An Update!

I am getting really bad at keeping this updated. I just wanted to post a few pictures I recently took and show you how my little ones are growing...

Connor is an amazing guy. He's helpful, loving, independent and smart! He's been in a bit of trouble at school lately though. He's just so physical and doesn't seem to know what personal space is. I think it's also that he may be a little bored and finding other means to distract himself. Anyways, he's working toward a fun incentive and his behavior has been much better. I think every parent hates to hear bad things about their own perfect angels. What kills the most is that I know he knows better and I just pray he turns out right in the end-being able to think through his actions before he does them. He's really progressing at piano and is playing some simplified Primary Songs and the Star Wars theme which is really fun for him. He's trying out for baseball soon so we've been practicing that too.

Haydn is loving joy school and he's getting so independent too. He's starting to read which is soooo fun! The look on his face whenever he sounds out a word and recognizes what it is is PRICELESS. He is such a good friend. He can play for hours with his friends and have no problems. I love having him home with me. We play games, read, play outside, go to the library, etc. He's also going to do T-ball soon and he's really excited about it.

Tristan is just my sweet cuddle bug. He plays well on his own, with his brothers and with friends. He's starting to talk a little but he gets his point across rather well with body language, sign language, sounds and pointing. The other day he brought me a toy and repeatedly said, "On, on, on!" It was so cute! He's such a little clown and he loves attention. He LOVES to be outside and I'm glad I can finally let him out more. Every time I get out of our car he runs to the bikes and wants to play outside. He's heartbroken when I make him come in.

So that's my crew! Scott's still loving his job and I am too. I've been busily Heritage Making our own things too. I finally finished my wedding album...

A board book for Mr. T...

And a canvas of the boys for our wall...

A little more of Haydn...

Here's Haydn and his big cookie after his first day of joy school. After doing it for Connor, he requested a cookie too. I guess it will have to be our new tradition!


Oh, here's a funny story... we were sitting in a restaurant with our crew of little boys recently and the kids we drawing on there little place mats being very good and Scott and I were having a conversation. All of a sudden Haydn stands halfway up and yells..."FIRE"! We were both seriously caught off guard and there was no reason for him to think there was a fire. It just came out of nowhere! Holy cow! Of all the things you could scream...that was just too perfect! We were then reminded why we don't like to go to sit down restaurants with kids!

(addendum by Scott - at least we weren't in a crowded theater!)

Conversation this morning...
Me: "Haydn please finish your breakfast so you can walk with Connor to the bus." (he missed yesterday because he wasn't finished and Connor went by himself)
Haydn(nonchalantly): "No, I don't want to go to the bus."
Me: "Connor, do you like going to the bus stop by yourself?"
Connor: "Well, I like having Haydn to go with me, it's more fun."
Haydn(brightly): "Just me!"
Connor: "Well, I like everyone to go with me." pause..."I would be sad if you couldn't come with me Haydn."
Haydn: "If you are sad, I hope you get happy again Connor." Then Haydn went into high speed to finish so we could all walk Connor to the bus. Nothing like a loving brother for motivation!

Today's Stories

It's so nice to wake up and find your boys being friends! Haydn loves to let Connor read to him sometimes. Haydn's been feeling really under the weather lately, it was just so nice for Connor to cuddle up with him and read a book.

When I heard Tristan making noises after a nap, I went to get him out of his crib and found this. Percy has never gotten in there before and I have no clue how he did but after Tristan waking and pulling his ears and hitting him hopefully he won't go back.

Connor Turns 5!

Connor turned a whopping 5 years old today! I can't believe it! He had a great birthday too (aside from the ER visit and walking in a splint!)! Saturday Scott and I slaved over their room, while the boys enjoyed cartoons, to build them an awesome bunk bed. Of course, they LOVED it! It has a new theme too...we went from cars to balls. The bunk bed is perfect to give them more space to play in their room too. Connor loves being on the top bunk and Haydn quickly mastered the ascent and has promised to pay many visits. We broke it in with Connor and Haydn climbing around for a good hour. Then the boys all piled in the bottom bunk for a story. Turns out it was good we gave him this present yesterday, tonight he has to sleep on an air mattress on the floor because of his splint, oh well.

This morning, his actual birthday, we had yummy waffles with carmel syrup, Connor's request, before we made our trip to the ER. After the ER, Connor couldn't miss primary so, splint and all, we went to church. He even got to give his first talk in primary today. We wrote a talk together, about prayer, a couple days ago and I printed it off. He read it all by himself nice and clear into the microphone. Everyone thought he was the cutest thing (I hear that a lot and have to agree of course)! After church we took it slow and had dinner. He got candles in a brownie tonight because his birthday party is next week. After dinner he got his last present from us...an old digital camera. We knew he would love it since that was his other wish list item (the watch was the first one). I can't wait to see what comes out of that camera, it will be interesting. Haydn is a good photographer too...of his hand anyway. Happy Birthday Connor! We love you so much!

Connor's ER Visit

So we started of Connor's birthday on a bad note. Yesterday he took a fall at the park that was apparently worse than we thought. This morning his knee really hurt and he was complaining a lot and favoring it so we took him in for his first ER visit. Once we got there he was all smiles and as cute as can be and although he still favored his hurt leg he was doing it less and I was sure he was just being over-dramatic and he would be fine! He got his first x-rays done. They told us they didn't see a fracture but that it was very swollen inside so they put him in a big splint and we have to go see an orthopedic doctor tomorrow about it. YEAH! At least I don't feel like it was for nothing. Poor Connor. We are hoping this isn't a trend or we'll end up in the hospital again every 5 fifth year on his birthday. More Birthday to come soon...

Arizona Adventure

We just got back from and amazing trip to AZ. We went to see Scott's brother Luke and his wife Meli be sealed in the temple to each other and their daughter. Scott's Mom came too so it was a great little reunion (we missed you and your family Kelly!). We had so many adventures there. They boys LOVED the big pool in their complex and got quite fearless quickly. I wasn't surprised! I don't know why I don't have any pics of that?

We went to the temple 2 days in a row and I got the honor of escorting Meli through her endowment. On the way home from the endowment I started having contractions every 3 minutes. I was worried because they wouldn't stop and it was definitely too early to have a baby and I was VERY far from home. Scott and Luke gave me a blessing and we made a trip to the ER and they told me I was dehydrated (the desert will do that to you easily apparently)and so they gave me a shot to stop the contractions and told me to drink, drink, DRINK! Believe me I couldn't forget it for a minute I had a house full of people reminding me.

We had a 4-way b-day party celebrating Nana, Luke, Bella and Connor's b-days that all happen within a few weeks of each other. Connor got a watch, which he'd been wanting, and he LOVED it. Then, Connor got to go on a fun outing with the adults to Funtastics were we played arcade games, mini golf, and rode go-carts and bumper boats. He even got to drive the bumper boat by himself because he's SO big! When asked what his favorite part was he said, "Driving the bumper boat and telling time!" We had so much fun with our family there and the boys miss their cousin Bella especially.

Connor Says...

Connor has a few jobs at our house. He really is turning into a big helper for me. He can help with windows and mirrors, wipe down a sink, help with dishes, fetch me various things, and take things to the recycling bin. His biggest job everyday is to get out our vitamins at breakfast time. Usually, I must admit, he forgets so we casually remind him that he forgot to do something...his reply, "Oh man, I just dropped it out of my head. I'm such a drop-smoothie." Drop-smoothie? Yes, that is his made up word for one who forgets things. Connor I love you even though you are a "drop-smoothie" sometimes!

The Night Before Christmas

We had a wonderful evening together. We made cookies for Santa, watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and read "The Night Before Christmas". Connor even sprinkled some food outside for the reindeer. The boys are super excited about Santa coming tonight. Oddly enough they were wired and wouldn't take naps today but at bedtime Connor was insistent that they needed to fall asleep as fast as they could so Santa could come. No fighting them there. I love to hear Haydn say, "Santa Claus coming!" It is just so cute. I can't wait to see their faces in the morning. Also, here are some pictures of the lights and trees (yes, trees! one real, one fake) we have decorating our house. Of course, more pics will follow.

A BIG Accomplishment!

If you don't want to read about my son's bowel movements stop here...Also if you have a 1,2,3 or sometimes 4 year old who is potty training, be prepared to be jealous!

Haydn and Connor were playing in the McDonald's play scape tonight and Connor brought Haydn to me and said, "Mom, he wants you." I asked Haydn what he needed and he proceeded to tell me "Poopy!" while holding his bum (he usually does come tell me after he's gone). I thought, "Oh yeah (sarcastic), lets go change you!" and we headed to the public bathroom. I laid him on the changing table only to realize he wasn't poopy. I said, "Haydn you aren't poopy. Do you want to go potty?" "Yeah!" he said. So, I got him all ready and sat him down thinking he wouldn't like the feel of the big toilet and back out of the idea. I WAS WRONG! He did his business and actually pooped in the potty! YEAH!!! He's not even 2 and he's not getting much pushing from me. I don't even bribe him by giving treats for a job well done. I haven't needed to. I only take him potty when he asks and he's already starting to tell me before he needs to go! This is so like Haydn to just figure it out on his own. He doesn't rely on me to teach him new skills like Connor does. Connor is happy relying on me to do it and usually puts up a fight when I try to teach him to do something himself. Not Haydn. Haydn watches and if he sees it can be done he teaches himself to do it. Go Haydn! I'm so proud. Looks like we'll be out of diapers sooner than we thought!

Happy Thanksgiving

We went to my Dad's house for Thanksgiving and had lots of fun. The boys love playing with my Dad's kids, who happen to be close to their age, they had nonstop fun. We played football and jumped on the trampoline a lot. We even shot off a rocket. There were some technical difficulties but once Scott got the bright idea to hook it up to our car battery to get it jump started it worked great! The food was fantastic, of course too. I made a bunch of pies and sweet potatoes.

Happy Birthday Handsome!

We celebrated Scott's birthday this weekend with friends since his birthday this year is the day before Thanksgiving(tomorrow). I made a cake in the shape of one of our favorite games. Do you recognize it? If not, the game is much recommended... Settlers of Catan.
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Presents...Connor may have had some ulterior motive in buying his Daddy some gum (Scott does have somewhat of an addiction to it though).


Happy Birthday to the most wonderful man in the world. I love you handsome!

Out of no where...

Kids are hilarious! I love listening to Connor's explanations of things. On the way to church yesterday he exclaims, practically jumping out of his seat, "Dad, Mom, I KNOW why Heavenly Father made monkeys!" We of course, curious, asked why. "Because if we are ever in a tree and we start to fall a monkey could run and catch you!" What nice monkeys!

I'm a Big Boy Now

Every night as we get ready for bed the boys get undressed and I ask Connor to go to the bathroom. All the sudden, Haydn has become fascinated with his little potty and wants to go every time I mention the word. Last night I gave the kids a bath and when he was naked he asked to go potty. So I put him on the big potty and held him. He actually got just a little "pee" out. Then he went to sit on his potty while Connor was going before bed. He got on and off a few times but then sat there and actually went potty in the potty! I am so proud! Not sure I'm ready for him to potty train. He's not quite ready but I think he'll be an easy one like Connor! Here's hoping! Go Haydn!

Primary Program

Today was the primary program in my Mom's ward and since Connor has been a visitor for a while he was invited to join them. Let's just say he did wonderfully and horribly. He was brave and had to qualms about getting in front of the microphone. He said his part clearly and loudly and held up a picture. He sang with gusto, although sometimes a little too much. However today he was the biggest wiggle worm I have ever seen. It was nice that he chose today, in front of the whole congregation to be so irreverant. He couldn't sit still and when he did he chose to chew on his tie, something he's never done before at least in front of me. The worst moment was right after the sunbeams said their parts and were going to their seats he found a toy truck, whoever allowed that on stage with four year olds is crazy. He got this contemplative look on his face that said, "Should I play with it or be good." He started to make the right choice and tried to hand it to the teacher but then got pushed down the line by the teacher as the other kids sat down and then he decided to just go with it. He then showed the toy to one of his friends and together they started driving the truck up the side of the wall. I about died! He redeemed himself somewhat when they sang the song, "Called to Serve." Connor loudly sang/shouted the words and became the voice that everyone could pick out of the group. He ended with a bang when he sand the last word, "King" half a second after everyone else and loudest and longest of all. We couldn't stop laughing! This boy is so adorable! I love him sooo much. I am so proud of him, even though his is sentenced to practicing his reverence this week so we can do better at that part. The best news is he gets to do it all over again in our primary program back home as soon as we get home. Hopefully we can be just as brave and happy but a little less wiggly for that one.

His part was, "I am Connor. I am a soccer player." This is the picture he held up. The sunbeams were trying to prove we are all different but all children of God. Then the sunbeams and nursery children sang "I am a Child of God" by themselves.

Jousting

Today we went to an event at BYUH that had some fun activities for the kids. Connor and Haydn jumped together in one of those inflatable houses. Haydn didn't like it AT ALL at first but after a little convincing that it was funny to fall down he took to it like a champ. He's such a little dare devil, so quick to get out of his comfort zone. Then Connor tried out jousting. He stood on an unsteady inflatable surface with a boxing helmet on while swinging a pad (as big as he was) around to knock the other player off the unsteady middle of the ring. He played with an older young man that was running the ride. He thought he had gone to heaven. He was giggling like crazy. He would swing and the guy would pretend to get hit hard and fall off which would wiggle the surface he was standing on around and ultimately send Connor flying too, laughing hysterically all the while. I just HAD to get my camera and let him do it again. The pics aren't great because it was dark out but it was worth every penny just to watch him have so much fun. Scott, I wish you could have seen this...these pics are for you! Look at our tough guy!

PCC

We spent the week at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). We got to tour and learn about traditions in Samoa, Aoteoroa (New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaii, Marquesas, Tahiti, and Tonga. Connor's favorite part was riding the canoe through the middle of the villages. He tried to touch all the bridges that we would go under by jumping and trying his hardest to scare his Mom. But I didn't need to worry because the guide was nice enough to tell us the water wasn't deep, "like he said mom, I can just stand up if I fall in!" He DID NOT like the Samoan fire dancing. He was afraid they were going to throw the sticks to him or hurt themselves. He kept saying, "I'm done, I don't like this!" It was a fun few days and we learned a lot.

Boogy Boarding

Here's my little surfer dude. Connor wanted to bring a boogy board to the beach and try it out today. He did pretty awesome and most of the time LOVED it. He was really brave too and would fall off but get back up. He did take a couple of bad dives while being helped by my sister (just the luck of the waves) but after some convincing and remembering the fun he was having he chalked it up to my sister's incapability to help him and tried again. Whatever works! He determined he likes the small waves better.

On the other hand, today was not Haydn's day. He got on the boogy board, at first, on his hands and knees. He wasn't happy but he was ok. I brought him all the way in to shore with a wave. He decided then that this was NO FUN. He cried/whined pretty much the whole time at the beach. He didn't like Connor riding the board either. Maybe he sensed danger? Who knows?! I was surprised since he is my little dare devil. Then again he is only 19 mo. old, maybe boogy boarding is too much to expect. It was fun to try it though. Poor Haydn!