Hooton Holler

Ballerina Brooklyn

2009-06-23T22:54:00.012-06:00

While we were waiting for Brooklyn's tap class to arrive for their pictures, we had a little fun and took some extra pictures. Her teacher, Andrea, asked one of the older girls if we could borrow her points. I am so happy with this picture, we just had one made for her room.

Her original Ballet picture.

Tap, tap, tap. That is all Brooklyn does. On the tile at home, in the store, anywhere
there is a hard surface.

Just before her performance. She doesn't get a bit scared. She cant wait to get on the stage. This year she was in two dances. Daddy brought his ballerina a dozen roses.
Grandma Graham also gave her some roses.

After the performance, it was off to the Katwyk's for ice cream.Maddi dances at the same school so both families watch the recital. She was in four dances. We knew someone in most of the dances.

All Star Update

2009-06-23T22:22:00.009-06:00

Braden's All Star team played in their first tournament over the weekend. It was a practice tournament so it didn't really count, hopefully it took care of their nerves. They tied the first game, due to a terrible call. We really won. We lost our second game, and kicked butt the third game. He had quite the fan club on Saturday, Grandma and Grandpa Hooton, Grandma Graham, Grandma and Grandpa Olsen, Chris, Summer, all of his Hooton cousins, and of coarse his biggest fans, his dad, mom, and Uncle JD.
If you look just above Troy's head you can see the ball.
Maybe I have finally figured out my camera.

Yes, that is rain. Which makes mud. And he slid (perfect form I might add) just for me. I cringed when I saw the white pants. I asked him not to slide unless he had to, well he does when ever he can. 1 tournament+1 bottle of spray-n-wash+oxy clean=white pants.

Look at our ALL-STAR!!!

2009-06-09T15:23:00.002-06:00

After eight long years of playing his heart out, Braden made the All-Star team. He is so excited. Troy will be one of his coaches. Their first tournament starts next week. Here we thought baseball season was coming to a close, but we are only half way through. Way to go Braden!!! FYI-Troy has to were a full baseball uniform, watch for pictures.

Catching Up!

2009-06-09T13:51:00.015-06:00

I have always thought that blogging was a fun way to keep you family and friends up on all of our adventures. A few weeks ago the hard drive on my laptop crashed. The ironic thing was, I had my external hard drive plugged in and ready to go (back up), I decided to remove an unneeded program and it crashed. I was sick. All of my pictures of the last two years were gone. After I finally calmed down, I remembered that most of my favorite pictures were on my blog. I started pulling them and saving them on another computer (and backed it up). Luckily, Geek Box Computers was able to recover everything, after five days of scanning. Yes, I'm scared to get the bill. But like Troy said, the pictures are priceless.

BACK UP YOUR PICTURES RIGHT NOW!!!!!

On May 26th, Braden played his last little league game. Of coarse his mom and dad were having the hardest time. Wasn't he just playing his first game? Isn't he still 4? We couldn't even find pants small enough for him. Troy was able to snag the game ball. We dated it and ordered a case for it. Off to the Big Leagues.

Cody has had an awesome year. He has progressed so much. He is one of the few kids on his team that can throw from first to third or from home to second with little effort, and actually hit the waiting mitt. He played all over, his favorite of coarse was pitcher and catcher. I was really impressed with his catching towards the end of the year and when his bat makes contact, watch out. He hit a double in his last at bat in his last game. Probably all those wiffle golf balls his dad makes him hit on Sunday afternoon. He has it in him to be a great player. I think he will do well moving up a year early to majors to Troy and JD's team.

Brooklyn finishes her season tonight. She is so serious when she is on the field. Since she has spent every spring of her life at the ball field, she is one of the few kids her age that know what to do when she gets the ball. She is a pretty good hitter too. Like I said earlier, those Sunday afternoon family practices. Dad would have her hit too.

On May 11th, Brooklyn went to the Doctor for her Kindergarten check up. She weighed 40 pounds and was 43 inches tall. The shots didn't sit to well with her. I'm sure the anticipation (Cody kindly told her what to expect) made it worse. She has great vision, and is healthy. Ready to go to school.

Brooklyn has a new little friend named Regan. She just lives up around the corner from us. We didn't know this until Troy drafted her older brother on his baseball team. We have gotten to know the family and have had a few get togethers. In fact her older brother, Curtis is coming to spend the weekend with us while his parents are out of town.

Reagan came to play one day so we made and decorated

cupcakes. What a mess they made, but it was fun.

While Cody was off track we went and spent a few days in Fairview at Grandma in the Mountains house (Grandma Nelson). We went through pictures and scanned over a

thousand pictures into my computer. And yes, they were backed up before we left. It was so fun to see all of the old pictures and learn about them. When we got them all out I was honestly disappointed. There weren't may old ones. I went upstairs to get a frame off the wall that had some pictures in it I wanted to scan and had a feeling to go into a bedroom that we rarely go in . I was then drawn to a cabinet and opened the doors. There they were. All of the old pictures. My Grandpa's Navy pictures were all neatly in a book and labeled. There were so many pictures of my Grandpa as a young man. I cried, I was so happy. That is when Cody walked in. He was worried about me until he found out I was just happy. He came in just in time to help carry them all down stairs. So many of our relatives think that there are ghosts upstairs at my Grandma's house, well I have to say I think I was led to those pictures. Thanks Grandpa, you can visit me anytime. I'm not afraid. Speaking of, Cody has been one of the scardy cats until this last visit. He conquered his fear and goes upstairs all by himself. My Grandma's house is really old. But no need to be afraid, only good spirits.

Cody got to go work on the farm with Uncle Jay for the day. He loved it. Jay lets him drive tractors. He even made sure to squirt Uncle Jay while while fixing the sprinklers. He helped feed the pigs and sheep and fix the sprinklers.

Grandma Nelson and Brooklyn

The last day Cody was off track, we went to the zoo. I offered to take Kennadi and Braxton so that Summer could have a break, but she decided to go with.

I have decided that when you are a Mom you miss a lot. Even when you are there all the time. You are so worried about if your kids are safe, clean, healthy and all that stuff you seem to miss magical moments. I stood by Braxton on the carousel and was taken in by his reaction. When your not worried about all the other stuff you notice so much more. His face just lit up when we started to go. I wish I could remember those moments of my kids lives. I think I understand why Grandma's have so much fun.

Start Practicing!!!

2009-04-28T07:49:00.005-06:00

Troy just recieved an email this morning to inform him that Braden had drawn out for a State Wide Bull Elk Tag. There is a youth program with tags set aside just for youth to help get them excited about hunting. Hopefully in a few months I can post some pictures of Braden and a big dead elk. I think we will be spending quite a bit of time at the bow shop, practicing.

Hoppy Easter!

2009-04-12T20:10:00.001-06:00

Come On Blue!

2009-04-07T22:24:00.002-06:00

Can you believe Braden has his first job. He is umpiring the younger kids games. He seems to be enjoying it while making pretty good money. The league officials have been impressed with how well he is going and want to keep him busy. He's his fathers son and hears cha-ching every time he walks onto the field. He has loved the game since he was four and knows every rule. I'm glad he pursued this opportunity.

Put Me In Coach!

2009-04-07T22:23:00.002-06:00

Cody's first baseball game was tonight. He didn't play

last year due to hockey. He played both second and

catcher. He's off to a good start, especially since he is

wearing Uncle JD's number 5.

City Bowling Tournament Awards

2009-04-07T22:15:00.007-06:00

Back in February the kids bowled in the City Tournament. I was hesitant to put Brooklyn in, but she did awesome. Her average at the time was 17. She bowled a 63. Every game she bowled that day was at least double her average. This picture makes me laugh. She was the youngest bowler in the tournament and she cleaned up.

Brooklyn took first place All-A-Round in her division. Her team placed, and she placed in singles.

Cody's team placed and received his patches for past high games.

Braden's team took first place in their division, he placed inAll-A-Round, and also placed in singles.

The first place team. Grandma and Grandpa Hooton came to see their grand kids receive their awards.

Buffalo Bill Cody

2009-04-07T22:13:00.003-06:00

Cody had to do a biography book report. They had to read the book, then give an oral report dressed like the person that they read about. My Cody and I read about Buffalo Bill Cody. He loved reading together about the wild west and know hopes for a trip to

Yellowstone and Cody, Wyoming this year to visit the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum. He is also interested in the Pony Express. We better read more about that.

Boy, he sure does take after his mom at school. Listening to over 25 reports grew a little tiresome.

Cody At Work!

2009-04-07T22:11:00.002-06:00

While Cody was off-track last time, he went to work with his dad a couple of times. He doesn't spend much time in the office with him though. Cody walks in, finds his glasses and gloves and goes out to the shop to find Roggie. He is a family friend that we've know for years, and yes I trust that he will watch out for Cody. He lets Cody drill holes, tighten bolts, and get his hands dirty. The highlight of the day is when the lunch truck comes. Troy always gives him a few bucks to spend. He then sits around with the guys and eats. He cries when I show up to take him home. He loves it!

St. Paddy's Day

2009-04-07T22:04:00.005-06:00

We woke up to treats from the leprechaun. This year he left a shamrock trail from the front door to the kitchen table, where he left the treats.
Our favorite tradition is to have a green dinner. This years menu was;
Chicken Alfredo (green sauce)
Garlic Bread
Green Beans
Green Apple Soda
and Green Cupcakes for dessert

Twins

2009-04-07T22:03:00.001-06:00

Two of a kind. Cody had this hockey jersey, and while I was shopping one day I found the same one in Braxton's size. Cody was so excited to have matching shirts. These two kids are so much alike. Braxton reminds me so much of Cody at that age. Cody loves Braxton, and he idolizes Cody.

Grizzlies Game

2009-04-07T21:54:00.003-06:00

The kids and I were able to go to the Grizzlie's game and sit behind the visitors bench. Cody was in heaven, but me on the other hand didn't enjoy the stinky players. It smelled like Cody's locker room X3. Yuck. Other than the smells it was a lot of fun

A New School

2009-03-19T19:19:00.003-06:00

We got some great news this week. We were able to enroll the kids in to a new charter school. The school is still being built in Daybreak. It will be fun for the kids to watch it go up. Not to far from our house. It was a big decision for Braden. We had many talks with him, he weighed the pros and cons, and decided that there were more pros than cons. The schools charter is history. Perfect for Braden. Cody also shows interest in this area. Because of sibling priority, both Cody and Brooklyn were admitted when we enrolled Braden. We did not tell him that his decision would effect this brother and sister. Now if only we could hurry and adopt our niece, Kennadi, who also would like to attend. Braden doesn't mind the idea of wearing uniforms, but Cody is a whole other story. Brooklyn is starting kindergarten, so she will not know any different.

We excited for our kids to get a great education. Smaller class sizes, and a curriculum that works around them, not the other way around.

2009-03-08T11:18:00.002-06:00

Well the baseball season is upon us. I don't know if I an ready for this. We will have three kids on three different teams. Yikes! We are going to be

living at the field. Better find me a nice comfy chair.
Braden got some exciting news yesterday morning. Troy told him that he was going to be his head coach. We hadn't told him about Troy volunteering, just in case it didn't work out. Troy hasn't ever been Braden's coach. He has been an assistant coach but not the boss. Even more exciting, Braden's Uncle JD is going to help out. They are going to be the Cincinnati Reds. Braden has always been on a blue team, Dodgers, Braves, Royals & Padres. We probably have ten pair of blue socks. So I guess my job will be manager (of everything).
Cody and Brooklyn both got to move up a division. Cody is a minor and Brooklyn is a Rookie (coach pitched). We don"t know what teams they are on yet, but when we find out we will let you all know.

Governor Huntsman Visits Tesco

2009-02-02T16:30:00.007-07:00

Governor John Huntsman visited Tesco on Monday, February 2nd. Braden was able to spend the morning at work with his dad and share the experience.

Tesco's new flag pole. The bottom flag is the Air Force flag. Williamsen Manufacturing is doing a lot of work for the Air Force right now.

Everyone worked extra hard to clean the office and the shop for the visit. I was so blown away I had to take a few pictures.

This is a picture of some of the missile transport trailers that they are building for the Air Force

They finished the visit with pizza for everyone. Thirty five pizzas in all.

Our Baby is 5!

2009-02-02T16:14:00.002-07:00

Brooklyn turned 5 on January 12th. Can you believe it? Time flies.

She had a fun day at Boondock's with out family and a few friends.

Give Me Some SUGAR!

2009-01-04T14:22:00.006-07:00

Troy and I went to New Orleans to go to the game, and what a game it was! We flew in early in the day on New Years Eve. We rested up and waited for everyone else to arrive for our big night. New Years Eve was awesome on Bourbon Street. we even made it on the channel 2 news. We rang in the New Year at the Bourbon Cowboy (The Ute Bar). The next day, Troy and I along with the two other couples we were with, took a city and cemetery tour. We learned about the history of the city, saw the levees that broke, and the homes that were flooded. You could still see water lines on buildings and the FEMA X's on houses. We also went to a cemetery. They can't bury bodies there because of the risk of flooding so whole families are put into tombs. I found this very interesting, but wouldn't want the job of opening the tombs.
The game was amazing!!! We had heard a lot of comments from the Alabama fans of the bloodbath to come. The win was SWEET! The Bama fans started leaving with about 5 minutes on the clock. We were able to see the motorcade of our team buses on the way back to their hotel, lights and sirens and all. I have to say my favorite part was Bourbon Street all three nights and the new friends we have; Corry and Heather Smith and Greg and Kim Cope. We did everything together and loved every minute of it.

Vegas

2009-01-04T14:12:00.003-07:00

We drove to Las Vegas the day after Christmas so the boys could bowl in the Junior National No-Tap Tournament. They both bowled extreamly well. Braden placed second in his division and Cody placed third. We plan to make this a new tradition and to enter more of the tournaments going on at the same time. Brooklyn got to ride up to the top of the Effiel Tower and stroll down the streets of Paris. Hope this will due for a few years. Troy played a little poker, but luck wasn't on his side. We had a lot of fun on our quick little trip. Mom and Dad had to get back for their trip.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Make it STOP!

2009-01-04T13:00:00.003-07:00

On Christmas morning, Troy and I were trying to load the car to go visit the family. We live at the mouth of Rose Canyon, so when it snows it also blows. We can't ever measure how much has accumulated due to the fact everyone else's snow blows down to our end of the street.

We made it out of the driveway and thought we were in the clear. Funny huh. We had no idea how deep the snow was out on the street. WE WERE STUCK! We worked on it for a while with no progress. Luckily we live in a neighborhood with quite a few contractors. There were a few guys with plows mounted on their trucks and many neighbors pushing and finally we were out. Then off to help the rest. We found it ironic that Troy's company makes and sells plows of all sizes and we were depending on the people that had bought them for help. I have a felling we will have one on our truck soon.

When we returned home that night we were amazed. We couldn't get in our driveway with out snow blowing. Luckily Troy had Tim Taylor syndrome last year when he bought the snow blower and bought a huge one. I think after two years of snow like this we have decided that this is how it is going to be. We thought last year was a fluke. Maybe not.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-04T12:04:00.005-07:00

Christmas Eve after opening out new jammies and

reminding everyone what we are thankful for while sipping

on bottled cokes. I realized later that that was kind of dumb.

Didn't we want them to go to sleep?

Christmas morning, waiting to come down to see what Santa brought.

Brooklyn got her own DS. Yeah, now mom has one to play.

Dad got the boys their own video Ipods. He hid them of coarse.
They were also surprised with a trip to Vegas to bowl in a national tournament.

Christmas Activities

2009-01-03T20:34:00.005-07:00

We made Gingerbread Houses,
We pulled taffy,

We went to Thanksgiving Point to see the lights and

the reindeer,

We also went to hear Braden play in his
first band concert.

Sydney's Here!

2008-12-09T13:32:00.004-07:00

Grandma and her girls. Brooklyn is

a little unsure of the competition.

Sydney came into the world on Thursday, December 4th.

My sister Susie had a very smooth delivery. Lucky!

My kids are excited to finally have a cousin on this side

of the family, but Brooklyn lost her throne of being the only

girl and the baby. She can't wait to help take care of her.

Daddy's Spoiled Princess

2008-12-09T13:26:00.002-07:00

All she had to say was "Daddy". He is a very weak man when it comes to Brooklyn's batting eyelashes. She had only been bowling for two weeks. Her brothers had to wait for Santa to bring their first bowling balls.

Davidson is Home!

2008-11-26T07:28:00.003-07:00

Isn't he cute? We brought him home last Friday. He hasn't really whined much and has been pretty good. He loves to nibble and particularly likes my slippers. He has already grown. He will only be little for a minute!

Our New Baby

2008-11-12T15:39:00.003-07:00

Look how cute! He is 41/2 weeks old so we will get to bring him home on friday the 21st. Cody was lucky. He was the only one that got to help pick him out. Everyone else was in school. I guess we are now going to be breeding golden retrievers. We are open to name suggestions, right now Davidson is in the lead. Would go great with Harley.

Champions!

2008-11-12T15:28:00.004-07:00

Braden's team WON! They are all on cloud nine. On Friday all of the moms decorated their sons rooms. They loved it. I truly think Brooklyn had more fun decorating it than Braden had finding it. After the game one of the families hosted a victory party and most

of the team spent the night.

Election Night

2008-11-05T12:20:00.010-07:00

Braden with Orin Hatch

Someday he will be on that stage!

Troy was invited by three different candidates (all of whom won) to the Republican Party Election Night shindig at the Grand America Hotel. We decided it would be a fun experience for the whole family. We got a room at Little America so Troy and Braden could stay at the party late. We started the the night with dinner at the hotel. The boys nicely placed their napkins on their laps and were careful not to put their elbows on the table. They do actually listen. It was fun. Cody and Brooklyn had a blast collecting all of the pins and stickers and decorating their shirts. Braden loved being amongst the Politicians .

Cody and Brooklyn grew tired of hobnobbing and suite visiting so we went back to the hotel. Cody was so excited that there were robes in the closet that he just had to take a shower so he could wear one.

The Playoffs!

2008-11-05T11:16:00.003-07:00

Braden's team has gone undefeated so far! They are playing their championship game on Saturday, November 8th at 12:00 noon at the South Jordan fields. The address is 11100 South Redwood Road, in the NW corner of the park! This sounds crazy but pray for rain. We are a good running team, but they are a good passing team. We can run in the rain, they can't pass in the rain! Good Luck Braden!

Halloween

2008-11-05T10:49:00.010-07:00

Braden was a blind referee, Brooklyn was a nice witch,
and Cody was Kirilenko.

This was our first year at our new house. The kids were so worried about how good the trick-or-treating would be in this neighborhood. They were pleasantly surprised.

The Hooton Sisters were casting spells all
over Herriman!

I was in charge of Cody's class party!

Cody's Big Day!

2008-10-12T15:07:00.006-06:00

Yesterday Cody had a very

busy day (so did the rest of us).

He bowled his highest game at a
130. Wow! Then later he played

in his very first hockey game.

He got to start, and did quite well.

His team won. After his game we had his 9th Birthday party. All of our family came to watch his game, then we had a pizza party after at the rink. We were especially lucky to have Great-Grandma Nelson and our cousins,

Jody and Brian, from Price there. He had a great day!

Braden & Braxton

Cody's Hockey Schedule

2008-10-08T12:40:00.003-06:00

Here is Cody's Hockey Schedule!

Oct. 11th 5:30

Oct. 18th 12:45

Oct. 25th 12:45

Nov. 1st 5:30

Nov. 8th 2:00 @ Accord

Dec. 6th 4:15

Dec. 13th 12:45 @ Accord

Dec. 20th 10:45 @ SLC-W

There is the rest of 2008. If there isn't a

rink that means the game is in Murray.

I will post addresses later!

Happy Fall!!!

2008-09-30T20:07:00.002-06:00

Today we went up Butterfield Canyon (right by our house) to take pictures in the fall leaves. This is my favorite time of year. I can't believe I finally got a good picture.

Look At Her Go!

2008-08-27T13:08:00.003-06:00

Cody decided it was time for Brooklyn to learn how to ride her bike after seeing their cousin Kennadi was learning. It didn't take long and off she went. Yesterday I went out to check on them and Cody had a wrench taking off her trainning wheels as Brooklyn was putting on her gear. Isn't it funny that Troy and I didn't wear all that stuff and we lived. I think Troy will be dissapointed that he didn't teach his little girl to ride her bike, but it sure made Cody proud.

Braden's First Hunt

2008-08-25T07:50:00.007-06:00

Can you believe Braden is of legal age to hunt? Unbelievable. This weekend was his first hunt. The hunting party consisted of Troy, Braden, Cody, and Ryan Lessner a family friend.

They didn't see any bucks all weekend. So he'll try again next weekend. Cody doesn't enjoy sitting and waiting quietly, so he took a nap.

The First day of School

2008-08-25T07:19:00.007-06:00

All three kids started new schools this year. Brooklyn started a new preschool that we love on August 6th.

Cody started a new elementary this year. He now gets to ride the bus and loves it (so does mom). He loves his teacher (so does mom) and we think she will be one of his all time favorites.

Braden started Middle School on August 25th. Can you believe that he is that old? Wow! Where did the time go. He also rides the bus (yea, says mom).

Aunt Susie's Wedding

2008-08-13T08:45:00.003-06:00

Our Aunt Susie got married on August 9th. Brooklyn was the flower girl, Cody was the ring bearer and Braden was an usher, they were the only kids there. It was a small event but went off without a hitch!

Ashlyn Joy Hooton

2008-07-13T20:42:00.001-06:00

We got a new cousin on Thursday, July 10th. Her name is Ashlyn, and she is so cute. She weighed 6lbs 13 oz. and she was 19 inches long.

San Fran

2008-07-13T20:13:00.005-06:00

On July 4th we set out on an adventure. Tesco needed to make a delivery to the Coast Guard very quickly and it just happened to be over the holiday weekend. We had been thinking of taking a road trip, but due to the gas prices we kept putting it off. Troy saw this as the perfect opportunity for us all to see a new part of the country and make the delivery at the same time. So off to San Fransisco we went. We borrowed Troy's dad's big diesel truck (very roomy). We had a great time. We got to see Reno, we stayed there on the fourth at Circus Circus. We were able to watch the fireworks right from our room. Then on Saturday we went to Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, and then onto San Francisco. We stayed in just outside of the city in Navato near the Coast Guard base.

Sunday we spent the whole day in the city. We took a tour of the city and hung out at Fisherman's Wharf where we visited the wax museum. Then back to the hotel to swim.Monday was a long day. Troy and Cody delivered the big orange box and then we started the drive home.

Alaska!

2008-06-28T07:12:00.005-06:00

Last week Troy went to Alakska. Troy and his business partner, Mike, take a few of their biggest customers each year. Each of the twelve guys came home with about 50 pounds of halibit and salmon.

They caught three sharks. Yikes! Also a few stingrays and a starfish. They kept the singrays in the water because they are so dangerous.

This was Troy's second trip to Alaska. The loves to see all of the wildlife. This is a picture of a bald eagle (click oicture to enlarge). He also saw a humback whale and a killer whale (Shamu).

Fairy Garden

2008-06-21T13:11:00.001-06:00

All Fairies Welcome!

Yesterday, Brooklyn and I were watching TV and learned that during the shortest night of the year (summer solstis) all of the fairies come out. They encouraged all the little girls to make a fairy garden and maybe a fairy would pick you garden to live in. So, with any luck, she will find some pixie dust in the morning!

Cousins!

2008-06-19T20:24:00.002-06:00

Brooklyn and Kennadi are best buds. She is almost like my second daughter. They play so well together unless they are competing over Grandma.

Take a Dump Truck to School Day!

2008-06-19T19:46:00.004-06:00

Today was a fun day at school for the boys. The school had asked for parents that had a special vehicle that they used at work to bring them and show and teach the students about that vehicle. Cody was so excited that Troy could arrange to have a dump truck be a part of this. Troy wasn't able to come due to prior commitments so he had one of the salesmen, Dan, come out and teach the kids about how dump trucks are built. This truck is a show truck that was at the big truck convention in Las Vegas.

Braden's class was one of the first classes. Braden thought it was pretty cool, but Cody will never forget it. He wore his Tesco Williamsen shirt just to show that he was part of the company. Like his Aunt Summer said you couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. He was so proud.

Cody's class learning about the truck.

Braxton (our nephew) loved looking at himself in the wheels.

Flower Girl

2008-06-19T19:25:00.005-06:00

I found this dress at a little old fashioned store in Lehi. I just knew

that it would be so cute to take her picture with so wild flowers.
Father's Day morning 2008.

Ballet Recital

2008-05-31T10:29:00.005-06:00

Prima Ballerina!

Last night was Brooklyn's ballet debut. She was so excited to get on the stage and dance like the ballerinas at the Nutcracker. She had the privilege of dancing with her daddy. It was so cute and precious.

What was even more fun was that we had some friends that go to the same dance school. So we were not only watching Brooklyn, but Madi, Hana, and Macy. Brooklyn had quite a group of supporters. She had Grandma & Grandpa Hooton, Grandma Graham, Uncle JD and Aunt Summer, and her cousins Kennadi and Braxton.

She was so excited to get flowers from her dad and Grandma Graham. We brought them home and put them in a vase. She thinks you need to check the water all the time.

President Hooton

2008-05-29T10:14:00.008-06:00

President Hooton, boy Leno would have a hay day with that name. As we watched the motorcade pull out of the gate, Braden looked at me and said someday I want to be in that car. It made me so proud to be his mom. To have have a son that has such high aspirations for his future is an amazing feeling. He all ready has his college goals in his mind, and since he is so much like his dad, I really think he will achieve his goals. I think we definitely have a politician on our hands. Maybe even an Alex P. Keaton, we'll have to look into the young republicans.

Hello, Mr. President!

2008-05-28T21:03:00.006-06:00

On Wednesday we went to watch Air Force One land at the airport. The boys were excited when I checked them out of school unexpectedly. Troy met us there. Security was extreamly tight. Much more than the times before when we've gone. While we were there there was a reporter from the Tribune talking to people and we got in the paper. Here is the link for the article: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9404667?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.comAbout half way down is where Braden made the artice.

hoot n holler

2008-05-26T19:49:00.001-06:00

Our Memorial Weekend

2008-05-26T19:01:00.003-06:00

Our holiday weekend started out with lunch and the first of our two movies. Ironman was the boys choice. Then on the way home Troy decided to go and look at riding lawnmowers. Our new yard is huge, with a lot of grass. I didn't think he needed one until I mowed the lawn. So an hour later we were on our way home with a new mower. Of coarse Cody was rallying at the store for the John Deere. As we walked out the door he was so excited to be holding the key to a real John Deere. Now everyone wants to mow the lawn. I used to have to because nobody wanted too.

On Sunday we visited the cemetery where Troy's Grandpa and Grandma Hooton are buried. I really want our kids to understand why we celebrate Memorial Day. The boys always like to make sure Grandpa Hooton has a flag by his stone, as he served in WWII as a foot soldier. Braden likes to remind us that this was one of the most dangerous jobs that a soldier could have.

Brooklyn was so sweet. While we were walking around and looking at some other family members stones near by, she ran around and sat up any flowers that had tipped over. She wanted them to all be setting up pretty.

After our visit to the cemetery, we went to lunch at Hard Rock Cafe. The kids really loved this. I have kind of corrupted my kids into liking rock. They were really impressed with the smashed guitar signed by KISS. Then off to the Bee's Game. Tesco's seats are awesome. Right behind home plate.
Brooklyn has her Daddy wrapped around her finger. What she wants, she gets. She wanted a monkey, so that's what she got.

We finished of the weekend by going to an early movie with the Hooton family. We all went to see Indiana Jones. I have a feeling Brooklyn and her cousin Kennadi won't be sleeping alone for a while. It was a good movie though. I rained most of the day so we just finished off the day relaxing.

2008-05-16T23:27:00.005-06:00

We want a Pitcher!

Braden has gotten a few chances to pitch this year.

He loves it. His team isn't doing every well this year

but they are all young. They will be strong next year.

2008-05-16T23:09:00.009-06:00

Billboard Cody

Cody is our walking advertisment. He seems to always

have a logo on eigther a hat or his shirt. They usually are:

What more could a boy want? Motorcycles,

tractors and big trucks!

Our Visit to Grandma Nelson's

2008-05-16T22:32:00.004-06:00

We rode down to Fairview last week to visit Grandma

Nelson. When we got there my kids were able to spend some

special time with my uncles and their Great-Grandma.

Uncle Jay helped redesign some sling shots that we bought at

the museum. He told the boys how my Grandpa used to make

them for him. They loved shooting rocks into the field. Later Jay

took the boys to his house and let them pick out their first hunting

knife and pocket knife. They spent the rest of the time whittling

branches from the apricot tree.

When we arrived, Cody was anxious to find Uncle Kent.

After we took Grandma to Mt. Pleasant, we found him out

in Grandma's field doing some clean up. He let Cody hop

up into the backhoe to ride with him. I went back out a

few minutes later to check on them and Cody was driving.

He was excited to help the guys finish up the next day.

And of coarse he drove again, all by himself!

We had a great trip. It reminded me so much of the weeks

I would spend during the summer at my grandparents house.

It was the highlight of the summer. Braden especially enjoyed

when my Grandma happened across a little book of

questions that I had asked my Grandpa many years ago

about his childhood. He and I decided to get some paper and

ask Grandma the same questions. He loved hearing the stories

about the different way of life.

2008-04-21T08:57:00.006-06:00

Ballet or Baseball?

Saturday Brooklyn had pictures with her ballet class and her dad and then they rushed to make it in time to her very first baseball game. From girly girl to tom boy. She had a blast at her game. She is on the same team with her cousin Kennadi. She was kind of a ball hog, but maybe the boys were all a little intimidated by the girls. All her equipment in pink of course and she was excited to get the the number her dad always had as a kid. She can't wait for her next game!

STRIKE!

2008-04-21T08:06:00.009-06:00

Braden and Cody bowl on a youth leauge on Saturday

mornings. Troy bought them new fancy balls this year and now they are both throwing a hook.

Yes our eight year old throws a hook. Crazy! The boys bowled in both the Salt Lake City and State

tournaments and Braden's team won a trophy in the City tournament. You all now that's what it is all about, the TROPHIES!

2008-04-01T17:51:00.006-06:00

April Fools!

Here is the menu. Sushi and cupcakes. What a well balanced meal. The Sushi is a gummy worm wrapped in rice krispie treats then wrapped again in a fruit roll ups. The Cupcakes were meatloaf topped with mashed potatoes. Brooklyn helped with the cooking and couldn't wait to trick her brothers. Braden knew something was up right away because we don't eat cooked fish let alone raw fish, Yuk.

2008-04-01T17:38:00.001-06:00

Who Is That Masked Kid?

Cody started his hockey classes on Monday. The classes are a prerequisite to sign up for a league in the fall. He did quite well. It was his first time on the ice with a stick and a puck. As for the spectators...BRR!

Easter

2008-03-24T10:00:00.006-06:00

Cody looking for eggs.

Braden thinks he is to old to look for eggs so he decided to help his cousin Braxton.

Brooklyn and her cousin Kennadi i.

Our Eggs!

The weekend started out with a Easter party and Egg Hunt with the "Friends". An annual event that the kids really look forward to. Then later that night we colored the eggs. For you stampers out there we did these eggs with the shaving cream tecnique. The kids loved it! Then off to bed so the bunny could come.

Cody woke up at the crack of dawn. Logic caught up with him this year, so he knew the secret. The bunny always makes finding the baskets lots of fun. He hides clues in special plastic eggs. Braden ejoys this every year. We then had our traditional holiday breakfast, Swedish Hotcakes.

Then off to visit the grandparents. At Grandma and Grandpa Hooton's house they had an egg hunt with all their cousins and lunch. At Grandma and Grandpa Graham's they had to hunt for their baskets and then we ate dinner. All in all it was a great Easter.

2008-03-18T18:52:00.002-06:00

Happy St. Paterick's Day!
The kids woke to find a pile of chocolate gold coins that the leperachan left them. Honestly, that is what they ate for breakfast (bad mom, I know). I packed the boys a special lunch of a sandwich on green bread, a bottle of green water and a couple of green sweets. Dinner is a tradition that has been in my family since I was little. This year I decided to try some real green food. The menu was pasta with pesto sauce, green garlic bread, green beans and a green drink.

2008-03-16T18:55:00.002-06:00

Well, here I go. I am very new to blogging. My sister-in-law started blogging about her family, so I thought this would be a great way for the family and friends to keep up with all of our doings. Keeping up with our crazy lives will be the tricky part, but I promise to try.As most of you probably know, we moved in December. It was quite unexpected. We found an amazing deal and jumped on it. We hadn't really even talked about moving and all the sudden we had made an offer on a house that we had always dreamed of. Everything happened so quickly that we didn't even have our current house on the market, and still don't. We are working on it though. We all couldn't be happier, even the dogs (lots of deer to chase). The boys are anxious for the snow and ice to melt off of the fishing pond so they can start fishing.

2008-03-16T17:38:00.011-06:00

Braden is eleven going on 25. Can you believe he is that old? We just attended his Jr. High orientation. He is so excited. Baseball season is quickly approaching. He decided to change leagues this year, which will be good for him. I will post his baseball schedule. His sport of choice is football. He lives for football season. His team this year went undefeated until the playoffs. As parents, we even love football (except for the long, every night practices). Braden is very politically in tune. Just a few weeks ago, Troy was able to take him up to the capitol. He met a few representatives and actually sat on the floor of the legislature while they were in session. I really think we have a politician on our hands. How many 6th graders watch the presidential primaries by choice? He is a great kid and we know he will accomplish many things.

Cody is now eight years old and in second grade. He is a very energetic kid. He loves everything to do with big trucks or heavy machinery and loves to spend as much time at Tesco with his dad as possible. He is so loving and genuinely cares about everyone. Cody has decided to play hockey. This will be a learning experience for the whole family, as none of us know much about the game. He has become quite a good skater and will be taking classes on the rules and moves in the next couple of months. He will then be able to be in a league in the late fall. Cody loves to be outside and can't wait for the weather to change so he ride his bike and maybe even the little 4-wheeler in the empty house lots behind us. When he can't be outside he is usually drawing pictures of trucks, he is very creative.

Brooklyn is daddy's little princess. She dances about the house all day long. She is in ballet with 5 year olds and is doing quite well. This is great considering she just turned 4. She can't wait for her recital which her dad gets to be in with her. She is starting tee-ball this year and gets to play on the same team with her cousin Kennadi. She goes to preschool two days a week and is learning a lot. She is quite a little lady. She loves clothes, shoes and any accessories she can get her hands on. But on the other hand, she has no problem getting dirty with the boys.

Troy is busy as usual. With his businesses and teaching at Westminster College his schedule is full. Then comes the kids. Some how he always manages to make time or them. They know that he works so hard, just for them. They always come first. He has been traveling quite a bit lately and will continue too. He has a fishing trip planned to Alaska (work of coarse). I just wish he would go to Maui for work. He has really cut back on doing taxes, which makes this time of year much nicer. We actually get to see him.

I am busy taking care of the family. Running kids here and there. I have also started school. Things have been crazy with trying to settle in to the new house and getting the old one on the market. Troy and I are hoping to have a little get away for our 13th anniversary next month. Maybe our first long trip on his Harley. I am looking forward to spring so we can start working on our yard. If anyone knows what plants that deer won't eat, let me know.