The Kirks

Natural History Museum of Utah

2012-02-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Tyler's dad was in town to visit his Tyler's grandpa up in Logan who was not doing very well. He had planned to spend the day with us and Emily's family. But just as we were about to head out, he got the call that they thought Tyler's grandpa was going to make it much longer. So he headed up to Logan, and we decided to continue on with the plans, because we were all ready. This museum is a new one that we all had never been too. I think the kids really enjoyed it, there was so much to see, and we passed over a lot of stuff because of the kids, but it would be fun to go back. While there, Tyler got the call from his dad that his grandpa had passed away, but we all know he is happier now to be reuinted with his wife and Kyle.

When Monkeys Fly

2012-02-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Holden accomplished his first science "fair" experiment. We had him look at the ideas online, and he choose this one because he already owned the screaming monkey. It ended up being more difficult that first thought, but he did finish it.

I thought that his board turned out really well. Tyler and I thought there was going to be a "fair" at the school because the parents were invited to come and see all the projects during school. Well, when we got there, we overheard them saying if you had a 6th grader, they could get there child out of class and look at the projects. But not if you had a 5th grader. We go to the cafeteria where all the projects are, and no kids. It was kind of a let down to not have the kids telling you about their projects. Also after having seen all the other kids boards, Holden's was definately one of the better ones, I guess we spent to much time on it! Lesson learned for next time!

Christmas 2011

2012-02-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011

Christmas Eve morning we went out to Breakfast with my parents and Brigham and Shanelle, because they were going to Shanelle's familys for Christmas, so we wouldn't see them. We ate at Blue Plate Diner and it was yummy.

That afternoon we went over to Jan and Dougs house for a little get together. The kids did the Nativity Scene. Holden was Joseph, Bailey was Mary, Jack was a shepherd, and Finley was a wise man. It turned out pretty cute. We then played the "Pirate" white elephant game, which was pretty fun. Then Jan and Doug gave the kids each a present.

My parents slept over Christmas Eve. Unfortunately I started not feeling to well that night and ended up feeling nauseas' all night. Fun. But the boys got up and were ready for their presents. Finley wanted a toy microwave and loved it!! He also received a train. Holden got a machine nerf gun. Caleb could care less as usual, as it was just another day with the Wiggles. We luckily had 11:00 church, so Tyler made a Kneaders breakfast that I had planned, which I had no appetite for. We had an easy afternoon, where we all took it easy and hung out.

Blue Belt

2012-02-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas, Holden earned his Blue Belt in Karate. He is excited because he now moves onto the advanced class, where he will begin to learn how to Spar.

Holden with Mr. R

Kirk Family Get Together

2012-02-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

The day before Thanksgiving, we had Tyler's brother Landon and his family who were visiting from out of town, and his sister Emily and her family, Jan and Doug and Grandma Nuttall over for dinner.

Here are 3 of the 4 babies born in 2009. Maybe someday we will have all 4 of them together at once

Kambrie, Finley and Jack

Beauty and the Beast

2011-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

Caleb's school did their play this year in the fall instead of the spring because the Music Therapist, who runs the show is having a baby next month and will be out for a few months.

This year they put on Beauty and the Beast. Even the music therapist got a little choked up when she was introducing the show. She said she didn't realize the full meaning of doing this show until she saw the kids performing it. They may not look and talk and act like we do, but inside they are just as amazing if you take the time to get to know them. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. My favorite character this year was the Beast. ADORABLE!!

Caleb did awesome this year!! No crying or trying to sit down. I wish I could have gotten a better video but oh well. I even went both days trying. But he played the role of "Pepper" in the Be Our Guest scene.

Once again I have to mention those that work with these kids. It must be so physically and mentally tough, but they love these kids and it shows!

I heard this saying recently "If we threw our problems and challenges into a pile, and saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back" There are moments with Caleb, that I wish things could be easier, not only for us, but mostly for him. But I am grateful that having him has given us the opportunity to surround ourselves with such wonderful people, that we otherwise would not have come to know, and I am grateful for their help along our journey. The wonderful Nancy, who we miss more than she will ever know, said to me once that it is hard and a lot of time crappy work(pun intended!) but she loves them too much to not do it. A true work of heart!!

My Country Tis of Thee

2011-11-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

Holden participated in his 5th grade program. They are learning about the United States and the Presidents. He did really well and knew all the songs and even had a tiny speaking part. One advantage of him being smaller is that he is usually on the front row!!

Farm Fun

2011-11-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

We had to take Caleb to a doctor appt. and afterwards his class was at Wheeler Farm, so we went there to meet up with them. Fin had a lot of fun feeding the goats.

Dragon

2011-11-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I love this costume so much, Holden wore it when he was three and we couldn't wait for Fin to fit into it. This was the year it fit perfectly!! It definately deserves its own post!

Showing me the bum

He was pretending that the dragon was biting his finger

He kept following me around wanting me to take his picture, doing different things

Halloween

2011-11-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

Caleb was a Jack O Lantern for Halloween

Tyler was a retired chubby Ninja, and Holden was also a Ninja

Our little Dragon

The weather this year was amazing for Utah. So my friend Lisa and I took our kids out in the neighborhood, it was the first time for both of us. The kids had a lot of fun and got a lot of candy. Our favorite part of Finley's costume is the bum, so I had to get as many videos of it as possible before it got dark. Fin was really into it at first and then we went to a house where my friend Sally was in a mask handing out the candy. It really freaked him out and from then on he was much more cautious about going to the door.

Arrow of Light

2011-11-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Holden earned the highest award you can get in cub scouts--the Arrow of Light

He was so excited about getting an arrow as well.

We are proud of him and all the work he put into this to earn it

Love This!

2011-11-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

This is awesome!

Cornbelly's

2011-10-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took the boys to Cornbelly's again this year. Holden did the rock climbing wall and climbed all the way to the top!!

Holden taking Fin down one of the many slides they had there

Eleven

2011-10-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

For the boys eleventh birthday we decided to take the easy route and take them out to dinner. Holden picked the Old Spaghetti Factory. Holden got a new bike helmut, bike pegs, clothes and a UofU mascot pillow pet, it is kind of freaky looking but he loves it! Caleb got new clothes--he was thrilled :)

Wearing his new helmut

Fin sittin with Grandpa

Brigham with his girlfriend Shanelle

My usual go to shot of Caleb!

Blowin out the candles

Huggin his new pillow pet

Fin was being really funny about sitting on Shanelle's lap. He wouldn't look her in the face. I am sure he will warm up soon enough!

Crazy Kid

2011-10-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

For a long time, Fin hated when I wanted to take pictures of him. For some reason he decided that having his picture taken was cool. So throughout the day he will always come up to me and tell me to "take a picture of this" So here are a bunch of pictures of him doing goofy things and wanting his picture taken

Purple Belt

2011-10-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

At the end of September Holden earned his purple belt. He was excited and ready to move onto another belt!

Mowin

2011-09-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

This was so cute. Tyler was mowing the lawn, and Fin loves to also mow, but usually it scares him, but this time he was mowing right along side of him!

The pictures are dark, because the sun was going down, but I still thought they were cute!

Lotoja Letdown

2011-09-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

This was Tyler's sixth year of doing the Lotoja Bike race. 206 miles from Logan UT, to Jackson, WY.

Tyler doesn't want to relive talking about this race,

so I will do the best that I can of explaining it, without having actually riden it!

He said that within the first half hour or so, some guy broke off from the group and Seth took off after him. So he said that he was able to take it easy and just told everyone he wasn't going to chase his own guy down, so he wasn't going to push it.

On the first climb the group passed this guy that broke off and they caught Seth shortly before the top of the climb. On the decent he and another guy broke off from the group.

The support group (the wives) usually get to Montpelier at least an hour and a half before they come blazing through, so we are ready. But every year the groups at the feed zones get bigger and bigger, so it is very frustrating to try and see your rider.

But anyway, Tyler came through, said he was feeling good and took off again. At this point all of our guys were very spread out, due to flat tires, leg cramps and other things.

Kevin wasn't too far behind Tyler, so Jenn continued on with me.

About halfway through our ride from Montpieler to Afton is where we start catching up to all the riders.

We came to Salt River Pass, which is also known as the King of the Mountain and we saw Kevin and his group and then eventually passed Tyler.

We made it in to Afton and I kept waiting and waiting and saw some other guys that I knew had been behind Tyler, and then I saw Kevin come into the feed zone and was worried that I had missed him. I found Jenn and she said that Kevin had passed Tyler.

Tyler came in a few minutes later and I asked if he was ok and he said no! Before you hit it the king of the mountain climb they have riden about 100 miles and he said that was when the stomach flu hit him! Unfortunately I had had this hit me five days before, and it totally was like being hit with a ton of bricks. Tyler somehow usually manages to avoid about 95% of the ailments going around our house, and I was hoping this would too. He said he had to keep stopping just to sit down.

He didn't want to stop but continued on, but was unable to eat or drink much of anything without feeling like it was going to come back up.

At the last feed zone in Alpine he did not look good, we were able to get him to try and take some pepto and some water, but once again he wouldn't quit.

He eventually crossed the finish line with a time of 10 hours and 27 minutes.

I just feel so bad that I passed on the flu to him, he keeps telling me that it isn't my fault, but I still feel that it is. He had a really good chance of placing this year. The guy that he had gone on the breakaway with came in first place.

He says that this was his last Lotoja, we will see.......

Tyler, Brandon, John, Chad, Seth, Zach, Kevin and Adam ready to head to the start line in the pitch black morning

After the last feed zone in Alpine, Jenn and I were worried about him, so we stopped ahead and got out to see how he was doing. He gave us a smile and a thumbs up. Later I asked him if it was fake and he said yes!

Here he is crossing the finish line, so happy to be done!

Jenn took a picture of him laying down on the ground after it was over. He says this picture epitomizes how the race went!

Tyler and Seth being goofy. They both earned their 5 year 1000 mile award the next day

Surprise Party

2011-09-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

On Labor Day, Debbie and Ashley went all out planning a surprise 85th birthday party for Grandma Nuttall. She is having a really hard time adjusting to living her new life without Grandpa Nuttall and moving into an assisted living center. So they just wanted to try and cheer her up!

She was definately surprised!

The food table all decked out

Tyler eating one of the many yummy appetizers

Brian was also an amazing host, he was BBQing the kabobs

They had a couple of pools set up for all the little kids

Eating all the wonderful food, although we were all attacked by flies

Blowing out her candles

Ridin the Train

2011-09-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

We went to the library just to return some books and half of the library's parking lot was blocked off and they were having a little train drive around giving kids a ride. So we had to get in line and go for a ride.

He made me laugh the whole time because his face was so serious and wouldn't crack a smile, but he said that he had fun!

Wheeler Farm

2011-09-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

While the big boys were at school, I took Fin on a little outing to the farm to feed the ducks. Well at the farm there are way more geese than ducks. The geese are also meaner so I was nervous for him. At one point one of them was coming toward him with its beak open and squacking. I was nervous about it but didn't want to make him as well. But he finally turned to me and said "I don't like that one" So we headed over to another area where they were mostly behind a fence.

We also saw some chickens, and another kind of chicken I have never seen before that have fuzzy legs, and Fin said that "they have slippers on"

Back To School

2011-09-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

The boys went back to school on August 22nd.

Holden started 5th grade this year. His teacher is Mrs. Casperson, we have met with her and I have a lot of hope that she can help and encourage him. So I am excited to see what will become of this year for him

Caleb started back to school as well. It has been a rough go because he is in a new classroom with a new teacher and aides who are not familiar with him. He had been in the same classroom for the last four years. His teacher is Millie Rogers and I am hopeful that they will see how amazing he is, just as all the others have

San Francisco Day 7

2011-08-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

We all decided to hit up the Bay Area Childrens Museum on our way out of town. We were able to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and the museum is not that far from it, it was pretty cool.

They were currently having a Curious George exhibit, and our little Curious George lover was in heaven!

This is the view of the bridge from the museum

Tyler wanted to ride our bikes around Lake Tahoe, well little did we know that the road around there is really busy, it scared the crap out of me, being pretty new at this bike riding stuff, so we didn't go too long. It was sure a nice view though

Big boy in a little trailer!!

It was a really fun trip that we were glad we took. Fin was pretty rough the whole last day of driving, but we survived it all and have a lot of fun memories to take from it. I asked Holden what his favorite part was and he said "playing with my cousins" He always has such a fun time playing with them, I wish we lived closer to each other, but we will take the opportunity to see them when we can.

San Francisco Day 6

2011-08-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Our initial plan was to start heading home on Friday, but we decided to spend another day there. Tyler went on a bike ride and rode across the Golden Gate Bridge, I was worried about him out there, it is pretty scary. When he came home, Nikole took us to these concrete slides that were really fun for the kids. It is a lot of fun until people start getting burns from the slide. Finley kept wanting to go again and again.

Since Tyler grew up in Florida, he missed the ocean and was determined to see it. Nikole took us to the beach in Pacifica, and it was sooooo cold! The kids loved it, even though they looked bright red after playing in the water. I was surprised at how more and more daring Fin got, he kept saying that the water was coming to get you. But he loved throwing rocks in the water and then he eventually kept getting more and more wet, until he fell in the water and then he was done. Tyler did go out and swim in it for a minute, it was too bad we didn't bring his wet suit and surf board.

San Francisco Day 5

2011-08-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

We went to the Discovery Kingdom Six Flags. It was a lot of fun and the weather was perfect

Andy, Haley and Holden having their pictures taken

Waiting in line for their first ride

Finley pointed out where he wanted to go on the map

I love this picture. Fin was scared to go on most of the rides that I tried to get him to go on. Tyler and Nathan had taken the big kids to ride the roller coasters and Nikole and I had the littles. But when we met back up with them he was more daring enough to ride the rides with Tyler. Here he is with Michael waiting for the frog ride to start

Tyler said that while they were waiting, Fin said he needed to say a prayer, which is funny because he never says that so randomly, I guess he felt he needed the protection :)

Tyler had to put his hands on his shoulders so that he would feel safe, crazy kid!

This is how Caleb was most of the trip. And looking back on the trip, I don't think I realized at the time, but he was soo good during the whole trip. He never fought me and did what I needed him to do!

All of the big kids did this game and won a prize, and the next thing I know Fin is climbing out of the stroller saying that he was going to do it, so Tyler helped him

Michael, Holden, Fin and Andy

San Francisco Trip Day 4

2011-08-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

Tyler wanted to take out bikes so we could ride around Golden Gate Bridge Park as well as ride to the ocean. When we had been on the road about 1 1/2 hours after we first left, Tyler realized he had forgotten to put the wheels to the trailor in the car. He was trying to come up with a way to still be able to do it and I suggested we ask my mom to overnight the wheels to us, it was pretty costly but after we hauled our bikes all the way there it was worth it. Although Caleb is a pretty big dude and it just is too small for him so we are going to be on the lookout for a bigger trailer. But the funny thing is--Tyler will love this--but we finally navigate our way to the park and set his bike up and he goes to get the trailer out and we had left the wheels at my sisters house, after they had been overnighted to us!! He was not happy to say the least :) So we went back and got them and then headed back to the park to do our ride.

It was pretty cold and windy, I wore Tyler's leg warmers and Holden wore Tyler's arm warmers on his skinny little legs. It worked out and it was pretty fun. Finley loves to go on bike rides, and Tyler says that he narrates the whole ride. We ended up stopping at a little park that my sister had told us about in the park and Holden and Finley had a fun time playing in there

After the ride and dinner, Tyler took all the kids to the school playground again. We took their pictures of them all bundled up on the steps of their house.

Nikole taking a picture of them, with a happy baby Alina looking on

San Francisco Trip Day 3

2011-08-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

On our second day in SF, my sister offered to watch the boys while Tyler and I went downtown to check out a few sights. We knew that it was going to be cooler in SF but we didn't realize HOW cold it actually was going to be. I wish I would have taken more pictures of their house and where they live. But they live SW of downtown and are usually shrowded in the mistly fog all the time which makes it a lot cooler. Downtown was not as bad, at least the sun was shining. So that is why Tyler and I are all bundled up in the middle of summer!

Tyler and I on the steep street that we parked on to go to the Coit Tower

A picture of the Coit Tower from a distance

A view from the Coit Tower

Tyler took a picture of all the tourists taking pictures of Lombard Street. We ended up driving down this street while trying to find the Coit Tower. Lombard Street is the most crooked street in the world.

After Tyler and I took our little tour, we went and picked everyone up and went back downtown to Fishermans Wharf. We went to Hyde's Street Pier, where we were able to tour a bunch of different vessels. They gave the kids each a little book they could fill information out about all the boats, which turned out to be a big pain in the butt, because Holden was determined to do it and Tyler and I ended up doing most of it, fun for us!

Fin and I on the Ferry

Holden reciting the pledge that they made him do to get his badge. The lady was really cute with the kids and really nice about it, so that made it easier!

Tyler made them all point at their dang badges!! Can you believe the pants and jackets in August!!

Tyler and Nathan took Nate, Holden, Haley and Andy to a SF Giants baseball game that night. Traffic ended up being so bad as we were leaving Downtown that we left them there to wait for Nathan since it was so close to the game. So I then had to drive back to their house by myself. I was pretty scared, you take your life into your hands while driving in CA!!
Tyler said it was a fun game but pretty cold and they were selling hot chocolate and he wanted some, once again this is the middle of August!!

Trip to San Francisco Day 1 and 2

2011-08-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

My sister and her family are living in San Francisco for a year while her husband is doing a specialized training for his career as a doctor. We haven't taken a big family trip like this for 5 years and decided to was time to. We broke the 12 hours of driving up into two days. The first day took about 8 hours to get to Reno, NV, where we stayed at the Silver Legacy Casino there. Holden had eyes as big as quarters as we walked around and had dinner there. We walked over to Circus Circus after dinner and let the boys play games and win some prizes there.

We stopped at the Bonneville Salt Flats on the way. I have lived in Utah my entire life and have never been out to them!! Tyler tasted wanted to taste it to make sure it was in deed salt--It was!!

At the hotel on the morning of the second day. Tyler was trying to convince Finley to get in the hot tub. The pool was way too cold, so they stayed in the hot tub

He finally got in

We did make it to my sister's house that afternoon, and she made dinner for us and the kids played at the school playground that is down the street from them. My brother in law Nathan got some good pictures of them, that I will add later when I get them!

Lava Hot Springs Part 2

2011-08-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

This is the house that my Grandpa Hatch was born in

My Uncle Bill was staying in a KOA, so we went over there one night and made smores

Holden enjoying his Smore

Group Shot

Finley is scared to get in the pool--surprise surprise. But he wanted to try and get in the float. Unfortunately Tyler wasn't able to come because of work, and Brigham was a big help with this tazmainian devil!

Caleb was in absolute HEAVEN, he loves loves loves to swim

This is pretty daring for this little guy, he didn't eventually make it down to the next step

Lava Hot Springs Part 1

2011-08-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

We went to Lava Hot Springs again this summer for the Hatch Family Reunion

My dad, Brigham and Holden floating down the river

Brigham with his bag of goodies. We stayed in the family suite at the Alpaca Inn. My mom's sister Debbie and most of her kids stayed there as well. As well as one of my mom's three brothers, so it was fun to hang out on the grass and talk

This kid has THE BEST run, we are always trying to capture it on camera

We all got together for a picnic lunch

My Grandpa "Poppy" Hatch's family settled in this area, this is called the Hatch School where my Great Grandma Hatch taught

Miles, Nate, Jayden and Holden standing in the windows

My uncle Bill, my mom and my aunt Debbie in front of the Hatch Loop/Hatch Rd sign

Living Planet Aqaurium

2011-08-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

While Caleb was in summer school one morning, we took the opportunity to go to the Aquarium. Finley of course was scared of everything and didn't want to touch anything

Holden petting the Sting Ray, it kept jumping up the side to let him pet it

Murray Park

2011-08-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Because of all the snow and rain we have had this year, the rivers and lakes are running really high this summer. We went to Murray Park to eat dinner and check it out. Holden and Fin doing one of their favorite things--throwing rocks, and feeding the ducks.

4th of July

2011-08-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July, we had no real big plans and decided to go for a ride up Parley's Canyon and stopped at a couple different parks along the way, and had lunch along the way as well.

Tyler hitting up the big slide

Caleb watching the fireworks

Finley was scared of the fireworks, so we watched them from the window of his room, unfortunately he is more like me. Caleb and Holden are daredevils like Tyler

Orange Belt

2011-08-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

At the end of June Holden earned his Orange Belt in Karate

Holden with his teacher Mr. R

Rockwell Relay

2011-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Tyler competed in his first cycling relay. It went from Moab to St. George, covering about 530 miles. They started at 8:00 AM and finished the next day about noon. They were able to finish in 3rd place, which is awesome because they went into this race with no expectations, having never done it before! They also had the oldest man (John) in the race. Tyler said John was pretty proud of that fact! Tyler is already planning next year

Ready to hit the road
John, Holden, Johnny and Paul

Tyler said that he eventually decided to just hand over the camera to Holden to document the trip. We were pretty surprised at how well all of his landscape photos turned out. Tyler said he is now going to let Holden take all the pictures to document our trips!

Holden said that Tyler was telling him to quit taking pictures of him

Holden's self portrait, he had a lot of time on his hands over those 2 days!

Holden cheering Johnny along on his hardest leg

Another one of Holdens pictures

Third place finishers
Paul, John, Johnny and Tyler

End of 4th grade

2011-06-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Holden with his 4th grade teacher Mrs. Foerster, all I can say is I am sure glad this school year is over!

Holden wanted his picture taken with his friend Noah

Caleb with his teacher Glenda Stroh

But this is his aide Nancy, she is AMAZING with Caleb. I have already posted this picture of them, but I wasn't able to get one of them together on the last day because she wasn't there. I am so sad that Caleb will be moving onto another class, and she will be going to a different one as well. It is hard to let go of such an amazing relationship, but she will forever be one of my favorite people!

Captain Ty

2011-06-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Tyler's going to be thrilled that I posted these!!

His sister Emily asked him if he would dress up like a pirate for her son Jack's 2nd birthday party

He read a book to the kids

They went on a treasure hunt, and came away with quite the haul

My two pirates

Dream Night at Hogle Zoo

2011-06-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

We have attended this event a few times. The Hogle Zoo hosts a night for those with special needs. We all got in for free and they provide a Chick-fil-A dinner.

The zoo has been undergoing a major renovation, so they have added all these dinosaurs. Most of them move or spit water. Finley was scared of them, which I have to admit they were pretty scary!

Fun Run

2011-06-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Holden and Tyler ran in the annual East Sandy Elementary Fun Run

For the first time, Holden ran the entire two miles, he thought he was going to die!!

After they got done, he went to find out what place he came in. He came running back sooo excited that he had come in 10th! That is out of all the 4th grade boys, he kept saying that he "was in the top 10"

So of course, we had to go to Baskin Robbins to celebrate!

Summit County

2011-06-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

It feels as though Holden had an endless amount of projects for 4th grade. For his last project they were each given a county in Utah, that they had to write a report, prepare an oral report, and make a 3D project representing their county. Luckily he got a really easy county that gave us a lot of options.

As Tyler was making this he mentioned that he "hoped that he would get a good grade" on this project. They always say the child has to do it on their own, that never happens!

But we were all really happy with how it turned out.

Legacy

2011-05-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to join in with Tyler's family and celebrate his Grandpa Nuttalls life.

Tyler had to give the eulogy, and even though I know it was difficult for him to express how much he loved his Grandpa, I think it will be something he will always be grateful that he had the opportunity to do so.

Carl Gadd Nuttall

1925 ~ 2011
Carl Gadd Nuttall was the last child born to George Washington and Bertha Rushen Nuttall on May 27, 1925. He was the youngest sibling of Ernest, Dean, Verl, and Ida who all preceded him in death.

Carl was born in Provo, Utah, where he lived most of his life until his passing at age 85. He entered military service while a senior in high school. He served in the armed forces from 1943 to 1946 as Technical Sergeant in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He earned the service ribbon with the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and Bronze Arrowhead.

His sweetheart, Rae Dean Neilson, waited for his return from service and they were married on March 20, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. Carl and his brother Dean opened a service station where they worked together until Carl went to work at Geneva Steel as an electrician in the Open Hearth. He retired after 39 years of dedicated service.

Carl and Rae Dean raised 2 sons and 2 daughters. He is survived by Gary Carl Nuttall and his wife Marce from Gilbert, Arizonia; Jan Buchi and her husband Doug from Salt Lake City, Utah; Dan Royal Nuttall and his wife Kim from St. George, Utah; and Debbie Brown and her husband Barry from Lafayette, Colorado.

They have 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren with twin boys on the way, making 30 great-grandchildren.

He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He lived a long wonderful life and always thought of others first. He will be remembered as a generous, kind man who cherished his wife of 66 years and was a blessing and strength to his family. Those who had the privilege to know him will miss him always.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 7, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the mortuary Saturday from 12:30 until 1:45 prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #72, Orem. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@bergmortuary.com.
Copyright 2011 Daily Herald. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sad

2011-05-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

The world lost a wonderful man today

We know he was suffering and ready to go, but we are still sad

Carl Nuttall was Tyler's maternal grandfather

He was an amazing man, husband, father, and grandfather, I see evidence of the influence he has had on Tyler's life daily, for which I am truly grateful

Tyler was able to live with them for a summer when he had graduated from Ricks and before he started at the U. It is a time in his life he will never forget and talks about it fondly

I am so grateful for the way Grandpa Nuttall welcomed me into the family with open arms

They were so excited when we had the twins and loved to see them and talk about them

When naming the boys we wanted to give them each a middle name from a family member. We knew Caleb would have a difficult life ahead of him and it was only fitting to give him Carl as his middle name. We hope that Caleb will have the strength and compassion and love that Carl had to carry him through this life

We love you and we will miss you

Carl and Caleb Carl

Inchstones

2011-04-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

For your average child, your measure things according to the milestones they reach. But, with a child with special needs, there are many inchstones, which may just be a blip on someone else's radar, but they are huge amazing things in our lives.

As you all know The Wiggles are a huge part of Caleb's life. Here is my "non-verbal" son humming to one of their songs.

Happy

2011-04-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

This picture just makes me happy!!

Karate

2011-04-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

We enrolled Holden in Karate this year, he has been doing it for two months and loves it!!

I have really been impressed with the program, the expect respect for the kids, and doing well at school and at home. Their teacher even has to sign off that they are doing well in class to advance to the next belt.

Last night Holden was able to pass off his white belt and earn his yellow belt!! He was so excited and it is fun to watch him do so well.

The lighting in that place is horrid, but here he is accepting his yellow belt

This last picture you can barely see, but like I said they encourage the kids to do well in school, and because he earned his Mighty Mustang Award for his Walt Disney puppet, he was able to earn a blue star patch to put onto his pants!

Pinewood Derby Times Three

2011-04-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Holden just had his 3rd and final pinewood derby. We had some technical difficulties, which was too bad. They had to weigh their calls the night before and leave them at their leaders house. The leader called me the next morning to tell me one of his wheels wouldn't turn, we think when Tyler added more weight some of the glue got one the wheel. So Tyler tried fixing it and it just kept getting worse. But he made it doable, and at least he didn't come in last in any of the races. Holden took all three of his cars and raced them against each other, and the funny thing is the green one won, even with the wheel problem!!

Holden racing all three of his cars against each other

Minute to Win It

2011-04-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

We are part of an awesome dinner group with 4 other couples, who get together once a month.

Last month, the hosts, Lisa and Jim had made made all the Wheel of Fortune games-unfortunately I didn't have my camera and didn't get any pictures. But that was so fun to play and they put so much effort into it. This month, Seth and Megan did Minute to Win It. Also so much fun! The bar has been raised for us, we host in May, so if anyone has any fun ideas for us to do, let me know!!Tyler Anderson trying to hang 6 hangers

Dan Summerhays doing the M&M color sorting game Tyler also doing the hangers

All us girls trying to see if we can empty the kleenex box in a minute!

Never Smile at a Crocodile

2011-04-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

For Caleb's school play this year they did "Peter Pan." And oh how I loved it this year, so much that Fin and I went both days.

They had a little girl play Peter, and she was so darling. I sat by her grandma the second day and she mentioned that normally she is really shy, but in the play she wasn't.

And Captain Hook was probably my favorite, he was awesome, and I honestly wish everyone could have see this as well. I truly think seeing something like this changes you for the better.

Caleb's class just had a small part and did their dancing the "never smile at a crocodile" song.

Peter Pan Captain Hook

Caleb and our beloved Nancy

Here is Caleb back in his classroom after the play. They had just had lunch and were having some down time where they watch a phonics video, that all the kids love!

Oh Captain My Captain

2011-04-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

One morning Finley put on Holden's Captain Jack headband and his Captain Feathersword hat, I thought he was so dang cute!!

Some things that he says right now are so cute:

He likes to constantly name us all, in which he also includes Grandma and Brig, but when he gets to himself he says "yours" because that is what we are always telling him. But he is getting better and will now name himself or remember to say "mine"

I love how he says "ship shops" otherwise known as flip flops.

He loves to go go go, as soon as Caleb gets on the bus, he says "mommy's car, back up" so we take lots of little outings.

Chuck E Cheese

2011-04-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Kevin and Grandma Susan sent Finley a gift card to Chuck E Cheese for his birthday. I haven't been there in ages, and didn't quite know what to expect. The boys loved it! Now everytime Fin sees the commercial--which is ALL THE TIME on PBS, he says Chuck E Cheese and Pizza, because that is what we ate.

My little assistant

2011-03-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Every morning after Holden is off at school and we have gotten Caleb all ready and waiting for his bus, Finley knows it is then time for "make-up." He comes in to "assist" me and as you can tell from the pictures, rearrange everything to his liking. Even wearing my headbands, which I love! I will never have a daughter but at least I have a son who enjoys helping me with my hair and make-up--for now anyway!

Who's that you say????

2011-03-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Why it is

WALT DISNEY

or course!!

Holden had to do a book report on a famous person, and part of it was making a "puppet"

The parents of course aren't supposed to help, but as we all know, that is never going to happen, we therefore "assisted"

We were just happy to get it done and hoped that it would pass. Holden told us later that his

"wasn't the worst one!"

The funniest thing is that he won a "Mighty Mustang" award for it, he was one of two out of his class. We still laugh about it!!

2 on 2-22

2011-02-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my baby is 2 today!!! Time has just flown by!

We just love this little guy so much, he brings so much fun and joy and laughter into our home, and sometimes tantrums, but we take the bad with the good.

He is soooo smart, he amazes me daily with the things that come out of his mouth. He is now starting to string 3 words together.

He hears something once and remembers it, so you have to watch what you say!!

He loves to go out and take Caleb to the bus every morning and talks the bus driver's ear off.

He still loves his puppy and his dolphin blanket more than anything else

He loves to go to "Grandmas" house, and grandma includes both grandma and grandpa as well as Uncle Brigham-he is doing a little better on calling him Brig. He loves uncle Brigham to death and has him wrapped around his little finger, and gets him to do all his bidding.

He doesn't like to take naps, but I still make him, but he will tell everyone that he comes in contact with "no nap" even when he barely gets up from one.

He is quite the jumping bean, he loves to jump on everything.

He has what Tyler and I call a "happy run" it is almost a skip type run, it is so cute.

Every night when Tyler gives him a bath, he will go in with him while he is filling it up, and then run out, and after each piece of clothing comes off, he has to run around the house for awhile.

He now attends nursery at church, I make Tyler take him because I am a wuss, he is doing better about going in and calls the leaders "grandma".

He likes to watch "Elmo Street"

He is not a very good eater--surprise surprise. Most days we can get him to eat oatmeal, which he loves, but his most favorite thing is Hershey Hugs chocolates! He now has to have pockets on his outfits, so he can put his "chockies" in them.

We love him so much and are so happy he is part of our family!!

Stripped down to his onesie, wearing shoes, two sizes too big
Opening birthday presents, this is his concentration face and I love it! We love that he loves to look at and enjoy each present before he moves on

He loves to wear this Big Bird shirt

Happy 2nd Birthday sweet baby of mine!!

Donut Falls

2011-01-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

Tyler is quite the outdoorsman, and loves to bike, snowboard, hike, surf--if around an ocean. I think probably one of the hardest things about having Caleb as his son, is not being able to do all of these things as a family. He and Holden had done this hike before and he wanted to try and do it with Fin and Caleb. He carried Fin on his back and pulled Caleb in the sled. Round trip is over 3 miles, walking uphill in the snow, carrying Fin and pulling Caleb. I know he is crazy!! But he is willing to try and do everything he can to do things as a family. My boys are very lucky to have him as their dad!!!!

We finally made it to the Falls but it was an uphill climb, we left Caleb and Holden at the bottom and tried to climb up to them. I was literally crawling on my hands and knees up the side of the snow. We decided it was not worth it to try and see them with how dangerous it was. Caleb was also freezing by then, as well as Fin. Caleb is not used to being that cold, and he cried most of the way down. We chalk it up to another memory for our family!

Ready to head up the trail
On the way

Almost done! Caleb was definately done!!!

Happy

2011-01-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

Look how happy my boy is!! They sent these pictures home from school with him. They all love to watch him swim because he loves it so much. I wish they were able to take him in the pool more!

Unexpected Kindness

2011-01-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

This experience actually happend last summer, but feel that I need to write it down for my own memory. Whenever go out in public and I don't really want to haul Caleb's feeding pump with us, and don't want to take very long, then I do it "manually." Which just involved an empty syringe hooked up to his extension tube, which is hooked up to his G-tube. It usually just take a few minutes this way, because gravity is what is making it work, instead of the pump. Wherever we are, I usually try to find a quiet, semi private--if possible, spot to feed him. 99.99% of the time we get stared at--for LONG periods of time. I just try to smile at them and then they usually move on. We happened to be at the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point last summer. It was time to feed him so I found a quiet cubby to try and feed him. As I was feeding him, an older Asian woman, and what I would guess was her granddaughter, walked by very slowly, she looked right at me and smiled. They passed and then turned around and came back, she quietly came over and kissed Caleb on the head, and then left again. A minute or two later she came back and they sat down a minute, she had her granddaugther to ask how old he was and if he was my only child. After I answered she just smiled again and left. It meant so much to me what she did, when normally we are just a "show" for everyone to stare at, she took the time to see Caleb for who he really is. Someone Special!!

A Special Needs Child
by: Julie J. Hunter

Their eyes are bright and vibrant and full of unspoken promises and of dreams yet to be revealed. In the eyes of these children I see a wealth of possibilities. I spy promises unspoken that are left to the imagination. Their tomorrows are something I am humbled by. Their realities are yet to be realized and I am left to ponder their delicate footprint that has yet to be revealed. To me, they are a wonderment that has been woven into an unbreakable web of pure love. These children leave us with the amazing gifts of a Heavenly Father that chooses us to share in the nurturing of one of His true angels. I am humbled by His choosing and wary of my impact. I walk softly, at times holding my breath. I do not want to fail these angels, these gifts. I am aware, for reasons, that I have yet to understand that I have been lent a beautiful key that open's a door to God's amazing love. This love is pure and kind and comforting. It does not discriminate or curse anyone who comes within its sanctified path. We are given these seemingly short moments in time to share in one of God's greatest gifts, the life of a Special Needs Child. If you let them in, they will change you in your core. These beautiful children will make you realize how wonderful our lives are and how much fuller our spirits are for having been lent these miracles. These children make us more complete human beings by simply allowing them to touch our hearts. You will have the unfortunate experience of dark days, and tremendous moments of grief and misunderstanding. But in the end, when all is said and done, you...we...will be more complete, more whole, more loved, more patient and kinder because we were chosen to meet, touch, hold, hug, adopt, parent, comfort, nurture and most of all love a "Special Needs Child." How could we ask for anything more.

Amazing!

2011-01-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

At the end of Caleb's second grade year, they had built another special needs school on the other side of the valley. I was devastated, his teacher, Penny, was so awesome with him, and was moving over there, and I was not too thrilled with who he was going to have. Luckily at the end of the summer I got a call from his Kindergarten teacher, Dolly, to let me know, that with only a few kindergartners coming in, she would be able to take on Caleb's class too. I was thrilled. By the third day, Nancy (in picture below) who is one of the aides, told me she had already fallen in love with Caleb. She is so amazing and awesome with him. Dolly retired at the end of the school year, and he got a new teacher, but lucky for us, we got to keep Nancy. She is so good to him, she doesn't let him get away with doing whatever he wants, I attribute so much of his progress to her. The other aides call Caleb her little shadow, everywhere she goes, Caleb is usually following. I never have to worry when I send him off to school, she not only respects him, but she loves him, what more could a mother want?

Everyday she writes in his little notebook what they did for the day. I never know what I am going to find when I open it up. He can be quite the grump somedays. The other day she sent home a note that just made my day.

It read "Caleb made my day by giving me a great big hug, he sang in my ear, and basically made me the happiest person ever."

How could that not make me happy?? We are very lucky and blessed to have someone as amazing as Nancy in our lives. Now if we could just keep her until he is 21!!!!

Slacker

2011-01-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was kept pretty low key. We had an early Christmas with my parents since they were flying out to Nikole's in Minnesota.

We had a dinner at Jan and Doug's on the day before Christmas Eve, with Emily, Bryson and Fam. As well as Landon, Jill and Fam. The kids always love to get together and go hog wild.

Christmas Eve was just our little family this year. Something we have never done before. Tyler read some stories, we made sugar cookies for santa, and then the boys opened their new jammies.

Christmas morning was really fun especially with Finley. He caught on real quick to opening the presents, and he took the time to want to enjoy each one before moving onto the next. He got a new "big" puppy to match his little puppy, as well as some other toys he has enjoyed. Holden got a new pair of skis, gloves, clothes, and some fun games. Caleb as usual could care less, he got a "back-up" for his most favorite Wiggle radio, as well as a huge load of AAA batteries. He burns through the batteries in days because he never puts the radio down.

Tyler's family-minus Emily's family came over for brunch. Tyler made yummy waffles, eggs and bacon. Afterwards we played some games, and Michael Jackson's Wii game while the babies slept. Once they woke up we all went bowling. Afterwards we headed over to Jan and Doug's for a spaghetti dinner that she whipped up.

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Bice's

Christmas morning

Finley with Grandma Jan

Bowling

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends. I didn't do a Christmas card this year, so this will have to suffice. We all survived another year, and have come through relatively unscathed. We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Finley 22 months

Caleb 10 years old

Holden 10 years old

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Holden doesn't like that I am not much of a holiday house decorator, except for Christmas. So, he and Tyler made these headstones and put them in our planter box.

Holden's pumpkin, that he cleaned out and and cut the face out all by himself

Tyler's pumpkin, a creepy Wicked Willow's scene

About to head out trick or treating, Michael Jackson, swamp monster and the little lion. Fin was crying because Tyler was so scary looking

Swamp monster

Sweet little lion, went out trick or treating for his first time. Unfortunately it was cold and raining, but Tyler said he caught on real quick. He came home with quite the haul.

Michael Jackson doing his "moves"

Caleb the scary skeleton

Cornbelly's

2010-10-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took the boy's to Cornbelly's Pumpkin Patch. Holden and Finley loved it, Caleb was really good, I think it was because we were outside the whole time. He tends to get freaky when we go inside different places.

He's a rule breaker and must suffer the punishment

Big box of corn, I was happy Fin even got in, he is such a little scaredy cat about everything, which is so different then the big boys. He is more like me in that respect and the twins are like Tyler, willing to try anything and everything.

Thirller

2010-10-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

For Holden's birthday, my parents bought Holden tickets to the show Thriller put on by the Odyssey Dance Theater, since he is so into dancing and Michael Jackson. My mom and I went with him and he loved it!

What did I do??

2010-10-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

One night I was cleaning up dinner, and Fin was getting into trouble as usual, and came out of the bathroom looking like this. He had found a little bottle of lotion, that he was able to open and put it just on his head. It made me laugh

Fat Man in a little Coat

2010-10-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

Otherwise known as my "big" baby. He still thinks he can fit into Finley's car seat and bath tub

Dinner Time

2010-10-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

Finley made Tyler sit on the floor and eat his dinner. Soup tastes so much better while sitting on the ground!

Smarty Pants

2010-10-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

This kid kills me!!

He is sooo stinkin smart, everyday he is saying new words. He FINALLY says mama, that makes me happy!

He soaks everything in. He could probably take care of Caleb in the next couple years. He basically points at everything that I need to do and where to put things, and hands me the plug to plug Caleb's feeding pump back in after he gets home from school.

He is doing better around Caleb and will even give him a hug or pat his arm, it is so sweet.

He loves to go places and as soon as we get to where we are going he yells "yeah"

He is still attatched to his puppy and dolphin blanket

He is busy busy busy!!! The only time he slows down is if he doesn't feel very good.

He isn't too thrilled with having his picture taken right now.

He associates Tyler with bikes, or everyone we see on a bike he thinks it is Tyler.

His favorite word of the moment is "car"

He isn't the best eater, he unfortunately likes junk food like his mom, we are both trying to work on that!

I wanted to write down all of his words for my own memory purposes. His words are: daddy, mama, TT(puppy), car, teeth, cake, five(he wants a high five), bath, cheese, shoes, cool, cold, ball, wa(water), ears, nose, more, bye bye, hi, hello, door(he says this when talking about a door, as well as when he wants something open), mamote(remote)

We all love him to pieces!!!

10 on 10/10/10

2010-10-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

To commerate the boys turning 10 on 10/10/10 we invited family over for dinner. We had quite the full house of family, food and fun. Holden was on cloud 9 the whole day. These boys have come a long way from starting out only 2 1/2 pounds each. We are proud of them and love them both!

Nickelmania

2010-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Holden wanted to have a friend birthday party at Nickelmania. He invited Cole, Caylor and Mitchell to come with us. They played games and ate pizza and had a blast!

Dear Johnny and Amanda

2010-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for giving my family the Madsen bike that you won from the raffle at Lotoja. I know your family would have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of it. But I am so grateful that I am now able to take bike rides with my family. I have become more difficult to take out to public places, but this allows me the freedom to do something my family loves to do together. I love it so much that I never want to get out. Thank you again for giving me such a priceless gift!

Love,

Caleb

Lotoja 2010

2010-10-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

This was Tyler's fifth year competing in the Logan to Jackson 206 mile bike race

He did really well, but unfortunately got a flat mid race. But even with the flat he still finished with his personal best time of 9 hours and 16 minutes, almost 15 minutes faster than last year.

Bear

2010-10-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

Holden earned his Bear in Cub Scouts

Now onto bigger and better things!!

A boy and his puppy

2010-08-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Oh boy does this boy love his puppy, it is never far from him. We even have to hide it before bath time because he thinks he can take it with him. But as soon as he is out he wants it. The more tired he is the more he wants it immediately!! So here he is in all his glory with his puppy!!

Off to bed!

4th Grade

2010-08-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last Monday the 23rd, the boys started back up to school

Caleb is thrilled to be waiting for the bus to come pick him up again!!

Camping

2010-08-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Once again we are NOT campers!! But Tyler is an awesome dad and tries to do lots of fun and different things with Holden. We went up to a campsite in Little Cottonwood Canyon and had BBQ'd hotdogs and then made smores. After dinner they took me Caleb and Fin home and then went back up and camped for the night. When they got back to the campsite some type of animal had knocked over the package of donuts for breakfast and had taken off with two of them. They just hoped it wasn't something like a bear or skunk, but you never know!!

More Summer Fun

2010-08-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to Dimple Dell swimming pool because they wanted to go there again. We also hit up the Dinosaur museum and the Aquarium

Lava Hot Springs

2010-08-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days in Lava Hot Springs with my family. My parents rented this awesome house for all of us to stay in. We did lots of fun things, we got there on a Wednesday night and ate dinner and chilled out. On Thursday we went to their swimming pool that has water slides and then ate at a yummy hamburger joint. On Friday, Tyler and Nathan took the kids on a hike before we hit the river. In the afternoon most of the fam went down the Portneuf River. Tyler wanted Caleb to go as well and I agreed, the first run was rough to actually get into the water, but my sister found a better place for them to get in for the second run. I got to the bottom to wait and then see a two man float--Caleb and Tyler's come down empty. They had flipped and Tyler ended up gashing up his leg trying to get to Caleb, but they both made it out ok. We also went to the hot pools and they were HOT!! Caleb even got out himself because it was so hot. That night we had my mom sister's family over for a BBQ and smores. It was a fun little getaway.

The beautiful house that we stayed in

Caleb was traveling around the house and liked to get on the pool table

Tyler taking a picture of the kids looking out from where they slept

Grandma and Fin in the HOT pools!

Caleb getting himself out of the hot pools

The hiking group

Tyler trying to rest at the pool

Getting ready for the river

Tyler and Fin and Tylers banged up leg

Making Smores

Lisa Falls

2010-08-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday July 24

Tyler, me, Brigham and my dad took Nate, Haley, Holden and Fin on a hike to Lisa Falls.

We got to the lower falls pretty quickly, but decided to go to the higher ones but started up the wrong path and it was not easy going I was pretty nervous with these kids. But we finally made it over to the right path, and saw the higher falls, it was really pretty and clear that day!

Haley touching the lower falls

Tyler and Fin at the upper falls

Discovery Gateway

2010-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

My sister Nikole and her family came to UT for a few weeks and we did lots of fun things together. We went to the Discovery Gateway, which all the kids loved to do. After the museum we took the kids to the fountains and they played in the water

First Swim

2010-08-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Now that school has started back up and I going to do a bunch of posts of the things we did over the summer

We went to Dimple Dell and this was Finley's first time swimming, unfortunately their pool is cold so I don't think he enjoyed it as much as I think he would have, but the big boys still had fun!

Capitol Reef Classic

2010-08-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Back in July, Tyler competed for the 3rd time in one of his favorite races, down in Torrey UT.

It is a two day race consisting of a Time Trial, and crit, and a road race

He came in 3rd place overall for the category 3 racers

We are sure proud of him!

During the time trial
The road race

THE WIGGLES

2010-08-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

Oh the Wiggles

Yes, Calebs nine year obsession continues

Many people make fun of and dislike the Wiggles

But I could never hate these four men who have brought such joy to my boy over the years!

One particular memory is when he woke up at 4 a.m. in the hospital after having a pretty rough surgery, and I couldn't calm down, medication didn't even help, but I brought out his Wiggles video and he calmed right down. I could never thank them enough for what they have done. Their videos work when nothing else will.

When I saw they were coming in concert again, I knew we had to go.

I didn't know what his reaction was going to be, but he was really good. He especially loved the old "classics" and got really excited. But when they sang some of the other songs he just listened to his Wiggles radio.

The Wiggles put on a pretty fun show. I noticed there were a lot of kids there with special needs, music really speaks to their souls and I think the Wiggles are very aware of that. I am sure it is very tiring to perform a show for kids day after day. But watching them during some of the songs as they went out into the crowd, they would spend so much time with the kids, epecially those with special needs.

There is nothing I wouldn't do to try and bring a little joy and laughter into Caleb's life, and that includes watching four grown men sing and dance their hearts out!!

18 MONTHS

2010-08-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

HOLY MOLY!!

When did that happen??

My baby has gotten so big and is constantly learning new things--which doesn't help when he has a big brother who is willing to show him how everything works whether I want him to know or not.

He loves to dance to music and will get up and turn in circles when he hears it start

He is not quite talking yet but does know a few words.

Much to my dismay his first word was daddy

He also says "ya" to everything you ask him

He also tries to say "cheese" and "shoes"

But even though he doesn't know the words, he does understand everything you say and ask him to do

His most prized posession is his little puppy pillow pet, it is never far from him

He has quite the sweet tooth like his mom

He likes to take bike rides with his dad

He loves to be chased

He still just has 6 teeth but I felt a couple molars starting to come in on the top

I love him to pieces!!!!

Moose on the Loose

2010-07-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

We went and did one of our favorite "hikes" around the lake at Brighton Ski Resort.

We didn't think we would see any animals because it was pretty busy, Holden did find some chipmunks to try and feed. But then a moose was spotted, while we were high on the trail. We made our way around and went back to see him just eating the bushes. Amazingly he didn't charge anyone. When he was done he just moved along, pretty amazing!!

We had spotted the moose and were watching it

Up close and personal

The end of 3rd Grade

2010-06-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

I know school has been out for two weeks, but I had not downloaded the pictures yet.

The amazing group of women that worked with Caleb

Emily, Nancy, Dolly and Kathy

Holden with Ms. Worthington

All The Monkey's in the Zoo

2010-05-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we decided to head to the zoo since our pass was about to expire. The boys seemed to enjoy it. Finley did when we let him our of the stroller to explore.

Annual Fun Run

2010-05-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Holden and Tyler participated in the annual East Sandy Elementary Fun Run again this year

Laugh

2010-05-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

This boy ROCKS MY WORLD!!
He is so STINKIN SMART Everyday I am amazed at how smart he is and how quickly he is learning things
He is constantly bringing a SMILE to my face
He is so FUN right now, everyday is a new adventure
He is always on the MOVE
He LOVES LOVES LOVES to be outside, he is always banging on the back door, so he can go out on the deck and play outside

His future is so bright, he's got to wear shades!!

Birthday Boy

2010-05-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my main man!
I am so glad you were born

My guys

2010-04-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

All my guys in their Sunday best

Honest Abe

2010-04-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Holden had to do an oral book report on a famous person. He chose Abraham Lincoln. Last week we went to his really cute third grade program, and then were able to go to his classroom to see all the projects. He did a "TV" for his visual, it was quite a hit! Here he is with another boy in his class that was also Abe.

Outside

2010-04-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

The weather FINALLY got nice enough to take Finley outside, and he was in heaven, he loves it!

2010-04-20T07:21:00.001-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing Holden listening to Michael Jackson on his MP3 player. He learned all the moves from watching "This Is It"

Wizard of Oz

2010-03-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

We're off to see the Wizard... The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Caleb's school did a performance of the Wizard of Oz. Caleb was a "munchkin" I was happy he wasn't crying and sitting down, that is progress for my boy. These kids are truly angels among us, however those that work with these kids are AMMMAZZZING!!!!!! It takes someone truly special to be able to work with these kids and help them realize their true potential. Once again, Nancy, the aide that works with Caleb is heaven sent. She has devoted so much time and energy to help Caleb learn and grow and this year, we will be forever indebted to her.

The video is in the post below, I have had a heck of a time trying to get it together with the explanation, I never managed so this was the best I could do. Enjoy!

2010-03-25T20:19:00.001-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Derby

2010-03-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Pinewood Derby time again

They were racing on a 3 car track, in his first race, it was only him and one other boy, it was really close but the other boy won. But Holden was so excited that he came in second!

Race #2 and #3 speak for themselves. He was so happy

Watch Out World

2010-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

He's on the move!!!!

First Haircut

2010-03-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

And boy, was it a doozy!!!

My oh so handsome boy

I am....

2010-03-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me, I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of -- I see that as well.I am aware of much, whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me. I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do.

You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times. I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions,responses over my well-being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me.

I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards -- great strides in development that you can credit yourself; I do not give you understanding as you know it. What I give you is so much more valuable -- I give you instead opportunities. Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk. The world seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, oh I've dropped my fork again. I am dependent on you in these ways. My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune,your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright,to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness.I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick,what I do know is infinite joy in simple things. I am not burdened as you are with the strife's and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child,to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you giving. Most of all I teach you hope and faith. I am the disabled child.

Author Unknown--to me anyway :)

365

2010-02-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

How did it happen????

How did my baby become one year old sooo fast??

How did he go from this....

To this, in just one year?

There are no words to describe how much I love this boy!

Happy birthday sweet baby of mine

Backcountry

2010-02-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

Tyler snowboarding in the back country