Fall Break

Autumn in Utah this year has been spectacular.  It's such a festive season and we haven't wasted any time experiencing all of it.  Max had a field trip to Pumpkinland earlier this month.  We kept ourselves entertained by going through the corn maze, playing in the gardens, and visiting the animals. 

Max may have had more fun playing photographer at lunch.  He directed this photo entirely himself.  Maybe next time we'll just sit the field trip out and take pictures of ourselves instead.

 

The day before Fall Break was crazy hair day at Hank's school.  It may be his favorite day of the year.  He wanted me to draw the breast cancer awareness ribbon in his hair to support grandma.  Too bad my artistic ability couldn't accommodate his request...we just went with straight pink hair instead.

To kick off Fall Break, we decided to join the rest of Utah County at Cornbelly's.  It seemed like something we just had to do.  Sarah, Jack, Tucker, Kate, Lucy and Isabel all joined in on the fun.  There is plenty to do at Cornbelly's, yet I found myself frantically chasing Sam everywhere.  He has an eye for danger, that is for sure.

For example, he likes to chew on extension cords.  Totally safe.  The kids had a blast, I was exhausted, seems like a pretty typical day around here.

Randy and I were really wishing we had planned a vacation over the holiday weekend, so last minute we headed up to Park City for a few nights.

The kids looked especially adorable waiting for the bus to take us downtown.  Here is proof that not one of them looks like the other. 

After dinner the kids insisted on a late night sugar rush at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

The sugar high set in before they even got their chocolate!

When I made the hotel reservations, I was blinded by the insanely good deal I got and overlooked the fact that we would be staying in a studio.  That means Hank and Max were on the fold out couch, Randy and I were on a murphy bed, and that left barely enough room for a porta-crib for Sam.  It was close quarters indeed.  Sam was not feeling it at all.  That kids loves his crib, why on earth would we take that bliss away from him?  Let's just say it was a LONG night for all of us.  At one point I looked at Max and he had his ears covered with a pillow and he loudly exclaimed "Sam is being so annoying, I'm trying to sleep!".  Good thing we were all awake by 5:30 a.m., we had to be in Salt Lake that morning for a breast cancer walk with Jeri.  

The kids insisted on pink hair to match their pink "Walkers For Knockers" shirts. Even though we had a restless night of sleep, we quickly rallied to support Grandma Jeri.  She is such an incredible, beautiful woman.  The way she has fought this horrible disease with courage and strength has inspired me greatly.  

Sam and Lennon love their grandma so very much!

Jeri had such an amazing group of supporters.  You could feel the love.

Randy doesn't discuss his feeling very often but the love and respect he has for his mother is something I can only hope for from my boys one day.

After our walk we all went to lunch together and Sam was in fine form.

Some poor soul put their iphone in the hands of this crazy man.

"What mom, I'm not doing anything."  

After our sleepless night, Randy and I decided to cut our trip short.  We headed back to the hotel and had a much needed hot tub party.

It sort of made the entire trip worth it.  My boys are hilarious little creatures! I'm one lucky mom.

Poor Randy was left in the hotel room to wrangle Sam.  

It's a good thing he is so damn cute!  I guess I've forgotten what a handful a one year old can be.

We headed downtown one last time before heading home.

Sam enjoyed smacking Randy's head the entire walk.

The rest of the break was spent enjoying the beautiful weather...at home!

Randy just can't help himself when there is a neighborhood game going on.  He just has to participate, even if it means beating up on innocent kids.

My mom organized a caramel apple making session with all the grand kids.  They turned out adorable and delicious.  The kids had a blast.  They each made a special apple to give to their dad and their school teachers.

There is never a dull moment around here.  Randy and I had hopes of a relaxing vacation but I have a feeling that's not going to happen for at least 10 more years!  

Thank Goodness For Antibiotics

The first part of October brought some serious bacteria to our family.  I swear my house is clean.  I came down with step even though I was told I an immunity to it.  Sarah had it a week earlier and since we share everything, it was only right we include infectious diseases.  I've realized a few things about myself through my illness.  I hate to be sick and am not a very good sick person.  I have zero pain tolerance and I HATE shots!  I have never felt so much pain in my life.  The antibiotic shot they gave me was the real deal.  Randy can attest how much I hate shots.  I nearly broke his poor hand while the nurse was injecting me.  Luckily my mom was willing to help out with the kids while I was moaning and wailing for a few days.  After 3 or 4 days, I was feeling much better.

Just prior to my bought with bacteria, Hank got a nasty infection where his pump site was.  The amount of pus coming out of that area combined with the redness and pain was alarming.  I took him to the doctor where they took a sample of the bacteria and put him on a pretty aggressive dose of antibiotics.  Thankfully it got drastically better quick or they would've admitted him to the hospital.  Since he is a diabetic, infections are nothing to mess around with.  I'm glad we caught it early and he was strong enough to fight this.  I call no more sickness for this family!  If only it were that easy.

Grandma

It's time to update the old blog.  I'm determined to keep this as current as possible so my goal is a post every day until I'm caught up.  

My beautiful grandma turned 82 on September 28th.  We had a celebration in her honor with all my cousins and our kids at a park in Highland.  I feel so grateful to have this incredible lady in my life.  She is witty, smart, loyal, strong, elegant, and supportive.  Her influence in my life is very strong and I can honestly say I wouldn't be the person I am today without her.  I miss Grandma Joanne so much and I am so lucky to have Grandma Yvonna live so close to me.  She possesses so many qualities I hope to attain some day.  Her devotion to my Grandpa Sherm and her family is unmatched.  Through all of life's ups and downs she has a way of lightening any moment with her hilarious sense of humor.  I love you so much Grandma!  Here's to many more birthdays!

Sam Enters Toddler-Hood

It's amazing how Sam's first haircut magically turned him into a different kid.  It might also have something to do with the fact he has entered toddler-hood and all the irrational mood swings that come with it.  I swear it was the haircut though!  I had Hank and Max in for their regular haircut's and Weston had a few minutes before his next appointments.  In a moment of weakness I sat Sam in the chair and told Weston to trim up the rough edges.  I'm not ready for a real haircut just yet.

Sam had his sucker, covered in hair, and had no idea his lovely locks were getting chopped off.

I couldn't believe how fast he went from a long haired rat to a nicely trimmed up rat.

  

The back of his hair reminds me so much of Grandpa Karl's hair!

Here is the final product and the personality that came with it!

I guess in all fairness to Sam, his hair probably has nothing to do with his behavior.  He is still such a great little sleeper, however we had to lower his crib to the lowest setting since he's already plotting an escape.

Sam is always looking for the next thing to get into.  It usually involves a button, a plug, an outlet, a sharp object, or something that could potentially poison him.  I had all three boys at the doctor for flu shots and I was constantly stopping him from playing on the computer, opening the drawers, and playing in the garbage.

Give Tucker a few more months and these two will be a force to be reckoned with!

Not to mention the trouble these kissin' cousins are going to get into!  Lennon is a little scared of Sam. 

Being the youngest brother, Sam has to endure plenty of time at the soccer/football field.  He loves to run onto the field, I'm sure just because of the reaction he gets from me.  He found some goal post sticks to keep him entertained and had them wrapped around his neck in no time.

He needs to be holding something at all times and his pants, just won't stay buttoned!  Sarah suggested sewing in a little maternity panel.  I guess skinny jeans are just not made to fit his body shape!

He has recently began pooping in the tub, such a lovely new trick. 

It's a good thing he is so freaking adorable or I just might lose my mind!

For every fit he throws, or mess he creates, he quickly makes me forget it all with his hilarious personality.  His smile is contagious and his dance moves are an instant mood boost.  It is an exciting world for this independent little one year old.  I hope I can keep up! 

The Griffin's Got a Boat

When Randy and I started our little family, I just knew one day a boat would be in our future.  Randy has so many fond childhood memories of boating and of course wants that for our kids.  I'm all for quality family bonding time.  Although I didn't grow up boating, it's an activity I can definitely get into.  When the opportunity arose to purchase this boat, the price was right and the timing was right so Randy and James jumped at the chance and I'm so glad they did.  Unfortunately we didn't get it until boating season was coming to a close but we had a few jaunts to the lake before the weather got too cold.  Here she is!

I have lots to learn about the art of backing up a trailer, and driving a boat.  I'll get it one of these days.

I love that we are officially a boating family now.  The kids were a little nervous our first time out.  Sam was trapped in his life jacket so he decided to just take a nap.  The kids didn't want to get in the water so I decided to show them it wasn't scary at all.  It's been a good 8 years since I've put on a pair of water ski's but I couldn't let my boys down.  

Oh yeah, I still got it!  It actually felt pretty amazing to be out on the water again.  The kids weren't too excited about learning how to ski but the tube was an instant hit.

They literally stayed on the water for an hour.  We have some serious tubers on our hands.  I love hearing their little giggles and squeals from behind the boat.  Randy couldn't be more stoked about being a boat owner.  That probably makes me the happiest.  He's like a little kid out there.  I know we have many years of adventures ahead of us and I can't wait!

Max's 5th Birthday

Max turned 5 last week and we had celebrations galore.  Being the middle child,  I worry about Max being the forgotten one.  I think I compensated for that over the course of his birthday weekend.  I maybe went a little overboard but he deserved it.

He was the leader in preschool so I made a poster to represent all things Mino!

I came to school to share the poster with the class and watch Max's awesome leadership skills.

He was a little worried the clown hat he got to wear was going to ruin his hair.  It was also school picture day.  The class sang to him and offered their birthday wishes.

He called on Bree (the one in the pink shirt) to share her birthday wish.  She said she hoped he got a strawberry cake for his birthday.  Later when we picked out his cake he said he wanted a strawberry one, ha!

The following day was a Bear Hollow field trip to Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country.  I love me a field trip.

Spending one on one time with Max is always fun.

He was a little disappointed Bree didn't get to ride with us but he quickly made friends with Eden and Gracie.  He's quite the lady killer.

He really loved the goats for some reason.  That smile gets me every time.

The next day was finally the big day.  He woke up to soccer decorations everywhere.

Hank was so excited to give Max the awesome Poke'mon cards he picked out.  Max loved them.  

He also loved his Koosh gun.

The grand finale present was a new bike.  It's high time Max learns how to ride a bike.  

Hank hated going to school on Max's birthday, so I checked him out at lunch.  I'm such a push over.

Max's outfit had to be properly documented. Amazing.

We took several trips around the neighborhood to try out his new bike.  I predict it won't be long before those training wheels come off.

Later that afternoon, we headed to Jack and Jill's for a little bowling with the cousins.

Max loves his cousins.  He told me he wanted to invite his friends too so when I asked which one's he replied "I forgot their names, let's just invite my cousins." So funny.

Dyson had a soccer game and couldn't make the party.

Max could really generate some power with his bowling ramp and awesome wind up moves.

Sam and Tucker made their presence known but opted out of bowling.  They didn't have bowling shoes small enough.

Sam decided to take a little rest on Grandma Jackie.  Thanks mom for helping out.

After bowling we met the rest of the family back at the house for pizza, cake, ice cream and presents.  

Max has had lots of candle blowing experience over the past year from all the various birthday parties we've attended.  He had no problem tackling all these candles.

He received so many awesome gifts from everyone

Grandpa Griff gave him an electronic bank with money in it.

Grandpa Sherm and Grandma Vona gave him money.  He even indulged them with a hug after.

The Ross family gave him a sweet dragon and ninja toy and the Royster's gave him poke'mon cards.

The Jones family gave him the Leonardo sword you can see properly stowed in his shirt!

He can be such a little punk sometimes.  Grandma Jeri gave him a poke'mon game for his DS which he was so excited about, although you can't tell from this picture.  Jeri looks cute though!

Grandpa Curt and Grandma Jackie gave him a Razor scooter and some new shin guards.

I'd say he was one spoiled 5 year old.

 The following pictures represent Max perfectly.

Max's dance moves are hilarious.  He loves to jam out to any song on U92. 

He is becoming quite the little soccer player.  He loves to have his fans cheering him on.  He's always looking over at the sidelines for a thumbs up from me. 

He named their team the Snakes. A perfect name for this crew.  They are undefeated so far.

Max has a way with little kids.  They are drawn to him.  Jack, Tucker, Lennon, Owen, and Sam can't seem to get enough of Max.  Hank gets frustrated when Sam will only laugh at Max.  I caught Sam reaching for Max's hand in the car the other day, just to hold it for awhile.  Every morning when Sam wakes up he anxiously looks around the corner for Max.  They play for hours together upstairs.  Also, Max has an obsession with Mario Smash Bros on the Wii.  He usually makes me call him a character from that game, Falco, Lucario, or Rob to name a few.

   

Max is such a ray of light in our crazy family.  He gladly takes a back seat to shine the light on his brothers.  In fact, he wasn't that comfortable with all the birthday attention he got.   He is Hank's #1 fan and gives him praise constantly.  He is content with very little, never really asking for the newest toy or game.  All he asks for is some quality one on one time.  He has grown up so much this year.  I can't believe how confident and outgoing he is at preschool.

This picture put the finishing touches on a perfect birthday.  Max is my little buddy.  He helps me so much during the day while Hank is at school.  Our family couldn't function like it does without our darling Max.  I love you with all my heart buddy.  I hope your 5th birthday was your best yet!