Nielson Family Home Evening Olympics!

Last  night for Family Home Evening we had our own Olympic games. We started with our opening ceremonies. Daddy taught the kids about King Benjamin (nothing related to the Olympics-just the scripture story we are on) and we worked on learning the 5th Article of Faith. 

 Let the games begin!!

 The weather did not cooperate with our plans, so all of our events were moved in doors.

We had hopping races. Adam had a slight advantage there.

 The Straw throw. Tessa concentrated so hard on her throwing.

 Cotton ball pick up. It took Tessa a minute or two to figure out how to scoop up the cotton balls and then how to keep them on the spoon, but she got it.

 An egg race. They were both so worried about dropping their eggs. I was mean and didn't tell them that they were hard boiled:)

We had lots of fun with balloon races.

 We ended our games with some serious gymnastics competitions! I have some good little gymnasts.

 Everyone is a winner at our house. The kids have been proudly sporting their medals since they received them!

 The girls whipped up some homemade ice cream for a treat for our tired athletes and we ended the evening watching the Olympics on TV. We were sad for our men's gymnastics team, but were glad they were good sports and did their best! 

 Adam turned our ottomans into a pommel horse.

2012 London Olympics!

For weeks we have been counting down the days until the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics! We LOVE the Olympics! I was really wanting to plan a big party for the Opening Ceremonies, but this Mommy is tired and so, we kept it small and just our little family. 

 I pulled out all of my Olympic paraphernalia from the Olympics I have been able to "participate" in-the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. I remember going to see the torch run through my hometown in 1984 and I remember watching Mary Lou win the gold. (I can still do some of her floor routine).  I have way too many memories from the 2002 Olympics to add here. I will always feel so blessed to have lived here in Utah during the Olympics. 

My goal as a 4 year old was to become an Olympian. Well, since I had to quit gymnastics in '85 when we moved, that obviously didn't happen. So, instead I am an Olympic Super Fan!!:)

 Our party table! Don't mind that this super fan got all the ring colors backwards-dummy me. 

We made homemade pizza, some different dips with chips and fruit, root beer, licorice, and cake balls. We should have invited more people over....sorry Dad.

 Watching the awesome show!

 Gwen had fun chomping on some rings of her own.

 My cheesy decorations. Thankfully the kids like them. 

 I made the kids some torches to play with during the next 2 weeks.

 Adam and I made a scoreboard for him to keep track of the medal count. Adam picked what countries he wanted to follow. He is closely following teams USA, Canada, China, Russia, Brazil, Jamaica, Australia, and England.

 The kids waved their torches as the Olympic torch was carried into the arena and the big torch was lit. 

 On Saturday night we made tin foil dinners and homemade ice cream to enjoy while we watched the Olympics. Our ice cream didn't turn out (we tried the mason jar method) but it was fun trying. 

 Wearing Gwen's Bumbo....I told him he looks like those rock 'em sock 'em toys.

 Cheering Michael Phelps on!!

Keeping track of the medals from the first day. 

Go Team USA!!!

A Happy Pioneer Day!

We are thankful that Eric doesn't have to work many holidays, but he always has to work on Pioneer Day. So, we made the most of our holiday here at home

We started our day out with eating breakfast while we watched the big Days of '47 Parade on TV.

 We had cotton ball races.

 I taught Adam and Tessa how to do some stick pulling. Adam loved it!

 The cutest pioneer baby!

 That's her super excited face!

 We made some covered wagons!

 We made rag dolls. Tessa named her doll, Mary.

Their dolls got to ride around the house in the wagons. 

We made homemade butter and rolls.

They did a good job shaking those bottles and both gave their cooking a thumbs up!

  Monday night for Family Home Evening we went down to the Fiesta Days festivities!

 Adam, Tessa, and I went on the crazy slide!

 Tessa got to ride the boats and Adam rode the Tilt-a-Whirl.

 Such cute sisters!

 Me and my Tessa Boo

 Adam has been dying to get some shaved ice this summer, so we got one to share for a family night treat.

 Gwen LOVES grass!

 Showing off his purple tongue.