My baby boy is 5

It is birthday week at our house and today it is Zach's turn. He has been counting down to this day since his last birthday. He is my funny little guy and is a thinker. His last primary teacher asked me if he was always so goofy. I smiled and happily said yes. He is always asking great questions or making funny statements. One of our recent favorite questions is this; "Dad why is there still snow at the top of the mountains?" Cris explained the higher elevation and so forth. Zach pondering for a moment said, "Oh, then heaven must be freezing." Or when he proudly announced he knew what Cris' shirt said, "G A P, that spells gymnastics." One of his favorite words is "whatever." for when he just doesn't want to believe your explanations.

He is so excited to be starting kindergarten this fall and LOVES to learn. Hopefully, his phonics will improve. He will be making his athletic debut in the fall playing soccer. He is very excited and has been practicing with his brother and sister. He is our little peacemaker often letting Alex make the final call on things and is a great helper and playmate to his little sister. We love you Zachary McKay Richardson!

Happy Birthday to my Boyfriend

Cris woke up this morning and said I'm old (37 today), I'm bald, and my back hurts. I said all true, but I still love you!

For his birthday he has been searching Craig's List for a bike. He hopes to do a triathlon sometime soon so the training begins. Our recent dinner with the Renchers has him excited about competing. I think this is his way of trying to stay young!

Top ten things I admire about my Husband (in no particular order)

10. Works really hard so I can stay home with my kids.
9. Gives the kids baths every night.
8. Gets up and runs almost every morning.
7. Is very witty and funny. Jerry Seinfeld like!
6. Plays with the kids - sports, tea parties, etc.
5. Positive. Always sees things with the glass half full.
4. Doesn't mind the occasional mac and cheese for dinner.
3. Gives me my time alone with or night with the girls.
2. Has a strong testimony and honors his Priesthood.
1. Loves me even with all my faults!

Happy Birthday Babe! Here is too another 37 years.

Aloha

Time flies when you are having fun and just really busy. Cris and I decided this June and July have been the busiest June and July on record for our family. Two big trips, swim lessons, company visiting, hosting get togethers with friends and family and the day to day happenings. I am so excited to see a blank calendar next week other than celebrating two of my favorite people's birthdays (Cris and Zach) we are carefree. I am sure the boys will come up with some grand plans to keep life interesting.

We spent the last few days of June and the first week of July in Maui with Grandpa and Grandma Richardson. Some serious good times! We took the boys and left sweet Syd with Bamma and Papa Wood. While we felt bad about leaving Syd at home, we know she had a great time creating special memories with the grandparents and we didn't have to deal with a two year old's drama!

Here are some highlights of our trip. Lots of photos I know -- but so many great things to see and do.

Stolen Moments in Maui


Places visited: Ocean Aquarium, Banyon Tree, Kapalua Golf course, Old Town Lahaina, Luau, Boat ride to see the fish through the glass windows and the lava fields.


We spent a lot of time in the pool. The kids practiced snorkeling in the pool but didn't want to snorkel in the ocean. However, Cris and I snorkeled in the ocean and swam with the Sea Turtles and other amazing fish. So peaceful and surreal. We enjoyed many a pina colada. The last day we spent the day at the Marriot and enjoyed their fun water slides.


Of course their was plenty of beach time. The timeshare overlooked the ocean and the boys loved playing in the sand. It took a couple of days for them enjoy the ocean. Towards the end, Alex was body surfing. Zach was in awe of the surfers and wants a surf board for his birthday. Too bad there is no ocean front property in Boise.


Up at Napili Bay there is a great spot to come and watch the turtles eat the algae off the rocks. We could have sat their for hours.


These are photos from the 'Ioa Needle and 'Ioa Valley -- the Rain Forest in Maui. I love all the different colors of green.


Beautiful snapshots along the coast of Maui.


We gave the boys each $20 to spend however they wanted. We went to a little swapmeet and they both picked out Ukelalees. We thought it was a waist of money but we were wrong. They LOVED them and played many concerts for us. Zach carries his with him everywhere he goes and wants a pick so his finger doesn't hurt so much.




Mahalo again to Grandpa & Grandma Richardson for inviting us to spend some time in paradise.