Grammy & Grandpa Randy Visit

Grandpa Randy & Grammy made a visit to Helena this weekend. We were so excited to have them! This is the 1st time they have seen our new home in Helena. They brought us this amazing house warming gift. My Dad put the puzzle together and then framed it. We love it!

We did lots of things with Grammy & Grandpa while they were here so stay tuned for several posts of our Adventures.
But here's some of the random fun we had together:

Grandpa and the girls did a puzzle together:

Liberty & Grammy shared some love for music:

Justice made them breakfast one morning:

Grammy & Grandpa brought up color-changing earrings and barretts for the girls:

They brought up some games to play with the kids:

We took them to see the Capital Building:

Glory & Grammy spent quite  a few days as conjoined Twins. Stuck together like glue. Lots of giggling going on here.

They even joined the kids at school for lunch on Monday:

We also treated them to our Scone Tradition:

Running for SRO

Justice came home last week and told me that Mrs. Fox said he should try and run for the 7th Grade Representative for Montana City School's S.R.O.

StudentsReaching Out

SRO is students reaching out to other students, teachers, parents and members of our community. We will improve our school, environment and community through positive hands-on activities. We value people, good work ethic, positive attitude, good purpose and the pursuit of excellence!

We are fairly new in the school and don't know tons of people so I was trying to talk him into just joining the SRO and then running for a position next year. But he really wanted to try so although we were a bit behind on getting signed up and putting up posters- we gave it a go! Justice helped me look up some ideas online for posters that would say, "Justice for All". Then we took some pictures and worked up some posters on my Scrapbook Program. They turned out AWESOME! We blew them up to poster size and several smaller ones to hang up around the school. So cool!

On Thursday (even though it said Friday on the handout- Oops! ...it made it so we didn't really get to dress him in his Captain America shirt or even really practice. Bummer!),  Justice gave a speech in front of the Student Body. He did an amazing job! He improvised a few parts as needed and even complimented his opponent but he's what his basic speech was like:

Hello,
My name is Justice Seamons, 
I am running for 7th grade representative. 
I like sports and hunting and also play the trumpet. 
I have three sisters, so I know how to be patient. 
I used to live in Utah & North Dakota. 
I moved to Montana City almost a year ago. I really like Montana City and Montana City School. 
I am a boy scout and I love helping in my community. 
I am trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, and brave. Oh wait is that me or Captain America we’re talking about? (pause if there’s laughter)
I wish the other candidates good luck but hope you vote for me and give me the opportunity to be your representative. 
In conclusion, remember to vote for Justice Seamons for 7th grade representative. I will represent fairness, hard work, fun and Justice for All!

My kids always amaze me how they are so brave and charismatic. Who do they belong to? ;) After the assembly, the students voted. The next morning, Justice found out that he WON!!!!! Way to go, kid!! So proud of you! 

Museum of the Rockies

Today, I got to join Glory on her field trip to the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman. (a 2 hour bus ride ONE WAY!) It started to snow this morning so we thought they might cancel but NO! We drove down anyways. [I carpooled with a couple parents} It was worse weather there than in Helena. To top it all off- there was a stretch of road that is completely under construction and was like driving through a mud puddle for 10 miles. Grrr! Bozeman actually got about 8 or 9 inches by the time we got there. Crazy Montanans!
Here's the museum when we got there:

BUT the kids LOVED being on a fieldtrip so I guess it was worth it. {I took my little camera so pictures aren't the best. Bummer!}
The Museum of the Rockies just got up their new T-Rex display this weekend. So we were the 1st school group to check it out. Talk about coolness! T-Rex is huge. We also got to see several skulls that showed the size difference between a baby and an adult.

We also learned about the Triceratops and got to hold a part of one of their horns.It was super heavy! I think these were my favorite. I loved the skulls and the changes that happen as they grow. Neat!

We also got to check out the Montana State dinosaur, the Maiasaurus, hold some dino eggs and see fossils of some nests.

After the Dinosaur Tour, we took all the kids to the basement for lunch and potty breaks. It was quick and then we headed up to the Planetarium for a show. It made me dizzy & sleepy but oh man! did the kids ooooo & ahhh over everything in there! It was like a 3-D movie in space that swirled. ;)

Then, we broke into small groups and explored other parts of the museum. We had a workbook to fill out so we worked on writing down our facts. We visited the Montana History Exhibit and the Native American Exhibit. We were the only ones in the Indian area so I snapped a picture of the girls with the Buffalo. It just happened that Mrs. Myers came around the corner at that exact moment and I got in trouble. Guess you can't take pictures over in that exhibit. Oops! Oh well!

When we finished our worksheet, we let the girls run through the Dinosaur maze. It had tons of things to read and learn but they didn't care. They were in it for the Adventure!!! Cute girls!

After yanking the girls from the maze and collecting all our stuff, we snapped a shot of the girls outside in the snow. A quick trip to the gift shop, a group shot at the T-Rex and we loaded the kiddos on the bus for another 2 hour ride. Fun, busy day!

P.S. The weather as soon as we got out of Bozeman was totally clear. It looked like Spring by the time we got back to Helena. Crazy Montana!

Boy Heavy Scones

We have invited the Williams over for scones several times. Due to sicknesses and meetings and such- we've had to cancel on them repeatedly. Sorry! When it was clear that everyone was well today- we decided to finally make it happen. We also have wanted to get to know all the Heinitz clan (individually first- there's TONS of them!) so we invited Isaac, Alisa & Ruger over as well. So fun to get to know new people! However, my girls were quite a bit outnumbered! 2 to one actually. My son, though, was in heaven!!!! Thanks guys for coming!

Donuts with Dads

The PTA threw a special "donuts with Dad event this morning. Brett got a sub for Seminary & joined the kids for breakfast! What a fun Dad!

Christensen Kiddos

Brett has been helping the Scouts out by doing some Merit Badges for any boys that want to join Justice. Passing off Merit Badges can be one of the most boring things ever (in my opinion ;) but getting together with other Scouts lessens the sting. What a good man Brett is to sign up to be a Merit Badge Counselor and think of others while he helps out Justice become an Eagle Scout! Love that man!
Tonight, a bunch of Scouts came over to work on the Citizenship in the World. The Christensen kiddos came a little early to hang out (Their parents are in charge of the upcoming Trek and had a meeting) They enjoyed the tramp & the go-kart together.

19 Years & It Still Fits

Sort of.....
{after I squeezed into it and didn't breath. LOL}
Here's a few pictures Brett took of me in my Wedding Dress. Wow! Did I like fluff or what?? LOL:

Atticus Silliness

We had the chance to have Atticus over for a late night visit. Oh man! Did my older kids have a blast with him. They were so silly! They played bunny soccer, basketball downstairs, crawling chase and what ever else made Atticus happy. Justice was exhausted afterwards.;) I reminded him of all the times that he wished for a little brother. He said he loved it but it was tiring. Nothing like a "past-bedtime" toddler ruling the house. Love it!
This is Atticus "sleeping" on Justice:

Human Copy Machine

I volunteer every Tuesday at the school. I swap weeks between Victoria & Glory's classes. I love being in their classes, seeing their friends, chatting with their teachers and helping out where I can. The girls also LOVE that I get to eat lunch with them each week. I'm enjoying it while it lasts! ;)
On my weeks in the 3rd grade, I have become somewhat of a human copy machine. --In the fact that all the 3rd grade teachers use my services to make their Math and Reading copies for the next couple weeks. I am in the break room for a couple of hours. Holy Moly- I'm sure I kill several trees by the time I am done. There was one time that I was bored so I calculated how many copies I made. That day I made 3906 copies!!!! I'm pretty sure that today I blew that number out of the water! Today, I finished all  the packets for the rest of the year. So my copying days may be complete! Good-bye big black machine!

What? A 14 Year Old?

Our SUPER Teenager is turning 14 today. I can't believe it! Even with the Holiday and Conference, we wanted to make sure she knew how blessed we are to have her as part of our family!
We started with a big ol' pile of presents:

Then treated her to some apple turnovers & BACON!!!

We let her open presents before watching General Conference. She was one happy Avenger with all her SuperHero attire. Also, because it was Easter, we hid some money for her in eggs around her room that she had to hunt for.

She spent the rest of her special day doing teenage stuff.
Playing Minecraft on the Computer:

Watching movies:

 Playing the Wii:

 In the evening, we made her meal of choice---- Tacos. Nothing says Easter dinner like tacos! LOL

After dinner, the little girls had a special surprise for Liberty in her room. Man! We have some super thoughtful people in this home!

For dessert, she requested Blondie Brownie. Where is Jen Neuteboom when you need her? ;) I braved them myself & she was happy so we'll call it a win! Dad serenaded her with her birthday song."Happy Birthday to You!"

And did the classic "HI.......

YAH!!!!!!"

The next day, she had a couple friends over. What's better than Avengers assembling! ;)

What a super weekend we had celebrating one super special girl! XOXO

Holy Bucket o'Easter Candy!!

Brett always hides tons of Easter Eggs around the house for the kids to find on Easter morning. This year, he did NOT disappoint.

I forgot a picture of Brett with the kids and their Bucket o' Candy. Oops! So just imagine this bowl about 4 times fuller! ;) And us a lot less sick! LOL

Because He Lives

Even with the fun Easter traditions we do, we don't want the day to pass without acknowledging the true meaning of Easter. We know the Savior lives. We know He suffered and died for each of us. We know that on the 3rd day, He rose again. Because He lives... all things are possible!

For another really good video- http://www.mormon.org/easter

It was way special that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had General Conference this Easter weekend. We got to listen/watch to most of the sessions. It's always uplifting to hear the words of the Prophet and Apostles and hear their testimonies of the Savior. What a perfect way to spend our Easter weekend.

Magic Jelly Beans

Brett brought home some "Magic Jelly Beans" yesterday. He told the kids that the instructions said to plant the jelly bean in some dirt and water it. The kids weren't sure what to think but they each grabbed an Easter cup and did what he said.

Here's the kids outside scooping up dirt in their cups.

Sometime in the night- the magic beans sprouted some pretty awesome stuff! {even the dirt transformed into cookie crumbs with a few worms}

Believers of Magic Beans---

Highlights of Being 13

Here's some highlights of what it was like for Liberty being 13:

* Favorite Color: Purple
* Best Friends:
     From EVMS:
        Ann Dodds
        Megan
        Makayla
        Jenna Bingham
        Katelyn Guymon
      From Montana City:
         Mikal Fife
         Amie Wilkerson
         Jayda Pierson
         Hannah Caldwell
* Loves to hang out with friends
* Visited Glacier National Park
* Almost as tall as Mom & wear the same shoe size
* Met Sister Oscarsen- Young Women's General President
* Played in Mrs. Ophelia- EVMS school play
* Visited UT for Alec & Laura's Wedding
* Participated in the Montana Mucker
* Attended Girls Camp
* Started school at Montana City
* Dressed up as Captain America for Halloween
* Loves to read & read & read
* Started Aunt Flo
* Working on YW Personal Progress
* Made a Avenger Monopoly game for a Family Christmas present
* Great artist
* Dad taught you to drive
* LOVES Avengers or any SUPER Hero Stuff
* Totally got into Batman lately
* Lemon Testing for Science
* Tried out for the Missoula Children's Theater- got one of lead roles!
* Loves to Swim @ Fairmont in the freezing cold
* Visited Billings Temple with friend, Katelyn
* Tried out the Minecraft Club
* LOVES to Ski

Dear Sis-
            What a beautiful young woman you are! How in the world did my sweet little baby get as tall as me? You are so smart. You are a hard worker. You are a great friend. Your are a fabulous artist. You amaze us at how talented and brave you are in the theatrical arts. Dad & I love to snuggle with you and chat about your day. This past year has been a little rough adjusting to a new place, new school, new friends. But you are doing a spectacular job at increasing your patience. Way proud of you! Love you lots! XOXO
                                                                                                       - Mom