Family Weekend

We has a great weekend as a family. On Saturday we took the boys out for a bike ride. Nana brought Noah's bike with no pedals up for Carter to use in hopes that maybe he would ride that when she came and visited last week. Tyler also got new knee and elbow pads from Nana for his birthday so the boys were very excited to go. We went to the elementary school by our house in hopes that a big open space would help the boys. Tyler did very well riding his, only needing help a few times to get started. Carter walked on Noah's bike for long enough for me to get a few pictures before he was done. We then played on the playground before running some errands and heading home. That afternoon Justin took the boys to a local high school football game while I got my haircut. The boys were tired of the game as I was finishing up my haircut so I went to get Tyler and Carter so Justin would watch the rest of the game.

On Sunday afternoon we headed up to Cripple Creek to see the aspens. They haven't all changed yet but it was still beautiful to see. In Cripple Creek we stopped to get some ice cream before heading back down and taking some pictures. When we were out of the car the boys wanted to go hiking. Unfortunately they were in flip flops so we didn't go to far. We got some nice pictures however. Now that high school football season has started its not common that we have the whole weekend together where Justin isn't working. It was a wonderful weekend spent together.

Family Fun Night

Last night at Tyler's preschool they had a Family Fun Night. Both boys were so excited to go, even though they had no idea what they would do there. They had dinner for everyone and the boys really liked that they got to eat Cheetos. Then we went onto all the activities. The boys loved the bounce house, wanting to go on it again and again. They also had a place to make beaded necklaces. Tyler loved his, Carter made his and then took all the beads off before declaring he was done. They also had a beanbag throw into pumpkins, which they boys really liked that they got candy from. Then they had a place to get tattoos and decorate cookies. However the favorite was the elusive cake walk. We donated one item for the cake walk and came home with 4. The boys would have liked to bring home even more. We all had a great time. The best part however was Tyler recognizing new friends from his class. He knows a few friends from the church, but he was really excited to see his new friends there. He would see someone and say "mom look they are from my new school!" He would then shyly go over and say hello. His old friends he played with as well, with no shyness at all. Since the preschool is at the church the boys have been going to for almost 3 years now Carter also knew quite a lot of friends. Being the more outgoing one, he would go right up and wave and start a conversation. Justin really enjoyed seeing them interact with other kids. Quite a sight indeed.

Sick Week

This has been a crazy week in the Pederson house. Besides celebrating Tyler's birthday we have been dealing with a couple of sick boys. First Tyler got the stomach bug on Saturday night into Sunday morning. By Sunday night however he was feeling fine so off to church we went. After coming home from church on Monday and after naps Carter got the stomach bug. By Tuesday morning he too seemed better so we headed off for Tyler's birthday celebration.

When we got back from Red Robin that night, while we were eating cake, Carter was acting very tired. I figured it was just because it was so late and from all the sugar. We went to church the next morning and everything seemed fine. Except at church Carter wouldn't eat all day and just seemed sad. As soon as we got home he got sick again. So I stayed home Thursday, and he was just fine. I think we are officially over it. However the after effects are not. Tyler has now become terrified of becoming sick (it was quite the process on Saturday night) and anytime his tummy hurts he gets very upset thinking he will be sick again. I am hoping the terrified phase will be over soon and we can get back to our healthy happy family.

The Celebration

On Tuesday Justin took off of work so we could have a family day to celebrate Tyler's 4th birthday. Because it was snowing we had to do something indoors. Tyler decided he wanted to go to Mr Biggs. It had been quite a while since we had gone. While we were there we were the only ones there. The boys still had a great time, but it was somewhat odd being the only ones in the building. Tyler loved the fire truck the best. He also liked shooting the balls around the ball room. Carter however did not like the sound of the air guns. After Mr Biggs we had a quick lunch at McDonald's (Tyler's choice) and then home from naps.

For dinner we met up with Heather for dinner at Red Robin. Tyler loved that they all sang to him and he got ice cream. If that wasn't enough sugar we came home, where Leah and Seth met us, to have an ambulance cake made by Justin, ice cream, and open presents. The boys had a great time and it was such a nice low key birthday. Tyler did ask why more people didn't come to his party. We reminded him to be thankful for the people who did come. Overall I think he would say his birthday was pretty darn good. Of course bringing cupcakes to preschool the next day was pretty special too!

Four!

How could it be four years? I can remember this time four years ago so well. Every minute of it is etched in my mind. How excited we were to finally meet you. How daddy cried the first time you were placed in his arms. How much I missed you if someone else was holding you. How so unaware we were of how our lives would be changed for the better forever.

And here we are four years later. And we are just as excited to see what this year will bring. Daddy now cries by laughing so hard at the things you say and I miss you while you are at school, real school! And once again we have no idea the blessing that will be given to us through you in the years to come.

This past year has been a whirlwind. You have taken us on adventure after adventure with the stories you come up with. We have rode on buses together all over town, gone to the zoo to feed the hippos and break up bear fights, fought fires to help save the house, and adopted a baby hippo Alli, all from our living room. Not that we don't leave the house. You love to go places, whether it be the actual zoo (still your favorite) to the mall, or even just to the store, you love to be on the go.

And when we are at home you would be happiest outside running. Go Go Go. That is what you do best. You love to go on walks, as long as you get to run on them. You love to play baseball, but running the bases is your favorite part. You love to play football as well, especially when we run to tackle.

And when we have a few moments of stillness in our house we will find you building away with your legos, lincoln logs, or any other toy you can find to make buildings, roads, and towns for all your cars and trucks. You still love to read as well. However recently reading has taken a different turn. You now love to read every letter in every word and are trying to sound the words out.

If you are reading we usually find you reading to your best friend, who is of course still Carter. Why yes you have your occasional fights when you each want the same toy, but for the most part you are two peas in a pod. More often than not you two are playing together. You are drawing him into your stories so he can play along. You help him do the puzzles when he gets stuck. And you are always looking out for him to make sure he is doing what he is suppose to be doing.

You are so helpful. Always willing to do your chores and even getting upset if we forget and do them ourselves. You are also offering to do Carter's for him whenever he doesn't (you have learned that it is nice to get Carter's earnings as well). You still love to help me around the house and help daddy around the yard.

I can't get over how grown up you are. When you bring home the work you have done at school I can't believe its yours (you are writing letters so neatly!). When I see the empathy you have for others, the generous heart you have and your inquisitive mind I am always taken aback. My little baby has grown into a wonderful young boy. I love you Tyler bug. Happy Birthday!

Tyler's 4th Birthday Video Montage

Here is the video montage I made for Tyler's fourth birthday - enjoy!

Kindness

In preschool every month they work on a character trait from the Bible. They talk about it in class everyday and then have more in depth in Chapel once a week. This month is kindness. When I ask Tyler about it he doesn't go into to much detail, but I am already seeing the fruits of it. The mornings can always be a little hectic. The boys usually do pretty well but I always have to ask a couple of times to really get them moving. The boys were up way early this morning, which usually means a disaster of the rest of the morning. However I would ask Tyler to get dressed and he went and got dressed. I reminded him to come upstairs to brush his teeth and up he came. I told him we couldn't finish his puzzle until after school and all I got was an "ok mommy". Wonderful morning. He has also been reminding Justin and I to say sorry when we raise our voice or when Justin says "bad words" when watching football. The boys think God Bless America is a bad word. He also reminded me today to adjust my attitude. Tyler still has his moments of bad attitudes, going crazy where he can't control himself, and other acts of disobedience, but must say he is having a great week over all. Life is good.

Nana Visits!

Nana came to visit for part of the week. The boys had a wonderful time with Nana doing new puzzles that Nana brought (they did them over and over again), reading books, and playing with her. Every morning they would argue over who would be the one that got to wake Nana up. When we got home from church on Thursday to find that Nana went back home the boys were very sad. We can never get enough Nana time in! Thanks for coming Nana!

First Day

Well it's here. It's something I had been dreading and was very bittersweet for sure. It came and it went, and I am in awe once again of how big my baby is. Tyler had his very first first day of school. When I got him from his room this morning his first words to me were "mom I don't want to go to preschool". Luckily the attitude turned around and he was excited to go. Since I was working this morning he spent a little while in my classroom before it was time to go. He kept asking when it would be time and when it finally was time I have never seen him get up so fast. When we got there he said a very quiet hi to his teacher and then asked me to stay for a little bit. As soon as I brought him over to the airplanes he was fine for me to go. I was so proud of how big he was being, I however shed a few tears. When Carter and I picked him (Carter was more excited than me to get him) I was told he had a great first day. Seeing him come out of his classroom cause a few more teary eyes on my part, but he told me he liked preschool and wanted to go back. I have heard bits about his day, but it comes at odd times. I am hoping we will be able to get into a routine where I can hear everyday detail and it will be that way to his very last first day of school. A mom can dream right?

Open House

Tyler had his open house to meet his new teacher yesterday. He was very excited to carry his school supplies in. When he got there he was very quiet. We went over and made his place mat that he would have snack off everyday. His teacher, Mrs. Obernessor, asked him about the different pictures and Tyler answered in a very quiet voice. Then we went and explored the room. He really liked that they had a lot of airplanes and helicopters. He didn't want to stop playing, but he also had his fingers in his mouth (a sign that he is nervous and overwhelmed). He knows some of the kids in his class so he said hi to them but mostly stayed by himself. By the time we left he still wouldn't speak to his teachers, but is very excited to come back.

That night when Tyler was telling Justin all about the open house Carter got very sad. When we asked Carter what was wrong he said he was going to miss Tyler when he was at school and then he started crying. So sweet! Tyler gave him a hug and told him he would miss him too. Tyler and Justin then left to get supplies to decorate Tyler's bucket that he will use as a backpack. It took Carter a while to come around but we eventually had a fun night of games, puzzles, and a popscile. Carter really felt better when Tyler came back with a special toy just for Carter. I can't get over how much I love seeing how good of friends they are.

Favorite Things

Just some of my favorite things that have been going on the past few days:

• Carter has always been a social guy. However now instead of just saying hello to everyone he knows, he also wants to know their name. Whenever we see anyone walking down the street, at the check out at the store, or even dogs running around the neighborhood he asks what their name is. The other day we had a repairman come over. Carter went and asked his name. The guy turned to him said his name was Joe and then right back on talking to me. Carter didn't even say his name back so I figured he got distracted. The moment Justin pulled into the driveway Carter runs to him and says "daddy Joe was here to fix the garage." I guess he was listening.
• Carter was having a major tantrum over nothing. We were trying to ignore it. Tyler yells from downstairs "mom Carter is still crying!". When I told him to ignore him Tyler yells back up "mom he is to loud I can't hear you.". Then a few minutes later "mom Carter is still crying I think he needs a cuddle." He then went to Carter and tried to convince him to come cuddle with me.
• At night when putting the boys to bed we let them play quietly in their room as long as they are not being destructive, staying in their room, and being quiet. We usually find Carter on the floor by a stack of books fast asleep. Other times we have found him halfway under his bed or even by the door. This one took the cake though. I guess Carter had to have his boots on before he could fall asleep.
• Speaking of boots, usually Tyler wants to wear his fire hat whenever we go out. At times he must also wear his coat and boots. Carter follows along with Tyler, but with his own little flair. We have been painting all weekend and had to have a quick run to Lowes. Carter was still in his pajamas and didn't want to get dressed. So into Lowes he wore his pj's, his Crocs (which we always wears on the wrong feet), his fire hat on backwards and his sunglasses. Styling dude.
• Like I said we have been busy painting all weekend. The boys were trying to help us finish putting the last outlet covers back on. Tyler, carrying around a screwdriver, announces "I need something to screw!"
• The boys have become very fond of Ray Charles. Tyler asks me whenever we get into the car to listen to the yellow c.d. (the Ray Charles c.d.). Yesterday he told me he knows two of the songs from it that he can sing along to. However they both have a favorite that they burst out into song at any given time "I Have a Woman". All of a sudden we will hear one of them start singing "I have a woman, way over town, she's good to me, oh yeah".
  

Date Night

On Wednesday night I had a date night with Tyler and Justin had a "dude night" with Carter. First Tyler and I went to get his haircut for school. I was so proud of him. He did not cry or even whine during the whole process. He would try to get his head away from the clippers a couple of times but once I reminded him he would sit straight up again. From there we headed to Red Robin, his choice, for dinner. He insisted that we sit on the same side of the booth and he loved that I let him eat as many fries as he wanted. After Red Robin we were going to go get Tyler's school supplies. He was so excited about this that he only ate two slices of his pizza.

When we got to the store he wanted me to pick out the supplies but he would put them in the cart. Then my favorite part of the night happened. We were walking down one of the aisles and Tyler says to me "Mommy I love you a whole lot" and gave me the biggest hug. Such a sweet heart he is. After grabbing a few more things we headed home to see Carter and daddy who had a fun dude night of pizza and loading the van with some stuff Justin would be bringing to the Stillmans the next day. I had a great time with my little man.

Sweet Heart

Just a quick little Tyler story that melted my heart. I was in a sad mood yesterday and Tyler could tell. He asked me what I was sad about (he was very concerned). I told him and his response to me was " you can pray to Jesus about that. Why don't you do that now ok?" I hope that is who he will turn to whenever he is sad.