Field Trips Galore

Field trip season is in full effect.  Max had his turn first at Hee Haw's Pumpkin Patch.  We learned about all things corn, explored a corn maze, took a wagon ride, picked the perfect pumpkin, saw baby animals, and went down a gigantic slide.  Max and I had a wonderful time together. It was a beautiful fall day.

 Max was very particular about the pumpkin he picked.  He said this one was "perfect and just his size".

 When it was time for lunch we sat down to discover about a thousand bee's swarming around our picnic table.  Max was shaking with fright.  I didn't want the bee issue to ruin our delightful day so we opted to leave early and eat our lunch in the car.  It was a good day with my Mino-man.

The next day was Hank's turn.  The entire 1st grade class went to This Is The Place Monument in Salt Lake to learn about our pioneer heritage.  The thoughts of riding in a school bus for 45 minutes with a bunch of 6 year old kids didn't make me too excited but Hank really wanted to go, so I agreed.  The weather was fall perfection and it was much more interesting than I thought it would be.  Hank even held my hand for a little while so it made the entire outing worth it!

 They learned about the typical chores a pioneer child would complete in a day.  Beating the dirt out of the rug was one of them.

 Hank was really good at it.

 Working in the garden wasn't nearly as fun.

 They were doing something with wool here but I can't remember what it was called.  Hank wasn't impressed.

 Hank wasn't really into touching the farm animals.

 That's about as close as he got!

He did touch a snake though...go figure. 

 Garrett and Hank

 Ace, Issac, and Hank on the train

 Hank's first grade class

Miss Oliekan is such a great teacher.

 Hank and I tried to get a picture together but my stupid Bell's Palsy ruined every attempt.  Hank had the genius idea of covering the dead side of my face with his head.  On our way back to the school Jenni had her baby!!! We couldn't wait to see her.

 Hank grabbed her the second we entered Jenni's hospital room.  We love you Lennon!

Sam didn't get to come on all the field trips but had a great time with Sarah and Grandma Jackie.  He is getting so big already!  I can't believe he is nearly 7 weeks old.  

He is starting to smile on a more regular basis.  

I have made it my life's mission to capture that smile on camera but it is proving very difficult! 

He is such good natured baby.  He is sleeping 4-5 hours at a time during the night and goes with the flow during the day, taking at least 2 or 3 good naps. 

 I love the just finished a bottle face.  He is already up to 4 oz. every feeding and gets the hiccups upon completion almost every time.

He is also really pumped for Halloween!

My Amazing Hank

Hank continues to amaze me with his ability to excel at everything he does.  This post is dedicated to all things Hank.  Here is his amazing school picture, you have to love the missing teeth!  At his parent teacher conference I wasn't surprised to find out he is doing extremely well in all areas.  Reading seems to be his strongest subject.  He loves books and we don't miss a night reading together.  He will tell you P.E. is his favorite subject, next to recess and library.  This kid is always on the move.  His schedule keeps me running all day long.  Flag football season has come and gone and he worked really hard.  Hank is a natural when it comes to executing and reading plays...it must be from all the Madden!  His favorite play is the double reverse jet sweep, whatever that means.

Hank had a bunch of buddies on his team this year.  I am so glad he got to play with his friends Cole, Boston, Ethan, and Dominique.  He also made some other great friends.  I love looking in the lunch room and seeing Hank eating with his team.  These boys were lucky to have three coaches this year.  Randy, Morgan, and Greg all pitched in to make the year extra special for the kids.  Randy pretty much kicked butt as the special teams coordinator.

Here are some random pics of Hank throughout the season.  There wasn't a game he didn't score at least one touchdown.  He was also a master defensive player.

Of course Hank had a cheering squad.  Sarah, Jack, Grandma Jeri, Grandma Jackie, Max, Sam, and I were to nearly every game.

 The Ross family showed their support at his last game.  Throughout the season we also had the Royster Family, Grandpa Griff, Grandpa Curt, Scott, and Brett cheering Hank on.  The support is so amazing.  Our family pretty much rules.  I still have Bell's Palsy, so I purposely avoided the camera.

Hank's number one fan enjoyed sprinting across the field during every game.

Sarah came prepared with suckers to entertain Max and Jack.

 Max is a trooper going to Hank's various activities.

Hank loves his sports.  He can't wait for Jr. Jazz to start.  Thankfully we have until January to get ready for that.  I need a break from games and practices right now.  Taekwondo is kind of kicking our butt lately.  Since Hank is part of the Black Belt Club, he has 3 classes a week to attend. Between that and football we were maxed out.

After Hank's football game we raced to his taekwondo test.  He is demonstrating his attack and defense in this picture.  His test went very well and he moved up the ranks to a green striped belt.

I really hope Hank sticks with this a little longer.  His instructors see so much potential in him and they really care about his success.  They've been by his side for 2 1/2 years now.

Randy took the boys to the driving range last weekend and Hank renewed his love of golf.  Max just loves to crush things with a stick.  I can't wait to hit the links with them.

Even though Hank has a really full schedule, he still finds time to harass his little brother.

They get a long about 50% of the time but I know when it really counts they are there for each other.

 Max and Sam are so lucky to have Hank for their big brother.  The way he deals with his diabetes every day is inspiring.  It's been over 6 months now and he pushes on with strength and determination.  We recently switched his endocrinologist and it has given us hope and courage to press on.  Dr. Swinyard also has type 1 diabetes and has lived with the disease for 35 years.  It is comforting to see that it is possible.  He also told Hank he could get an insulin pump so we are in the process of ordering that.  Hopefully it will make things easier to manage.

It's safe to say, Randy and I are pretty proud of our Hank-Man.  You can expect many more amazing things from this one!

One Month

Happy one month birthday my love (a day late)! 

 At least one of us can fit into their jeans!

 You're still the sweetest baby on the planet.  I love your furry little face.

You really go with the flow.  Through all our running around to doctors appointments, the grocery store, preschool, and daily trips to the school to give Hank a shot, you never fuss or complain.  You patiently wait for your precious bottle and time to cuddle with me.

  I love you baby cakes!

Time for a nap.
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Wheeler Farm with Max

 Even though it's only been a few weeks since I had my stomach cut open, I couldn't stand the thought of Max going on his first field trip without me.  Miss Molly took all the kids from Bear Hollow to Wheeler Farm to see the animals.  It's sort of freaking me out because it seems like only yesterday I was there with Hank.  I even blogged about it 2 years ago.

 Max had a conversation with a goose.

 

 His buddy Cooper got to ride in my car with us and Max was a chatter box the entire way there.  After discussing their favorite ninja turtles, Max said "Hey Cooper, I don't wear underwear to bed".  Cooper didn't quite know what to say about that!  I love Max trying to make new friends, he is hilarious.

 They had time to play with sticks, mud, and water for a bit before everyone else arrived.  To be honest, I think it was the most fun they had the entire day.  

 Bless Miss Molly...I don't know how she does it with all these little rats!  It is pretty amazing how good these little kids were. We split into groups and then went on a tour.  The kids weren't that impressed by the historical facts about the farm...shocker.  The wagon ride was definitely a highlight.

 It was so great to have some quality time with Max.  No distractions, no other kids, no diabetes, just me and Mino.  I really love this little guy.  He is growing up so fast.

 Max was so excited for lunch time.  I packed a scrumptious lunch and he enjoyed every bit of it until a bee decided to torment him.  He got stung after my grandma's funeral and he is completely terrified of all flying insects now.  Despite the bee, we had a great time together.  I am so glad I had a chance to hang out with my favorite 4 year old for the afternoon.