Nicolaysen Family Blog

lilly's puppy Graduation day!

2008-09-24T20:59:00.002-06:00

Lilly graduated from her puppy kindergarten class tonight. Alec did such a great job with her. She is now starting to follow commands and able to do a few tricks. We still have a long way to go, but it was so much fun for us and Lilly loved the free play with all the other dogs!

Toby Keith Concert Rocked!

2008-09-21T12:14:00.002-06:00

School Crossing Guard!

2008-09-08T16:21:00.002-06:00

Joe's 7th birthday!

2008-09-08T16:05:00.004-06:00

Joe

2008-09-08T16:05:00.001-06:00

First day of school!!!

2008-08-27T16:14:00.003-06:00

I can't believe the first day of school is already here!! The summer flew by!!! Alec is now in 6th grade and Joe just started 1st grade. All day school, what will I do with all my time :) (Below is also our adopted son (neighbor) Mitch who practically lives with us. I needed to get him in the pic too!)

Football 2008!

2008-08-27T16:04:00.003-06:00

Another season has started. Alec is now back on the field after his broken arm in July. He is a little anxious about returning. John is now an assistant coach also. Check out the uniform!! John is at every practice, he might as well help out while he is there!!

Park City Canyon's Concert

2008-08-03T12:27:00.007-06:00

We had the best day!! The bracketts, Garners, Hazletts, Delatorre's and us all headed up to Park City's Canyon resort for a free concert. We rode the tram to the top of the hill, brought blankets and a whole spread of food. Rolo made his famous Mojitos. The weather was beautiful and the band was great. The crowd was fun and everyone was drinking and having a great time. (We forgot that we were in Utah for awhile!! ) The concerts run all summer. We have found our Saturday night plans for the rest of summer!

First Broken Arm!!!

2008-08-03T12:19:00.007-06:00

Alec's first broken bone! He fell playing football (3rd day of practice!) and broke his bone just above the wrist. Alec tends to get a little teary from time to time, so when he was tearing up at practice over his arm we just told him to take a deep breath and get back out there. He did and ran a couple of more drills until he came back and started crying again. We left practice and then found out it was broken. Didn't we feel like awful parents--But what a tough kid. He has a splint on now and will get his cast on Wednesday. He says he is going to miss playing football, but not doing all the sprints/running!!

2008-07-30T09:18:00.002-06:00

Autism and The Puppy

2008-07-30T08:49:00.007-06:00

I now understand so much more of what the school, teachers and therapists have been telling me over the years of his education. It was a light bulb moment. Alec was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in 1st grade. There had always been things that were a little off, but he was my first child and I knew nothing different. School has always been a struggle. Homework almost next to impossible. But he is a bright and intelligent kid. For example, he couldn't sing the alphabet song, but could tell you what number corresponded to each letter. I am blogging this because we thought we were making progress at home. Alec was becoming more independent and responsible. I recently watched several news stories on dogs and kids with Autism. The kids really open up and respond more with the dogs. Alec's pediatrician even recommended it for therapy. Alec fell in love and has been doing his best for our new puppy. He wants to do everything, but now the struggles he has in school and life on an every day basis have been put into sharp focus. He loses track of his thoughts. He needs constant reassurance and guidance. Every night we have to review several times with him what he needs to do. Every morning he wakes up a blank slate, forgetting everything he learned the previous day. The frustration is on both sides. I now more completely understand his wonderful, compassionate and loving teachers. We have adapted at home. Limited stress and allowed Alec to just be. Not many challenges or responsibilities. I thought he was ready, now I am not so sure. This does not mean we are giving up--it just means we really need to work with Alec that much harder. The puppy is being a puppy and by doing that she just may help Alec and his parents work harder, understand more and produce a strong, well-adjusted adult. We may just need tons of extra prayers and more puppy enzyme spray!!

First Puppy!!

2008-07-27T19:14:00.005-06:00

Please help us (and me!) in welcoming our newest edition to the Nicolaysen family--Lily Roxanne Nicolaysen (Had to keep our flower naming tradition alive!) This is my/our very first puppy. I had a dog as a teenager, but my dad did all the work!!! Alec is absolutely thrilled. He is the one who saw her and said that she was the one!!! She is a mixture of Lab/collie/beagle aka Mrs. Mutt. She is in Alec's room and he is the one getting up at night and letting her out. He is taking his responsibility very seriously. He has opened up so much more since her arrival. I don't think I have ever seen him more excited!! I am hoping the excitement lasts, my furniture also!!

Day Camping fun!!

2008-07-24T11:05:00.003-06:00

We live in the desert, but you would never know it by taking a short 15 min car ride up the canyon. It was a hot day in the valley, so the family hopped into the minivan and head for the canyons--Millcreek Canyon to be exact. We packed lunches, drinks, firewood and backpacks full of fun games to play. Little did I know that all I really needed was matches, wood and marshmallows to make this crew happy. Alec is a proud Boy Scout and showed off his Scout camp skills by building and maintaining the fire pit. Joe was in charge of sticks and paper to keep the fire going. They worked together as a team, something that does not always happen at home!!! We had a great day "camping" and I got to sleep in my own bed that night!!

Fun day out!!

2008-03-25T00:32:00.004-06:00

Tawni and I decided to plan a fun day out with our boys and brought along Karen's kids Nick and Chase also. They all get along so well and are so much fun to go and do stuff with. We went to the movies and then spent the afternoon at the Planetarium exploring the universe!!

Our walk on the Moon and then we explored mars!!

Easter 2008

2008-03-25T00:21:00.003-06:00

Family Trip to Jackson Hole!!!

2007-11-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Can you say freezing? It was a chilly 17 degrees while shopping on Saturday!
The only stop in the middle of nowhere, Joe decided it is time to pee!! Sometimes it is so good to be a boy!

The longest fry! Found in Evanston, WY!

Our cabin for 2 nights. It had all the comforts of home!!!
Kelsey and I run into a moose while shopping the streets of Jackson! Kelsey drinking orange juice and Julie and I drinking Mimosa's served at a local clothing store. We were not in Utah anymore!
Breakfast at the Bunnery!
Mexico flashbacks when the balloon clown showed up at breakfast! This is Joe's favorite part of the trip!
Beautiful town square Jackson Hole.

The Mangy Moose store! Lots of dead animals on the walls and on display!!!
We braved the cold, bundled up and went to see the lighting of town square for Christmas.
Joe with his beloved balloon animals. Our cabin kitchen in the background.
Chris, Joe and Alec at the Sports bar watching the Football game. Utah lost and we lost all our money to the Game room next door!!

We stopped by to visit Charlie and Jessica at their place at Bear Lake. Charlie built this beautiful home from the ground up!

The famous cowboy bar. We only got as far at the outside with all the kids in tow!
This was definitely a great trip!!!

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-22T21:56:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! We had a great holiday this year. It will be one to remember. We had the tri-fecta of housing problems that as can happen all occur on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Wednesday night before I left for work, our garage door opener broke, our power went out and this morning I came home to a freezing house because our furnace quit working!! John drove all over town looking for space heaters and kept the fire lit to keep warm. Later we went for a great meal and a warm home at Papoo and Yiaya's house. It was of course beautiful. They had great cocktails, wine and food! The kids were well behaved, although Joe doesn't eat anything!! He would have loved if the Pilgrims diet included juice boxes, gogurts and fruit snacks!!

Toula and Justin!
Alec practiced his good table manners and loved every bit of the meal! He even tried the Spanikopita!

All the boys on Thanksgiving night! Alec and Joe ready for dinner. Joe is holding the beautiful name card leaf.

Cynthia and Toula getting all the wonderful food ready.

Justin taking it easy!

Sushi Party!!!

2007-11-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Halloween

2007-11-01T16:43:00.001-06:00

Joe's scary face for his Kindergarten Halloween party!
Joe walking at his Halloween Parade!
All the kids ready to go trick or treating!!!
Even the grown-ups got into the spirit!!

The field Trip

2007-11-01T16:37:00.000-06:00

The car's inspection and emissions was up and it was the last day of the month (Halloween). I dropped the car off and it was such a nice day Joe and I went for a walk. We ended up at a nursery that also had a great pumpkin patch. We stopped, looked around, had a sandwich and then walked back to our car. Joe turned to me and said that "we needed to take more field trips together. They are so much fun". It made me realize that sometimes the most fun can be had when least expected!!

Wax Museum

2007-11-01T16:13:00.001-06:00

It is Charles Goodyear, an American hero!! If you ever wanted to know anything about the man who invented Vulcanized Rubber--the stuff tires are made out of--just ask Melissa or Alec!! The 5Th grade class at Oakdale Elementary does an extensive project about American hero's. Everyone does research, a large poster, a report and then dresses up as the character they are assigned! On Halloween they come to school and stand in front of their poster and hold completely still until someone pushes the button next to them. Then they begin to talk in first person as that character. To say Alec took this serious would be an understatement. I walked into his class, Joe ran up to him and gave him a hug, and I was trying to talk to him. He didn't move. Now as a mom I am actually quite use to being ignored, but this was on a new level. Another Mom tapped me on the shoulder and said "push his go button" and Alec immediately started talking as if he was Charles Goodyear--"hi--did you know I am the inventor of Vulcanized rubber!" and so on! His performance was amazing. When done talking he went back into his catatonic state. Finally his teacher walked over and said he could go on break. Blood rushed back into his face!! We went for a walk outside, the suit was hot! He said "my stomach is upset, maybe it is a touch of stage fright Mom!" He did such a great job. I am so proud of him! It was also exciting because a couple of the news stations covered the Wax Museum show also. Alec was in the background of 1 shot!!

Saturday football--Can you believe the weather?

2007-10-02T19:05:00.001-06:00

It was a crazy, snowy day for a game of football. Alec was excited to play in the snow and was one of the few kids that never complained or cried! I don't think he even realized it was snowing until after the game was over. Joe and I made it to half-time and then had to retreat to the car for shelter! John continued to his butterfly ways and drank Irish Cream and coffee with the parents on the sidelines. I don't know if he was more excited to have a drink to warm his hands or that he found a few parents that enjoy a little Irish cream once in a while!!
Joe was our helper!! He held the sugar for the coffee!!

Mom and a cat!!

2007-09-24T17:37:00.001-06:00

No, your eyes do not deceive you! It is Linda aka Mom holding a cat. We had a little scare on the first day of her visit. Daisy got outside and looked to never be coming home. I was so upset because I didn't want to tell the boy's Daisy was gone and my mom was upset because I was so upset. Sure enough, the next morning Daisy returned. We were all relieved, especially mom!

Washing the car with Papoo

2007-09-24T17:31:00.000-06:00

My parents were in Utah for a great visit with us and the kids. We were able to enjoy so many great activities. Simple things like washing the car is more fun when Papoo and toots are around. Joe and Alec washed away and all of our cars have never been cleaner. Mom, Dad and I went to lunch everyday and relaxed every evening. My dad helped John and I catch up on all our unfinished projects--he is so handy!! The weather was beautiful and we all had a great time. I didn't want to see them go.

Football Days!!

2007-09-24T17:30:00.000-06:00

Hillcrest Football games

2007-09-06T22:39:00.001-06:00

Alec's first pre-season game against Riverton. He has been practicing so hard for the last couple of weeks and now it is finally game time. He is a little nervous, but I would have to say nothing in comparison to his parents. He played hard and learned alot more about football.

Duffy's wins Title

2007-09-05T16:47:00.001-06:00

A late post, but a good one!! With a late season rally lead by the great play of Nick Powell. Duffy's co-ed softball team came back to win the championship title. It was a great season lead by our core value of honor to the Duffy's code--Drink lots of beer (preferably during and after-- it was the before stuff that got us into the lower bracket) and have a good time! Thanks to everyone for making it a great year and to Duffy's in helping sponsor the team!

Joe's 6th Birthday Party

2007-09-05T16:08:00.000-06:00

Joe celebrated his 6th birthday with a bowling party at Sandy Lanes!! His brother and friends Nick, Chase, William and Ella partied with him!!! They bowled for 2 hours and then ate pizza and cake. Thanks to everyone who made this a special day for Joe!!!
Ella--all done with her cake and pizza!
Chase and Joe

John being very cute with Greta! Maybe we should try for a girl???? Greta just celebrated her 1st birthday along with her brother Charlie.

Alec, William and Joe clowning around at the bowling alley!

Alec and Joe's first day of school at Oakdale Elem

2007-09-05T14:32:00.000-06:00

Here is Joe's first day of Kindergarten pictures! I can't believe how fast it has gone by. He is in afternoon kindergarten and is quickly making lots of new friends!

Alec's first day of 5th grade! Where has the time gone. He has Mrs. Eldridge this year and he is very excited.

Girls trip to Oregon

2007-08-14T23:08:00.000-06:00

Karen and I went for a Quick and fun weekend to Portland, Oregon for her brother's wedding. We left the men and kids at home, packed the van, downloaded '80's hairband tunes and headed off into the sunset. It was a great time!! You know that we are getting older when one of the highlights was a nights stay in Nampa, Idaho. It was such a great room. We were very tired mom's staying in luxurious accommodations--No kids, no worries, cheap wine!! We almost never left.

Karen drinking beer at a great Pub in downtown Portland! Her brother's wedding was on a boat and we got to cruise the Willamette and see all the sites. Funny how we grew-up in this great town and never really saw much of it until we return for visits!!
Downtown Portland from the boat!!
Saturday's festivities ended at the bite of Oregon. We saw everything. Beer, wine, food and even a guys dressed as a mountain man!! Karen was having her mountain man rendezvou flash back!

Alec's football days 2007!

2007-08-14T22:58:00.000-06:00

Alec is playing football this year in the Ute youth football conference for Hillcrest High School. He practices almost every day of the week!! So far he loves it! It is fun watching him learn something new. Joe is even getting into the action at practice and running around with all the boys.

Joe working on his sucker to pass the time at practice!!
Alec striking a pose in his pads! He is learning, but will always be our gentle giant. He keeps telling us that he is trying to find his rage for football! I remind him of how he almost took Joe's head off the other night while watching cartoons. Take that onto the field. He responds with "but I am not mad at those guys" We may be in for a long season!!

Dad trying to fire up Alec at practice!

Drink plenty of water Alec! It may look like a nice evening, but it is 102 degrees out at this time!!

Trip to Oregon 2007!!

2007-07-17T15:05:00.000-06:00

My trip in July to Oregon. It was wonderful seeing my parents and family. We spent many great days enjoying the weather and seeing the sites!!

Eric and Kelly stopped by and I got to see my Nephews. They have grown so much. Cooper has blue eyes and blonde hair. Looks a lot like Aunt Donna!

July 4th

2007-07-11T14:28:00.001-06:00

This year's 4th of July was low key for me. John spent the day running the kids all over town to different neighborhoood festivals while I slept. I wonder if people think he is a single dad? We all ended up at Jeff's place with the bracketts and Tawni for pizza and utah fireworks. Alec grew-up in front of my eyes. He was in charge of the punk--and did a great job lighting the fireworks. I think my lasting contribution would be teaching him caution!! I wish the pictures were better, but it was dark outside and Karen and I had been working on a lovely box of wine. Happy July 4th!!!

Kitty love!!

2007-07-10T16:04:00.001-06:00

Someone once told me--You don't choose your cat, your cat chooses you! I am starting to believe it! Our new kitty Daisy Milkshake has joined our family and fit right in. She must have been looking for a family with 2 kids that would never let her out of their site! Joe carries her around everywhere and Alec tucks her in bed (see above). Daisy has been such a good sport--but can't you just read her face!! Is this what I bargained for?

Joe loves t-ball

2007-07-06T22:20:00.001-06:00

Joe loves his t-ball!!! It is so much fun watching him. He follows the coaches instructions and is always in a hurry to get to the game. Most kids at this age get pretty board with t-ball, but I think the pace is right up Joe's alley!! No to soccer, all he wants to do is play baseball!!!

Joe is also partly the coach. He loves to stand near 3rd base and tell all the runners where to go next!!

Camping 2007

2007-07-06T22:09:00.000-06:00

We went to Trial lake for an overnight camping trip!!! We had a lot of fun!! Alec is now a fisherman. He could have fished all day. Both boys loved to help with the campfire and sleep in the tent!! I forgot how cold it gets in the mountains at night--it was a little rough!!! The brackets, Delatore's, Jeff and Davina made it all a fun day.

Dinosaur Park

2007-07-06T21:41:00.000-06:00

We went out for a day of fun with Braketts to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden. It was so much fun. The Dinosaurs are life size. It runs near a stream in Ogden canyon, with lots of trees and cool breezes. We fed the ducks and went to the dig pit to dig up bones!!

First Nicolaysen Blog

2007-07-03T02:23:00.000-06:00

Welcome--

This is my first attempt at blogging!!! I will hopefully keep my family and friends up to date on the going on's of the Nicolaysen clan!

We are very busy with summer and all the activities that go with it. Joe is playing t-ball and Alec is taking swim lessons and participating in scouts. He just got his bear badge and is now an official Weeblo. He is going to his first official scout camp at the end of the month!!

John and I are both still working full-time and juggling all that goes with that!!!
See ya all soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!