Everett turns FOUR!!

Janika and Brandon were in town this weekend, along with Brandon's family, and so it worked out well to celebrate Everett's 4th birthday! They had purchased a little bike and had it shipped to our house so that Grandpa could put it together before they came. 

In the morning Everett woke up to balloons falling from his door. Then he opened a few presents from his mom and dad and the magnet set from us. Then he went outside for a surprise -- a new bike!! They decided to to skip the training wheels since he was already used to his little strider bike (with no pedals). It didn't take him long to pick it up. A day or so later, after they returned back home, they sent videos of Everett whizzing around on his new bike!

All of Brandon's family were in town staying at a condo and they all came over for the birthday party. Janika and Brandon picked up pizza and a big personalized birthday cake from Costco. We even had a very special visit from Spiderman!!! He was a HUGE hit!! He played games outside with Everett and his cousins and did a few tricks on the tramp! 

Then we came in for pizza, pop, lemonade, and birthday cake! Then all of the kids went swimming!! After the party all of the adults went to Tuacahn to see Les Mis and Audrey Williams came over to babysit Everett and Callan. Jenna babysat the other kids over at the condo. Fun day!! 

Click HERE for the album with the pictures and videos!! 

Happy Birthday Josh!!

Josh turned four today!!  He is such a cutie.  I wish I could tell you that the frustration, impatience, crying, and screaming that seem to pop up so often with Josh were a thing of the past.  However, it is still something we are struggling with a least a few times a day.  At least he is finally potty trained (and has been for several months) and that is GREAT news!  We love Josh.  He has his moments, but he can also be the sweetest kid ever.  It is so fun to follow him around and listen to his cute conversations.  He plays so well with Jaiden and the little neighbor kids.  They play outside for hours.  It is so wonderful to see him achieving some independence!  He also loves to play starfall on the computer (www.starfall.com).   He thinks he has to be the first one finished at everything (first one dressed, first one with his teeth brushed, first one with his PJ's on, first one to receive hugs and kisses...)   We try to at least let him think he was first to avoid the above mentioned dilemmas.  Happy Birthday Josh!  We love you!

P.S.  Josh helped make the cake and that is why his shirt is covered in chocolate.  The only sprinkles we had on hand were green ones -- which don't look very appetizing on a chocolate cake!  Josh insisted on choosing the candles (with two yellow ones) and put them all in a neat little line...easier to blow out that way!

Happy Birthday Jaiden!

Today Jaiden turned FOUR! Rick went into her room in the morning with a loud, "Happy Birthday!" She said, "I don't feel bigger or older. Do I look four?" I said, "Yes you do!" She exclaimed, "Let me go see!" and she ran towards the bathroom. She stood on her tiptoes and looked in the mirror and reached for the faucet. "I can reach it -- I AM four!" (Whew!)

Janika, her friend Madison, Jase, and I cooked a big breakfast in honor of Jaiden's birthday. We ate bacon, sausage, eggs, and purple pancakes!

Jaiden loves stuffed animals and dolls and she got a whole bunch for her birthday. (As if she needs any more -- her bed is already covered in them. I am not sure where she sleeps.) I got all of the toys from a neighbors garage sale a couple of weeks ago (Shhh! Don't tell! I got the entire load for under $5.00!) We even got the cake for free. Okay, so I did pick up a cute little pink swimsuit from Target too. Jaiden wanted to go swimming on her birthday. It was so cool last week (I am definitely NOT complaining about that!) that the kids weren't able to swim. But today was hot enough and so she got her wish.

Jaiden is such an ENERGETIC cutie! She loves to sit right next to Josh when they eat and is constantly right in his face (I am continually trying to teach her about respecting others' personal space but she doesn't understand that concept.) She is always running from one thing to another, dresses up in several different costumes a day, and always asks for "just one more drink," before she goes to bed. Jaiden is so playful and fun. I have a difficult time keeping up with her! She adds so much fun to our lives. We love you Jaiden -- Happy Birthday!!