iPhone pics over the last few months...

Scrub-a-dub.

Ho ho ho!

Peek-a-boo!

Smoochy, smoochy.

This kid is growing up on me.

In the Primary Children's ER for 6+ hours.  Finn's elbow was broken, and they put 3 pins in his elbow.  He is one tough cookie!  He was so patient as we waited and waited and waited...

The morning after the surgery.  3 grape slushies later we went home.

She can open doors now! 

First pigtails!

PINS!

Waiting to have pins removed!

Strolling through the USU Art Dept after piano lessons.

So tired!

This is the boy who told me my hair looked crazy.  Mmm hmmmm, Finn.  You should talk!

I curled my  hair and took all kinds of flak for it.  It's totally tame, people!

Kate, Andy and Clara... waiting for Andy's flight.

Owen's wand!

Sleeping with her fav bear, Corduroy.

I always get a little nervous when I hear hysterical laughter coming from Harper, Finn and Jacob.  Here's what I found this time.  And yes, they ate the crackers afterwards.

Bennett's  beehive hair hat!  This was his 4th Grade Utah History project, where he had to create a beehive.  Love it!  His class took their projects to the Utah State Capital for Charter Day on the Hill where they met the governor!

Loving my new boots! 

Harper likes her new kicks too!  Courtesy of Missy Perkes, a baby shower gift!  I can't believe they fit her!  She's growing up!

Playing with the blocks, animals and trains with Finn at preschool!

Happy tights!

We went to buy some pants at Old Navy for obvious reasons.

Meet Owen, the smartest and most handsome boy in the world!  He got glasses last week, and I won a mother of the year ribbon for waiting so long to take him in.  20/60 in one eye, and 20/70 in the other.  YEP.  I'm good.

Chocolate fountain at Bennett's Valentine's Day party!

Crafty Martha Stewart project with the 4th graders!  Super cute!

Jacob Mark turns 6... It is the year of the Shadow Ninja!

If you know me, you know I love to do birthday parties.  Especially for kids who get really excited about them, which mine DO!  It's kind of our thing. This year was so fun for Jake because his older brothers took such an active role in his party.  It was so cute to watch.  So.  Here are the invites...

And here is Master Jake!

He invited the boys from his church class, as well as 2 boys from his school class, and a couple from the neighborhood.  It was a boys-only party, except for Ruby, the lovely helper.  Here is the group, beginning to assemble in the main dojo, playing Samurai, Samurai, Ninja.

The food table:

Funny ninja cupcakes!  Hi-ya!

Jake's special Ninjago cupcake!  Kendo Cole = HUGE hit.

Party favors!  Thank you, Oriental Trading, AND Aunt Elizabeth, who sent all the awesome headbands!

Sushi!

Master Bennett helps them earn their headbands on their path to becoming ninjas.

Knuckle push-ups, everyone!  (Ouch!)

Preparing for weapons training.

Jason asks the boys if they are ready to master the art of the throwing star.  They are ready.

Owen (origami master) and Ruby helped each child make a ninja star from origami paper.

Some stealth drills and sword instruction from Bennett.  (He was very serious about his job.)

Harper woke up in time to enjoy the last few minutes of the party.  And she happened to have a Ninja Turtle.  How appropriate, Harper!

Make a wish, Jake!

Owen also taught the kids to use chopsticks, since I don't know how. (What?!  I'm only 36, okay?)

Probably the cutest ninja right here:

Jake's friend Logan was so serious about using the chopsticks.  It was very cute, and Owen was very helpful.

Darius decided to just use his fingers.  :)

At last, Logan gets the sushi treat by stabbing it with his chopsticks!  GOOD IDEA, BUDDY!

Tate thought that was a great idea!

This was one awesome group of ninjas!

Jake's school friend, Sammy, made him this adorable little canvas.  I can't wait to hang it up! 

Happy 6th birthday to an awesome little kid who we all get such a kick out of.  We love you so much, Jake!  xxoo