Finally.

T is FINALLY (at 8 months old) sleeping through the night, 7:30 PM to 7:30 AM (about). It's been going on now for two weeks or so and I feel like a new woman! I love it. When I wake up in the morning, I actually feel rested. I forgot how that felt! I almost don't know what to do with myself all day. I sure hope he keeps this up...it sure is about time!

He's on the move...aaaahhhhh.

T is figuring out how to get around and I'm not sure if I'm ready for it. He has started getting into the fireplace (which I've had to baby gate now), under beds, into folded laundry...you name it. He can get everywhere he is not supposed to be. I'm sure it won't be long before he's motoring around faster than I can keep up. Uggh.

Can't forget the big 5!



Golfing for Halle's birthday.

The budding golfer.

Swing!

With 2 more birthdays coming up, I can't forget to blog about Halle's big day. Back in July, Halle turned 5. We celebrated a few days early while still in Idaho. She got golf clubs for her birthday, so, of course, she wanted to go golfing for her birthday. We found this really great 6 hole, par 3 course in Idaho Falls that was perfect for our little crew. Grammie and Pa joined us as well.

We went out to Red Robin for lunch afterwards. A great ending to a great day.

On her birthday, we were halfway across the country at the Boyer's house in Coralville, IA, headed to Ohio for a year. Holly was sweet and made cupcakes for her so she could celebrate her real birth"day". She felt special.

Halle at 5:

Favorite color: Still pink

Favorite meal: Spaghetti

Favorite movie: Tangled

Favorite book: Elephant and Piggie

Favorite place to eat: Red Robbin

What she wants to be when she grows up: A mom.

Favorite activity: Listen to music and dance.

Best friend: Chloe (and Clate sometimes)

Halle is one of the best helpers when it comes to taking care of Thomas. She is my little runner for diapers, wipes, toys, etc. She loves to hold him, try to make him laugh (he doesn't usually, but she tries hard), feed him...you name it. She is T's second little mommy. She loves to dress up and dance, especially to silly songs. She is learning to play the piano and loves it, is always asking for another lesson. She has to pick out her own outfits, and usually says "no" to anything I suggest. She likes to be in charge. She is still a daddy's girl. And such a joy to have around. We love our Hal!



Mr. Frog

Frog in garage. Poor little guy, so far from home.

This little guy found his way into our garage the other day. The kids were so excited and wanted badly to keep him. I left the garage door open for him while I mowed the lawn to see if he would make his way back out, but instead he hid himself in a corner. Clate grabbed an old shoe box and I used my broom to sweep him into the box. I'm sure we completely terrified him. I felt bad for him.We kept him in the box until Adam got home from work so we could show him our new friend. Then the kids let him go in the neighbors bushes. Hope he found his way home.

Another fun thing about Ohio, instead of have stray cats, they have stray bunnies. They're everywhere. We must have some living close to our house (not sure where exactly), but we see them every night out on our lawn. I usually see 1 or 2 while I mow as well, hopping across the yard into the trees.

She's a BIG kid now!

I can't believe my little girl is growing up. I keep telling her to stop, but she insists that she wants to grow up and be big and strong like me. I guess I have to let her grow up.

Here she is. All ready to head off to school on her first day of kindergarten. She, too, was so excited and had a great first day of school.

She wasn't even nervous about the bus ride. Okay, maybe she was a little nervous, but she didn't let it show. There are 2 other girls and 1 boy that will catch the bus with her for PM kindergarten, then she rides the bus home with Clate and all the other kids. They have assigned seats. Clate and Halle asked to sit together on the bus. That just warms my heart.

Back to SCHOOL

There he goes. Off to school on the first day of FIRST grade. When he came home, I asked him how his day was. He said, "It was AWESOME!" He loved the bus ride, his teacher, and his new friends.

There are at least 10-15 other kids at our bus stop. It should be a fun year for the kids.

Waiting for the bus.

Ready for the first day. Doesn't he look handsome!

Red Butte

One of our favorite places to go on a summer morning is to Red Butte Gardens at the Univ. of Utah. It's always so beautiful up there with the flowers and trees, etc. But the kids LOVE the kids area. It's super fun and a great way to cool off. I've got some really great ideas for things I would like to have in my yard some day. We're going to miss Salt Lake.

Thomas enjoying the grass. Surprisingly, it doesn't really bother him. He's quite content lying in the grass.

Loving the lizards.


After growing up in Georgia with the red clay, this site always makes me cringe, and I think, "WHY would they put red clay in a kids sand box at a public place." Then I remember that it is NOT red clay. It is red dirt, and it does not stain them or their clothes. Amazing. They love it.

Cooling off.

And drying off.