Warrior Romp Obstacle Race

The beginning of may we all drove to New Braunfles for Peter to do the Warrior Romp--a grueling obstacle course race benefiting wounded warriors. It was nice for me to be a cheering spectator and watch what talented people I have in my family!

Peter did great!

The proud family watching and cheering as Dad came in 3rd place! What a tough guy!!!

The true highlight of the day for the boys--they were giving away Cheetos. What a great world we live in!

The boys and I played while Dad ran

We signed Joey and Kimball up for the kid race. The whole time we were trying to get the boys excited. Kimball was thrilled to do "the mud race" like Dad. Joey wanted nothing to do with it. At the very last minute before they started lining the kids up, Joey looked at me and said, "mom, I'm going to run, and I'm going to win this race!" I was so thrilled with his enthusiasm!

here's Joey leading the pack

Going through and around all the obstacles.

Running through the finish line in 1st place!!!

My determined little boy with his first place medal, still wheezing and not able to breath, but so proud of what he accomplished! I was just so proud of him!!! I didn't care if he came in dead last. It was just so good to see him go all out! Do something whole-heartedly! He can sometimes be very reserved. But he tried and I as so happy he got to see the fruits of all his hard work! He is one fast kiddo!

And poor Kimball, all he got was a bunch of scrapes after wiping out right after the first turn. He was fine after getting another bag of Cheetos.

The race was at a ski ranch--it's all cable skiing--no boats.

After all that exercising fun we went to celebrate the victories at IHOP--one of the boys favorite places to eat!

Since it was a special day we got them a ballon prize. Joey wanted a sea turtle and Kimball wanted a sword. Peter patiently took Kimball's attempts to decapitate him.

Cute, silly boys and lots of yummy food!

It was a wonderful family day!!!!

I found this in Joey's backpack one day after school. I didn't totally understand it. but I got something about wishing and getting a kiss from Joey. All I can say is that I will be a crazy mama if some girl goes after Joey when he is a teenager. I know she is only a kindergartner, but I could feel my blood boiling. What does this little girl think she's doing. Their only 5 for crying out loud!!! There should be no talk about kissing!! Needless to say Joey and I had a little talk--he was so not wanting to, but I felt it my parental duty. :) I told him how boys and girls should not kiss until after their missions (I hope I can sell him on that one), and that kids just need to play with everyone, not just 1 person. I know I'm crazy, it just caught me so off guard that this little girl was being so forward. Oh, I'm in serious trouble for those teen years!

Here's some of the cute things Joey writes at school. They get a picture and then they are supposed to make up some sentences about it. For those of you not brushed up on 5 year old writing, I added a translation key at the bottom :) I just love seeing what his cute little mind makes up!

(The Lion is cheating. I do not like this game. I do not like this game. But I do.)

-He mixes up his b's and d's-
(I do! not want that fish in my house. The fish is too big. Why did you catch that big fish!)
More cute Joey notes.

Dad, I love you because you are handsome :)

So my poor traumatized Joey did his own psychotherapy. Saved me a few hundred bucks I guess. In the beginning of April, Peter was driving Joey to school as usual. As they were waiting to turn left, Peter heard a firetruck siren. The light turned green for the cars to turn left, but Peter and the car next to him stopped in the beginning of the intersection to let the firetruck pass. Unfortunately, the lady in a huge suburban behind him (who just happened to be a teacher at the school), wasn't really aware of what was going on and slammed full speed into the back of Peter's car. They all drove the 2 blocks to school and waited for the police. When Joey saw the police Peter said he burst into tears. I think he thought he was in trouble.
Peter's car ended up being totaled. I could tell Joey was feeling lots of emotions, but he would clam up whenever I tried to talk with him. I just tried to hold him and not talk after that. Then, over a week after this happened, he came into my room during nap time with a picture he had just drwan. It was Peter's car, the suburban smashing into it, and the fire truck. It really felt like soemthing a therapist would have him draw. We talked about it for a little bit and I think that was his way of dealing with it. poor sweet boy is fine now.

Joey's sweet note to Dad: (Dad, it is your birthday. When you get home I will give you a hug and a kiss)
The picture on the bottom Peter's birthday cake with all the candles

Joey's cute art project and his kindergarten class.

Poor Peter had a lot to do around my birthday time: working all week and then giving me 2 whole weekends off while I went to do a triathlon, and the next weekend at Time Out For Women. He kept the house clean, kids entertained, made me dinner and got presents. the only thing he forgot was the cake :) I love ice cream cakes, but when he raced to the store he couldn't find one. We opted for ice cream and lots of yummy sauces and sprinkles. Thanks for a Great birthday month with lots of fun!

My mothers day surprises from the boys: A pot of basil plants, and a cake Joey decorated at school. Two yummy things. Joey knows his mom--lots of sprinkles all over the cake!

So, my little "fix-it-man" was all too quiet one day. I peeked downstairs and saw him removing the light switch cover. How did he even know how to do that?!? He just loves anything he can unscrew and put back together.

Father-Sons Campout

The boys had a GREAT time camping with Dad!!!!!

All the crazy ants and the path they wore in the grass

Kimball and Caleb taking a break

playing with all the boys

drying out clothes after the stream

While the guys were all gone, I decided to do the BYU 5K with all the ladies from the ward. It was a lot of fun!

Easter Sunday Kimball found a stash of wildflowers growing in some unknown location in our yard. He bought them in a few at a time until it made this beautiful little Easter bouquet.

These are a couple of Joey cute pictures that were too big to save.

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!!!

After a very long time of coaxing, pushing, motivating Kimball to poop on the toilet, he is finally potty trained. I did everything I could think of to get him to do it. I even had a very convincing performance of his favorite stuffed puppy pooping on the toilet. (It was peanut butter and I was oh so sneaky. Kimball was amazed, but nonetheless, not desirous to do it himself).

I had finally had it. I had to pull out the threats. It was mid April--1.5 months before Kimball's' 4th birthday--and I told him that 4 year olds are big boys, and he would not be able to turn 4 and have a party until he pooped in the toilet like big boys do. It all happened at the time that Kimball's preschool teacher's daughter got lice and their whole house was infested. So Kimball didn't go to school those 2 days, and we basically stayed home all week and practiced.

I told him if he got 5 days in a row pooping all his poop in the toilet (without any accidents) he could have his birthday party and go to the hotel by the beach that the boys love to stay in. If he had a poop accident he would have to start all over again. By the end of the week all 5 squares were colored in and he had the habit of pooping in the toilet!

I was sooo happy!!! I thought I might be sending him to college with a load of diapers :)

Birthday weekend

I couldn't think of any thing I wanted for my birthday, just lots of fun experiences. So my sweet hubby did lots of taking care of the boys while I went out and played. First the triathlon, and then a weekend of Time Out For Women. I had a great time and learned so much. Thanks honey for doing all the work while I went out and played!When I finally came home :) Peter made me a delicious dinner of grilled salmon and asparagus. Yummy!

I LOVE ice cream cakes, but with all his other duties, Peter couldn't easily find one this year. He improvised and made me this. It was delicious!