Well Check Stats

Eric's (early) 5 year
Weight: 33 lbs, 6%
Height: 41 inches, 24%

Kyle's 3 year
Weight: 31 lbs, 38%
Height: 39.25 inches, 88%

Adam's 9 month
Weight: 19 lbs 10 oz, 48%
Length: 28.5 inches, 54%
Head: 44.25 cm, 26%

Dirt

You know you're the mom of boys when... your sink looks like this.

This is what happens when Kyle comes in from the sandbox, tells me his hands are dirty, and without looking at him I tell him to go wash up in the sink. All that sand from just one little boy.

Swinging

Loving the warm weather!  My boys can never get enough of swinging.

Dance Festival 2014

Every Year our elementary school has an end of year dance festival.  Each grade learns and performs a group dance that they perform for the parents.  This year the Kindergartners danced to We are the Dinosaurs.  It was a cute little dance that consisted of marching around in circles (on lines that were painted on the grass) and doing actions that matched up with the lyrics (like stopping to eat or sleep).  Caden was a little nervous the night before because he thought he might forget some of the choreography, but got so in to it and didn't miss a beat.

Shopping

This is how we roll at the store - Eric dancing to the overhead music and requesting I take a picture of his killer moves.  And Kyle requesting a picture just because.  At least everyone was happy while we waited in the check out line.

En Guard!

Adam has discovered the weapons!  A boy's got to defend himself.

Lego Spaceship

Caden spends hours building with his Legos.  He was particularly proud of this creation, given its size.  He asked me to take this photo to memorialize his achievement, then promptly dropped it off the top bunk bed to watch it 'crash.'

Rice Puffs

Adam is learning the fine art of finger foods.  He's quite pleased with the experience, if not skilled.  For each handful
of food, he's lucky to get one or two puffs in his mouth.  The rest go into his seat or on the floor.  His brothers keep him well stocked, though, and his tray never gets empty.

Easter Kitty

Check out what the Easter Bunny brought to our house - Kitty White Paws!

Up, Up, and Away

See that little blue speck in the middle of the tree?  Thats Caden about halfway up the neighborhood climbing tree.  After this picture he went up even further before I used my mom card and made him come down for 'no good reason.'

LA Children's, Take 1

In the continuing saga of attempting to meet Caden's medical needs, we called in a favor and got him an appointment with a doctor at the LA Children's Hospital.  Everything seemed to be going perfectly, with the doctor recommending a few tests that seem like answers to prayers.  Then the insurance kicked in and put the brakes on the whole thing, not wanting to approve and pay for the new tests.  We ultimately decided to make the drive anyway, just to meet with the doctor.

Since we were only going to be gone a few days, Adam got to ride along.  My dad also came with me We left Sunday afternoon, after church, and drove to Aunt Kara's house in Hurricane.  She lit a fire in her backyard and let Caden roast marshmallows, which he burned and happily scarfed down.  Then she made him a bed out of couch cushions on the floor and he thought he was in heaven.

Monday morning we got up and finished the drive in to LA and met with the doctor that afternoon.  The doctor was amazing and felt really good about the appointment.  For being such a good patient, Caden got to pick a prize.  He chose a full size Darth Vader helmet that includes sounds.  Since he'd brought along his sword, Darth Vader was my companion on the return trip Tuesday.

Eating on the road with Caden is difficult to say the least, but one thing he can eat is hamburger patties and french fries.  We made a lot of pit stops at McDonalds to fill up our tummies and stretch our legs.  Caden was a good big brother and made sure Adam got to play on the play place as well.

It was a lot of work for a doctor's appointment, but I am hopeful and encouraged about the direction we are going.  We will continue the insurance appeal and will go back to LA in a few months.

Little Friends

Since October we've had the privilege of having a little neighbor boy over about once a week while his mom teaches school.  He is about 6 weeks older than Adam and its been fun to see the friendship between the two of them.

Adam's 6 Month Stats

Weight: 18 pounds (59%)
Length: 27.5 inches (84%)
Head Circumference: 42.5 cm (24%)

Budding Bibliophile

Family Pictures

Kalina is in town with her tripod and fancy camera, so we got updated family pictures.  Years ago Karen and her girls were thrift store shopping and found red pea coats for all the ladies.  Its been fun to wear them on occasion when we've all been together, so Karen found a red coat for Lana and we threw them on for the picture.

It was pretty chilly outside, and my boys hid their hands in their sleeves, but they didn't complain and they smiled big, genuine smiles.  I love how happy the oldest two, in particular, look.  I think this is one of the best family photos we've had so far.

Adventures in Snow

Ryan's parents live right up against the mountain, which for little boys means there is an adventure right out their back door.  Kalina and Steve are in town with their kids, so we went up for a snow day.  We sledded, made snow trails, went 'hiking,' and found a gigantic birds nest.  The boys were so happy plodding through the snow and making memories.  The experience was extra enjoyable because Uncle Steve stayed in the nice warm house with the two littlest ones, and Aunt Karlee and Grandma helped round out the adult to kid ratio outside to 1:1.

Interviewing in the 21st Century

Ryan is on the hunt for a new job.  Its been over a decade since either of us were actively applying for employment.  A lot has changed.  There is a lot of pre-screening via online interviews and questionnaires before you even get to a traditional live interview.  Here Ryan is completing one virtual interview.  It required two ladders, a shower curtain and rod, a drape, and five books to set up a 'professional' looking background (as per the tips we read online).  And lots of laughing from us as we tried to figure this whole thing out.

Adam's 4 Month Stats

Weight: 15 lbs, 8 oz (48%)

Length: 25.5 inches (62%)

Head Circ: 41.1 (29%)