It Was a Pirate Parrrty!

With our June so jam-packed this year, Eliot's pirate party was delayed a few weeks, but well worth it to have the perfect venue for a pirate adventure filled with Pin the Patch on the Pirate, a treasure hunt, BBQ lunch, and of course cupcakes! We were so glad that so many of Eliot's cousins and friends could celebrate with us! Special thanks to my sister Mary for taking most of these photos while I led the kiddos on their hunt for buried treasure. We had a great time and just barely avoided a monsoon-season thunderstorm.

On our treasure hunt we found Polly, who needed a password ...

The crew (L to R): Madelyn, Reed, Weston, Emma, Eliot, Christian, Annie, Mikey

We hopscotched on one leg on Peg Leg's patio ...

We walked the plank and sent a message in a bottle ...

And finally found where X marked the spot!

We dug for buried treasure ...

    

And found our loot!
(Goodie bags with mini compasses & telescopes, ring pops, and chocolate coins)

Then it was a free-for-all in the sandbox while lunch cooked ...

And then a kids' favorites lunch of hot dogs, waternelon, chips, and drinks!

Thanks again to all of our friends for joining us on such a fun pirate adventure!

I Needed the Reminder ...

Remember this that I posted about right around the launch of my blog? Well, I have found myself in the midst of a lot of change once again (guess it really is inevitable), and I'll admit, I'm not feelin' so brave! I don't know how I forget so quickly how hard and awkward it is to the newbies. And I'm supposed to have my brave face on for my kids so that they'll feel okay about the change, and all I want to do is run back to what was comfortable! I need to remember all the times when change has brought not only growth but friendship, expanded horizons, new opportunities, accomplishment, and joy. I need to muster up my courage and get out of my comfort zone, allow myself to be a little (or maybe really) vulnerable, and be open to new experiences.

How do you cope with a move or other big changes in life?

4th of July Balloon Festival

Provo's Freedom Festival hot air balloon launch is one of our family's favorite traditions. We don't do it every year (new babies tend to make this momma unwilling to get up before 6 a.m.!), but we go every year we can. Grant and I even loaded up Eliot when he was just 9 days old so we could see them!  This year was no disappointment!  The sky was beautiful despite the fact that several wildfires were burning in the state at the time, including a major one in Alpine that broke out a couple days before.  It was a perfect morning for an early morning family adventure!

 Not my best photo of the balloons, but you can see the haze from the fires in the bottom of the photo.

 Since we like to go the day before the 4th, it was a work day for Grant, so he came all gussied up! As for the rest of us -- p.j.s for the boys, ball cap for mom!

 Aren't the skies picture perfect?!  And yea for ReMax! (Jorge, our real estate agent that helped us buy our house, worked there.)

 Zach may have had the best view of all. It was so fun to watch the the wonder (mixed with a fair amount of confusion) in his sleepy little eyes. So fun to see my little ones experience this for the first time!

And what is more American than a giant, cold bottle of Coke?!

After watching the balloon launch, we headed over to Provo Bakery to indulge in donuts and sweet rolls. We took our sugar-loaded breakfast to a nearby park, where we enjoyed the quiet of the morning and the gorgeous view of the sun coming up over Y mountain. We had a little time before Grant had to go to work, so we pushed the boys in the swings for a bit and had some peaceful, happy time as a family. It was perfect and made me so happy to enjoy that little moment together. My heart filled with joy that I get to live in a beautiful land where our freedoms allow us to have moments like that -- where we could enjoy a wonderful community celebration and time together as a family.  We live in a place that's clean, where we have beautifully cared for parks and places to enjoy as families. We have so many freedoms and comforts -- right down to donuts and chocolate milk -- and I'm so grateful for those who have served and continue to serve our country in order to preserve those rights.  I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father for allowing me to live here and to have the privilege of living in such a wonderful, wonderful country. I love the 4th, and I've gotta say, Provo celebrates it in an awesome way!

Month 'o Birthdays Part 3: Eliot's

We have a FIVE-year-old in our house!!  Say what?!

Eliot is seriously FIVE!!  I swear he was just born and we were heading off to law school.   But here he is,

my book-reading, bike-riding, adult-level conversationalist!  This year was the one that hit me hard that my little boy is a full-fledged KID.  He' s not a toddler with a baby face anymore.  He's a kid who'll be off to grade school sooner than I'm ready to admit! As much as I wish time wasn't passing so quickly, I have to say that Eliot has become SO much fun. This past year was such a fun age.  Three was rough on me, but four was so much more enjoyable. I can't wait to see what five brings!

For Eliot's birthday, we played in the boys' awesome new sandbox, made "cookie pops" (sugar cookies on popsicle sticks) for his preschool birthday treats the next day, met Daddy at Target to pick out his special big-boy present (see below), had a corndog dinner, and cake and ice cream with grandparents.  Presents included nice Sunday clothes from Nanny and Peppy, a Spiderman backpack and activities from Grandma and Grandpa, books and a new Trio superhero set from Mom and Dad. Not a bad day, I'd say!

This year was the year of the bike ...

 

 

Doesn't he look so cute?  And it warms my heart that that is OUR yard and driveway in the picture! We have an actual neighborhood for our kids to play in and ride bikes around.  I love it!

I wish you could see Zach in his wagon better, because I LOVE this picture.  That's Grandpa (Grant's dad) pulling Z in the wagon, with Eliot going for his first bike ride behind them. One of my favorite memories of Eliot's big day. Just a happy, fun way to end a birthday.

Eliot got to show off his new bike and new bike-riding skills the very next day at a preschool bike parade!  Perfect timing!

 The cake. Oh, the cake. Exactly what Eliot wanted ... sorta. For months (probably since his last birthday), Eliot has talked about this cake: a strawberry cake with pink frosting (can you tell most of his playmates this past year were girls?). All the more reason for me to be extra disappointed that this cake was a FLOP! I was in way too much of a hurry with everything I was trying to juggle, and it fell apart on me ... literally. The cake meltdown led to my own meltdown ... thank heaven kids are forgiving and cakes get sliced and eaten. For as much of a success as Zach's cake was, this was a total mess. BUT, to show what a sweet kid Eliot is, when I asked if he wanted me to buy him a new cake or just cut this one up and eat it, he said the one I made would be just fine. He never complained once, and seemed delighted with his pink cake ... crumbles and all. I love my Eliot and his gentle heart. Such a good kid.

Happy Birthday, Eliot!  My first babe. My oldest son.  My pure-hearted, people-loving, enthusiastic, energetic, bubbly, sensitive, spirited, social kid.  You are a gem.  You are funny, unique, full of life, loyal to your family, an awesome big brother, so obedient, so desirous to do what's right, so helpful, and so very kind. I'm so proud to be your mom. I love who you are. Your example is making me a better person.

Month 'o Birthdays Part 2: Zachary's First Birthday!

Our little Zachers turned ONE on June14!!  I can't believe how this year has flown by! I wish I could re-live it and take things a bit more slowly. I really feel like I was robbed of my infant. It all went so fast. I wish time would slow down. Hopefully this next year won't be so fast-paced (no major sleep deprivation, no house-hunting, no moves ... life's bound to be less stressful, right?!). 

With our move set for just two days after Z's big day, I made a point of taking time to enjoy Zachary and not fuss too much over everything that needed to get done.  I had a wonderful day soaking up my sweet one-year-old and his super-charming, all boy personality! We tried to do Zach's favorite things to celebrate his day: went for a walk, read books, ate yummy food.  We wanted to squeeze in a trip to the pool, but naps got off and the day got away from us ... another day!  Here are only SOME of the many sweet pictures I caught of my Flag Day baby!

 Zach's patriotic birthday makes the U.S. flag extra special to us!

 

 Happy brothers off for a birthday walk!

 In a crunch, butcher paper and markers made for festive wrapping paper!

 Eliot showing off the row of balloons he drew for his brother! He was so proud!

 Cheesy smiles = a sign of a happy birthday boy!

Unwrapping gifts from Nanny and Peppy (McEuen) and Grandma and Grandpa Dickinson ...

Gifts this year included a Fisher Price A-Z alphabet zoo from Mommy and Daddy, preppy Sunday outfits and a special book from Nanny and Peppy, a stuffed alligator, toy helicopter, and sand toys from Grandma and Grandpa.

Stripped down and ready for that first taste of ... CAKE!

Mm, mm!!  He loved the frosting, at least!

Eliot insisted on a carrot-applesauce cake for Zach, since that's what Whyatt makes for his baby sister's birthday on an episode of Superwhy.  I found a recipe online, and it tasted even better than it looked! That recipe's a keeper! (I may have to share in a later post ... it seriously was so moist and delicious!)

Snuggling my "Gator" toy with Grandma ("Gator" is her nickname for me).

We kept things pretty simple for Z's first birthday, but it was a happy, easygoing day, which I think matches his little personality perfectly. As I have been reflecting over the past year and my little Zachary, I would describe Zach as being a rascal, mischievous, sweet, fun, funny, energetic, good-natured, obsessed with his big bro, 100% boy, adorable, and determined. I love this little boy. He completely has me wrapped around his little finger. So many times he does something naughty, and I find myself struggling not to laugh because he is so darn cute, even when he frustrates me and pushes me to my absolute limits! He has brought such life and energy to our home. I especially love the amazing relationship between Zach and Eliot. They are absolutely best buddies and partners in crime, which surprised me because of the age gap between them.  

We love you, our Rascal Ree!

Month o' Birthdays, Part 1: Grant's

I never realized it before, but within about a one-month time frame, from May 23-June 25, we celebrate three of the four birthdays in our household!  I think I noticed it this year because within that same time frame we had to get packed up and moved into our new house ... it was a very busy but very exciting month for us!

Grant's birthday was pretty low-key this year.  One of Grant's favorite dinners at home: steak and sweet potato fries, and of course cake and ice cream.  Since he had a mid-week birthday this year, I also surprised him with a dessert night with friends later that weekend.  Gifts were also pretty simple this year: a grill basket and kitchen gadgets from me, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles DVD from the boys.  Guess who's reaping the benefit of that one?!  Eliot was SO excited to give it to Grant (TMNT was Grant's very favorite cartoon as a kid).

 

 

We sure love Grant and always appreciate the opportunity to celebrate him and all that he means to us!  He makes our world a happy place.  Happy 32 to our hero!

Eliot's Preschool Graduation

Eliot graduated from Mrs. Konni's Discovery Preschool on May 22.  His teacher, Konni Youd, was so fabulous. The programs she puts on with the kids are always adorable and so impressive! I can't believe what she can get those squirrely little kids to do! And 18 of them, no less! There was singing with actions and props, even a couple dancing numbers. Way too fun! Here are some of my favorite pictures and videos from Eliot's first graduation exercises.

Our proud graduate!


The graduation march! 

Class picture

During the Octopus's garden number.

My very favorite song Eliot learned all year, "Way Up High in the Apple Tree." He would sing it randomly in the car or at the table, and always sang it with such expression. I definitely learned some fun new songs through E's preschool experience.

Proud little brother waving and yelling "Eh-yut!"

This little song and dance just melted my heart. Eliot and his darling partner Ashley could not have been cuter together.

Eliot's award: "Mr. Personality." Does his teacher know him or what?  My favorite thing she said when presenting his award was the Eliot is the reason she does preschool. She loved his enthusiasm for EVERYTHING.  It really is true that it doesn't take much to get Eliot excited!

We love you, Mrs. Konni! Thanks for being such an amazing lady and for loving Eliot so much! We will definitely miss her!

Family photo after the graduation.

Grant's Mom and some of his sisters were nice enough to come and support Eliot.

Ice cream at Baskin Robbins afterward served as a dual-purpose celebration -- for Eliot's graduation, of course, and for Grant's birthday, which was the following day.

Life ...

This post will probably end up sounding as haphazard as our life has been over the last month or so.  May 30 we closed on our house, and it has been full speed ahead since then!  Normally, I would guess when people close on their house, they get the keys and excitedly have some sort of celebratory picnic on their new bare floors, or at least start moving in right away.  Not us ... we knew when we ended up closing at the end of May that our move would be gradual.  June is just a crazy month for us to begin with!  So we closed on a Wednesday, Grant had a conference Thursday and Friday in Midway, so the boys and I picked up the keys and toured our new home together Thursday, then I met Grant on Friday for a much-needed getaway weekend.  We came home and commenced the packing that had been put off by marathon training and hospital stays.  I ran my half marathon on June 9, recovered while packing up our house the following week, celebrated baby Zach's first birthday (yes, seriously ... where, oh where, did this year go?!), moved the next Saturday, and we've been in our house since the 16th of June.  Now we're back and forth between the two houses, cleaning the old one and unpacking the new one.  Life is a little chaotic right now, I'm not going to lie.  In the middle of all of that, the boys have both picked up terrible colds, bad enough that I started fearing another hospital stay for Zach, we've had car problems, unexpected additional employment opportunities come our way ... in short, our bodies are aching and our minds are reeling.  The boys are definitely suffering from the effects of stressed out parents and their little world changing all around them. We've all been quite a bit crankier than usual. :)  BUT, despite all the madness, life is good.  Several times a day I express either aloud or to myself how much I LOVE this house.  I love it.  I've always been a bit of a home body.  My home is my haven.  It's my refuge and place of peace.  And this house could not be more perfect.  My boys could spend hours in the sandbox if I let them.  The inside is light and bright and airy.  It's not overdone or overwhelming.  But it is lovely, and comfortable, and pretty.  There are of course things here and there I wish I could change (just ask Grant who hears me mutter something about my "stupid kitchen cupboards ..." on a daily basis!).  It's not perfect, but close to.  I had fresh-picked raspberries from our backyard on my waffles this morning.  There are peaches growing on my peach tree.  The bees are busy pollinating my blackberry vines in the corner, and I smile when I see them, thinking that this house has blessed me with a little piece of Oregon.  The birds love all the trees in our yard, and I love hearing the train whistle in the evenings.  Our neighborhood is hopping with activity all day long and into the warm summer nights.  Kids riding bikes and scooters, neighbors fussing over their lawns with lawn mowers, families out for walks ... it's the perfect neighborhood for this stage of life.  Neighbors have brought us cobbler and stopped by to chat while we're out trying to figure out how to take care of a yard, and I have this glimmer of hope that all this change and chaos is going to amount to a change that is much-needed and full of promise and opportunity.  I hate change (have I mentioned that before?!), but this was the time for this move.  This house if perfect for me and my family.  I'm not sure why Lehi, but I'm excited to find out.  In the meantime, we're busy trying to find coloring books in all the boxes, trying to figure out which Wal-Mart is closest and most convenient, and trying to squeeze in normal-life activities in the midst of moving madness.  I will try to get pictures posted once we're settled.  Settled.  Can't wait for that!