Tonight Brayden had his first school Christmas program. The place was jam packed. I couldn't believe they didn't think about how many parents, grandparents, and siblings would pack the gym. Each grade had a musical number. Luckily, this year, Brayden was just in kindergarten which was first so we were able to get up and leave after his part. They did awesome and sang so loud. You can tell he had some fun!
While we were in Ohio, we had a few extra days after the Bronco game to visit parts of Kirtland and learn more about the beginnings of the church. WE stopped at the Johnson Farm and got a tour of their home and what impact the Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife had on their family. We went into the original town of Kirtland where the first temple was being built, but missed going into it since they close at 4:00 and we were about 15 minutes too late. The Kirtland Temple is owned and operated by the Church of Christ. We also walked into the town of Kirtland where N.K. Whitney had his store and sold many goods to the people and walked into their home that housed the School of the Prophets and was a small place for Emma Smith to call home for about 18 months. What a spiritual experience to be there where the Prophet Joseph Smith stood and received revelation of the Book of Mormon and was able to bring the gospel back on this earth.
While we were there, we were able to look up Justin's great, great grandpa Lorenzo Dow Young, brother to Brigham Young and find that he helped in the construction of the Kirtland Temple. How awesome that we have pioneer heritage in the early days of the church.
The original Johnson Farm where so many historical events happened in bringing forth the gospel and translating the Book of Mormon.
The fireplace that Sister Johnson used which was filled with many children in their home. Their family was quite wealthy back then and they enjoyed the conveniences of having 2 fireplaces in their home with many windows throughout their whole house.
The original store of Newel K. Whitney, which housed the Bishops Store house, the School of the Prophets and was also a home to Emma and Joseph for about 18 months. Justin great, great grandpa purchased goods in this store at one time during the 1830's.
An original piece of furniture that was engraved by N.K.Whitney. He brought the chair from New York and then moved it to Kirtland, Ohio where it still stands.
Our annual Denver Broncos game was on a Thursday this year, Nov. 6th. This year we had the opportunity to watch a Bronco game in Cleveland, Ohio; which worked out great since my Uncle lives there and we were able to stay in their awesome home for 3 days. Our flight over there was delayed and we didn't get into Akron, Ohio Airport until after midnight and then drove another hour to their home. It was very fun and relaxing to not have to worry about our kids and know that they were having fun at their Grandma and Grandpa Hegsted's house back in Idaho. So, to make this a long story short, Broncos scored first and were on the board, but not for long and it wasn't until the 4th qtr. that they came back to win it 27-24. Yahoo!!!! We were jumping for joy and very excited that we were in a suite to not be around all the other Cleveland Browns fans that just might have beat us up. Thank you for my dad for allowing us to be a part of such a great tradition and we were glad that we were able to make the journey to Ohio to see my Uncle and Aunt and their family, and have a nice mini vacation from our children, whom we missed a ton in just 3 days. 
All the guys hanging out in the suite watching the game from the goal line!! What a view!.
Justin standing in the lower bowl of the Cleveland Browns stadium.
Justin and I before the game at my aunt & uncle's house. GO BRONCOS!!!
For Halloween this year, the theme was super heroes. Brayden was Batman, Dylan was Superman, and Jaci was Wumba Woman. It was so much fun to get their costumes. As many of you know, I go and get professional pics done every year with my kids. Here are some of them.......
Brayden, the "Black Knight" Batman was ready to face all the villains in Gotham and were going to destroy them all.
Dylan, "Superman" is stronger, faster and braver than any other super heroes and were flying all over the world ridding the world of all the bad guys and monsters. 
Jaci, "Miss Wumba Women" is stronger than any batman, and superman and an fight all the bad guys no matter who they are and what special powers they might possess.
All 3 Super Heroes put together and you got a big bunch of super-fanatic heroes that are always willing to save their mom and dad from all the "bad guys" in the whole wide world!
Halloween was tons of fun this year with Jaci Lyn running around from house to house following her brothers to get as much candy as she could. The weather was awesome and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect night-weather wise that is.
We had pizza and salad with homemade glazed doughnuts from Mckenzie. After about an hour or so of trick-or-treating, we went out to Rigby to get treats from Grate Grandma Shirley. It was fun to have the kids pass out candy and indulge on Grandma Greats chocolate sheet cake.
The kids ended up with a ton of candy and Dylan over indulged just a little too much!!(he woke up that night with a tummy ache and ended up with throwing-up everything. I think he learned his lesson on eating too much candy.)
On the 27th of October, I turned 27!!! Man, I feel old, well at least it seems like that on paper, but mentally, I still feel like I am 22, weird, huh? My kids all sang happy birthday to me and my parents and in-laws gave me money for my birthday which was for a worthy cause to help organize my scrapbook stuff. My sisters were awesome and gave me some great presents as well. Justin took me out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and we pigged out; we couldn't even eat the free dessert! Then we went to Kohl's where i got some new jeans and a shirt. It was so much to go shopping without kids and not worry about them opening up the door of the dressing room. Then, Justin told me that I had an appointment at 8:00, and we were to be a few minutes ahead. So, after kohl's, we drove across the parking lot and stopped in front of "Massage Envy." I had an 8:00 appt. to get a full body massage. It was awesome!!! Justin went back home and helped put the kids in the bed and picked me up after I was all done. It was an awesome day and truly a great golden birthday.
A few weeks ago, we headed down to Utah to be a part of a special day for my sister, Renee and her husband Adam, as well as for my other sister, Christina (tino). WE were able to go through the temple with them so they could take out their endowments and for Renee and Adam to be sealed in the Jordan River Temple. It was an awesome time to be there and be a part of it. Thursday night, we all meet at Madeline's Restaurant and had a big family dinner with all of the Lawson clan and a few of Adam family. To our surprise, we were greeted at the door by my sister, Tracey, who has been living in china since January. It was awesome to see and have here be a part of this great day with my family. I know my parents are quite proud of all 7 of their children that they are now worthy to enter the temple and partake of the covenants that we made in the temple.
After the temple, we all headed back to change our clothes and drive up to the new "Lawson Cabin" in Kemerrer, Wyoming. It was awesome!!!! The view is incredible and there is nothing but beauty all around you. We all stayed Friday night and had a mini family home evening, a baby shower for Leash, a girls game night, and hanging out with the guys "all the brother-in-laws" were all just hanging out while all the sisters and mom chanted and laughed our guts out about anything and everything. The kids roamed the property as much as they could, while the men rode all over on the 4-wheelers. The weather was awesome and we couldn't have been more excited about a place that I know my parents and my brother were so inspired to get and make a part of our family with many more memories to come and last in our hearts forever
This is the main cabin that sleeps about 15, with the smaller cabin that sleeps about 8-10.
On Sunday, we celebrated Jaci's 2nd Birthday. i can't believe that it has really been 2 years since she was born! Now, she gets to share her birthday with her new cousin, Annie (Cole & Mckenzie new baby.) It was really fun to see her get excited about opening up her presents and looking at everything so close. We had Grnadma and Grandpa Hegsted over with Aunt Jenna and Aunt Krissa. We had bbq ribs, baked potatoes, ceaser salad, and rolls. It was so DELICIOUS!! Jaci got a bunch of new clothes, dress-up clothes and shoes, and a new bedroom re-vamped!! (pics will come soon.)
Jaci opening up her presents....the ooh and aah's were so cute!
Jaci dressing up like Cinderella in her new dress-up play clothes.
Jacis blowing out her birthday candle on her Ladybug cake made by her wonderful mom!!
The kids dressing up in Disney Princess ddress-up clothes....Justin was not very excited about the boys dressing up like a Disney Princess.
Jaci has this zebra that is really for kids 18 months to 3 years....but they never consider children that are a little wild and crazy like my Jaci. She has bounced on that thing and spins it around until she practically falls off. She learned how to stand on it without any hands. She is a daredevil and I don't know what to do about it....pretty much fearless. It that a good thing or a bad thing at her age???
Dylan was finally able to go to Preschool on Wednesday. This year he has preschool in the afternoon, while Brayden is at kindergarten. He was so excited to go and kept asking when Brayden was going to leave because he knew that he would go shortly after him. I walked him down and was telling him where his tote bag goes and he said, " Mom, I know where it goes, you don't need to keep telling me!" Well, I guess that I am just being overprotective, but he was just fine and put his tote bag up and went to find his friend from last year, Erica, to sit by. I know that he will have so much fun and I am excited for him. Besides, I have 2 hours with just Jaci and I, and sometimes she sleeps, so I am really all by myself. I think I just might like this!!
So excited to go to preschool....he looks so cute and ready to learn.
Dylan and Jaci.....she just had to get into the picture. (she was wearing her backpack all morning, because she wanted to go to preschool too).
Brayden lost his first tooth tonight (actually Andy yanked it). His wiggly tooth finally gave way. He asked us to make sure to tell the tooth fairy to be extra quiet and not wake him and his brother up.
Today is my mom's birthday and I just wanted to let her know what a great person she is and how wonderful she is to have in my life. My mom is always there for me whenever I need her. Over the last few years since I have left the house, I have really got to know her so much more and love her more than I ever have have. Over the years, since I have had my 3 kids, she has always helped me out by watching the babies and helping me become a better mom.
My mom is such a great person and I am very glad to have her as a mom and grateful for all the sacrifice she has done over for me and our family. I love you mom!!
This post is meant to give kudos to my wife:
Last week, I spent Monday through Friday at our plant in Three Forks, Montana with my dad and David Jacobson installing a dust collection system. It was quite the project. We were a little surprised at the length of the build. I planned for Thursday, but there were so many details and measurements that couldn't be planned for in advance. We worked late every evening, including Thursday night until 9 PM.
Andy did great! It was tough for her to be alone that long without a break. When I got home, our house was clean and spotless and she even mowed the front lawn. We had a lesson today in church about mothers and their efforts. I wanted to express gratitude for her hard work, especially in my absence. I love you!
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I was not sure how I was going to be since my oldest was now old enough to go to school.....and it would be longer than 2 hours. I was getting excited for the time that I would have with just Jaci, but in all actuality, I really am happy that Brayden is excited about school and wants to go back again.
The morning started with Brayden getting all dressed by 7:30, shirt, pants, new socks, new skechers, and his backpack packed full of all his school supplies ready to head out the door and on the bus. He has PM kindergarten, so school doesn't start until 12:05. For breakfast he requested plain pancakes instead of chocolate chip, so he wouldn't get his shirt dirty. I told him that after lunch, he would be able to go to school, so about 10 minutes after breakfast he asked if he could eat lunch. The 3 hours until he had to leave was really hard for him. He kept mopping around the house saying the he really, really, really wanted to go to kindergarten and could not wait any longer.
SO, he finally ate lunch and out the door we go....I have to drive him the first 3 days but then he will be able to take the bus. We walked into his classroom and sorted out all his school supplies and he sat in his chair. There were other parents taking tons of pics of their kids sitting down and sorting out their school supplies. After a few minutes, I told Brayden I was leaving, he got up gave me hug, said he loved me and told me he would see after kindergarten was over.....no tears, just smiles. I looked back at him and he was sitting at his table with this bored look on his face as if he was ready to start the day, but nothing was happening yet. My little baby is getting big and I can't believe that he is ready to start school. Almost 3 hours later, I went back to school to pick him and he was the last kid there.....school gets out at 2:50 and I was there at 2:54, so I guess I need to be there a few minutes earlier. In the car Brayden told him that he was good and learned the he had to keep his hands to himself, his mouth closed when the teacher is talking and all the boys blue bathroom passes. He then informed that since he was good, he deserved a treat, so we headed to Maverick Country Store down the street and got a treat. He looked for a few minutes and picked up 3 Resee's Peanut Butter Cups that are only .10 cents a piece. Dylan got 4, since he thought that he was good while Brayden was at school, and since the boys got a treat Jaci had to have one too, so she got giant Smarties for .30 cents. They were all happy as can be and Brayden's treat was gone before we even turned into the neighborhood.
I am very happy that Brayden likes kindergarten and hope that he does well and makes himself as well as his parents proud. We love you Brayden.....you are such a great kid and wish you the best as you start your many years of schooling.
Brayden sporting his new blue shirt that match his black/blue skechers, his transformer backpack and new dark jeans....He looks so handsome!!!
So, i know that I have been slacking a little bit, but I have been busy, but that is no excuse. The last two months have gone by way too fast, and now school is starting and I can;t believe it. Here are a few things that we have done....
SEATTLE: We traveled to Seattle for 4Th of July to visit Shaun and Krissy (justin's brother) and their family and see the sights around Seattle. We went to the Seattle Aquarium, went on a boat ride around the bay, went to the Space/Air Museum, picked raspberries at the farmers market and just hung out. It was a really fun and the kids all had a blast playing together.
T-BALL: The boys were both in t-ball this year; Brayden's 2nd year and Dylan's first. They were the tigers....and our neighbor was their coach. It really was fun to watch them play and learn the basics of playing t-ball, which was always funny to see them run the bases, throw the ball and really just stare off into space at any given moment.
OUR GARDEN: many of you know that I love my garden and love to be in it often. This year we planted corn, green beans, carrots, peas, broccoli, onions, 4 kinds of lettuce, 10 tomato plants, zucchini, yellow zucchini, peppers (all colors), strawberries, and 3 different kinds of pumpkins. We are now reaping the benefits of the garden. Jaci loves to go and pick off the peas, rip them open and suck out the peas inside. They are literally candy to her. The boys love to go and see everyday what is growing and like to pick everything....even if it is not ready. That is one thing that is hard to teach your kids. I am excited about all the canning that will get done all this, but I do love to eat it all as well.
COLORADO: At the end of July, I went down to Utah to pick up my mom and take her home, which was nice since it was another adult in the car with my kids. I love to go and visit my parents.....they always get wore out from playing with my kids and my kids love it. I worked a few days for my dad, which is always nice to have a break from my kids. We went to Chuck E Cheese, The North Pole, Pueblo Reservoir to go on the SeeDoos, went shopping for the boys school clothes, hung out with my mom and dad and beat my parents 4 times in a row at Settlers of Catan, which my dad was not too happy about that. I talked Justin into flying out for a few days so he could drive back with me and go on the SeeDoo's with us, as well as god golfing with Trevor for 5 hours....he was tired after that.
So, that seems to wrap it up for now, but I will stay on top of our blog to bring you the latest updates in the lives of the hegsted clan.
I love Father's Day....a day to show the man in my life how much I appreciate him as a father to my children. This year was just a little more special since I was able to have my father with me. Last time that I celebrated Father's Day with my day was '99, so it has been a few years to show my appreciation for all the things that he did for me and now what my husband does for our family.
I made sausage, eggs and cheese for my dad and hasbrowns, sausage, toast and fried eggs for Justin. They loved it and it was delicious!! For dinner, my dad helped make baked beef tenderloin that had crushed black pepper and grey poupon mustard on top. It was awesome and so addicting, you really could not get enough even though you were stuffed. We also had green salad, mashed potatoes, and veggies. For dessert, Justin talked my mom into making German chocolate cake, since I don't make it and am not very good at it. It was very good and exceeded Justin's expectations.
I would also like to tell Justin what a great father he is to his children and I couldn't ask for a more loving and supportive husband that you, I love you Justin and I am grateful to have you as the father of my children, thank you.
Justin got the "John Adams" video special that was on HBO; since he is has been reading all sorts of books about the coming togther of our nations independence.
Grandpa Lawson with Dylan....sporting his new #1 Grandpa shirt.
My parents came to visit for Father's Day and while they were here, we went to Rigby Lake and had a picnic and took our dogs with us. Sierra loved it and wouldn't want to be anywhere else on such a hot day. The kids loved the water as well with the exception that Jaci didn't get too wet, but the boys could have cared less weather they got soaked and had dirt all over them. (a mother's laundry nightmare.)
Sierra fetching a stick thrown into the lake; since her toys sank to the bottom as soon as we threw them in.
The kids enjoying the water by throwing rocks and sticks in the lake and seeing how big of a splash they can make.
Kenya trying to stay cool, but not hot enough to jump into the lake like Sierra; just not a water dog like Sierra.
Sierra was one wet dog and when she would get out of the lake, you need to stay far from her or she would shake like crazy. She loved staying cool by jumping into the lake.
Brayden is getting to be such a big boy and growing up way too fast. He has now completed 2 years of preschool and is ready for kindergarten in the fall. For their graduation, we meet at the middle school and all the kids from both 4 year old preschool classes meet together and sang about 20 songs....and they were very cute; along with the Pledge of Allegiance and received their preschool diplomas. They had graduation hats mad out of white Styrofoam bowls and a square piece of card stock on top with yarn like a tassel. It was pretty cute and we are very proud of what Brayden accomplished in preschool and looking forward to kindergarten in the fall.
Brayden with his preschool teacher, Mrs. Moeller
Brayden sitting very quietly and ready to sing some silly preschool songs to his family.
My little boy is growing up before my eyes....he has completed his first year in preschool and we are very proud of him. His teacher, Mrs. Moeller, had all the kids wear graduation hats and they sang about 10 songs, received their diplomas and had cookies for refreshment. The kids all did so well and we are glad that Dylan enjoyed preschool so much and look forward to another year with Mrs. Moeller.
Dylan singing a silly song.
Dylan and his awesome preschool teacher, Mrs. Moeller.
Dylan saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Well, We sure look like slackers, but really we not. We haven't been able to blog due to a chewed up cable by Kenya (our chihuahua) for our digital camera. We ordered a new one, but it was the wrong one; sent it back and now we just got the right one.....so we are back in business with bloggin'
While we were in Utah, we told the kids we would go to the zoo. They absolutely loved it. They had a special Mother's Day weekend event that we didn't know was happening, so it seemed like the whole state of Utah was there that day. We only spent about 2.5 hours there, but it was enough for the kids. Next time we will take sandwiches and a cooler and spend some more time.
The kids were cute. Brayden is growing up so fast. He wanted to be Mr. Independent and move along to each new habitat. Dylan got excited to see the giraffes and the alligators. Jaci was content to follow along with her brothers and check out all the action. It was fun to create memories with the kids.
Justin and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the Playoff game for the Utah Jazz. We sat in the upper bowl right behind the basket. As a souvenir to all the people in attendance at the game, we were all given blue shirts with the logo "One Team, One Dream." It was so much fun to go and the energy that was there inside the Energy Solutions Arena was just amazing.
American Idol hopeful, David Archuleta from Murray, Utah sang the National Anthem at the Game and it was amazing (you can see it on youtube). Justin and I ate at Crown Burger for dinner along with Greg Lundell. His date showed up right before the game and it was fun to be out on a fun date with just my husband.
Jazz did go on to win the game 104-99. It was close in some parts, but we were able to pull it out and was a great game to be a part of. (Thanks Challenger Pallet)
David Archuleta performing the National Anthem, which was just AWESOME!!!
Justin and I eating some Crown Burger before the game...you have eat $14 in food to be able park there during the game.
Justin and I at the game, we had so much fun and were glad to be able to go...actually more than willing to go and be a part of such excitement for the Utah Jazz.
The final score of the game...104-99. Streamers were shot out of the top of the scoreboard at the end.
This is a view of our the court from where we were seating in the upper bowl...not too shabby of seats....about $244 for 2 tickets
We were so happy to see Shaun & Krissy stop by in Idaho before going on their vacation. They came to drop their kids off, Isaac and Whitney at Grandmas house. We called Krissy's mom and she was able to bring Isaac to play with his Hegsted Cousins, Brayden & Dylan. They had a blast and when Grandma Coltrin came to pick him up, he did not want to go because we had just set up the train set. Justin had just got home a few minutes prior to Grandma's arrival and Isaac asked if "Uncle Justin" could play trains with him. Isaac is getting so big and so much fun to have around and for the boys to all play together.
For a snack while the boys were playing, they choose to have ice cream cones with Neapolitan ice cream. It was fun and the boys had a blast!!!
We are still having lots of fun with our new puppy and her name that we finally thought would fit her is....drum roll please............KENYA. WE love it and it fits her so well. Sierra (our black lab) just loves her and is glad that she has a little playmate. They are getting along quite well and we are glad of that.
The kids are getting better with her as far as taking care of her, handeling her the right way and being soft with her. There are days when Kenya doesn't want anything to do with the kids, so she does hide and it is hard to find her sometimes, since she is so small. She does have a few good hiding spots in the house. (I sometimes wish I could go and hide from everyone and take a nice long nap too.)
Here are a few pics of the kids playing with Kenya. She doesn't really bite too hard, but she does love to play and mostly picks on Jaci. (poor girl) 
