What Every Mom Wants to Hear...

..."this was the BEST Christmas ever!" spoken individually by both Grayson and Hailey after enjoying what Santa brought them. One gift of Grayson's, "Rock Band" was also a big hit with the older kids and the four siblings rocked out in the wee Christmas morning hours with drums, guitars and microphone (hope they weren't too loud, Rosqvists!)

Cooper also enjoyed others' gifts as he lounged in Hailey's new bean bag she purchased for herself with some grandparent Christmas money...

Fridays...

This is what Friday afternoons usually look like at our house from about 1:30 until about 9 or 10 at night. Grayson and Garrett usually bring at least three friends home (each!) and our house size quadruples. They look forward to this day all week when they can hang out. They're usually pretty good to tidy a few areas but I always feel better after I take an hour to wipe down, clean out and straighten up after everyone goes home and the house is quiet again...

First Place!

Hailey had another cheer competition at Alta High School today and Mueller Park Jr. High took first place in the Small Jr. High Division. For those of you who ask what characterizes "small" (I did), it is a squad with 16 or less cheerleaders. There were a couple of Jr. Highs that had 18 on their squad so they were in the Large Division. The picture is pretty weak but I'm always so involved watching the girls that I'm usually late taking any of the stunts, tumbling, dance moves, etc. I'm just glad I caught this one of Hailey (middle top) in a stationary position. Congrats!

Third Place!

Hailey and her good cheer buddy Betsy Holmgren!

Mueller Park Jr. High Cheerleaders placed third last Saturday at the USA Cheer Competition at Weber High School. They did really well and have another competition this Saturday at Alta High School and one on Monday at the So. Towne Expo Center in Sandy. Hailey does back handsprings and back flips across the floors and is a flyer (top of stunt groups) where she does all sorts of cool things. I guess that's the beauty of being small...

They're Off!!!

Garrett went to the orthodontist today which he thought was his usual monthly tightening. Dr. Bailey looked at his teeth and said they looked awesome and proceeded to snip off the braces. It was a total surprise to us all (I guess he does it this way so the kids aren't disappointed if they're told they're coming off and they're not quite ready). Garrett was thrilled and his teeth are beautiful. He's had them on close to 3-1/2 years because he had to have his whole jaw move in the process and has worn a Herbst (sp?) appliance, headgear and a bizillion rubber bands. Congratulations Garrett! You look awesome!!!