Spring Break

With Randy traveling down to Cedar City a lot lately, we didn't have any huge Spring Break plans.  We opted for a bit of a "stay-cation" if you will.  It wasn't my first choice but we made the best of it and managed to have a great break from our routine.  Some of these pictures didn't happen during Spring Break but close enough.

The new Living Aquarium finally opened so we tried it out with the little tykes on Tucker's birthday.

Sam looks a little unsure of the fact there are two sharks on the other side of the glass.

But trust me, he was so entertained by everything.  We need a membership, just for Sam.  He could be occupied for hours there.  He loved watching the sharks, jellyfish, penguins, and otters.

I couldn't seem to pry him away from the glass.

Nice try getting a picture of these three!

Mom looked fab though!  

My personal favorite moment of the day was when Tucker decided to eat 3 suckers at the same time.

Natalie and Isaac had us over for dinner one night during Spring Break to celebrate Isaac's birthday.  I snapped this gem of Sam and Rambo which captures perfectly Sam's love for dogs.  Makes me feel a little guilty we don't have a dog of our own, not that guilty though.  Max decided to go home early that night and when we got home we found him like this on the couch.  He had freshly showered, brushed his teeth, and put on his jammies all by himself.  This kid is genius.

Why am I paying for babysitters?  Pretty sure Max can take care of himself pretty well.

Speaking of Max, the only thing he wanted to do over the break was go swimming.  We invited Jack, Tucker, and Isabel to join us and we had a great time.

We were far too busy having fun to be bothered with picture taking.  I don't think there was a day during Spring Break that my boys didn't hang out with their cousins.  They are their best friends and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Cousins are the best!

Hank's one request during Spring Break was to have a sleepover with Colby.  They stayed up late and woke up early just like you're supposed to.  The next night my mom invited the older kids to come sleep at her house.  She went all out with catering from Chick fil A, games, movies, and late night conversation.  The kids are still talking about how much fun they had.  Hank informed me he wants to live there for most of the summer.  I'd say that was a successful sleepover.  

Max has perfected the "grandma Jackie dance".  It's hilarious!  These are some pretty lucky kids right here.

The next pictures are examples of how much fun you can have by going through your old Halloween costumes.  There are some classic videos that go along with all these pictures.  I was crying I was laughing so hard.

MJ

Waldo?

I must admit, Max can pull off the black curly wig better than everyone else.

Who wore it best, Mario style.  I can't pick, they are all amazing.

We had some gorgeous weather all week, perfect for a little lunch at the park.

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Also perfect weather for a trip to the zoo.  Shorts and tank tops, yes please!!

These two sort of have a "thing" these days.  I love it so much!

It was so fun to spend some time with Kate and the girls.  We don't get to see them nearly enough.

Sarah and her crew always make the trip more exciting.

Sarah snapped this little gem of Max and Jack.  One of my favorite pics of the day.

I'm so glad Natalie and Wyatt could join us.  Wyatt is such a happy little baby. 

Here are some other random pictures from the day.

These two troublemakers would've been content throwing wood chips the entire afternoon.

You can't have a trip to the zoo without a little carousel action.

Hank decided at the last minute he wasn't too cool to ride the carousel.  He told me to destroy this picture.

Max may be a little big to be hitching a ride in the wagon.

The day was capped off  by a delicious ice cream treat.  I'd say it was a pretty perfect zoo day, exhausting no doubt, but pretty perfect.

This next picture is a bit out of order but I stole it from Jeri's facebook and her delicious St. Patrick's day party just had to be documented.  She always goes above and beyond to celebrate our Irish heritage...oh wait, pretty sure we're not Irish but oh well!  It's fun anyhow!  

I'm feeling pretty lucky as I write this post to live near almost all of our family.  It's pretty remarkable and something I'll never take for granted.  Family is where it's at!

Happy Birthday Mama!

This picture deserves a blog post.  The stars aligned and I managed to get a perfect picture of all 3 of my boys with their grandma on her birthday.  These kids adore their grandma and it's pretty clear in this picture.

Sam couldn't wait for Grandma Jackie's birthday party.  He ran right up to her and gave her a big hug when she got to our house.  These two have the sweetest bond.

After a rough couple of weeks with illness, I'm so glad my grandparents were feeling well enough to join the party.  My mom hit the jack pot when it comes to in-laws!  

The Ross Family perfectly posed for this pic.

  Dan kept the 2 year old crowd entertained.

I just can't resist a candle blowing picture.  Makes me giggle every time.

Randy was working in Cedar City and sadly missed the party.  I'm not sure how I lucked out having this incredible lady by my side for life but I'm grateful every day for her.  My mom is the person in my life I can tell everything to and I know she will always give me a supportive and loving response.  She's always been there for me and I appreciate it more and more as I get older.  Just knowing that part of her DNA runs through my body gives me the strength to handle anything that comes my way.  I know she dreads her birthdays but I can honestly say she's getting better with age.  She's never been more beautiful inside and out.

I love you more than words can say mama!  I hope you had the best birthday.

Three Years

Three years ago today, Hank was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  Every year I try to celebrate him on this day.  No one knows how much Hank has to deal with on a daily basis.  The constant blood sugar checks, site changes, and shots not to mention dealing with the unpleasant side effects of being high or low are all consuming at times.  Through it all, he does what I asks and doesn't let this stupid disease stop him from doing the things he loves to do.  It's inspiring to watch and I couldn't be more proud of him.  We've managed to avoid any real illness or diabetes related complications in the past 3 years and that's all thanks to Hank and his willingness to take care of himself.

Randy and I decided to surprise him this morning with ski passes to Sundance.  We ditched school and work and hit the slopes.  Sarah volunteered to watch Sam for us while we went skiing.  He had a blast with his cousins like usual.  She sent me these darling pictures.

Bubbles, wagon rides, and a nap with Sarah sound like a pretty perfect day to me.  Now back to our ski day.

Sundance had just recieved 8 inches of new snow the day before providing us with the best snow we've had all season.

Max decided to ditch his edgie wedgie's half way through the day.  He actually skis better without them on.  I can't believe what a little skier he's become.

Hank was also skiing like a champ.  He even bombed it down some black diamonds!

Yes, that is a GoPro on his helmet.  This awesome skiing had to be properly documented.

Too bad he didn't record this!

It's always a plus for me to spend quality time with my boys in the great outdoors.  We have some pretty great conversations on the lift.

Hank and Max might be turning a corner on their sibling rivalry.  This last week I've noticed them getting along so much better.  Max has Hank's back 100%.  He is always willing to hold Hank's hand when I put his site in.  It warms my heart.  Maybe they can be friends after all!

I can't wait until Sam can join us up there.  It felt good to ditch out on all our responsibilities for the day and give diabetes the bird as we shredded down the hill.

I will fight the good fight for you every day of my life Hank.  I know I'm not always going to be there to count every carb or give you every shot but I'm confident you are going to keep doing everything you need to do to stay healthy.  Your dad and I and your brothers will always be here to support you.  Diabetes can't get this family down!