The Real Birthday Day!

On his real birthday, we all woke up pretty early. In years past, we've made him wait for Kevin to get off work to open gifts. This year, we were all up and just let him open them all before school. He really wanted a Ripstik, a science kit, and money to save for an iPad mini. Well, he got that and more! Our extended family is always so generous to him and he got books (loves Magic Treehouse books right now), money for his iPad, science kits and we also got him a Rainbow Loom and Ripstik. He has wanted an Under Armour shirt for a long time, so that happened to be a favorite gift as well!

It has become a tradition for me to bring Chick-Fil-A up to the school for his lunch. I always feel bad for the kids around us, because school lunch pales in comparison! This year, the Little Man and The Middle One came too!

At the end of lunch, the entire cafeteria yelled, "Happy Birthday" to him. They still make it fun to be at school on your birthday.

His birthday fell on the same night as Awanas. He didn't want to go, but since we'd done our gifts earlier that day and he'd studied and memorized, he went after all. After he got home, we sang and celebrated with his Bronco cupcakes and then he (full of sugar and hyper) tried to fall asleep!

These are the bracelets they are making with the Rainbow Loom. Since then, they've watched countless videos on YouTube and learned all different designs. It keeps them away from too much screen-time, so I am happy they have found a fun little hobby. They give them away to friends at school all the time- even made a bunch to give to kids affected by the recent flooding nearby. They remind me of the old friendship bracelets we used to make with thread and knots and braids- but these are so much faster and a lot of fun!

Pre-Birthday Celebration

In our house, it seems like it's not just a birth-day, it's more like a birth-week or longer!

So, Biggest Brother's birth-week began this past weekend. He had been asking to go to the driving range. He inherited some golf clubs from a family friend and wanted to put them to good use. So, we went...

After a couple of buckets of balls and (me) going cRaZy chasing the littlest one around, they headed to the putting green for some practice. This is where my middle guy yells- "Mommy, I just got a hole in 10!!!" We had a lot of talks about golf etiquette and how golf is a quiet sport. Then, it was just time to go. Next time, it might be best to leave this for the older crowd only!

And just because they are cute...

 Lastly, this has nothing to do with birthdays! My neighbor called me over the other day and wanted to let me know that he thought my boys were sneaking food and leaving the wrappers in my window sill. Well, this is what he was noticing...

These are actually full and not from the big boys at all. Each day, the Littlest Guy empties my pantry through the slats in our blinds. Applesauce, granola bars, etc- all basking in the sun!

First Day of School

First day of 3rd Grade and First Day of Kindergarten for these boys.

Love this one!

My heart was torn this morning. I have always been by biggest brothers side as he ventured off to a new classroom. But, this year, we had to drop him off in his line since I had to be with Mr. Kindergartener. Biggest Brother didn't seem to mind at all. I guess it bothers me more than him!

They had us attend about half of the mornings activities with our kindergarteners. We did some of the same activities as we did when Biggest Brother was there. Brought back some fond memories. He even has the same teacher. 

This may be the look of a soon-to-be-too-excited-to-sit-in-his-chair-and-work-kindergartener!

When the parents were finally dismissed, this is what he looked like, sitting with all of his buddies from the last 2 years of preschool. 

After pickup- I had 2 very happy boys. They both love their new teachers and are ready for a great year ahead.

I asked Biggest Brother what was different about this year's teacher than in the past- he said, "She's nicer!" She must be amazing because he's had some good teachers in the past.

After his first ever experience in PE, Big Brother said, "It is so fun- you totally have to try it out!"

Is it bad if I'm already tired of making lunches on day 3?

Happy 4th!

 We woke up not quite knowing how to spend our holiday yesterday. Usually, we go to the town parade and the kids ride their decorated bikes and gather up bags of candy. This year, I didn't get organized enough to gather decorations and we read their would be no candy at the parade. They had even cancelled our fireworks show because of the high fire danger. Sounded like a bummer!

So, after a little research on the ipad- I found a hiking place we'd never known- St. Mary's Glacier. It was about an hour-ish away. 3/4 mile hike up- not too bad- but we made it. It had some spectacular views. That water was cold!!! People were actually swimming in it- yikes! There were people actually skiing on the ice- in their swimming clothes!

I feel so blessed to live in a state with such amazing beauty at our doorstep. It's fun to explore and show the kids the creations God's left us to enjoy!

Who can say they played in snow on July 4th?

Before...

After!

We headed a bit further west and had some yummy treats at Dairy King! The littlest man finally is loving his ice cream. The first time he tried it (back in March) he was in tears- maybe too cold! Now, he couldn't get enough!

After a long drive home and resting up for the night, we headed to a nearby town to watch their fireworks show. I have a cute photo- but it is still stuck on the hubby's phone!!!

Happy 5th Birthday

To My Sweet Boy:

I can't believe it was 5 years ago that you first came into our life after a long day of waiting and wondering when you'd come. The process was slow for much of that day, but you surprised us by showing up just as I was ready to give up! We all thought you'd be born on the 26th, but you surprised us by coming just a few minutes past midnight on the 27th. And that has been what life with you has been like.... many surprises along the way!

I love the pictures above because they so encompass who you are. You are a little boy full of laughter and fun. You bring so much joy and life into our home (not to mention noise!) You are growing up in so many ways since becoming a big brother this summer. You get yourself dressed and ready for school every day- even getting your backpack and snack ready. You are so much more brave about saying good-bye and starting new experiences. You love to teach your Little Brother about life and the joys you find in it. You look up to your Biggest Brother and want him to be just like him in so many ways.

But, in some ways you are still my little buddy. Sometimes your Big Brother takes off with his friends and you get left behind with your hurt feelings and all. Other times you are just run down and you always want your back scratched. I can always count on you to help me out and to always be there for a hug. You are sweet, kind and loving. 

You have a great memory and are learning so much, like a little sponge right now. You always ask me silly things, like "Why are they called sandwiches is there is no sand in them?" You wear me down at times begging for sugar, tv shows and "screen time", but there is no one else who reminds me to laugh and see the joy each day quite like you can.

I love you and am so happy you are my little 5 year old! Happy Birthday Buddy!

Love, Mommy!

Color Me Rad

Back in September, Biggest Brother and Kevin ran in the Color Me Rad 5K. We had great intentions of helping him train to run his very first 5K, but they fell a bit flat. I think we got him out 2 or 3 times for a jog. That's the great thing about being a kid, though- you don't really have to train- you just go for it! I didn't run. Instead, I stayed with the younger two and watched for them near the finish line. Kevin said they ran most of the way with only a  couple walking breaks. They completed the race in around 40 minutes or so. Not bad for an 8 year old's first 5K run!

Once we spotted them, I grabbed a couple of photos and sent Big Brother on his way to join them for the last section of the course. He is in the LOVE shirt in the photo below next to Kevin.

In this race, you get color bombed about 4 times throughout the course. They throw colored cornstarch and sprayed them down with insect sprayers with some color concoction. The result is a pretty fun time and pretty messy car ride home!

Our New Family of Five

I love taking photos. But, I can't be in the photos when I'm taking them. So, I asked my friend to take some family photos when the baby was 10 days old. Here's what she came up with. There are so many to sift through, but these were some of my favorites...

Meet the Baby

We've been home now for almost 5 days and we're slowly settling into a new routine. It's going well so far. He's a good natured baby. He's sleeping and eating well so far. I'm hoping we stay on this course!

These first four were still at the hospital. In some pictures he reminds me of Nathan and then in others and in person he reminds me of Brennen. It will be fun to see how he grows!

He has long fingers and toes and was born with crazy long fingernails!

These next few were the first day home. He's a cuddly little guy.

He loves to find his fingers or thumb and suck. We have never had a thumb sucker and are trying to get him on a pacifier. It's easier to take those away later!

These were a fun treat Granny had sent to our house. The boys (and I) are enjoying a treat here and there from the bouquet!

It's amazing how fast he's nestled himself into our hearts and family. Though it's not even a week, I can't imagine our family without him. We are so blessed and grateful.