Scout Camp

Josh loved the rock climbing wall

Every ones favorite the water slide that ends in MUD!!!

We need to work on our fishing skills sadly he was the only one who didn't catch one!!!

It's no secret how I feel about Scouts.  It's something I'll have to grow to tolerate.  But for now it's alot of standing around waiting for something to happen which DRIVES ME CRAZY!!!!  But the boys love it so I'll get over the unorganized part of it someday.
  Scout camp is no different you are in the sweltering hot temp's all day long.  Poor Josh came home with blisters on his chin he burnt so bad.  Usually June isn't this hot but luckily for us it's a record breaking year :).   I started 4 days before camp pumping Josh full of water so he was nice and hydrated which helped him alot. But he came home every day caked in dirt and exhausted.  By Friday he didn't want to go. He was dragging that's for sure.  But a little bribery of a ice cream treat after did the trick and he had a good time.  I was glad it was only 4 days I really don't think he could of taken any more.  But he did have a great time and is so happy to finally be a scout.  He's been waiting for this day since Trevor started  3 years ago.   Thanks to my AMAZING husband for working out his crazy schedule to be there for Josh this year.  I think he was more excited that his Dad got to spend the whole day with just him then he was to go to camp.

The Kid Wash!!

So it's been HOT here. It's usually hot in the summer in Austin but this year we are having record breaking heat in June.  I usually don't mind the heat we just stay indoors or at the pool but it gets a little old fast.  So we pulled out the family fun Magazine for some ideas on what to do.  Gavin found a Kid wash and went NUTS.  This is the kid that when he sleeps all night we take him to the car wash for a reward. (yes I get desperate and bribery usually works wonders)   He would live in a car wash if we let him.  He's so funny he will watch on You Tube about how car washes works. And as they are cleaning our car he knows the names of each device that is working.  He knows the brand of the washers and usually tells us things like.  This is a PDQ washer or a Max air dryer. It's so cute to hear my 4 year old so passionate about something.  So I had to build this "Kid wash".  I used to spend hrs with my Dad helping him build things.  That would be our Daddy daughter time and I always loved it.  So when I pulled out the "how to." I got excited that I actually knew what things like the T's and elbows are so we ran to home depot to gather the supplies.   Although it took me WAY longer to gather up everything Gavin was such a great helper. He happily piled things into the cart and we got asked by every helper what we were planning on making.  Gavin was more then happy to descirbe out little project in details to each and every one.  They didn't have some of the supplies we needed so I had to improvise which was a bit of a challenge.

We got home and my sweet husband was ready and willing to help us create this  monster.  The blue prints SUCKED and didn't even tell you how to build the thing it just had a picture and the supplies needed. I was so glad for Ryan's logical thinking and he helped me figure out what went where.  I loved that the kids all could help and everyone even Trevor was excited for this to be done.

After drilling a million holes (Ryan got a little carried away) and gluing some of the pipes (warning that glue gets everywhere and doesn't come off)  we had to wait until the next day to test the thing.  Gavin would sit by the door looking at our creation counting down the minutes that we could test it out.  Finally it was time  so we hooked up the hose and NOTHING!!!

 We drilled way to many holes and now the thing didn't have pressure.  Sadly only the bottom few holes were spitting out water.  We were all bummed.
  I was determined to get this thing working and now Ryan was invested to.  We all  came up with ideas and I called my trusty Dad to see what one would work the best.  So that night we ended up gluing most of the bottom holes and decided to build another hose connector to the other side of the wash so that we could double the pressure and the results were.

A GREAT FAMILY FUN NIGHT!!!

I'm so glad it worked out in the end. 

I love watching my kids enjoy something we worked on together it is so rewarding!!!

We still need to tweak it to make it look more like a "kid wash."  But that's the on going fun part of this project right.

It's GREAT to be 8!!!

Joshua is turning 8. 

     He's going to have LOTS of new adventures coming his way.

Today he started scouts and went to Scout camp. 

He woke up at 5:00 bouncing off the walls in excitement.  I sure hope that excitement lasts all week as we are having record breaking hot days here.  And he's out side in it all day long.

It's so lonely with out him here.  He's our peace maker that's for sure. 

He's having a swim birthday party, and then getting baptised in the next few weeks.

He's beyond excited for his big days.

I couldn't resist posting these pictures he's such a handsome young man.  Thanks so much to a great neighbor who takes Amazing pictures.  http://kristendukephotography.com/  

Joshua is so full of life and Joy.

And he looks JUST LIKE HIS DAD.

5th grade graduation

Walking into the program.

The program was a little LONG.  We got Josh out of his class to come and watch.  He was really wiggly so Ryan said "hold still or you'll have to go back to class.  He got a huge smile on his face and said. "really I can go back."  We only tortured the poor kid until Trevor got his certificate and he dashed back to class with such a delighted grin.  The little stinker.

Mrs. Schulz she was such a GREAT teacher she really did love the kids and helped Trevor through so many things.  I'm so grateful for her. 





Then came the water works.  This was such a sweet moment when Trevor gave me a huge hug telling me it's OK to cry and that he loved me.  Thanks for not being embarrassed of your over emotional Mom kiddo. 

The cute cupcakes.

OK I know it's only 5th grade but I sobbed when this kid graduated from pre-school.  It's all about growing up and the next stage in his life.  Not to mention Middle school was pure torture for me so I just pray that Trevor has a better experience.  This year was a tough one for him.  He had to face some pretty hard times but I can say I'm super proud of how he grew from each experience.   It kills me he doesn't believe in himself and lets other people bring him down.  I pray for his self esteem to just be boosted to the max this summer so he can walk into middle school with his head held high.  After all he is a very amazing kid.  I'm so lucky to be his Mom.  He graduated on the AB honor roll.  With only one B and it was in his hardest subject spelling.  (mom struggles with that too no secret there.)  And he got commended on all his taks tests.  I'm super proud of this kid and love him so much.


With all the commotion I forgot to snap a few pictures of Josh.   He had such a great year.  Mrs. Collins ROCKED!!!   I just love her so much.  Josh has been super lucky he's always had such great teachers and I cry each year as he moves on because I grew so close to them. 

On another note.
Gavin had a complete meltdown when he saw the huge bounce houses and Kona ice truck for the kids party.  He Loves Loves Loves bounce houses and wanted to play so bad.  He is now very excited for Kindergarten and the last day of school.  To bad he has to wait another year.  Mom's perfectly happy about that one.

  Now to survive summer.  Wish me luck I'm really going to need it!!!!

Marks getting Married.

Ryan's only brother Mark is getting married to the sweetest girl.  It will be nice not to be the only daughter in law on his side. But I will say I have some pretty great sister in laws, which has been so nice.   My Amazing parents are coming up to watch the boys so we can go to the wedding in peace and not have to chase the kids around and try and find baby sitters for the wedding.
It will be weird to go to Seattle without the kids, and they are not happy they are not coming but it has to be a short trip for that week is the last week of school.  I can't believe it.  Let the stress begin.

I hate leaving my kids, and hope they don't wear my parents out too much. My Mom did say this may be the last time she can watch the kids they are getting to old for this.  So I'm so super greatful for them!!!  Pray they survive.

We are super excited for Mark he's such a great guy and will make an amazing husband.  Both he and Sarah are lucky to have found each other.

C-ya in May guys.  Congrats again.

Botox???

The picture that made Ryan and I want a botox party :)...  Gotta love the sun in the eyes, 1/2 smile just take the darn picture look. 

Easter Sunday.

Josh helped me make these cute bunny treats for my primary class.

Handsome Trevor.  

Little man wouldn't hold still or stay tucked in.  Not to mention his hair wont stay combed no matter how  much gel I put in it.  :)..  It's a good thing he so stinking cute.





You don't even want to know what Easter morning was like at our house.  Lets just say these are not Joshua's Easter clothes. 

And his picture was taken 3 hrs after the other two.  That's why there isn't one of all 3 together.

But I sure love this kid meltdowns and all.

Hoppy Easter

Yesterday a wild bunny came into our back yard as we were playing out side.  I had fun convinceing the boys it was the Easter Bunny's helper here to make sure they were being good, so the real Easter bunny could come visit them today.  I had the younger two kids so excited they could barley get to sleep.  As for Trevor he just thought I was absolutely CRAZY!!! 

Josh woke up at 5:00.  I made him go back to bed until Gavin woke up at 6:00.  Grump slept in until 9:00.  He never sleeps in and I couldn't keep the younger two waiting anymore.

Josh was so happy to get his Happy napper.  That's what he a Gavin have been begging for.

Gavin asked if was Christmas.  He was so confused it was pretty funny.

I made them bunny pancakes for Breakfast.  The nose was kinda big and well the whiskers were not to great but they all loved them and were so excited to eat Bunny's.

Our backyard is covered in foam.  They went through two huge thing of bubbles.  The foam gun was a success.

Grump finally woke up.  Of course he went straight for the candy and then later noticed his basket ball and base ball bat.

I made him eat his pancake before he got the candy.  Bribery works for smile with this kid :)...

Then we made confetti eggs.  Josh loved blowing out the egg snot as he called it.  Just watching him made me gag.



Getting everything ready. Grump wouldn't decorate eggs with us.



The finished eggs. 

Later that day we went and got frozen custard and then swimming.  Trevor finally snapped out of his Grumpy mood it was nice to have him back.  We missed the egg hunt (oops) but  the boys didn't seem to mind.   Tomorrow we can celebrate the true meaning of Easter and get in our nice new Easter duds. 

Gavins easter egg hunt.

We were to fill 12 eggs up for Gavins little hunt.  He picked basketball shaped eggs and we put crabby pattys in them.  It was so funny as they told the kids to go and get 12 eggs Gavin went only for the basketball eggs. He was getting very frustrated with all the kids when they would pick them up.   I guess I should of explained he gets new eggs and those particular eggs were not his.  It was pretty funny to watch.  At least this year he wanted to touch the eggs and understood the concept of the whole egg hunt thing.  I love this age.   Why can't they stay 4 Forever?

Gavins cute little class.  I didn't realize I was so far away as I took the picture.

All the kids hunting for eggs.

Gavin getting mad these are not the eggs he brought and didn't want to put it in his bucket.

Once I explained all the eggs have candy in them not just the ones we brought he was feeling a little better about the whole hunt thing.

Trevors last

I got kinda emotional bringing in Donuts for Trevor  early birthday class treat.  I just realized this will be the last time I bring in treats for him.  Unless they allow it in 6th grade but with all the classes I'm not  sure how they would do that.

He's such stickler for the things he likes.  He always wants the same thing every time.  So he got Round Rock donuts.  The class was all very respectful and  not nearly as wild as Joshua's but they all still went crazy over Gavin.  All the girls especially.  Oh how I wish I had a older daughter to help me out with these boys.

Trevor is such a interesting kid.  Always keeping me on my toes.  But he's such a great kid as well.  I love him with all my heart.  He and I are like oil and water and he would fight me the sky is purple just to fight.  But I'm always impressed when I see him with others. He always is the 1st to say please and thank you, and he treats others with such respect. (just not his brothers or Mom boo)   He's doing so well in school this year and has lots of friends who love being around him.    I'm so not ready for him to grow up so much and go to middle school.  I remember when he started Kindergarten it was just yesterday.

Happy Early birthday Trevor.  I sure love you and am very proud to be your Mom.

I love how gavin just sat right up to the desk and made him self at home.  These kids were so cute with him.

Happy Early Birthday

Man I'm the least photogenic person ever!!!

  

Gavin would not hold still to save his life.

I'm super proud of Joshua.   While I went in to his class to give him a little early b-day treat his teacher pulled me aside to tell me that he got 100% on his bench marks.  And he is such a sweet kid.  He has a little girl  who wont leave him alone.  She has special needs and Mrs. Collins said Josh is so super sweet and patient with her.  He's very matter of fact but very loving in way he deals with her.   That made me so proud. 

  When I first came into the class room Josh's desk was off to the side of the room all by himself.  My initial instinct was to think he was in trouble.  But his teacher reassured me he was not.  He moves his desk there on purpose when it's reading time so he can concentrate and not be distracted.  (he gets distracted EASILY)  and he felt this was the best way to avoid the temptation..  His teacher was very proud that he made this decision on his own after she had talked to him on being silly during quite time.

 This little guy melts my heart I just love being his mom.  

  He requested Red Velvet cupcakes this year.  We were going to do the hamburger cupcakes again but they have food allergies in his class so no homemade treats.  (bummer)  so I searched the best red velvet cupcakes and found our favorite donut place makes them.  They were a hit (well with the kids that dared try them) I was surprised not many kids had ever had red velvet it's a staple in my house.  But Josh was super happy so that's all that mattered.

  I love the younger grades.  All the kids come and give me a big hug and they all LOVE LOVE LOVE Gavin to come into the class.  They take him around and show him all the fun stuff it's really cute but very disruptive. I feel so bad.

I can't believe he will be 8 this year.  He can't wait and our summer will be full of activities now.  I hope 8 is just as great at 7 has been.

I'm bummed I didn't take many pictures I was too busy passing out cupcakes and chasing Gavin.

Spring has sprung

Growing up my Mom always had a huge Garden and beautiful Flowers all over our yard.   And my Mother in law has a amazing green thumb..  Her yard is always covered in beautiful flowers and she has the most amazing gardens *yes plural she has gardens*.

  I drive around our neighborhood and see all these amazing flowers EVERYWHERE. And the bluebonnets are starting to bloom everywhere so I was determined  I was going to have some beautiful flowers in my little pathetic flower beds. 

   I wrote on my facebook a few weeks ago about my lack of talents.  And let me tell you Gardening is another  talent I do not have.  I can't even keep the stinking plants in my house alive.

 Not to mention my Allergies that I had to deal with my whole stinking life.  I go out side and break out in hives and can't breath it's so delightful.

But Gavin's pre-school was having a flower fundraiser and like I said I wanted some flowers this year so out I went today to plant them. 

I put them in our dead tree bed.   Well it's only 1/2 dead I guess.  That's a whole other story.
So so sad.

 Last Saturday we had to pull up a bunch of dead plants so I decided to fill the hole with the flowers for now.  Oh the pretty purple ones.  They were planted when we moved here.  I'm not sure what they are and luckily we haven't killed them yet..

From a far they look great.  But I killed at least 8 if not more and I'm sure they wont last long.  I know the construction workers across the street who were eating lunch all got a kick out of watching me. I so wish I spoke Spanish.  And even though I don't understand the language laughter is something everyone understands, and I heard a lot of that.   When I dug up a giant worm and threw the shovel and started screaming.  Then when I got attacked by a lizard and jumped around making sure it wasn't on me.  Luckily I didn't see any giant spiders this year.  Why do we have to have bugs.  WHY???



Gavin was my helper.  His job was to fill the water bucket and bring it to me.  He got a little distracted.



Now everything in the garage got a good bath today and so did Gavin , the house, our driveway, and Mom.  Everything got watered but the flowers.

But at least we got to go out side and enjoy some sunshine.  If the flower last a week I'll be proud. 
Too bad my Mom and Mother in law wont be able to see them.