One step at a time . . .

Dump Truck birthday cake and a fun party

Christian had a very fun birthday party on Saturday night. We had family (grandmas, grandpas, cousins, aunts, uncles) come and celebrate with us.

Christian had the fastest present opening session ever recorded. He was barely done opening one gift before he was ripping into the next. It wasn't until later in the evening and the following day that he even saw all the wonderful gifts he received! It was quite funny watching him.

Before everyone arrived, Christian asked if we could light a fire. While waiting for the last few guests, we found him relaxing and enjoying this little cold-weather treat.

 

The chaos that followed this lovely, calm, relaxing moment:

 

Every year, we do some sort of theme - and each theme has a "run through" type of opportunity for the birthday child. This year, Christian ran through the caution tape:

 

After pizza, it was time for his dump truck cake:

 

Time to blow out candles - take a big breath...

 

Such a fun time. :)

My baby is 6 today! 11-11-11!

I can hardly believe that my baby is 6. It seems like he was just a toddler a few days ago. I know every mom has these same thoughts - but it really is amazing how quickly the kids grow up. My baby is 6 today. 

Happy Birthday, my sweet baby boy... (May 2007 - 3 yrs old)

And today... with his birthday treat for school...

Green Smoothie

After school today, the boys enjoyed a green smoothie snack:

Green smoothie for 2:

2 frozen bananas

2 peeled tangerines

2 dates

1/4 tsp. vanilla

6 beet green leaves

2 handfuls of spring baby lettuce mix.

I know you don't believe me, but they loved it. (sorry about picture quality - taken with my phone)

just a swim

So, on Maui, my friends go open water swimming all the time. Let me tell you - it is a completely different experience than swimming in Reeds Lake! The water is so blue, clean and clear. On an average swim, you may encounter a few rays, coral, fish, and oh, you know, a sea turtle or two. It is so beautiful and so amazing. I just had to share

The third picture is of our friend, Bill, getting a closer look at the sea turtle. 

horseback riding

One of the last days of summer (August 2011), we finally did something I'd been wanting to do all summer... horseback ride. We went to a great little place near Yankee Springs called "The Flying Horseshoe Ranch". It is a place that has been around since I was a child and my father took me there. It was just so fun. They have two little sections where the horses even trot. The giggles escaping from my children while they bounced around on their trotting horses backs were worth every penny of the cost of the ride. If you have a chance, give them a call. 

 

Too long

I revisited my blog today. It made me happy and sad. I loved looking back at the pictures and stories. I think I need to start again. Or, at least try. 

Race in Indy

We went to Indianapolis for the weekend and had a great time at the zoo and children's museum there. The kids LOVED it. The zoo had a roller coaster - so the kids all had their first roller coaster experience. Christian  and Anton loved it. Hannah refused to EVER ride a roller coaster AGAIN!!!!!  The zoo train was more Hannah's speed. We ended the weekend with my triathlon. Aric managed to tote the kids around to multiple spots to cheer me through the race. He also took some great pictures, as usual. I ended up in 3rd overall and had a pretty good race. 

Race in Indy

We went to Indianapolis for the weekend and had a great time at the zoo and children's museum there. The kids LOVED it. The zoo had a roller coaster - so the kids all had their first roller coaster experience. Christian  and Anton loved it. Hannah refused to EVER ride a roller coaster AGAIN!!!!!  The zoo train was more Hannah's speed. We ended the weekend with my triathlon. Aric managed to tote the kids around to multiple spots to cheer me through the race. He also took some great pictures, as usual. I ended up in 3rd overall and had a pretty good race. 

In Season

Cherries are in season!

quote of the day

Me: "Anton, you can't throw all your clothes on the floor when you want to find a shirt in the clean laundry basket." 

Anton: "It's not my fault (me giving him a look)... God made me this way!

Good one, kid.