Camel's Back

We went on an afternoon family outing to the Camel's Back foot hills. The kids enjoyed climbing around, and following different pathways.

All of us at the top -- it was quite windy, but fun looking out across the city. I'm looking forward to a day when I won't have to carry a toddler up hills... my legs were burning by the end.

The kids enjoyed watching the baby ducklings -- until a dog came and chased them all off. They thought it was pretty funny watching the dog swim and jump around in the water -- and laughed even more when it jumped out and shook water everywhere. 

May 30, 2016

Hansel and Gretel

Emma's spring ballet recital -- Hansel and Gretel. I love how her confidence grows with each recital. She loves performing on stage, and has the biggest smile up there.

She was excited that Grandma Egbert was able to watch her recital!

May 21, 2016

May

You see this plate? This is how Brad's been eating. This is more vegetables on one plate than he's eaten in his entire life before this diet change. Lots of veggies, protein, and brown rice. He's down about 15lbs, looking fabulous (as always, but even more so), and I'm amazed at his determination. 

And I don't know what happened, but the boy who never stops fell asleep on the couch. This never happens. Ever. 

 Jake's preschool friends painting... Aubrie, Lexi, Drew, Jake, Mia, Braxton

And I had to sneak in one last field trip to Krispy Kreme. Mmmm...

Preschool Graduation!

 Jake did awesome in preschool. It was a rough group, but Jake managed to come out knowing all his letters and sounds, along with shapes, colors, and he's pretty stinkin' good with numbers and math. He had a lot of fun with his friends, and it was a highlight of his week. His favorite parts of preschool were snack time, being the snack helper, and playing with friends. Proud of you Jake!

May 2016

Spring Soccer

Last season Jake was out because of his broken arm, but the season previous to that, we ended with just being excited if Jake would kick the ball a few times, so we weren't expecting much this season. I could not have been more shocked when Jake ran out there and scored three goals in his first game. What?!?  He was being aggressive and fast, and REALLY wanted to score some goals. I LOVED IT!!

 He averaged about 2-3 goals every game, and on the last game, scored 7! We are so proud of our little soccer star, and excited for seasons to come

 Grandma Egbert made it down to watch him play his last game. He loved having her come watch him, and Emma never misses an opportunity for pictures and hugs.

And our little ham.

 And a good coach makes ALL the difference. Clint Allred was so fun with the boys, and had them laughing, being Avengers, and teaching new skills through it all. He gave Jake such a great experience, and to a parent, that means everything. We're excited for more next season!!

May 2016

April Adventures

Nothing like father and son bonding time while waiting for juicy meat at Texas Roadhouse for Jake's birthday. Luke loves to fight Brad with the Avengers toys. He doesn't like when I play it with him though. Maybe I lack the correct sound effects and facial expressions. 

Either way, I love these pictures.

Emma had another piano recital, and did wonderful. I love that she isn't afraid to play in front of others, and love the experience that she's getting. She played the Sleeping Beauty Waltz, and...

Many of you have received phone calls, conference calls, and texts from this little menace. Including Brad's co-workers. Lucas is a technological genius for his age. He can call from phones and tablets, and loves to hear the voices on the other line talking to him. He usually won't talk back much, but there's a smile whenever he's listening to someone. And then comes the point when I discover him and take the device away, hang up, or disable calling abilities.... that would be the picture on the left.

Jake got a cheap kite from a friend on his birthday, and we attempted to fly it in the backyard. It didn't work well at all with all the houses and trees. So, the kids would run around the yard with the kite about 2 feet away from their head. They thought they were so awesome.  

Jake's preschool trip to the fire station! The fireman showed them around the station, how they put on their suit, and let them explore inside the firetruck. Hats for everyone!

  

This little one LOVES water. Anything to do with water. This is him doing dishes, which he requests to do all the time. He's always asking to go outside and play in the water table, and loves splashing around in the bath.

April 6-30, 2016

Our Newest Favorite Five Year Old

Jake's five!

Jake has a lot of fun with his preschool friends, so for his birthday party, he wanted to go with all of them to Jump Time. Done. They had a ton of fun.

He had fun driving his new car around with Dad. Emma and Lucas both played with stuffed cats a lot, and I think Jake felt a little left out, so he asked for one for his birthday. He named it Sombie -- and plays with it all the time.

Jake, summed up, is awesome. We like him quite a bit. He has such a contagious giggle/laugh when he's playing with his friends. He is like a walking tornado of personalities. Sometimes he's a rough wrestler wanting to sword and light-saber fight everything in sight, and others he's sneaking in a hug. He's very protective of Lucas and is terrified if Lucas is in any proximity to falling, but then loves to pester him to get a rise. We're constantly having to remind him of the volume of his voice, and others he's super shy and we can't hear a thing. He's a true boy who loves to play cars, super heroes, evil villians, video games, and go fish. He's done so great at preschool, and is starting to read and spell small words. He is so full of energy all the time, and can't handle sitting for very long. This kid is all about the treats. If you want anything done, a bribe with treats always works. Sometimes, like 10pm at night, he'll quietly sneak downstairs and hide near us until he's noticed. He'll do funny quirky things like that all the time. We just love our Jacob and all the little things that make him him. Happy Birthday little buddy!

1. What is your favorite color? Blue
2. What is your favorite toy? Cars and bouncy balls
3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries and grapes
4. What is your favorite movie? Planes (Only the last race)
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for dinner? Pizza
6. What is your favorite outfit? Blue exercise pants with spiderman shirt

7. What is your favorite game? Racing, Battlegrounds, and monopoly
8. What is your favorite snack? Cheetos Puffs
9. What is your favorite animal? Sombie (his stuffed Siamese cat he got for his birthday)
10. What is your favorite song? Follow the Prophet
11. What is your favorite book? All of them
12. Who is your best friend? Matthew Hedgpeth and Cooper McQueen
13. What is your favorite cereal? Reese’s Puffs
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play on the trampoline
15. What is your favorite drink? Blue PowerAde from McDonald’s and Mango flavored water
16. What is your favorite holiday? All
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Sombie
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon Rolls
19. Where do you want to go for dinner on your birthday? Texas Roadhouse
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? McDonald’s guy that gives you food

21. What is your favorite thing about school? Friends and snack time

22. Favorite sport? Soccer

23. Favorite treat?  All. and Ice-cream

April 5, 2016

Easter Spoils

Jake thinks it's hilarious when the Easter bunny hides eggs in the bathroom. Emma goes on a rampage locating all eggs possible.

 Lucas had to be coaxed to find more eggs. Once he opened the first one, he just wanted to eat candy instead of find more. 

 Mouths' too full of chocolate to smile. 

 March 27, 2016