Pinewood Derby

Okay, this will be my last post for the day! I didn't realize how long it has been since I emptied my camera onto the computer... I had a lot of catching up to do!

This was Brandon's first official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby! He designed the car and did a great job with the silver flames on the sides, though you can't see them in the pictures.

Leonardo Da Perkins

Brandon did an oral report on Leonardo Da Vinci. He worked hard and, though he used notes, had it almost completely memorized. Way to go Brandon!!!

Final Davis County Spelling Bee!!!

Nathan did so great! He is an amazing speller and did so well for being one of the youngest ones there. As usual, his unique personality kept us quite entertained. There were only 60 contestants, but half of them were from Junior High schools. The boy next to Nathan towered over him! We had so much family support, Thanks Everyone!!!

Taylor Elementary Birthday Celebration

The kids school (mine too... many years ago) had a big bash to celebrate 50 years. The kids classes each did a musical number that coincided with one of the last five decades.

The kindergartners did "Alligators All Around" from the 60's! Sadie is the one in the middle with one pant leg tucked into her boot. :o)
Third Grade did a great dance to that 80's classic "Ghostbusters!"

Fifth Grade did a newer song called "Fireflies." It's hard to see in the picture, because the kids were all wearing black and holding little lights. It was well done and cleverly choreographed. They all finished off with the whole school on stage for a jazzy "Happy Birthday!"

Children's Museum

Nathan brought home a free family pass to Discovery Gateway! So we brought a friend and had a great afternoon...

Cub Scouts Pack Meeting

We had a fabulous Pack meeting last night and both the boys got some awards!

Brandon got his Wolf badge & was in the skit,

and Nathan got his Webelos badge & Arrow of Light! They both worked hard and we're so excited for them.

Also, I was just called to be the Webelos Den leader!

Nathan won the spelling bee!

Nathan was one of three kids from his 5th grade class chosen to participate in the Taylor Elementary Spelling Bee. There were about 20 kids all together and 7 rounds. He wasn't nervous at all, just anxious to get going. It was fun to watch because Nathan's personality came through in each round, whether it was him blowing in the microphone, forgetting it was his turn or dropping the microphone and putting it back together. :o)

He spelled: auburn, lawful, sashay, exoskeleton and solicit

Eventually, he won first place with the word "grievance"! The next level will be in February.

Great Job Nate! We're so proud of you.

2010 has been a great year for our family! One of the highlights of our year was our cross-country road trip. Wewere so blessed to visit many family and friends along the way, and took time to explore in Nauvoo and Washington D.C. It was quite an adventure! The kids are all in school now and loving it. Nick still enjoys cartooning and working at DMBA, and I'm enjoying more free time at home. We truly have the best kids in the world; wonderul, unique and full of personality and character...

Sadie - I am in Kindergarten because I'm FIVE! I love food experiments at school and I can read lots of words. Fancy Nancy is the best book. And I am great at being nice to everyone, so I've got a bunch of friends. I like to eat candy and I am good at playing games. I love to play dress ups with my friends and have tea parties. I am good at playing with my brothers and cleaning my room. My favorite food is watermelon and my favorite color is PINK!

Nathan - I am eleven years old and very good at video games, my favorite being Pikmin. I recently won an award for my art at school and I love to draw. I hit a growth spurt this year and grew 3 inches! But I am still the smallest kid in my class. I do a paper route for the Davis County Clipper. It is the smallest route in the county, but I still get good money for it. Calvin and Hobbes remains my favorite book.

Brandon - I am eight years old! I am in third grade. I'm good at video games and puzzles. I like to draw and read Spiderwick books. I almost have my Wolf badge in Cub Scouts. In school I like learning about art and health, and I love science. My mom says I have perfect cursive handwriting and I know my times tables. My favorite foods are ice cream and pizza.

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a peaceful 2011! Wishing you lots of love from the Perkins family!

New Portraits!

My wonderful, multi-talented father took these fabulous pictures of my kids! I'm having 8x10s made to go on my wall. Each picture really shows personality and character. Thanks Dad!

Nathan - Age 10

Sadie - Age 5

Brandon - Age 8

Timpanogos Cave

Last Saturday, our family hiked up to Timpanogos Cave. We left early in the morning and were able to finish before it got too hot.























The cave was amazing and the guides did a great job keeping the attention of even the little kids. The entire hike, including going up, inside the cave and going down, was about 3.5 miles. It was pretty steep in parts, so we all got a good workout.

The view from the mountain was breath-taking, especially with the fall leaves just starting to turn colors.














The other kids in the pictures are my niece and nephew.

Overall, it was a great day. I'm so glad we got to go!

First Day of School

Wow! Another school year has begun... Once again we are changing our methods. Sadie and Brandon are both going to public school, Brandon is now in third grade and Sadie has begun kindergarten. We are fortunate to have the elementary work with us in arranging Nate's schedule. He'll be home-schooled in the morning, for Math and Language Arts, and will attend public school in the afternoon.

It's only been one day, but so far things are going smoothly for all. Hurray for great teachers!

Lagoon!

We were so happy when Nick's employer, DMBA, offered us all-day passes to Lagoon for only $5 a person! We all went for the afternoon and had a great time. Then at dinner time, Nick and I dropped the kids off at a sitter's and went back to do the big rides. This was a fabulous way to end the summer. :o)

Fun Summer Project

I've had a great time being creative and making our office/school room into a cute pink girly bedroom for Sadie. Here are some pictures of what I've done so far. We went to Deseret Industries and got some inexpensive wooden stuff to paint, including the cradle, doll chair, the window picture frame and some shelves. It's been really fun. The paint designs and colors have been inspired mostly by the beautiful bedspread from Sadie's grandma. When I'm done I'll post pics of the whole room.