Lucky Kids

These kids sure are lucky to have such a patient and fun dad.  

Seriously, he's pretty amazing.

First Hike

"Hiking" with kids has been one of the classic between a rock and a hard place parenting attempts for us.  Both Bryce and I like to hike, but we tend to go for shorter hikes with a destination in mind.  I'm one of those hikers that doesn't really stop to take pleasure in all the small things.  I'm too busy trying to get to that waterfall, dammit!  Hiking with kids who are able to move independently is a whole new lesson in patience.  

Yes, that's a rock.  Yes, it's brown.

Yep, that's a purple flower.  Just like the 10 million purple flowers we've already stopped to look at.

Cole!  Stay where I can see you!

No!  Don't drink that water!

Yes, we could see animals....no, I don't think we'll see any lions...or giraffes...or horses....

Cole - back where I can see you!

I'll only hold you for a minute.  Then you need to walk again.

And so on.

But this time was different.  We drove 5 minutes from the new house to This is the Place and went on a short hike around the hills.  The boys insisted on bringing their water guns, and I trailed behind with Jack as he sprayed EACH AND EVERY dandelion he saw with water.  I felt myself tighten up and the impatience build.  But then I remembered that we were 5 minutes from home and 10 minutes from the trail-head, and we could leave anytime we wanted.   Suddenly, it just wasn't a big deal.  

We probably only hiked half a mile total and it took us a good hour.  But I didn't yell to anyone to hurry up.  I call that a successful trip.

 

University Kids Social Group

We've been pretty lucky with Cole's friends at University Kids.  For some reason, Cole's best friends are awesome, and their parents are even better.  His best friend is, of course, Isak.  I am forever beset by requests to play with Isak and his little brother, Henry.  Luckily, Bill and Carrie are fantastic and so it's always a good time to hang out.  They were such life-savers on the day we moved, from when I called her in a panic about keeping the boys busy, to when they whisked Jack and Cole off to their house for water gun fights, playing in the backyard tent, a trip to the park, and ice cream bars for dessert.  We are lucky to have these guys.

 One of our favorite families is the Steele's.  (Seriously, super hero last name, right?)  Cayden and Cole get along so well, and Beckett and Jack play too, so everyone is happy.  Matt & Tiffanie are amazing jet-setters who are always up to something fun or going somewhere cool.  We feel more hip just by hanging out with them.  :)  

The Aquarium - I mean really, Cole makes the goofiest faces!

Popsicle Time!

 Freeze like a statue....

Wheeler Farm - the balloon swords were a big hit.  (And they don't look dirty at all, right?) 

And just this past weekend, we went over to Hamilton's house, which was a new adventure.  Hamilton's dad, Daniel, is uber hip, has a website called "The Dapper Traveler," and collects vintage pipes.  Hamilton's mom, Lina, is from Sweden and has her own traveling fun.  They just bought a new home in Midvale, which has some run-down sheds in the back they will be tearing out.  They gave the boys hammers, nails, and cans of spray point.  Cole and Jack contributed slightly to the mayhem.

It will be sad to know that, come August, these boys will all break away to different schools.  I'm hoping that I can hang on to their moms and dads, though! 

Just an Excuse

We've all been to the same places over and over again - Hogle Zoo, Discovery Gateway, Thanksgiving Point, and so forth.  Sometimes, though, the pictures you catch just end up being special.  We went to Wheeler Farm for University Kids' summer picnic, and for some reason, I came away with some gems.  

Jack wanted nothing more than to check out the animals.  Unlike Cole, he has no fear of things three times bigger than him, or anything that smells like poop.  

Me?  I was quite content oohing over the tiny baby ducks floating in the pond.  

They both loved exploring, and came home with all kinds of little things they found - feathers, rocks, and lots of dirt.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Jack turned 3 years old on April 29th, and I didn't want to miss the chance to capture this moment in his life.  I like to refer to Jack as my Little Sunshine, because he is truly a bright, happy, teasing little boy (unless you're trying to wake him up in the morning - then you better keep your distance).  I adore his brilliant blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and golden skin.  I love his little toddler fingers, and the way he still holds my finger as we cross a street.  I love the way he tilts his head to the side when he asks a question, and the way he brings his voice up to a high falsetto when he's having his dinosaurs talk to each other.  I love the way he calls Cafe Rio "Cafen Rito."  I love the way he belly giggles when you tickle him.  I know I'm in for it when he gets a certain little smile and his eyes light up mischievously.  I love how he looks up to his brother, and is *usually* pretty willing to share with him.

Having a 3 year old can be trying at times - the tantrums, refusals to obey, and an inability to see the consequences of your actions (for example, how running out in the middle of the street could end badly), but Jack just has this way about him that makes it very easy to forgive and forget his latest mischief.  We love Jack so much and are so glad that he's part of our family.  Happy 3rd Birthday, Jack!