Howdy, Cowboy!

After today, there's only 2 more days of school left for Kaden. There has been a lot of fun activities going on. The kids recently went to the Zoo on a real school bus for a field trip and I think the highlight of the trip wasn't the zoo, it was the bus ride! This week was Kaden's "Me Week" where the class got to learn all about him and how wonderful he is and today was cowboy day. You'd think that a mom that grew up in Wyoming and was involved in showing horses most of her teenage years would have had some cowboy clothes around the house but nope...Ray had to go to Walmart last night and see what he could find. All in all, I think Kaden made a good looking cowboy (despite the black and red skater shoes!).

Next week is water day and the talent show. Kaden hasn't decided what to do for the talent show so I think he'll just watch this year. Playing the Wii isn't really a talent and neither is knowing everything about Star Wars. He wanted to be ready to play the guitar by next Wednesday but I had to break it to him that this probably wouldn't happen. I guess I really need to start helping my kids focus on real talents. He can play soccer really well but that's a little hard to showcase at a talent show. He also sings pretty good to "So What" by Pink but he was too shy to get up in front of everyone and sing it...I guess we're the only audience privileged to see his rockstar side.

Kohl's Cup 2010

Last weekend, Kaden was lucky enough to play on the winning U6 team at the Kohl's Cup in Hyrum, UT. He was also lucky to be playing on that team with his best friend and cousin, Kasen. They played 5 games that day and the weather refused to cooperate so we were all bundled up and trying to keep warm. Thank goodness that the games were only 2 12-minute periods with a 5-minute half-time. Although the day was long and cold, it was worth it and the boys had a lot of fun and Kaden was so excited to get the first place medal at the end of the day. Thanks Uncle Kasey for putting together a winning team! Leo (the RSL mascot) even showed up to tell the kids good luck and sign their soccer balls and jerseys! Way to go All Stars!

A Ducky Day

Lately, we've been having frequent visits from some furry friends. I can't remember them ever being in our yard as much as they have been this year. The boys love it when the ducks come to visit and are always trying to feed them bread. Sometimes the ducks are interested, sometimes they're not. Mostly, they just love to sit on the wet grass and if the boys bother them too much, they waddle over to the next quiet yard. Surprisingly, the cats don't even go crazy when the ducks are in the yard, they just sit in the window sill and watch them for a while.

A New Interest

Ray, Kaden, and Jackson went up to Washington last month to be with family since Aunt Katie returned from her mission. I can't believe that Ray drove all that way with both boys but apparently, they both had a great time. The highlight of the trip was fishing on the lake behind grandma and grandpa Balls' house. Kaden is really into fishing so I guess we'll be buying some fishing poles and heading to the public fishing pond near our house...or else just send him with Uncle Kasey. I'm sure Uncle Kasey would love an excuse to head out fishing with the boys...not that he really needs one!

Sweet Baby Evan Turns 1!

Our last (but certainly not least) baby boy turned 1 this month, on May 15th. As is our usual custom, we didn't do a big birthday party, we just celebrated quietly at home as a family. We made red velvet cake and cupcakes with buttercream frosting and everyone loved it. I think the pictures say it all.

Our dear sweet baby Evan...this year has flown by and you are such a joy to our family. We can already tell that you love your older brothers SO much and they love you and always are quick to help us take care of you. I love your sweet smile, your chubby cheeks and legs, and the silly noises you make all the time. Most of all, I love snuggling with you on my shoulder before nap times and bedtime. Although I was almost positive you were going to be a girl, I wouldn't trade you for all the girls in the world and thank you for completing our family...I know how blessed we are every time I look in your big blue eyes and see you reach for me. We love you!

I think someone's excited for his birthday!

Mom's attempt at a homemade birthday cake.

"What's this?"

"Hmmmmmmm...."


"Pretty tasty!"



What would a birthday be without the ceremonial smashing of the birthday cake into the hair?



I think this pictures sums up the day! We love you sweet Evy boy!