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.

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!