Pie Day and Play Dough

On 3.14.15 our little family just happened to be at Costco walking by their bakery section. The apple pie they make at Costco is amazing and we wanted to get one so badly, but we didn't. When we got home I looked on facebook and realized it was pie day, but not just March 14th, but March 14th 2015! The only time this will happen for another century! I decided then and there that we were going to celebrate pie day! I had Austin run back to Costco to get their apple pie while the kids colored pictures of pies and also the number. They had no idea why we were celebrating but that didn't stop them from having fun, coloring, and eating some yummy pie! 

What is pie without some FANTASTIC whip cream. I am definitely a whip cream girl. YUM YUM!

One Saturday we decided to make three batches of play dough for the kids. Play dough is a staple around here and the supply had dwindled. So, we grabbed Grandma Heath's recipe and made a morning of it. The kids enjoyed stiring, dumping, and watching the play dough form.

Isaac enjoyed kneading his dough all by himself. And look at the dragon he made too! 

Home Depot Days

When I was younger my parents would take us kids to Home Depot for craft time. I always had a great time using tools that I saw my Dad use, and build things like I always saw my Dad doing. I have many cherished memories that helped my confidence and sense of accomplishment develop. The ability to create something with my own hands was an incredible feeling.

 While visiting Home Depot for some home improvement things, I asked the workers if they still did craft day for kids. They said yes, on every first Saturday of the month. I was so excited! I just knew our boys would love this type of thing. I was right, every time they came home from an activity they were so excited to show me what they made and the cool new buttons they earned for completing a project. Plus, they loved the aprons. HAHA

I am excited to see what else they build in the months to come.

So far the boys have brought home a Valentine's Day flower pot, sport decorated book ends, and a garden themed picture frame. I am surprised at the projects Home Depot comes up with for the kids. Still, my favorite part is the look of excitement and pride when they run through the door to show me their hard work.

Recycle Castles

Over the last year or two I have collected random recyclable items to use for building. After throwing some egg cartons into the collective bin, I figured it was full enough to let the boys go crazy. They saw the materials and said they wanted to build castles. So, with a little instruction from mom for the hot glue gun, they went to town. After they had built their castles, I brought out the paint and let them splash color to their hearts content. It was great to see the boys so engaged and focused. 

 Excuse the panties, I didn't want them to get paint on their new shirts from Grandma Ralph.

After keeping the castles for a few days, we needed to break them down in order to fit them into the recycling bin. With no hesitation at all, we unleashed our dinosaurs to attack the castles. They did a great job and had a BLAST doing it.

Andrew was in HEAVEN! He was finally able to kick, punch, hit, throw, and destroy something without getting into trouble. He truly was a dinosaur and he loved every second of it. Look at him go! He was all in; made it quite the show.

Austin's 29th Birthday

Only 365 more days until Austin will be out of his 20's forever! We celebrated this special day with cinnamon rolls, bacon, OJ, scrambled eggs, Cheese Cake Factory's Godiva cheese cake, dark chocolate gifts, and dinner at Cheddars. It was a great week and a fun opportunity to show Austin how much he means to the kids and I. We love you Austin. I will always cherish you and hold you close. 29 or 99 you will always be my babe. I LOVE YOU.

He was surprised and impressed that I was able to take all the kids with me to get him a cheese cake from the Cheese Cake Factory. It was hard and I was constantly stared at but it was worth it. I love surprising him. 

The boys helped pick out and wrap Daddy's gifts. They enjoy being involved with anything that has to do with birthdays, even if it isn't their own. 

That Saturday we had a mini party at Grandma Heath's house. Austin got one of his favorite cakes made by Tammy; chocolate madness. Doesn't he look awesome in this picture? Oh yeah, one of my favorites for sure. Looking good at 29 babe.  

 Here is a picture of the whole group who came to celebrate. We had Jake and Hillary Wortham, Brandon and Saydi Tillman, and Micheal and Cambrie Rossi over from our ward/neighborhood. With family all around too, it turned out to be quite the evening.

Library Fun/Bike/Cousins

The Prosper Library had a Cat in the Hat party for all of the Dr. Seuss books. The library is small and by having these fun events throughout the year, they are hoping to help it grow in members. Most people go to the Frisco Library because it is ginormous so hopefully we can spread the word.

The kids loved how the frosting on their cupcakes changed the color of their tongues. 

The craft at this event was to make their own Thing 1 or Thing 2 out of popsicle sticks. 

Emeri can use the pedals now! I don't know when it happened exactly but sometime in the beginning of the month I saw her riding Nathan's bike with the pedals. I was so proud of her. She is only 2 1/2 and she figured it out on her own. Big independent girl. Next step, big girl bike.......

Well, at least that is what she thought. A little to soon Emeri my love. Every day she asks me to help her ride this princess bike that does not have any training wheels. She doesn't want to use the trainer bike because it doesn't have pedals like her brothers' bikes have. I keep telling her that they had to practice on the trainer one first before they could ride their big bikes. She is super persistent so she keeps trying anyways. I love her diligence, we shall put that to good use when she is older.

Cousin Time. We had cousins over one day while Aunt Kadi was at a doctor's app. They played so well together. We enjoy having them over.

Oakley's 8th Month

This little ray of sunshine is 8 months old! What a darling little angel. We love it when Oakley gives us her real cheesy smile and makes her two bottom teeth stick out. Her little eyes squint shut and her cheeks puff out like a chipmunk. IT IS ADORABLE. Oakley, you make us so happy. Every day your father and I are overwhelmed by your cuteness, and excitement to see us. We can't help but smile when we look at you. You warm our hearts to much. 

You love to reach for anything in grabbing distance. Your favorite food is my millet, quinoa, spelt pancakes. You are still sleeping in our closet on a crib mattress but you're starting to be found in various places in the morning or after nap time. Once I found you asleep under my low hanging shirts with just your feet sticking out. It was so cute. 

I love these first two pictures of you. That perfect smile is the one that melts our hearts, and your bashful little squiggles are too irresistible. 

 Mitchell and Kadi are always commenting on Oakley's perfectly shaped head. What do you guys think? I am biased of course, but I think it is pretty much as perfect as you can get. So adorable.

 This first little picture is Oakley's expression when she is about to get upset, but is giving us a considerate warning, while trying to be cute still. HAHA

 Don't you just love those pants? Got them for 99 cents at Goodwill. They are 3-6 month size but I couldn't resist. She still fits them size wise just not length wise.