Oh what a week!

Brett started a new job yesterday. The last couple of weeks have been filled with anticipation, curiosity, . . . and a little worry. We are very grateful to be so blessed at this time when we recognize the job market is scarce. He is excited to be working for this new company called Simplifile. He is still working as a Software Engineer, but is excited to be doing something different. We've been able to have some good family time this week before he started his new job. We all went to a Farmer's Market last Saturday. The boys liked petting the animals and 'riding' on the tractor. Brett and I worked together to can some raspberries from the trip when we got home. A mid-week Father/Son basement camp-out. Brett and Hyrum decided to rough it in our basement one night and have smores and watch movies. I came down a couple of times to see how it was going, and they would be laying the exact same way. It was sooo cute!Another exciting thing that happened this week was the purchase of a car for Brett to take to work, which means I now have more freedom during the day. Today I took the boys up to the Timpanogos Caves Trail (which is only 2 miles from our house). It was so much fun and Hyrum especially liked looking at our map and having an adventure. Since I was by myself we only went up 1/3 of the way, because i was a little worried I would have to carry 62lb. of cute boys down the trail back, but they did great the whole time!The boys always got excited to find trail markers and other signs. We would stop and read them, Hyrum said this sign says, "Watch out, don't fall off volcano!" I'm glad he's thinking safe.

Legoland

On our last day in California we went to explore the fantastic Legoland. I'm so amazed at what people can do with Legos. Mini land was incredible!We spent the majority of time in the Pirate section with all the water. The boys had a blast!

Disneyland 2nd Edition

Woohoo. Orange day for the Partridges. It was nice and easy to find everyone. O boy. Hyrum had a blast climbing in the letters. He actually got away from me for a second and jumped in someone's family picture and yelled BOOO! This was one of my favorite pictures because I actually got a picture when the boys were just sooo happy at the same time.

Disneyland Mania

So, I've been dying to post our fun trip to Disneyland for a while. With Brett's job situation my brain has been elsewhere. Yay, for a new job on Thursday!
So here's a little glimpse into our fun trip: Flick's Flyers, the carousel, and the caterpillar. The boys LOVED bugs land!Noah fell in love with this firefighter cutout for him to put his head in. He kept running back to it and making cheesy faces inside. Hyrum was really excited to see Minnie in person. The first thing he did when we got to her was tickle her of course (his standard greeting).

Home

There are downsides to our location (lots of deer poop in the late fall, windy, horribly long winters) but the perks are just AMAZING! I LOVE our view and all there is to offer in our community. There are 3 parks within easy walking distance. We went to this park and I felt like breaking into song. . "The hills are alive. . .".

PG-13

This post is not for people who are uncomfortable or grossed out about the topic of poo. Being knee deep (not literally) in potty training this week means our main topic of conversation, reminders, and rewards are all based on accomplishments within the bathroom. Hyrum has been doing a GREAT job and we are very happy with his progress. I just hope his success lasts and we limit our public embarrassments(none would be preferable, but not likely).

Anyway, to the main reason for this post. Hyrum had the funniest conversation with me today while he was sitting on the toilet in our bathroom while I got ready for the day. Right after it happened I decided I just had to run downstairs to write it down before I forgot so I could, of course, share it with the world:

"Poop in trouble, Mom. Trying to get out, stuck inside tummy. hmmm. . . . I have great idea! Put mouse inside tummy and mouse cut it out, and then poop come out, and then mouse come out too. . . (long pause). . . Mom! Mom! Stop getting face dirty (that would be putting my makeup on) Come see! Big giant beanstalk big poop come out and float in water! Look Mom! Look!"

Oh, the simple joys of life that just crack us up, and yes his underwear is on backwards. He prefers to see the picture:)

Jimkeepers Uncut

I have so much to post that I keep procrastinating it. In the past two weeks I went to girls camp, we had a little Jimkeepers party, Disneyland, Legoland, and potty training. . . whew. I don't know how I'm going to get to all of the updating, so I'm just doing one thing at a time. This is not in date order, but here you go:

For those of you who are not from Mesa or familiar with a group of mischievous H.S. boys 10 years ago that did all manor of crazy things and have managed to remain friends, here is a little glimpse at the Jimkeepers - the mini reunion. We wish we could have gotten all together, but with the whole group being spread out over the country we'll just be happy with this little gathering. Every time we get together more kids seam to get in the pictures. Time really does fly. It was great seeing you all!

DinnerPlaying in the backyardNow the real party begins!
WARNING: This is uncut, unrehearsed, boys rockin'
This ones for you Jimmy:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com