Austin Turns 1

I think I am in denial that Austin is already a year old. His birthday got here before I knew it, so the night before, I finally started to think about what I was going to do. I came across a fish cake online that I thought was cute. Looked easy enough to pull off, so I gave it a try. Since we have had a birthday around here every 6 weeks or so I was sick of cake. So I decided to do sugar cookies...of course sticking with the fish theme. I think it all turned out great!

The fish cake

Not happy about having to pose for a picture

The gifts

Cake time

We love this little man and it's hard to believe that he is growing up so fast.
1 year stats:
Height: 31"
Weight: 22 lbs
Has 5 teeth (2 top, 3 bottom)
Loves to climb
Still crawling...he's a chicken
Loves to snuggle

Arches National Park

During Chad's family reunion were able to take the kids to Arches. I really wanted them to hike delicate arch, mainly because I wanted to. It's only 3 miles and I knew Blake would be able to make it. But I was a bit nervous for Luke to make the hike, it gets a bit steep for a 4 year old. Not to mention it was 90+ degrees. Austin was no problem, Chad got to pack him in.
Everyone made it no problem. We ended up with a bigger group then we thought we would. We had 7 kids 8yrs and under, 2 that were under 1 year. They boys favorite part was when they got to walk under the arch.

Summer Begins

It would not be summer without Strawberry Days! This year we were heading out of town so we were not able to do the usual activities. We did make an appearance at the carnival because Luke has been dying to ride the Ferris Wheel. And I could not leave town without getting me some strawberries and cream!

Happy Birthday Luka Bazooka!

Our big guy is now 4! He waited FOREVER for his birthday to come around. For some reason, this year it just took longer to get here. His only request was a bus cake. No gifts. Just a bus cake. Thanks Luke, no pressure. He later did give me an idea for a gift...a snorkel. Huh, where he comes up with these ideas i will never know.
Luke is one of a kind. He has more personality then anyone I know. A little bit about Luke now:

• Favorite color is green
• Loves playing outside
• He says the funniest things EVER! (but has no filter...gets him in trouble sometimes)
  
• Thinks he's 10
• Adores Austin
• Thinks Blake is the coolest kid
  
• Huge helper--loves to clean
• Does not like to watch movies
  
• Is a Mama's boy!

It's always a party when Luke's around! We love him so much and the adventures he takes us on.

We have a vandal

Luke and his little buddy Myles thought they would paint the town pink! Literally. Luke came into the house covered in pink chalk, and said they made it beautiful outside. So I went out to check out their masterpiece. I just about died when he showed me the graffiti all over the doors and brick. He quickly learned that chalk only goes on the sidewalk. Now he just earned himself some community service. He is lucky I didn't make him wear an orange jumpsuit.

Mothers Day

This year for Mothers Day I struck gold. All week leading up to the big day, I kept receiving gifts. Blake would bring me home something almost everyday. A potted plant, coupons for hugs, kisses, and chores, a notebook and flower pen. Plus, really cute love notes.

Then on Saturday Chad took the boys to the store to pick me out something. I love what I ended up with. Blake got me Reeses Peanut Butter cups---his favorite treat. Luke got me Twizzlers---his favorite treat. Chad picked out an ipod shuffle for me from all of them. Thanks guys I love it all!

On Sunday Luke made me all sorts of gems. I got a cute paper flower bouquet, lotion, chocolates,and this little fact sheet about me. I was laughing so hard with his answers.

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.