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.

Drove 1951 miles, spent lots of $$ on gas, stayed in 4 different places, Memories with family and Friends... Priceless

Our first Summer vacation was a success. We dove lots of miles and everyone was a trooper. We have all memorized the lines to Alvin and the Chipmunks as it continued to be the movie of choice for driving. We stayed in Reno the first night. Cris was able to visit a customer and we stopped to see the Reno Temple before heading on to Calf.



We stayed in Mammoth Lakes, CA for the next three nights. What a fun place! It is a ski resort town but there is plenty to do in the off season. It was wonderful to see all of the Richardson clan. It was the first time in a long time Cris and his siblings were together. We got to meet the newest additions to the family. Kellon Graham - 3 months old and Rusty's girlfriend, Leah. The kids were so excited to be with their cousins. They have missed having them so close and I thought for sure they were going to hide in the van so they could go back to Phoenix with them. Rusty was our tour guide and took us hiking to Rainbow Falls. It was so beautiful and the kids did well on the 3 mile hike. Syd especially enjoyed riding on Dad's shoulders. We went swimming several times, played at the park, ate lots of good food and played a mean game of wiffle ball.





Then it was on to the second leg of the trip which meant a nights stay in Ely, NV. It was the half way point to SLC. Seriously Aunt Marilyn, not sure how you lived there as long as you did. We did see that Wilson Bates is still standing and open for business. We spent the next few days visiting with family and catching up with old friends and celebrating cousin Jeff's wedding. Thanks Trudy and Lance for letting us invade your home.

We also got to hang out with Renchers. Jen and I have been BFF since kindergarten and have made lots of memories over the years. It was great catching up on life and watching our kids play and enjoy each other's company. Jen posted some great pictures of us as kids on her blog. Classic 80's and 90's looks! Thanks Jen for the stroll down memory lane.



Thankfully while staying with Aunt Trudy Cris, Syd and I found our true calling in life. Rockstars!! We are seriously addicted to playing it and stayed up a little too late one night. Is it really bad parenting when you keep saying just a minute to a tired Syd cause you want to finish your song? Thanks Devin for teaching us the Rockband skills!

Sum Sum Summertime

The last couple of weeks have been a crazy blur. We had a great time in Burley. The boys went fishing but weren't very successful. Hopefully, next time it won't be raining so they can go to the good spots. But all in all Alex had a great birthday weekend.




School is out (as of last Wed.) and my excitement was quickly fading in the first few hours we were all home. Continuous comments like this -- I'm bored. I'm hungry. Can we have a friend over? I don't want to do that. You're mean mom. AHHHH. So we made a schedule and things have been running much smoother. We went to the Zoo , had friends over and went swimming last week. Not warm enough for me to swim, but thank goodness the pool is heated and the kids had fun. We had a busy but fun weekend. The guys and their families at Cris work came over for dinner Sat night. Thankfully, they brought most of the food. His one coworker makes the best italian food. Yummy! Sunday we had to speak in church and thankfully it is over. Special thanks to Steph and Jake for keeping the kids quiet during Sacrament. The best part was we were invited to a family in the wards house for lunch and Steph and Jake's for dinner. We also got to try out the Bennett's new Wii. Maybe Santa should start shopping for one. Tomorrow we head for Mammoth Lakes, CA and then Utah for a wedding. Should be some good family times. Most of Cris' family will be there.

Happy Birthday Alex!

A few, okay several pictures of my big boy!















My baby turns eight years old today..actually this afternoon. I am still in denial. I think it is because I am more afraid of what the next ten years will hold than what the last eight years were like. I fear it will go very quickly and it is new territory for all of us. He understands and questions much more about this wonderful yet crazy world we live in. Alex has taught me a lot about parenting and I have to remind him I am learning everyday along with him. He is such a good kid who loves is family. He will pretty much do anything for his little sister whom he calls Sweetie. Grandma Terri recently described Alex with these words. He just has heart! I couldn't agree more. He is passionate about the things he does, competitive to the bitter end and can light up the room in seconds. We love him for it!

Alex has a week and a half left of second grade and is anxious for summer. He is axiously waiting for his other front tooth to fall out and is excited for his baptism in July with his cousin Sarah. We went to his school play on Wed. He auditioned for a part and was Beetle #2 in the play "Going Buggy." He had two performances and I asked him how he felt about it prior to going on stage. He says, "I wouldn't be surprised if I mess up. There will be a lot of people out there." But thankfully there were no mess ups and he did a great job. Last night we wrapped up the Baseball season with pizza and trophies. Tonight, we have our dinner group with our ward. Four families get together and have dinner. The host offered to make Alex a birthday cake.. so sweet. Tomorrow, we are headed to Grandpa and Grandma's for the weekend and Grandpa is taking the boys fishing.

Tagged

I've been tagged so here it goes.

List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, , 3 random surprising facts about yourself.

3 Joys

1. My family. Nothing brings a smile more to my face than my sweet husband and adorable kids.
2. Great friends. Love them, need them, miss them.
3. Food! Love trying new foods and cooking them. Sometimes it is my enemy but overall a joy.


3 Fears
1. Losing a loved one.
2. Snakes!! Alex let's me know when one is on Dora incase I look up. Don't even like the fake ones.
3. My children drowning.

3 Goals
1. Start some great business to have some play/retirement money.
2. Learn how to build furniture.
3. Look presentable in a swimsuit this summer. Week at the beach is only six weeks away.

3 current obsessions/collections
1. Great collection of Scrapbook and stamping supplies. Haven't used them as much lately but have a great collection.
2. Current obsession with fabric. Trying to find cute fabric for pillows in my window seat. Nobody has what I vision in my head.
3. Blogging and reading others blogs.

3 random surprising facts about yourself -- what to say?
1. I don't know how to drive a stick shift.
2. I like watching CNBC and hearing the days market report. Oh to be Maria Bartiroma.
3. I am an aspiring runner. Working up to it rather slowly. Not one of my favorite things to do but I always feel so much better when I complete my 2 min. and can then walk again. (.. I said slowly)


I am tagging Julia, Steph, Ginnie, Jen, Tami and Marilyn - yes it is it time start your own blog!