Two Wheelin' G-man

Gavin FINALLY learned how to ride his bike with just two wheels. Yes, he turns 8 next month. He's never had any interest in learning to ride his bike even with bribes and persuasion. So what changed? Daddy told the kids he would buy them a power wheels car that they have been begging for since we left their old one in Texas.

It took Gavin all of 5 minutes to be riding his bike like a pro. It's all about balance and he can ride a skate board so we knew it wouldn't take long.

Reese too is well on her way to riding with just two wheels. She needs a little bit more confidence but she'll have it before the week is over.

She can go for 10 to 20 yards before she loses confidence and just stops riding. In the picture above she's riding without Christopher's aid.

Gavin riding down the back alley way. It's funny watching Reese get annoyed that she's not riding but Gavin is. She was quite upset that day. She's so quite and shy but majorly competitive.

My Sweet Tooth Fairy 34th

On my birthday, I may do many of my normal household duties, but cooking dinner or my own cake are not happening. Christopher and the kids took me to Red Robin (our favorite family restaurant) for delicious gourmet burgers. THE BEST. Love 'em. And their steak fries...mmmmmm.

Typically, Christopher will get me a personal cheesecake (my favorite "cake") from the Cheesecake Factory but this year I wanted cupcakes from The Sweet Tooth Fairy.

We took a half dozen cupcakes back home to eat while cuddling up watching my new DVD set from my parents. (THANK YOU!) Heaven!

We got a Double Fudge, Peanut Butter, Va-NIE-lla Squared, Cheesecake (so I still had some on my b-day), Raspberry Lemonade, and Root Beer Float (which in my opinion is THE BEST). They are all so good though.

Happy Birthday, to Me! 34th and lovin' it!

They Say It's My Birthday

Yay! I'm 34 years old today! Now off to do the laundry and babysit my neighbors kids! Maybe I'll get lucky today and Christopher will surprise me with dinner or something...
And why do I have to share this day with Obama?

Reese's First Day of School - Kindergarten

My baby girl has started Kindergarten! I can't believe it! She's in school and going to be 6 years old in October! I'm still in denial I think. However, come next week, I'll have all 3 kids in school (Caden pre-school) and will be childless for a few hours every day! YES!! Oh, the possibilities!

Daddy made sure to make his favorite baby girl feel loved this morning with a little note of encouragement. She was thrilled to say the least. She believes Kindy will be a piece of cake!

Bear's 1st Cavities

Caden's check up at the dentist revealed that he needed to have FIVE cavities filled. He's got his brothers teeth, but not quite as bad. At 4 Gavin was having baby tooth root canals, and Caden just has "real small" ones.

Caden went in and was given his oral sedation drink that also has an amnesia effect. He will not remember anything from that visit. Gavin and Reese don't recall a thing from theirs earlier in the week.

Within 5 minutes, literally, he was so out of it! He was pretty much fighting falling asleep on that comfy Love Sac in the Barn. He was not happy with not being in control of how he felt.

25 minutes later he was on the dentist chair hooked up with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and completely went to a happy place. He was OUT.

In this picture above Caden was reaching out and trying to touch or get something. It was so funny. He was NOT letting up. I so wonder what he was seeing. I bet that Chipmunk Squeakquel movie was a TRIP!

Caden was a trooper and I only had to hold his hands down on one side of his mouth.

He didn't miss a beat making sure he got his balloon before he left. His sister had to get in on the action too.

The wheelchair ride down to the car is always a highlight when it happens. 10 minutes later, when we arrive home, he has no recollection of this happening. Gotta love that oral amnesia sedation.

Lookin' good, Bear!

The following is what happens when I left Reese and Bear paint their nails while still under the influence:

SO SEXY! I think I'm gonna need to get my nails done by Le Bear.

First Day of School - Gavin

Gavin started his first day of second grade today. I drove him to school and walked him to his line outside and said good-bye. I'll sure miss my little dude while he's away. Seems like he was short changed summer, but we'll just have to make up for it during his multiple 3 weeks breaks throughout the year. Love you my little man! Blow second grade up!

Back to School Open House - Gavin 'n Reese

Reese and Gavin had their school Open House. Reese met with her new Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Karren whom we just think the world of. We are really excited and feel blessed to have her this year.

Gavin's 2nd grade teacher is Mrs. Scarborough. I have heard good things from her, but have my reservations. We shall see. Either way, let school begin! Tomorrow morning July 26th @ 8:25 am! Too bad Daddy is missing out being in Philadelphia this week!

Summer Pool Time

We've spent every day of the last week at the pool. We've got to get in the last of the summer wet fun as school starts TOMORROW! Crazy.

Caden and I may make a few more trips before he starts school on the 17th of August, and then I'll have a little ME time ALONE for a few hours. Haven't had that for the last 8 years! This should be GREAT!

Pioneer Day - Utah

Pioneer Day (July 24th - A Utah Holiday) this year was spent having fun with the family. We took care of some errands in the morning and then headed over to our friends Sean and Brynn to help them move into their new home! We were late and missed an opportunity to help but we sure enjoyed checking out their new fabulous HOME! Can you believe it, Brynn?!? Congrats!

We ate lunch at The PIE Pizzeria and then let the kids play in the fountain just outside.

We did a little shopping in the air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day and then headed up the canyon above the State Capital to light a few fireworks and stay until night to watch firework shows all over the valley from the hill tops.

After our own fireworks we walked to a park and let the kids play while we camped on the hill side waiting for it to get dark and the firework shows to begin.

Caden took this picture of the moon. He loved that it was whole and reminded me of when he was younger and would call it a "moon ball". Toddlers and balls.

Gavin laid in the grass crying that he wanted to go home and was dying of starvation (didn't want anything in our cooler).

Christopher was actually quite tired of waiting for the fireworks and he and Reese got a little crazy together. We ended up waiting until 10:05 pm and then left b.c we were just all pooped out and exhausted. It was a fun day. Mostly b.c the kids loved lighting fireworks again! TWICE in one month they get to celebrate with fireworks! Definitely a perk to Utah living for them.