Charlie turns 6

birthday donut breakfast

I can't believe Charlie turned the big 6 this past year!  He was so looking forward to his birthday.  It was even better this year because he got to go to school on his birthday.  He picked out little packets of oreos to bring to everyone in his class.

He was desperate to open one of his presents so I let him open one gift from his grandparents.  A new Star Wars shirt!  If you know Charlie, you know that he loves clothes.  He was excited to wear a new shirt to school on his birthday.

We started prepping for the party we were having that afternoon with friends.  I started on the cupcakes and Joey built a cake out of paper and lots of glue.

Charlie picked a Star Wars themed party and had a lightsaber cupcake "cake." We played several Star Wars themed games: storm trooper egg race, pin the shield on the light/dark side and smashed a Darth Vader pinata.

Charlie's best neighborhood buddies

After games and cake we opened up presents!  This was the year of legos.  He got multiple lego sets as gifts and loved putting them together with Tony later that night.

Charlie is such an important part of our family.  He has turned into the most helpful big brother.  He is always looking out for Peter and Joey.  They look up to him so much and he sets the best example in our house.  He is an excellent reader and works really hard to sound out new words.  He enjoys learning new things and especially loves playing with friends.  He loves to ride his scooter, play legos & play mags, snuggle up with his stuffed animals and is very good as showing his love for others.  He often comes up during the day and says, "I love you mama."  He's taught me how important it is so express love in words because it just makes the other person feel great.

We love our Charlie boy!

Happy birthday!

2015 Family Pictures

My friend Leslie McCleery took these photos for us in October and we LOVE them.  They capture each boy so well.

Peter- 19 months

Joey- 4 years old

Charlie- 6 years old

 

I love having a family.  It has brought me the more happiness than I could ever imagine!

Cornbelly's

Going to Cornbelly's is our family's favorite thing to do in the fall.  That place just gets me excited because once we go there I feel like the holidays are finally coming.  I love this time of year!

This trip was especially fun because Peter was old enough to play and enjoy it as well.  We didn't even bring the stroller in.  He's turning into our little toddler and it's awesome, weird and sad all at the same time.

I love that our favorites are there every year and the boys remember them.  Charlie...that kid has the best and creepiest memory.  He remembers everything.

jack-o-lantern tether ball

The boys begged us to ride the mechanical bull.  It was hilarious to watch!  Joey was actually really good.  He raised up one arm and everything.  They have the ride so it increasingly gets harder and harder.  The look in his eye at the end was priceless.  He wanted to stay on so bad and I could tell he was scared but didn't want anyone to know.  I had very to keep yelling, "it's ok!  You're supposed to fall off at the end.  Don't worry!"

Charlie was way more timid.  He would raise one arm for a couple seconds and as stiff as a board the entire time.  I couldn't help but laugh.  He seemed relieved once the ride was over!

We loved the tractor ride.  The boys loved seeing all the different scarecrows out.

These big wooden play sets are one of my favorite parts of Cornbelly's.  They have all different kinds- tractors, cars, houses, etc.  I want one for our backyard!  Since that's practical ;)

Corn Cob Beach is definitely a favorite!  I had to go in to help Peter and was shocked when I sunk in almost to my knee!  I kept my sandals on because I assumed it was ankle deep.  I had fun digging frantically for my shoes since they slipped right off in all that corn....

 Every year Cornbelly's has some little theme and this year "Minions" is the theme.  There are a few minion painted pumpkins, etc and minion characters walking around.  Peter loved them and we could barely get him to leave them alone.

We're excited to go back a lot this October!

BYU Graduate BBQ

We decided we would be involved in graduate activities while Tony is in school.  We went to the graduate student bbq and had a great time!  The event was for families so we got to bring the boys and they were thrilled.  J Dawgs catered, Cosmo was there, balloon artists...we had a great time!

Peter loved the cookies

meeting cosmo

Joey held his own races and we counted and cheered for him while we ate

Peter is getting so big!  

Charlie and Joey asked for swords from the balloon artist and Peter got a puppy.

I hope our boys will remember going to school events.  We had a great night!