Bikes

Halle has learned to ride her bike without training wheels!  After only a couple of practice sessions with Dad, she is a riding pro. And Josh got his first big boy bike as well.  We are excited for all the fun biking adventures this summer will bring. 

27 days and counting

That’s how many days until Blake turns 1! He is a sweet and spunky 11 month old.  He loves balls, bottles, and Baby Einstein. He just cut two more teeth, bringing the grand total to 6.  He learned two more words, “dog” and “dada.” He is also learning a few signs.  He can do “eat,” “dog,” “all done,” and “milk.”

 

He loves music and will stop whatever he is doing and listen intently when he hears it.  He loves when I sing him “Wheels on the Bus” and always laughs at the baby verse and the mommy verse. 

 

 

Small Business Startup Beware

Wow - my friend Hilda started a great small business last year - unfortunately the company that set it up for here totally misrepresented themselves. Beware! You can read her account at Dollar Store Services Nightmare

Brothers

I wish I could say that Blake and Josh are the best of friends, but I can’t.  Josh is so terrified all the time that Blake is going to take his stuff. If ever Blake crawls into the same room as Josh, Josh immediately starts to whine and say, “Mom!  Blake wants to take my toys.”  Which he usually doesn’t.  This has resulted in Josh frequently locking Blake out of the toy room so he can have some peace and quiet. 

Although, sometimes they have their moments where Josh will decide it’s a-ok to have a brother and then they will laugh and giggle together.  But it usually doesn’t last long…. Good thing they’re so cute!

Please let me play too

I took this picture of poor little Blake on our last trip to Utah.  All the kids were outside playing and he was stuck inside with boring old Mom.  Luckily Dad came to rescue him shortly after this picture was taken. 

My Funny Josh

I just wanted to write down some of the funny things Josh has said lately.

Josh to me: "Mom, I THINK I love you." (What do you think I can do to push him into the "KNOW" category?

While we were in Utah for Christmas he got in trouble right before dinner. He ran down the hall and yelled, "I will not be joining you for dinner." We all cracked up

He and Halle were playing toys and I heard Josh yelling at the top of his lungs: "Halle--I will never ever ever share my toys with you." So I stepped in (or was it my mom?) and said, "Josh, please use nice words." He put a little smile on his face, and starting talking in the sweetest voice you can imagine, "Halle, I will never ever share my toys with you." More laughing

He came up to me the other day and said, "Mom, I love the flowers on your shirt." I said, "Thanks Josh!" A bit later he said, "Gee Mom, your hair looks so nice." "Thanks Josh!" A little later, "Mom--that color on your toes is sure pretty." He went on and on like this all day. He sure knows how to make a girl feel loved. (Or has he already learned how to butter me up?)

I was working late one night, and the kids were in bed when I got home, but not asleep. It was past their bedtime, so I went up to give them a hug and a kiss and tell them to quiet down. I said, "I am going to give you a hug and a kiss and after I do, it is time to go to sleep." I bent down to give Josh his kiss, and he hid under the covers and said, "don't kiss me!" I said, "Don't you want a goodnight kiss?" and he said, "No, because then I will have to be quiet!

This kid is a crack up.

My husband is a centerfold…

Of the Denver Business Journal! (Although I’m sure GQ is next). That’s right—if you pick up this week’s copy of the Denver Business Journal and turn to page A19 (the center) you’ll see Rusty’s handsome face staring back at you. (Holly’s too!) I am so excited for BlogFrog. They work so hard and deserve a little attention every now and then!

Here's the link in case you can't read this one

To Peep or Not to Peep

That is the eternal question.  I, myself, am a Peep fan.  I just can't help it.  What about you?? 

We had a fun Easter weekend. It started with a cold and windy Egg Hunt at the Park(thanks Gary and Sydney!)Then later that evening we hosted an ice cream night with all the girls and kids while the boys went to the Priesthood Session of General Conference.  By far, the topping that was the biggest hit with the kids was Gummy Bears. The biggest hit with the moms was the yummy peach cobbler that Carrie brought. 

Easter morning brought a basket hunt and way too much candy.  We had a relaxing day watching General Conference, and then the Loveridges came over for Easter dinner.  We love hanging out with them! Sara gave the cutest Easter lesson for the kids, and we all enjoyed yummy food and good company!  It was the perfect ending to Spring Break.  Scheduled life begins on Monday morning.... 

My Favorite Easter Picture:

Coming in at a close second:

 

In Memory of Phyllis Clark Banks

Rusty’s Grandma passed away on March 8th.  We had the wonderful opportunity of flying to Utah to attend her funeral. It was such a memorable occasion, and it was so nice to reconnect with family that we hadn’t seen in a long time.  The weekend started with a family get-together at Jolene’s Condo at Thanksgiving Point.  We enjoyed good food, amazing company, and all the great-grandkids got a present from Grandma Phyllis.  (Thanks Jolene and Whitney for doing that!)

 

The funeral was Sat morning, and I don’t think it could have been more perfect.  The talks were memorable and uplifting and the music was beautiful.  A highlight was some of the great-grandkids singing “Families can be Together Forever.” After the graveside service we made our way to the Alpine Country Club for a luncheon.  More good for and more great company.  Phyllis is such a special lady, and I think she was happy that we all had such a beautiful time in remembrance of her. 

 

A rousing game of Nerfis and a trip to Discovery Park rounded out the weekend.  We will miss you Phyllis, but know that you are happy in heaven reunited with Willies and in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus.