Tour de Provo

Blake starting out the Tour de Provo

posing for the photographer

Chad and Luke at the "secret" duck pond

Luke was having a great time

Blake and Kirsti doing tricks along the way...Blakes form is much better then mine.
A few weeks ago we set out for a family bike ride along the Provo River Trail. We had a blast! This was the first time Blake was going to ride his bike more then just around the block. I was not sure how well he was going to do--but he did awesome!! We did about 8 miles round trip. It was very eventful, there were some steep hills and some narrow tunnels we had to take on and Blake held his own. He did run right into the wall the first tunnel we came too, then after that he learned the trick of using his brakes until half way down and then to peddle his heart out to get back up. We will definitely be doing this again so get your bikes ready and join us!

Tri Season's Here

It would not be summer without these two guys in their spandex! (Normally we have the three amigos...we miss you Dan!) They seem to not be able to get enough of it. I normally get more action shots then this but when I saw them coming down the hill on their bikes I put the camera down and started to cheer!
I did however get Chad coming in for the finish. But he could have done a wee better on his time if he hadn't stopped to high five the kids on his way in.

At the end of the tri the boys were so proud of their Dad. Blake couldn't wait to get a picture with Chad! On the way back to the car all Blake could talk about is when he was going to be able to do a triathlon with Chad. Maybe they will have to start out doing a relay team when Luke can join in the fun!

ZOO

The boys excited for our big day out! Luke enjoying the Rhino's from a safe distance Blake wanted his picture taken with EVERYTHING! Luke wishing the nightmare would end...not a chance, I paid money for that ride...he was going to ride it.

Blake the croc hunter

Little did I know we were taking advantage of the only good day we had this month and went to the zoo. The kids had a blast and the weather was perfect! Luke did not like to get to close to anything so keeping him in his stroller was easy. I was worried that taking the kids myself for the big day out was going to result in me asking myself once again why do I do this while Chad is at work? But this time it worked out great and I would even consider taking them again! Luke's favorite thing was the train ride and Blake's favorite was the snakes.

Kindergarten Graduation

For Blake's Kindergarten graduation the kids put on a huge program about an hour of songs with actions. Blake normally does not participate in these types of things, but man this time he was right on cue and had everything down. I was shocked! I was going to bring the video camera but then decided not to because I thought he would just be standing there bored waiting for the thing to end. Now I wished I would have--sure sent me a curve ball. the proud graduate

I love this picture!

More excited about his cookies and milk then his diploma.

The family photo...I started this at his preschool graduation and now it has become a tradition. This is what we will do at every graduation. Lucky for my kids it's only sixth grade....then high school...then college...then from their masters program. Really, I'm not asking that much.

Camping

A few weeks ago we went camping and had a great time! I forget how much fun my kids have being able to live in the dirt for a couple of days. It's like it's their natural element. We took the ATV and could not keep Luke off it. Thanks Craig and Kristi for planning your trip and letting us invite ourselves--always good times!

Blake & Luke enjoying the campfire
Kristi enjoying her s'more.

THEN...

Not so much anymore!
All the kiddo's

Luke's 2!

My little man made it to his 2nd birthday! Another year down...at this point I am just taking it one day at a time. He is lucky he is do darn cute because this kid is a monkey. He loves to push buttons with me and is very good at it. But he can also make me laugh more then anyone can too! So I guess it's a even trade. Gosh I love that little face!!

The monkey cupcakes

The gifts

Blowing out the candles...his favorite part!

Luke had a great birthday! He had so much fun playing with all of his cousins and getting some new toys. Blake keeps saying that Luke got better toys then he did--maybe he did? It was quite the task to find something Luke would enjoy, he doesn't care for toys much. So the toaster, microwave, and the BBQ grill are a hit! So the months of searching for something for Luke paid off--he is still playing with them a few days later.

Say What?

Blake has never really been a fan of dogs---he's been terrified! He was able to tolerate Reggie, Chad's families dog, but the minute Reggie got a haircut Blake no longer liked him until it grew out, then he was okay. Reggie passed away about a year and half ago, and things have gotten worse. To the point where we have been at a park and there is a dog within a mile of us and he is screaming and running away. I can't tell you how many times I have had a 5yr old climbing up to my face.

Chad's mom has wanted to get another dog ever since Reggie died. Chad's Dad finally gave in and got her another dog. I was so excited because then Blake was forced to face his fears. They ended up getting a puppy which is all the better because he still jumps and is a bit wild. The first time Blake met Rollie he did better then I thought but still was in tears. Later that night we decide to go back with Chad and see the dog one more time. He did much better and by the time we left he was begging to stay and play with the dog.

The next week we were at my brothers for spring break and I was nervous that all our prep might not work...it never has in the past. The minute we pulled up they were out in their front yard with their Lab Champ . Blake jumped right out and went right to the dog and started playing with him first. I was shocked!! Now I am saying things I never thought I would. Like: "put the dog down", "leave the dog alone", "no we can't take the dog home!". These two were buddies the whole trip. I am so glad that his fear of dogs is over. Thanks Grandpa for getting Grandma a dog! We would have never gotten over this without Rollie! I hope you get your new ATV soon!!