my, how did this happen? Two months already?! Sarah is quite the sleeper. She's starting to sport a double-chin as well.

Camping

2011-07-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Friday morning we woke up to find Isaac laying on the couch like this. The night before he'd put his pajamas on over his clothes. When we woke him up this morning he says, "I was super fast and woke up before you. I was waiting for you!"
Ward Campout to Scout Mountain. Three families spent the night. So fun!
This is what happens when the boys find the camera...pictures of the ceiling, fingers, and other random things.

Sisters

4th of July

2011-07-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

The peonies are blooming
4th of July "miracle" rainbow. This pictures doesn't do justice to the intensity of the colors. It was awesome. The forecast was for a 93 degree day. We hit that about 2pm, but had two cloud bursts in the morning and a hailstorm about 6:30pm. If you don't like the weather in Idaho, wait 10 minutes.
Sparklers with the next door neighbors
Isaac loves his picture taken, except for when he doesn't...
Traditional root beer floats in the boot mugs. (Cold because of the drink)

Reunion Time

2011-07-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

So there is a fantastic story to go with these pictures. Great Grandma Vera Sewell passed away July 2, 2010. Her mother, Mary Ellen Newton had died when Gma was only 2 years old. For 90+ years we have had very little information on the Newton side of the family. In October Emma was perusing family history information online and came across an email address for Christa Bushmann. She seemed to know quite a bit about Wignalls, which was a surname that had surfaced. Through correspondence it was determined that we were all related. The Wignalls were relation to our Newtons. This was proved mainly through family letters Christa had and names Gma had recorded in her personal history. As further proof Uncle Vernon had found a bible that contained Wignall names, the same names Christa had. The bible is shown below.

This house that the family reunion was held at was built in 1856 by William Wignall, brother to Betty Wignall, mother of Jane Newton (grandmother to Vera Sewell).
Miracles come in many shapes and sizes.

Smiles

2011-07-01T20:57:00.001-07:00

6 weeks old

Aunt Nic

2011-06-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Aunt Nic came to visit last week with her fiance Ryan, but some people call him John, so we just might call him J.R. This is the weenie roast in Scout Mountain Tuesday night. The weather was spetacular the whole time they were here.

Isaac is a "do it myself" man. Before anyone blinked he'd eaten 3 hot dogs.

Lazy hours were spent at the park just enjoying the tranquility Pocatello has to offer. Aunt Nic is a keeper in our house.

Sisters, Nicole and Emma. :-)

Circus

2011-06-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

We jumped the gun a little on the circus...a better one is in town this week...but the kids enjoyed themselves anyway. Isaac and Ethan didn't want me to take pictures of them as we were waiting for the show to start. Once the parade of animals and performers began, you can see the smile on Isaac's face! Cosette was into it the whole time.

June

2011-06-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sarah has been a fun addition to the family. We all love her.

Here's another look at our backyard from the top of the hill...

Tooth Fairy forgot and had to make a dash while Cozy was getting ready for church last week...

Priceless

2011-06-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the family and friends that have been around to help us in these first few weeks of transition. Here are some of the latest pictures. Sarah is now 3 weeks old. How did that happen?

Rob and friends built this wall up last weekend so we could flatten out our yard.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T21:42:00.001-07:00

Every year since the wars began in Iraq and Afghanistan, Pocatello has put together the Field of Heroes. This year there were over 6,000 crosses representing the lives sacrificed to protect our freedoms. Thank you to those that serve our country.
Cosette spent the weekend with her cousins. Today they went fishing in Island Park. Here's what the angler hooked and brought home! She's sure proud of it. She says she'll eat some with her dad Tuesday night. We'll see...

Since we've been home...

2011-05-29T15:09:00.001-07:00

The kids wanted a snack last Sunday (May 22). Emma told Cosette she could put the peanut butter in the celery. Notice she has the bowls with 4 celery stalks each in them. What a great helper.
Tuesday, May 24th was a big day for everyone. Gma and Gpa Sewell had driven down from Northern Idaho on Monday and stayed the night. The picked up the boys and took them to California for two weeks. Isaac has been waiting for this trip for months. He knew he was going to Gma and Papi's house after his birthday...at the last minute Ethan was invited so Isaac would have someone to play with. At first Isaac was a little disappointed he wouldn't be going alone, but he'll probably appreciate it once they're in CA. Ethan asks Emma every other day when the family was going to CA so he could swim in Gma and Papi's pool. Now he's having his chance.

The house was instantly quiet and sad as the boys left. The only spark was the display of tulips in the front yard. We do have the best tulips on the block...it's the only thing we can grow apparently.
Isaac -- this picture is for you. Sarah's umbilical cord fell off during her bath. We saved the stump so you can see it when you get home...

Coming home

2011-05-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sarah came home at 2:30pm on May 19th. she was nearly 24 hours old. The kids adore her. Reese is a little more skeptical. Isaac is enthralled with her umbilical cord/belly button. Ethan, when he walked into the hospital room, went straight up to Emma and asked, "Where is your big belly?" Cosette is a much more quiet observer, but she's aware when Sarah needs help.

Induction Day - May 18th

2011-05-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

What to say? Not much. We are so happy that Sarah is finally here with us! She was a trooper. Once they broke her water at 11:40am, she knew it was go time. Sarah was born at 3:42pm. For those that have had experience with inductions, the doctor was astounded it only took 4 hours. He was ready to take a nap and stay for the long haul.

We were the first VBAC in the new hospital. Yeah us. :-)

8 lbs. 7 oz. and 22 inches long

Sarah came back with this adorable bow glued to her head after her bath in the nursery. When it fell off, Rob put the bow in his wallet.

Who does she look like? Good question. She has darker skin and brown hair (Rob). She also has a fold in her ear just like her daddy. But, seems she has mommy's nose...

A May Birthday

2011-05-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Isaac's 5th birthday was Tuesday, May 17th. He was quite excited for his "Monster Truck" party with Spiderman cupcakes. His two buddies Owen and Joseph (and Joseph's brother Preston) came over for presents and cake. Birthday dinner was none other than Mac & Cheese. It was a small party, but Isaac loved it all the same. (Blue dye has got to be worse than red dye...)

Ode to the Tooth

2011-05-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Cozy's first mistake was showing her dad how wiggly her tooth was. It was just a matter of seconds before it was out.

Bruises and Bumps

2011-05-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ethan dropped a good sized rock on his toe May 2. This is the bruise it developed into by May 4. We figure he probably broke the toe, but there's nothing that can be done for it.

Here's the baby bump at 37 weeks. I know some have been anxious to see how Mom and baby are doing...

Easter Eggs

2011-05-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the Easter Eggs we promised you! :-)

All Things Birthday

2011-05-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

After great debate, Cosette had a party this year. Four friends made it (it was Easter weekend after all).
The novelty of the LiteBrite Cube and Cozy's hide-a-way could have entertained the girls the entire time!
Hot Dogs and Cheetos for lunch!
This is the look you get when all the candles are lit and a breeze blows them out before the birthday girl does...We symbolically lit another candle so she could make her wish.
After the guests left the party really started - scooters for everyone! Happy Easter!

Snow

2011-04-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

There's snow today. It's been falling since this morning. There's something wrong with this Spring picture.

Cosette is 7!

2011-04-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Cozy had been asking for a helmet for a while now. Guess she got tired of the black/red one she'd had. This helmet will look nice with the razor scooter she's getting this weekend.
Thanks to Gma and Papi for the Lite Brite cube! She can work on it on her table in her room with a friend on the other side.
Cozy turned 7 Monday. She was thrilled to have a friend that spent the night Sunday. For breakfast she'd requested Danishes we'd tasted at Costco. Birthday dinner was Mac and Cheese that she insisted she cook herself.

Where has the time gone?!

Finished Product

2011-04-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

It's taken a couple of weeks, but it's finally done! This is how the bed looks put together. You can see the brace on the back wall that the table slides onto.

Cosette's table has been painted with chalkboard paint so she can entertain herself that way. The cushions are covered with a very detailed paisley type fabric. We hope she's as excited with the finished product as we are. Thanks to good friend Jodie for helping Emma sew the cushion covers (or curtain covers if you're asking Isaac.)

Ethan loves his letters and "homework" books. Here he is thumbing through an activity book in his room.

Spider-man

2011-04-14T07:09:00.001-07:00

We found these jammies at DI for a couple of dollars. I can't think of a boy who's more excited than this one, especially when he discovered the spider wings! He flies through the house doing chores with these wings.

Building Adventures

2011-04-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Lowe's has a bi-weekly "Build and Grow" program for kids. This was their first project, a fortune teller. Inside the hole is a dice that says things like "yes", "no", or "maybe". Think Magic 8 Ball...The kids loved it! They have their own goggles and apron now to help on construction projects.

During Spring Break Emma and Cosette started work on a cardboard doll house. This is what we came up with. Cosette has had fun with it, especially now she has a special place to play.

This is the latest in Wood construction endeavors. We'd seen this concept in a picture, but the bed would have been $600. Instead, we found the bunk bed on Craig's List and made our own table/chairs for under the bed. The table comes down and will lay flat in the open section. The cushions (which is the last thing to do) will slide down into the twin bed mattress.

"Rob never ceases to amaze Emma in his ability to look beyond a simple purchase. He is a master craftsman (in his own mind)"

Happy Leafy Day

2011-03-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Pocatello had a great opportunity to host Temple Grandin. She's a champion of autism as she has autism herself. HBO created a 7 Emmy award winning movie last year called "Temple Grandin". Rob was the interpreter at the event that overflowed into 3 other auditoriums.
Cosette watched the movie twice. When we told her there would be a babysitter because we were going to meet Temple Grandin, she told us she wanted to meet the "real" Temple Grandin because she did watch the movie two times. How can you say no to that logic?

There was a Q&A session. Cozy asked Temple why she "Only liked yogurt" - it's in the movie. She did it all by herself. Wouldn't let Emma help or even walk to where the mic was at all.
Here we are eating cereal with green milk on St. Patrick's Day. The kids were up at about 6:30am following the trail of Gummy Bearies (jelly beans). Isaac couldn't figure out they were jelly beans no matter how many times Cozy told him.
Isaac made this hat at preschool. He was always waiting for "Leafy Day" because that's what is on the calendar at school (a shamrock). We love his interpretation of the world.
Not only did the Leprechauns turn the milk green, they left these headbands and small pots of chocolate coins for each of the kids.

If you ask Ethan what he knows about Leprechauns, he'll tell you they're "tricky" as he wiggles his fingers in front of his body. The time of make believe and wonder is fantastic!

The request has been made for baby pictures. Isaac took this picture of Emma at 30 weeks. Only 10 more to go!

Isaac

2011-03-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here's our dear sweet Isaac. He's growing up so fast it's unbelievable. All of a sudden he's not a "little" boy anymore. We have found his favorite food - orange jello salad made with cool whip and cottage cheese. The bowl you see here is at least his 4th helping of the same size.

The other day we asked the kids what they wanted on their pizza. Isaac requested "cheese and peppermint"...then he said, "what are the red circles called?" Rob and Emma had a good chuckle over that one.

Crafting

2011-02-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while Emma gets crafty...and finishes a project. This one is even hung up on the wall!!

Welcome Home Reese

2011-02-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Reese joined our family last week. Emma wasn't sure she wanted to take on another "kid", especially with one on the way. Reese is an adult dog that is basically potty trained, so it has been tons easier than trying to handle an 8-week old puppy.

The kids love Reese. Isaac always wants her to sit on his lap. He'll just say, "I love Reese" out of the blue. If he's pressed for a reason, it's because she is furry.
Cosette has taken to strange sleeping arrangements. Here she is sacked out on her Princess table...for a while she was sleeping in the far back corner of her room under the map...and now she pushed her trundle out about 2 feet and sleeps under the bed in the recess it leaves.

National Girls and Womens Day in Sports

2011-02-19T17:58:00.001-08:00

For the last 12-13 years ISU has hosted this day of sports for girls aged 5-12. They get a chance to try sports they might not otherwise participate in. This year Cosette did Rock Climbing, Fencing, and Golf.
Way to go Cosette! You're up there pretty high! Fencing - learning to lunge, advance, and retreat. They are 45 minute sessions.

The poor boys sat with Emma the whole time wishing they could play...but they behaved themselves well.

Friday Date Night at the Wood's

2011-02-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

S'mores

2011-02-01T11:44:00.001-08:00

Isaac loves the snow, especially eating it. Here he is giving his dinosaur a bath.
FHE last night found us eating s'mores for treats. Cosette had asked for them a couple days ago. We had initially thought of pulling out the fire pit and having a go outside, but Cozy spiked a fever yesterday. The kids really didn't care. Yummy!

Snow Delay...again

2011-01-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

Ethan drew this picture for us a couple weeks ago. See if you can find the bee, grass, airplane, and sunshine. Emma drew the flower.

We're having our second snow delay for school - 2 hours - in as many weeks. It's not that there is a ton of snow on the ground, but enough the plows can't keep up. The cool thing about snow at night with a full moon is it never really gets dark. You could walk around at 1am and still see everything like twilight.

2010 book

2011-01-15T18:32:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Christmas

2011-01-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

The kids were bent on making gingerbread men with grandma. Afterward Isaac says, "I know how to cook. I made gingerbread with Grandma." In this picture, everyone is preparing a special treat that Gma used to share with her Grandmother...cinnamon sugared pie crust. Yum.

Isaac wasn't much for pictures this Christmas. Cozy and Ethan are showing off Santa's cookies and chocolate milk. Santa sent Cozy a voice message that especially requested chocolate milk this year. We also gave an apple to the reindeer.
This is Rob's new favorite hat - it's an Aussie hat!
Aunt Sara and Aunt Nicole made the kids superhero capes and Cozy a crown and bracelets. Ethan ran around shouting "I am super Ethan!"
To break up Christmas day, we took a walk up Red Hill to show off the Pocatello Valley to Gma and Gpa. It was a nice excursion. Isaac had to bring his new monster truck. All the kids received a water bottle holder and Isaac's showing his off here.
New Year's Eve was low key for the Wood family. Cozy went to Salt Lake with her cousins while Rob, Emma, and the boys stayed in watching movies and a friend's baby so they could head to the theater.

First Portrait

2010-12-28T14:10:00.001-08:00

Here is the first portrait of our little girl. Those are feet waving around in front of her face. Of the four kids, this is the first time we found out what we're having. It's pretty cool. :-)

A December to Remember

2010-12-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

Cosette lost her first tooth at 9pm, Nov 27th. She pulled it out on her own as we drove home from Arizona. The Toothfairy managed to find Cozy in the hotel.

These birds are raising money for the Hungry Birds of America. They collected donations and today was the day for the Polar Bear Plunge.

So fuzzy! How "ignoying" (if you asked Cozy). The kids really enjoyed trimming the tree this year.

Here they are in their Sunday best. And...they match! How fun!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

Isaac had a Thanksgiving Feast for preschool. He really enjoyed making his apple turkey and noodle necklace. The snow started falling Monday (Nov 22)

The snow really came down Tuesday (Nov 23). We got about 6 inches, the worst blizzard in 30 years they said. Cosette had her first snow day. ISU even closed down the snow was so bad (that NEVER happens). The day was spent sledding on the hills of the golf course.

Wednesday morning we left for Arizona. Thankfully the roads were clear all the way down.
Thanksgiving Day we met Mom, Dad, Alan, and Nicole at Montezuma's Castle in Arizona. We were able to view these cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. The ruins are about 700 years old. It was an awesome experience.
As is done in the Frost Family, Thanksgiving dinner is at a park on Friday. Ethan refused to take off his coat even though it was 60 degrees outside.
Here's everyone together. It doesn't happen very often since the family is split between Idaho and California now.

As We Speak

2010-11-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

This is what my family is doing right now, as I type. We've gotten about 3 inches of snow since 8am this morning (it's now 3pm).

Just thought I'd post this picture too...poor bunny on a swing...

Autumn Leaves

2010-11-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

I know that we've already had our first snowfall of the year and there's more to come, but I couldn't pass up the fun the boys had in the maple leaves! This is why we love being a kid.

Birthday Bash

2010-11-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

(double click on the picture to get the whole thing)

Ethan is 3!! Hard to believe. Cosette gave Ethan a card (the pink paper) and bed-making coupons for a gift. Isaac gave Ethan a couple of his Hot Wheels cars. It was sweet to see the kids treat Ethan so well.

When Cosette turned 3, we decided to start a tradition - a balloon boquet with as many balloons as you are old. Here's Ethan's collection.

Birthday breakfast was a cupcake (zucchini bread muffin covered in frosting). Here's Ethan blowing out the candles.

Aunt Nic sent a penguin pillow pet for Ethan. When he opened the box, he exclaims, "A pillow pet! A penguino!" That is not a typo, he called it a penguin in Spanish. I guess Go, Diego. Go! I having an effect on his language development!

Halloween is here!

2010-10-30T18:47:00.001-07:00

Our ward had a trunk 'r treat tonight. The kids went through the cars about 4 times!! We have so much candy it's crazy!

After the trunk 'r treat we had dinner at our friend's home - Clayson's. Here's a photo of the family! We decided we ALL needed costumes this year...Cosette was a ballerina, Isaac, of course, was Spider-Man, Ethan was a bat. Halloween just isn't the same as 15-20 years ago. Then, people would really decorate their homes and sit out in their garages with candy for the kids. Now, you have to walk past 8 dark houses before you find one lit up and willing to give candy to the kids. (Which is what we did.)

October

2010-10-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

The month of October has come and nearly gone. Here are the boys fishing for grasshoppers in the living room.

We had a treat for Conference weekend, Grandma and Grandpa Poole came to visit from Texas. Uncle Alan drove up the same weekend from California to visit as well!!
The kids didn't want to just make cut outs of their pumpkins, they wanted a full decorating experience. Here is just the start of that adventure. Every square inch of Isaac's ended up with paint on it. Silly boys.
How can you have a beautiful fall day without caramel apples? We did a homemade variety for Sunday dinner. We all had tummy aches later!

Isaac

2010-09-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Isaac nearly scored a goal here. Notice his smile and wave at the camera. He did score later in the game.

A month ago, Isaac stuck a Q-tip in his ear and ruptured his ear drum. He has a hole 50% of the size of the ear drum. He goes in Friday so they can put a skin graft over the hole to stimulate regrowth. It is outpatient surgery but he will go under a general anesthetic (since he won't sit still).

Random

2010-09-20T20:36:00.001-07:00

At ISU they were having "Welcome Back to School" activities. Because Rob works in Student Services, they set up wheelchair races in the quad to create some interest. Rob was undefeated in all his races...until Emma came along! The kids had a fun time.
It's a lot harder getting a wheelchair up the ramp than you would think.
Isaac getting ready to kick the ball off.
Cosette playing "Sweeper" and dancing to her own music.

Soccer

2010-09-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is in here because we decided to go camping for Labor Day. Since we chose our campground so late, we got the leftover spot. I don't think we did too badly, although the wind was atrocious!! The kids enjoyed themselves.

Isaac SCORES

2010-09-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

Today was a real test of patience for Isaac and Cosette as it was the first day they got to play soccer on a team in a real game. Neither could wait for game time and it just about drive us bonkers.

They play at the same sets of fields and at the same time so we had to split time between them switching half way through. While Rob was cheering for Isaac he got a break away goal. Isaac was by far the toughest kid on the field and the fastest so he wound up his leg and kicked the ball as hard as he could, passed all the other kids racing for the ball and finished it off with a strong kick into the net... WAY TO GO ISAAC. He gave high fives to the coach and looked over at Rob who was beaming ear to ear and gave a enthusiastic thumbs up. He did a similar kick later on that landed right in front of the goal and his teammate tapped it in for another score.

Cosette also had lots of fun as she got in lots of kicks, got to do a throw in, a corner kick, and play goalie. The rest of the day was filled with chatter about this or that from soccer. Oh and of course "I scored a point" a few hundred times.

We are so excited the kids enjoy everything they do.

First Week of School

2010-09-02T07:22:00.001-07:00

Ethan started preschool this year. He has a late birthday and will actually have three years of preschool. He's so excited!!

Here is breakfast on Cosette's first day of school. She starts at 7:55am so it means an early morning for everyone. She was awake at 6am wanting to get ready for school. How long will this last?

Red Hill

2010-08-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

The kids love talking about Red Hill. It's in the middle of the ISU campus and Isaac is convinced it's his hill because there is a big "I" on it. Emma took the kids up to the top of the hill in August. They loved hiking.
Here is a view from the top of the hill looking northeast. You can see where the 15 fwy is. Our house is just over the crest.
These pillars are a good conversation starter...they are at the top of the hill and have been there for centuries and centuries...*wink*
Don't know how the smallest guy ended up with all the gear, but he did.
Isaac found something interesting, so interesting it almost blew the other kids away!

Ethan On a Hill

2010-08-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Ethan loved to ride down the hill at the park. his little legs would go as fast as they humanly can and then he hits the hill and he lifts up his feet just like we all did when we were young.

Isaac On Two Wheels

2010-08-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

This was shot from a cell phone so it may be small. This is Issac riding without training wheels.

Our Garden

2010-08-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

We are a little shocked at the size of our garden. We have never had corn this tall or zuccini this productive (as if we wanted more zuccini). Our three nearly dead tomato plants have chosen to live and provide beautiful red love to others.In the very front (above) are the tomato plants, to the left is the zucchini plant, throughout the whole thing is either a pumpkin or a melon of some sort (we don't remember) it has covered the ground between all the other plants including the corn stalks. On the other side is potato plants that grew so big they collapsed on themselves, and lettuce is far too much and far too big. We wont be planting lettuce again because we just don't eat it.

So much for a little garden... to be continued.

Rock Climbing

2010-07-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Farm Bureau had a picnic for all its members Tuesday, June 29. The kids enjoyed the rock wall and Rob won a large frisbee in the raffle!

Manti pageant

2010-07-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

The culminating event of the trip to California was watching the Manti Pageant. Annalee and Leeann drove over from Hinckley to watch with us. It didn't start until 9:30pm when it was dark. Isaac fell asleep 5 minutes before the show began and woke up with 10 minutes left having to use the restroom. Cosette fell asleep 15 minutes before the end (at about 11pm).

Katie and Paige Jacquez made the trip back to Pocatello with Emma. After the pageant they all drove to Provo to stay in a hotel. They got in at 1:30am. Fortunately the kids slept until after 8am.

In all the trip was a blast! Tons of friends were seen...Rauch's, Martin's, Hoskin's, Frank/Chaffin's and everyone made it back home safely.

Camping (part II)

2010-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Isaac made himself available for a few more pictures than the other two kids.

Flag ceremony - Mom and Larry burning the flag that used to fly at the house. They separated each of the stripes from the others and the field of blue was burned last. (June 14th was Flag Day)

Bryce Canyon (part II)

2010-07-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Cosette was sworn in as a Junior Ranger and received a badge to wear. She is very excited. Ethan found pine cones to be tasty while Paige was setting a speed record for swimming in the dirt.

Remembrance

2010-07-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today is a bitter-sweet day. Vera Gudgeon Sewell passed away peacefully today at the age of 93. She is Emma's Great Grandmother (and the kids' Great-Great Grandmother). She is "grandma with the red hair" - her legacy lives on with Cosette. We love you Grandma and miss you already.

Bryce Canyon (part I)

2010-07-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sunset Point

Cosette is collecting trash to earn her Junior Ranger badge while the boys are hugging the tree...it was a blustery day. Guess they didn't want to blow away.

Sunset Point

Pine Lake, Utah

2010-06-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

Isaac, Ethan, Cosette, and Ryan Jacquez enjoyed playing Cariboo, a treasure hunt board game for kids.
It was a lot of work chasing after 7 kids, but it was a blast watching them play with their cousins and friends. The biggest problem was bedtime...how do you turn out the light in the tent? Sun doesn't go down until 10pm :-(
Tossing rocks in the lake.

June 14-16th camping at Pine Lake, Utah. There were seven kids and six adults. Cosette was the oldest at 6 years. The campground was perfect. There was a meadow next to us for the kids to play in and the bathrooms were across the road. The kids must have used that thing 4 times a day, each!

California Lovin'

2010-06-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

June 5 - Ian and Sara were sealed for time and all eternity in the Redlands Temple. We were happy to be there.

Emma and Nicole took the kids to Legoland. It's perfect for kids 3ft tall and under 10 years old.

Yellowstone

2010-06-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

The adventures began over two weeks ago when Robert and Emma took a trip to West Yellowstone on an Interpreting assignment. The bison were out in full force.

More from Down Under

2010-05-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken inside the Queen Victoria Building. It's a shopping mall that's a city block long.
My encounter with the koalas was very exciting.
Sarah and me at my birthday dinner. We went to the Hurricane. Reservations were at 8p. It was a good thing we had them, there was an hour and a half wait. Thanks Sarah and Phil. You're amazing!!

Oz

2010-05-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Rob said I needed to post something since it's been two weeks. Here it is!!

Sydney Harbor Bridge (which I climbed)

I spent 10 days in Australia with my great friend/pen pal Sarah. She and I have written letters back and forth for about 15 years. She's visited me twice, it was my turn to return the favor. We had a GREAT time!

May 6, 2010

2010-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love unpredictable events? I mean who would have thought that May 6, 2010 would bring us INCHES of snow?