Our Little Graduate

Blake graduated from preschool this past Friday. He was so excited for graduation, I think that I really built it up for him because he was getting tired of going to school and kept wanting it to be over. I told him it was not over until he graduated and that was the best part.

He had a little part where he and 3 other kids got to sing a special song, he was not real excited about being in the spotlight so he was barely moving his lips. I can't believe that it's over and he will be heading off to kindergarten but now we have a full summer ahead of us with T-ball, a pool pass, swimming lessons, and soccer to keep us busy in the mean time.

Luke's 1st Birthday!!

Luke is ONE!! I can't believe that our baby is already a year old. On Wednesday we had a little party for him. We did the classic give him a cake and see what happens, and this little eating machine did not let us down. He dove into the cake with no problem and had a great time. On Blakes first birthday he would not eat it unless he had a fork so this was all new for Chad and I. But because he his such a good eater and there is not much he will turn down we knew this cake eating thing would be a success!! Happy Birthday big man and thanks for all the loves and laughs you have brought to us this past year.

St. George Fun

(Birds eye view of what we just went through)

Before and after the guys tri we were able to squeeze in some fun while in St. George. We were able to do some swimming which was really good for Blake, he finally learned that his life jacket would keep him floating and he could enjoy the water just as much as everyone else. Up until this point he has not been a fan of water that went passed his knees so he made huge improvements this year already. After he got a bit of confidence he was off and we could not get him to get out of the pool! Then Jessica told us about this little hike where the rocks were split called "fat man's crack" (not making that one up, although I wish I was). We had to shimmie ourselves between these two rocks and see if we could make it. I heard that some people do this in the dark..crazy! But everyone that attempted it made it through.

SG TRI

Chad finally made it to our big event for the summer, the St. George Tri. We had a lot of fun basking in the warm weather. We went a few days early and made a little vacation out of it. Chad and his brothers Craig and Dan competed in this Tri. They were going to do their first open water swim but the weather did not cooperate. It was very windy and they sent out the first set of swimmers and then ended up postponing it for a while then they decided to cancel the swim all together and said that it was not safe. I was really glad because I was a bit nervous for him to do the swim and then when I got there and saw the water condition it made things worse. But we got some classic photos of the guys in their wetsuits and I'm sure they could not have asked for more!

My New "Patio"

We have this lovely mud hole on the side of our house and because we are in the back of our complex we have this private area that no one else has, and no one cares to do anything about because it is in the back. So I really wanted to do something about this wasted space. So I started building myself a patio. Then Chad came out and asked what I was doing and when I told him he started to laugh and I think he thought I was joking. When he realized I was serious he then took over the project, which was probably a good thing. We started some of it last Monday night, but of course we did not have time to finish, so I thought that during Luke's nap I would go out and finish up but after I called Chad about 20 times that morning at work asking what I should do next, he decided that he better take the day off and come home. I don't have very good patience at all when I get something on my mind I just have to get it done. So instead of training for his St. George Tri he was hauling patio pavers and working with me breathing over his shoulder, not to mention that Blake and Luke wanted to be involved.

Before

After

I think that it turned out really good. I told Blake we could get a little sandbox or something for him and Luke to play with. Blake's suggestion was to get a hammock, but it would take up the entire thing, so I am slowly talking him out of that one. But at least we now have a place to BBQ and hang and enjoy the summer nights. So thanks Chad it looks great and I love it! Thanks for dealing with me and my "I want it now" attitude! I hope there is still time to get some kind of a workout in.

Telos Timp Triathlon

This is priceless....Chad in spandex!!

Chad now has a new love and it's Triathlons. He has been training for these crazy things since about August of last year. He has been able to do these with his brothers. He first started doing these with Craig but soon they got Danny to join in the madness. Watch out Kevin and Casey you're next. This Tri was the second one that he has done and he loves them. This last one he did he placed really well, I think that he was 25 over all and 8th in his age division, and he even beat his time from the last one. Go Chad!! He has a big one coming up this next weekend in St. George and this time he will have to do the swim in open water something he has not done yet. Our friend Casey got them into Triathlons, he does them all the time and has taken 1st place in both that Chad has done. Chad has been so dedicated to working out and training he has even lost about 25lbs. But now I am starting to feel like I need to workout and get into shape, so my new goal is to train for a 5k. We will see, I am the type of person that likes to workout only when the weather is warm, and so far it's still cold...so maybe when we move to a warmer climate!

MOAB--Spring Break

For spring break we went to Moab. We met up with Chad's parents, Danny, Jessica, Craig, Kristi, Savannah, and Justin. Kevin, Stephanie, and Jackson were going to come but they thought getting sick would be more fun. (we missed you guys, and are glad you are feeling better)

We did a little camping, a little ATV-ing, and a little exploring. Chad went out with the guys Friday morning for a ride on a trail called Fins n' Things and Porcupine Rim, I'm sure these trails were not my style so I am very glad I didn't go. Later that day we were able to take Blake and do a little ATV trail called Chicken Corners, and that trail was definitely my style. (Thanks Cheryl for watching Luke)

Blake's favorite part of the trail was going through the water, he loves to get splashed! The next day we were able to take in some good eats at the Moab Diner. Good food, although I think some were disappointed with the "green chili burger" or "burger and soup" combo, but the chocolate ice cream was to die for and they even let Blake order just a cup of whipped cream for dessert!! My lunch came with a Snickers on the side, you can never go wrong with that!! We then headed up Castle Valley road and came to an edge of the Colorado River where Blake and Savannah could get a little playing in there way---with MUD!! They had a blast and were very entertaining for the rest of us to watch. We had so much fun and I can't wait to do more this summer.