Neha's Visit

Our good friend Neha came to town to direct a conference she was in charge of at Snowbird. We had a great time catching up...and more importantly, going down the Alpine Slide! It was great to see you Neha! Come visit again soon!

Stay-cation

This year...because I am pregnant and still not feeling up to traveling (you know, having to eat every 2 hours so you won't get sick isn't really conducive to traveling...and I would feel super weird visiting someone at their home and asking for food every second) we decided to do a stay-cation. Devlin took the week off and we took it easy. We slept in, watched movies (Kung-Fu Panda 2 and Cars 2), went to the zoo, did the full visit to Temple Square, and ended with baseball games. We had a blast. Most importantly we had some much needed family time and I didn't have to stress about getting everyone ready for a big vacation. It was just what I needed!

Maxson getting sprayed by a robotic dinosaur

On top of the LDS Conference Center

This was at the Church Museum of History and Art at the children's display upstairs. They had a large screen with individuals dressed in native costumes that taught you how to dance, with a mirror behind you so you could see yourself.

Below is where the boys learned about different countries where the missionaries share the gospel and how some families live on farms.

4th of July

For the 4th all the Marcov's (except my parents...we missed you!) came for our water slide party! We had a blast! Here's some of my favorite photos from the weekend!

Family photo on the porch

Cousins after the parade

Gwen at the fireworks

Maxson and William as they would say, "Super light fighter guys"

Maxson

William

Gwen

The awesome pinata I made...I was so proud of myself!

Devlin Got His Masters!!

I debated on naming this post, "We're DONE with school!" But I guess, you can never be too sure! Devlin graduated with his Masters in Computer Science from BYU this last week (okay, so he walked...and will "officially" graduate in December-but he's ALL DONE)! When he went to pick up his cap and gown, they forgot to give him his cap. He went back to get it and a kind gentleman gave him 6 free tickets to BYU Day's catered dinner ($20 a plate). It included a live band and dancing. Thanks to this kind fellow, we were able to party the night away before Devlin walked in the morning. If that wasn't cool enough, they gave us all free t-shirts at the end of the night (you'll see us wearing them in the video).

The next day, Devlin walked, and then it was back to work. I'll save the gory details of getting his thesis turned in for those of you who ask. It would make this post 3xs as long! Enjoy the video...it's a must see if you're a fan of my kids' dance moves! Thanks so much to Angela, Marcus, Thomas, and my Mom and Dad for coming to support on such short notice!

Merry Christmas!

William is age 5 (he turns 6 in a couple of days). He's enjoying Kindergarten. He loves to draw and is quite a performer at our house. Tune in here in a couple of days to see him performing Jingle Bell Rock!

Maxson is age 3. He's big for his age--he grew 4 inches last year! He's in Joy School and is having a great time. He's the easy going one at our house and fun to have around.

Gwen is 1 and 1/2 years. She's a good influence on the boys, but still rough houses with them as much as a 1-year old can. She's extending her vocabulary every day and said "Candy Cane" to her Aunt Tiersa the other day--much to the chagrin of her mother (I wish she'd say phrases to me!).

Devlin's still working hard at building his business (http://www.instructure.com). If any of you have friends that teach at a university or college, send them Devlin's way! He'd love to have more users for their free (did mention free?) pilot!

I'm keeping busy with the 3 kiddo's at home. I'm thankful we're all healthy and happy. Thanks for your Christmas cards and emails! It's been wonderful to hear from all of you. We think of you often and are grateful to have such wonderful family and friends. We're thankful for this time of year to reflect on the birth of our Savior.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Halloween!

My sister Julie, threw her annual Halloween party last weekend for my family. Here's a couple of photo's from the evening.

Gwen is Raggedy Ann
(thanks to my sister Michelle for giving us her old costumes!),
I'm a witch
(yeah, I know, reserve your smart alec comments . . .
thanks to my sister Julie for letting me borrow her costume),
Devlin's Horatio Hornblower,
Maxson's a dragon
(thanks again to Michelle for recycling her kids costumes!) and
William's a robot
(again, thanks to Michelle's creativity and kindness in giving us her old costumes!)

A close up of our doll.

Richard and Stephanie as "Hansel and Gretel"

Dad and Mom as a scarecrow and bunny rabbit

Tiersa as a trekkie and Brooks as Brooks

Julie sporting a mermaid costume made by myself!
Yes, that's right, I actually sewed something!
Matt as a fisherman, Cole as a shark, and Claire as a mermaid.

Some Holiday Photos

Family Reunion at my parent's house.


Hot air balloons at the Freedom Festival

Merry Christmas (a little late)

A brief update of our family . . .

Devlin:
-Is so very close to finishing his Masters
-Started a business with a friend - www.Instructure.com
-Serves as the Gospel Doctrine Teacher
-Is the father of a new baby girl!

Cheree:
-Is the mother of a baby girl!
-Survived 2 moves and delivering a baby girl
-Started a recipe blog: daleyfood.blogspot.com
-Finally updated daleylife.blogspot.com
-Serving as a Relief Society Teacher

William (5 years):
-Is learning how to read
-Can often be found in disguise as “Superman,” “Super Turtle Guy,” “Santa Claus,” or a “Rock Star.”
-Is a brother to a new baby sister
-Taught himself how to ride a bike without training wheels

Maxson (2 and 1/2 years)
-Can give you a fantastic “cheese” smile when getting his picture taken
-Is still allergic to milk and eggs . . . and now allergic to peanuts as well!
-Loves to say “Mom, watch!” and follow it up with something amazing (usually a fast sprint across the room, an gigantic leap, or wonderfully choreographed dance).
-Is now a big brother to a little sister
-Wants to be just like William

Gwen (6 months)
-Can roll over both ways
-Likes to hear herself jabber
-Has a smile to melt your heart
-Did I mention . . . we have a GIRL?

The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian

Devlin and I watched Prince Caspian tonight. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Here are my favorite quotes from the movie:

"Aslan." Lucy smiled. "I knew it was you. The whole time. I knew it. But the other's didn't believe me."

"And why would that keep you from coming to me?" Aslan questioned.

. . .

"We can never know what could've happened, Lucy." Aslan said. "But what will happen is another matter entirely."

Loved it. I liked this move better than the first. I can't wait for July 2010 for the next one.

Birthday Bash

So, my birthday was yesterday. It was the first time I've had to make my own cake. I'm sure that day will come again and again. I must give kudos to my Mom. She did offer, but I turned her down with the explanation that Maxson wouldn't be able to eat her cake (since he's allergic to milk, eggs, and peanuts). So, I made an egg-free, milk-free, peanut-free chocolate cake. It was delicious!

Another first--I was awakened by a handsome 5-year old gently saying, "Mommy, Happy Birthday!" I hope that will happen again and again!

When Devlin asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I told him I wanted to carve pumpkins with the kids. We invited my parents along with the hopes that my Dad would carve his signature pumpkin-which he did. The evening, combined with calls from friends and family, Devlin's scheduled thesis proposal, and a movie with my hubby, made for a great day.

Marcov Family Halloween Party

Mom as a Witch and Dad as a Sheriff.

Richard as "God's Gift to Women."

(Imagine the Homan Family's picture here :-)
Ethan as a Cowboy, Dexter as the Joker, Melissa as Sarah Palin,
Rafe as John McCain, Drew as a Football Player.

Tiersa as a "Nerd" and Brooks as . . .
hmm, I guess that would make Brooks "A guy married to a nerd!"

Devlin as a Magician, Cheree as a Skunk, William as Superman,
Maxson as Batman, Gwen as The Little Mermaid.

William and Maxson at the end of the "Mummy Wrap" game.

Ice Blocking Anyone?

Devlin was busy last night so we delayed our FHE till tonight. We planned a special Family Home Evening to celebrate completing reading the Book of Mormon together as a family. It took us 4 years, but hey--we did it :-). We started the night at the BYU Earth Science Museum and checked out some of the dinosaurs. When we finished with the museum, the BYU Marching Band was practicing in the neighboring parking lot. The boys had a great time getting thier dancing feet on!

After the boys wrapped it up with the band, we headed out for some hamburgers and on to Rock Canyon park for some ice blocking. This was everyone's first time (except mine), so I gave them all a brief tutorial on how it works. After my first stumble, they got the idea, and we had a great time.

Okay, one last thing. I took this picture of my Mom holding Gwen Saturday night while hanging out with her and my sisters during the Priesthood session of General Conference (we missed you Michelle!). Thanks to Esther for the cute outfit!

Agh!!

Today before Devlin left for school, I was eating my breakfast in the kitchen and saw "something" in the living room in the corner of the ceiling. I asked Devlin, "What is that up there?" I saw him glance up there and then returned to eating my breakfast. I assumed that he had then taken care of that something. After he left for work, I walked into the living room, AND that something was still up there. As I peered closer I learned that this something was a MOTH!!! EWWW! Moths are my all time feared something to catch. (With the exception of cockroaches--okay. . . maybe they're in the same category.) I knew one thing for sure-- I'd rather catch it while it was sitting quietly than flying around. That would be 100 times worse. So I got my guts up and grabbed two tissues. I laddered up the couch and swiped. As my hand was in the downward motion of the swipe, the moth escaped! It immediately fluttered into my face--OF COURSE!!! "AGH!!!" I screamed as I jumped off and away. My 4-year old was sitting close by on the same couch. He saw my reaction and started to cry. My fear had scared my son! I felt so bad. So I sat and comforted him while the moth made its way to the window. William's tears were a pretty good motivator. They gave me the gusto I needed to get that moth. Once again, I attempted to get the moth. I pulled the blinds as it danced between the pane and the blind. It landed in the glider slots of the closed window. My tissue covered hand jetted and clamped down on the fragile bug. I got it! Ahh. Safe at last.

Catching up . . .

Thought I'd do a little catching up . . .

WILLIAM:

MAXSON:

GWEN:

Shoe Bench

So, tonight, my husband surprised me when I came upstairs after putting my 3-year old to bed. There on my living room floor, was the shoe rack bench I had purchased from IKEA (again, a surprise from him) on Saturday.

Anyhow, I'm excited to get clutter off the floor and in the bench. Basically, I had to write down my excitement and appreciation for my wonderful husband. What a guy. I mean, c'mon. It's a dream come true--my husband hands me some cash, and says, "Go to IKEA and buy your bench." Then, 4 days later, he puts it together for me.

Thanks, sweetie.