Boys in Motion

One thing I've learned about raising boys is that they're always on the go. This week was an exciting one. Caleb had an idea to build a swing out of an old chair we found in the basement. We bought some rope, found a great tree out by the barn, and spent Saturday on our project. It was a great success, and as Caleb put it, "This swing ROCKS!”

In addition, Dallin decided it was time to remove the training wheels from his bike. He picked it up really fast. During Mike's lunch break from work, Dallin was off and riding. Go Dallin!

Blake is on the move, too. It's time to baby proof our house!

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Fat Guy In A Little Tub

Blake loves bath time! Usually, in the evenings, I throw all three boys in the tub for a quick rinse down. This time was different. Our family had just finished taking family photos with a local photographer. The photo shoot was a success, but Blake was a bit chilled from being outside too long. Because of this, I wanted to give him a bath so that he could soak in some warmth. I envisioned my little newborn enjoying his bath in the sink like he did months ago. Instead, as I placed him in the water, it all overflowed onto the floor. I set him in the sink while I scrambled to clean all the water from the floor and counter space, and when I was finished I caught a glimpse of pure delight. Of course, I then had to call Mike in with the camera for another photo shoot.

Dallin Goes to School

While Caleb made the cut-off into Kindergarten by a month, Dallin missed it by the same amount. Although the boys are only two years and two months apart, Caleb will be in third grade before Dallin even starts Kindergarten. Dallin has expressed to me many times that he feels big enough and smart enough to be in school with Caleb (I understand his competitive nature because I am a second child too ... sorry Kim).

I was happy to discover a cute little preschool that is based out of Caleb's elementary school. The teachers are great, and Dallin was lucky to be one of the students chosen off the waiting list. Dallin attends Monday and Wednesday for a few hours. It's perfect for him, and he loves it.

With great excitement, Dallin described his first day of school to the family over dinner. On that particular day, he did a craft using silly string, played at the sand/water table, swung in the reading hammock, and built a fort with blocks. After hearing his activities described in detail, Caleb said, "You are so LUCKY. We just do learning things in my class." Since then, when Dal attends school, he comes home with a full report. "Today in my class we ate treats, drew pictures, sang songs, played outside, etc. Did your class do that Caleb?"

Monkey See, Monkey Do

We returned home from Colorado to a visit from Julia and Aly. It was so nice to be able to spend some time with them. Julia joked that Aly's a "girlie, girl", but she held her own in our house full of boys.



Gotta love that smile.

Downtown Denver

While in Denver the girls decided to hit the 16th Street Mall. We made quite the group as we literally strolled down the sidewalk.

I like posing with Hayden cause my cheeks don't look so big.

Riley spotted the goods.

Everybody Loves KungFu Panda

When asked what Caleb wanted most for his birthday, he said he would like a big party with all his cousins, aunts, and uncles. With a little help, we did our best to grant his birthday wish. The theme this year was Kung Fu Panda. We started the party out with a game of Kung Fu Panda Says.

Kung Fu Panda Says ...Karate Chop!



Can't go wrong with Star Wars. Thanks Heath and Gret:)

The Trio

It was so fun to meet the twins. I'm looking forward to watching these three grow up together.

Look at the difference in the size of their hands and feet.

Lessons Learned in Granby

We were excited to spend some more time with the Parkins in a friends cabin up in Granby, CO. While there, we learned a few lessons:

1.) Never underestimate the potential for snow in August. To our surprize, this summer stay in the mountains turned out to be more like a cozy winter weekend. It even snowed for a short while. Fortunately, the cabin was loaded with hot chocolate, warm blankets, games, movies...

and, of course, there is always Dallin to keep us entertained.

2.) Dad is not the only one out there ... their are others who appear equally obsessed!

3.) Never judge a restaurant by the greatness of its chairs. While walking through the cute town of Granby, we were on the look out for a place to eat. I spotted this little restaurant and was inspired by the dining area. Although nobody else in town seemed to have found this place to be the gem I felt it was, I saw potential. Following my lead, everyone sat down to enjoy a meal. After searching for service, we ordered, we waited, we then waited more, we ate and $36.15 later we left feeling hungry and unsatisfied. Next time we'll know to follow the crowds and save the empty restaurants with the cool chairs for other unsuspecting tourists.

In the end, though, it was a treat. We really enjoyed our stay:)

The Parkins Visit

Some of our best friends came to visit for a weekend and we were excited to spend some time with them. Their family brings balance to ours with their three adorable girls. I, for one, welcome the purses, flowers, and hair ties that accompany our little guests. The boys, however, like the fact that these girls enjoy the horses, trampoline, and four wheeler just as much as they do. All in all, we had a great time with them.