Blake turns 5 - Birthday celebrations!

Wow... I can't believe my little Blakester is 5! Time flies when you're having fun. He's my little stud muffin. He is so cool, and fun to have around. We actually celebrated his birthday on Saturday which was my Mom's birthday - so it was a big fun party! Okay, maybe not huge - but we had good treats and we went swimming. So it was a good time had by all!

I loved being there for my Mom's birthday. She's so amazing in every way. It's special so me every time I get to hang out with her these days since she lives in California. But it sure makes it fun to go out and visit her in such a beautiful place, so I can't complain too much! 

What can I say about Blake turning the big 5? Well he can write his name beautifully, he is really fun to wrestle with, loves random bedtime stories (which a lot of times now he gets from Jack!), has his own unique style, still has specific bowls-spoons-cups that he eats out of, gets fired up easily, but is also quick to forgive, and can also be quite mischievous from time to time. He is DEFINITELY fun and entertaining to be around. I can't wait to see what next year brings, where he will be starting Kindergarden... WOW. My little dude is growing up.

Oh yeah, and that little cutie asked for a blue skateboard for his birthday - hope he stays safe!!

Zions National Park

Wow, was Zions amazing. What a beautiful place, what majestic mountains and beautiful things to see. We spent two days going through it, and could have easily spent many more. Definitely planning on coming back when our boys get a little older. We even did some exploring ourselves, it was a little colder than perfect - but we had an amazing time nonetheless. 

It was nice being able to drive in ourselves and go to the places we wanted. I heard only in winter can you drive your own car in. My parents are such good sports! They never complained once about anything we were doing, or even if we had no idea where we were going (happened frequently) haha. They were so fun and adventurous, I hope we get to explore more places with them again soon.

St. George fun and a Mica Mine

St. George was a blast. We got to play lots of games and just got to spend such good quality time with everyone. The condo was cute and cozy and we even got to run and jump in the hot tub! Tyler would try to mess up any board games we had going on, so we'd just pull out some puzzles and he was happy as a clam doing those! 

We played at the park while Trent and my Dad played frisbee golf, and we even ventured out to go find a mica mine! They were all such good sports because I had terrible directions and most of the time we were heading out on random dirt roads looking for this place. We almost gave up at the very end until we found someone out riding 4 wheelers who pointed us in the right direction. It was like finding lost treasure!! Haha. It was fun anyway, the boys got to play and even chip away at some to bring home.

Christmas

So even though we didn't spend Christmas at home, it was still so fun to set up our tree and put fun decorations all over it! First time we were able to hang up all of our stockings, but sadly they only lasted for the picture, haha. But that's all that matter's right?!  Blake also got to sit on Santa's lap at school. It was fun to see all the kids excited to see him. Guess what Blake asked Santa for...? A belt. HAHAHA love that kid! Santa and his preschool teacher kinda looked at each other and said, "Are you sure, don't you want anything fun." He replied, "Nope, I just want a belt." lol. Good thing Santa brought him a fun colorful Ninja Turtle belt on Christmas morning. He's worn it everyday since.

It was great having my Mom and Dad be there for Christmas morning. The boys are always so fun to watch- and get so excited for even their new underwear. Unfortunately Jack and Blake started coming into our room at 3am and every half hour there after to ask if it was time to open presents yet. Next year we will have to put a clock in their room and not have them come out until it at least reaches 6. haha. 

My Mom made them stuffed animals and pillowcases that were just so awesome. The boys loved them! They all wanted to sleep with the pillowcases that night, and Blake named his Giraffe 'Moo'. He gave it the biggest hug after he opened it.. kinda melted all our hearts.

Oh, and we had each of the boys pick out whatever they wanted to give to their Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas.. I think Blake's gift for my Dad was the best. HAHA.