Monday, April 6, 2015

Birthday Boy

A couple of weeks ago, our boy turned 6 years old!!!  How can it be?  This guy has brought us so much joy and fun!  He has such a zest for living and is so full of energy.  Cole was super low key about his whole birthday celebration, but we managed to convince him to let us spoil him a little bit!
Of course, he was up early (sooooo early with our new school start time) to enjoy some balloons and new clothes.


A few quick pictures before school starts at 7:30 AM!!!!



As it turned out, Tod wasn't feeling great, so I got to take Cole-man on a lunch date all by himself. Such a rare treat.  I love this boy so much.  His choice....of course, Hyvee for Chinese Chicken.  We had a great lunch discussing construction workers, constructions sites and the intricacies of kindergarten.


After school, it was time for more fun...at Chuck E. Cheese.  We had the place mostly to ourselves...and we had a blast!







At this point, Cole was still waiting for the whole family to be home at the same time for presents....so he got to play outside with his very best buddy for awhile.



And then finally Ashton got home from swim practice, and it was time for presents.  Cole wanted a treasure hunt (like Jordan) and Jordan was a good sport to hide all the presents, make the clues and help him find the gifts.


Some legos from Ashton
A bucket of balls from Jordan
More legos from Regan
And lots of "help" from Baby Luke
Finally a gift from Mom and Dad

His long awaited remote control car....Cole has always loved remote control cars, and he has been through quite a few.  This year we wanted to get him a really nice one that might actually last.  He loved it, and so did Dad.  We will see how long this one lasts.



Then it was time for some birthday dinner at Outback....so yummy and the kids were so good...and the waiter was nice even though we asked for at least 7 loaves of bread!
We finished the night with a Whitey's cake (mint chocolate chip)...the birthday boy's favorite and one of the only desserts he will actually eat.  With a big family, we have decided that birthdays are all about the birthday person.  It is the one day of the whole year when it is all about YOU!!!!  March 11 was all about Cole.




Oh this boy!  I love him more than words can say.  My first little son has a place in my heart that is all his own.  I remember when I only had girls, I could not imagine having a boy...and now, I cannot imagine not having that special relationship and love.

Some things to remember about Cole at age 6:

- He is still all boy!  He loves cars, trucks, planes, trains, construction vehicles, etc.  He loves to cruise around the neighborhood on his motorcycle.
- The only books he likes to read are non fiction about the above mentioned things and Berenstain Bear books.
-This boy can eat.  He especially likes lasagna, rice, steak, chicken nuggets, and fruit.  He really doesn't like sweets much (only one in the family!).
-He loves Legos and is getting very good at building on his own.
- He has a hard time controlling his mouth...sometimes he speaks like he is 16...and not in a good way.  We are working on it.
-Even though he can be a real pill, he has the softest most sensitive side.  He can be so kind to his sisters and his little brother.  
- He is quick to give compliments and often thanks me for dinner or for doing household things.
-He has enjoyed kindergarten and yet it has been a real challenge for him academically.  It has been very special for me to spend so much time subbing in his grade and seeing him so often at school in the classroom setting.  He loves his teacher and his friends and lives for recess and lunch!
-He loves to play with his neighbor Aiden and eat dinner at his house.
-Cole loves his primary teachers (the Larsens) and was so thrilled when they gave him his own scriptures.
-This boy likes to watch TV...he loves to come home from school and crawl into his bed with the kindle for a couple of "shows."
-Cole is most happy when he is outside running around.  Recently we went to the park, and I was watching him just come alive in the sunshine and fresh air.  Winters are so tough on him.  He just hates not being able to get out.
-This boy can work.  He likes to be right with Tod doing projects and getting things done.  This winter he helped shovel and snow blow.  Last week he was chipping concrete out of the downstairs shower.  He is a hard worker.
-He is obsessed with driving and cars.  He is always pointing out the speed limit and makes sure that whomever is driving is well aware of their speed as well as the status of the gas tank.
-Cole is a man of questions.  He asks so many questions about how things work and why things are the way they are.  He has taught me to look at things from a different perspective.

Cole didn't really want a big party this year, but he did agree to have a few friends over for breakfast the Saturday after his birthday.  It was perfect.  We are so thankful for good people in his life.



Happy 6th Birthday Cole Man!!!


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Finishing February


Since March is rushing by, it is time to finish up February.  We really enjoyed our Valentine's Day celebrations this year, especially making the Valentines.  Regan was home sick a few days during the week, and I put her right to work helping out.

We even made this amazing box for Jordan to use at her party.  Regan was so proud of it.

There were lots of Valentines to be made for all the different events.  Regan and I had a lot of fun at her Girl Scout party.

And of course, Baby Luke had a good time too.
A favorite Valentine arrived from Dad and Pat serving their mission in Oklahoma.  I loved seeing their happy faces.

I snapped these pictures before school on the 13th.  Darn it, I did not get a picture of Ashton. Valentine's Day is different in middle school!

Classroom parties are always so much fun, and I was so glad not to be working so that I could attend.
Regan's class had lots of fun and lots of treats!




I got one quick picture of my cool 5th grader...last Valentine party for her.  I was sad, she was not!

I visited Cole's class too, but did not get a picture.
Since Valentine's Day landed on a Saturday this year, we got to celebrate twice, and it was Ashton's turn to shine.  For weeks she and her friend had been talking about hosting a V-day party.  I told them I could help with the food but the rest was on them.  Well they really came through in a big way and planned a phenomenal party.  It was complete with decorations, contests, a photo booth, crafts, favors and a whole lot of fun.  I was so very proud of Ashton!





Jordan and her friend got to hang out at the party too, and they had a great time.


This boy terrorized the party guests in his Ninja costume...or bare chest.

I love this picture of Ashton's "Bishop" dad just returned from performing a marriage at a Valentine's Day wedding.
Not a great picture, but these girls are great.  I am so thankful that Ashton has them as her friends.
And this kid was a long for the ride the whole evening.

With Valentine's Day over, the girls were busy with some major events and projects at school.
Both girls performed in the district Solo Festival and did an outstanding job.  They were so nervous!


Ashton received a gold ribbon (superior) and Jordan received a blue ribbon.  There were some tears...but it was a great opportunity to be happy and supportive of each other.  Very proud of both of them!

Ashton spent hours working on her National History Project about Brigham Young.  Let's be honest...I spent hours on it too, along with my amazing neighbor.  It turned out really well.


Jordan researched Clara Barton and then had to dress up like her and perform for the other students.  She did a great job!  And we even pieced together a decent (slightly odd?) costume.



We had to take our traditional self timer picture before stake conference.  Absolutely love how these turned out!  So us.



And another great tradition...the 2nd grade celebration of the Chinese New Year.  Such a great celebration and finally Regan's turn to participate!
 Here comes the dragon!

Regan in the gray skirt.

Love her wonderful teacher!

And one other monumental thing about February...Tod's beard finally went bye-bye...not sad at all to see that thing go away.

Regan's 10th Birthday!