Can't Believe that Luke is 4!

Where does the time go? Luke turned 4 on July 10th. I just can't believe my little boy is already 4 and turning into a kid instead of a little boy. Luke had a great birthday weekend this year and enjoyed every minute of it. His birthday was on Sunday so we had his friend party on Saturday. When he woke up Saturday morning he asked me what I was going to make him for his birthday breakfast, I told him his birthday wasn't until the next day and he promptly replied that it was his birthday weekend so he needed birthday breakfast both days! Such a cute kid.

Luke wanted a fisherman birthday party, so we incorporated water and just made it a water party. The kids started off by eating lunch.

Cupcakes and blowing out candles

and of course he wanted a pinata

Tess enjoyed the food

Luke had such a great time and got so many fun presents from all of his cute friends.

On his actual birthday we had family over for cake and ice cream.

Here is Luke's fisherman cake I made him this year.

It started to rain right when we were starting the party so we moved it into the garage. I know, white trash, but we stayed dry.

We are so lucky to have this cute kid in our family. We love him so much.

Some things about Luke at age 4:

• Speaks very well for his age and uses large words such as "appropriate"
• Loves to talk and talk and talk and then talk some more
• Favorite foods are watermelon, tomatoes and Hawaiin haystacks
• Can write his name and knows how to write almost all the letters
• Loves to ride his bike, jump on the tramp and play with his sister
• Is such a sweet and sensitive kid. Tells me daily how much he loves me and how pretty I am (and I didn't even teach him to say that:))
• Is a total daddy's boy. He loves to be with his dad and do whatever he is doing.
• Is into dragons
• Such a good big brother, takes such good care of Tess.
• Has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh out loud every day.
• Is always concerned about other peoples feelings and truly wants everyone to be happy
• Loves to tease me and Barrett and thinks he is so funny when he does it.
• An all around great person

Luke we love you and are so lucky to have you in our family!

Happy 4th of July!

"It's America's Birthday!" That is what I woke up to being whispered in my ear by my cute Lukey Boy this morning. He was so excited to celebrate. Our ward does an annual kid parade where all the kids decorate their bike, scooter, wagon, etc. and then ride down a street in our neighborhood. The parade is followed by a short program and then breakfast. It is a fun tradition and Luke was super excited for it this year. We got his bike all ready yesterday and he loved riding in the parade!

So grateful for the country we live in and to those who sacrifice to protect it.

Happy Fourth of July!

Swimming Lessons

Luke just finished his first year of swimming lessons and he did great. At the beginning he was pretty afraid to put his face in the water but by the end he did it like a champ!

Doing his back float

His first lesson he wouldn't put his face in the water for more than a split second but at the end of class when his teacher asked if anyone wanted to go down the slide he jumped right up to go. When they turn the water on on the slide it shoots you about a foot under water at the end. So, he wouldn't put his face in the water but he had no problem getting shot under water after the slide!

Showing off his diving under water skills

He did great, we are so proud of him! Now to just keep practicing!

Preschool Graduation

Luke finished his first year of preschool and absolutely loved everything about it. He had such a great experience and learned so much. He loved all the kids in his class and thought his teacher Miss Mikel was the greatest teacher there ever was. His proudest accomplishment of the year is that he learned to write his name (and he writes it really well.) In fact, he learned to write almost all the letters. I don't know who is going to miss preschool this summer more, me or Luke:)

The kids from all the classes together for the program. They sang the color and days of the week song and then they all played their parts as pirates as Miss Mikel read a book.

Luke getting his end of year binder

Luke and his buddy Jack

Luke and Miss Mikel, he just adored her

Each month Mikel would ask the kids a question and then write their answer down verbatim. She typed up all the questions and answers from the year and put them in the end of year binders.

Here are the questions and Luke's answers.

What does your mom do while you are at preschool?

Luke: Plays and waits for me to get home

My friends daughter Elle said: She goes to a fun place with shopping and massages. It's really, really fun! (I'm hanging with Misty while Elle is in preschool next year!)

What is your mom afraid of?

Luke: Just spooky REAL things. Like "ghostes"

What do you eat on Thanksgiving Day?

Luke: Turkey, chicken, spaghetti and a sandwich.

When I grow up I will have....

Luke: Chickens in my backyard

What do snowmen do at night?

Luke: They sleep and be still and have carrot noses.

Who do you love?

Luke: My sister, and mom and you (Miss Mikel) and Ava and Jack and Sophie and Brianna and Tommy.

What makes you lucky?

Luke: When I get coins.

What is your favorite thing about preschool?

Luke: When I play with the sword and story and snack time.

Who is your favorite friend?

Luke: Jack and Tommy

I love having these, I think I need to continue this and keep a list with my own questions. I am so proud of Luke he did so great this year. Mikel was awesome, we couldn't have asked for a better preschool experience!

Tessa is 1!!!

This cute little girl turned 1 yesterday. I can't believe how fast this last year has flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was holding her for the first time. We are so happy that she is a part of our lives!

About Tess at age 1:

• Favorite foods: diced ham and cheese
• Loves to smile and scrunch up her nose
• Took her first steps about two weeks ago
• Quite mischievous!
• Adores her older brother but also knows exactly how to push his buttons and frustrate him
• Loves her daddy and jumps into his arms the second he walks in the door from work
• Definitely a mommy's girl and I love it!
• Loves to lick the bolted down door stops at church
• Has the cutest little dance whenever she hears music
• Gives the best loves and kisses
• She is always happy, even wakes up happy

We had a little BBQ to celebrate her birthday and of course we let her devour her very own cupcake. She was not shy about it, she grabbed it right away and went to town. She was also very nice and tried to share with everyone around her!

Luke helped Tess blow out her candle

This is the cake I made for Tess. My mom always made us the most fantastic birthday cakes so I have decided to carry on this tradition with my own kids.

The birthday girls! Tess shares her birthday with my sister Karen (and also my nephew Mason).

Tess, we love you and can't imagine our lives without you in it. You are a joy and even though you always keep us on our toes, we are so happy that you are a part of our family. We love you sweet girl!

A few weeks ago we decided to head to St. George to visit Barrett's grandparents. We had a great time. We basically just hung out. We did a lot of hiking at the red mountain and Luke loved it!

Grandma Wendy joined us for the long weekend down south

After hiking we headed to the tabernacle where they have lots of fun water features to play in

We did a lot of hopping from rock to rock

Tess just chilled in the stroller

"look at me mom!"

washing his belly off

The best part of the trip was hanging out with Nana and Pops. Luke and Tess absolutely adore them. In fact, Tess said her first word while we were down there. Her first word was Nana. She would say Nana then wait for her to look and do all her tricks (which consist of "so big" and clapping) and then Tess would look so proud as Nana clapped for her. We had a great time and I'm so glad that our kids are able to get to know and spend time with their great grand parents, they are amazing people and great examples.

I didn't get a picture of the kids with Nana, next time:)!