Thursday, February 28, 2013

Gideon is 5!

Gideon is a very bright little boy.  He has a desire to understand how everything works, where it comes from and what will happen in the future.  He loves to write words and asks what it says.  He can spell out or read most three and four letter words with cues.  He loves to draw, create and craft.  He wants his Aunt Amy to come visit more often because she is so fun with crafts.  Gideon is asking for a craft table in his bedroom.  Gideon's imagination runs rampant, causing at times natural fears to increase.  He is very scared "Zombies" will eat his brains out while all the kids are at school, he hates the dark and would rather never be alone.  Every night he convinces someone to "snuggle" him until he falls asleep.  Gideon makes friends with everyone and easily socializes.  He really wants to lose a tooth, but while he waits he convinces Isaac, Eliza and Micah to use their money to buy him treats at the market down the rode.  Gideon still loves to snuggle with stuffed animals at night and will only use his Thomas the Train pillow case Grandma Stevens made him.  He hates all shoes except snow boots or flip flops...no in-between.  He wants his pants to be soft and tight on the waist thus PJ's are his choice every time he can get away with it.  Even if he is dressed for he day he will inevitably change into soft pajama's.  Thomas the Tank Engine still rules his every thought and desire but he has branched out occasionally to curious George and Lego's.  Gideon loves to ride on big brother's shoulders.  He regularly gives Daddy "scratch backs" to get rid of the itchies.  He is in charge of his room, bed and utensils every day but will help anytime he can in the kitchen cooking.  We love our delightful, kind, observant, cuddly, curious and tender little boy.  
Bonnie met us at the park on Gideon's birthday to do face painting.  She is amazing at it.



Gideon's counterpart is Clay.  They are quite the duo.  Gideon has even had Clay come and spend the night with us a couple times.
David and Alyson spent the day with us at the park.




Scotty spent the day with us also.  We still keep those two friends together.


Gideon had his two favorites, cinnamon rolls and vanilla ice-cream!


Family came for the evening.  Amy helped with Danielle's new pointe shoes.  We had a fun time together.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Milwaukee Love

Milwaukee October 2012
October held conferences for Scott in Milwaukee and he took his favorite person...or so he says!
Amanda spent the week in Museums, running the wooded trails and lake boardwalks, navigating the Milwaukee Transit system (Not wise on the wrong side of town, with an angry and armed rider), shopping (still not the favorite past time) and visiting Scott at the Satellite office of NMFN.





We spent the time and money renting a car and traveling to Chicago to attend Boise's sister temple.  It was empty that day and the patrons were happy to help us.  We love going to every temple we can when we travel.


We were glad to have left our family in good hands with Uncle Greg and Aunt Amy.  They all had a blast, especially Gideon.  He made a real "Bolcano" that erupted in the kitchen.  Aunt Amy did lots of stories and crafts!  It is always a wonderful treasure to spend several days together without the cares of every day life.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Cousins



 Some cousin fun.  I love that Aunt Gina has a monthly Dr. Appt. in town.  It gives us an excuse to play!

Conference Weekend

In honor of BSU football my pedicure specialist voted for a set of blue toenails.  The perfect treat while watching Conference.
We have a new playground in Boise.  I had to do some serious negotiating to round up the troops for an afternoon walk.  I lost the pajama war worn outside but came out with more willing participants. 
Who can do the biggest "Stevens Smile".  It had everyone laughing.
We love to explore right out our backdoor.
The Challenge!!!


We sure have a lot of fun together!


 Tarzan Man


 

Hot pumpkin Monkey bread was a delicious return treat.   I love Conference weekend for many reasons.