The Birthday Festivities ~ Part I

Austin had a grrrrrrreat birthday!

He ate, played, slept, then ate some more. What else is new, right? Later, for his birthday celebration, we had our some our friends the Naven's over for one of Austin's favorites, PIZZA! After dinner, we headed to Go Bananas, which is a place in town that is full of blow-up bounce houses and slides. On Friday night they have a "pajama party" for kids 6 and under, so we decided that would be fun. We got dressed up in our jammies and headed over to the party.We had fun going down the slides...chasing the bubbles...playing in the ball pit (Austin's favorite)...and just being together!After all of the fun, we headed home to sing "Happy Birthday" and have some cupcakes. Needless to say, Austin thought they were the greatest thing ever!He also opened up some fun presents, with the help of Ryan of course.Thank you go the Naven's for celebrating Austin's birthday with us, and for all of the phonecall's and text's Austin received wishing him a "Happy Birthday!" We're lucky to have such awesome family and friends!

Check back later for "The Birthday Festivities ~ Part II."

Happy 1st Birthday Austin!!!

I never would have imagined how fast a year could fly by. It amazes me that it's been a whole year since our sweet little Austin joined our family. It has been such a joy to watch him grow and learn, and we look forward to continuing to be able to do so!

Austin right after he was born!

Austin spent 8 days in the hospital, then finally came home to join us!

2 months old! He's always been very expressive!

4 months old!

6 months old!

8 months old!

10 months old!

1 year old!

We love you so much and are so blessed to have you in our family. You have brought so much laughter and joy to our home! Your sweet spirit and infectious smile can make anyone's heart melt. It's fun to see how much you have changed over the year, although it makes Mommy sad.

Happy 1st Birthday Austin!!!

We love you!!!

A little more...

A little more whining! It officially came :( I got my layoff notice today. So, we'll see what happens in the next two months between the union and the district. As they move down the seniority list, I may not end up being terminated, but only time will tell!

What a week!

I don't usually use my blog to vent or whine, but to rather document my family and particularly our ADORABLE boys. This week, however, I will make an exception. What a week!!! Austin has been sick all week and trying to cut 6, that's right 6 teeth at the same time. That has called for hours of screaming at night, a runny nose, lots of slobber, and some definite grouchiness! I love him anyway! On top of that, I took our van in to get checked out on Wednesday, and it never left the spot I parked it in. That's right, our 4 month old van's transmission, completely shot the second I parked it!!! Thank goodness for warranties!!! So, we've had to live with one car, which is doable, but difficult when you both work and have doctor's appointments and the such to go to. Now, I'm sick to top it all off! Thank goodness for a WONDERFUL husband who has spent the day since church taking care of our little stinkers and for a sweet little 3 year old who's been "Mommy's Helper" in taking care of Austin and things around the house. That's all! I'm done! On to better things!

After a stressful week, the boys and I needed something fun. So, we headed to the Ripon Almond Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday with some friends. This is an event that is held to celebrate Ripon and the beautiful almond orchards that surround the area.We got there a little early, so we headed to the school for the boys to play before the parade started. They, of course, had a lot of fun!My new favorite picture! What cuties!After a while, we headed back to our seats for the parade to begin!Ryan was as serious as ever and watched the parade very intently! He observes EVERYTHING and has to tell you all about it!Until they threw the candy!Austin also watched carefully, in between whining sessions...and put his new art of clapping to the test!We had a fun time! Thank you Mallory, Payton, Kris, Elliott, Oliver and Zale for going with us!

Justin has been working really hard to finish his theisis and project for his Master's. He has been spending every Saturday on it, and usually has to go to his office or the library. So, this weekend, since we had stake conference and no class to teach, we headed up to Nana and Papa's house. We had a great time as usual.

On Saturday it was beautiful and sunny out, so we spent the day outside. Ryan tried to play volleyball with us and got pretty silly!

Ryan then wanted to ride his quad, so we got it out and ready and Austin wanted to go too...

but we didn't let him. Instead he posed for a fun photo shoot with Auntie Ashley!

It started raining really hard on Saturday night, so we spent the rest of the weekend inside. The boys played and had fun...

and Ryan even saw a lizard for the first time!

It was hilarious!!! He at first wanted to hold it and nearly pulled the poor things tail off. I don't think he thought it was real. In the end, he helped Nana let the lizard go outside.

Playgroup!!!

Every Friday we get together with some ladies from our ward for "Mother and Children's Playgroup." We get together and visit while the kiddos have fun and play. We've been cooped up with playgroup inside since the holidays, so it was fun to finally have it outside with some sun!

Ryan and Payton

Ryan had fun climbing the rock wall...
and was so proud when he made it to the top!Austin wanted to try too...but was continually sidetracked by the bark!!!