Playground fun

I have to say today was a great day...why you might ask...because of the above. For the first time all summer we were able to go back to the park and play outside without it being 105+ degrees outside and miserable. I was so excited to get up this morning and hear it was going to be overcast and the high was going to be under 100 degrees!!!! I have waited for that all summer long! I am not a big heat lover (in fact I cannot stand it) and after months of cabin fever it felt great to get out and play again. Ethan and I took off this morning and headed to one of the cool neighborhood parks and hung out playing and running around. It was fun seeing him slide down the slides and climb up the ladders again all the while with a big smile on his face. I didn't even mind all the mud he got caked on his shoes and all over his clothes. I cannot wait for summer to be over and for the cooler weather to head on back! We love getting outside and today was a small glimmer of hope that might not be too far in the distant future...oh how I pray! Some may say there is nothing like fun in the sun...but for us there is nothing like a day at the park!

The all boys weekend...

Well it was my yearly business trip to St. Louis where the boys got to spend 4 days with their dad doing all the boys things they never get to do when I am around. Each year they look forward to this break from mom and the fun they get to have with dad. I am grateful for Marc and his willingness to watch the kids so I can go every summer...and I know the boys are grateful too. The nice thing is Marc is pretty good about documenting their adventures...and what he doesn't tell me the boys usually will! I was actually very surprised with all the fun they had the house was pretty much in tact when I came back and did not look any worse than when I left...my guess is there was some serious sprint cleaning with lots a bribing going on. Anyway, I was glad to get away and had a great time in St. Louis and the boys obviously had fun. Thanks honey for being such and amazing hubbie and dad!!!!!

The boys always hike A Mountain on Saturday morning during my trip away...it has become a father/son tradition. I love the hiking attire dad let them wear...they went to Tempe Beach Park right after so I guess it works.

One of the big highlights of the hike was the boys found A LOT of cool caterpillars on the side of the trail...supposedly there were over a hundred. Definitely one of a boy's favorite things...BUGS!!

Boys hanging out at the Tempe Beach Park

First day of school!!!!!

Now that I am the biggest blogger slacker (if that even makes sense) I decided it was time to get back on track and catch up with everything I have not posted. Just like everything else life always seems to get in the way. Things have been a bit crazy, but we are now getting on a schedule again finally so I should be able to get back up to speed.

Anyway, the kids first day of school was a couple of weeks ago but you cannot go without documenting that no matter how late it is. I was more sad to see them go this year for some reason...maybe because I had my third start kindergarden and I just realize how fast they are all growing up. I have come to find that I really love to have control over my kids in the sense that I know what they are doing all the time and I am the one making sure they are all right. But I also realize they will not stay young forever and that growing up can be a good thing in many ways (just not always for mom). All of my fears for this year have gone away as the boys LOVE school and their teachers. It is nice having gotten to know all the teachers as we have been in this montessori program since Brandon started school and Brandon has already had the teachers Corbin and Trystan have this year. I was worried about my little Trystan going to all day kindergarden, but he is doing great and loves being there all day with his brothers. I feel really excited about this year and am happy the boys are making new friends and loving their experience so far (we will see how that goes by the time March rolls around). I am just glad we still have a couple of years before we have to worry about junior high!

These are the just out of bed at the crack of dawn after a summer of no alarms and sleeping in pictures...Corbin actually did pretty good to just roll out of bed and throw some clothes on that matched before he was fully awake.

It took everything the boys had to stand there for the few seconds it took to get this shot...they could not wait to get started with school (and away from mom).

Sunday fun

Well since it is the day before school starts we wanted to have a fun day before all the craziness starts tomorrow...the boys decided to have that fun with sheets. We built a big tent in our family room and hung out inside and played and laughed. We have done this before and it is worth all the mess of food in the carpet (a big one for me as I do not let them eat outside of the kitchen) and the load of laundry the next day. It is always great to see the boys creativity and for dad and I to jump right in and get involved. There is definitely nothing like making memories with your kids!!!!

A BIG Happy #10 Brandon!!!!

I have been such a slacker at blogging lately and am still trying to catch up. Brandon had a birthday a few weeks ago and I am just now getting around to posting it...sorry Brandon (although he knows his mom all too well). I am still a bit shocked that we now have a kid in double digits...I truly thought that day would never come. You hear all too often how fast kids grow and somehow you just keep thinking it will never happen to you. Then the moments come throughout their lives where you realize that is all too much of a reality in your life too. I still remember when Brandon was born and I am having a hard time thinking he has been in our home over half the time we get him before he heads out on his mission...and yes the time does fly. I only hope the next ten years will be as great and amazing as the first ten have been! Anyway, I wanted to share the 10 things we love about our Brandon most...

1. He is the most tender hearted little man I have ever met. He is always showing his love for family and friends and always has a genuine concern for those around him.

2. He has an amazing understanding of the gospel and loves to share what he has learned and what he feels about it whenever he gets the chance. He has taught our family much about the gospel principles.

3. He is super creative. I have never seen anyone who can come up with the funnest ideas and things to do just off of the top of his head. He can basically make something totally "cool" out of what many would consider nothing at all.

4. He is a wonderful leader and example. He has done such a great job at helping his brothers make good choices as they watch him make good choices.

5. He can really rally the troops when needed. When everyone else is having a hard time Brandon has a way of getting them to see the good in a situation and helps them pick up and move on.

6. He loves to laugh and have fun...which of course is contagious and makes all around him put a smile on their faces and laugh with him.

7. He loves to be with his family as much as he can. Even though he is getting older he still likes to hang out with his little brothers and the family. His brothers absolutely adore him!

8. He lets things roll off his back most of the time...which with 3 younger brothers is a real talent. He has taught mom and dad much about being patient and not stressing over the small stuff.

9. He is quite the gentleman and very helpful around the house (he will make his future wife proud). He is always the one to help out when no one else in the family wants to and usually never says a word about it.

10. He has a strong love of the Savior and his Heavenly Father, and because of this brings a wonderful spirit to our home. He truly has a desire to be more like the Saviour and radiates that to those around him.

Brandon we sure hope you know how very much we love and appreciate you!!!! Our family would not be the same without you!!! May this year be your best so far!!!!

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