May 2014

The best part of May every year is that our little Tyler has a birthday. He turned three this year. He was so excited for his birthday cake, his presents and the entire celebration. You've got to love that adorable smile.

On May 8, 2014, Cole had his Let's Play Music recital. He did a great job singing all of his songs, playing his tone bells and generally hamming it up while performing. Cole definitely does not shy away from being in the spotlight.

On May 9, 2014, we attended the annual Acorn Preschool Science Festival. There are always numerous tables set out with science experiments, things to touch and things to learn. It's always hard to get the kids to leave when it's done. Grant even stayed home "sick" so he could come with us.

Chad took Grant and Cole to Father's and Sons camp out and made sure to bring them back as dirty as possible. He also took the boys on a hike up Fat Man's Loop. They can't resist standing in the crack and posing with exposed bellies everytime they do this hike. We also had a fun picnic with the Studleys at their house. Tyler was old enough finally to attend Sound Beginnings music classes and had his own class recital where his class performed the songs they learned throughout the year. He loved Sound Beginnings and always wanted to listen to his class CD.

Here's Tyler again helping himself to whatever food he feels like, regardless of whether he's supposed to be eating it. Of course, he pushed the stool over to the counter all by himself and climbed on up. Too bad for him the bag wasn't open and he couldn't get it open.

Grant is always constructing and fabricating things out of paper, cardboard or whatever material he can get his hands on. He's ready to play goalie.

Chad took a solo hike up on Sandy's Canyon and sent us a selfie to show proof of life and that he had made it.

Cole loves to dress up for church and have his picture taken when he does. He doesn't need any help knowing when he's looking handsome. He's got a confidence like no other.

Every May, Flagstaff hosts a Kite Festival at Foxglenn Park. We love to go and try our hand at kite flying. Chad has a great skills at this and we can always count on wind in May.

May also bring Mom's birthday and Mother's Day, usually within days of each other, if not on the same day. The boys (all four of them) love to BBQ mom up some steak and other delicious food. Chad does a great job of getting all three boys involved in the prep and cooking.

Tyler enrolled in Sporties 4 Shorties at the Aquaplex, which was an interesting experience. He really wanted to go every week but when it came down to it he just didn't want to stay unless mom stayed with him. He loved running, playing the games and interacting with Coach Laurie.

Cole had one last preschool field trip to the Guardian Life flight helicopter hanger. The kids learned about flying helicopters, saving lives and helping people. They also got to try out the pilot seat of the helicopter.

Cole graduated from Acorn Preschool and is ready for kindergarten. Acorn was the absolute best place for Cole to attend preschool. His teachers were so patient with him and helped him learn to his potential. They appreciated his sense of humor and his unique personality. Acorn truly helped Cole get ready for kindergarten. It was sad to say goodbye.

May 2014 also brought the Sedona Slide Fire. It was an awful forest fire that started at Slide Rock just outside Sedona. It burned for days and was so big the smoke and ash were seen and felt even in Flagstaff.

Over Memorial Day, the Wadleys came for a visit. We took them to the Grand Canyon for a day trip of hiking. They had never been there.

Grant turned 8 on May 24, 2014. He had a blast at his birthday party. He asked to play some crazy games, including dig for skittles in whip cream with your mouth and suck M&Ms off a plate with a straw. He also asked for worms in pudding dirt rather than a traditional cake. Grant is a social kids, with many good friends from school, church and sports.

May brought the end of school for Grant as well. He finished second grade with Miss Mary at Mountain School. In second grade, one of his best friends was Samuel Simonsen. They both loved learning about dinosaurs, hunting for dinosaur bones and learning about anything else they could read about it.