HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful, beautiful, loving, giving, caring, hilarious, compassionate, and perfect mom in the whole world! I absolutely adore everything about this woman. My kids are so lucky to spend so much time with her. Here are some photos of the festivities. (Mom you look fabulous in these pictures by the way!)

Sorry mom, I had to add that picture, it's too funny! I love you so much!

Hank's Week of Nonstop Fun

Hank had the time of his life last week. I guess he doesn't need me as much as I thought. He was too busy having fun to miss me. This picture is so precious. I think Grandpa Griff and Hank really bonded this past week at "Toon Town Camp"

This is the official Toon Town Headquarters. They played until one in the morning one night! Notice the three computers, they are serious about this game.

Hank got to visit Grandpa's work at Eagle Air Med

This is Hank with Karen's Grandson Peyton. They had a blast together.

Hank's and his new buddy Lincoln, also one of Karen's grandkids, really bonded last week.

Hank and all his Blanding buddies buying candy...

eating ice cream...

and 4-wheeling (notice Hank is the only one with a helmet).

I drove down on Friday and I was so excited to see my buddy, too bad he wasn't as excited to see me, but oh well. We stopped in Moab on our way home to watch Jenni run in her first 1/2 marathon. Hank insisted on making a sign for Kunz.

He was such a great traveler. He really is one of the most patient kids I know. He got that trait from Randy. Good thing Grandma Jeri came prepared with cookies and licorice.

Kunz finished the race and I'm so proud of her! I know how hard that is, and it is a huge accomplishment. However, it didn't make me want to come out of retirement.

I told Hank Grandpa Curt wanted to take him hunting when we got home, but if he was too tired he didn't have to go. He assured me he wanted to go and his two hour nap in the car refreshed him. We got home at 6:30 p.m. and he left with Randy and my dad at 7:00 p.m. for the duck club. Max was pissed to say the least. He had his brother home for a minute and then gone again.

He was in great spirits despite all the traveling. He loved that Duke got to ride shot gun.

Ready to go Grandpa!!

He won't take this hat off.

Hank and Grandpa Curt

This picture makes me cry. I can't stand how adorable it is.

This picture says it all. Could there be a happier 4 year old? He is so lucky to have such amazing grandpas in his life. I am so proud of what a good kid Hank is. He acts so much older and independent. I'm slowly becoming not as needed. Good thing Max needs me every second of the day! It's so good to have him home and safe. Thanks again to everyone who took care of my baby last week.

Road Trip

Tomorrow I'm leaving for Blanding to pick up Hank! I'm so excited to see him. I miss him so much. I love road trips and I can't remember the last time I took one by myself. It sounds kind of nice actually. We're going to watch Jenni in her first 1/2 marathon on Saturday in Moab then hurry home because Hank and Randy are going hunting with my dad that night.

Separation Anxiety

Oh my heart! Hank has gone to Blanding for a WEEK with his Grandpa Griff and I'm lost without my buddy. It was a very spur of the moment decision, and we all know I don't handle spontaneity well. I had no time to prepare myself for my little four year old to go away for 7 days. He was so excited to ride 4-wheelers all day and play toon town until he dropped. I put on a brave face but as they pulled away, I'll admit it, I cried. I didn't cry because I think he won't be taken care of or that something bad will happen to him. I cried because my baby is growing up and leaving me already. I've got issues, I know this but I love my kid. What am going to do when he really grows up and leaves me for good! I can't even think about it. Maybe I'll just keep having kids so at least I'll always have one that will be around. That's probably not a great idea. Of course I don't want a little baby mama whiner who never wants to do anything but hang out with me. I just have a hard time letting go. He almost left without a sippy cup and Griff said "he doesn't need sippy cups in Blanding". What? I wouldn't think of it, so I decided to enable Hank and keep him a baby a little longer by sneaking his sippy cups in his bag! I think I need either medication or a therapist because I'm pretty sure it's not normal to cry myself to sleep because my 4 year old has been gone one day! Randy and I were looking forward to a quiet night without toon town but instead we both sat around the computer to see if Crazy Dynopretzel was on so we could play with him. Max isn't sure how he feels about all the attention. I think he prefers to slip under the radar and destroy the house in peace.

Top O' The Mornin' To Ya!

Our Annual trip to the the St. Patrick's Day parade didn't disappoint this year. We had a great spot, chairs for everyone, good weather, and signs, courtesy of Scott to keep us entertained. Hank is always up for a parade, I wish I could say the same for his brother, but we had a great time. Randy was a hit with the sign. He got love from all the parade contestants including Kyle Whittingham, Ron McBride, and pretty much every other jolly "Irish" man in the parade. He knows how to have fun with everything he does.

Look at that face!! He truly enjoyed every second of the parade and when we had all had enough after two hours, he wanted to stay. Max and I had fun walking up and down the parade route. He would stop along the way and sit in someones chair, or another kids stroller, pet a dog, and steal peoples hot chocolate cups. He even managed to fall and bump his head, shocker! Thanks again Jeri and Scott, we'll be there next year!

Mothers Intuition?

Before I had children I often wondered if I possessed any mothering instincts. After the past couple weeks I think I can bypass the doctors and do all the diagnosing for my children. Poor Max had an ear infection last week and I thought he was over it but we had a horrible night last night. Randy can vouch that Max cried, no screamed, from midnight to nine this morning. He would settle down for a few minutes and then just start screaming again. There is nothing worse than when your kids are sick but i immediately knew it was his ears again. I thought he should have been on antibiotics longer the first round but I followed doctors orders. I took Max to the doctor again today and sure enough he has a "nasty infection" in both ears. The doctor had to point out that there was blood behind the ear drums and that they might pop, so don't be alarmed if you see blood coming out of his ears! What? Oh, good to know he's not hemorrhaging from his brain doc! I need to get one of those ear checking instruments to verify what I already know! Thankfully Max took a great nap so I could enjoy my sleep deprived haze in peace. Hank and I watched Pinocchio twice. That movie is weird by the way. I'm pretty sure Disney couldn't get away with little boys smoking, drinking and turning into donkey's in a movie today!

He is looking more and more like Randy every day. I love the juice dribbling off his chin, or is that snot...gross!

Groundhog Day

Do you ever feel like your life is like the movie Groundhog Day? You know the movie with Bill Murray where he relives the exact same day over and over and over again. I know it sounds like a bad thing but maybe it's a good thing. I have a chance to do better every day and maybe one day I'll get it right. My kids and I are anxious for some outdoor stimulation because nothing much has been happening around here other than preschool and karate. I have yet to get a good picture of Hank in his karate outfit but I'll work on it. He won't let me take a picture because I can't tie his belt right. Max is recovering from a nasty ear infection but it hasn't slowed him down one bit. I love the progression of these pictures. Max apparently had a very important call to make this morning.

This post is dedicated to my sweet sister Sarah who needs something to read when she eats her breakfast in the morning. Love you sis!