September 8, 2010 First day of Preschool!

 The boys have been soooooo excited to go to preschool.  They have been driving me crazy for weeks asking if today was the day they would start.  I have had mixed emotions about them going ranging from excitement (yay, freedom for me!) to sadness (where have my babies gone?).  I think every mom goes through this.  Finally their first day arrived.  They have afternoon preschool which made for a looong morning.  Just before they left I snapped a few pictures.  Standing still and smiling for the camera is not one of Carter's favorite activities, but I did manage to get a couple of cute ones. 
A very excited Spencer:

 A slightly impatient Carter:

 And some silly ones:

I tried to prepare the boys as much as possible for this new adventure in their lives.  I carefully explained that I would just be dropping them off and then leaving.  As they walked into their classroom and were greeted by their teacher Carter shook her hand and said, "Wow, great classroom!"  I could tell Spencer was a little nervous at first, so I stuck around for a little bit to make sure they were OK.  That's when Carter looked at me and said, "Mom, aren't you supposed to leave now?"  I managed to snap a couple of pictures even though by that point the last thing either of them wanted to do was smile for the camera.  As I got in the car to leave I remember saying outloud, "Whew, it's hot in here."  Then I realized that I was the only one in the car and I was talking to myself.  This is going to take some getting used to.

I really can't believe that my babies are 4 and in preschool!  I don't know where the time has gone, but I do know that I Love, Love, Love these boys!!

August 2010

I took a couple of pictures of the boys in their matching Toy Story shirts from Aunt Jenny.  These shirts are a big hit with the boys and are usually the first thing they pick out to wear after laundry day.

 One morning Spencer came in and told me he had a surprise for me.  When I went to see what it was, I couldn't help but grin.  He had decided to make his bed all by himself for the first time.  I was so proud I had to take a picture.  Maybe he does have some of me in him after all. 

 We took a quick day trip up to Park City to ride the Alpine slide with the boys and my parents.  The last time I rode the Alpine slide I was pregnant with them.  They loved it, and it was fun for us too.  We also rode the roller coaster which Spencer LOVED, and then stopped for carmeled apples - yum!

 After taking to boys swimming a few times over the summer it became very apparent they were in desperate need of some swimming lessons (Spencer was so scared he wouldn't even let go of me) .  So even though it was the end of the summer I signed them up for a quickie 2 week class.  No matter how you look at it, kids + water = FUN.  They made a lot of progress, but they still have a ways to go.

 Caught red handed!  I wonder who taught him this.....

Camping July 2010

My dad bought a truck and trailer this year and decided it was time to take his grandsons camping.  So we all loaded up and headed to Jordanelle/Wasatch for a few days.  Growing up we went camping all of the time, but this was the first time the boys had ever been.  I don't know who was more excited, my dad or the boys.  The boys are so lucky to have such awesome grandparents that want to spend their vacation time with them.  As soon as we got there and got out of the car they wanted to go fishing - so we did.

 A right of passage - their first campfire and smores.

 We let Grandpa and Dad go fishing for awhile and we stayed behind and made a birdhouse craft.

 There were fireworks over the lake the weekend we were there - they ended up being not so much over the lake as to the side of the lake.  Still pretty cool.

 The boys never had a problem going to sleep, they played hard all day.

 Our campsite at Wasatch.

 We visited a fish hatchery.

 We fished in the Uintah's.  It was the perfect backdrop for the boys to catch their first fish.

 We had a quick bite on our way to our next fishing spot.

 This little pond was the perfect spot to throw our poles in the water.  It had ducks and a playground that kept the boys occupied. 

 Poor Matt tried so hard the whole trip to catch a fish, but for whatever reason it just wasn't working out for him.  At the end of this day he'd had enough and handed me his pole.  I cast it in a few times and wasn't paying much attention to the pole because I was taking some pictures when all of the sudden I felt a TUG.  I was so surprised, I almost forgot what to do.  It's been a long time since I've caught a fish, and since the boys weren't around I reeled this little guy in all by myself.  I *almost* felt guilty knowing Matt still hadn't caught anything.

 My mom and I bought butterfly nets and bug catching kits for the boys.  It was fun going on nature walks with them trying to catch bugs.

 Look what Dad caught us:

 At least someone enjoyed our bird feeder:

 The last day we were there Matt and my dad went golfing at Wasatch while Mom and I hung out with the boys.  We did see them on the golf course for a minute.  The boys thought it was so cool to sit in the cart with dad.  I love that the small things bring them such joy. 

 While the men golfed we hung out at the pond fishing, feeding the ducks, and playing on the play ground.

It was a really fun camping trip, but just like most camping trips it was great to come home, shower, and sleep in our own beds.

July 2010

When the 4th is a on a weekend it feels like the whole weekend is dedicated to it.  Saturday was the 100th anniversary of the Magna parade, pretty cool.  We wouldn't miss it!

 Grandma keeps her promise to have the boys be in the Magna parade every year.....

 I had to include this picture because it made me laugh.  Carter kept referring to this lovely woman (I can't remember her name) as Pirate.  Sooo embarrassing, and I couldn't get him to stop.  I felt some relief when she was finally leaving until Carter shouted, "See ya later Piiirraattee!!!"  What can you do?

 The Grill Master - 2 grills at once, impressive!!

 On the 5th we got together with friends for some yummy dinner, fireworks, and conversation that I'm still laughing about!  These boys have a blast together, they are little best friends which is so cute!

My mom scored this from a co-worker for a steal.  It has been a hit over the summer!

Even Matt got in on the action.

We spent a lot of time with Isaac. Most mornings I was met with the question, "Mom, is Isaac imbiting (inviting) us over today?"  And tears and heartbreak would follow if I said no.  Thankfully Isaac's mom was willing to put up with us.  I love that these little guys have so much fun together.

Matt's birthday is in July.  Yay! We get to be the same age for 3 months of the year.  We celebrated in true Matt style - with family in the backyard.