Spartan Video

Here's j* in action through the tires!

From Potty Power to Spartan Race

The last few months have been full of good times. Here are a few highlights.

l* turned 3 and has successfully potty trained! As he likes to say, "I've got potty power!" We're enjoying the next few months of no diapers!

j* is 5 and now old enough to run in a Jr. Spartan Race, which is a kids version of the ultimate mud/obstacle run. The half mile course included pony walls, cargo net, balance planks, tires, mud pits, muddy hills, and ended with a gladiator trying to stop you with his joust! I couldn't resist the chance to make a little toga and leaf crown (which was only kept on for a few photos before it made his head too itchy). When I mentioned the toga to him he said, "But Mom, will my nibbles be showing?" So, we compromised with a shirt underneath.

At the starting line they said that parents could join the kids, so Dad joined him for the course. Fortunately he wore his running shoes. We were pretty sure that the whole thing would be a little too overwhelming for j*, but once they took off, he was at a full run to each of the obstacles. Dad had to race to get ahead of him enough to catch a few photos of his performance.

Here he is in action over the first wall.

Victory! Notice the muddy hands and shoes! He was so proud! Totally recommend it to anyone with a race in their area.

The cheering squad after the race. j* is holding his Spartan Finisher medal! l*'s favorite part, watching the gladiator at the finish line try to take down the kids and watching the grown-up course where the runners had to jump over a fire pit on their way up a hill. Thanks for coming along Aunt K*!

As for #3, here is the baby bump for now. The ultrasound last week confirmed that we are having a girl and caught a few images of her little face.

When j* heard that Grandma was coming to visit, he turned to l* and said, "It's so much fun when she comes because the only thing she has to do is play with us! She doesn't have to go to work like dad or do errands like mom!"

It was even more fun than we had imagined!

Just a fun one of l*.

Finally, I couldn't resist posting this photo of the boys waiting at the train stop, looking like the own the place. Hilarious! We were able to ride the train to downtown Phoenix to visit some friends and even swim in their roof-top pool. It was quite an adventure. This shot was on our way home, and they were feeling pretty sure of themselves with the big-city transportation scene :)

Guess Who?

Joey completed his last Law School final on Friday! To celebrate we went out to dinner at Phil's, which means that we waited in a line for a bit. While we were waiting an artist drew this portrait of one of our boys. The boys then each claimed it as their face. Thought I would put it up for a vote.
Who do you think? l or j?
(btw I think it is l, but don't tell j)
And, yes I acknowledge that the artist did not have to stretch much with the exaggerated head size ;) Gotta love it!

Ragnar Relay

Visitors!!!!

At the beginning of April Carol brought her kids to visit! We had such a blast. They were thrilled to get out of the freezing cold weather and we were thrilled to have cousins with whom to play! The boys got along really well, minus Luke’s nasty habit of throwing toys at people's heads (gotta work on that one, any tips?) I loved having time to chat with Carol, even if we were totally exhausted!
Among the activities we enjoyed were Lorikeets landing on us, Butterflies of all shapes and sizes in the Butter Pavilion, day at the beach, visit with friends, Wahoo’s fish tacos (just Carol and I and all the boys!), Sea World (including climbing the cargo nets with all the boys in tow!), Gepetto's toy store, Mormon Battalion, playing at the park, and an Easter Egg Hunt at Albertsons!
F.Y.I.: You will notice that unfortunately I do not have pictures of each of these events. We realized that with our hands so full of kids it was difficult to remember to bring the camera, let alone snap a decent shot! Oh what I would have given for a photographer to be following us around! Here are some of the moments we did capture.

Merry Christmas

2010 has proven to be a year of twists and turns!
Thanks to family and friends for all of your support, love, and blog comments (hint, hint)
We hope you enjoy a blessed 2011!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

(Yes, I know it has been 6 months. I am hoping to be better, but am not quite ready to make any promises:))

2007- The Rubbles
2008-The Peanuts Gang
2009- Goldilocks and da' three bears
2010...
Your clues:


Last clue....think Disney/Pixar movie...

The cast of Up! We love the movie, and j* was amazed that Daddy actually had a 'wilderness explorer' uniform with badges! Thanks to Joey's graphic skills and a little bit of sewing, it worked out.

Being the house caused me MUCH less anxiety than being Kevin, the large, rainbow-colored bird.

Gotta enjoy the treats!

l* had this look on his face most of the night as he took in all the fun!

Despite the trauma of mom and dad spraying his hair dark, not recognizing himself in the mirror, and many other surprises, Jacob loved the trunk or treat.