Chalk Paint

I saw this on this cute blog here, and decided to try it out. We had so much fun! I wouldn't recommend doing it in the blazing sun as we did because is hard to keep your water...Way easy and so much fun to do, I was even painting with the kids where usually I am content to just take pictures.

You just mix equal parts corn starch and water and then add food coloring. Done! You have to remember to rinse out your brushes often because the corn starch stays in them and they start not to hold any paint.

This is what it looks like when it is mixed.

Hunter got into it the most and was so sad when the paint was gone.

Disney Dollars

We are taking a trip to Disneyland at the end of this year. Josh and I really wanted our boys to ear their own money for their souvenirs this year so we came up with the idea of "Disney Dollars" They are all the rage at the Nelson home right now. They get these for performing their chores and extra activities each day. They are super motivated right now...lets see how it lasts!

Elder Mark Palmer

Mark was set apart as a missionary on Tuesday night. It was truly an amazing time for our family. He is now at the MTC.

President Isaac and Mark. President Isaac has played a part in most of my brothers and sisters going on missions. He was the Bishop that sent David and me out and the Stake President that sent Michelle and Mark out.

Proud parents.

After Mark was set apart as a missionary we came back to my parents house for cookies and ice cream.

Brandon is the perfect cousin for my boys. They are all just alike and have the time of their lives when they get to play together.

Good thing I already told yall that I was pregnant, because this picture isn't hiding anything! I sure love my brother Mark.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

We almost didn't get to the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house. I am so glad we finally got there (in the last week :) The boys seemed to be able to handle it better this time (the Draper temple open house was a little wild) and they enjoyed learning about the temple. The night before Josh gave a Family Home Evening on the temple so that worked really well. One of the ushers took this great picture above. He was totally laying down on the pavement, that is service!

Everything was so beautiful and perfect. I love being around the temple.

The boys really enjoyed the temple. They thought it was fun to see all of the pictures of Jesus.

As always the reception at the end is a big hit. Cookies and their own water bottle-heaven.

Swimming Lessons

The boys have been so excited to start swimming once again. I was a little worried about Hunter since the last round of swimming lessons didn't go so well (he wouldn't get into the water), but he did so well today.

Lincoln and Palmer are int he Seahorse class. They are getting so good.

The goggles are a big thing this time around. When Palmer and Lincoln were in the class just under this one they would come home and talk about how they wanted to be in the "goggle class." Josh told them they could get goggles when they made it to this class. They have been so excited to have them! It makes me laugh so hard because their poor ears take a beating with these little commodities. Oh well, they think they are the ultimate in cool. Aren't they though?

We'd Like to Announce...

we are having a baby! I have been waiting until we heard the heartbeat before I announced this. We heard the heart beat today and all is healthy and well with baby #4. We are thrilled and HONESTLY are going to be happy with a boy or girl. I promise. I love my boys and would be happy with another one! I am 11 weeks along and we are due the middle of February.

Mark's Farewell

My brother Mark is going on his mission on Wednesday to Oklahoma City. Can I just tell you a little bit about my little brother. He impresses me in every way. He is such a hard worker and a good friend. My boys love him to pieces and are going to be so sad when he leaves. Mark has a good heart and is sensitive to those around him. The most impressive thing to me about Mark however is his drive to always do what is right. I remember this clear back from when he was little. He is such an example to our family and will be an amazing missionary. We love you Mark!

The boys absolutely LOVE to be around their cousins.

The best parents ever!

My awesome brother Mark.

Mark had so many great friends there to support him.

The cutest grandma ever!

Katheryn wanted to try on my shoes. I was impressed that she could still walk in them!

Hunter wasn't going to be shown up by Katheryn!

Hiking to Cecret Lake

My family has always loved the hike up to Cecret Lake. When Josh and I were dating I took him up there one morning. We brought fruit and bagels for breakfast and had so much fun. We decided that we wanted to go back this year and take our kids since it isn't really a hard hike. The kids loved it.

Palmer insisted on having the map and telling us where to go. I think the directions were "straight" most of the time.

My cute friend Kristen. We always love when she hangs with us!

The boys hiking up the hill. they actually did a wonderful job. 

These are just a few of the lovely flowers that Lincoln picked for me along the trail.

What a good Daddy to share his food:)

This little guy got a large share of the boys breakfasts.

On top of the world. This place has huge rocks that the kids were in heaven climbing. They are such climbers anyway, that they were thrilled to be able to climb all over the place.

The family photo.

The wildflowers were INCREDIBLE!

It has been such a wet year that there was a lot of water to walk over.

It was a wonderful way to start the day. Maybe we should do this every day!