Last week, Vaughn had 3 days of training in warm, sunny Orlando, Florida and of course wanted us all to come, too. For me, the thought of 3 days, even in Orlando, with 4 children waiting for Vaughn to be done with his 8 hours of training each day sounded more Nightmare Before Christmas than Christmas Vacation. So, we just figured we could maybe do something little when he got back since he would have 6 days off. Well, that something little turned out to be flying to California to go to Disneyland! (Anything can happen when the seat loads are wide open!) Here are some of our happy moments caught in digital.....




It's a Small World...During Christmas, this ride is sooooo cute! Really! (Although Kaleb really is too tough for this ride!)
Shaun is seeking employment as a monkey on the Jungle Ride....

Our last ride of the night was the Matterhorn. Vaughn took the 3 big kids and I sat with sleeping Shaun just outside the ride. Vaughn called on the cell phone to tell me they were just going when a few minutes later I heard an announcement about how the Matterhorn was having problems and would have to close so they could fix it. My heart fluttered as I wondered if Vaughn and the kids were okay. I called on the cell to find out they had just made it down and they were going to have to wait for someone to come get them out. When the security arrived, Vaughn asked what happened. The guys said that THEIR car was going too fast and they were going to have to reset it. How is that to end the night! They broke down the Matterhorn! They were all thinking that it was going way faster than their rides that afternoon, but were just enjoying the great fun of it. They didn't know that it wasn't suppose to be going that fast!!!

We had a great time, (and a safe time, regardless of the runaway bobsled) and wish you all could have joined us!

Favorite Things Tag

Thanks Alisa...here are some of my faves........

1. The Costco Sponge Mop. I don't know if that is the official name for it, but the mop from Costco rocks. The mechanism on it has outlasted any other mop and I am the standard for testing as I mop every single day. Okay, sometimes I miss. Once or twice a month! So I like clean floors. Sue me.

2. I'll try not to just talk shop, but I love magic erasers. I used to touch up kick boards and doors by painting scuffs, now I magic erase. It is da best!

3. Kaleb's digital camera and my lap top computer I didn't know I'd love...thanks Vaughn. It has opened me to a whole new world. (And thanks for sharing it so readily with me Kaleb!)

4. 2 things for washing my face I can't live without...Wal-marts generic version of Clearasil's face cleaner. It's called Equate Daily Face Wash. It totally cleans off the make-up but never leaves my skin dry and tight. Better than the Clearasil version, I tried both. And, their generic version of I think (Oil of Olay's) face cloths. Great for exfoliating without roughing up your skin. Both are soooooo awesome AND cheap.

5. Great pillows. Vaughn and I finally got some deluxe pillows and WOW! Why didn't we do this sooner??????????????????????

6. The T.V. remote control. At my house, I'm king of it and I like to choose the channel for the five minutes I watch t.v. before I go to sleep!!!!

7. My Josh Groben CD's. Nice to listen to while I clean the house.

And finally, Vaughn and the kids. My life would completely SUCK ROTTEN EGGS without their fat, little heads. It has to be said, even if they are not things.

Family Fun!

Grandpa and Grandma along with Kristina, Cadence and Easton come for Family Nite. Grandpa teaches us a new game!

Thanksgiving Blessings

Thanksgiving: Abundant Blessings!

Elfin great fun! Check this out!


Click below......


http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9599508448

Click again for more great fun......(j.k.)
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9602327745

and the grandparents, of course....
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9602559701

Pics of the Phone (as named by Kaleb)

Here are some daylight pictures of our trip to New Orleans...thanks to Kalebs great ability to copy and paste for me. It only took him a couple of minutes. I should learn. But hey, why? Kaleb can do it! Anyway, here are pictures of us at the Mississippi River and on Bourbon Street. It is always fun to be away with Vaughn. He's the best!

Tagged

I've been bit by the tag bug, so here goes nothing.... (7 facts you may not know about me...)

1. I love the mountains here in Utah. I never get sick of looking at them. I think they are rich, majestic, grand, and stunning. I love how they look with all the changing seasons. I would rather have a view of the mountains from my window than a view of city lights. One of my favorite places is Aspen Grove, up Provo Canyon past Sundance.

2. That sort of leads into that I love the seasons. I think having changing seasons is exciting and enjoyable. Everywhere has seasons to a degree, I know. But, I'm talking I love having a true Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Like right now, I love that the days are short and cold and I can call the kids in earlier and the home just feels cozy. I love to bake when it is cold outside and fill the house with warm, delicious sweet scents. I love the excitement of the first snowfall and how beautiful and quiet things are when it snows! Snow brings the Christmas mood, too. Right now it is unusually warm. I wore flip-flops today! It's nice that the kids played outside today, but it doesn't feel like Christmas is coming! But then, after a long winter, spring feels glorious! It's always so great when the tulips bloom and the blossoms and leaves begin to fill the bare branches, and the grass changes from yellow to green. The air smells so good in the Spring and you can finally open your window in the afternoon for some fresh air. Some days you need the heater, some days you turn on the A.C. Spring is crazy. Then summer comes. Flip-flops everyday! Sitting out on the tramp late at night looking at stars. Swimming or sprinklers almost daily! Finally they take the bubble off the top of the city pool! Sidewalk chalk, summer festivals, fireworks and family. Summer is in full bloom in every way! And finally, fall. After the hot summer, it's so nice to be able to take whatever baby I have at the time on the afternoon walk without getting sticky and sweaty. The colors are amazing! Driving up the canyon in the fall is a favorite activity! From the gorgeous leaves, to bright red apples and orange pumpkins, it's beauty can't be beat! I love being able to hear the high school band practicing their march songs. Schools in, life gets restructured. Things are cooling off and calming down. I love the Fall. I love the Seasons.

3. I'm a real homebody. For as much traveling as I will get to do in my lifetime, my favorite place to be is home.

4. I don't really like to watch movies. I don't think there are very many good movies out there, and I usually think it was a waste of time to watch one...that is, if I stayed awake long enough to see the whole thing. I would much rather watch a news show, political debate or documentary than a movie. If I do watch a movie, I appreciate great humor that is creative and makes me laugh and is not vulgar or offensive.

5. I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. They perform some of the most inspirational music on the planet. I am getting old, I know, because I really don't like to listen to the radio any more. I really only listen to the radio when Vaughn and I are driving around. Every once in a while I'll hear something I like, but very rarely any more! I prefer nice songs with decent messages. And this from a girl who used to go to punk band concerts!

6. I don't like how "crafty" my house is. I'm always shopping at Rod Works or Tai Pan Trading and am for some reason am drawn to that stuff, but when I look through decorating magazines, I wish my house had a more New England/East coast look to it. I'm getting bored of the rustic look.

7. I would rather clean the house all day than cook. Although, since I changed my cooking schedule, I enjoy it much more. (I cook dinner before the kids come home from school, and we eat dinner right after school instead of snacks all afternoon. Not only do I think it is healthier to have your meal then, but then I have the rest of the afternoon free to help kids with homework, go outside and watch them play, or do whatever I need to without trying to make dinner when I'm getting exhausted, the house is full of kids and friends, and homework is flying all around. It is FABULOUS! The kids aren't hungry when they go out to play and aren't going to over eat snacks. Seriously, I highly recommend trying this out if you can.)

I tag Jodi and Roseli.

Can't Quite Copy Karla

Yea, I wish my blog looked as cool as Karla's. All I can do is go with the demo's my blog offers. I'll just have to keep visiting Karla's website so I can admire it!

Come Fly Away, Come Fly Away....Come Fly Away With Me!

I took a quick weekend trip with Vaughn. He had to go to work Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning, so I went, too! We flew out together to N.Y.C. on the red-eye Friday night and a few hours after arriving, Vaughn got in the cock-pit to fly and I sat passenger to New Orleans, Louisiana. That night we walked around the famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street. It's always fun to be away with Vaughn to see the sights and explore these cities. And, as always, it makes me glad that home is in beautiful, clean, safe, family friendly Cedar Hills! The next morning we flew back to N.Y.C. and then back down to Houston, Texas for the night, returning to N.Y.C. the following morning and then back home. Quick, but very fun. I experienced some more of Vaughns awesome announcements, fantastic flying capabilities and his lovely landings! These pics were taken when it was too dark to really see anything, but this is us on Bourbon Street. (I have better pics on my cell phone that I need to email to myself. But then, I probably won't know how to get them to my blog. Can anyone say computer classes?)

Oops, this is a video of our last trip with the kids. I don't know how to delet it. Whatever...

What A Man

He can bring home the bacon....fry it up in a pan...

I HAVE to do a shout out for Vaughn!

Last night, my sweetheart took the last flight out of JFK to the west coast. In this case he got as far as Denver, slept on the airport floor, and took the first flight home this morning just to maximize his home time. I know of NO OTHER GUY who would do that. All his flying buddies think he is crazy! Our neighbor up the street who also flies for JetBlue won't even take another carrier (Delta, Southwest, etc.) to get home! Too much paperwork and hassle he says. (Vaughn says it takes 1 or 2 minutes to set it up!) So, for example, if pilot X, the typical pilot, gets done with work at 8 p.m., will he fly out to Denver and sleep on the floor? NO. Will he go back to the crash pad and take the first flight out on any carrier? NO. He will go back to the crash pad and wait until the next JetBlue flight to S.L.C., which isn't until about 2 p.m. the next day! MY MAN wouldn't have it! He takes whatever flight back home when he is done, even if it means he gets only part way and has to sleep on the floor! What woman wouldn't trade all the riches and luxuries in the world for a man that devoted? He is what makes the quality of my life the finest a woman could have.

WHAT A MAN! I LOVE THIS GUY!
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(And for those of you who know Vaughn, he isn't hurrying home to go golfing, bowling, or anything else. It is totally family time. (Or maybe replace tile time, add beadboard, paint, etc.) But, that is stuff for a whole other blog!)
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Sorry this blog is so sappy, I am hoping he will paint the cupboards this weekend. JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!

The Good Noise

As I blog right now, Shaun is pushing a big dump truck down the tile hall with Kyle screaming behind him. Most of the time around here it is NOISY. Kids, friends calling on the phone, friends playing over, doors slamming, chasing, and fighting (lets be honest!) But, it is the good noise. The noise I should be surrounded by at this point in my life. And, I know it won't last forever. One cute lady in my ward said her house is too quiet and she misses the noise. Somehow I know what she is talking about. I could have the noise of my favorite t.v. shows blaring, or my favorite music playing, or the quiet of the house as I read a magazine or book. Sometimes I wish I could have those "noises" more often, but they will never be the noises I long for in my old age. Some day, far too soon, I will wish Kyle and Shaun were chasing each other, I will wish Sasha was getting in on the action, too, only to have Kaleb compelled to join in on the fun. I will miss those girly squeals, the laughing, the provocation, "you can't get me!" I will miss the constant action. I will miss the good noise my home is filled with. I am so thankful for my 4 noise makers. They are all that matter!

Now please excuse me. I need to put my "worlds crappiest pillow thrower" and my "at least I don't throw underhand" and the other two kids to bed!!!!!!!

Happy Halloween, Man

A Haunting Halloween

Every Halloween, Vaughn and I make our traditional "Witches' Finger and Spider Soup" that we all think is delicious! Try it. You'll like it, we promise. We eat it inside a breaded pumpkin bowl. This way the kids have something warm and yummy in their tummy before gorging out on candy. (Kyle suggests you get the recipe. So, if you want it, contact me. But beware, ingredients are hard to come by after Halloween! :) Along with our soup, we have "Witche's Brew" to drink. Again, delicious!
Our dinner always brings a crowd! (Not shown is Maxx, Brock's little bro. Yep, we fed pretty much the whole Oborn clan)
Down, set, HIKE..... this year Vaughn got into the spirit of things and dressed up too as a...oh yeah, a football player. AWESOME DUDE!
Here is the gang, along with some of there friends, ready to go out and treat. I don't think anyone is going to trick this year. (Shaun, Sasha, Olivia, Brock, Kyle, and Spencer)
Kaleb went as a goofy teenage In-n-out fast food cook. Hat, wig, t-shirt and a few painted on zits. (Lucky him, they had to be added on.) That was easy for me. Thanks for thinking that up yourself, Kaleb. You rock! Kyle looks like the stuff made from nightmares with the costume gradma sewed for him and Sasha, cute as a bug.

Since Sasha is already such a lady, it was easy to convert that to a ladybug...just add wings and antenna! It sort of turned out to be a 1960's style ladybug. PEACE!

And it was finally Shaun's turn to be the old fashioned piolot. We love the mustach!

The weather was nice for trick or treating this year! We had a guy from the neighborhood riding around on his motercycle with a "Ghost Rider" mask and outfit on. Cool. And of course, a few of the neighbors who live with the creek as their backyard put on the HAUNTED CREEK again which is a great little tradition in our neighborhood. It takes about 5 minutes to walk through and is perfect for kids and adults. The creek is the perect setting and they really do a a great job! What a fun place to be!! Kristina, Cadence and Easton came up this year to trick or treat. Anyone who wants to can join us next year. We would love it!

Visits and Vistas

NANNY COMES TO VISIT!!!!!

As soon as we got home from our trip to New York, Karla and Natalie (know as Nanny in our house) came to visit. We had such a great time and Shaun got to hug and kiss the girl instead of the computer screen, like he always does evertime we check out Karla's blog. Natalie couldn't have been cuter or more fun to squeeze and Karla was sweet to cook dinner and show us some delicious and healthy vegetarian dinners. We are so glad they came. On one of the days we went to the park just right across the street from our house. Natalie would not hold still for pictures as she was having much to much fun stomping leaves, but we caught a few pictures of her and Sasha and Shaun enjoying themselves on this absolutlely gorgeous fall day.

Seriously, click on this image to enlarge it and check out the amazing beauty of this earth during this time of the year....

Leaf Stomping...
Tree climbing... Just smiling...

Witches flying...
Stone throwing...

Piggies freezing....
We had a fabulous visit, throwing parties for 3 nights in a row. Lots of eating and visiting and shopping. Things were much to quiet today! Thanks for the visit guys!