Ashley Visits Pullman

Do you remember our good friends the Colton's? Remember how they moved? Well, we do and we partially hate Jared for taking himself, Ashley and their 3 adorable girls all the way across the country to Clemson. Becoming a Dr. is SO overrated. Well, all Ashley wanted for mother's day was to come visit Pullman. Who wouldn't? So her sweet husband let her make the 6 hour flight with no kids to come and play with us. She had a jammed packed schedule, so I was just glad to get as much time with her as I did.

She came to my spin class Friday morning and the we met up with a bunch of people that evening for a cold picnic at the park. Ashley is holding Hunter. She pretty much held him all weekend. It was a win-win-win for everyone.

Blake getting a couple snuggles in.

Me and my 2 older men.

They went on a long bike ride Saturday morning. I wish I could have gone, but I didn't know how Hunter would do in the trailer, plus I had a training session. We did meet up that night for a girls dinner. I love friends. We ate way too much and talked for way too long (according to our husbands), but we had a blast. I love all these women. It was nice because our Canadian friend, Linda, was in town as well. It was nice to catch up with everyone.

Ashley took all these pictures, including one with me and my smiling baby boy.

It was a fun weekend. I am sure Ashley had an even better time. The only thing I can say is, Dr. Colton, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get a job back here so we can play with your family more.

After Swim Lessons

Braden has swimming lessons on Monday and Fridays. There is a cute park they always beg to go to after lessons. The other week the weather was nice and we had time, so to the park we went.

Not many pictures because it's not a big park, but as you can tell, the love to climb and jump.

Lactose Intolerant

Two weeks ago Braden started complaining of a stomach ache. We are used to stomach aches, so we didn't think much. We told him he needed to get more water and take it easy. He had also been eating terrible foods, so we talked about healthy foods that fuel our body. Well, day 2 came and his stomach still hurt. This continued for a couple more days and then came Sunday. We got home from church and he started screaming and crying. He was crying so much that he eventually fell asleep at the dinner table on the chair, note picture below.

He woke up screaming as well, so I finally called the doctor. He guessed it was constipation, as did we. He sent me to the store to get an enema and mineral oil. After a lot of persuasion, Braden let me administer the enema. Of course he was screaming, but he let me do it. Sure enough, he was on the potty for 30 minutes and felt much better afterwards. We thought all was well until Monday morning came. He was screaming again and asked for the enema again. Holy cow, what 4 year old asks for an enema? Well, I gave it to him and not much happened.

By the middle of the week I stopped by the store and got Pepto Bismol. This seemed to help. Still, we decided to take him into the doctor on Friday. She felt his stomach and said he didn't seemed clog. She decided that we should take him off all dairy for 2 weeks and see what happens. This stomach pain can be a lactose intolerance. Well, Friday night was the WORST. He had already had dairy before we went to the doctor. He was up in hysterical tears from 11-4am. Finally I called the doctor and she said to give him some Tylenol, warm water and gas drops. That seemed to help. He finally fell asleep, which is great because Brody woke up and wanted to play. We finally got Brody down at 5:30 am just in time for Braden to wake up and start crying again. And Hunter you ask? Well, he was perfect as usual. I love him!

Needless to say, we didn't do anything we planned on Saturday and the kids were in bed by 7pm. Braden didn't get any dairy that day and sure enough, he has done great ever since. The doctor even called back Sunday to see how things were going. I told her he had been fine both Saturday evening and all day Sunday. So, as for now, Braden is lactose intolerant. That doesn't mean he can't have dairy forever, it means we keep him off it for 6 months and then slowly introduce things back into his system. As if he didn't need one more thing he couldn't eat. Our poor boy, that's no cheese or ice cream for him. His two staples.

Trio Creations Continued

I need to send some of these pictures into Fisher Price so we can get free Trios. Ok, I don't know if I actually would get free trios, but I think we should. Here's the commander ship they built.

Our duplicate living room. I wish I would have gotten a closeup of the cool piano I made before little hands got a hold of it.

The couch with occupants on it.

Blake's robot.

Things to notice: #1 earrings, #2 hat with visor, #3 ears holding her glasses.

Here's a closeup of her face. Blake was really proud of this one.

We didn't get a picture of it, but we built a pretty amazing semi-truck with trailer. Keep in mind, Blake insists they all be working pieces. Brody got a hold of the semi too quickly for us to take pictures, but it was awesome, trust me. Have I sold you yet on Trios, I promise to keep trying.

Goodbye Footprints Pre-School

Thursday was Braden's last day of Pre-School. Not only was it his last day of school, but it was Footprints last day ever. It was a small church pre-school and they just didn't have enough funding to continue. It's sad because I LOVED the teachers and loved the program. Here are some cute projects they did the last several weeks.

I have seen Braden grow so much this past year. I am a BIG fan of pre-school, especially getting out of the home and figuring out how an actual classroom works with adults other than me. He knows all his letters, can write all his letters and is now sounding out basic words. He is proud that he can read his own name. He will proudly share the spelling with you if you ask and even if you don't ask.

Brody was excited to sit with the group. I know this little boy can't wait to go to pre-school. He would quickly rush into the room and take control over everything that was going on.

There were only 2 boys this year (the one and only thing I disliked). His best bud Troy.

I am not a huge fan of pre-school graduations, really, what are they graduating from? The hats were cute. Braden wore his all of 2 seconds.

Ms. Kelly

Ms. Robin

They got each child a sand pail filled with goodies for the summer. They were so sweet.

They also sang us a cute song. Braden was more into hiking up his pants.

Notice the only kid not wearing his hat? Yep, this little boy of ours is not into conforming.

And here's his class. I couldn't have been happier and I am sad this chapter is closed. I have found a great pre-school for next year, but I was so wishing that this would be the pre-school we would send all our boys to.

Thank you Footprints for a great year.

View From Trailer & other stuff

Ever wonder what your kids experience when being pulled in a trailer? Well, here you have it. I have been so busy lately, with training (post to come), young women's, church, life, etc, etc. Blake has been so great. Last week I didn't get home before the kids went to bed for 3 nights in a row. On Saturday I was supposed to go on a hike with the young women for camp. They ended up not needing me, but by then, Blake already had the kids loaded and off on a bike ride to the park.

Fortunatley, I have great taste in men, one specifically, so there is no doubt that our boys have a great, loving and fun dad.

Speaking of fun loving, here's Brody. I still struggle with him daily. My mom gave us some great tips to help and when we focus on them, they do work, but he is into EVERYTHING. Here's Blake trying to finish our fence (post to come) and Brody so willingly "helping."

He is such a goofball, but honestly, he is such work. More physically demanding, as opposed to Braden who is more mentally draining.

Still I love my boys and even our other adoptive children we so frequently have the pleasure of playing with.

Under the Sea

Last Saturday we attended the 2nd and 4th Birthday Party for our friends Maile and Lucy. They are sisters that share the same birthday. Blake got in the pool with the boys, while I entertained the little one.

Brody with his best bud Tegan.

My girlfriends are trying to get me hooked to Pinterest. They get and execute such cute ideas. Here's kid sushi (Twinkies, fruit roll-up wrapping and Swedish fish on top.

Tegan and Braden drinking some juice drinks.

Veggie Anemone

Jello Boats

Octopus Mac & Cheese

Brody ate most the time. Well, he only ate the sweet stuff and hot dogs.

Braden excited to help Maile check out her presents.

And dessert was little sandpal cupcakes.

Honestly, what cute friends I have. So creative and definitely masters at throwing parties. I feel like I really need to step up my game next year. As for now, we are enjoying celebrating the lives of each of our friends.

2 Months

Oh man, don't you just want to gobble him up? I really do. Blake is now getting annoyed because all day long, especially at night, I can't help but declare my love for this little chipmunk.

We had his 2 month appointment on Wednesday. I can tell you one thing, he's not starving.

Height: 25 inches (that's how big I was when I was born)

Weight: 16 pounds

Head: 16 1/2"

He's over 100% in each category. Let me tell you a couple of reasons why I love this little man. He honestly brings me so much joy. When he is fed and has a clean diaper, he is just so incredibly happy. He will just stare up at me with pure love in his eyes. He freely gives away his smiles. I can't help but love this about him. He's just so hefty. I love snuggling a bigger baby. His brothers love him. He's just so easy to love.

I am grateful to have such a healthy, happy baby boy. I can guarantee that more posts will come of this perfect little boy. P.S. remind me of this post when he is driving me crazy at 2 years old.