Spring Break with "The Smert"

So can you tell which one isn't mine? My brother Joe and his wife Jen (yes, more J's) agreed to let me take my nephew Jonah for the week of spring break. I have to say that I was truly shocked when my sister-in-law said,"I'm gonna say okay". I know this was a struggle for her, as she has never spent this much time away from "The Smert". So, needless to say I was prepared for tears...no not from Jonah, but from his mommy :) Glad to report she only cried a little when they left him on Easter night....

Jonah is seen here on the right having a terrible time with his cousins....oh come on...look at that cheesy grin. He had so much fun, I don't think he knew what to do with himself. I will admit that a little bit of "CRAZY" must have rubbed off on him in the bath tub. I'm sure Bryce had some to spare!! Just look at the bathing beauties....each sporting a pretty good lookin' tan. Funny, I have a feeling they aren't quite as concerned about their tan lines as I would be. I always take my floaties off before I lay out! :)
This was great. Bryce is the KING of not wanting to clean up the play room. Poor Brennen usually gets stuck doing the job himself, as was the case the previous night. So here, I have given the Bug (Brennen) the night off....and Bryce has the responsibility of teaching Jonah how to "clean up, clean up every body do your part". How long do you think it took? I wish I would have taken a picture of Brennen sprawled on the couch...in disbelief really...that he wasn't a part of this task. Have you seen "Apprentice"? This was NOT the winning team!
We ventured to the park on perhaps the windiest day of the year! Luckily the Miller's were genius enough to bring a kite. Jonah is bringin' up the rear with the hugest smile on his face. I think he would have flown with it if he could have.
Oh Smert...really? This was his "Every body dance now" routine. The hip action he pulls out in person is pretty amazing. I thought my brother was gonna wet his pants yesterday when he saw the performance. He went home a little different I think. I'm sure anyone would agree that you have to take the good with the bad. So when he told his mom "you're mean" at dinner last night, I was thinking...well, at least he pees standing up now!
To our Smert and his parents. We had such a blast on Jonah's first Spring Break! He was such a good boy the whole time. It's pretty quiet around here this morning. It is after all only 6:45 am, but no mighty bites and milk today :( We'll be missin' you little buddy.

Until next time...

Happy Easter!

Rich started the day by taking the boys (Brennen, Bryce and my nephew Jonah) to church for a great message of course...and a pretty awesome Easter egg hunt. After that, we all headed over to my parents house for fun in the sun, more Easter festivities and some great food! We couldn't have asked for better weather. Here is little Jill. She's a funny little thing...and can definitely hang with the boys. We missed Morgan, Loren and Jordan of course.
The boys can't get enough of being tossed in the air by daddy. Dad's gonna have to start pumpin' some more iron to keep these guys "high in the sky."
My parents have a perfect yard for an Easter egg hunt. Just as last year, there was a golden egg waiting to be found. Brennen looked high and low and managed to find it after several hints. He was on the prowel...after all, it was full of cash! Hope you all had a beautiful day!

Until next time...

Who knew?

Brennen wasn't sure he even wanted to play baseball this year, but he was able to get on his buddy Peyson's team so he decided to go for it. After the very first practice, the kid was hooked. He couldn't wait to get his uniform on this morning for Opening Day! It was definitely a highlight for the whole family! I couldn't help but laugh...they had Brennen stand on the box for this photo. Peyson was probably thinking..."hey I'm supposed to be the tall one." He is after all a whole head and shoulders taller than our little Bug :)The Diamond Backs. Brennen is right in the middle of the top row
I was really impressed with the opening ceremony. Here is the Marine Corp band...they had a fly over and a baseball hall of famer (Don Sutton) speak.
Run Buggy run! Brennen is pretty quick around the bases and watching him zip around the field made me think of my little brother Jared and ALL the games I watched as a kid. I loved it...and really can't believe that I have my own little guy out there now. I think Uncle Pug is gonna be proud Bug. I know, I know....Pug and Bug. We are the family of nick names
Brennen was very focused on the task at hand. He is standing on 3rd waiting to run home. He ran like the wind!
Great job Brennen. We can't wait to see what the season holds for you. And while you have taught us that "practice DOESN'T make perfect" (because no one is perfect he says) we look forward to watching you get better and better at the game. Love you buddy!

Until next time....

Got Boys?

I can't remember them without skinned up knees

So recently, Rich was going through my purse. Apparently he was looking for something, but I think he does this purely for entertainment purposes. He pulled out a dinosaur, a hot wheel, a couple lollipops from my frequent bank trips and some ketchup packets. I know there was more, but these were the things that I associate with my boys. I was cracking up at the stuff I had been lugging around...all for these two crazy little dudes. I also found a piece of bark in my freezer last week. Yes, I said bark...like from a tree. Bryce brought it home from school and said that he was saving it for Brennen. I'm definitely a girls girl, but I wouldn't trade hangin' with these guys for nothin'. Thanks to my 3 bro's for the prep work. Man I have a long way to go :)

Until next time...

Spring is in the air

What a great way to unwind after a long week! Today was beautiful, which made spending the whole day in the backyard irresistible! I have been longing for a day filled with sun, swimming, the smell of suntan lotion and bbq...oh yah, and screaming kids! The Robertson's (along with Ashley's mom) helped break in the patio furniture and poor little Brycee had to break in his "pool feet." Remember those days? He and I were in the pool for most of the day, so the little guy ended up with a few raw spots on the toes. Nothin' a few weekends like this won't cure. This is my favorite time of year out here in the desert. Looking forward to having more of you out soon!

Until next time...

Weekend with the Buttson's

Rich and the kids and I were invited back up to Idyllwild to surprise our friends Jeremy and April for their Birthdays. We headed into town for more "Cheesecake on a stick" but I went for the frozen Banana this time :) I thought for sure I had gotten a good picture of these guys. I couldn't really see how the picture came out because of the glare. I cracked up when I saw this! Do you think Bryce is saying cheese? This is the smallest Buttson (for now anyway). He is the sweetest little guys and a bit on the cute side! All smiles, that kid!!
This is David...Rich and I are his God parents. His daddy and I have been friend since we were five years old and lived next door to eachother as kids. After spending so many years together as family friends...it is always a blast to have our own families share the same kind of time.
This is the Buttson clan. David Sr. and Linda organized a great weekend for everyone to relax and enjoy eachother. Great food and crazy kids were definitely the highlights! Wow...the sunset from the deck of the cabin was amazing...as you can see. Can't wait to go back. What was the saying? Oh yah..."We really hope this works out for us!" Love you guys and Happy Birthday Jeremy and April!
Until Next Time...

The Adventures of Tubby...

This is Tubby the lion. He goes home with a child from Brennen's class at the end of each week. I think most of us can relate to how important it is to get the prized class mascott on Friday :) Brennen came up with the idea to show everyone what Tubby was up to this weekend. He was a busy guy! This was Tubby on the way to Idyllwild. Yes Idyllwild again. Not so much snow this time!
This is Tubby sitting out on the deck right before sunset.
This is Tubby climing the rocks out in front of the cabin. Thankfully he is still in-tact.
Tubby was ready for bed after a long day of play! Thanks for a great weekend Tubby!!

Until Next time...