End of the Year

With May ending, it was also coming to the end of Cole's first year of Kindergarten. It was definitely a year of ups and downs. He always loved his Kindergarten class and his teacher, Ms. Harms. We struggled a lot with the after care program. From 3:15 to 5:00, he was supposed to go into another class at his school where they would do activities. Unfortunately, they "lost" Cole twice, and he got into a bloodied-scratching fight which nobody told me about. We just couldn't trust them. So, in March, we had a friend watch him after school. It made it tough to have all that change. However, Cole made it through and learned so much.

We were very proud of him for earning the "Excellent Eagle Award" at Indian Hills. Kids have to meet a variety of different academic goals to earn it. For Kindergarten, Cole had to do things like write 100 words, read 100 books, memorize his address, take part in an extracurricular activity, and so on. It was tough at times, but he did it! Check out that bling!

Then came Kindergarten graduation. We couldn't believe the year was done! The ceremony was very cute and fun to watch.

Cole and Ms. Harms

Cole and his best buddy, Henry

The first and last day of Kindergarten:

Hell on Wheels

Everyone knows the best place to race around is at the church parking lot. I was super proud of Cole mastering his bike - it was a bit big for him, but he did it! Now to get Jack out of that tricycle...

 

 

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day this year, we didn't have any big plans, so we all decided to go up to Farmington Station and go shopping. Because Jack had never been on a train, we took Frontrunner all the way up. The boys loved being on the top of the train (the second level) and seeing all the construction.

 

 

 Once there, we looked at a few stores and played at the playground in the center of the shopping area. We finished off with a trip to a candy store where Cole and Jack got bags of candy. (The most expensive candy I've ever bought!)

We ended the day with a yummy BBQ at Pa & Nana's. Jack gave us the quote of the night: "Sometimes, I have bum juice." Don't we all?

A Beterinarian

I told you he wanted to be a "beterinarian." 

On Mother's Day

This Mother's Day was lovely (as they all are!). We went to Sugarhouse Park and played for a long time. Even this mama duck seemed to know it was her day.

I sure do love being a mom to Cole and Jack. Being a parent is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and I am sure will continue to be that way. There are days I just want everyone to go away and let me watch something trashy on TV in silence. But, it's a strange thing. Whenever I do get that wish, I find myself wondering what everyone else is doing. Mom's are crazy that way, I've heard. Then there are the moments when you just love these guys so much it seems they can do no wrong. 

So, Happy Mother's Day to me and all the other moms out there. We rule.

Jack's 4th Birthday

I know I say it every year, and I will continue to say it every year, but I cannot believe how fast birthdays come. In some ways, I feel like Jack has to have been with us longer than four years, but then I realize how little he still is. Jack is such an absolute joy to our family. He always has a ready smile, loves hugs and cuddles, and absolutely idolizes his big brother Cole. At four years old, his favorite TV show is Wild Kratts (or anything to do with animals), his favorite toys are little animal replicas, and he wants to be a veterinarian when he grows up. Do you see the theme? 

For his birthday, I made Jack hold on to one of the onesies he wore when he first came home from the hospital. I just can't remember him being that tiny. Every day I'm so grateful that he is such a healthy little boy.

That morning, we opened presents - including more animal figurines, of course. 

Then we went to the aquarium with Pa & Nana. Jack's choice, of course.

We had cake and ice cream at Pa & Nana's. I made the dragon cake upon his request. He wanted a "blue baby ice dragon that is cute, not scary." 

We also celebrated at the Thomsen's where he got this fabulous miner's helmet and light.

We are so glad that Jack is part of our family!  Happy 4th Birthday Jack-a-boo!

This Soccer Business

We signed Cole up for spring soccer after he had begged us. In the past, he hasn't really seemed too interested, but it felt different this time. And while he certainly ran and tried a bit harder, we still saw the same results - Cole wandering up and down the field, a good 10 feet from the ball at all times.

One day, as Bryce was practicing with Cole, he noticed Cole being more aggressive and hustling for the ball. He asked why Cole couldn't do that at practice and games. Cole responded that he didn't like the coaches telling him what to do.

Sigh.

And we're done with soccer.  Although he does look pretty cute in that uniform...