Team Hank Walks!

It's taken our family over a year to become active members of the diabetes community.  It just seemed too overwhelming last year but with an incredibly supportive family behind us, I realized we could really make a difference.  We set our fundraising goal at 1500.00 not knowing what to expect.  Our friends and family totally stepped it up and we managed to raise nearly 2800.00!  I couldn't be happier about it.  Not to mention the fact we had 40 people show up to walk with Team Hank.  It was such a special day for our little family.  We felt so much love and Hank was given the recognition he deserves for doing everything it takes to manage this horrible disease every day.

I had some Team Hank shirts made for our family.  They turned out pretty awesome.

The night before the walk, Hank received a special delivery from Rick and Anna.  Nothing says good luck like a delicious edible bouquet! 

I took the car to Brett later that night and had him decorate it for the big day.

It was perfect, a bit morbid, but totally Hank.

This being my first event, I went a little overboard.  I'm not sure who I thought I was buying breakfast for! I thought a little tailgate party would be fun but didn't realize how early everyone had to get there to enjoy it.  Oh well, my neighbors had a lovely breakfast the next day.

My dad told me it was his favorite part of the morning!  Between him and mom, Sam was well taken care of while I was running around doing who knows what.

Hank's buddy Jimmy was there to give his support.

Here is Team Hank!  The only people missing are the Yates family.  They drove up 15 seconds after we snapped this picture.  I felt horrible since they had made the effort to get their entire family there. 

Everyone is wearing their custom-made Team Hank skull stickers, courtesy of Sarah and Brett.

My adorable little family looked awesome in our matching shirts.

Hank and Auntie Sarah

Right after this picture was taken, Hank took off running.  He thought it was a race so he was determined to win.  I didn't realize he had taken off on a dead sprint until 10 minutes into the walk.  Everyone wanted to walk with Hank so I ran ahead to find him.  He was a good 1/2 mile ahead of our group.

Here he is, sweaty and red faced at the front of the pack.  I stopped him and informed him it wasn't a race so he waited for his team.

Sam was a real problem.

Max would sneak a ride anywhere he could.

Poor Dan probably carried him half the time.

I just have to mention how awesome Jeri is.  Even though she is fighting her own battle with breast cancer and undergoing chemo, she walked the entire 5k.  So impressive!

Batman was on the scene.

Hank posed for a few pictures after the walk with his adoring fans.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again, my family and friends are the best there is.  I feel so blessed and lucky to have these amazing people in my corner.  I can't thank everyone enough. We certainly made our stand against diabetes that day and it felt awesome.  It won't be our last!

Sam is One!

Sam turned one last week, I can't believe it.  I am proud to say I've done a monthly update every month since his birth.  I've done this as my attempt to savor each moment of his babyhood.  I can honestly say, I've enjoyed every second I've had with Sam thus far. I'm not sure if it's because he is my last baby or because he really is such a joy to have around.  My trial and error with Hank and Max have also helped me relax about the things that really don't matter.  That is why having three children is so genius, you finally have it figured out by the time the third one comes along.  Sam is walking with confidence now.  You will most likely find him with a binky in his mouth and a spare one in his hand.  His other hand is probably holding either his green comb or a carrot.  He loves to try new foods, some favorites lately are eggs, spaghetti, cheddar cheese, and rice.  He loves music, preferably something with a strong beat.  I love to watch his little head bounce in his car seat when the radio is on, the kid has rhythm!  He still sleeps like a champ and takes 2 naps every day.  I can't remember the last time he was up in the middle of the night.  It's amazing.  If I could be guaranteed another Sam, I might be tempted to have another one!  I realize a baby like him only comes around once in a lifetime though.  He is such a ray of light in our home.  My boys adore him in every way.  His mama's boy tenancies don't seem to be fading yet.  He loves me and I can't say I mind his constant desire to snuggle.

Here are his stats at one year:

21.89 lbs 36%

29.5 inches 41%

Hank and Max were so excited for his birthday and helped me pick out all his gifts and his cake.  Hank insisted he open all his presents before he left for school.

Sam stood by and watched his brothers excitedly open his gifts.

Hank was so disappointed he had to go to school on Sam's birthday.  I assured him it would be just a regular day and he wouldn't miss anything.

However, we decided to go to Rubios for lunch and I couldn't resist checking him out for the rest of the day.  He was so surprised to see me in the office when he came down to check his blood before lunch.  I just couldn't make him go back to school.  It was fun having him home and made the day feel a little more special.

My boys might be the most adorable around.  I'm not sure what Max is doing in this pic but he's still cute!

After a brief nap it was party time for Sammy-Boy!

Sam still love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

That's one proud papa right there.

His birthday outfit is courtesy of the Shawn White Collection for babies at Target.  Nothing cuter, skinny jeans, skater shirts and hoodies...amazing.

Speaking of amazing, Sam has some pretty amazing grandparents. 

Sam is always on the move, looking for the next thing to get in to.  This is the best picture I could get of him with his great-grandparents.

He couldn't be bothered to take a picture with Sarah and Tuck.

He had presents to open and play with!  I've never had a child of mine actually look at each gift and play with them like Sam did on his birthday.  He was amazed by every present he opened.

The lawn mower toy was a hit. He could even mow with one hand!

He had no problem sharing his loot with Lennon. 

"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you..." I realize he can't blow out candles but I had to serenade him with my beautiful voice.  Next, the cake...

Sam had his very own cake to devour.  He was a bit timid at first.

Then, all hell broke lose!  He was far more entertained by smashing it and smearing it everywhere than actually eating it.

He destroyed his cake and then was ready to get it washed off.

He hated his scrub down.  He had frosting in his hair, his ears, and even between his toes.

After his bath, I put on fresh jammies and he was ready to play and take a few more pictures.

I told you he is always carrying a binky and a comb!  Kunz managed to get him to hold still for a second.

Lucy even got a little cuddle from the birthday boy.

Sam shared a tender moment with Grandma before the party ended.  It was such a fun celebration for my amazing little boy.  He is growing up so quickly but each milestone he reaches is even better than the last.  I am truly blessed to be this beautiful boy's mama.  I love you so much Sammy-boy, my darling angel baby.

He has my eyes! 

Max's Final Year at Bear Hollow

Max finally began preschool last week, nearly 2 weeks after Hank started school.  He wasn't nervous one bit and entered preschool like the seasoned veteran he is.  Last year, his first day was the day Sam was born.  He has really matured so much over this past year.  He isn't nearly as nervous to talk to his teacher or friends.    

He was really stoked to have fresh stitches to share with the class.  His street cred is through the roof!

Miss Molly has a circus theme going on this year so when I picked Max up, this is what I found...

 He excitedly reached into his school bag and pulled out a bright red clown nose.  Needless to say, it was a successful first day of school.  It doesn't hurt that his girlfriend last year is in is class again...ahhh Bree.

An End to Summer

Labor Day weekend marked the end of summer fun for us.  Max had no school the entire week before so we decided to make the most of it.  Sarah, Jack, and Tucker invited us to Farm Country earlier in the week. Max loved riding the horses and picked the biggest one.  He's a natural.  We've been to Farm Country several times but this time seemed especially fun.  Max is such a great age right now.  He is so fun to hang out with 

My mom had the genius idea to hit up the splash park in Highland.  Since most kids are back in school, the crowd was very minimal.  Definitely the time to go.  The weather has been so gorgeous.

While Jack and Max were running around like maniacs, Sam kept close to grandma and did a bit of splashing of his own.

He also discovered Jack's uneaten nuggets from Wendy's.

He's showing me just how delicious they are.  The kid loves himself a nugget!

On Sunday, some friends of ours invited us to go to Oktoberfest.  I've never been and everything I read about it sounded like fun for the entire family.  The only thing I failed to consider was the size of the crowds over the holiday weekend.  I couldn't believe how many people came out.  I also didn't realize we would be dropping 200 bucks over the course of the day.  Oh well, what do you do?  Have a great time, which we did.

Hank and Max started off the day with some awesome face painting.  My little tiger and rattlesnake patiently waited in line for over an hour to jump on the trampolines attached to the bungee cords.  Thankfully, Sam decided to take a little snooze during that! 

When it was finally time for their turn, Max jumped for 20 seconds and decided he'd had enough.  Hank on the other hand said it was totally worth it.

We pressed on, braved the crowds and made sure the kids did everything they wanted to do. I promise Randy was there too, man I need to take more pictures of him!  We had a great time catching up with our friends as well.

Snowbird provided the perfect backdrop.  The leaves are changing, and the views were spectacular.  If nothing else, it got me pumped for the upcoming ski season! 

My parents invited us to Riverside on Labor Day for one final swimming date.  The day was going great until lunch time.  As I went to put Hank's pump on, I realized his site had come completely off.  Good thing I came prepared with needles and insulin.  I quickly gave him a shot so he could eat, wrapped the kids in towels and headed over to the snack bar.  My clumsy little Max, tripped on his towel and smacked is chin on the concrete steps.  Upon examining, I just knew stitches were in his future.  Randy and Hank took Max to the nearest Instacare while I stayed at the pool with Sam.

Max is no stranger to getting stitches!  He wasn't worried one little bit, in fact Hank was the one shaking in his boots.  He was so worried for Max, such a great big brother!

There is never a dull moment around here.  We have had such an incredible summer.

Sam is going to miss eating watermelon nearly every day.  

I just hope the amazing weather will hold for a few more months.

My early morning runs have been spectacular.  

I'm looking forward to all the excitement we have coming up in the next few months.  Farewell summer, it's been a blast!