Memorial Day

My friend told me what they were doing for the holiday and I asked if I could tag along. Ben was gone- but I wanted to make sure I did something fun with the boys... and their plans sounded like just the ticket. A trip to FREDERICKSBURG to pick peaches and go on an adventure.

The trip started off a little rocky, I had forgotten my purse with my cell phone tucked safely inside. A quick turn around, meeting up at a parking lot... THEN we were on our way! The boys all traveled very well, it's not like it is a 5 hour drive or anything :)

The farm was quite busy, the peaches were hard, and it was very humid... but Cael and Brecon were lovin' it! I couldn't stop them from plucking the peaches from the tree limbs, whether they were ripe or not. It was also a good thing that I "tagged" along because I had extra adults/arms to carry our boxes or help push a stroller... THANK YOU AGAIN for helping ME and the BOYS!!!

We stopped by DAS PEACH HAUS an adorable little shop with samples of dips, syrups, honey, etc ....OR as a mother with little children sees it :breakables, bottles that can spill, lots of places to explore (but not in a good way...) It was somewhat chaotic with the boys, but we managed to order homemade peach icecream and cobbler ala mode (drizzeled with peach honey)... IT WAS HEAVENLY!!! I don't think I have enjoyed a sweet treat -so much -in a long time. I also think because we had not had lunch, it made the yummy dessert even sweeter.

Just in back of the shop sat an adorable little fish pond with a perfectly placed swing. The big boys explored while Connor enjoyed his lunch. It was quite comfortable in the shade, and the gentle motion made for a relaxing afternoon break.

I will have to say the driving home was a little harder than driving up.... the sugar rush had come and gone and we were left with a recipe for NAP time. Don't worry, we made it home safely, most of us took naps, and then we ended the day with a trip to the pool.

Let's Rodeo!

umm... BIKE RODEO!!!
Last month the elementary school had a bike rodeo where the kids can exhibit their bike riding skills on a "course" in the school parking lot. Many of you may know that Cael started riding his bike without training wheels at 2 1/2 years old and this rodeo was made for him. He did really well and it was so fun to watch him do a figure eight, ride as slow as he could, go on a straight line, and weave around cones.
Later that day Cael got off the bus and said he had something in his backpack. We sat down in the living room and he pulled out a little blue participation ribbon for the bike rodeo. "That is pretty cute"... I thought. Then he pulled out a camelback insulated water bottle. "Wow, that is nice for just a bike rodeo." Last, but not least, he had one more thing to show us. With a big smile on his face he lifted up this gold trophy! On the bottom it said "Kindergarten 1st place boys". I had quite the look on my face I'm sure. I was excited for my boy and had a huge smile, but then I was laughing because I thought how funny it was that they had trophies for the BIKE RODEO! What a way to end the day!Also during this time Cael had his last soccer games and end of the year party. The STORM was sure a fun team to play on with 4 little boys from our church ward and Coach Payne and his son from the Deerfield ward. Watching them all run around the field provided hours of entertainment this season and we loved watching our Cael try his very best. During the last game at a kick-off, Cael was hit with a ball in the gut that took him by surprise. He reached down to his belly and stood there for a moment, then he fell down to the grass like a tree that had just been cut down. He recovered after a few minutes on the sidelines and was back on the field before we knew it.

At the team party Coach gave everyone a trophy (again with the trophies :) and he had nicknames for all the players. Cael's nickname was MR. SPEEDY because of how fast he can run down the field. The next day he asked me if I would sign him up for soccer, oh course.

These pictures are from when my mom was able to come down and help with our family for 10 days when Connor was just over a week old. We sure loved having her here and she did so much to help take care of me and the boys. I would have loved her to stay longer and I wasn't going to take her to the airport.... but all good things must come to an end. Here are some of the fun things that we did:
Playing at the park and having grandma push the boys on the tire swing.

Eating lunch with Cael at School. YUM YUM!

This was funny. I convinced my mom to take the two older boys to church without me. I was still in recovery mode and feel that it is important for the boys to attend primary class and have a regular routine when it comes to the Sabbath. We had everyone all dressed up and ready to go and started to load everyone into the truck. My mom still wasn't quite sure about the whole idea and gave me a concerned look as she hopped into the drivers seat and turned the key. Well... nothing happened. The truck was dead! So we got everyone out and took a picture to remember this moment. We had a quiet Sunday at home together... it's the thought that counts, right?
After a few batches of cookies and cupcakes, soccer games and parties, and a bike rodeo (which I will be posting about) my mommy had to catch her ride home. How was I supposed to do this without her help? It was a transition, that is for sure, but we are all still alive and doing well. THANKS AGAIN MOM! You helped me more than you will know :)

Now Brecon is just in love with his new little brother. He wants to hold him and he kisses him all the time; it is just so sweet! I really thought that he would have the most trouble with the new baby, but he is just so loving to little Connor.. sometimes rough, but it is all out of love :) He also thinks that the baby swing should work for him too! He let me turn the thing on and he sat there for quite a while letting the swing do all the work.

Connor is just a sweet, tiny little thing. We recently went to the hospital for a weight check-up because at his last appointment he was on the lower range for proper weight gain. Here are the stats:

He was born 5 lbs 15 oz

4 days old 5 lbs 5 oz (3% in weight- ouch!)

3 weeks 6 lbs 1 oz (2% in weight- not quite enough)

6 weeks 8 lbs 1 oz (13 % in weight- WOO HOO!!)

This little man is on his way... still on the small end, but at least he is growing. He is also doing so wonderful at night, which helps me to function during the day and makes everyone happy :) I laugh to myself when I think about how I am the mother of 3 BOYs... and they are BOYs in every sense of the word. We are having a great time with all of them and enjoying these special days together.

:(

THIS IS THE LAST PICTURE our poor camera ever took.

It was at Cael's LAST soccer game of the season.

It never came back into focus...

At least it captured this fine moment in time.

Things we haven't been able to take pictures of since:

*My Spring Piano recital and all the cute kids. All my students did such a great job, I'll have to get copies from the parents!

*Ben got PRK (like lasik surgery) on his eyeballs. No more glasses. No before and after surgery picture :(

*Gave the boys their summer haircuts. Brecon's blonde-ness had been growing for almost a year. Now he looks like a little boy

*Two brothers playing and Caels says "Mom, take of picture of this..." Sorry buddy, I just can't.

*A really cute picture that Cael drew of our family (and I don't have a scanner) We'll figure out a way to share this one, it's a keeper :)

*Cael's first swim meet of the season. He swam in the relay and in the freestyle (6 and under)races. He did so great! I was cheering for him the whole way down!

It's amazing the things you want to remember, but without a camera those events just blur together in our memories... Maybe we'll just have to go shopping and get us a new one, right?

Gma and Gpa Hoopes Visit Us

I just had to post some of the adventures we had while my mom and dad were in town for a few days. Our big trips included Six Flags Fiesta TEXAS and also the Natural Bridge Caverns. We sure had fun, and even got some yard work out of our visitors (THANK YOU AGAIN) We are so glad you were able to come and visit us. We love you!

After Mom and Dad flew in Saturday afternoon and a short stop at the house to unload luggage, we all loaded back into the EX (the beast of a truck) for Six Flags. I was quite nervous going so late in the day and thought the lines would be terrible and we wouldn't be able to ride on anything. Boy, were we wrong! There were hardly any lines, we walked right on most the of big roller coasters, and Dad about lost his lunch after GOLIATH (the very first ride we rode). We walked around the park and stayed until closing time. Our favorite was the TONY HAWK skateboard/rollercoaster, but Cael was not a big fan. He had this look on his face of pure disgust/fear, which made Mom, Dad, and me laugh and enjoy the ride even more. Poor kid, when the ride was finished he said "is it over?" YEP! it sure is!

Grandma and Brecon watching Cael and Grandpa on the Wiggles Airplane ride.



And the two on the ride, YES... they are having fun!

We can't forget our favorite super-hero HULK and that guy in the black cape... what is his name again?



I love this picture of Ben and the boys... Cael has that hand on his hip thing down pat! Just like a real SUPERHERO!

Here we are on the airplane ride... That Cael just loves going on that thing!

On Monday we took the family to the Natural Bridge Caverns . Quite an interesting journey and cool caves to explore. While waiting for the tour to start, we played "gold-miner" with a water trough and the extra dirt that was at the bottom. Needless to say, some people got wet! But it was a great way to pass some time.

Notice Brecon's shirt and the dark color on his sleeve.... He just trying to play with his brother and be a good gold-miner!

Inside the cave was really quite amazing and beautiful, but taking pictures just couldn't due it justice. Our camera was on the verge of dying with each picture that we took, so we at least got a few to prove we were there.... (I'm obviously taking the picture, I'm still there I promise)

WHAT A GREAT TRIP we HAD! It's always fun when family comes to visit. We are now looking forward to Grandpa Eugene, only TWO more days until we can have fun with HIM!!! See ya soon!

GMA and GPA HOOPES VISIT TEXAS

Lots of fun when grandma and grandpa come to visit. Even though it was only a short stay, we seemed to have days full of fun (and even some yard work) while they were here. Eating out and hitting SIX FLAGS with the family. We sure love our time when family comes to visit us. Even if they both almost threw up on the roller coasters when we first got there! Those grandparents are sure fun to take places and the boys love their hugs and kisses too! We also explored the caves just north of the city (they didn't hold a candle to Carlsbad caverns) BUT we still had a good time.

The Boys and Visiting Austin, TX

OH YEAH! It's time!

Some friends have gotten after me for not posting very often. For that I apologize, I just get so busy "checking" on everyone else, that I neglect my own! I will try to do better....

We just had our spring break, Cael didn't have school and neither did I. I really had some lofty goals of finishing some furniture projects (which are still in the garage-- unfinished) However, we finally got some much needed rain, so we can't complain about that. Cael is all signed up for soccer this spring, so guess what that makes me? You know it! In all my glory I am there cheering for my little man. Brecon enjoys the snacks and attention from our beloved friends, it's a good time for sure. This picture was taken after his first practice... He's super-pumped about soccer, if you couldn't tell.

Something that I just had to have during our few rainy days was some chicken noodle soup. Not just any canned soup.. This stuff is homemade, with love! I have to thank my wonderful friend who taught me how to boil my own broth and make my own noodles. Seriously, this stuff is de-lish! I had to eat it as soon as it was finished. Now I know the TRUE meaning behind the saying mmm...mmmm good!

ALSO at the end of the week we took a little day trip to the state capitol of AUSTIN to visit my very good friend and squeeze on her sweet baby! It only takes an hour to get to downtown (with no traffic) which was quite a surprise! It a fun little trip with great food and wonderful company! Thanks you guys for hanging out with us. Here are the pictures I promised I would post :)

The crazy visiting FAMILY...The gorgeous new momma (and little baby man).... and the ADULTS (courtesy of Cael's amazing photography skills) Thank you again for the sweet pirate swords... the boys are lovin' them!