Quality Time Makes for the Best Times

So, this past week was a wonderful week.  So wonderful, in fact, that I lacked the time and energy yesterday evening to post our weekly update.  Now that I’ve been more determined than ever to make sure our weekly update my brain is unable to compute my thoughts thanks to the sound of a young lady crying her eyes out while in bed because she is so tired she doesn’t know how to stop.  That said, the update will take place just with less dialogue than I would want to use.

The Nutt House typically holds Family Home Evening on Tuesday evenings as the traditional evening of Monday nights is too busy for our family.  So, last Tuesday evening after the two munchkins finished swim lessons we journeyed over to the Mesa Temple to enjoy a picnic dinner before walking around the Temple grounds and finishing our night inside the visitor’s center.  Where we viewed a new movie the church has put out about Oliver Cowdery and his experience helping Joseph Smith with the translation of the Book of Mormon.  There was a second movie available, but the hour was late as it was and where it was a school night, we made the decision to go back another day to watch the other new movie.  Talk about the perfect FHE!

I love the way they love each other!

Perfect place for a picnic!

Ready for the movie to start

Monday afternoon Kaden started his new Jiu-Jitsu class.  Talk about an excited little man!  Kaden was ecstatic for his new class, didn’t mind at all that he was out of his element, and didn’t know a thing.  He was eager and excited for all his Professor and Coach were able to teach him.  (Look at me kind of sort of already knowing two terms used at Jiu-Jitsu).  The Jiu-Jitsu type skills Kaden thoroughly enjoyed and he had fun playing the bulldog game at the end – where they run from one side to the other trying not to be tagged or else they become a bulldog.  The warm up skills however, let’s just say we have a bit of homework in this area.  This out of shape momma needs to help my little man with his push-ups and jumping jacks.  Sounds like the perfect motivation to improve my own abilities!

All ready to go in his very own Gi!
*blue of course over the white option as
blue is his favorite color

Kaden's turn to lead the class

The gentleman to Kaden's left is
Coach Lucas - I love this fresh from Brazil
young man!  He seems so kind and willing to listen
and help the kids...  warms my heart!

Staying on the topic of Kaden, toward the end of last week we showed him the trailer to an upcoming movie – Captain Underpants.  Kaden was instantly intrigued and wanted to see the movie, however, knowing that the movie is based on a series of books I’ve seen at the elementary school we told Kaden we’d have to read at least the first book first.  Kaden quickly agreed and we ordered the first five books.  Whether it was the topic of the books, the boy humor, or just that it’s about a guy in underpants and Kaden gets to say underpants a lot I’m not sure, but Kaden loved the book!  The Captain Underpants series are chapter books, not the picture books he is used to, but that did not stop him from becoming engrossed in the book and having had the first one finished in just two days.  There were a few parts that had to be explained to Kaden – such as what a wedgie was, but as he caught on, he giggled and wanted more and more.  We are now partially through the second book and Kaden has found a new superhero and book character he loves.  In fact, Kaden spent more than an hour or two trying to emulate Captain Underpants this past week, which was quite the experience in itself. 

Captain Underpants!!!

Willing to go almost anywhere to save the day!
*Just not outside of our house or enclosed backyard, thank Heavens!

Brent had an Uncle who passed away so he and Kaden took a road trip Thursday as soon as Kaden was out of school for the day.  Though the circumstances were sorrowful, the trip was a positive one for our two Nutt-y men.  Kaden and Brent got to spend some time with both Grammy & Papa as well as Grandpa & Grandma.  Kaden soaked in every minute of the special grandparent love he was able to receive.  There were even tears shed Sunday when it was time to come back home and again after returning home Sunday evening when I was putting him to bed he started to cry again that he wasn’t ready to come back home. 

Donut hamburgers were the dinner of choice for the boys on their trip

Two peas in a pod

He was so happy to get to see the bunnies

Bunnies and grandpa, who can ask for anything more?

While the boys were away us Nutt-y girls played as well.  The biggest reason we didn’t go with the boys was that Kara had a dance competition over the weekend.  So, we planned some girl time around dancing.  While the dancing was a big part of our weekend, I valued the non-dancing moments we had together.  Whether it was a bike or scooter ride, random questions or conversations initiated by Kara, special girl dinners and treats, watching a show together, or cuddling up in bed next to my favorite gal for a sleepover, the time with just Kara was a rare treasure that I will value forever.  Kara recognized how special our one on one time was as well and before it even ended, she was asking when we could do it again or swap and allow for her and Brent to enjoy the same sort of time while Kaden and I had our own special moments. 

Pink bubblegum ice cream for the win!

Choosing out the perfect treats to enjoy during General Conference

Post dance cheesecake celebration!

Now, like I mentioned, there was a dance competition over the weekend, Kara had been working had to improve her solo and it paid off with her earning a High Gold award and tying for 3^rd place out of 22 for solos ages 12 & under!  Her group did remarkable as well with one dance earning a top 5 spot and the other earning an Elite Gold (highest score available) and tying for 1^st place!  Our tiny dancer who dreams of running her own dance studio one day along with the rest of her team and her amazing teachers worked and continue to work so hard and it is gratifying to see their hard work pay off! 

A few amazing pics of her solo

I LOVE this one a million times over!

Kara and her teammates post solo awards

This warms my heart and keeps me grounded
that their friendship always comes first

Kara and team following Group awards

The entire Innerlight competition team

Now that is our week in a Nutt shell and with Kara finally calmed down enough that she can sleep I fear I am not too far behind her and will wrap up for the week….  Here’s to an amazing week of new adventures, talents and most importantly… TIME.  Now, on to the next Nutt-y week!