Playing at the park?!

Who could even imagine that we would be playing at the park in January with only a jacket?! I know we need the rain and snow for our dry land, but I must admit I loved having the 'spring-like' weather! We took full advantage of nice days and hung out at the park, went for walks, and played outside. I knew it was too good to last, today it is raining and we will have some more snowy days and definitely windy days but thank goodness on those perfectly beautiful, blue sky days we went outside and soaked up the sun!

Carder trying out the red swing. He didn't like it as much and actually tried jumping out! Luckily I caught him!

Carder loved swinging in this swing! He laughed and giggled when I grabbed his feet! It was such a fun day. Even though my pictures were only of Carder all my kids were there playing, I just was with Carder most of the time and the others were running around the park happy to be outside playing!

I love those rays of sunshine! It's like John Denver says "Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy!" It's true! Sunshine does make us happy!

Carder has entered a new world at the park! He is no longer my baby in arms, he is a busy active toddler who likes to climb and balance and slide! It was sure cute to see he excitement as he learned how to climb up the stairs on his own and go down the slide! "Again!" he would say!

This was actually a different park on a different day! I love Carder's happy face as he climbs the stairs on his own! He loves stairs! He gets so excited to climb up by himself!

He was so funny when he went down the slide. He wouldn't take the time to sit down and then slide, he would just do a all-in-one motion of falling and sliding! He thought it was so funny! I could barely get a picture of him because he was so quick climbing and sliding!

I sure love this boy! Caleb was there too playing with his friend and was too busy playing for me to get a photo! I can't think of any better day than playing at the park in the sunshine!

Ty earned his Bear!!

Ty loves scouts! Probably because he has great leaders, gets to be with his friends, and has support from his parents (and grandparents)!! 

Ty loves being with his buddies each week. We are very blessed to live in such a great area with so many boys his age! (The cub leaders are very patient and kind and really do a great job with all the boys!)

 Ty loves the pack meetings and all the silly cheers and games! It's funny to me that they haven't changed! They are still the same-lame cheers from when my brothers were in scouts! Oh well, the boys love it and that's what counts!

Ty finally earned his bear!! It seems like we were working on it forever! I'm so proud of Ty for working so hard to get his bear, but I am also proud of myself for helping him! We all know it's really the mother that deserves the pin and earns the award! I don't think boys earn it without supportive parents!

Nate reminded me that we will be doing cub scouts for the next twelve+ years with three boys! Oh my! I think I have my work cut out for me earning cub awards, merit badges, and Eagle Scout Projects! The fun has only begun!! ;)

Carder's words and sounds!

Carder is our little parrot! He repeats so many words and sounds he hears! It is so fun to hear new words come out his mouth! He just learned to say "I don't know!?" It's also way cute when you ask him a question starting with 'who' like "Who loves their mama?!" or "Who wants to take a bath?!" He gets all excited and raises his hand and yells "Me!" I just love this kid! He is everyone's little buddy. He loves playing all day with Caleb and he gets excited when Ty and Mara get home from school! But the cutest thing is seeing him run to the door when daddy walks in from work! Oh how he loves his daddy! I can't believe how big he is getting. This month he will be 18 months! Seriously! Where has the year and a half gone?!