Boy Genius

Keaton just happens to be a genius...as are his brothers. What can I say? You say the same things about your kids! He made some great friends at preschool this year. He was always excited to go to Miss Kristina's, knock on the door, and then hide behind his hands until the door opened. Then he'd laugh and walk in without looking back for a second. Every day he skipped to the car when getting picked up...I'm so glad he had a fun place to learn where he also felt safe and comfy-wumfy (as he'd say). He is returning to the same preschool with mostly the same kids this year.

These pix are taken at his graduation. When it was his turn to stand next to Miss Kristina and have a few words said about him, I wasn't surprised to hear that he was class clown- always getting a laugh. He is a bright boy and he really does amaze me with his memory and his ability to absorb new things. Well done, Mr. Keaton!

Easter 2010

What? So school is about to start and I haven't even posted any pictures of our wicked-fun summer! As usual, I am so sad to see another summer end and send the kids away for half of the day. You know, I'll miss the near-constant teasing/whining. And if it's not a loud "not get along" moment, then it's a loud "get along" moment. Not to mention the awesome forts, traps made of mile-long yarn, lizards living in my house, wet swim suits on the carpet, going through 20 towels a day... ahhh, I can go on and on. So I will try and post a few things each week until I catch up. "Why do I even blog?", I ask myself. To preserve my memories and share them with those who care (thanks for reading, mom!).

Easter is so great here in the middle of the vast desert. The weather is great and there are a lot of community events to enjoy. We decided to go to an outdoor mall and play. There was no way we were waiting in line for the egg hunt- 3 hours! Luckily, the kids were happy with putt-putt, climbing walls, petting bunnies, and eating a picnic. We also fit in a quick trip to Red Rock. I had to show the kids all the worms that were plastered on every living plant. They would soon be moths/butterflies.

Boston Marathon 2010

Darren and I had a great time at Boston this year. This is my fastest marathon time so far- 3:13. It was also the hardest race I've ever done. And the coolest. We traveled this year with several couples- both Threshers, Fellows, Olsens. Everyone trained hard and did well. Will I do it again? Probably. But it might be fun to do another city- like Chicago or New York. Or anywhere in Hawaii.

First five pictures are taken in the Boston Commons park/garden.






Next four pictures are taken of the Charles River. This was the view outside of our hotel room.





Following two pictures are of the whole group out to eat/play the night after the marathon. The first picture is of all the runners in our group.



Me at the final turn just before the finish line appears. Probably one of the hardest points of any race that I have ever done. I think there was about a 1/4 to 1/2 mile left at this point.



JFK Memorial Museum (or something like that). I just wanted a nap!


Red Sox game.




Street performers. I'm spacing the area of town we were in. I can tell you that it was cold, though.



Expo. I think we visited here three different times. It's a fun place to go in anticipation for the event.

Ethan is 9

Ethan is one AWESOME kid. I missed part of his birthday because Darren and I were traveling back to Vegas from Boston on that day. But, lucky for all of us, G&G Bailey were taking fabulous care of the kids and they made sure to make our birthday guy feel special. He woke up to presents, a yummy cake that grandma made, and decorations. Grandma took donuts to the school for Ethan to share with his class. Then we were home later to top off the day. Ethan's birthday party was fun- the weather was perfect for the jumpie and pinata. His friends stayed late and played wall ball and football in the street. Our neighbor's father had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance just as the sun was going down. The firemen that had responded let the kids tour the fire truck. Exciting and fun! (ps- her father is okay) We love you, E-Train!

I Love This Face- Nash- May 2010

Thank heavens for skin. Easy to wipe off...fixes itself if needed...protects everything beneath...fairly stain-resistant...

I love this boy, messes and all.

Ripe 'Ole Age of 7- Blakers

Blake turned the BIG 7. I can't believe how much personality he has acquired in that short of time. His moods can range from super lovey-dovey to confident and cool. He seems to be the ring leader of "ideas" with friends at school and in the neighborhood. I'd probably worry more about him if he wasn't so smart. (Maybe that is why I should worry!) We were watching him in a flag football game recently and one of our friends asked if Darren or I were as confident as a 2nd grader as Blakers. I don't recall making friends as easily or smooth talking my mom quite so well. I don't remember making money selling rocks or outwitting older neighbor friends. Come to think of it, I'm not sure where the charisma comes from. That makes sense, though, because Blakers is unique and that's what we love, LOVE, L.O.V.E. about him. Happy birthday, Bud!
We celebrated *serious* on Blake's birthday. April 2nd happened to fall on spring break. We slept over at Red Rock Resort so that Blake woke up to presents at the hotel. Better mention that we had already eaten out, hit the arcade, and gone to a movie the night before. That morning took us to breakfast, bowling, Kid Quest, and the pool/hot tub (f-f-f-freeezing), another movie, more food...
We threw a friend party a few weeks later. Ethan and Blake both celebrated with friends on the same day. We rented a giant jumpie and did a pinata. That was a recipe for fun in their minds and they were satisfied with just that. Yeah! Two seperate birthday parties in one day!

Fun to Run April 10, 2010

So... the original plan was for Darren to push Nash in the running stroller while he ran with Keaton and Blake in a 1K race. Then Ethan and I were going to run a 5K. As our luck would have it, both Nash and Keaton were up all night with a sudden case of the croup. Here's what really went down- Darren stayed home with the sicklings. I ran the 1K with Blake while Ethan hung out at the start line. Blake did fabulous and was proud of his finisher's medal. Then Blake got a free ride in the running stroller while Ethan and I ran/walk/complained the 5K. I was glad that my boys were excited about doing the race. I hope I can talk them into another one...