Easter

This year for Easter was my single-mom week. Chad was in St. Louis for work, so I was not on my game. I didn't do any of the things I normally do. No dying eggs, No new Easter outfits, No egg hunts. (I think I have started a new tradition) Thank goodness for Grandparents!! They were on their game, and went above and beyond for the kids for Easter. Thanks for picking up my slack. The boys had so much fun.

Austin loved shaking the eggs.

Luke obeyed the "just look" rule until he noticed Blake was having chocolate for breakfast. Then he quickly joined in.

Easter morning the boys were able to "look and not touch". There was no way I was going to take 3 boys all hyped up on sugar to church all by myself. Blake saw the Reese's Peanut Butter Egg and went to his happy place...the one where you can't hear mom talking anymore.

What is it about having to wear the basket on your head? Every year we have photos like this. Next year I am getting my kids Easter Bonnets. I think that is what they really want.

Grandma splurged and got the grandkids new Easter baskets. My boys loved that their names was written on it.

Uncle Casey putting the eggs just out of reach. It's more entertaining for us "adults" this way.

Austin cruising around

The little egg hunters.

Spring Break 2011--St. George

We packed our bags and headed for sunny St. George this year for Spring Break. We had so much fun!! The kids had a blast and didn't want to leave. We swam, hiked, hung out, swam, played at the sand dunes, and swam some more! The kids could not get enough of the pool. By 8am every morning they were begging to swim. It's amazing what a little sunshine can do for a person. This was a well needed vacation for all of us!

Austin at the Sand dunes...he's not sure what to think.

Luke pausing for a quick photo

The kiddos all in action

Blake's sand angel

It was a little bright for Austin

All the boys loving the pool

70's is a bit too chilly for me to swim. But all the boys couldn't get enough of it.

Gosh he is cute!

This one thinks he is as big as the others.

Chad teaching Luke to swim.
He has a little too much confidence in the water sometimes. He threw on his sunglasses and jumped in the deep end. I had to have Chad jump in after him. When Chad grabbed him he was so mad. He thought his glasses would help him swim better. Well little Luke, you did look cool swimming under water with your glasses, but that's about all they are good for when it comes to water!

Love these guys!!

...because we were on vacation. Austin lived it up too!

My little twins.

Austin loves his brothers.

"Hiking"

Playing around at the pool.

Blake's Baptism/Birthday

On April 9 Blake was able to be baptized. It was extra special because it was also his birthday. We had lots of family join us for his special day. Blake is such an amazing young man and is such a huge blessing in our family. Here is what Chad wrote about Blake for our ward newsletter:(Chad is much better with words then I am)

"Blake is a fun and happy kid to be around, always out looking for a good time. He loves to play with his friends, siblings, and cousins and is always willing to help them with anything they need. He cares about people and always tries to choose the right. He's a great example to his little brother, Luke, who always wants to do what Blake does and be as big as him. He loves to help out with Austin, whether it's picking him up and holding him when he's crying, or feeding him. As Blake's parents its a humbling feeling to see your first child reach this point in their life. We are proud of Blake, his decision to be baptized and have the Holy Ghost as a companion in his life. WE LOVE YOU BLAKE!!

My handsome man all grown up.

My favorite people

Gpa Colyar, Gma, Colyar, Great Gma Colyar, Blake, Gma Cook & Gpa Cook

Austin, Gma cook, Necia, Jeff(necia's friend), Gpa Cook, Gpa Colyar, Gma Colyar, Great Gma Colyar

Justin, Jackson, Blake, Gaige, Savannah

Whitney, Casey, Devon(Kristi's brother), Kristi, Craig, Kevin, Mya, Stephanie

Luke, Taylia, Chad
(Geoff and the girls came later, Bryce and Steph were only able to attend the baptism)

Singing Happy Birthday!!

Present Time!

Annual Ski Day

Blake has been begging to go skiing! Every time it snows he asks Chad if they can go. Finally Chad caved and took him. They had a blast and Blake loves it! Blake is even showing some improvement from last year. He used to hold out his elbow for balance. We called it the chicken wing move. I guess since he doesn't use polls it helped. This year I was sad to hear no chicken wing move. He is getting better and liking it more and more.

Happy 11 Years!

Happy 11 years Chad!

Things I love about Chad:
Is my BEST friend
Loving
Honest
Hard working
Funny
Forgiving
Has a tender heart
Amazing Dad
Reliable
Smart
His testimony of the gospel
Active

I am so happy I was able to convince Chad to marry me! We have had so much fun and have been very blessed. The best things are our 3 amazing kids! Thanks for the best years of my life!

His new obsession

Austin loves the bath tub. Always has. But now he has taken his love to an obsession! Anytime we walk past the bathroom, he squirms to try to go in. Anytime he hears someone in the bath or shower he cries because he wants in.
The other day while I was doing my hair he kept crying. I normally leave him on the floor in my room to play. He clearly knew I was in there and wanted in. He already had his bath that morning and I was not going to give him another one. So I brought him in, put him in the tub fully dressed with some toys, and he was so happy! This little trick is awesome if I need to get something done like folding laundry. I sit on the floor in my room, and he plays with toys in the tub. This seems to be the only place he is content. Water or no water this kid loves the tub!

Bon Jovi

For Christmas Chad got me Bon Jovi Concert tickets. We went Tuesday night, and had so much fun! Jon and the boys put on an awesome show! Would I do it again...Yep!
The crowd was just as fun to watch. You had the "old lady" groupies that looked like RS president material. They sat in their seats the whole time with maybe a slight head bob now and then. Then you had the concert die hards. They stood the whole time grooving in their own little world. Then we did see a few that dressed up for the occasion with their stone washed denim and the big hair band wigs--awesome!