Pleasant Mt. Pleasant

August 25, 2013, 5:54 pm

Our ward campout was in Mt. Pleasant this year. Kjell had some business that he couldn’t get out of, so I was on my own Friday afternoon. Between the rain and my very pregnant belly, I was hesitant about taking the boys to Mt. Pleasant even if Kjell was planning on joining us later that night to sleep with the boys in a tent and I was hoping to catch a ride home. Still, we headed south right after school got out and stopped to visit Grandma Nordmark on the way. It was a joy to see Grandma, as always. Port was shy at first but eventually sat on her lap for quite a while. She had a prize bin for the boys to pick something out, which was one of the highlights of the trip for them! Grandma also let me pick out a blanket she had made for the new baby – can you believe she is almost 89?

Next we headed to the campout where the boys immediately started running around the lake, climbing trees, playing baseball with the older boys, and playing games. Bishop Abbott convinced me to spend the night in his luxurious motor home and volunteered his son David to keep an eye on the boys. Kjell didn’t get back from his appointment until almost 9, so he stayed home and I sent Port back to Orem with the Sims. Between flashlights, s’mores, and popcorn, I couldn’t get Marcus to bed until almost 11, but the boys and I all slept well and left first thing in the morning for a day full of their first soccer games (they were really grumpy).

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Labor Day

September 2, 2013, 6:03 pm

≫ Next: Soccer, Soccer, Soccer

≪ Previous: Pleasant Mt. Pleasant

For Labor Day this year we decided to float down the Provo River, mostly because this is an annual tradition that we hadn’t fit into our summer yet. After reading that the water levels were quite low, and purchasing a new raft, we decided to take all the kids (usually we leave the youngest). We left early Saturday, much to the excitement of the boys! The water was actually quite fast-moving, which made for more rapids and a quicker trip. I had Marcus and Holden tethered to my tube and Kjell was in a raft with Port and Wether tied to him in their own raft. After a couple of hours, we reached Vivian Park where you can jump off a huge rock into the fast-moving water. All 4 boys did it (with Kjell catching them), although Marcus and Port couldn’t get enough. The rest of the day was spent showing and fixing up rentals.

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Soccer, Soccer, Soccer

September 9, 2013, 11:34 am

≫ Next: Caramel Apples

≪ Previous: Labor Day

Wether, Michael Sims, and Zach Henderson. These boys are in the same primary class as well.

Look at those smiles

Hence the "no wrestling" rule

That’s one “soccer” for each boy. I hesitated to sign up Marcus, Holden, AND Wether for soccer this season, seeing as that would equate to 3 practices and 6 games a week for about 5 weeks. Still, with several friends on each team (carpooling saves me!), late game times (so Kjell could be there), and willing babysitters made it possible for the boys to have a successful season.
This was Wetherill’s first year in soccer, although he’s had plenty of sideline time watching his older brothers. He was a typical 4 year old – not much focus but lots of fun. In fact, the rule for his team was “no wrestling” on the field.
Holden and Marcus also enjoyed their teams this year. Now that they’re older, it’s not as easy to score a goal, which is always the highlight of the game for them. Except for the treats at the end. That trumps everything (no joke). Craziness will ensue in the spring, although their games will be a little bit more spread out.

Holden & River

Check out the rainbow

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Caramel Apples

September 23, 2013, 11:58 am

≫ Next: Expecting

≪ Previous: Soccer, Soccer, Soccer

Marcus requested that we make caramel apples for Family Home Evening this month. We invited the Hendersons over to join us (hence the fabulous pictures taken by Ashley). Each child dipped their own apple with the help of Kjell. The end product was delicious! Great idea Marcus.

1st job - unwrap the caramels

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Expecting

September 28, 2013, 3:42 pm

≫ Next: Flynn Patrick McCord

≪ Previous: Caramel Apples

39 weeks pregnant

Baby Flynn should arrive any day now. Mom is flying in tonight for almost 2 weeks. I'm ready.

Grandma arrived in plenty of time for Flynn's birth, which gave us time to do some of our favorite things. On Sunday we went to church and later that night had a nice dinner with all of the kids and Joshua followed by Family Home Evening and decorating for Halloween. During the week mom and I went to D.I., Down East Home, out to lunch a couple of times, and to Costco. Mom also endured 3 dental appointments during her visit! It was so nice to have an extra set of hands to help with dishes, laundry, feeding the children, and staying home with the kids that didn't need to go places so I didn't have to load them into the car. Once Flynn was born, mom pretty much took over the household duties - thank you! We also were able to go through my borrowed maternity clothes so I could return them and other small household projects. By the time mom left we had a stocked fridge and pantry, a new dresser (a late bday gift from Kjell that she helped me pick out) and a handsome rug for the boys' room from mom. I'm so lucky to have a mom so willing to help!

She's here! Port and Grandma enjoying lunch and coloring rocks on a warm fall day.

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Flynn Patrick McCord

October 5, 2013, 5:08 pm

≫ Next: Bringing Baby Home

≪ Previous: Expecting

On Thursday, October 3, I went to see Dr. Glenn for my weekly check-up. I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. The doctor gave me the option of being induced the next day, which I tentively scheduled with him after discussing it with Kjell and my mom, although I would have much preferred to go into labor on my own. Throughout the day I felt uncomfortable contractions but they were irregular and not increasing in strength. Still, I was hoping that I would go into labor that night so I could avoid being induced! My due date is October 6th.

I was woken up by my contractions around 2am on October 4. I walked around for a bit, surprised to see snow falling heavily outside. Since contractions had awoken me on other nights, I still wasn't sure if this was true labor, but this time they were evenly spaced (20 minutes apart) and were increasing in strength. At 4 am I woke up my mom and we set out for the hospital. My sweet friend Lynette came over immediately to stay with the kids. When we arrived at Timpanogos hospital, I was 6 cm dilated and they admitted me.

The contractions seemed much more bearable than in previous labors. It didn't take long for me to dilate to a 10, although I didn't feel a strong urge to push. Around 5:15am Dr. Glenn broke my water and urged me to push. Pushing was definitely the most difficult and painful part of the labor and lasted much longer than in previous labors, although it only took about 15 minutes. At 5:32am Flynn Patrick McCord was born with a healthy scream. The nurses handed him to me immediately and then weighed, measured, and bathed him in the room. He weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. and measured 20.5 inches long. Mommy and baby recovered for the rest of the day before heading home that night.

I was very relieved that Flynn did not need the lights for jaundice. He also passed his hearing screening test and was healthy in all other ways. I noticed almost immediately that Flynn's pinky fingers curve in slightly. After looking it up I discovered that clinodactyly is a medical term describing a bend or curvature of the fifth fingers (the "little fingers") toward the adjacent fourth fingers. It is a fairly common isolated anomaly which often goes unnoticed. After showing Kjell, he held up his hands with curved pinkies. Hmmm, I never noticed.

The nurses handed Flynn to me as soon as he was born

Holding my beautiful baby boy

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Bringing Baby Home

October 6, 2013, 6:21 pm

≫ Next: Grandpa Arrives!

≪ Previous: Flynn Patrick McCord

Kjell brought Port and Wether to visit me at the hospital and Grandma brought Holden and Marcus later that day. Port kept asking me to put Flynn back in his crib. I arrived home Friday night after the boys were asleep but they were pretty excited to wake up Saturday morning and see their baby brother! Uncle Joshua visited on Saturday after Marcus' flag football game and Pam graciously invited the boys to sleep over at her house that night, which gave us a peaceful evening and a chance to get everything ready for my dad's arrival that night.

Rachel, Pam, & Tracie visited me at the hospital

Flynn & Pam

Grandma & Flynn

Flynn's room

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Grandpa Arrives!

October 10, 2013, 6:47 pm

≫ Next: Newborn Shoot

≪ Previous: Bringing Baby Home

Grandpa arrived Saturday night to visit for a few days before heading to California with my mom on Wednesday morning. During his stay, we went to Park City for lunch, ice cream cones, a trolley ride, and a chairlift ride! The boys fell asleep on the way home. We also went to Bombay House and Carrabas (yum!), went on a walk to Bridal Veil Falls, and celebrated Grandpa's 70th birthday a few days early. Kjell and dad were also able to spend time during the day together.

Walking up Historic Main Street in Park City.

Wether and Grandma getting on the Town Lift

Happy smiles

Beautiful Day

Excited Boys

Tuckered out on the ride home

Well hello Grandpa

An afternoon hike to Bridal Veil Falls with Grandpa

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Newborn Shoot

October 21, 2013, 9:45 am

≫ Next: Fall Festivities

≪ Previous: Grandpa Arrives!

Flynn Patrick McCord at 2.5 weeks old. Photos by Ashley Henderson.

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Fall Festivities

October 26, 2013, 9:47 am

≫ Next: Creepy Cookies

≪ Previous: Newborn Shoot

Utah County is a wonderful place to be in the fall - sports, gorgeous weather, beautiful views, and lots of fun family activities.
This fall we visited Hee Haw Farms in Pleasant Grove after Marcus' flag football game one Saturday. Games, hayrides, a petting zoo, slides, and a corn maze were among the activities. Flynn was only 8 days old when he went through his first corn maze (asleep).
We also went to the Pumpkin Parade at Riverwoods where the boys got their faces painted, although Holden wasn't interested. Later that night we went out to dinner with the Halls.
We rode the "Nightmare Express" for Family Home Evening one night and went to Cornbelly's twice.
We almost didn't fit in a night to carve pumpkins, but found time the evening before Grandma Ruby arrived from Oregon. Each boy drew their own Jack-o-Lantern (I helped Port) and Kjell carved it for them. Too cute!

Lost in the corn maze at Hee Haw Farms

Flynn at 9 days old

Daddy burping Flynn

Baby's 1st Halloween

Port as a Jack-o-Lantern

WW as a pirate

Marcus as a bat.

Holden and Port's pumpkins

Wether and Marcus' pumpkins

Flynn trying out Sally's Bumbo (Port and Wether have tried it out too of course)

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Creepy Cookies

October 28, 2013, 9:52 am

≫ Next: A Parade and a Program

≪ Previous: Fall Festivities

Decorating Halloween cookies with friends!

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A Parade and a Program

October 31, 2013, 9:48 am

≫ Next: Trick or Treating

≪ Previous: Creepy Cookies

Port and Grandma watching the Halloween Parade at Cascade

Grandma Ruby arrived on Wednesday night after our ward Halloween Party. She didn't have much time to rest before the festivities began on Halloween. First, we headed to Cascade Elementary for Marcus and Holden's costume parade. We had a break at home before attending Wether's preschool program (adorable). Kjell and Ruby then went to lunch together at Mimi's Café before the real fun began that night...!

Hard to tell who he is without his light saber! (No weapons allowed)

Holden the Samurai

Miss Ari's preschool class

How many pumpkins?

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Trick or Treating

October 31, 2013, 9:50 am

≫ Next: Pizza Night

≪ Previous: A Parade and a Program

It was a perfect evening for trick or treating. We were able to stay together by having Port skip a few houses if we got behind. Wether had no problem keeping up with his big brothers. Eventually, Ruby and I headed home with the 3 youngest and Kjell kept going with Marcus and Holden and our neighbor Miles Christensen and his boys. Holden would actually get a couple of houses ahead on a quest to get the most candy. Meanwhile, I showed Wether and Port how to be in charge of the trick or treaters while I fed Flynn. Port would open the door a crack and say "want some candy?" while Wether picked up the bowl of treats and held it out. Port would try to put candy in everyone's bags but I told him to let them choose. They loved it!

Rosie the Riveter

Where's Waldo?

Samurai

Pirate

Luke Skywalker

"Train Guy"
Port chose this costume over Barney and a bumblebee

Trick or treating outside of Bob's house

Perfect evening for trick or treating. WW loved holding his pumpkin with his hook.

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Pizza Night

November 1, 2013, 6:44 pm

≫ Next: Cornbelly's

≪ Previous: Trick or Treating

Ruby spent most of Friday with her mother Magdalene and brother Tim in Mt. Pleasant and Manti on Friday. That evening Joshua came over and made pizza for everyone!

Tossing the pizza dough

Flynn getting some Grandma time

Grandma brought some books from home and spent quite a bit of time reading to the boys (which they loved!) She also helped Marcus with his piano while I went walking Saturday morning and did a craft with them before she left.

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Cornbelly's

November 2, 2013, 11:44 am

≫ Next: Baby Blessing Day

≪ Previous: Pizza Night

I hope Ruby doesn't mind if I "borrow" her words to describe our time at Cornbelly's:

"Shortly after getting back to Kjell and Olivia’s, we (Kjell,

Olivia, kids and myself) went to Cornbelly’s, a super fun family-oriented harvest festival located at

Thanksgiving Point, which I believe is near “point-of-the-mountain” between Provo and Salt

Lake. Olivia was telling me that Brother Alan Ashton, co-founder of WordPerfect, developed

Thanksgiving Point. The Ashton’s live near Kjell and Olivia. Cornbelly’s is a festival that runs

for about 1 month in the fall. There were so many activities there that I can’t begin to describe it.

Some of the options were a hay ride, a cow car ride, a huge slide, a huge rocking chair, a human

rat maze, rock climbing, bowling, a trampoline type thing, water pump ducks (a favorite), etc.

The kids had a blast. The weather was perfect while we were there on the last day of the festival,

and consequently, there were lots and lots of people there. It took acute awareness by all three of

us adults to keep track of the whereabouts of the 4 kids on foot. I suspect divine intervention had

something to do with it, too. It would have been so easy to have lost a child....and then have had

to spent the time and the worry looking for him. We were blessed.

There were several special events for the last day at Cornbelly’s. One thing that we got to

watch was pumpkins being dropped, one at a time, from a helicopter onto a numbered grid. If a

pumpkin landed on the number that you had chosen earlier, you got a prize......a small bag of

potato chips. With his favorite number “4”, Wether won. We also got to watch a 1600 pound

pumpkin be hoisted up by a crane and dropped onto a car....squish!"

Wether and Holden going down the slide. Holden thought it was a race and was very happy to have "won."

Port insisted on going by himself.

Here's one way to rock the grandkids all at once!

On the hayride

The perfect spot to watch the pumpkin smash the car

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Baby Blessing Day

November 3, 2013, 9:50 am

≫ Next: Fall Family Pictures

≪ Previous: Cornbelly's

Whereas it was warm and sunny at Cornbelly's, it was cold and overcast on Port's blessing day - it even snowed! We were able to fit in a few pictures before heading to church where Kjell gave Flynn a beautiful baby blessing. Miles Christensen, Grant Norris, and Uncle Joshua were also in the circle. We said farewell to Grandma later that night. Visit again soon!

Proud pretty grandma

5 Handsome Grandsons

The boys with Aunt Pam

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Fall Family Pictures

November 24, 2013, 9:22 am

≫ Next: Thanksgiving

≪ Previous: Baby Blessing Day

Photos by Ashley Henderson. Taken at Riverwoods.

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Thanksgiving

November 29, 2013, 6:06 pm

≫ Next: The things that kids come up with...

≪ Previous: Fall Family Pictures

Thanksgiving was later than usual this year (hence the Christmas tree in the background). Pam had the boys sleepover the night before, thus it was a relaxing morning. I went on a long run and Kjell played in the ward Turkey Bowl with Joshua. Afterward, we picked up the kids from Pam's house and went on a short hike. Dinner was delicious as usual. Afterward we ate pie and played trivial pursuit. The next night Kjell and I hosted a "Pie Party." Our friends and neighbors brought their leftover pie from Thanksgiving. We visited, played the "name game", and ate pie of course! Joshua took the boys to see Despicable Me 2 during the party.

New Christmas decoations this year - lanterns filled with ornaments

Homemade mailbox swag - boughs cut from pine tree in the background and wired on

Pam & Flynn

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The things that kids come up with...

December 1, 2013, 8:07 pm

≫ Next: A Chinese Duet

≪ Previous: Thanksgiving

This is just a small sampling of the projects/crafts/activities that the kids come up with. Most of the time Holden comes up with ideas and takes the pictures himself:

Holden has noticed that I'm quite fond of crossword puzzles and complete one on the iPad almost daily. He likes to create his own games (word searches, mazes, memory) and one day decided to make me a crossword puzzle. He said, "I want to make you happy with this one. So you can have fun and get so many percents on it."

Marcus was a little disappointed after his first flag football game when he realized there were no treats. He and his friend Dallas decorated these cupcakes for the last game of the season.

Holden and Wether were very excited to show me the rainbow they made out of toys throughout the playroom. They got the idea from a Curious George episode, where he made a rainbow out of trash. Picture by Holden.

"It has a backyard, a trampoline, a candle to light up for when you have sleepovers and parties." Also featured is "a table where we eat lunch, a place for Holden and Wether to sleep up on the roof, a driveway, and a lab." Made by Holden.

Wether created this course for cars

A dragon made out of legos

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A Chinese Duet

December 7, 2013, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Night in Bethlehem

≪ Previous: The things that kids come up with...

My penchant for forcing Marcus and Holden to speak to complete strangers in Chinese paid off! We were at a McDonalds for lunch one Saturday behind a group of Mandarin speakers. Turns out that they were members of the BYU Chinese Student and Scholar Association. I became friends with one of the girls, Jenny, on Facebook and she soon asked Marcus to sing in a choir for their annual talent show (they sang the theme song from the Beijing Olympics). Marcus and Katie (who is in Spanish immersion but speaks Chinese) sang a duet together at the beginning of the performance and also joined in with the choir at the end. There was a large turnout for the talent show, including the mayor of Provo, John Curtis (who speaks fluent Mandarin). Great job Marcus!

Marcus and Katie moments before their duet

The big performance!

Marcus at a rehearsal a couple of nights before the performance

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