Pioneer Day

For whatever reason Pioneer Day just isn't a big deal out here in Oklahoma.  Kind of sad.  I grew up where we had a huge stake celebration.  I loved it!  Thankfully our ward celebrates every year.  This year we had a big pancake breakfast and then some fun pioneer games.

The kids made ice cream in a can.

Pulled sticks.  (For some reason I'm reminded of when Rich and Jeff pulled sticks in Nauvoo... so fun.)

Walked on stilts and did a ring toss.

Blew bubbles.

And went on a horse (powered) wagon ride.

 We also played our games at home and even learned more about the pioneers on a pioneer treasure hunt.  We love Pioneer Day!

wes truman

My updates wouldn't be complete without mentioning Wes.  On July 4th our friend, Wes Truman, passed away after a 5 year battle with cancer.  I tear up every time I think about his passing or read people's memories of him.  We miss him and his goodness.

Cupcakes

The other night Rich was at scout camp so I had dinner and bedtime duty to myself.  After dinner was over I took Alexander upstairs to go to bed.  To keep the boys quiet while I was not around I gave them some cupcakes for dessert.  I ran downstairs really quickly to grab a little more milk for Alex and this is what I found.

Seriously?!  I knew that James would probably have frosting around his mouth and maybe a little bit on his fingers.  But I did not expect him to have painted his hands and face with it!  That boy keeps me on my toes for sure!

Fun with Grandma and Jacob

The boys had way too much fun while Grandma and Uncle Jacob were here!  While Rich and I were in the hospital Jacob had the boys earn "money" by helping around the house, trying new foods, etc.  With their money they could then "buy" things from Jacob's store.  In those few days they learned some great habits--like trying new food.  James is an awesome food taster now--and most of the time he likes what he tries!

They also had a blast dressing up in costumes.  My mom told me that one day they all played Star Wars for 4 hours together!

Alex suddenly decided he doesn't like clothes.  He's doing a little better now... but some days he went around in just a diaper.

Since we've had record breaking temperatures (112!) here we had to find a lot of things to do indoors.  My mom always brings lots of fun crafts for the boys to do.

One of the days when I was feeling up for an outing we took everyone bowling (since kids bowl free all summer!)  Even Alex had a fun time (once we could get a shirt on him and get him inside!)

Every week my mom took the boys to the library for a craft and some books. 

Alex was extra tired this week and fell asleep on the floor.

Jacob enjoyed catching up on reading in the best seat in the library

On one of the last days that they were here I got a package in the mail... It was my pirate playhouse that I won!  The boys had a great time in the new hideout.  Jacob even sent the boys on an awesome treasure hunt with a special prize at the end (donuts, superhero popsicles, and a movie to watch--thanks Rachelle!)

On occasion they ventured out into the sweltering heat.  They went to the park and the sprayground.

And one day they even went to the zoo.

Note: Alex wouldn't get dressed this day and instead wore his jammies to the zoo... at least he was clothed.

Several days the boys headed out into the back yard to play in the water.  My mom gave them some little frogs that squirted water and they had a blast trying to get Uncle Jacob.

We were so blessed to have my mom and Jacob come out.  Jacob was so patient with his nephews and it was fun to see them all get along so well. Not only did they keep my (often whiney) boys entertained but Mom cleaned, cooked, shopped, and stocked the freezer with numerous meals for after she was gone.  Plus, it was nice to have some adult conversation during the day!  And in the evening we always enjoyed a game and dessert after the boys were in bed. I don't think I could survive without her help!

I am Special

For family night while my mom and Jacob were here the boys made crowns and then got to sit in the "throne" while we all said what made him special.  The boys just loved it!

Jacob is a good reader, patient with his nephews, and has a great imagination.

William is a wonderful big brother, very creative, and a good helper.

James is a great cuddler, very sweet, and makes us laugh.

Alexander is smiley, loves his dad, and loves to play with his big brothers

Splish Splash

Henry's umbilical cord fell off Tuesday afternoon.  My mom left for the airport a few hours later.  While Rich was gone to the airport Henry decided to pee (on his face) while I was changing his diaper.  Awesome.  So I went to give him a bath where he decided to pee again (and poop!) in the sink.  At that point I gave up on the idea of a bath and just washed his face.

But then my mom came back that night!  Since she was here an extra day she was able to give Henry his first bath.  I'm pretty sure my mom has given all of my boys their first bath.  I'm pretty sure that's why she had to be here an extra day :)

He wasn't so sure about it at first...

But then he decided it really wasn't so bad after all!

A fun fourth

We had a fun Fourth of July.  In the morning my mom gave the boys haircuts (hooray!)...  and they got a patriotic drink in exchange.

For lunch, Rich and my mom took all the boys over to some friends' house for swimming and food. I think they had a good time.  Henry and I stayed home to sleep.

Afterwards we all headed over to the Crane's for more food and fun.  My mom made a patriotic cake... yum!

When it began to get dark we headed back home.  Rich, Mom, William and James went to Windmill Park to watch fireworks (we miss the great view we had in our old home!)  I stayed home to put Alexander to bed.  Jacob wasn't feeling well so he stayed home and went to sleep also.  My mom was excited to see fireworks again... since you don't get a good show in Alaska!

We interrupt these update posts to bring you another picture of Henry.

Is he not the sweetest thing you've ever seen?  And he's so good too.  Oooh we just love him!

Last Game of the Season

My mom and Jacob arrived in Oklahoma on Monday... the day of William's last t-ball game.  It was fun for William to have a few extra fans... and my mom got some great shots of William in action.  So beware!  There are lots of photos ahead!

William getting ready to run home.

William running home!

In the dugout

Playing in the outfield

Warming up

 At bat

William played catcher part of the night but it was a little bit of a fight to get him to play that position.  He said it was too hot.  I don't blame him!  I was dying just sitting in the stands! With all that extra gear on he had to be sweating like crazy.

 Playing catcher

I was glad that my mom brought her camera because I forgot mine!  They had a little awards ceremony at the end and presented the boys with trophies.  I'm not a fan of handing every kid a trophy just because they played... but it worked out in this case.  They gave trophies for first, second, and third place.  Of course, there were only three teams!!!

 William and Coach Chad

 William with his trophy

These boys really did improve tremendously over the course of the season!  We even won a game!  And the most important part was that William had a great time!