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.

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.

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.

A Visit to Santa

Tonight for family night we went to go visit Santa.  It was supposed to be a fun activity.  The line for this particular Santa is always really short, plus there is a horse drawn carriage ride to look at lights at the same location.  It was supposed to be fun.  It was also 6 degrees.  If you can't tell from the pictures, the boys were cold.  Especially Eric.  He spent the better part of the carriage ride screaming that he was freezing to death. The poor people riding with us.  By the time we got back to the van all three older boys were crying.  We came home and had hot chocolate.

At least we got smiles for the Santa pictures.  Eric hasn't changed much.  Last year he asked Santa for 'a toy' and this year he wants 'a present.' Caden wants two Star Wars Lego sets.  He was very specific about wanting  two and not just one.  Kyle just sat there and giggled.

All on the Bed

4 little boys on one big bed and the little one said, "Roll over!  Its crowded."  So they all rolled over and one fell off.

Ever since the demolition the TV has been in our bedroom.  Which means the party is in our bedroom.  The boys line up some pillows and get comfy to watch TV or play Wii.

Good Helper

Kyle races for his lawn mower every time Ryan pulls the real one out.  He also likes to proclaim, "I a good
helper!"  How could Ryan have done it without him?

Meeting Baby Brother

All three boys were so excited to meet their new baby brother.  After dinner Grandma and Grandpa Dodds brought them by the hospital so each boy could have a turn holding Adam.

Peaches!

Our peach trees are huge this year and we've had a bounteous harvest.  Kyle has discovered the peaches, and like all fresh fruits and veggies he is in love.  He'll walk outside, survey the tree, point to a peach, and request "That one!"

Kyle's Babies

Kyle was playing with the Mr. Potato Heads today, then announced they were going to sleep.  He sweetly took his favorite blankets, covered the babies up, and sang them a song.  The nursery leaders say he's been doing that a lot lately with the dolls in nursery as well.  Its cute to see such a nurturing instinct.  I'm excited to see how he interacts with the new baby.

Well Checks

I took Eric and Kyle in for well checks today.  In an attempt to simplify my life I split the difference between their birthdays and took Kyle in late and Eric in early so we could do it all in one trip.  Both are doing great developmentally, and Eric hit a new high on his growth curve.  We love Dr. Spencer.  He is great with the kids and they actually look forward to going to see him.

Eric's (almost) 4 year old stats:
weight: 31.2 pounds (12%)
height: 39.5 inches (36%)

Kyles 2 (plus a little bit) year old stats:
weight: 28.2 pounds (45%)
height: 36 inches (82%)
head: 48.1 cm (28%)

Sea Urchins

We've been loving the library summer programs this year - art class for Caden, story time for Kyle and Eric, and wildlife hour for all three.  Each outing includes a craft.  Today at wildlife hour (sponsored by the BYU Bean Museum) the kids learned about underwater life.  They got to touch a live turtle - the highlight for Eric. Then they learned about sea urchins and got to make one with clay, googley eyes, and toothpicks.  I was impressed at how into it Kyle was and what a good job he did.  The boys really enjoy crafting and creating, so its been nice to have someone else come up with the craft 3 days a week.  I appreciate the great services offered by the community where we live; its the perfect place for us.

Blackfoot Reservoir

The boys enjoyed a morning of boating with cousins on Blackfoot Reservoir.  Caden loved the tube, Eric was in heaven helping drive, and Kyle was content to watch from the bow.  We did put Eric and Kyle out on the tube, but they weren't overly thrilled by the experience.

We had a great time at the lake this year.  The kids swam, splashed in the lake, kayaked, rode the go cart, rode their bikes, did sparklers and snaps, and generally played with cousins and aunts and uncles.  The three days we were there (July 5-7) felt way too short this time.

Stadium of Fire

Kyle and Eric enjoying the show on Daddy's lap.  The glow sticks were the hit of the night.  Kyle wasn't so sure about the loud noises that came with the fireworks.

Independence Day!

Pre-Camping

Eric and Kyle are so excited to go camping later this week, that they drug the play tent outside for an adventure.  Note the pirate ship (Eric's favorite toy) and fire truck (Kyle's current toy of choice) were both included.

Discovery

Ryan was moving the lawn and Kyle was following him around with his little lawn mower.  Then he noticed the red dots in the raspberry bushes.  Fifteen minutes later there were no more red dots.  Kyle made his way down the entire row, carefully peering between the leaves.  He has discovered this year's crop of raspberries.

Mommy Horsey

This is what happens when Mommy tries to wipe up a spill on the kitchen floor.  These boys will seize any opportunity they can to use me as a jungle gym.