Watson weekend

Amb and fam came out to visit for the weekend. Its true love when they drive a billion and two miles to only stay for two days. Thanks guys, it was so fun hanging out. We stayed up super late talking and catching up Friday. Saturday we went to the water park, and saw Up, in 3D, which was a super cute movie. After the kids went to bed we stayed up playing ROOK. Which I think I might have a figured out (sort of), thanks guys for being so patient with me. I was so confused, but I had a great time and cant wait to play again... when we go camping, in only two weeks!! Sunday we played and hung out then went to church. Amb went to primary with me, and helped me with my sunbeams. Then they had to leave after dinner, which Shawn made! Such a quick trip. I loved holding Radley, he is the most adorable baby, so sweet. He is all smiles, and his cooing is the sweetest sound I've ever heard. I miss him already, I tried talking them into letting me keep him until we meet up with them in few weeks but they weren't crazy about the idea. I love you guys, tons and tons! Thanks for coming!! XOXO

Teddy bear tea party

Scout camp

Scout camp was so fun. The kids got to do a lot of really cool things, such as going to museums, bowling, played golf and tennis, hiking with a GPS and so much more. Ethan had a blast. I was able to go on the first day and help out with the opening games with all the bears. (Ethan is a bear, and I am one of the bear den mothers, we have so much fun.) I love to watch Ethan with his friends. He is just like his Daddy, his friends are important to him and he loves to hang out with them. He makes new friends easily, and has no problem reaching out to new people. I also went on the hike on Saturday. It was a 3.5 mile hike, through cave creek. It was beautiful, I wish I would have brought my camera but I forgot it. I will have to do it again so I can get some pictures of the desert. Ethan was in a huge hurry on the hike (no surprise), and had to be up in the front! The weather was beautiful, it was definitely hot, but there was a nice breeze all week, so we survived being out all day! Gotta love the Arizona heat. It was a great beginning to summer.

Schools OUT

Last day of school pose! Just before the bus got here!

A barnes and noble gift card for Mrs. Ward. Ethan's favorite thing that she did was to read to them. So he thought this would be a perfect thank you!

School is officially out. Ethan is now a fourth grader! Gulp, I must be getting old. He had a great year. Loved his teacher, made some great friends, learned lots of important things. He is growing up so fast. Thank goodness he still loves his Mommy, and needs lots of lovin. Ethan don't grow up so fast, and stay my little boy forever please.

My Mother's Day

Yea Flamingo's! I've been searching for these forever. My life is now complete!

Sorry I know this is a little a belated. But I wanted to share with you how sweet my husband is. He totally spoiled me Mother's Day weekend! He worked in the yard all day Saturday planting new plants in the planter, which now has rocks in it, he put rocks in the raised planter at the back of the yard, and cleaned everything up.-I would have been a very happy woman if that had been all he did for the weekend, but he did more. On Sunday we had some friends over. Last year I was whining to Patrick about how Shawn was probably going to make me Mac N Cheese for dinner, and he took pity on me and invited us over. So this year Shawn wanted to return the favor and have them over. They made a fabulous meal together, Chicken Pesto Alfredo, and ceaser salad! Yummo! It was cute to watch them in the kitchen. Shawn was pouring over the cook book, and I love how Patrick made himself at home and searched my kitchen for anything he needed. It was the best. All day long I kept thinking I must be the luckiest Mom in the world! I hope you all felt that way too! Happy Mothers Day.

Saturday

We finally made it out to the lake this last weekend. If we hadn't I think Shawn would have never forgiven me...I made him work on the backyard last weekend. -Hehehe! We met Shawn's brother and nephews out there. It was a beautiful day for being out doors, it felt like returning home, I had forgotten how beautiful it is.
Hayden was a little nervous about jumping in the water, he is still convinced there are sharks...if he only knew what was really down there-trust me you don't want to know! But I am sure next time he will be jumping in with the rest of the kids.
We skipped rocks,-James is the King of skipping rocks. True talent I can't skip a rock if my life depended on it!
The boys all wake boarded and all did great. Just like riding a bike you never forget.
We fed the ducks, who followed us around, they must have been starving- which Hayden was very pleased about
The kids played in the water, climbing up the tower and then jumped into the water catching a football.
I hid in the front of the boat and read a book (The Mortal Instruments, which is highly addictive), while getting a tan.
It just doesn't get any better than this.

On the move

Payson thinking..."Can I grab it? Is she looking?"

Payson has several words that he signs. My favorite is this one that I've (sorta) captured in this picture. Its thank you, combined with a kiss. Which I am guessing loosely translates to "Thank you SO much"!

There is no holding this boy back. All of a sudden he is up and going. Its been a while since I had to be careful about not leaving a cup or a bowl to close to the edge of the table, but you remember it all real quick when you have a little guy reaching for everything! It is so exciting to watch him become so mobile, no more crawling around everywhere. Pulling himself up and walking the furniture is Payson's preferred mode of traveling.
For those of you that I've recently caught up with Payson is my little buddy! I have been taking care of Payson for the last two years. He is just one of my boys now. Payson is such a joy, he is always all smiles. He loves to be part of whatever is happening. When someone is laughing, he loves to cover his mouth and throw his head back laughing too. Its the sweetest. And we are looking forward to the summer when his two sisters will be joining us as well! It will be a little crazy with five kids, but the kids all love each other. And a little crazy, when its in the name of good clean fun, is good for you. Right? Did I mention there will be five kids? Gulp! Jk, I love my five kids tons, or else I wouldn't be doing it.! SMACK, right back at ya Payson! Thank you so much!

Tot Swimming Lessons

Hayden was so excited to finally wear his new swim shorts and shirt. Even though he wasn't planning on getting in the water, he had to wear his swim suit, because I was.

Payson resting up for his big swim lessons, with the remains of his healthy snack, or as we call it the energy snack to help with kicking!

We were super excited to finally break out the swimming suits today. The weather has been so mild. Don't get me wrong I am loving the weather, but it just seems weird. Last year at this time we had already been going out to the lake for over a month.

Today Payson and I started the tot swimming lessons. I was a little unsure of how Payson would do in the water, but he is always so good it should have come as no surprise that he absolutely loved it. We were the only ones signed up for the class so we were able to get a private lesson! We blew bubbles, practiced getting out of the water, sang songs, threw around a ball and had to swim to get it, splashed around a little... Overall it was a major success! The instructor tried talking Hayden into getting in with us (since there was no one else there she needed to help) but he was being shy, and was perfectly content just watching and cheering us on!
After the lesson I was praising Payson. Saying that he did such a great job, and that I was so proud of him, etc. etc. And then Hayden looks up at me with those puppy dog eyes that gets me every time. And says "Mom will you be so proud of me if I do swimming lessons too?" He has been telling me for the last few weeks how he REALLY doesn't want to do swimming lessons, so it kinda touched me that he wants me to be proud of him bad enough that he is willing to do something that he is really scared of. So sweet, and kinda heartbreaking. Right.
Hayden I am always so proud of you!
But yes you still have to do the lessons.