Party Time

Jed left for Scout camp and will be gone until today.  Lucky for me, my mom, Tawnya and the kids came to hang out for a couple of days.  It worked out great to have some people here on Kody’s birthday and also be able to have a little party.  The day before his birthday we pulled out the sprinkler and let the kids go wild.  We grilled some yummy pizza’s and had ate cupcakes. 

 

 

          

This pictures cracks me up… and first glance you might only notice the boys running, but if you look closely, they may be running for a reason.  Yup… Kody’s in the background with a big ol’ rock in his hand!!

 

He finally got to open his presents on his real birthday!  We sang and then he blew out each candle… individually!!  He loved all his presents, the tractor & horses, the books, his new beach towel, the movie Flicka (which he actually watched!), clothes, and candy!  His brothers gave him the book “No David”.  We’ve read it a lot so far.  You could easily substitute Kody’s name for just about every action!  He also got a new bike and is excited to show his dad how good he is tonight!

 

Lucas & his buddy Mason even took a break to watch Kodes open gifts!

 

I don’t have a single picture of Grandma Carole, but I promise she was here!  Thanks for coming to spend a few days with us.  It made for a fun couple of days.

Happy Birthday Kody

Dearest Kody Boy...

Today you turned three!  Crazy!  Three years ago you looked like this...

and now you're almost all grown-up (give or take a few years)! 

You have got to be the busiest boy I think the world has ever seen!  And when I say busy, I mean your brain never stops turning!  I can't tell you how many people have told us how awesome they think you are.  You literally keep people laughing with your actions and your facial expressions.

A recent funny...

I caught you half way down the sidewalk pulling the largest suitcase we own.  When I asked you what you were doing you told me "Amy's house".  Apparently you decided you were done living at our house and wanted to go live with Amy!  (Amy is a neighbor lady that you adore!) You had to get the suitcase from upstairs, drag it down the stairs, out the front door and down the front steps.  It just boggles my mind that my would be 3 year old can think up these things!

I believe that same week you decided to poop on our rocks outside too!

And now for a few things about you...

You love to swim!  You're getting pretty good and kicking underwater and swimming to the side with out any floatation devices.  Sometimes you're a bit too brave!!

You are obsessed with your hair.  You like to do it... ALL THE TIME!  It's hilarious!  You are capable of changing your clothes more times a day than a girl.  It tends to drive your mom a little crazy! 

You love, Love, LOVE horses.  I'm pretty sure you're going to single handedly break Sugar & Spice (Papa Mark's colts).  You would spend every waking minute with them if you could.  You don't play pretend a whole lot, but when you do, it has to do with horses and making sure they have grain, hay & water.

Your speech has improved a lot since working with Ms. Lori.  Although the time with Kids Who Count is over, we're very grateful for the time they spent with you.  You worked really hard and you'll be starting up with the school district in September.  I still try to work with you on sounds through out the day.

You love to help... especially when I'm cooking or dad's mowing the lawn!  Neither one the safest!!  I do love that you want to be where we are.

You love to give hugs... even to random strangers (a tad bit concerning at times)!  I can't tell you how much I love these, especially when you just give a hug for no reason.

You stick your tongue out when your nervous or embarrassed.

You're favorite word is "why" and your favorite saying "ah... dang it!"

You are a people watcher.  We can't take you any where with out you stopping to look at people.  We have to always keep a hand on you or half the time you'd be left in the dust!

You have a bit of the middle child syndrome and can through a tantrum like no one's business.  But the good part is they don't last long...and it usually involves you wanting to hug us!

You are addicted to candy.  You can smell it out from a mile away.  I have a feeling the dentist and you might not be too good of friends if you keep it up!!

You are such a good brother and you love to take care of your Ryker.

I could be here forever remembering all the fun, crazy, lovable things about you!  But what I do know is that you are my most favorite Kody in the whole world and I love you so much!  I'm so glad you are part of our family.

Happy Birthday!!

St. George

We spent a good portion of last week in St. George spending some time with his family.  We played in the splash pad, went swimming a couple of times, went four wheeling out to the ranch, and spent a day fishing at the cabin.  Lucas was able to catch his very first fish!  I wasn’t very good at taking pictures, but I’m glad I remembered to pull it out a couple times.  We had so much fun!

 

Shara and crew

The past week and half have been so fun with Shara and her kids here.  We spent a day down at Tawnya’s where the kids could play outside all day long.  They played in the slip ‘n slide and rode the horse.  A couple days later we went swimming at the Payson Pool.  Shara & my mom left to go back up to her house and took Kody with them so he and Abby could play.  We headed up that way on Sunday and spent the rest of the week playing.  Jed had to come back and then he and Landon picked up Aaron on their way back up Thursday.  The kids got to play in the irrigation water, ride the four wheeler, feed the horses, play dress up, and help papa Mark fix boots.  Shara and I made us each a purse which turned out mighty cute!  She and Tawn also made adorable dresses for their girls. 

 

We also had the Nicholas Family Reunion Friday & Saturday at Early Park.  My mom and dad were in charge this year.  I think everyone who came had a good time.  My picture taking is lacking, but at least there is a few!

It's always fun when Grandma comes...

This past weekend we were able to spend some time with my Grandma Clouse, along with Jeanie & Nyla. They flew up here to spend a few days with my mom and Melanie. They came over for a few minutes on Thursday afternoon before heading to a BBQ at their cousin's house in Provo. We also went to the BBQ, then afterwards headed up to my parents so Jed could help my dad for the weekend. Now that my dad's shop is done (and looks awsome) they were able to work on some other projects. The boys are always in heaven at Grams & Gramps with their freedom to run/explore. They love to help Papa Mark with the boots and especially ride the four-wheeler.

The "girls" made it back to my mom's Friday evening so it was fun to get to spend some more time with them. We were able to attend a bridal shower for Becca (Ty's fiance) on Saturday. My boys love their grandma great and think Jeanie & Nyla are awesome. Ryker never really warmed up, but that's to be expected! Any time I get to spend with my Grandma makes me happy! This month marks a year since my Grandpa passed away.

Stats

This morning was Ryker's appointment.  He was not happy about the doc checking his ears or the 3 shots he had to get.  Other than that, he was a gem!

Weight: 21.4 - 25th percentile
Height: 31 inches - 50th percentile
Head: can't remember - 90th percentile

Looks like we have one smart cookie on our hands!!

And check out who's riding front facing in his new birthday carseat...

He's lovin' life now!!