Big Graduate!

Dylan graduated from preschool.  I was pretty worried he might not make it, but he pulled through in the end!  All of my kids have been in preschool with Miss Fidge and she is amazing!  I love the graduation program that they put on.  They prepare all year long for the program and it is so fun!  They sing tons of fun songs and they each have their own speaking part that they memorize.  It really is so amazing.

Good job on making it through preschool, Dylan! Now, on to Kindergarten!

Dylan's 5th Birthday

Dylan's birthday is always around President's Day.  We almost named him Lincoln.  We usually spend President's Day with Jared's parents in New Harmony.  Which means Dylan usually celebrates his birthday in New Harmony.  This year was no different.  We celebrated Dylan's birthday with a fun Sunday dinner and an awesome bad piggy and angry bird cake.

But as always, there can never be just one party! We also celebrated his actual birthday at home with dinner and a trip to the "Lego Movie" with the family. Dylan ended the day with opening his presents, and immediately ignoring his toys and playing his new Wii game. The kid is addicted!

I really am in shock that my baby is 5. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. He is such a fun kid with a fun personality.   I love him so much! Happy 5th Birthday, Dylan!

New Year's Resolutions

A couple days ago our family sat down to talk about goals for the new year.  We wanted to let each of the kids set a few personal goals and, as parents, Tara and I wanted to create a few family targets for the year.  Here are some of the highlights:

Family Goals:

1. Run in a 5K together.
2. Go on a family vacation to Canyonlands/Arches National Parks.
3. Start Reading the Book of Mormon together.
4. Update the blog weekly (I already know how long it's been).

Kennedy:

1. Go to AFV and win $100,000.
2. Read the scriptures.
3. Exercise more by riding bike and jogging.

Alex:

1. Get baptized.
2. Run on the treadmill.
3. Go on trips to Park City, Bear Lake, and New Harmony.

Dylan:

1. Limit time playing Wii and watching TV.
2. Eat more apples.
3. Be nice.

We didn't think our talk about goals was sinking in until a few days later when Dylan's teacher sent us a photo of his project at school.  Classic!

Biker Boy

We've talked with Dylan for quite a while about taking away the training wheels from his bike.  The wheels were so worn that it was impossible to keep them tight on the bike. Like any person with a dependency, Dylan had learned to adapt by putting most of his weight onto one side of his bike.
Still, we knew the wheels day were numbered though so Tara and I bribed, pleaded, and threatened to take the training wheels of the bike.

With Conference weekend upon us - I knew we had a good chance to remove the wheels and practice with Dylan.

At first there were some quick spills.

A few tears.

But then - balance was achieved and Dylan was a bike rider!

Once he figured how to turn it was all over.   It was so cool to see Dylan's new found confidence as he could now keep up with his brother and sister.

Look out world - here comes Big D!

Photo of the Day

Love this picture that Alex took of Dylan.  What a fun kid!

Summer Haircuts

With the last day of school in the rear view mirror Alex was ready to shed his winter mane.  Now Alex already likes his hair short, but his summer cut is a #2 buzz.  He loves it!

Right after finishing with Alex's haircut, Dylan jumped in the chair for his turn. He was pretty excited for a haircut. Tara wasn't so sure about cutting off Dylan's hair though. In the end Dylan won out and now he has a summer haircut. Very cool!

Mother's Day Moment

Earlier today the kids and I were making Tara breakfast for Mother's Day.  We had Kennedy making french toast, Alex was in charge of fruit, and Dylan - well Dylan was asked to get Tara something to drink.

Dylan what do you think Mom wants to drink?

Chocolate milk.

Really?  Are you sure Mom wants to drink chocolate milk?  I think you're the one that wants chocolate milk.

Nope, Mom wants a glass of chocolate milk.

At this point Dylan proceeds to make Tara a cold glass of chocolate milk.  Once he finished Dylan stared briefly at his creation and said:

It looks too full.  I better drink a little so it doesn't spill.

A few minutes later (while Tara was eating her breakfast) Dylan polished off his mom's glass of chocolate milk.  Pretty smooth Big D, pretty smooth.

Soccer Boys

Each season we ask our kids what sport they would like to play.  So far we've done a little of everything with some tee ball, soccer, tumbling, basketball.  The sport that Alex seemed to like best has always been tee ball, since he is a really good hitter.  This year he and I even started to play catch out in the backyard.  So, when we asked him what he wanted to play he quickly replied:

Soccer.

What?!  Soccer isn't really somthing Tara and I have ever played.  Still, if Alex wants to play soccer that's ok with us.

He's starting to get it.  No longer content to run along side the action, Alex is actually starting to mix it up and kick the ball this year.  His confidence is definitely growing and he's having a total ball out there.

Dylan also decided to jump into soccer this year.  We figured he would have no problem getting into the scrum and playing with the other kids.  With older siblings and a headstrong attitude Dylan was sure to flourish in sports.

Nope.

Dylan justs runs around on the field and acts surprised when the ball comes near him.  He's kicked the ball a few times, but he's generally just happy to be out there.

Who would have guessed the difference between our two soccer boys.

For Your Birthday

Dylan,

Another year has come and gone. I can't believe it, but somehow you've gone from being our Big D to a little man. Where did the time go? It's as though we were helping you walk one minute and now you're off and running. It's been a wild ride and one I wouldn't live without.

This year has been one of new opportunities. Going off to preschool and learning about new things, with new people. You've adapted so well to your surroundings. We always knew you would, still it's been fun to watch you have this experience. Have fun at school - it's a great place to see the world and make friends. Look to reach out to others and make them part of your life. You''ll always be happy when you're sharing with others. The lessons you learn in the earliest grades as those that are most important for your life.

It's been so fun watching you love your brother and sister. I already know that you want to be part of the action. Seeing you jump right in with older kids and making your presence known is a trait you certainly possess. Never lose that sense of adventure and a willingness to mix things up. People who sit on the sidelines usually end up with regrets - be part of the game.

D - you are a wonderful boy who can bring a smile to the faces of those around you. I know you have touched my heart and brightened my spirit. I love you. Happy Birthday.

Daddy

For Your Birthday

Dylan,


I want to write you a little birthday note so I can tell you how important you are to me.  I don't honestly know where the time has gone.  It seems like just yesterday we brought you home from the hospital and now, you're three.  I can't believe it.  Where did our baby boy go?


Even though there are times that your mom and I want you to stay a baby forever, it so much fun watching you grow and develop.  You have a strong will and a big personality that can take you far in life.  You are certainly a boy who knows what he wants and I believe you have the will to make it happen.  Be sure to remember that you can accomplish great things when you set your mind to it.


As you continue to develop stay close to your brother and sister.  It's hard to be included with the big kids at times, but stand up for yourself and they will bring you along on some great adventures.  I know Kennedy and Alex love you so much, even if it's hard sometimes for them to show it.


This past year we've watched you achieve so many milestones:  riding a bike with training wheels, attending your first classes, helping out around the house.  It's fun to see your desire to contribute to our family and I hope you'll want to continue doing things on your own.  It's clear you have an independent spirit, but don't forget we want to be part of the ride, ok?


I love you Big D.  You have a place in our family that is special and unique - just like you.  Happy Birthday Dylan.


Love,


Daddy

Dylan's Birthday

Dylan's birthday was on a Sunday this year, so we decided to do a family dinner.  My mom, Bonnie and the Duncan's and Jared's family all joined us for some yummy soup and macaroni and cheese.  Dylan wasn't too interested in food and just wanted his presents.  So after dinner, he opened up his presents in record time!  The best thing about opening the presents was when we would tell him who the present was from, he would take it to them, thinking it was their present to open.  At least he knows how to share!  Once he started opening though, he barely looked at each present before moving on.  After the chaos, he slowed down and realized he got some fun toys and games from everyone.

We made Dylan a Pluto cake.  (At least I tried-not so sure it looked much like Pluto, but it tasted great!) My cakes quality have surely gone downhill without Kaaren here to help me.  But they are done a lot faster!

Dylan had a nice birthday.  He loved telling everyone he was three, but was not fooled when we told him all three year olds go pee-pee on the potty.  He is not interested!

I can't believe my baby is three years old.  It makes me a little sad to see him grow up so fast, but not so sad that I won't be changing diapers for much longer!  My Big D is such a blessing in my life.  I love his strong spirit and love for everything around him.  He has such a big personality and I love see him express it--most of the time!  I love you, Big D!  Happy Birthday!

Video of the Day: Dizzy D

A few weeks ago we went to a park in St. George so the kids could play.  I was amazed at how many fun and innovative swings, slides, and other toys there were at the playground.  The kids had a total blast.  Of course, my favorite highlight was watching Dylan on a twirling ride.  He hung on tight and the rest is history.  You'll love how out of it this kid is when he tries to walk after being helped off the toy.  Classic!

Up on the Rooftop...

Nothing like a bunch of boys up on the roof!

Final Word

Dylan is tough to handle at church.

I know that's not a big surprise to any of you that deal with two-year-olds during sacrament meeting, but trying to keep Dylan from escaping our row, screaming when he doesn't get his way, or hitting his siblings is a draining chore.  I can honestly say it may be worth it to be in the bishopric again to escape to the stand...

Still, you had to smile when the closing prayer ended on Sunday and Dylan shouted AMEN! at the top of his lungs.  As everyone turned to look at our row, Big D was smiling from ear to ear.

I guess he got the final word on Sunday....

The Farm in Photos

Mr. Yogurt

It's so interesting to discover the little quirks about each of your kids. Whether it's the way they sleep, or the funny things they say every one has their little personality traits that help make them unique. Over the past month or so we've noticed something about Dylan that kind of sets him apart from the other kids.

He likes yogurt.

A lot.

If we buy a dozen yogurts he will eat eight of them - in a day or so.

The funny thing isn't just that he likes yogurt. He also has an interesting method for eating his treat.

With a measuring spoon.

I can't say I totally understand his little habit. But it is certainly something that makes Dylan different....

Big Change for Big D

We've debated about it for a month or so.

People from both sides of the aisle have weighed in.

There were strong feeling for each position and no one was going to escape this unharmed.

Finally, last week our decision was made for us.

We were out to dinner with my parents.  As we were dining I noticed an elderly woman who kept staring at Dylan throughout the meal.  She was captivated by him.  Now, this isn't entirely new.  Dylan is a cute kid and people love his look.

As she got up to leave the woman stopped by our table and politely said, "You have a beautiful little girl."

That was it.  Time for a haircut Big D.

Dylan didn't even care about the whole process.  I think it was much harder on Tara than anyone else.  I guess there's something about cutting those curls that women struggle with.  In the end we got our son back.  He's still a pretty cute kid.  He's even a better looking boy!

Now, we just need to do something about keeping his face clean!

Dylan's s Birthday in Photos

Life with a Two-Year-Old

There are those moments as parents where you know they're up to something.

It's because there is prolonged silence.

And then you find...

Good thing Dylan wanted to help clean up the rice.