Tyler Earned his Bear

 These pictures from my phone aren't that great. Tyler was very excited to earn his bear before he turned 10. He actually had it completed a few months before his birthday, but his leaders were unable to get him his awards until December.  Here he is reading his 'cheer.'

He pinned my pin onto me, but refused to give me a kiss in front of everyone. Surprise surprise!

 He is quite the scout. His leaders constantly rave about how wonderful he is. There have been many days where he comes to me holding his scout book and says "I want to pass of this and this and this today." I never have to push him to complete anything, he has the desire all on his own. He is wonderful.

Mini Garage Makeover Project

One of the things I didn't like about our new house is that we don't have a mudroom/space to put backpacks, boots, snow stuff, etc. Since we mostly go through the garage and not the front door, I decided I would like to create a space to put all of the kids stuff. I took down some hooks and moved a dilapidated bookshelf, painted the wall and put up these little "cubbies" we found at IKEA. There is a bin at the top for their treasures, a hook for a backpack, a hook for a coat and a bin at the bottom for their shoes and boots. I put a little chair in the middle so there is somewhere to sit while you put on your boots. Plus I love the little half circle rugs I found as well.

 

That same week, Randy and I purchased a new freezer for the garage. I LOVE it! The refrigerator that came with the house is built in and has a tiny freezer. I could scarcely buy anything to keep in the freezer.  It is so nice to have.

 I used my Cricut to cut vinyl letter so I could attach their names onto each cubby. I hadn't ever cut vinyl before, but even though I messed it up by cutting all the way through the backing, it still worked out great! Aren't their little names awesome!

 Lily wanted to help me show them off.

I swear I took some 'before' photos, but I can't seem to find them. Oh well. These are right by the entry to the house from the garage.

House Parties!

 I was lucky enough to win not one but TWO house parties this summer. We invited some neighbor friends as well as my sister and my friend Adrienne and her kids from Tooele.

 We had a "Lego Duplo" house party and a Hasbro "Chasin Cheeky" party as well.

The party packs came with lots of snacks, games, coupons, and boxes of Legos! We had an amazing time. We were thankful to have made a few friends to invite as well.