Childlike thanks

Mom came home early this morning from her week long trip to Hawaii for the Temple re-dedication and dad's one year passing. We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family. Eric made the turkey with apples and pears, and the cherry and apple pies. I did the mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and banana cream pie. Dahyun made the sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. We also had cranberries, rolls and olives. Before eating mom passed out candy corn, since we didn't have any kernels, and we shared three things that we were thankful. Before my turn came Matthew reached over and swiped one of my candy corns! When William's turn came this is what he said without any prompting from us.
"I'm thankful for my cool toys. I'm thankful that my mommy and daddy are always right. I'm thankful for the food for dinner."
We are grateful for another year together. For our healthy boys. For Eric's job. For the gospel that unites us. For our friends and family near and far. For the love that we all share.

Hill Aerospace Museum

We took a trip north to visit the Hill Aerospace Museum in Roy, Utah. I hoped to make the trip before it snowed. On one of the last Saturdays Eric had off of work we made the trip north. Once we got up there it was really windy. As we drove up to the actual museum we passed some huge airplanes. Eric and I looked at the as best we could from a slow moving van. We knew with the wind howling like it was we weren't going to be able to drag the boys outside to see them. Once we got inside there was also lots to see. Two hangers worth filled with airplanes. There were old planes like the Wright Flyer from 1903 and planes from WWII. And newer planes like the SR-71 aka Blackbird and the Jolly Green Giant aka MH-53M that took two pictures to capture.

William was actually a bit scared of all the planes. He said they were too big and he was worried that one might drop a bomb on him. Yeah his imagination was acting up. Matthew seemed to enjoy it too. Eric and I were impressed how big these planes were. When you see them in movies they look smaller but when you stand next to them YOU feel small. It wasn't interactive or hands-on so we had to keep walking to keep the boys interested. We did enjoy seeing all the variety of planes and gear. And the added bonus was that it was free. We just wish that it wasn't so windy so we could see the really big planes outside.
At the gift store, I got my keychain and the boys each selected their own toy plane. William got a green Spitfire and Matthew got a F-35 Lighting. It was a good trip.

One Year

Lots has happened since last November 20th. A birth, graduation, moves, birthdays, holidays. And with each celebration I still wish he was here to be a part of it. We know he's watching over us and I try each day to make him proud. But we still miss his earthly presence.
We love and miss you Dad.

William's first talk

"Service is when you do something for someone else. I can serve my brother Samuel, by helping Mommy get baby stuff. I can serve my brother Matthew by sharing my toys. I can serve my Mommy and Daddy by listening, and doing what they say.
We should serve others everyday.
Jesus showed us how to serve by feeding the people and healing the sick. Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to serve them by serving others.I want to make Jesus and Heavenly Father happy so I will serve others.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

On Sunday William gave his first talk in Primary. He was asked the week before to prepare a short talk on the theme "when we serve others, we serve God." When he was asked and given the reminder paper William was SO excited! When we picked him up from Primary he told us "I get to give the lesson next Sunday!" Eric and I joked that they probably gave him a talk since he never stops talking!
The next day I talked with William about his topic and what service was. We talked about the different ways to serve. I started asking him the "W" questions: What is service to you? What ways do you serve? Who do you serve? When do you serve? Why do you serve? After writing down his answers we pretty much had his talk. He came up with the first half by himself and I added the rest.
On his big day we were there to support him, even Nai Nai. He stood up when it was his turn, waved me forward to come with him and walked up to the podium and started talking. He recited the first half from memory and didn't need any help until the second half. He was loud and clear. We were SO proud of him! I remember the leader saying that the Primary had to be quiet since these Sunbeams would be talking and they were small so the rest of the group needed to listen to them. Well I don't think anyone had a problem hearing William. We practiced everyday during the week, sometimes twice a day. He was well prepared and it paid off. Everyone complimented him on his talk and were amazed at how well he did. Next time I think he'll be ready to give a lesson!
Great job William!

(I made William stay after Primary so I could stage these pictures to capture the occasion.)

Halloween 2010

Samuel was born in the year of the Tiger and mom saved this new Tigger costume and just fits him.

Matthew was SO adorable in this fireman outfit. He looked the part.

William picked out this costume and loved it. When people asked if he was a leaf eating or meat eating dinosaur he replied, "I'm a nice dinosaur."


The whole gang

Eric was a lumber jack and I managed to fit back into my chinese dress one last time.
(I got it from a friend when I was at Ricks College and she wanted to pass it down to her daughter for her birthday.)


The boys with their loot from trunk or treat.

On Saturday we bundled William and Matthew up, pulled the costumes on and set off for more candy. It had been raining most of the afternoon and evening but around 6:30 it cleared up. The plan was to just go around our street and come home. But I didn't want to stop there. The boys were ok and so we walked around the neighborhood. William knew exactly what to do and say. He was the first one to the door, waited til Matthew was in place, rang the bell and would say Trick or Treat when the door was opened. He even remembered his manners and said thank you or Happy Halloween but "just one or the other." Matthew at first tried to scoop up candy from the bowl with his bucket but learned to take just one... handful. He had gloves on so he only got two pieces at a time. Most people didn't mind either since the number of people out was small due to the rain and cold weather. The boys had a great time. There was only one "scary house" that both William and Matthew didn't like. They both planted their feet and had to be carried to the door. William said "next time when we go Halloween, let's not go there and go to the next one ok Mommy?" Yes dear.