Reminiscing...

So there's this picture that flashes up on my computer that every time I see, I get a chuckle out of. Really. Every time I see it it's funny again. It doesn't get old to me. So I thought I'd share.

There are a few leading up photos first....

About 2 years ago my fam was all together and my brother's and Russ decided to have a friendly competition. The stakes? Pride. The competition? Like 5 year olds they would race one at a time down the stairs, touch the fish tank, and then back up again. The timing method was a little primitive. Everyone upstairs would count in unison ONE, TWO, THREE... etc

First Adam was up (no messing around)...


Matty boy...


Dan (notice they are crouching lower and lower, it wasn't a game anymore)...


Russ (crouched to win)...

Ok, and now the photo that gets me chuckling. I know it may not be funny to others... and some of you may think I'm heartless or have an odd sense of humor (and you're probably right) but... oh well.



Yes this is for real. In his over-ambition to win he jumped trying to clear all the stairs going down. Mid flight he collided with the overhanging wall. It didn't help that it was metal. Upstairs we all heard the crash but continued chanting... SIXTEEN, SEVENTEEN, EIGHTEEN (the record was NINE... but in the spirit of competition we had to keep counting) After chanting TWENTY-NINE, THIRTY (yes, we really did just sit there and count that long... maybe we are heartless) Derek, who had been posted downstairs to referee any cheating that may occur, finally called up to us.

Yes, there was an abundance of blood, some hair was lost, a chunk of skin missing (sorry if that grosses you out) But the worst of it??? Russ TOTALLY lost. I know. I'm embarrassed. :) Ah, good times. All I can say is boys will be boys. And I'm sure there will be a rematch... one of these years.

Three Year Olds + Stories = Misunderstandings

It is a ritual in the Harrington Household to have the traditional "Bedtime Story". Traditional is a relative term... It's not Goldilocks, or Red Riding Hood that puts her to sleep; but rather stories from when Russ and I were little. We take turns telling her tales from our childhood.

This one particular night was Russ's turn. He was recounting the time when he was a toe headed little tot getting a baseball signed by Mark McGwire (true story) I'll share an excerpt:

Russ: Have you ever seen Popeye?
Brecken: (enthralled, but clueless) No.
Russ: Well he was like Popeye. His forearms were HUGE!
Brecken: (silent, wide-eyed amazement)

A few weeks later Brecken decided to recount to me dad's amazing story:

Brecken: One time, when daddy was a little boy, he saw a baseball player that had TEN ARMS!!!!!!
Me: Ten Arms? (I knew that wasn't part of the story)

After mulling it over while trying to think what could have mislead her... it hit me. Russ had said "his forearms were huge!" what Brecken heard: "his Four Arms were huge!".... And then of course she exaggerated (ten did sound cooler than four). Oh! The laughter. I couldn't help myself. It was too cute.

I tried to explain it to her, but I think she's convinced that there's some ten armed freak out there playing baseball... Ah, three year olds. Never a dull moment.

Elder Allen IV Returns!!

After two long years my little brother, Derek, is home!! I got to spend a week in Grantsville with my family in honor of this momentous occasion. It was sooo good to be with Derek again! He is a stud!! (and for those who are wondering, the "IV" is because he's the fourth brother to go on a mission)


I could go into detail about everything we did this week... My brother Matt's birthday party... going to the airport.... hanging out.... going to the temple (which was really neat by the way).... Derek's amazing talk... My sister Hannah getting the flu... Family and friends all getting together... BUT I'll spare you. Because I'm lazy. I will say this: It was one of the best weeks ever. If Russ had been there the whole week (he joined me for the weekend) it would have been perfect!

I will share a few pictures (I kinda petered out on the picture taking towards the end of the week)

Matty-boy's Birthday party...

And cake...

The Clan at the airport (woo-hoo! he's home! that was the vibe)...

Derek and his newest niece Naomi (he had four new neices to meet!) Isn't she a cutie??!!...

Later in the week, Brecken just being cute...

Grandma's cat she affectionately calls "The Gideon"...

And we finally got a picture of all 5 granddaughters! (it took some doing. a 3 year old, two 1 year olds, a four month old, and a four week old aren't exactly the most cooperative:) but hey they're all in there!)...

All in all, a great week! Good to have you back Der!

Its a... It's a....

Brecken insisted on being a ballerina today. She threw on her ballet suit and slippers and was now "Ballerina Brecken". Why is this funny? Brecken got a package in the mail from Grandma Good today...

Mom and Dad were just as surprised at the contents in the package. Brecken quickly discarded the "old" ballet attire, almost disgusted that she had actually worn the slippers from mom (I'll admit, they were a little big on her). She couldn't have been more excited about a present.

Thanks Grandma!!!!

ps Russ made me clarify that the baby in the walker is not real... I repeat: it is just a doll :) (did anyone really notice?)

Snowboards and Bruises

Last Saturday Russ went on his first snowboarding excursion ever! Despite the mulitple crashes he had a blast! Were there really any bruises you ask? Yes. Any pictures to prove it?... Let's just say he took a pretty hard fall right on his little keister. I'll probably be the only one to ever see that bruise. But take my word for it, it's huge. And it's swollen. Don't feel too sorry for him... He's planning on doin' it all again.

The pics are courtesy of his snowboardin' buddy, Erik...

If you want to check out a video of Russ snowboarding click here. Not bad for a first timer, I must say. The video is also thanks to Erik. (and, no, they didn't catch his big crash on film)