Mutton What?

My nephew and niece in Wyoming, who are 5 and 3, participated in "mutton busting." What is mutton busting? Well, it's the toddler version of riding bulls. Instead of bulls, they use sheep. I had never seen anything like it. Though it was fun, I am grateful that my boys are not interested.


We spent the day in Star Valley. The cousins had fun together.


Of course Lamb came.


I just had to post this one. This first picture is from 3 years ago. Look how much Kyle has grown!


It's amazing how entertaining that throwing rocks in water is.


In case you are wondering why there are so many pictures of Blake and relatively few of Kyle, it is because Kyle is going through a hopefully temporary phase of running from the camera. Blake is still all smiles.


Blake and cousin Allie were getting their fill of cuddling with a furry creature. We are not going down that road again.


As far as the boys are concerned, a day in Star Valley is not complete without the customary ride on the motorcycle. So dad took them for a ride. I am glad we have somewhere to go that is out of the city. I think the boys will have some good memories.

The Trampoline is Back

A couple months ago, the boys were being naughty. That is a common occurance around here, but this day was particularly bad. They ripped down the net on the trampoline. So, I painstakingly sewed it back up. It took me 6 weeks. But judging by the happiness on these boys faces when they were allowed back on, it was worth it.

Treehouse Musem

To keep my active two little boys occupied, I took them to the Children's Museum. The alternative was to stay at home and let them fight and beg to watch more tv. This was definately more fun.


There were some new things that they didn't have last year.

Craft time was great! It is a little wierd that Kyle is old enough to sit and do a craft without my assistance.

And Grandma Bonnie came, which they boys loved. I loved having help when Kyle went one direction and Blake another.




These two little people get bigger and bigger all the time. Sometimes it is strange to think that they will be big enough to not want to do things with me. In the meantime, I am trying to really enjoy each phase.

It's Definately Summer

Around here, July is all about grasshoppers and raspberries. You can't walk through the yard without grasshoppers jumping all over the place. At the boys insistence, I have been catching some for them.





It seems like the raspberries are ready earlier this year. But the boys aren't complaining.

Independence Day Weekend

4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love watching the fireworks. We headed up to Star Valley and let the kids have some fun. Traditionally, Star Valley hosts a small town parade for the 4th. Grandpa Joe pulled all the grandkids through the parade in his tractor.




Brian sat in the back and launched tootsie rolls and unsuspecting onlookers. He beaned a few friends and relatives from his hometown.





Brian and his dad, Joe.




After the parade we went to Aunt Helen's. Ever creative, she always has something fun to keep the kids occupied.


After painting rocks, the kids were given squirt guns. Can you guess what Brian is encouraging Blake to do? Yes, seconds later Blake squirted me with water. Luckily, no camera's were hurt during this photo shoot.

Unfortunately our weekend was cut short because Kyle wasn't feeling well. But we did have fireworks before we left. Getting a good picture of kids watching fireworks is a difficult task, one that is beyond my camera. So I'll just say the evenings festivities were very fun.

Photography

If you live here in Cache Valley, sign up to win a free photo session!

Ashley Mae Photography

Wheels

Potty Training - Take 5

A few months ago, Blake was so excited to potty train. He did fabulous, until the novelty wore off and he realized I wanted him to use the potty exclusively. He had a change of heart and refused. I debated using force, but, instead I used gentle persuasion, aka candy. After several attempts, it seems to have worked. He is now doing number 1 in the potty now! He still asks for a diaper for number 2, but I can handle that. Now, with a little more candy and a monster truck for bribery maybe we can say goodbye to diapers all the way around.

Ice Cream Man

The musical truck cannot pass by our house without Kyle knowing. Even through all the playful screaming, video games and movies, his ears are tuned in and ready.


In the last week, we have made three purchases. Guess I better figure it into next months budget. :)

This Week

Cute Kyle at Tee Ball.


Team work. Thanks little brother.

The good news for me...

We got a truck. This is good news for me for 2 reasons. First, because I will no longer be without a vehicle when Brian goes out of town. Second, because all things that we have to haul occasionally, like yard waste, can be dealt with.

And Brian's good news:

An amazing snowmobile. Since he sold the Jeep, he got himself a "beel." He is so happy that he has literally teared up. "I can't believe I got a rev," he says.

It has been a good week.