Nate and Cindy Peterson Family

Camping and playing at Warren Dunes State Park

2011-07-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

This week I spent a few days working down at our plant in St. Louis. I got home Thursday and just wanted to do something fun as a family. I talked Cindy into going camping (it was a pretty easy sell) and started looking for state parks were you could camp and swim. I found a couple but they were closed due to some recent storms that caused power outages. I found a handful that were around 2 ½ hours away, so we finally decided since we’d never camped in Michigan before that we’d head over to Warren Dunes State Park.
We’d called about camping and were informed that they had eight camp sites available that were first come first serve. When we arrived to the park we noticed nearly every sight was open with picnic tables and fire pits so we weren’t in a hurry to claim a spot but rather decided to go play on the sand dunes for a while.

Around 9:30 p.m. I found a pizza hut using the “places” app on my phone, called, and ordered a pizza. Assuming that I’d called the nearest one we pulled into pizza hut only to be informed that they didn’t have my order and that there were three pizza huts in the area. I called back to the number that I’d previously called to place my order and found out that I’d called a location in Wisconsin :) oops. We did, however, get a pizza ordered and ten minutes later we were on our way back to the park. When we got to the park we noticed the sign for the campsites pointing us down a road that we hadn’t previously noticed. We drove down to the office only to be informed that all the campsites were full :(. We drove down to a picnic table and ate our pizza and began calling hotels and other campsites.
After driving nearly 20 minutes to the closest Holiday Inn with an available room we found a campsite with an available spot so we turned around and drove another half hour to the campsite.

When it was all said and done we had a blast. Warren Dunes State Park is a beautiful spot with a bunch of large sand dunes and it sits right on Lake Michigan. We climbed the dunes and played in the lake for hours.

Living in Naperville

2011-06-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well we've been in Naperville for nearly a month now. I've been meaning to post a few pictures of our house and am finally getting around to it.

Dining Room

Entry room

Kitchen

Family Room

Master Bedroom

Cades Room

Kaitlyn & Sadies Room

Basement

View from the back

Back Yard

Made it to Chicago

2011-05-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well it's official, we live in suburban Chicago.... The movers came on 5/17 and put everything in boxes, them loaded everthing onto the truck on the 18th and on the 20th they were unloading everthing in our new house in Naperville.

We're renting a house in the SW part of Naperville Illinios and so far we like it. We really miss Knoxville but we have enjoyed exploring new parks, restraunts, and just exploring in general.

Cindys sisters (Camille & Cathy) flew out from Idaho to spend the week and her other sister (Chris) drove up with her family to spend the weekend. We met in Nauvoo and then came back up to our house and hung out. We had a great Memorial Day weekend.

Fishing and tornadoe relief

2011-05-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

Last week was another typical non-stop week. Monday and Tuesday were work and house cleaning days :). On Wednesday I drove up to Haverhill Ohio for meetings Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday we did a little more house work and then went fishing with our neighbors the Herrings. Cade caught his first two fish ever (ok, Brooks caught the first one and then gave Cade the pole :), but he caught the second one all by himself).

Kaitlyn caught her first four fish ever and she had a blast doing it!

Sadie was a non-stop stress machine. She was running back and forth on the dock and I can't believe she never fell into the water.

She did decide that she wanted to fish also, she laid down and stuck Kaitlyns pole in the water and then dropped it :) Kaitlyn threw a fit and sobbed for a couple minutes and then she got over it.

We had soooooo much fun. I've never really liked fishing but that's primarily because I never caught anything :). It was so great to see Kaitlyn and Cade actually catch fish.

After fishing we all went out to Meksico for dinner and then I headed to Chattanooga to help with the cleanup after the tornadoes a couple weeks ago. We camped out on the stake center softball field and then woke up and drove to Cleveland TN where we used chain saws, bobcats, and good old fashioned labor to remove trees and debris from peoples yards. It's really amazing how much devastation mother nature can inflict. I've never really been around tornadoes before but they are absolutely devastating.

We worked all day Saturday and Sunday and finally got home about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday (Mothers Day). Luckily I'd sent Cindy a couple of nice Mothers day letters on Facebook and e-mail. Also, I called and asked Kaitlyn to get a package out of the downstairs closet and give it to her. It was a great week!

Chigago update and a great day

2011-05-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well we made the decision a few weeks ago but we're going to move to Chicago. We went up to Chicago a couple weeks ago and found a place to live. Our new house is going to be in Naperville. We are pretty bumbed about leaving Knoxville. We've made so many great friends and absolutely fallen in love with the beauty and the culture of the South. We live in a great community and have awesome neighbors. We were trying hard to talk ourselves into being excited to move to Chicago the whole way up but I just wasn't really feeling it. I know that we'll be happy wherever we are and that we'll make friends and be happy but the thought of leaving Knoxville just really stinks right now.

However, when we went to our new ward we were greeted by a young couple that we'd met at the Chicago temple on our way home from Grandma Stoehrs funeral last year. They remembered us and were pretty excited that we were moving into the same ward. Then Cindy noticed a girl that looked like a girl she went to high school with. Sure enough it was her. We had a great day at church and it seemed like everyone in the ward came up to introduce themselves and tell us how excited they were for us to move in. Then after church we were invited to Sunday dinner by Cindys high school friend (I should remember her name but I don't right now :) I'll be reminded in a couple weeks) and they have kids the same ages as ours, it was so nice. It really helped us to reaffirm that the Lord loves us, knows us, and that his church is the perfect organization. It's amazing that anywhere you go you can feel Christs love and feel like you are home.

Yesterday I was planning on going to Chattanooga to help clean-up after the tornadoes. We got to the church and we were told that the service project had been postponed. The damage was so great that they were still searching for people and doing needs assessments. They weren't allowing people in yet. Matt Pulver and I decided to drive out to Loudon and help the branch president with some yard work since he'd injured his back a few weeks ago.

After we finished with the yard work we called around to line up a baby sitter and a canoe and we took our wives canoeing down the Tennessee river for a couple hours. If only we'd have thought to get them umbrellas to spin around as we rowed them down the river it would have been perfect :) But really, it was a great date in a GORGEOUS place on a beautiful day. After canoeing we went to Tommy Watsons birthday party. They had a ton of little kid games and also and arranged for ponies to give the kids rides. Then we got another baby sitter and went out the Archies BBQ, then went back home and had dessert and played 3-13 with the Sinks and Pulvers. It was such a fun day. I've been SO blessed with a fantastic family, wonderful friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, and so many friends and family members that love, pray for, and support me. God truely is great and life is good.

China, India, St. Louis, Virginia, and the storm!!!

2011-05-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

I've been typing up my missionary journal and I really appreciate being able to go back and read from when I wrote more regularly in my journal :) So much has happened the past few weeks. I've been to China (walked on the great wall and through the emperors tomb, been to Tianjin, Beijing, Hungzou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong), India again, and we're planning trips to Europe and Brazil in the very near future.

Last week I got to work Monday morning and I had a couple of voice messages and e-mails asking me to come to St. Louis for meetings. I packed up my laptop, drove home to get some clothes, and by 8:30 a.m. I was on the road. I got to the plant (Granite City) in time to work for a couple hours and call it a day. On Tuesday morning we took the company plane to Virginia for meetings. The wind was blowing pretty hard and I was working for most of the flight (a mistake in retrospect as I typically get motion sick). As we were getting ready to land the plane was getting blown around pretty hard and I actually thought the left wing was going to hit the runway before the wheels. At the last second the pilot pulled it around and we then pretty much locked up the brakes at the end of the runway. Then as we were driving to the plant I got really sick and was pretty pathetic during the whole meeting. At dinner I couldn't even sit still in the restaurant. I went out and laid down on the side walk. After about 45 minutes I finally thew up about three days worth of meals and finally felt better.

We flew back the St. Louis on Wednesday morning and flew over a HUGE green and red blotch on the radar. I didn't think that much of it at the time and we ended up working until after 8 p.m. As we were leaving I checked facebook and noticed that there were tornado warnings in Knoxville. I became glued to the news and it ended up that the worst tornadoes in over 50 years passed through the South and killed over 320 people. Cindy and the kids were safe but it was a pretty scary experience, especially with me gone. Now we're getting ready to spend time in Chattanooga starting the cleanup effort next week.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T11:02:00.001-07:00

As we drove home from church I was asking Kaitlyn what she had learned today. She talked about Jesus being resurrected which led me to ask her if Jesus was still alive. She responded that he was and he appeared to Marry. I told her that was so awesome and asked what he said to her to which Kaitlyn replied, "behold, it is me, Jesus". I smiled and we talked about how great that would have felt. Then we talked about how when we are out looking for our eggs and Easter gifts that we can remember Marry who went to look for Jesus and how good she must have felt when she found him.

Then I asked Cade what he's learned at church. He got all choked up and said, "I can't remember all those things sister said." :) It was so funny. Cindy and I laughed most of the way home. As we were nearing the house we were talking to Cade and he said, "hey, I got this sticker at church today. It says to be quiet and listen but I just want to take it off and throw it in the garbage. Can I?" Yeah, we laughed the whole way home.

We just got home and sent the kids on their traditional scavenger hunt for their Easter baskets. I hid charades clues around the house and they went from clue to clue until they found their baskets. It was great! Even Sadie found her clues. She got a little distracted however by the clues. The clue on her bike made her want to ride her bike. The clue by the bananas made her want to eat bananas. But when she finally found her basket she was extremely happy. It's been a great day already.

I'm so grateful for the Savior and for the knowledge that I have that he died for us and rose the third day. He wants all of us to repent, give our burdens to him, follow his example in all that we do. He has promised that if we will follow him with all our hearts that through him we may also be resurrected and return to live with him and those we love for all eternity. I'm grateful for the peace that I feel in knowing that I have a father in heaven that knows me, cares for me, and is willing to walk with me giving comfort and guidance whenever I am humble enough to ask. I wish I was better at sharing what I know with others. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so rewarding and there truly are no questions that can't be answered here and now. Happy Easter everyone!!!

Job update

2011-03-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

Last week my boss came to me with a revised offer to go to Chicago. While it still isn't what I think it should be it was significantly better than it started out. Originally the offer was a 7% cost of living increase + relocation + a one time 40% bonus. The latest (and I've been told it's the final offer, but I still believe there's a little more wiggle room :)) offer is the same except for the cost of living increase is 25% (the one time 40% bonus is based on the base salary so it went up 18% too). He asked me to have my response by Friday (I've been dragging this whole negotiation thing out since early November :) and everyone else has either said yes, no, or already taken new jobs).

I went to talk with him and told him that I had some serious concerns about moving to Chicago. I talked to him about going to work at our plant in Granite City (East St. Louis), Bob Huffman (a project manager for plant capital projects) asked me to come work for him as an assistant construction manager. If I did that the cost of living in St. Louis is ~5-6% cheaper than Knoxville, plus I'd be on per diem which is ~$35K per year so even if I didn't get a raise (which I should if they made me an ACM), I'd be getting a $40-45K per year raise. I figure that would be a pretty dang good raise :). Also, I've been wanting to get into management and also get some more field experience (this would take care of both).

He told me that he'd prefer that I went to Chicago but he was glad that I had come up with another option to stay with the company and told me that he'd support me in whatever decision that I made.

Since I still didn't know the details of moving to St. Louis (salary, duration, job description, etc.) I sent an e-mail asking him if I could have the weekend to think about it. He responded that that would be fine and also told me that Jacobs Engineering was coming in to interview people. They have worked out an arrangement to hire some people that won't relocate to Chicago and make them available to work on SunCoke work for a period of time and then they would transition to Jacobs project work. He told me that he knew I had concerns with moving to Chicago and if I wanted to pursue this option I had his permission. He said he'd prefer to keep me with the company but that if we want to stay in Knoxville this may be a good option for me.

On Tuesday some Jacobs people came by and gave us the recruiting speech followed by a tour of their offices in Oak Ridge. A few of us have interviews set up in Greenville SC on Tuesday and then the expectation is that offers will be made by the end of the week. They want our responses by 3/18 and then we would start with Jacobs the beginning of April.

In the middle of all this I'm going to China and India from 3/13 until 4/1, so basically if I take the job with Jacobs this next week will be my last week working with SunCoke, or at least in the SunCoke office.

It's nice to have a few options. Each of the options has its pros & cons but some options are better than no options.

One thing about working for Jacobs that might be good is that they told me that they have a huge project coming up in Idaho in the next year or two. If I was working with them I could probably just transfer out there and then we'd be moving closer to family with a job waiting. I'm not exactly sure about the timing of that whole thing but it could end up being great for us.

Saturday in the Smokies

2011-02-20T16:32:00.001-08:00

This was such a great Saturday! We started out letting the kids play for a little while in the neighborhood. Cade is obsessed with fishing right now (guess I'd better get into it and figure out how to catch a fish). He grabbed a stick and probably spent a half hour pulling a leaf out of our neighbors pond and had a blast doing it :)

Then we packed a lunch, through the kids bikes in the van and headed towards the Smokies. We found a park with a bike trail loop and Cade went around and around and around.

We had a great picnic.

I love the Smokies. I dream of having a small farm someday so that my kids can experience a few of the things I did growing up. Everywhere I drive back here it's like one big gorgeous ideal farm after another.

We found a cool swing bridge over by Townsend that the kids thought was pretty cool and Cindy reminded me that she wouldn't enjoy the big tree top tours :)

What a great weekend!

Luke 22:44

2011-02-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a youth temple trip to do baptisms for the dead. We had 41 youth from our ward. During the introduction a member of the temple presidency talked about Luke 22:44. He said that we are all familiar with Luke chapter 2, we read it every Christmas, but without Luke chapter 22, Luke 2 wouldn’t have mattered. It would have just been another story about a regular man born in very unfortunate circumstances.

In Luke 22:44 it says that Christ was “in an agony”. It sounds strange “an agony” he said. We would probably say that he was in agony. But being in “an agony” is something totally different than being in agony. He said that “an agony” is what they called the battles that the gladiators were in when they were forced to fight to the death. He asked who he was in a battle with and talked about the war in heaven and how Satan had waged a war with Christ. Then he asked us if he was in a fierce battle, was there ever really a chance that Christ would lose? He went on to explain that in verse 43 the battle was so fierce that an angel needed to come to strengthen him. Then in John 19:30 when he declared “it is finished” he was declaring victory to Satan. He was stating that the “agony” or the battle was over.
He had won, he was ready to return to the presence of his Father.

I love receiving new insights into the scriptures. This was another wonderful reminder that Christ is my Savior and that he did overcome all. He atoned for my sins and I too can return to live with him again if I will just believe and be faithful.

Livin

2011-01-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

Life is great. I'm sitting here watching the kids take a bath while my sweet wife cooks dinner. I was able to work out today making it four times for the second week in a row. I've been doing really good on all my goals (other than starting a business) :). They're still negotiating with me at work to go to Chicago and I've also been talked to about St. louis. We'd really like to move west and be closer to family but financially that may not be the best option. Works been good, I'm supposed to be in Greenville SC this week and then China for two weeks in late February.
Cindy is getting ready for another baby so I guess I should too :) No news yet but I'm sure in the next few months we'll have an announcement :)
I truly am blessed!!

Snow in TN, another party for Kaitlyn, still working on the decition

2011-01-16T12:29:00.001-08:00

It has snowed more this week than we've ever seen in Knoxville. We got ~4 inches last Sunday evening, then more on Monday and Tuesday. It has snowed each of the years we've been here but it usually melts the same day or at the very most it has stayed until the next day. This week there has been snow all week. There is still snow in our front yard now a week later. We took the kids sledding on Monday and Tuesday at a park just down the road from our house. Cade just grabbed a sled and went down the hill before anyone could even talk to him about it. Sadie was giggling the whole time. I sent her down by herself and she LOVED it. Luckily Cindy was at the bottom and was in the perfect position to catch her as she tumbled off the sled.

Our neighbors brought us over an awesome cardboard house that the kids can color on. They've spent hours coloring the shingles, the windows, the walls both inside and out. Thank you Herrings!!

Kaitlyn begged us for months to have a party in Tennessee with her friends too. We let her invite everyone she wanted, and she did. She had kids from our neighborhood, her primary class, and her pre-school class. There were 18 kids in all. Cindy did a great job coming up with things for them to do. They made snow globes, igloos out of marshmallows, did treasure hunts in snow, and played a dress-up game kind of like musical chairs. Kaitlyn LOVED it.

Cade had been pleading to sleep on the top bunk and I kept telling him to wait until after Kaitlyns party. So Friday night we switched the mattresses and he slept until almost 10 a.m. Saturday morning. He said that he really loved the top bunk.

Last night we had the Pulvers and the Herrings over. The guys offered to watch the kids while the girls when shopping. We had taco night and then the women ended up just hanging out and talking down stairs. After a while Cindy came in to tell me that Kaitlyn & Devin were holding hands and that I should talk to her. I told her that she was not old enough to hold any boys hands except mine. She said, "but dad, I'm really falling in love with Devin" :). She returned to the show and said, "Devin, my dad said that I can't kiss you or hold your hand any more until I'm older." Then he said, "yeah, my dad said the same thing." It was pretty funny.
Then today during sacrament meeting Cade was standing with his hand on the bench in front of us when a little girl reached up and held his hand. They sat there smiling at each other for about two minutes just holding hands on top of the bench. Dang kids take after their mom :)

December 2010

2011-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

I plan on doing a much better job of posting this year but in a half hearted attempt at reviewing December we went to Washington DC and then Idaho for Christmas. In DC we went to the temple a few times, a couple Smithsonian museums, the White House, the Washington Monument, Arlington Cemetery, the the Lincoln Memorial.
In Idaho we had a great time with our families. My mom and dad came up, we had Kaitlyn's 5th birthday party, went skiing at Kelly Canyon, went sledding in Blackfoot, had our annual parents only party at Boyd & Leann's, and played a whole lot of games with both families. We hit an ice storm West of St. Louis on our way out, we went to a couple of Jacoby's basketball games and one of Heidi's. We did the cinnamon challenge (see who can eat one table spoon of cinnamon the fastest) at the Prices house and then again at Corri's). Josh and Tommy and I also stood outside in the snow while Jason sprayed us with a hose as a test of Josh's manhood for his 16th birthday party :)
We had a great trip. It is always a great time getting together with family.

Nate's New Years Resolutions

2011-01-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

Originally this family blog was intended to be used as a way to keep in touch with family and friends. Facebook has pretty much taken over that function and so I'm going to start using this blog more as a personal/family history. For those of you who check in semi-regularly I appreciate it and you're welcome to continue doing so as I do always appreciate comments. I'm starting out the year with a brief review of last years goals and making a new resolution to achieve more this year. I've spent some time developing a brief list of goals, timing for each, an action plan for accomplishing each, and a success metric for each. Last year I had many of the same goals (as I frequently do) and as always I did better on some than on others.

1. Put God first
1.1. Attend the temple 12 times. If we don’t have other plans we’ll go on the 3rd Friday of each month.
1.2. Study the scriptures for at least 30 minutes daily. On the days I go to the Y I’ll read after, if not, then I’ll get up at 6 a.m. to study.
1.3. Take time to pray earnestly both morning and evening. Before scripture study and bed.
2. Family second
2.2. Take Cindy on a weekly date. Saturdays if we haven’t done something meaningful before that.
2.3. Have FHE weekly. Cindy and I will rotate being in charge of the lessons.
2.4. Get back to the family blogs and encourage siblings on both sides to post regularly. Get blogs bound as Christmas gifts for parents and in-laws.
2.5. Dishes & laundry. On Saturdays if I haven’t done them prior.
3. Others Third
3.1. Invite 5 people to read the Book of Mormon, come church & hear the discussions. I’ve done a decent job in the past but I’d like to have a more inspired approach and then I’d like to include the experiences in my journal which I haven’t been real good at doing lately.
3.2. Read the entire Book of Mormon & keep up with Sunday school / Priesthood lessons. Start the week (M/T ) studying the priesthood manual in preparation for my lesson, then (W/Th) study the Sunday school lesson, and finally (F/S/S) read from the Book of Mormon).
4. Self Fourth
4.1. Have a career plan
4.1.1. Start by making a decision about going to Chicago or searching for a new job.
4.1.1.1. Spend time each week looking for a new job that would get us closer to family and be something that will be fulfilling for me to pursue in the future.
4.1.2. Start a business on the side. Spend a few hours each week working on side jobs and pondering potential self employment opportunities. I love working with people and need to have a career where I feel I can have a positive influence on others. I’d like to be meeting more people and not spend as much time in the office. I need to feel that my efforts make a difference both in the company and for others.
4.2. Get out of debt and keep to a budget. Always done a pretty good job living within our means but this year if we move we’ll not be buying another house until we can pay for it. Also, need to get in the habit of stretching ourselves to save more than what is comfortable.
4.3. Write in my journal at least once a week. Sunday during nap time.
4.4. Exercise regularly (4x per week)
4.4.1. Get down to 200 lbs (need to lose 2lbs per month)
4.4.2. Run a marathon in the fall
4.5. Finish typing missionary journal and begin inserting pictures into my life history.
4.6. Start the outline of a book.

My intent is to get in the habit of doing the most important daily/weekly things again so that next year my goals can be a little more stretching. I do however realize that I need to revive some very important habits first :)

Winterfest in Sevierville TN

2010-11-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

On Monday we attended our first outdoor Baptist rock concert :). On my way home for lunch I heard an advertisement for "Winterfest". I didn't really know what it was but they said there would be Christmas lights, music, and lots of games for the kids. After work we were already on the South side of Knoxville looking for mattresses for the kids new bunkbeds, so we decided to head on over to Sevierville.

We didn't know exactly where we were going so we asked some high school girls at a stoplight if they knew where we were supposed to go. They gave us very simple directions and we arrived ~6 p.m. The city of Sevierville was hosting the free event. There were booths, inflatables, carnival games, and live music. Local businesses provided free food and drinks in the booths and local christian bands were playing music on stage. It was a lot of fun to be standing outside on a chilly fall evening singing Rocky Top and dancing with the kids.

We had popcorn, cotton candy, hot chocolate and cider. Santa came and turned on the lights and then there was a firework show with Christmas music blasting in the back ground. We had a grand old time :)

Grandma Stoehrs funeral

2010-10-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

Grandma Marjorie Stoehr passed away two weeks ago. We drove up to Shawano Wisconsin last weekend for her funeral. It was great to see all of the aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, etc. that came. It was perfect rainy Wisconsin weather. We LOVE you and miss you grandma but know that you did all that you were called to do in this life and that you are happy. Thank you for your wonderful example of faith, service, and selfless charity.

Sadie was cute as can be.

We spent quite a bit of time together with family before and after the funeral. Uncle Kelly took us to an awesome museum/zoo/harley store. We all loved the 7 motor motorcycle.

After the funeral we headed south again. We spent the night in Chicago. SunCoke Energy is moving to Chicago in the Spring and I've been invited to go so we spent a little time on the way up and back to explore the area. We stopped by a chapel and talked with a church member for a while. Then we went to the temple. Since it was Sunday the gates were closed but some more members drove by and stopped by to speak with us for a while.

I don't know if we'll end up moving to Chicago or not but it is really quite a beautiful city in the fall.

On our way out of town we went to the zoo at Lincoln Park. It was a great great memorable trip.

I had meetings in Middletown Ohio on Tuesday and Haverhill Ohio on Wednesday. Cindy and the kids were shopping at IKEA outside Cincinnati when a tornado warning sounded so everyone went down into an underground hallway for a little bit. Luckily I was able to get there and we were able to travel to Haverhill without incident.

October - Sadieville, Sue Bennett College, and fall colors

2010-10-30T17:13:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year we drove through the Smoky Mountains and stopped into Cades Cove so last week on our way up to Wisconsin we had to stop and get a picture just outside of Sadieville :)

Right after high school a few friends and I attended Sue Bennett College in London Kentucky and played football. On our way to Wisconsin last week we drove through London so we stopped in to show Cindy and the kids where I stayed.

and the sweet practice field :)

I LOVE fall colors!!! Growing up in Arizona I thought fall colors just meant a different shade of brown.

Good bye Grandma Stoehr

2010-10-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went over to Oklahoma to visit my grandma Stoehr. I'm very glad that we did because I was able to talk to her, give her a couple of priesthood blessings, and tell her that I loved her a few more times. Marjorie Stoehr passed away yesterday morning. I love you grandma!!!!! Thanks for your wonderful example of a good Christian life. Give grandpa a hug for me.

Echo Valley Corn Maze - Oct 16th

2010-10-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today we drove over to Jefferson City and went to the Echo Valley Corn Maze. We had a great time. They have 2 different size slides, 3 different hay rides, swings, 2 different hay bail mazes for the kids, a little petting zoo, a corn box (like a sand box but with corn. It was a big hit), cow milking :), 3 different corn mazes, etc.

Sadie got to pick her first pumpkin (kind of.... I'm pretty sure I picked up the one she wanted :))

I'll bet Cade went down the tube slide 30+ times. Man I love lifes simple pleasures.

It was fun watching the kids try to find their way through a hay bail maze. Eventually Kaitlyn, Cade, & Sadie all made it through (Devin & Lilly Pulver made it too :))

Cader is 3!!

2010-10-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Cade has asked me at least every other day if it's still his birthday. He also asks if he's still three. We had a great birthday party for him with bike races, water gun fights, jumping on the trampoline and getting sprayed, and having a big picnic outside with all of his friends.

Sadie was in on the race too...in the stroller.

Sadie was reliving her birthday party with a whole cupcake all to herself.

Kaitlyn showing off the latest trend.

Cade sporting some new Sunday clothes and Kaitlyn showing her missing tooth.

Cade is such a joy and puts his whole heart into everything he does...especially eating cereal and playing with cars. He loves having Nate flip him on the bed, climbing and jumping off the couch, and anything outside, especially swimming. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday he said "rocks". I think he had in mind of rocks he could go through in the lake. He is a sweet little guy and so fun to have around!

Family Picture - August 2010

2010-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Nate's on the news

2010-09-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to see the news clip from our emergency preparedness fair we had on 9/11 at our church. I'm the emergency preparedness specialist and we decided to put on a preparedness fair for our ward and invite the community. Other than the pouring rain, it was a great day. Didn't know it would make the news (: Knoxville still has that small town feel.

http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/102699254.html

Kaitlyns first day of pre-school

2010-08-20T05:37:00.001-07:00

Kaitlyn is finally in pre-school and she was so excited that she went to bed early on her own so that she could be rested for her first day of school.

and she was still smiling when it was all over :)

And here are a few favorite pictures too

2010-08-15T19:21:00.001-07:00

Cade just got a bike and LOVES it! As you can tell by his PJs he wants to ride it all the time. Nate "caught" a turtle right by his door leaving work one day. He brought it home for the kids to see before they released it again. Sadie is always making us laugh nonstop!

This is for all the Grandma's and Grandpa's

2010-08-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some featured videos of the last couple of months.
Sadie goes from her balancing act to walking anywhere she wants.

Sadie loves to sing and dance to music. Grandma Price is playing the piano in the background.

Cade is the stunt man. He's also starting to show promising skills for future football days the way he carries the ball and runs.

The kids had a great time one day playing outside in the rain. The rain snuck up on us but no need to do in when it's the middle of summer.

Sadie

2010-07-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I was walking down the hall with Sadie, holding her in my left arm and asking her to give me five over and over again. Each time she would swing her left hand at mine and giggle. I turned around, placed Sadie in my right arm and asked her to give me five. She lifted her left hand, swung it straight forward, smacked me in the face and giggled. :)

This morning she woke up before I left for work so I got her out of bed and took her downstairs with me. She was sitting on my lap and I was feeding her yogurt. After each bite she would look up at me, smile with her BIG cheesy grin and squinted eyes, and giggle. She is so dang cute!! I love being a dad!!!

Summer vacation 2010 - Johnsons visit - Day 1

2010-06-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

My sister Corri and her family came out to visit for 10 days. Day one was spent out on Telico Lake and then having a BBQ at the Pulvers house.

April in a nutshell - ok 10 nutshells

2010-05-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

I don't expect anyone else to watch the full 10 minutes but we've just had such a great month I wanted to remember it and I'm not doing very good at frequent posts so here's the whole month in one shot.

2010 Easter basket scavanger hunt

2010-04-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Whata March

2010-03-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty eventful March. The weather is finally nice out so we went camping (turned into the kids first slumber party), cooked dutch oven potatoes & bbq chicken, took a day trip to Fort Loudon, went fishing, went out on the boat (1st time of the year), spent lots of time on the trampoline, got the rabbit fence up around the garden, & went paintballing with the scouts.

From 2/20 to 3/5 Nate was in India (Mumbai, Pune, Kolkatta, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Haldia, & Delhi. Trains, plains, & automobiles. Quite the experience (cows, poverty, monkeys, CRAZY drivers, festival holi, missionary experience (not the sharing the gospel kind :), very productive business trip)).

For spring break the Tanners came over. We went skeet shooting, paintballing, to the jump house, to Johnson City to eat dinner & visit with Brian and Kathy, and started our own polar bear club for Jordans birthday :) Good times.

Quick catch up

2010-03-28T17:39:00.001-07:00

So we haven't posted in a really long time but I want to bulletize some of the things we've done over the past few months and hopefully I'll get around to writing more later. Since last post:
* Nate went to India for two weeks for work.
* The Tanners (Cindys sisters family) came to visit for spring break. We went skeet shooting, paintballing, to the bounce house, and to see Brian & Kathy in Johnson City.
* Camping / paintballing with the scouts above the Tellico Trout Hatchery (17 boys & 7 adults). Great time!!
* Slumber party at the Pulvers :)

Making up for lost time

2010-02-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

Cade had a rough time last month starting off with an ear infection, then the stomach flu for a week, then RSV to top it all off. He was miserable and hardly ate a thing for 2 weeks. Well, now he's catching up and putting on the few pounds he lost. Yesterday for breakfast he had 8 bowls of rice crispies. No joke. He had another bowl for lunch with some pizza. He ate a couple more bowls in the evening plus whatever else he ate. Then this morning he at 4 pieces of french toast. He just kept asking for more and more and how could I say no? Needless to say he is feeling so much better and is back to his normal, happy self.

January 2010 events

2010-01-31T14:49:00.000-08:00

January was a really fun month (other than the fact that the kids have been sick for 1/2 of it. Ok the beginning and end was fun :)). We went over to Nashville and spent the weekend with some friends. We'd gone to the temple and when we came back it was hilarious to see how the kids fell asleep. We also went around the Vanderbilt campus looking at the geese and the squirrels.

We went for a walk the other day and it was cute to see Kaitlyn pushing Cade & Sadie in their strollers. Then this weekend it snowed so I pulled the kids up and down the street in a laundry basket. Our neighbor saw us and brought our a real sled for us to use for a while :)

"THANKS AUNT CATHY FOR THE NEW DRESS!!! I LOVE IT!!" Kaitlyn

Mover and a Shaker

2010-01-26T11:26:00.001-08:00

I was out of the room for no more than 3 minutes and this is where Sadie ended up. When I walked into the room I saw Cade and Kaitlyn but no Sadie. That was a weird feeling because she doesn't walk, let alone crawl yet. I knew she couldn't be far but I didn't know I'd find her under the chair. She rolls, slides, and shimmies to anywhere she can get to. Time to keep a closer eye on her I guess.

Sorry honey :)

2010-01-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday I went home for lunch, packed a bag and headed to Ohio for meetings. I'd been driving about an hour when Cindy called and said that Cade had puked five times since I left. Twenty minutes later she called to tell me that Kaitlyn had whoken up from her nap and puked twice. Later that night Sadie puked. By the time I called to tell everyone good night Cindy was beat and I pictured all the kids were sleeping with her with their puke bowls.

The next day Cade and Sadie had diahria and were both extremely needy. I got home that evening, ate dinner and headed to scouts/YM/YW.

Then I came home yesterday and had to tell Cindy that I'm going to India for a couple of weeks in February.

Needless to say Cindy's had better days. I think I need some flowers :)

Hang in there hun!!!

T'was the week after Christmas break

2010-01-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

We had a great visit with friends and family over the holidays. We did the cross country treck from Knoxville to Idaho Falls in 30 hours. We spent a very fun week in IF where we tried to become Ninja Warriors, played games, had parties, stayed up late, ate & ate & ate, celebrated Kaitlyns 4th birthday, and had a fantastic Christmas surrounded by family.

We left ~11:00 pm Christmas night and drove 8 1/2 hours to my parents house. There we played a lot of rock band mario kart on the Wii, played a bunch of board/card games, ate like kings again, went paintballing, went to the temple (very nice with family), & just had a fantastic time!!

Finally we started the 30+ hour trip home. Luckily we were able to stop and visit family in Oklahoma City for a day (very fun and a much appreciated break).

Happy Birthday Cindy!!!

2009-11-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Cindy!!!!!! Happy birthday to you!

For those of you who don't know today is Cindy's 32nd birthday ;) It probably won't be one of her most enjoyable birthdays ever since on Tuesday Cade went to the doctor and came home diagnosed with a double ear infection, tonsilitis, and the early stages of pink eye. Yesterday Kaitlyn went to the doctor and came home with a double ear infection and spent most of the night caughing, tossing & turning, and moaning with a high fever. Sadie is cutting teeth (probably 4-6 at a time like our other kids) and I had to go to work today.

I'll do my best to make it end well but I'm sure a phone call and/or e-mail would be appreciated today ;)

Cindy is doing a great job. Everyone of you who know her would be very proud. The kids are now almost 4, 2 1/2, and 5 months old. They all play very well together and are the happiest three little kids you'll ever meet. Cindy is fantastic wife, mother and friend. I'm sure being home all day cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, coloring, gluing, and listening to dumbo and dora isn't the most exillerating way to spend your time but she does it and keeps a very possitive attitude. I love you hun!!! Thanks for all you do and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Nate

Mouse killer

2009-11-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago I found a little field mouse in our garage. I set a trap and got one, then another, and another, and another. I haven't caught one for a while so I think they are all gone.
Well a couple of days ago I was watching Dumbo with the kids. There's a scene where dumbo visits his mom, there's music, and all of the various baby animals are being shown with their mothers. Then the little mouse starts to cry and Kaitlyn looked at me and said, "the little mouse is crying because you killed his mom and now he misses her huh?" :) What do you say to that? :) I convinced her that those were diffrent mice and that dumbos friend is probably just lost and looking for his mom who I'm sure is still alive :)

Our family picture attempt

2009-11-08T15:08:00.001-08:00

So we've been talking about going to get family pictures for a month or two and still haven't. Now most of the leaves have fallen and the color is gone so we decided to get out and at least take a few on our own. We'll probably still go get some but here are the results of our attempt.

Our first corn maze (ok everyone but Cindy)

2009-10-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

We went to a corn maze / pumpkin patch the other day with some friends. I don't know why I'd always imagined a corn maze as an actual maze that I'd get lost in and never find my way out. Luckily you just try to find all the stations and punch your card to verify that you found them (I was ok only finding 3 of like 20 stations and calling it good) :) There were little animals to pet and feed along with a maze (that was supposed to be for kids probably 6 and under) built out of hay bails. I got crawling back in the hay maze and had to turn sideways a couple times to keep from getting stuck. There was also a 40' long slide coming out of the loft of a big barn that the kids loved. Cade ended up going down head first on his stomach. We had a really good time, cold weather and all.

Dad & Mom Petersons visit to Knoxville

2009-09-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

This past week my mom and dad came into town from Arizona. While they were here we went to parks, had picnics, saw 5 bears in a tree, went out on the lake with some of our friends (the Pulvers), did a little geneology searching (ok dad did), ate like kings (thanks mom and Cindy), and played a lot of games.
None of the kids liked dads mustache :) Every night when it was time for hugs and kisses Kaitlyn would say that she didn't want to kiss grandpa, only hugs (because of the mustache). I think you should shave it pa ;)But they sure loved having their grandpa and grandma here. Kaitlyn SOBBED for over 1/2 hour after they dropped them off at the airport.
It was great to have them come visit. We love you mom and dad!!! Thanks again, welcome back any time :)

Sadie Smiles

2009-08-25T09:27:00.001-07:00

Sadie has started to smile a lot. Kaitlyn can really make her smile. We tried Sadie out in the Bumbo now that she's 2 months old. She likes it.. most of the time.

5 years into time and all eternity. I love you Cindy!!!

2009-08-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Happy anniversary Hun. Marrying you has been the best decision of my life. I'll never be able to thank you enough for saying yes ;) Just a quick trip down memory lane (since that's what I do).
In the first 5 years we've:
- Lived in 7 diffrent locations including 3 diffrent states.
- Had 3 GREAT kids (one in each state)
- We've had 4 diffrent cars (hopefully we'll soon have one we can hold on to :))
- Driven to (through) 21 states
- Taken walks on both the Pacific & Atlantic coasts
- Been camping, biking, boating, fourwheeling, snow mobiling, sledding, and even to an opera (ok so I hope we never have to do that again)and sorry I STILL owe you horseback riding
- We've played more card games and board games than I could even attempt to count and made great friends who are now all over the country.
- You provided me with my first real white Christmas

We've been to weddings, funerals, family reunions, class reunions, graduations, church history sites, etc.

Thank you for a GREAT first 5 years. Even more than the places we've been and the things that we've done, I love the moments that we've shared. Thank you for all the tender and sincere conversations and dreams that we've shared. Thank you for believing in me and for sacraficing so much for me and our family. I love you with all my heart. Nate

Idaho trip 2009

2009-08-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

We went on our first cross country road trip and the kids did great. I'd recommend mountain dew and driving through the night for anyone considering such a trip with three kids under the age of four. It was great to see each of our families.

Zach (nephew) and Carries wedding in Oklahoma City temple

2009-08-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Zach and Carrie!! It was great to see everyone and you both looked great! You've both made a wonderful choice and may the Lord bless you throughout eternity!!!

Day on the lake

2009-07-19T14:31:00.001-07:00

We rented a pontoon boat with some friends from our ward on Friday and went out on the lake. The kids had a blast (ok, me too. Everyone had a blast :)). We swam, played, ate, and saw some BEAUTIFUL country.

HAPPY 4th of July from Tennessee

2009-07-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

A little late but HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

July 10th was a pretty good day too :) Free combo meal at Chic Filet if you dressed up as a cow :)

Good family time at the park

2009-06-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after work we had a little picnic at the park. Cindys brother (Brian) and sister-in-law (Kathy) came over from Johnson City. We had a couple nephews from Oklahoma City stop in on their way through to the Hill Camorah Pageant in New York. Cindys parents are also here. Needless to say we had a great time.

Cade loved the ducks, chips, and water.

It was great to see Zach, Clark, Brian, & Kathy

HAPPY FATHERS DAY FROM KAITLYN

2009-06-21T13:53:00.001-07:00

Everybody meet Sadie

2009-06-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

Kaitlyn & Cade got to help give Sadie her first bath

They really did a good job and even with water dripping in her eyes Sadie was calm and mellow. I sure hope her next few years are as easy going as her first day :)

Thanks Doctor Schroeder! You did a great job.

PLEASE WELCOME......

2009-06-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

We're proud to announce the arival of SADIE GRACE PETERSON
Born: 6/19/09
Time: 3:07 PM
Length: 20 1/4"
Weight: 7 lbs 3 oz

Mommy and Sadie are both doing great!!

pics later. More good stories

2009-06-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Cades story: So at 21 months Cade is turning into quite the little chatter box. This morning he was eating cereal and like always, had way more on his spoon than could possibly fit into his mouth. So for about five bites in a row he'd get the spoon in his mouth and drop ~1/2 of the spoons contents onto his lap. After a few bites he looked up at me and said, "oops, sorry dadu." Then he looked down at his chair and said, "sorry cereal." He then picked up every little piece off his chair and ate them :)

Kaitlyns story: Yesterday while Cade was taking a nap Cindy, Kaitlyn, & I laid down to watch a show. About an hour into it Kaitlyns attention span took over and she went to play her little keyboard. "Kaitlyn" I said just loud enough for her to hear, and she turned the keyboard way down so I could barely hear it. A minute later I heard a little crash. I got up and saw her lying on the ground. She had sat on a little plastic container we use for files and it had broke. She had a pretty big scratch on her leg. She came over and said, "I'm really sorry I broke your thing." Then she began to cry and apologized about ten more times. Repentance in its sincerest form :)

If we're really supposed to learn from our little ones then Heavenly Father has sent me two of his best teachers. I love you Kaitlyn & Cade.

Kids are the best

2009-06-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

So just a couple quick little stories:
Sunday Kaitlyn gave her first talk in primary. I went in and sat by her so that I could help her. I asked her if she wanted to go sit by the other kids who were going to give talks and she hopped up and skipped over to her chair. Then during the opening song I looked over and she had huge tears rolling down her face. The primary councelor looked at me as if to say "is she too scared to give her talk"? I motioned for her to come sit by me so she came and sat on my lap. I asked her what was the matter and she said, "I'm really going to miss you when you leave my primary class daddy". :) WHAT A LITTLE SWEETHEART.

Friday was our father and sons campout. I took Cade and we had a great time. ~9:30 p.m. I took him to the tent to lay him down. He threw a huge fit and after a half hour of failing to get him to lay down I let him come back by the fire with me. ~10:30 I decided to take him and put him in his car seat. At 11:00 I went to get him and lay him down (assuming he was surely asleep by now). When I opened the door he immediately said, "hi dadu". So I again let him get up. ~midnight I put him in his car seat again. Around 1 a.m. I went to get him and attempt to lay him down again. He was asleep but as soon as I laid him in the tent he whoke up and started screaming. After a couple minutes of waking everyone else up a friend handed me a flashlight. I held it shining toward the ceiling and within 10 seconds Cade was out. DANG KIDS!

Life is fun!!!

Oklahoma City for Zachs Homecoming - Memorial Day

2009-05-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

We drove over to OKC for the weekend. It was pretty fun. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and welcoming Zach home from his mission. Zach had a blast getting engaged! Congratulations!!!

We also went to Bartlesville on our way home to see my grandma and the McBroom/Bastings cousins. It was great to see them all but after we left it dawned on me that I hadn't taken a single picture :O If you guys could send me some I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks everyone for a great weekend. It was great to see everyone.

Slip n Slide

2009-05-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

We were invited to a bbq and slip n slide yesterday. I hurt in places that I didn't even know had muscles but it sure was fun. Thanks Pulvers & Watsons for a great time

!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

2009-05-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day Sweetheart. Thanks for all you do to make my life wonderful. I appreciate the great example you are for our kids. I love the fact that you love to learn, read, and try new things. I admire your kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. You are the best friend and wife I could have asked for.
I realize that being home all day with a three year old and a 20 month old, while being nearly eight months pregnant is not always the most stimulating or exciting life. Please know that I love you and am grateful for the sacrifices that you make. YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!!! You are a wonderful wife and mother. Thank you and I hope the rest of your day is wonderful.
Love,
Nate

Oh the weather outside is....... AWESOME!!!!

2009-04-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

Turning 30 wasn't so bad :) Thanks: hun for going camping on my birthday, Matt & Karen for going with us, Steve for giving me the day off, & our Father in Heaven for the GORGEOUS weather and such a beautiful world. I've been so blessed and am grateful for so many wonderful blessings in my life (my wonderful family, friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ, a good job, health, just to name a few).

More Easter

2009-04-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

So we seriously need to work on our special occasion traditions because they always take a week or two to complete :) Easter was no different this year; we had a neighborhood Easter egg hunt one week, then an Easter egg hunt at the church the next week. Then the kids got new Sunday clothes for church, we had a big group dinner and spent time with friends after church, then the kids found their Easter baskets on Monday.

Wanna be farmers :)

2009-04-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

So it's a good thing that we're a little late getting our garden started because it's supposed to freeze tonight :)

Neighborhood Easter egg hunt

2009-04-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

We had a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. Kaitlyn & Cade were in heaven.

Pictures from March 2009

2009-04-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

Cindy is doing great with this pregnancy.

Cade is getting into nonstop mischeif!

But he's so dang cute.

The weather is getting gorgeous and Kaitlyn & Cade could spend all day everyday at the park.

Life is good, really good :)

Trip to Cades Cove

2009-03-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

We recently took a little trip to a place called "Cades Cove". It was a beautiful place with gorgeous landscapes and wildlife. We went on a hike and just had a really good time. The weather is getting to be so nice back here.

Cades crazy rash

2009-03-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

So a couple weeks ago Cade woke up with this crazy rash.

Luckily it only lasted a couple days.

Grandpa Stoehr

2009-03-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I attended the funeral of my grandpa in Wisconsin. While it is never easy to say goodbye I'm grateful for my faith that I'll see my grandpa again. I'm grateful for a church that teaches families can be together forever and that this life is merely a preparatory state for us to learn, prove our faithfulness and return to live with our Father in Heaven.

My grandpa was an amazing man who lived a good life. The last few of which he was plagued with Alzheimer's. Now I have faith that he is healthy and his memory has returned as he prepares for the rest of us to live through our time here on earth.
It was great to see all of my family members whom I don't get to see nearly as often as I'd like. It was a wonderful celebration of the life of Aubrey Orson Steohr.

I love you grandpa!

Cade sliding solo

2009-02-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

So Kaitlyn loves to swing and Cade loves to slide. He climbed up and down our slide last week and he wants to go out every day now and he could spend hours going up and down the slide.

Kaitlyns new favorite friend

2009-02-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well we did it. We got a kitty for Kaitlyn and (as of now) we named her Punkin.

We were driving home and Kaitlyn said, "Punkin you're my best friend". So I said, "Kaitlyn I thought Cade was your best friend" and she responded, "well, he was when I was little" :)

Nates crazy travel schedule. Sorry Cindy ;)

2009-02-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

Red are trips I need to take in February. Green is March.
aaaahhhhhh

THE CIRCUS!!! Yeah!!!

2009-01-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago Amanda (my sister) e-mailed me (from Vegas) to let me know that the circus was in Knoxville (THANKS SIS!!!). So yesterday we went to the circus and had a blast.

To see the aftermath check out Cades tribute at http://petersonconnection.blogspot.com/

We Love Birthday Parties!!

2009-01-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

Lost His Pants...

2009-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

On our way home from Christmas in Idaho we had a bit of a wait in the Denver airport. Cade and Kaitlyn both loved the moving sidewalks and they were a great diversion to pass the time. I was waiting by the luggage and soon Nate came back holding Cade with no pants. Cade fell down just before they were at the end of the sidewalk and the rollers pulled his pants right off of him. Nate tried to get them out but they wouldn't budge and soon they disappeared underneath. So, Cade had to travel the rest of the way home in just a shirt and shoes. We didn't remember to pack extra clothes in the carry on bag. Here's a picture in the Nashville airport. He didn't seem to mind not having pants at all.

Christmas in Idaho

2008-12-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

It was pretty exciting!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Kaitlyns 3rd birthday

2008-12-25T09:54:00.001-08:00

This was the absolute cutest thing ever!!!

This was my bad idea. Sorry Kaitlyn :)

Man this was like the birthday that never ended :) Thanks everyone for making Kaitlyns 3rd birthday so GREAT!!!!

Training in Orlando

2008-12-12T13:07:00.001-08:00

This week I had a training class in Orlando FL. Cindy and the kids decided to ride along. We drove through the night Saturday night, went to church, and checked into our hotel. Thankfully we had friends in Knoxville lend us their GPS so Cindy and the kids were able to find parks and the zoo during the days. For family home evening on Monday we drove to the Orlando Temple.

Then on Tuesday we went to down town Disney.

On our way home we decided to drive up the coast.

We filled up in South Carolina for $1.37. I never thought I'd see gas prices below $1.50 again EVER so I had to take a picture :)

More Thanksgiving fun

2008-12-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks Hayli for teaching Kaitlyn some sweet new dance moves :)

Like I mentioned in the next post, Cade LOVED the rocks

Thanksgiving 2008 - GREAT TO SEE EVERYONE!!

2008-12-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for things to do at the airport.

Sure wish the excitement would have lasted a little longer though.

Cade LOVES playing in the rocks. Everytime we let him go outside he'd head right down the stairs and sit in the driveway. By the end of the week he could open the door by himself so if we were looking for Cade we started with the driveway.

Thankgiving was awesome. The kids all got to eat outside (not just because the adults wanted them to either :))

When we got home we had a leak in our kitchen. What is it about plumbing problems when we leave home????

It's all about time ;)

2008-11-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Just a little family time :)

Kaitlyn has been quite the little dancer lately. The best dancing always stops when the camera starts rolling but these were still pretty funny.

Another sweet dancing video.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T15:54:00.001-08:00

More halloween stuff 2008

2008-11-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

Quick clip of Cade the cow getting around before the trunk-or-treat.

Kaitlyn the kitty had a blast before going trunk-or-treating too.

We left our camera at the church or we'd have had some great pictures from trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, the company picnic, riding horses, and a hay ride. Oops, my bad :)

Friday drive

2008-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Friday after work we decided to drive over towards the Smokey Mountains. We didn't quite make it all the way but just enjoyed the drive. We also passed 137 corvettes :)

Getting adjusted

2008-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

So here we are in Tennessee. This is on the way to our house.

Kaitlyn and Cade love to be outside.

For some reason Cade is fascinated with these flowers. He'll sit and pick them for an hour if we let him.

Cade wants to play football for UT :)

Here's our house. If Cade isn't picking flowers or grass then he's standing in the road. :)

Settling In

2008-10-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

We're happy to be moved in and to stay put for a while. It's so fun to be closer to Brian and Kathy. They visited the weekend we moved in and Kaitlyn and Cade warmed right up to them. After they left she said "I miss new Kathy". She also expresses how she misses everyone else as she goes through the list of names of everyone.

Walking Wonder

2008-10-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Cade is a walking machine. While I was posting these videos he went on a walk outside down the driveway to the street. That took him no more than 30 seconds. I have to keep the door closed or I better not take my eyes of him for a minute.

Nightly bedtime ritual & Cades walkin :)

2008-09-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

So Kaitlyn and Cade LOVE sharing a room, especially at bedtime:)

Cade was preparing for quite a while.

He got plenty of encouragement. Thanks everyone!

Yeah Cade!!!!! Congratulations!!!!

First few weeks in Tennessee

2008-09-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

So just for a quick update here's a letter I wrote to Amanda (no need to read it again sis :)). It pretty much covered my first couple of weeks in Knoxville so here's the update.....

Things are good back here. I've actually stayed farely busy. I'm really liking my new job. They are pretty easy going and are fine with me getting on the internet etc. I don't think I'll push my luck and down load IM yet :)
I spent last weekend just driving around exploring. I totally feel like I'm in a movie back here. I was driving down this road that was completely covered by trees. I was in a tree tunnel for probably 1 1/2 miles. Then it opened up and there were mansions with huges green fields, horses, white picket fences, etc.) Then all of a sudden I was driving along the river, bike trails, & parks. I happened into a neighborhood where like every other house had a play set and every garage that was open had little girls bikes in them. There were kids and families just out hanging around. I found a couple houses for sale and it just so happened that they were having open houses.
I loved 'em and so I sent Cindy the links with pictures and she liked 'em so with out here actually seeing the house I made an offer yesterday :O. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
We've gone almost a month without a single showing on our house in Utah. Now all of a sudden yesterday a lady that we've been talking to decided she wanted to rent it for a while so I sent her a lease agreement. Now today a realtor called and asked if they could show our house. What the heck?
Now Cindy is at the house cleaning and the movers are finally there today packing our stuff. They're supposed to load up and get on their way in the morning. Then they gave us an estimate of 9/15-9/19 as the date of arrival. In the meantime I've signed a three month lease at an apartment and had to go to Wal-mart to buy: a pot, pan, air mattress, towel, food, TV, a couple of folding chairs, etc. You know, the basics :).
Kaitlyn has had tonsilitis four times over the past six months so Cindy has her scheduled to get them out in the morning. They recommend a two week recovery period to ensure there is not abnormal bleeding etc. We're going to give here 4-6 days and see how she is going and then hopefully Cindy and the kids can fly back towards the beginnig to middle of next week (which is probably good timing because I'm sure they'd all go crazy living in an appartment with no real furniture, dishes, bedding, etc.)
On Sunday Elder Bednar was in town. There are two stakes in Knoxville (the Knoxville area) and our stake has the biggest building so we were combined with another ward church while the other stake met with Elder Bednar in our building. Afterwards he met with the missionaries and I was just driving around with nothing really to do so I went over and sat in the foyer and listened to him talk. I love listening to Apostles talk, especially in person, they are so inspiring and motivating. He talked about how our lives are gifts from God and that we need to do all we can to keep ourselves clean so that we don't get in the way of allowing the Lord to bless us. He talked about how we don't really every "earn" anything but that the Lord "gives" us what he knows we need. Obviously he was speaking to missionaries but the principle really hit home with me.
After work I've kept my self busy by eating out (so that I could watch football. I don't have cable, just the bunny ears so I have to go somewhere else to get a good reception :) ), working out (mainly for the same reason, there's a TV in the fitness center :)), driving around looking at houses (not sure how I'm going to feel now that we've made an offer on a house), and shopping at Wal-mart for things that you just can't live without (can opener, bowls, plates, shower curtain, etc.), and I've spent two evenings helping some neighbors move in.
So far so good :)

ps. the offer has been accepted so hopefully we can move into our new house in a few weeks.

continued.....

2008-09-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

5) And it came to pass that I did journey to the land Knoxville and I did go before my family to prepare the way for them. And it came to pass that I did find a hotel where I was able to lodge.
6) And after not many days I did become weary of the hotel where I did lodge and I did take my flowered suitcase and my clothes, and my computer and I did take my journey eastward to a place which they did call Copper Pointe (apartments) and I did rest there for a time.
7) And it came to pass that I did long to have my family with me and I did look forward to the time that was not far off when they would join me in the land Knoxville.
8) And in all things I did give thanks to my God. Yea I did give thanks for my family, and my job, and for Copper Pointe (and that fact that it is only for three months :))and for my new air mattress, folding chair, for my new pan, paper plates, my new towel and shower curtain......
9) And I did give thanks for the fact that someday I would once again have a couch, a bed, a kitchen table, pots, pans, chairs, towels, and a house. And so was my mind cought up when I did lay down for the night.

Update on the move

2008-08-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

So Cindy and I just got back from a house hunting trip to Knoxville. We found out on Friday morning that the trip had been approved so we booked a flight and left a few hours later. Cindys parents and family watched our kids while we were gone (THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!). We found a few houses that we like and will probably be making an offer in the next couple of days. We just got back into town and are on our way back up to Idaho to get our kids and hang out with my family (Seth & Randi live in Blackfoot, Corri & Bert just moved to Blackfoot, and Mom, Dad, & Amanda/kids are driving up tonight). I start work on Monday so it's going to be a crazy weekend and next couple of weeks until we can get into our house. Sorry we didn't take the camera this weekend. I'll post some pictures soon.

And we did prepare to move

2008-08-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

1) And it came to pass that I did take my family and we did journey into the wilderness. And on the twenty and fifth day of the seventh month of the year the Olympics were to be held in Beijing I did arrive in Knoxville (for this was the name of the place which we were to dwell) and I did look for my family but they were not with me for I had journeyed alone to this place and did prepare for the time when my family should join with me.
2) And it came to pass that on the first day of the eighth month of the year the Olympics were to be held in Beijing I did look out and I did see a large vessel in the air and it did descend gradually until it did reach the earth and it did roar like a lion and it was tight like unto a dish yet it did move like the great cat. Now behold my family was upon this vessel and they did come unto me and I was filled with joy and did give thanks to the Lord for them.
3) And it came to pass that we did make our home on the West side of the city Knoxville in a place called Farragut Tennessee and we did make friends with our neighbors and the members of our new ward. And we did not dwell in a tent but did surely live after the manner of happiness.
4) And we did blog often for we were desirous that our families and friends should remain close to us. And we were desirous that our families and friends would also blog, call, e-mail, chat, and visit for we were in a strange land and our hearts did yern to be close therefore we were desirous that our friends and family would seek to communicate often with us.

So I read Bryson Perkins blog and loved it so I had to try. Thanks Bryson :) http://bookofbryson.blogspot.com/

I look forward to our upcoming move and promise to do better at posting to our blog and keeping in touch. I hope everyone will continue to keep in touch.

Knoxville here we come !!!!

2008-08-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Well we're really doin it :)

Summertime Chillin'

2008-07-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

These two love the water, especially Cade. The blow up pool had a hole in it so Nate filled this laundry bucket up.

July 4th in Littlefield

2008-07-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

We went to Littlefield for the 4th of July weekend and had a great time with Nates family. We took family pictures, went swimming in the river, watched the fireworks in Mesquite, went to a show, played a bunch of games, and ate like kings.

The Peterson Family

Kids new pics

2008-06-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

So we had our neighbor come over and take a few pictures of Kaitlyn & Cade. These were a few of my favorites.

A great Fathers Day weekend

2008-06-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Friday after work I drove to Idaho to pick up Cindy and the kids. Cindy had been staying with her nephews while her brother and sister-in-law went on a cruise. When I arrived Cindy and the kids were just getting back from the store. I helped Kaitlyn out of her car seat and she laid her head on my shoulder, gave me a great big hug and said, "I missed you daddy. I wuv you daddy." Talk about melting my heart.

We had fun with Cindys family on Friday night and Saturday then we drove home Saturday night. We were about 1/2 hour from home when Cindy remembered that she had left my fathers day gift hidden under the bed in Idaho. I'll have to thank her for that because I may need to refer back to it in the future when I forget to get a gift :)

On Sunday morning I was going to put Kaitlyn down for a nap. She wanted to lay on the floor to read stories. So we put a couple pillows and blankets down and she snuggled up to me while I read her stories. Somewhere early in the second story I fell asleep and Kaitlyn left the room quietly.
After a while I woke up as Kaitlyn had returned, knelt down next to me, and gave me a great big hug. She said, "I wuv you daddy. Happy Fathers Day daddy!" and then gave me an Eskimo kiss followed by butterfly kisses. It was so sweet. She probably told me happy fathers day 40 times yesterday.
Cindy did a great job too. Thanks hun for cooking lunch, letting me sleep in until 6:30, and letting me watch the end of the Lakers/Celtics game :) It really was a great day.

A WANTED MAN!!

2008-06-02T16:16:00.001-07:00

So I drove down to St. George this past weekend to attend the wedding of Brianna Leavitt. On my way home I got pulled over (the officer said 89 but I was only doing 83, I know still speeding so I didn't say anything :)) and given a ticket ($107 ouch). When the officer returned to my car he asked if I was aware that there was a warrant out for my arrest. I instantly thought that my identity had been stolen and that this was going to get ugly. I told him that I had no idea and he proceeded to remind me of a ticket I was issued last June for failing to use my blinker (OK I actually swerved across four lanes of traffic so that I wouldn't miss my exit but he was kind enough to write me up for failing to signal). I knew I'd paid the ticket and told him that I had a receipt. He asked if I had it on me and when I obviously did not he told me all the things he was supposed to do (take me to jail, impound my car, etc.) but said he was going to make a note that he'd talked with me and that if I was pulled over again without having taken care of it I would be booked. I spent all day looking through my electronic receipts with no luck. My electronic bank statements only went back to the end of June 2007. I thought I was going to have to pay $206.50 to clear my warrant but I finally found a paper copy of my statement and the carbon copy of my check stub.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Keep your receipts..... or don't break the law... :)

Vegas visit

2008-05-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting with Amanda, Glen, mom, and the kids. Thanks for letting us come visit.

Kaitlyns first piano recital

2008-05-11T17:10:00.001-07:00

Kaitlyn loves it when Cindy plays the piano. She'll dance, sing, try to play a duet, and the other day she decided to show off how far she's come.

She's usually kind an gentle but she has her sassy side.

We sure are glad that spring is here and we can spend some time outside again :)

I'm FINALLY done with school!!!!

2008-05-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Well I've finally decided that the professional student thing is not for me and I'm calling it quits. I graduated with my MBA from Weber State yesterday. Let the good times role, I wish I had more time saved up to take off of work :)

Just another day in Paradise :)

2008-04-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

So Cindy has been trying to get Cade to feed himself.

Kaitlyn found a new favorite way to swing. This little squirt is afraid of nothing. We're in for trouble.

Only two more weeks until graduation :) LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!

HAPPY EASTER!!

2008-04-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

We sure love the holidays! Happy Easter everyone!

Price Family Reunion 2008

2008-03-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

Cindy parents recently returned from a mission in Germany. Last week the whole family got together in Idaho. Kaitlyn was sick for a few days so we had some fun times with her being cranky. We also dug a 35' snow tunnel, shot skeet, went snow tubing, went snow mobiling, played a ton of games, and ate like kings. It was a lot of fun and we can't wait for me to graduate so we can start taking road trips again.

Too much energy

2008-03-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad came up this weekend to visit with Aunt Anne. They said she is in very good spirits and she is going on their family cruise next week no matter what. They've talked to the ship and if she dies on board they said they'll take care of it.
After visiting with Anne for a while they came up here and spent the night. We played a few games, Cindy made a wonderful dinner, and Kaitlyn and Cade were quite entertaining. Right before we took this vidoe I was spinning Kaitlyn and when I stood her up she fell straight over. I picked her up and she did it again. It was pretty funny and she loved it.