The Crane

Our neighbor came over really early a couple of weeks ago and asked if the boys wanted to see the crane that was putting a new A/C unit on their roof. Of course they all ran outside! As we were standing there watching, the crane driver asked German if he wanted to guide the crane. G-man jumped up there and the man told him which levers and pedals to push. At first the man helped him a bit, but then he got out of the seat and German maneuvered the crane by himself! It was awesome - he was helping the guy for like 20 minutes! We felt this was a good excuse for him to be late for school. Eli also wanted to try, so he took a stab at it. Scotland wasn't as excited to be so high up!

Some Awesome Saturdays

We've been enjoying our easy-going Saturdays of late: we start out with one of German's football games, then we do any necessary jobs, and then we top it off with family fun like swimming, bike riding, fort building, and of course college football.

Just to Clarify...

I've received multiple questions/guesses as to the name of our newest boy. I thought I'd explain.

Marshall - Marshall Islands - We wanted to name this guy after his uncles Joel, Chad, and James - our brothers that we've grown up with and watched become men who we admire. But we were at a total loss for some kind of letter combination representing their names or LDS missions. This was quite stressful for me and occupied many of my thoughts during those restless nights. The day before I went into labor a genius idea struck: Go to a map and find the midpoint (or thereabouts) of their three different missions. With a little stretch, you'll land on the Marshall Islands. (Adam- after you go on a mission, we'll change his name if the midpoint moves!)

Erich - This is after a man we both knew in Germany who was always true to what he believed in and stood up for his faith, even though it went against popular thought and despite a lack of family support. He also had a great sense of humor!

He's Here... Marshall Erich

September 02, 2011

2:08 a.m.

8 lbs. 4 oz.

20 in.

Everyone is doing well.

Just in Case You Were Wondering...

Little man #4 is still not here and I have at least 2 weeks to go - that is, unless he decides to do things differently than his brothers did and come early! I wouldn't be opposed to that, but not until next Saturday night when Joshua's basketball coaching debut comes to an end. (He was asked to coach the young men at church and he really enjoys their camaraderie.)

German's First Day of Kindergarten

I know it's early, but German started school today!

(Once it gets hot, there's nothing else to do, but go to school! Plus, he gets extra long fall, winter, and spring breaks - when it's not 117 degrees outside.)

Some of the first day highlights:

• The Fish Tank - contains cat sharks, zebra eels, and a puffer fish


• Playing on the playground


• A mouse game and sitting on the rug

Happy Birthday Scotie-Boy!

Scotland, Scotland, Scotland! What can I say except that we love this little boy! He is definitely different than his brothers and adds a whole new dimension to our family, which I wouldn't change for anything. Thanks for coming to our family! Scotland is good at:

• Asking, "Are you okay?" after any incident, like sneezing


• Knowing that exact point when one should say something darling to escape a negative consequence


• Throwing a ball with his left hand and always making sure it's his turn


• Making silly faces with squinty eyes


• Jumping in the swimming pool


• Making friends with adults, especially any who have candy


• Playing with his brothers and dad - he loves to be one of the fellas!

Friends at his Zoo Birthday Party. We played animal games and had homemade pizza. (N's and W's - we missed you!)

Yes, I know I should go into cake decorating - it's one of my hidden talents - NOT! But the boys sure had fun putting on all of the animals.

Scotland opening his 'big' birthday present from his family. We kept telling him all day that it was his birthday and that he was now 2 and every time he gave a us a resolute "NO." He's definitely determined and learning how to express himself. He brings so much joy to my life!

The Idaho Portion of our UT/ID Trip

We were stopped for a little while on our drive by a police escorted cattle drive - probably the coolest thing we've ever seen on that wonderful drive to Utah/Idaho.

We spent a fun day at Eagle Island State Park with all of the Hallbergs. The boys really enjoyed their cousins and constantly having lots of friends to play with.

Uncle Adam!

S'mores and a backyard movie at Grandma & Grandpa Hallberg's.

We spent one last morning at the MK Nature Center with everyone before they all had to hit the road home.

These cousins are all 5 years old (or almost) and will be going to Kindergarten this year.

These cousins are all 3 years old!

Funny Owls!

Scotland loves his Aunt Melanie!

We were able to stay a few extra days in Idaho and have some one-on-one time with Dennis & Annie and Grandpa & Grandma Hallberg. We visited the Boise Zoo.

The boys played their first real game of bowling at the SUB of BSU. (It was kind of a shock to them how difficult real bowling was compared to Wii bowling!)

We got a tour of BSU campus from grandpa - this is a picture of the boys sitting in the desks where grandpa sat in one of his classes.

We also got to spend an evening with many of my aunts/uncles and cousins. It was fun to catch up with them and share good memories. Scotland found his replacement for Aunt Melanie: Cousin Keri. He led her all around that night!

The Utah Portion of our UT/ID Trip

We had a jam-packed agenda while in Utah! The boys did great being always 'on the go' and only had a difficult time once we were home and there was no one left to play with and nothing on the itinerary.

A trip to Hogle Zoo with Uncle James, Aunt Marilyn, and Aunt Melissa.

Camping with all of the Clark Family. German really wanted to help grandpa set up his tent.

We saved on car-space by not packing a tent, which made for some really tight sleeping!

The boys loved this creek, which was really high and fast! Of course, Scotland was the most interested- he is all boy!

While hiking, Joshua discovered a cave with an entrance just big enough for him to fit.

Provo's annual balloon launch with the Joel Hallbergs. Probably not Joel's favorite morning:)

The nostalgic tour of BYU. (They're redoing the bathrooms next to the LRC, my former place of employment. These are the couches in the bathroom/lounge area where I took many good naps. It was sad to see them on their way out!) We also enjoyed a nice visit and lunch with Joshua's great-aunt, Eleanor.

After a delicious steak with our former mission president, we headed to the West Jordan Rodeo. Our boys have really been into cowboys and rodeos lately, so we thought they'd really enjoy it.

Fourth of July parade, games, and fireworks with the Joel Hallbergs. Plus some yummy food and homemade ice cream and root beer with all of the Clark Family.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Hallberg!

In honor of your birthday -

I updated my blog!!!

We hope you have a great day!

Pre-School Graduation & the Last T-ball Game

German with his teachers - this is probably the only picture I've ever been able to take of G-man with a real smile on his face! He loved pre-school - I'm sure glad that Ms. Christina only lives two doors down so we can see her all the time.

As t-ball team-mom I've learned that the most important day of the season is definitely 'Trophy Day!' These kids kept asking me, "Did you remember the trophies?" "Where are the trophies?" I love kids and their excitement for the little things!

Aren't these the cutest brothers?! They sure love each other. They learn so much from each other, but especially from their older brother(s). This new little #4 has got 3 great examples.

Fathers and Sons Campout

We told G & E last Sunday that they would be going camping with dad this weekend. I think German tried to convince us three times that Sunday the wisdom in packing the car that day, so that they would be ready for the next Friday! As far as I can tell, they had a blast and had a lot to talk about when they got home: forest golf, tug-of-war, Connect 4, and their early morning hike. These boys sure love their dad.

I think Joshua had a really hard time saying good-bye to Scotland. Scotie could tell something was going on and he went and got his shoes, kept trying to wear Eli's backpack, and then wouldn't go to me, but just wanted to stay in dad's arms. Poor boy! At the last minute Joshua was going to take him, but I reminded him that it would be no fun chasing Scotland around the forest and next year (I hope) he'll be able to follow directions a lot better!

So Scotie and I went to girl's night and he played with another left behind brother! S & Joshua got to hang out a lot Saturday afternoon at our friends' pool - Scotie loves to be with his dad! Scotland has taken a liking to the harmonica and walks around the house blowing his merry tune - he is quite the personality. I'm so glad he came to our family!