BOSTON'S FIRST HAIRCUT!!!!

Okay everyone who was making fun of Boston's mini-mullet! We finally chopped our little man's hair! I was a little nervous to do this because I didn't know what the end result we be! But luckily it turned out just fine.....well minus the short hair line in the back. I think Boston actually didn't mind the process because the second Kent put the clippers to his head, the started laughing! I think they were tickling his head! So now all you people out there who were constantly asking when we were going to cut Boston's hair, ask no more! It's DONE!

Before....

During...

After....yeah sorry about the bad after shot but Boston was being difficult and wouldn't let me get the shot of the post mullet look! It pretty much all looks the same, just shorter and no mullet. Oh and can I make it clear to everyone that maybe I don't know what a mullet is BUT I still don't think Boston really had one. His hair was just long in the back but not like white trash mullet looking. I'm just referring to it as a mullet because some of you would refer to it as that. So anyway...

LIFE IN THE SUMMER!

Boston and I have been LIVING at the pool this summer! I'm SOO glad he enjoys the water because I was in MUCH need of a suntan on my pasty skin. I think this past week we went every single day! It costs nothing and we can go for a little while then get back in time for Boston's afternoon nap! I LOVE IT! One problem though is that EVERYTIME we go it never fails that when we come home all I want to do is order Papa John's Pizza! Why does pizza and the pool just fit so well together?!?

SIDENOTE: Boston officially does NOT like to be in his floaty! I think he started to dislike it when he found out we could hold him in the water and he could be more free! He would MUCH rather stand on the stairs and get in and out, in and out, over and OVER! Sometimes it drives me nuts so now I just take him to the other end of the pool where there is a seat and I'll let him walk back and forth but he can't climb out! SOOO much better! Smart mom!

Some of these pictures are from when Kristin was here and we took the kids swimming and the others are from other times on our daily pool adventures! I'm sure there will be many more pool pics to come!

Sophie enjoying her swimming time!

We actually did order pizza this night at the pool....YUM!

Boston is loves his pool toys and when one fell under the chair of course Boston had to get it. Well he got stuck and couldn't manage to get himself out! We thought it was pretty funny but don't worry we did help him out!

Isabell and Boston have now gone swimming TWICE together! Isabel enjoys Boston's floaty instead of her own, which is fine because Boston doesn't even like it at all anymore! Works out great! Isabel is HILARIOUS in the pool because she does NOT like anyone to splash her so if someone jumps in and the SMALLEST drop of water touches her, prepare yourself for her screams! HA! It's SOO funny but I think yesterday she finally got used to the water and started enjoying it more!

Excuse the ugly bruise, yes, this is the THIRD one on Boston's head in the SAME spot in the past month!

GOING BONKERS!

Yes, I still haven't caught up on my posts from when Kristin, Kelli and the kids were here. I thought I'd continue to work on the last few that I have today while Boston is napping!

This connects with.....

This!

I have mentioned before a few times about going to "Going Bonkers" and I've never actually gotten a picture of WHAT Bonkers looks like. This place is SOO much fun for little kids and I thought I'd show a picture of just why that is! So of course we had to take the girls while they were here because I KNEW they'd love it! It's very inexpensive (minus their food prices) and it'll just wear your kid out! Since Rylee and Sophie kept getting a little lost and confused in this maze, leaving Sophie crying and screaming for her sister, I decided I would help Kristin's stress level (and also being the great aunt I am) and climb up with the girls and help them figure it all out! Let me tell you, just after climbing to the top of this thing I was worn out!!! But I really was having fun up there! Yes, I know I'm 23 and I'm having fun on something for little kids but it really was fun! Let me tell you, if you're ever sick of having your kids in the house and just want them to go exert some energy, send them here and TRUST me they will be WORN OUT (but if you don't have the luxury of living in Dallas, I guess you're out of luck)!!

Aunt Kelli tried to give Boston a ride in this car but the noises were SOOOO loud to it that instead of enjoying it, he thoroughly HATED it!

The only picture I got of the girls playing.

Aunt Kelli being the great aunt she is to Boss man...she was a HUGE help while she was here!

Me and the Char man! Love this guy!

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

I know Boston turned a year umm....almost 2 1/2 weeks ago but we just got to the doctor today. This was for various reasons #1 we were very busy with family in town and #2 I'm a terrible mother and somehow even though I DID put sunscreen on my son, he got sun burnt at the swimming pool and I didn't want my doctor to give me the sunscreen lecture so I was waiting for that to go away first!

We finally went today and here are the results of his measurements:

WEIGHT: 25 lbs 75%

HEIGHT: 29 in 30%--although the doctor told me she thinks the nurse measured him wrong because she said he looks more like in the 50% which is what he has usually been

HEAD: 18 cm 50%

He also had to get 3 more shots today. I think today was the WORST time getting shots for him. At first, he was trying to be brave but then he just let it out! After the shots were finished he had stopped crying but then looked at the nurse and just started screaming! Oh he did NOT like her after that! He was whimpering until we got out to the car! I felt TERRIBLE!!!! Poor little man! It hurts but it's worth it!

Since Boston has hit his year mark, I wanted to write down a few fun things that he's doing, mainly for my own memory:

Boston LOVES food but he REALLY loves GRAPES!

When it's time to get ready for bed, he takes his PJ's and runs from me wanting me to chase him!

He LOVES LADYBUGS! He has some toys that are a bunch of little insects and he always wants to carry around the ladybug one the most. Then for his bday he got this little set of musical instruments and one of the instruments is in the shape of a ladybug. He doesn't know how to play the instrument very well but he'll just drag it around with him because of the ladybug!

Boston LOVES to push buttons. He is very curious and will push a button and wait for the reaction of the button he just hit. Smart kid!

Boston has a one track mind....enough said.

His favorite toy is the "POPCORN POPPER" ride on toy his Grandma gave him for his birthday! He climbs on the seat and sits there waiting for us to come push him. He LOVES it.

I don't know how many words Boston is supposed to be saying right now, but I've said before he would rather make animal noises than say words. He now knows what a cow, fish, sheep, and duck say. He's almost got a dog down now too!

Boston is officially off the bottle and totally on a sippy cup! HURRAY! BUT he REFUSES to hold the sippy cup himself! No matter what, he'll just sit there with his mouth open and arms out to the side waiting for us to put it in his mouth. One word-LAZY!

He's been walking since 10 months and he's getting better and better at it everyday! When we play chase (which he LOVES) he moves as fast as his little stubby legs can but he's not quite running yet.

I'm sure there are some other things he's doing that I can't think of right now but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head! I'm sure proud of this little guy!

FT. WORTH ZOO!

While Kelli was still here, we took the kids to the zoo. This was Boston's FIRST time to the zoo and I was SOO excited for him. Of course I was a little disappointed that he wasn't as enthused as the animals as I thought he would be! He preferred to look at the wheels of the stroller while we went from animal to animal.

The older kids on the other hand of course LOVED the zoo! It wasn't an easy task taking 6 kids to the zoo but we did it with our trail of strollers! By the end we were all exhausted, hot and sweaty and ready to go home! I didn't take very many pictures so here's the best of what I got!

This is the BEST shot I got of Boston at the zoo, yes I know, TERRIBLE smile in a picture where you can hardly even see the elephants in the background!

Trying to get 5 kids to all pose and smile for the camera is pretty much impossible! Kristin, Sophie looks like she's wearing GOGGLES and can't see where she is going with her arms outreached like that! HA!

Rylee taking in the pink flamingos!

MY BUDDY!

I got Boston and Charlie the same PJ's and we HAD to get their pic together. Boston is a year and Charlie is almost 3 months-there is a difference in size but I have no doubt Charlie is trying as hard as he can to catch up to Boston so that he doesn't get picked on! They will be the best of friends!

SIDENOTE: Please ignore the bruise on my sons head...that's #2 of many to come I'm sure!

Sophie has a love/hate relationship with Stella. Rylee always wanted to "cuddle" with Stella and so of course Sophie, wanting to do everything her big sis does, wanted to cuddle with Stella too! This is Sophie cuddling with Stella......

And this is Rylee cuddling with Stella...notice the difference?

These girls are the best of friends!

AHHH PARENTHOOD!

Tonight was a stressful evening with Boston. It's that time of night where he's tired, hungry and to add to the problem he's teething. I was trying to be a good wife/mother and make a homemade meal and of course Boston is screaming at my feet wanting to be held. If any of you mothers have tried to cook with a screaming child at your feet that you're tripping over as you try to cook, you know it's NOT easy! I finally get dinner finished, put him in his highchair thinking I'll have some relief of his "whining voice" but no such luck. All throughout dinner it was on and off, eating, throwing food, screaming, etc! So of course no peaceful dinner as I had planned. Kent's not home of course, so I'm dealing with this boy by myself. I threw (not literally don't worry) him in the tub which he always likes. For the first few minutes it was fine and then of course he's pitching a fit because I won't let him stand. In the meantime, Stella is scratching at the pantry door wanting food (those of you who know my dog know how PERSISTENT she is and no matter how many times I demand her to stop, she continues). Stress level rising, trying to remain calm. I count to ten and then get Boston out of the tub, ready for bed after much screaming and fighting and then the sweet change came....

I have really been trying to have a "bedtime" routine for a long time-dinner, tub, lotioned, dressed, story, prayer, bed-I've been a slacker on the story part but really wanted to get back into that habit and then also add a bedtime song to that as well. I've been really good about this routine lately and tonight, it just made my heart smile! After he was all ready for bed, I got two stories that Boston was surprisingly totally into and sat listening to the stories (usually he's squirming to get off my lap and to play or shut the book and play with it like a toy). Then I had prayer with him. Lately I have noticed that he is VERY still during prayer and when I say "amen" I always look at him and say "amen" a second time hoping he'll get that one day he will say it. Well lately, I just get this HUGE smile after the prayer! Almost like he's saying "I can't say amen yet, but I know who we're talking to!" It just makes me heart melt. Then tonight I was singing him "I Love to See the Temple" and I sat on the ground rocking him back and forth and he just sat with his head on my shoulder enjoying my terrible singing voice! It was like his whole demeanor just changed. He went from screaming baby, pitching fights, throwing food to this little lovable guy who was just taking in this sweet little bonding time.

Children are difficult at times and some times they make you want to pull your hair out, but you can't help but love them to pieces when they are sweet and cuddly with you, especially during prayer and "I Love to See the Temple." I don't know if he can understand what I'm saying but I hope he can feel a tiny bit of the spirit during this time because I know I do!

"MORE FLAGS, MORE FUN, SIX FLAGS!"

While Kelli and Kristin were here, we decided to hit up Six Flags! I didn't know whether or not the money would be completely worth it with Boston being barely a year, but I really was surprised at how many of the fun kiddie rides he was able to go on! He enjoyed ALL the ones he rode ESPECIALLY the swings! It was a VERY warm day but it was TOTALLY worth the fun outting for the afternoon with the kids!

I was a little nervous having Boston ride on this ride but he seemed to like it and he didn't fly out! FEW!

Charlie was SUCH a good little guy and was so patient while we all played and had fun!

By the end we were all sweaty and tired but Boston was still all smiles!

We also convinced the kids to ride with Kelli and Chad on the water ride where you go up high and then you come down and the water splashes up all around you! The girls were both crying after but afterwards Sophie wanted to ride again...Rylee on the other hand will probably be scared for life!

SPRINKLES!!!

We are VERY lucky to be one of the 5 cities in the U.S. to have the BEST cupcake shop in the world---SPRINKLES!!!! I don't know if anyone has seen these on Oprah's favorite things or on Regis and Kelly but they are DIVINE! While Kristin and the kids were here, we made it a goal to go get some of these FAB cupcakes that are $3.25 a piece but worth EVERY penny! Even though it was like 100 degrees outside that day, the kids LOVED the treat and I don't think the mom's were complaining either! If you are ever near one of these or possibly get lucky to have one built near you, I HIGHLY reccommend the RED VELVET cupcake!!! DELICIOUS!!!!

I think the kids were annoyed that we wanted to take their picture outside the store before going inside to get our treat!

Do you think they enjoyed these cupcakes?

BOSTON TURNS ONE!!!!

MY BOY IS ONE!!! I CAN NOT believe that a year has past and I officially have a one year old son! I can barely remember him being a tiny little baby and now he's a little boy! I love him SOO much and he has grown a TON over the past year and I know there will be much more learning and growing in years to come! I love the stage he is at right now! He is doing SOO much and just makes us laugh ALL the time!

Of course since he hit the BIG ONE, we HAD to throw him a big party! It was alot of work and much stress on my part...INCLUDING the handmade invitations (if you know me you know that I am NOT crafty AT ALL) which caused a high stress level for a good three days in this house while I made them! BUT it was ALL TOTALLY worth it! Here are some pictures of his big day! Thanks Kristin for all your help a fabulous ideas! Without you, I couldn't have done it!

Boston was our little farmer

Some of the decor...and Sid feeding her face!

The food...all themed with the party theme! Also, now that I'm looking at this picture I'm realizing that the corn I have sitting on the table for added decoration is STILL sitting rotting in my fridge...

PRESTON!

Tommy and Jenn...Boston's pals!

Boston and Isabel...BFF! It was hard to get this picture and we got NO smile out of either of them.

Most of the guests

Opening some of his presents which he really didn't have MUCH interest in. I think all the older kids had more fun opening his presents for him!

The cakes...thanks Kristin!

Boston wasn't too sure about the singing...

First bite....

Lovin it...

REALLY LOVING IT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN! I hope you enjoyed your first birthday! There are many more to come! LOVE YOU!

AUBS HITS UP THE BIG D!

So I have been a little out of the blogging world lately! I've had family here for almost 2 weeks now and I'm just getting a chance to sit down a relax after the busy 2 weeks (don't worry Kristin and Kelli..I LOVED having you here regardless!) I have lots to catch up on in the next few days and we'll see how much I get done today...so here goes!

We were able to have our 310 reunion a few weekends ago! Aubs just got back from her mission and she was in Dallas for a few days! I was SOOO happy to finally see her after what has seemed like an ETERNITY!!! It was a quick visit but it seemed like we hadn't even been apart! SOO GOOD to see you AUBS!!!!! OH how I have missed you!!!

Aubs had just snipped Kiersten's bangs at midnight...our best work always done late at night!

310 BACK AGAIN...well minus Minnie...umm...Kiers and Aubs did I tell you I talked to her the other day? All I have to say are that they rumors are TRUE!

Can we PLEASE have another reunion again soon...maybe in Mexico or Hawaii?!?