6 is Better than 5

Here's a few reasons Chad is loving this age rather than last:

- "going to 1st grade"
- "more legos than I can imagine" (I don't see that happening, unless he can imagine a lot less than I can)
- "doing older kid stuff: mote control cars; school alllll day long;" (me too)
- "having parties at like Chuckie Cheese" (at what age do they outgrow that place?)
- "having a little fun once in awhile" (okay, but only once in awhile)

A few birthday highlights:




I was a little late taking a picture of the pinata action:

Having a hot wheelin' party yourself? Click here for Chad's party explained.

Sunday Afternoon

Oh, how I love 9 am church, especially in the summer. We were granted a few moments to take pictures after church, but as you can see the tie had already been removed. Chad had in mind his own wardrobe change, but when his request was denied, he no longer wanted to participate. Aubrey, on the other hand, asked that I take a few action shots.

Hostile Environment

I don't have an explanation for this picture, only that the child knows how to wear sunglasses (even pink ones).

And For a few minutes, I couldn't find this child. Under normal circumstances, if I just stop and listen for a moment, Sam can easily be located. Not tonight, it was very quiet. As most of you know, a quiet (and awake) baby can mean all sorts of trouble. I was a little worried, until I saw this:

And this:

And this:

And finally this:


Sam has also taken to making a loud, angry, rattling noise (similar to an insect you have no desire of stepping on in the grass). No doubt these are a few defense mechanisms he has had to develop in order to protect himself from these two:

Pizza & Sparklers

I'm trying my best to improve my skills as a domestic chef (and I use the term "chef" loosely). My latest challenge you ask? Grilled Pizza. I was a little intimidated to try it, but it was much easier and tastier than I thought it would be! I used this recipe for the crust:

Grill Dough

My dough didn't quite mix like I thought it should, so I added a little extra olive oil. Grill one side first, flip, and then add your toppings. The crust can burn quickly. As for toppings, I just did the usual: sauce, cheese, pepperoni. I will be a bit more adventurous with the toppings next time, now that I'm a pizza grilling pro.

And now I leave you with a few sparkling digital images.


Look how calm I am with my baby holding a sparkler, maybe too calm? Not to worry, he was properly supervised by his grandma.

And I added a few pictures with a glimpse of my kiddies's professional sports careers (props courtesy of the Utah Olympic Park).

Scrambled Eggs Anyone?

I have always wanted a goat. I don't know why, but when I was young I pictured myself waking up in the morning and feeding a goat. Strange, I know. I have all but given up on my dreams of owning a pet goat for something not entirely different. Now I want chickens. Feast your eyes on this beauty:

It's called an eglu, and I really need one. It also comes in hot pink and orange, so many choices. Only one problem, it's almost $700. I could buy a lot of eggs for $700. I may be too cheap for the eglu, but isn't it pretty?

He Walks!

The very same day I threatened to buy Sam a baby wheel chair (the moment I said it, I realized I already have one - it's called a stroller), he took his first steps! Coincidence? I think not.

First Game of the Season and First Game Ever

Here's a recap with all the stats:

1 time Chad had to use the tee (the rest were coach pitched), and it's tee ball! So proud.

3 times Chad had to be reminded not to kick up the dirt and ruin the chalk lines.

1 awfully cute cheerleader.

5 point harness came in very handy for a good portion of the game. Sam was some serious trouble on the sidelines. The restraint allowed him to focus all of his attention on heckling the batters.

11 Aloha team members crouched down and playing in the dirt all at one time.

1 argument between team members regarding who got to throw the ball to first base.

2 team players per base, as a general rule.

Oh, how I love tee ball.