Four For Four

Frogs,


Snails,



and Puppy Dog Tails,



(Not to mention Snakes). . . That's what our family is made of.



We are excited to share our good news. Number #4 is a Boy! So for now, putting aside the idea of sugar and spice, we look forward to meeting our newest male addition. Among the different reactions to this news, our favorite was. . . "The only thing better then a family of three boys is a family of four". We couldn't agree more.

Steamboat Springs

Two of the things we like best about living in Colorado are living near family, and living near the mountains. This weekend we were able to enjoy both when we headed up to Steamboat Springs with the Adam, Mary, and the girls. We had a great time.







On Saturday, we took a hike to a frozen waterfall. The weather was perfect, it felt like we were walking through a winter wonderland. The hike took followed along side a river up into the canyon. It ended on a bridge that overlooked the waterfall. We continued on to the base of the falls where we were able to snap some photos.

Boys Basketball

The boys played basketball in a town rec league this winter and had so much fun. Michael was able to coach Dallin and both boys were able to play on teams with some of their good friend. It was a so much fun watching them learn the sport and grow throughout the season.





Caleb played on taller hoops, but liked to show-off his skills on the lower ones.



Blake's personal mission statement ... "Anything you can do I can do younger".



Our good friends came to cheer the boys on. At the end of the game, the girls thought Dal might appreciate a group hug ... he didn't.

A Day Spent With Puppies

Crazy Hair Day

Born with a personality to match the hair. I love it! I love him!



The boys had "crazy hair day" at school. Caleb, especially, is all about school spirit and was excited for the big day. However, he was concerned at bedtime the night before that his new hair cut would make it hard to express himself in an appropriately crazy way. There was talk at school of crazy spikes, tails, mohawks and other such coolness. How could he compete?




In the morning, I surprised Caleb with green hair spray bought on a late night trip to Wal-mart, Target, Rite Aid, and then finally Walgreens (which proved successful). He was so thrilled with the concept of color. Dallin and Blake were thrilled with the idea of being like their big bother so my entire crew went a little crazy.




After sending both Caleb and Dallin to school, I set out to run some errands with Blake. It took me a while to interpret the looks I was getting from fellow shoppers. I guess out of context, a one year old with green hair reflects questionably on the mother. At first, I felt the need to explain... then, I didn’t. I gained confidence in my decision to let Blake participate in “crazy hair day” as we passed by every mirror and window in the store. At his reflection, Blake would shout with excitement, “yook ma” and flash me an adorable Hanchett grin. Thus confirming "crazy hair day" can be just as important to a one year old as it is to his big brothers.

Caleb's Baptism

Today was a very special day for Caleb. He was baptized! We are so proud of him and grateful for his example. He is such an amazing kid. We love being his parents and watching him grow.


Blake enjoyed the baptism...especially the refreshments. When Caleb went into the font with Michael, Blake kept reaching for them and saying, "I want it, I want it." I'm pretty sure he thought they were swimming and wanted to join in.



Sadly, the best shot of the whole crew. I adore these guys!

The Frog Tower

An Evening at the Beach

This evening we went out for pizza at Grotto's and then walked along the beach for a while.  We were dressed up and couldn't resist a mini photo shoot.  After all... we are Swenson's. 

The boys thought jumping off the life guard stand was as entertaining as it gets.  

I enjoyed the band playing in the gazebo on the boardwalk.  Blake and I danced a while and were joined by the rest.  The evening ended with a little Rita's Italian Ice.  It doesn't get much better then that.

Swenson Family Reunion

We had a great family reunion in Bethany Bay.  Thanks Dad and Mom for all your efforts.  It felt so nice to relax and spend time with the family at the beach.  

Blake's "Na Na"

"Na na" is Blake's word for food and drink.  I think it stems from banana (his favorite food), but I'm not sure.  Most days that's about all Blake  has to say.

Great Advice

Caleb and Dallin have enjoyed playing soccer this spring. Both boys have done really well and have been on winning teams. Because of this, they often share their scores with pride and compete with each other on personal stats. It's been fun for me to watch and listen.

The other week, however, the boys played some difficult teams and were humbled a bit. Their teams were playing a neighboring community called Elk Ridge. This is a smaller community with fewer children. They have to combine their age groups in order to field teams so Caleb's 2nd grade team played their K-2nd and Dallin's 4-5 year old team played against their pre-K team. Caleb's team struggle, but ended up with a tie 2 - 2. Dallin was in the middle of his game, but getting increasingly frustrated by his failed attempts at scoring. At half time he wanted to go play at the park instead of finishing his game. I told him his team needed him and he'd have to finish his game before going to the park. He then sat down next to Caleb to take a drink. Their conversation went as follows:
Dallin: This team is way hard.
Caleb: Yeah.
Dallin: Their so fast.
Caleb: Last week was more fun. Did you know I scored three goals and my team scored thirteen?
Dallin: You told me already.
Caleb: We were doing so awesome my coach said we'd get a milk shake if we score just ten goals and we scored thirteen and so we got a milk shake.
Dallin: I KNOW!
(So at this point I'm thinking Dallin doesn't need to hear any more of Caleb's bragging about glory days and I'm about to intercept with some motivational advice when their conversation takes a turn).
Caleb: Last week we did really good, but did you know this week we almost got beaten by a bunch of kindergartners?
Dallin: Really?
Caleb: Yeah kindergartners.
Dallin: That stinks.
Caleb: Yeah, so sometimes you do your best and you score lots of goals and get a milkshake and sometimes when you are doing your best you almost get beat by kindergartners. You just gotta still try hard and do your best anyways. So good luck!
Dallin: Thanks
(Dallin runs off with renewed energy and goes on to score a goal that half).

I love this photo

Summertime Fun

I came across this old video of the boys and got really excited for summer break (just three weeks left of school).