Growing Up

It's a sad fact folks, another year has cruised by and my kids are growing up.  Hank started 2nd grade last week and this was him on his first day.  He was less than excited to begin another school year.  School is a bit more complicated for Hank thanks to his diabetes.  I made all the necessary preparations, first meeting with his new principal (who is amazing), meeting with his teacher, Mrs. Roberts (amazing), and getting all the paperwork out of the way to ensure an awesome year. I am so lucky to have such a great school that is willing to accommodate my every request.  Hank's getting used to a new schedule and a new routine and feeling much more at ease.  His diabetes has been behaving for the most part.  

Hank and Max have both improved their acrobatic skills tremendously.  They love it when Randy bounces them even higher to make their tricks more spectacular.  They must be growing up since I don't worry about them falling of the tramp nearly as much as I used to.

Trust Hank to pull bunny ears behind Max and ruin a perfect picture with Grandpa Sherm.  What a little punk.

Max starts his final year at Bear Hollow Preschool next week and he is ready!!  I can't believe how much Max has grown up this summer.  He is making friends, playing sports and getting taller by the day.

Max is so pumped to finally have a turn in the spotlight.  He even scored a goal in his first game.  Good thing he has such an awesome big brother to show him how it's done.  I love the characters he plays all day.  He won't even break character during his games. I'm pretty sure he was a ninja for this game.

And Sam....holy cow, he is walking!!! He took off two weeks ago and is getting more confident by the day.  I have some awesome pictures of him I will save for his birthday post.  Only one more week being a zero year old.  How is that possible?  I'm clearly not getting any older why is everyone around me growing up so fast?

13 Years

 Can you believe it? Thirteen years have passed since I married this man.  Instead of making everyone who reads this gag, I'll make it short and sweet.  Randy is the total package for me.  He is compassionate, yet strong, he is hilarious and sensitive, and no one has my back through all life's craziness more than him.  I am the luckiest girl in the word to have him as my companion and best friend.  We've been together nearly 17 years and after all that time I can still say there is no one I'd rather hang out with.

We have so much fun together and our anniversary was no exception.  We played golf at Mountain Dell and  spent the evening in Park City where we dined on delicious food and later listened to tunes and danced the night away.  It was perfect.  Lucky for us, the celebrating continued into the next week when 311 made their annual visit to Usana.  Of course we were in the pit at the front of the stage!

I've seen 311 at least 15 times and I dare say this time was the best yet.  Just like our marriage, with each passing year, it just gets better and better.  I love you baby!  Here's to many, many more years together.

A Week with the Griffin's

Today was the first day of school for Hank.  I'm still in denial about summer being over so I'm going to post about one of our final weeks of freedom.  Rick and Anna flew in really late so my kids were thrilled to see them the next morning.  Rusty, Collette, and Owen arrived shortly after and the party officially started.

Owen and Max bonded immediately.

Max loved every minute of it!  Owen loves to wrestle and Max was happy to accommodate him.

Sam and Owen had some cute moments as well.  Owen was such a trooper and handled all of our craziness like it was nothing.  

I am so lucky to be so close to all my nieces and nephews so it was critical for me to spend some quality time with Owen, my only out of state nephew.

I know it was tough for Jeri to not feel 100% but she refused to miss out on any of the action.  I was so happy to take the entertaining pressure off her for the week.  She was able to go home and rest whenever she needed and then come back for more fun.

There was a plethora of babies, that is for sure.  Good thing Dyson and Hank had it under control.

Grandma Griffin hosted a dinner one night in her back yard.

Sam and Owen couldn't help but embrace all evening.

Owen happily helped Grandpa Griffin with the yard work.  Randy and his dad began a project after dinner that kept us entertained all evening.

Introducing Randy Griffin's tree trimming service.  Just a little warning...you may not have a tree left when he is done.

Max found a comfortable lounging chair to watch all the action.

Hank decided to stay behind with Rick and Anna to play an intense game.  I can't even remember what game it was, I only know Hank came from behind and beat Rick.

Hank could not have been happier about it! Especially after enduring endless trash talking from Rick.

The next morning we hiked up to Timpanogos Cave.  Randy and I have been wanting to take the kids for a long time.  I haven't been to the cave since I was little and it was awesome.

Hank and Max were all smiles before we headed up the trail.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Max but he really surprised me.  He did his best to hike without assistance from Randy or me.  He was so excited to see the cave.

Of course I had to snap some photos of the adventure.

After a day of hiking we took family pictures at Thanksgiving Point.

I couldn't get over how cooperative the babies were.  This is one of my favorite shots I snagged with my phone.  Such adorable kids, holy cow!

The rest of the week was spent swimming, golfing, and enjoying each others company.  I hosted my fair share of BBQ's and there is one thing I know for sure, the Griffin's like to party!

Griff was on hand to provide assistance in the kitchen and on the grill.

This isn't white trash one bit!  He liked it, I swear.

It was non-stop fun, I tell you.  The fun continued until early in the morning most nights, especially with Rick and Anna staying under our roof.

I haven't laughed so hard in a long, long time.

Good times, good times.  I've got the best in-laws around.  Come back soon ya'll!

11 months

Only one more month until my sweet little Sam becomes a one year old.  He has hit some pretty big milestones as his babyhood is quickly winding down.  For example...

He figured out how to get the wrapper off the suckers Scott always gives him.  It's like he just knew there was a tasty surprise waiting for him under that wrapper.  When I realized he was covered in blue sucker as I opened the door to the back seat, I used all the force I could muster to pry it from his death grip.

Needless to say, he wasn't happy about it.  He has started throwing little fits when he doesn't get his way.  I can't believe that's starting already!  He must have learned from his big brothers.

He has graduated from his infant car seat to a big boy car seat.  I got a lump in my throat as I took it out of the car, knowing it's the last time I will have a baby of mine use it.  He looks so tiny in his new giant seat. 

His tooth situation is pretty hilarious at the moment.  He has the two front teeth on the bottom but his laterals have come in on the top before his centrals.  It is a look only Sam could pull off.  Teething has been much tougher for him than it was for Hank and Max.  I swear this kid has had diarrhea for a month.  Hopefully he has front teeth under those gums! 

His hair is priceless.  I realize it needs a trim but I just can't bare getting rid of his baby locks.  Plus his amazing comb over is his trademark.

Sam loves both of his grandma's.  Ever since Sam stayed with my mom while we were in Vegas he is attached.  If he has to choose between me or her, he will always choose her.  I can't say I blame the kid.  He took his first step a couple weeks ago but hasn't fully taken off walking on his own yet.  He is so close.  I'm sure by his first birthday he will be running around.  It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that Sam has been a part of our family for nearly a year.  Our family just wouldn't be complete without my Sammy-boy.  His adorableness is almost too much to handle.

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

Dearest Family and Friends-

As most of you know, our sweet little Hank-man was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 16 months ago at the young age of 6.  We've been so fortunate to have your incredible support though all the ups and downs this disease creates.  Hank is a rock-star and all of you have seen that first hand.  He continues to amaze me with the courage and diligence it takes to manage this disease and not let it stop him from doing everything he loves to do.  His calloused little fingers have endured countless pokes, his 7 year old body has taken a beating from all the shots and pump sites, and there isn't a carb that passes through his lips without being accounted for.  Through it all, he remains positive and optimistic.  After surviving the first year, I am finally feeling like I'm ready to become part of this amazing diabetes community.  Hank had the opportunity to attend a diabetes camp this summer and we met so many incredible, inspiring families.  I am leading Team Hank for the "Step Out, Walk To Stop Diabetes" event on Saturday, September 8th at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City.  There is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes but we remain hopeful that one day it will become a reality for Hank and the millions of others living with this disease.  Every dollar we raise will go directly towards funding critical research for a cure and protection the rights of people with diabetes.

I realize many of you will not be able to walk with us but if you are around on September 8th, the event is going to be a blast.  If you are interested in running, there will be a 5k fun run starting at 9:15a.m. or if you want to participate in the 5k walk,  it begins at 10:15 a.m.  I'm planning on pushing Sam in a stroller and spending time with everyone who comes out to show their support for Hank.  I'm also planning on providing a little tail-gate breakfast before we walk and after the walk, there will be light refreshments, live entertainment, free health screenings, and a Kids Zone with face painting and activities.  It should be a great time for the entire family.

To donate to this important cause, simply click on this link http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/A2UTH-UtahNevadaArea?team_id=544970&pg=team&fr_id=8423 to get to our team page.  After you donate you can register for the event if you are able to participate in the walk with us.  Hank is pumped about this.  There is nothing he loves more than spending time with family.

Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions you may have.  I've even joined the facebook world to increase my chances of reaching our fundraising goals.

Again, we can't thank you all enough for your love and support.  It means the world to us.  Much love!
Randy and Annie

Pioneer Day

We had non-stop activities this year over Pioneer Day. Any time Randy can be home from work during the week is cause for celebration for me and the kids. My parents treated all of us to a luxurious day at the Riverside pool. The kids aren't used to having Randy around at the pool so they took total advantage of smothering him the entire time. He had Hank doing back flips off the diving board. Even more impressive, he did it with a life jacket on! He had some nasty rashes on his neck and chin from the jacket rubbing him but he pressed on. The boys got antsy to play golf and I felt a little sad I had to go home. Randy asked if I wanted to go instead and he would watch the kids. I didn't hesitate to say yes to the offer.  I've got a good man!  My dad, Brett, Hank and I hit the links and had a fantastic time. 

I don't think my dad will ever get over the fact that Randy sacrificed a golf date at Riverside so I could play.  He was shocked.  I love watching Hank play.  He is really becoming quite the little golfer.  After golf we showered up and headed to Grandma Jeri's for ice cream and fireworks.

Lennon and Sam always steal the spotlight with their adorableness.  They are going to have about a million pictures together over the next few years.

The older kids were pumped for the fireworks.

Since the fire danger was so out of control over the 4th, we didn't have a chance to see any fireworks.  We more than made up for it on the 24th.

There is just something about boys and fire.  They were mesmerized.

I guess not all the boys were loving the fireworks...

Sam was terrified!  He looks all peaceful and snug in this picture but what you can't see is his death grip on the back of my arm.  He was trembling with fright.  As long as I kept my hands over his ears he was content being as close to me as possible.  I can't say I minded that one little bit!  Such a fun day with our family.