Celebration

For Tyler's birthday this year  we thought we would let him have a real party. He wanted to do a bowling party at Mr Biggs, where he went for another boys party last year. When I asked him who we wanted to invite, he still hadn't been in Kindergarten that long, so he named a bunch of boys from his preschool class last year. He did invite one boy from his Kindergarten class,but I never heard back from his mom (Kindergarten is a completely different when it comes to knowing the kids and their parents).  On the day of his birthday he brought cookies for his class, and then we had a family movie night where we watched Evan Almighty.

The next day was the party day.  We had 7 boys there all together and I think they had a blast. After one game of bowling (which seemed to go slow) we had some cake, opened presents, and then bowled some more. There was a lot of running around, a lot of laughter and being silly, and all in all a great time.

1st Birthday Party

We had a wonderful 1st birthday party for Nolan last weekend. Oma came over in the morning to help get some food ready and spend some time with Nolan and Olivia. Bapa and Nana came over and got Tyler and Carter to hang out at their campsite with Griffin, Noah, and Faith. Nolan took his naps perfectly and woke up right before party time. He seemed to enjoy his dinner and his opening his gifts, but he LOVED his cake. Justin made a monkey cake for our little monkey, and Nolan got his own monkey face to smash up. He destroyed the cake before shoving it in his mouth - so fun! He also loved playing on the trampoline. We made all the big kids get off of their could be baby time on the tramp with Avery and Savannah. Nolan had a blast, as did the two girls. Nolan also just loved getting to crawl all over the backyard to his delight. We are so blessed to have so many great friends who came down to celebrate his birthday and to meet Olivia. It was a great day!

Savannah's Party

Last weekend we headed up to Broomfield to go celebrate Savannah's first birthday. She was adorable as always in her tutu! It was a great party - after we had some yummy food and cake and watched her open her gifts we all got in the pool. At their complex they actually have a baby pool as well, which was great. Nolan loved standing and splashing in the pool. Carter mostly stayed in the bigger pool with Justin and Heather. Jumping away and swimming all over. I love watching him enjoy the water so much! We tried a life vest with Tyler, but he was still very cautious. He mostly played in the baby pool as well with some of the other kids. I was happy to see him go up to kid he doesn't know and just start conversations with them. Hopefully one day that confidence will transition to swimming as well.  We had such a great time and can't believe its been a year since Savannah was born - happy birthday beautiful girl!

4th of July

Happy 4th of July!! We had a pretty low key day. We did some work around the house and ran some errands. We were playing it by ear of what we would do that night. I wasn't sure how hot it would be and we weren't sure if we would want to brave the crowds or not. I am glad we did however! We ended up going to see the fireworks at the Air Force Academy.  Because I am 9 months pregnant they let us park very close so we didn't have to walk far. We didn't head up there til 8 pm, but we still had plenty of time to do everything. They had free bounce houses for the kids, which of course they loved. They also had a car show going on which Justin loved. Then we went into the stadium and got great seats about 30 minutes before the show was suppose to begin. We listened and danced to some music and then they played the 1812 Overture and shot off the cannons. The boys thought those were pretty loud. Then the show started. It was pretty spectacular! Nolan looked a little bit, but he was very tired at that point and got cranky half way through. Tyler and Carter seemed to enjoy them as well, but they did both mention that it was loud. It did take forever to get out of the stadium, but besides that it was a great night!

Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day weekend started off very nice. I had a baby shower to go to in Denver on Saturday afternoon, so we took the opportunity to go up a little early together as a family and do some shopping. We went to Park Meadows for the whole purpose of getting the boys new crocs for the summer. We also ate some lunch, found some cute clothes for Olivia, and found out the mall also has a lego store! Not much better than that for Tyler. He loved looking at all the legos, and even more exciting they had the Star Wars Death Star model built for everyone to look at. He was disappointed we didn't get to buy any legos, but got over it so we could throw pennies in the fountains. Before dropping me off at the shower we had a ice cream treat. While I was at the shower the boys got to go to a new playground in Larkspur, which they said was the best park ever. It is filled with tons structures to climb on, and not much is better than that.

On Sunday we had planned on doing some yard work and then taking a family hike as it was a gorgeous day. However on Saturday night I caught a stomach bug so most of Sunday I stayed in bed while Justin handled the boys. I was given cards and they had gotten me cinnamon rolls, but they enjoyed those on their own. By Sunday night I was feeling better, the boys had a fun day of playing outside the entire day, and Justin worked on the sprinklers and took care of the boys all day including going grocery shopping. So even though I was sick, I still had quite the nice Mother's Day - thank you boys!!!!

Moms and Muffins

Last week I got to have Moms and Muffins in the morning with Tyler's preschool class and then have a Mother's day Tea that afternoon with Carter's class. Both were very cute and fun. For Tyler's we got to eat some muffins, watch the class perform a song, hear a story and receive our gifts. The story Mrs Goodman read was Guess How Much I Love You, which is  book that I have read the boys many times. When the last line was read "I love you to the moon and back" Tyler tells everyone "that's how much my mom loves me".  He then gave me a photo holder that he painted for me.



For Carter's they provided us a light lunch to eat with our kids. The class first performed a couple of songs and then read a story, then it was time to eat. Carter was very excited to eat his chocolate sandwich (nutella). He gave me a little jewelry box he painted with a heart shaped pin he also painted and decorated inside of it.  It was very sweet and I loved spending my morning with my boys!

Easter

Happy Easter! We had a wonderful Easter together as a family. For once the boys slept in, so I hated waking them up to get ready for church, but we did. Tyler and Carter were in the service with us for the first time, while we put Nolan in the nursery as usual. The boys did pretty well. When the band started playing Carter covered his ears saying it was to loud, but got over it pretty quickly. By the middle of the second song he was standing in the aisle to see the band better. They got to go up and hear the Children's sermon and received and empty Easter egg to represent the empty tomb. Tyler came back to his seat and colored some pictures. Carter decided he didn't want to color pictures and then got upset when his egg came apart. Justin had to take him out once and sit with him along the wall so he wouldn't disturb anyone. Tyler however did great. He drew one picture of the three crosses and an empty tomb with Jesus' cloths in it, one picture of Jesus in the tomb before he went to heaven and Jesus had a very big heart), and one picture of a boy who loves Jesus. Wonderful to see!
After the service we came home, took some pictures, let the boys get their baskets, and had a small indoor egg hunt as there was snow on the ground. Then we went over to Seth and Leah's for dinner. A very relaxing and great family day!

Christmas in Montrose

Sorry it has taken me so long to update this! On Wednesday night the Chicago Pedersons came into town. It was nice to hang out with them some before we all headed to Montrose on Thursday when Justin got off of work. We were worried that the mountain passes would be bad, but they weren't too bad and we still made decent time. We didn't even stop until he hit Gunnison where we met with the Gunnison Pedersons and Nana and Bapa. We had dinner there and then us, Nana, Aunt Dana, and Zac headed to Montrose while everyone else stayed back to ski on Friday.
The boys had a blast playing with their cousins. We went on nice long walks, watched movies, played games, and just hung out. On Christmas morning the boys were so excited to see what Santa brought. However they waited patiently for everyone to make it downstairs before tearing into their stockings.  The rest of Christmas day was just hanging out, lots of lego building for  Tyler, and puzzles for Carter, and a very yummy Christmas dinner.  All the grandchildren took family pictures with Nana and Bapa one day and we went back to Ouray's hot springs, which once again the boys loved. We ended up leaving on Tuesday afternoon because of a snow storm that was headed into town. Once again all the kids did great on the ride home and we made good time missing the storm. The Chicago Pedersons stayed one more night at our house before we said by to them the next morning. It was really great seeing everyone and letting all the cousins play together, just wish it could happen more often.

Christmas at Home

We had  a quiet Christmas at home with the five of us before the chaos of company arriving and heading to Montrose. We opened all our gifts from each other, from Oma and Opa, and from their cousins from my side. The boys were very excited to give their gifts to each other. Tyler had picked out a Oso toy for Carter and Carter picked out a Monster truck for Tyler. They both gave Nolan some balls, which they loved opening for him and showing them to him.  We were all completely spoiled with gifts and the boys have been playing with them non stop since. After opening we skyped with Oma and Opa to thank them and the playing ensued. It was very nice just to have some time with just us, as that will be a rarity with all the cousins around in Montrose.

Christmas Program

On Thursday the boys had their Christmas program at school. They were at the same time in different rooms so Justin and I had to split up. Justin went to Tyler's with the still camera and took some video with that and I went to Carter's with the video camera so I don't have as many pictures of him. I am told Tyler did very well and he told me he had a lot of fun. After the program he gave Justin his gift, which was and angel made out of his foot and hand prints and some ornaments he made. Carter did very well also, but when it was time to sing his bell was stuck so he was more concerned about that than actually singing. He then gave me his gift, which was a ornament with his picture in it - very cute. I was very excited to see their programs as the boys wouldn't tell me what they had made or what they would sing as it was a secret. Both boys then sang happy birthday to Jesus with their class and had some birthday cake, along with lots of other good food. We are now on Christmas break until January 6th and everyday the boys ask me if they can go back to school yet.

Cookies and Fireman

We did our annual tradition of making Christmas cookies to hand out to the fireman. The boys did a great job of decorating them this year. As we were on our way to the fire station Carter, who was carrying the tin of cookies, dropped them on the garage floor. The boys were immediately upset. So we headed to the store, bought some cookies there, and headed to the station. As always the fireman were very gracious and let us look at the engines. Carter just helped himself and climbed into everything. Tyler was a little better and asked before climbing in. Its always a special treat to go by the fire house.

Something Significant for Christmas

Since we already did a toy drive this month we decided we would do something different instead of the Angel Trees for the kids to give at Christmas. We want the boys to know how blessed they are to get to live where they live. That around the world there are kids who don't even have water or food to eat, let alone any toys. Every year our church puts out a catalog called Something Significant for Christmas. In it are ways to give money to help mission groups and the needy all over the world. Tyler, our animal lover, wants to give baby chicks and goats for families so they can raise them  and then use the eggs and milk for money.  Carter wants to buy drinking water for a children for a whole year so that they can drink cold water like he loves to . We decided Nolan would give the gift of a hospital delivery for a mom in India. The boys are very excited about this. I am a little worried that since they aren't doing anything tangible (like actually handing out the gift) they wouldn't get it as much, but I think they do. I love that they each picked out something important to them as well.

Breakfast in Bethleham

Our church had a program called Breakfast in Bethlehem. All families were invited to come for a pancake breakfast and then watch a Christmas play. When we got there all the kids got a bag of goodies. Inside each bag were crafts for the kids to do and props that they would use for the play. Carter was somewhat cranky at first, but once he got over that both boys loved making their crafts and eating their pancakes. They also saw some friends from their classes at school so that was fun as well. One of Tyler's friends actually insisted on sitting by him during the play.
During the play the boys used their sheep puppets they made to be the sheep for the shepherds, the had angel halos for when the angels came,. crowns for the three kings and then had flashlight to show the kings how to get to baby Jesus. It was very fun and I hope they do it again next year - it would be a great tradition!

Christmas Time

We have been getting ready for Christmas around here! The boys insist on listening to Christmas music whenever we are in the car and can't wait to go look at all the Christmas lights. Since we will be in Montrose at Christmas we put up our artificial tree on Saturday after Thanksgiving. The boys had a great time seeing all their old ornaments and putting them up on the tree. The also enjoyed "helping" me decorate and seeing their stockings.

We also took out out advent calendar, which has some part of the Nativity in each box (a sheep, a star, Mary, etc). The boys love taking a piece out each day and placing it on the manger scene. At the Christmas program we went to we also made countdown chains to Christmas. Each piece of chain has a part of the story of Christ Birth on it. The boys have enjoyed listening to that as well everyday. Justin and I wrapped all the gifts and pout them under three. The boys are asking if everyday is Christmas so that they can open their gifts. I thought the countdown chain and their advent calendar would help with this, but I guess not. Either way its always fun to watch this time of year through their eyes.

Costumes

So I realize you can't really see the boys costumes in the other posts, so here ya go!

and yes Tyler had to pose like a police officer!

Happy Halloween!

We had a fun, relaxing halloween around here. Instead of trick or treating at night, we decided we would go down to Old Colorado City instead. That way they could trick or treat during the day at the stores where its a lot safer, a lot warmer, and we can still go to bed on time. All pros to me! It was also a lot less crowded this year which was very nice. Tyler was a little upset we weren't going out at night, but got over it pretty quickly. While we were trick or treating Tyler didn't seem to enjoy it that much, although whenever we asked he said he was having fun. Eventually he said he was tired and wanted to go home. As soon as we were in the car however he was fine again. I am not sure what that was all about. Carter did a great job of saying trick or treat and thank you to everyone nice and loud. This was a great turnaround from the kid who was crying about having to put his costume on and go as we were trying to leave. Nolan got a lot of "awws" while he slept in the stroller in his bear costume.

Celebration!

Since Nolan was in the hospital the morning of his birthday, we didn't get to do all the things we would have done for Carter's birthday. Instead once we were all home (and Justin ran to the store to buy them) Carter got to open his presents. He loved the race track we got him and the poster he gets to color from Nolan. He also like the Handy Manny workshop Tyler picked out for him.  We would have gone out to dinner for him, but we didn't want Nolan around people so I asked Carter what he wanted me to make instead. At first he wanted lasagna, but when Tyler complained he changed it to sausage and macaroni and cheese (he is always thinking of others). We finally did go out to eat at Red Robin on Thursday night. He loved getting sung to, but loved the ice cream even more. On Saturday he chose to go bowling as his special activity. After bowling 3 frames he decided it was boring and then just ran around the bowling alley. At one point he laid down under the table and declared he would take a nap. Tyler had fun at least. He then bowled his last frame of the game. He should have gotten to eat his Lightening McQueen cake that Justin made for him, but because of behavior issues that got taken away last night. Hopefully today he can enjoy his cake. While he didn't get to have a normal birthday he was very gracious and never complained. I felt bad about it, but Carter didn't seem to mind. Such a wonderful boy he is!!!

Celebration

 For Tyler's birthday this year we kept it very low key with just our family of five. On Thursday he got to bring cupcakes to school and pick where we went to dinner that night. Justin also came home early so we got some nice family time in the afternoon. Before we went to dinner Tyler opened his presents. He was very excited to get the cement truck he saw at Costco 10 days earlier and had been asking for every day since. He also really like the helicopter that Carter picked out for him and the wood plane he could color from Nolan.  The we were headed off to Red Robin  where his favorite part was the wait staff singing to him.

On Saturday he got to pick a family activity to do. Tyler picked putt-putt and we all had a great time. Nolan rode along in the front pack and we played 18 holes. At first Tyler would swing like a hockey player, but by the end of the 18 holes he had it down. From there he picked Chili's for lunch and then we ran a few errands. When we got home the boys watched Justin decorate Tyler's cake. He chose a purple dump truck this year with dirt in the bucket and dirt on the ground. I made him his favorite dinner - macaroni and cheese with sausage and then we had his cake for dessert. All in all a very nice birthday for our five year old!!!!

4th of July

We used the 4th of July long weekend to get the rest of the painting done in the kitchen/living room/hallways. On Saturday Justin did all the prep work and the ceiling. Heather also came over which was a great help. On Sunday we did the walls. The boys helped for a little bit as well. However at the end of the day when we were looking at the paint we noticed some of it looked darker. We then noticed the paint can lids had different formulas for the paint tint on them. Lowe's gave us two cans of free paint for their mistake, but next weekend will now be another weekend of painting.

On Sunday night we went and picked up the glider rocker and the last of the baby items we needed. We then met Heather and went down to Manitou Springs for fireworks. It sprinkled a little bit, but for the most part the rain stayed away. The show wasn't as big as we are used too - only lasted 5 minutes or so, but it was still nice. Carter seemed to really enjoy it. Tyler says he did but asked to go home during the whole show.

Monday we relaxed so Justin would have at least one day off. We cleaned up some of the painting stuff, but still left all the tape on and worked some on Nolan's room. Carter also had swim lessons and he was the only one there for his class. Half way thru we wanted to leave but then his teacher brought him to the other pool where he got to jump in and he seemed to enjoy that more. While we had hoped to have more accomplished this weekend it was still a nice family weekend at home.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Father's day to Justin! You are a great father and the boys and I are so blessed because of you!!!

We had a pretty nice Father's Day weekend and Justin was great about getting all the things done that I am starting to stress about before baby Nolan gets here (yes we have a name, Nolan Isaac). On Saturday we painted the whole nursery, ceiling and all, and put in the new fan and outlets. On Sunday Justin was nice enough to put up the crib, changing table, and letters, and run many errands. We finally bought the car seat and ordered a glider rocker for the room. We also went on the birth center tour. More for the boys than anything. However it has been remodeled since we had Carter and it is much nicer. I will have a private room the entire time - very excited for that! Last night Justin finished up the baby's room by putting up the new blinds, valance and helping me with the bedding. I will get pictures up soon! Thanks again honey for being such a great dad and husband, and for doing projects for me on you special day, you are the best!