The Ursic Family

Using Our New Sea World Passes!

2012-01-11T14:25:00.005-05:00

We got Sea World passes for Christmas and the boys couldn't wait to use them. We waited until the holidays were over and last Friday I picked Rexford up from school an hour early and we headed to Sea World. It wasn't too crowded and we got to do everything we wanted to do. We went on all the rides and it was so fun now that Austin is old enough and wants to do everything. He was hesitant on one of the rides but tried it anyway and loved it. It was a great afternoon with my two favorite little guys!

Austin wanted to take a picture with Shamu (he has never wanted to do this before) but we couldn't find Shamu so he took a picture with the dolphin. So cute!

Rexford and Austin in the Manta aquarium

looking at sharks

Austin ready to go on the Shamu roller coaster

Rexford ready to go on the roller coaster

We convinced Austin to try the crab ride that goes up and down. He was nervous but he loved it and we went a second time!

They still had some Christmas stuff out and they wanted to take a picture with the sleigh

So excited to ride the new train ride!

Train ride again :)

Waiting for the Shamu show to start

My cute boys

They love the show

Steering the ship

Austin is a Sunbeam

2012-01-11T13:41:00.002-05:00

It's a new year and since Austin is three years old now he gets to go to Primary at church like Rexford! He was very excited to be in the Sunbeam class and told me after church that "it was a fun day." Here are my two handsome big boys :)

Book Fairy

2012-01-11T13:27:00.002-05:00

The Book Fairy brought new books for us on New Year's Day again this year. Rexford got a set of three Star Wars books and Austin got a DC Super Friends book. The boys loved their gifts!

Merry Christmas

2012-01-10T23:03:00.007-05:00

We had a fun Christmas with lots of family in town and lots of fun activities. We spent time hanging out playing, going to Monkey Joe's, and eating yummy food. We loved having so much time to spend together and the boys loved having Daddy home with no school. Here are some pictures from Christmas.

Christmas morning-ready to open presents

Austin got his own very first Wii game

Rexford finally got Lego Star Wars

Santa brought a soccer goal

The boys got swords from Sea World they have been wanting along with new passes

LEGO Darth Vader alarm clock

Angry Birds!

Toy Story and Spider-man

Angry Bird nightlight that changes colors

He really wanted this and was so happy

He's not smiling here (i think it was too heavy) but he was so excited about this and plays with it all the time

Rexford with his new Steelers helmet

Austin finally got his wings, space boots, and space gloves

Sparks vs. Lego car

Shannon made the boys these really cool backpacks- Star Wars for Rexford and Spider-man for Austin. They love them and carry them around everywhere!

Udraw! Just want he wanted and we've had lots of fun playing with it so far

Rexford got his favorite color football to play at Papa's house

Austin got a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume (Leonardo) from Alyson and gang and he loves to put it on and pretend he's fighting bad guys

Austin loves his Captain America pajamas and mask from Grandma. He also got a disc launcher shield and he loves to pretend he's Captain America all the time!

I unfortunately didn't have my camera for everything so I will have to get pictures from other people and add them later.

Gingerbread House

2012-01-10T20:13:00.002-05:00

On Christmas Eve, I decorated a gingerbread house with the boys. Unlike ones we have done in the past, this one actually tasted pretty good. The boys loved putting all of the candy on and then eating some. They were very proud of their house and wanted to eat it for dessert every night for about a week :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2012-01-10T20:03:00.003-05:00

Last year Rexford wanted to make Brian a Steelers cake for his birthday. This year he decided we should make a BYU cake for him. He told me he wanted it to be chocolate cake and that he wanted to decorate it to look like a football field with lines on it and the BYU symbol in the middle. So we made the cake and he helped put the icing on and he drew the white lines for the field. Then I wrote the words and made the Y in the middle of the field. Rexford was so proud of the cake. We went to dinner and then joined lots of family for cake. It was yummy :)

Bass Pro Shops

2012-01-10T18:04:00.005-05:00

Over Christmas break we went to Bass Pro Shops with a bunch of our friends to see Santa and all of their cool Christmas stuff. It was great and free! The kids got to ride a carousel, shoot at targets with fake guns and bows and arrows, race cars, drive trains, look at fish, and play around. They had so much fun. Austin wouldn't take a picture with Santa unless I held him so I had to get in the picture but it came out cute. And the picture was free! Aly and family surprised us by showing up and so that was fun. Rexford loved that his cousins Ethan, Ava, and Zach were there too. After we left we all went to Chick-fil-A for some food and more fun. It was a great day!

Yay! Finally a decent picture of the kids with Santa!

Racing cars

Rexford shooting

Austin loved this shooting game

The kids loved making the train go

My sweet boys

Matthew and Rexford

Here we are with Santa

Ethan, Santa, Zach, Audrey, and Ava

Rexford riding a moose

Austin on the polar bear

Ethan on the carousel

Looking at fish

Zach, Austin, Matthew, Rexford, and Jacob

Zach, Matthew, Rexford, Jacob, Austin, and Ethan

Rexford's School Party

2012-01-10T17:39:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Lisa for watching Austin, I was able to go to Rexford's school holiday party and help. I haven't been able to really go help this year because Austin isn't allowed to go because it's public school. Last year he could always come so it was no big deal. So Rexford has really been wanting me to come. We decorated the room with lots of fake snow, fun tablecloths and lots of winter stuff. The kids had fun doing four rotations- making ornaments with paint inside, making reindeer food and a candy cane ornament, making a snowman jingle bell necklace, and decorating cookies. They each got a fun reindeer hat with their name on it to wear for the party. I'm so glad I was able to go have fun with him!

Here's Rexford with his cool hat and some fun stuff from his party

Mommy and Me Christmas Party

2012-01-10T17:29:00.004-05:00

Our Christmas party at Mommy and Me class was fun but Austin wouldn't take a picture with Santa unless I was with him. I thought he might not do it at all but he finally agreed if I held him. We had fun doing Christmas crafts and eating holiday treats. They gave each kid a Mr. Potato Head and a stocking with a few treats and toys. It was fun!

I made snowmen cupcakes for the party

Santa with Austin and me

Polar Express Party

2012-01-10T17:23:00.003-05:00

The boys went to a fun Polar Express birthday party for their friend Gavin in December. They were so excited to wear their pajamas to the party. They had a great time decorating and eating cookies, drinking hot chocolate, and watching the movie. They loved coming home with their very own bell and ticket. Here they are all cute in their pjs ready to go to the party.

Winter Wonderland Dance

2012-01-10T17:01:00.002-05:00

Rexford's school had a Winter Wonderland Dance one evening and he wanted to go. I took him and we had a good time drinking hot chocolate and eating popcorn and watching the hula hoop contest. There wasn't really any dancing going on, it was mostly kids running around in circles :) Rexford didn't want to dance anyway but I think he had fun.

Costume Changes

2012-01-10T16:45:00.003-05:00

Austin is constantly changing costumes and pajamas if we are home. He loves to dress up as a superhero and will wear his superhero pajamas or costumes all day. I think it's cute that he enjoys pretending and is so imaginative. Here are a few recent pictures of him being a kid :)

Austin wanted to wear Rexford's Darth Vader costume even though it was too big

Buzz

Spider-man Chef Austin with menu in hand

Cooking for Rexford

Rice Krispies Treat Christmas Houses

2012-01-10T16:39:00.002-05:00

We made Rice Krispies Treat Christmas houses one night for Family Home Evening and the kids decorated them with icing and candies. Of course they enjoyed making and mostly eating them!

Austin and Buzz

2012-01-10T16:28:00.002-05:00

Austin and I went to Downtown Disney one day while Rexford was at school to fill up a bucket of Legos for their cousin Matthew for Christmas. Austin kept asking me to take his picture with the Buzz in front of the store and the Buzz in the Lego store. Here he is with his hero!

He got to ride the train and loved it!

2011 Ursic Family Craft

2012-01-10T16:21:00.003-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving for the last several years all the girls get together to make a Fall or Christmas craft. This year Lisa found the design and got all of the material for all of us and we met at her house. It took me about five hours to finish it but I really like the way it turned out! Here is my new wreath!

Thanksgiving

2012-01-10T15:40:00.004-05:00

On Thanksgiving I thought we should try to take a decent picture of the four of us so we took a few pictures at my dad's house. They actually aren't bad, not professional or anything but everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. Here are our latest pictures.

Our family

Rexford

Austin

Rexford's Email

2011-11-20T15:44:00.005-05:00

Today Rexford wanted to type an email so I opened his account and got it ready for him. He typed this message to Alyson:

to aly

school is redicylis it is to naste i do

not like it there are to much bugs in it

:) It made me smile

Caleb and Catie's Wedding

2011-11-20T15:42:00.016-05:00

I was able to go to my brother's wedding in New Jersey the first weekend of November. I left Friday morning but didn't get there until evening and then I came back home a few hours after the wedding Saturday night. It was cold there! I was freezing but it was great to be there and see everyone. I flew into Philadelphia and since I had to wait awhile for Wayne and my Dad to pick me up (they were at the rehearsal dinner) I spent some time reading, eating dinner, and buying the boys souvenirs. I was staying in a hotel room with Shannon, Wayne, and Anderson, and Christina, and my dad and Alyson and her boys were down the hall. At about 3:30am the fire alarm went off forcing us out into the freezing cold in the middle of the night with three little babies/kids. The kids were actually really good and went back to sleep after we finally got back inside. The next day was the wedding so we got ready and headed to a little church near Catie's mom's house. I was supposed to help Aly with Jacob since Matthew was the ring bearer but Jacob was fussy for me so poor Aly ended up missing the ceremony with both kids outside after Matthew did his part. After the wedding we all went to Catie's mom's house for the reception where they had a tent set up with a heater (thank goodness!). We all had a great time talking and eating and enjoying the day. Here are a few pictures from my quick trip! I'm glad I was able to be there for their big day!

Cute Jacob all dressed up!

Caleb and Catie coming to the reception

The food was delicious!

Matthew playing bubbles with Terrell and Chad

Shannon, Alyson, Me, and Christina

Cutie Anderson

Cutting the gorgeous cake (and it was so yummy!)

Me with Catie and Caleb

Congrats Catie and Caleb!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-20T15:42:00.013-05:00

Halloween evening we headed over to Papa's house to trick-or-treat in his neighborhood with Alyson and Matthew and Jacob. First Austin said he wanted to be Superman so got dressed and we took pictures but right before leaving the house he changed his mind and decided to be Spider-man. Matthew was a little doctor and Jacob was a pumpkin. The boys were excited to go trick-or-treating and they knew just what to do. They walked together and wanted to do more houses than last year. Near the end though, Matthew just wanted to eat a lollipop and walk and didn't care to go to any more houses. After we were finished we headed back to Papa's house to eat some candy and Rexford enjoyed helping Papa pass out candy to the rest of the trick-or-treaters.

Superman and Darth Vader

Rexford looking scary :)

Matthew, Rexford, and Austin

Jacob

Austin looks so happy here :)

Now everyone is facing the camera!

Here we go

Ready for some candy

Mommy and Me Party

2011-11-20T15:42:00.010-05:00

Since Halloween was on a Monday we had Austin's Mommy and Me class party on Halloween. I made some fun pumpkin cookies to take to the party and Austin was so excited about them. It was pouring rain that morning but we made it there just before it got too bad. The party was fun and Austin loved that they had a little bounce house inside for the kids to jump around on. Austin loved seeing the other costumes of the other kids. They walked in a parade around the room and collected candy, did some Halloween crafts, and ate yummy food. We had a great time and then went and surprised Rexford for lunch.

The boys loved these pumpkin cookies!

Austin LOVED this bounce house

Ready to trick or treat

Austin with his bag full of candy

Our Mommy and Me class

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-20T15:42:00.008-05:00

The boys had small pumpkins that they painted by themselves but we also bought a big one to carve. Instead of using an already-made design, Rexford wanted to design the face. So I let him draw a face on the pumpkin and then I carved what he drew. He wanted it to have a scary mouth. Rexford helped dig inside the pumpkin to get out all the seeds but Austin wouldn't touch it. I tried to make him touch it and he freaked out so he just watched. Rexford did a good job separating the seeds for me. After carving the face, Austin was scared of the pumpkin and said he looked too scary. After we were all done we put a candle inside and turned out the lights. Austin didn't like the pumpkin and wouldn't get too close but Rexford loved the pumpkin and wanted the candle to be on all the time. After a few days Austin got used to the pumpkin and wasn't scared anymore :)

Rexford's design

My helper

Our pumpkin

Scary pumpkin

Trunk or Treat

2011-11-20T15:41:00.011-05:00

The boys were excited to go to Trunk or Treat this year with their friends in Conway Ward. Brian passed out candy while I walked the boys around to all of the cars. They loved dressing up and got lots of candy!

Darth Vader and Batman

"Trick or treat"

Rexford with Grace and Elijah

Papa's Birthday

2011-11-20T15:41:00.009-05:00

My dad wanted a chocolate chocolate cake so I made one and we celebrated his birthday with Aly and family. Matthew and Austin wanted to be close to the cake and help blow out the candles. Here are some pictures of our little birthday party.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Austin, Papa, Rexford, Matthew, and Jacob

Halloween Party

2011-11-20T15:41:00.007-05:00

One of our friends hosted a Halloween party again this year and the boys were excited to wear their costumes and see their friends. They had fun playing pin the mouth on the skeleton, making green slime, and eating yummy food.

Darth Vader and Spider-man

Getting ready to play the game

Not too bad

Rexford's turn

Rexford making slime. Austin would not touch it at all :)

The whole group

For the second year in a row, Rexford guessed closest to the amount of candy corns in the jar and won!

Haunted House Brownies

2011-11-20T15:40:00.009-05:00

We had fun for FHE decorating Haunted House brownies. The boys loved putting on icing and candy and of course they loved eating it!

School Carnival

2011-11-20T15:40:00.007-05:00

We went to Rexford's school carnival and the boys had lots of fun bouncing, eating pizza, sno cones, cotton candy, and popcorn, and getting temporary tattoos :) We scored by bidding on a family tennis membership and won! We've been having fun playing tennis a lot lately.

Austin and Rexford jumping

Austin climbed this all by himself, I didn't know he could...

Rexford loved this horse race

Austin couldn't quite do it by himself

Rexford with the Chick-fil-A cow

Showing off his tattoo

Austin with his messy face and tattoo

Austin's Pictures

2011-10-21T20:01:00.009-04:00

I took Austin to get his birthday pictures a week after he turned 3! Can't believe he is already 3... I brought his Super Austin cape that Aunt Shannon made him for his birthday. He had so much fun posing for the pictures and acting like a super hero. He did awesome and was so cute. He asked me when we could do it again when we were finished. Here's my little super hero!

Bug World

2011-10-21T20:01:00.004-04:00

Austin and I went to the science center today and had fun at the new bug exhibit. Austin chose the background and we posed for some pictures and emailed them to me. Here we are!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-15T23:24:00.009-04:00

The day after Austin's birthday we went to a pumpkin patch with Papa, and Aly & family to pick some pumpkins for the kids to paint. We took some fun pictures of the boys and then took them to Papa's house to paint. The boys had a blast!

My silly boys

Papa with Jacob, Matthew, Rexford, and Austin

My boys with their pumpkins

Austin liked to sit on this old truck

Rexford

Pumpkin Painting

2011-10-15T23:24:00.007-04:00

After the boys picked their pumpkins, we went to Papa's house so they could paint them together. They had so much fun using all the colors on their pumpkins.

Austin painting his pumpkin

Rexford working on his masterpiece

Matthew concentrating on his pumpkin

Rexford's finished pumpkin

Austin with his pumpkin

Austin is 3!

2011-10-15T23:23:00.010-04:00

Brian and Rexford had school off on Austin's birthday so we all went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate. The boys had so much fun eating pizza, playing games, and getting prizes. We had a great time and then went home for naps and to finish getting the cake ready. After dinner we all went to Papa's house for cake and presents. Austin had lots of fun and was so excited. It was fun to watch him since he was really into it all this year. He keeps telling me that he's not 1 or 2 anymore, he's 3 now. He said he isn't a baby anymore but a big boy. He is still my baby but we love our big boy!

Austin loves this horse ride

Daddy and Rexford shooting battleships

Austin likes the rides

Rexford enjoying pizza

Austin loved the yummy pizza!

Trying to get balls in the dog's mouth

Destroying battleships

Crazy drivers :)

He loved this basketball game and played it about ten times

Austin liked this froggy game

They got stickers, fun dip, and smarties for their prizes

Austin asked for a Star Wars cake - He wanted blue icing and black stars and the trim icing is gold (like C3PO he said)

He wanted Spider-man cupcakes

A new costume to play in!

Thanks Aly, Todd, Matthew, and Jacob for the fun puzzles

Austin was so excited to get the Star Wars play set from Grandma and Grandpa Ursic

He was so happy to get the Spider-man Crime Headquarters he had been wanting for the last two months. He couldn't believe it was finally his!

A Batman game for the computer

Money from Great Grandma Danner and Lisa, Jason, and Stella! He loved having his own money. He took the money to Target and bought Star Wars pajamas :)

Everyone playing with the Batcave

Austin with his Star Wars cake

Blowing out the candles

Trying out his new costume

Shannon made this cape for him and wrote a book for him about Super Austin defeating Rex Vader. She illustrated it and laminated it. He loves to read the book and wear his cape.

Austin's Birthday Eve Celebration

2011-10-13T13:52:00.007-04:00

Thursday afternoon we picked up my mom and headed to Downtown Disney for some birthday fun. The kids had so much fun playing in the Lego store and the toy store. We went back to the Lego store a second time because they wanted to play more. I brought a cake and we sang to Austin and of course ate cake. Austin got a cool Transformer toy he had been wanting for awhile from Grandma and was so excited. I don't have pictures of everything but I'll add them later. It was a fun evening and the kids had a blast!

Star Wars cake

Legos!

Austin loved Buzz

They loved this huge table to Legos and had fun building things and putting people together

Woody

The boys loved this Lego creation

We went to Rainforest Cafe for dinner but Austin was so scared of this noisy gorilla and the snake hanging from the ceiling. He kept his hands over his ears the entire time we were there and would not take them off to eat or anything. He keeps telling me, "Mom, never take me to Rainforest Cafe ever ever again."

The boys with the giraffe

Birthday boy was happy now that we were outside the restaurant

Austin and Rexford with a big Mickey pumpkin

Air Force One

2011-10-13T13:52:00.004-04:00

President Obama was in Orlando so we took the kids down to the airport to show them Air Force One. Unfortunately, most of it was blocked by buildings and trailers and stuff but the kids liked seeing it anyway. We were able to get closer to an Air Force cargo plane and they liked that too.

Rexford's First Day of School (Again)

2011-10-13T13:51:00.007-04:00

After a month of school, Rexford is switching to a K-1 class. He is doing great and reading on a first grade level. He is liking reading more and I am constantly checking out books for him to read from the library. He was nervous about the switch but likes the new teacher and class. It is smaller so that is good and he loves that he gets to play on the big playground now. He now has spelling words and book reports and sometimes he complains because it's more work, but he is doing well and scored 100% on his first spelling test! He is learning so much and we are so proud of him!

Rexford on his first day in his new class

Disney with Papa

2011-10-13T13:51:00.005-04:00

My dad's work gave him a pass that gets him and one person into each Disney park once so he took the boys the week before Austin turned 3 so he was still free. It just happened to be the rainiest day we've had in a long, long time. I knew it was going to rain so I sent them with ponchos. I thought the rain might be good because then there aren't any lines and you can do everything. Usually when we have rain it stops and starts and drizzles but it never pours for very long. Well, this day it poured all day! They were wet and cold but got to go on all their favorite rides and they told me how much fun they had and about all the rides. They loved the race cars and the Buzz Lightyear ride and It's a Small World. They loved the train and the monorail. Thanks Papa for taking them!

Snacks in the rain

A little blurry but here they are on the teacups. Austin was scared of the mouse that pops up in the middle and closed his eyes the whole time :)

Eating a snack somewhere dry

Race cars!!! (Austin isn't very visible but he's in the middle)

On the monorail

Rexford loves the monorail

Papa with Rexford and Austin

Austin's 1st Roller Coaster Ride

2011-10-02T21:09:00.004-04:00

Austin and I went to Sea World one day with friends while Rexford was at school. It was a great day and not crowded at all. Austin wanted to go on the Shamu kiddie roller coaster but I didn't think he was tall enough. We checked anyway and he was! He said he wanted to go so we did. Once we started going he got nervous and screamed during the ride. When it was over, he said, "That was scary!" But he didn't cry or anything and said he would go next time with Daddy. He was very proud of himself :)

Rexford's New Hobby

2011-09-28T23:09:00.003-04:00

Rexford wanted to learn how to play something on the piano so Brian taught him "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." He practices it a lot, even at 7am :)

Austin Update

2011-09-28T23:08:00.013-04:00

Austin spends a lot of time dressed in superhero costumes. He likes to be Batman, Superman, Spider-man, and Buzz Lightyear. He eats, sleeps, and goes to pick up Rexford in costumes. Lately he has been wanting to change his underwear to match his costume - because "I can't wear Batman underwear with my Superman costume!"

Batman

Sleeping Spidey

He also likes to make forts with our couch cushions. Here he is in his "barn."

Austin has become a little fish in the last couple of weeks. All summer I tried to get him to keep his head in the water and swim but he would lift it up and tread water. Now he jumps in and swims with his head in and comes up for air and then puts it back in. He loves it that he can swim like Rexford and he's having so much fun!

Zebra Cake

2011-09-28T23:08:00.009-04:00

Shannon and Aly and Todd came into town the first week of September so I had an excuse to make a cake :) Here is the last bit of zebra cake left with yummy vanilla and chocolate icing.

Cousins Back Together

2011-09-28T23:08:00.008-04:00

Shannon came home for a visit in September and Aly and Todd drove up too so all the cousins got to play together again. Here are the cutest five little boys ever!

Rexford loves Matthew

Anderson, Austin, Matthew, Rexford, and Jacob

Rexford's 50th Book

2011-08-31T15:46:00.002-04:00

At the beginning of the summer Rexford started reading real books and we started keeping track with beads. Every time he reads me a book he picks a bead to put on a string. He ran out of room on the first string so we started a second one. Today he read his 50th book! I made cupcakes and put them in the shape of 50 (as best I could) and surprised him after he came home and read Morris the Moose. I am so proud of him!

Rexford's 50th book was Morris the Moose

Rexford was so excited he got to 50 and about the cupcakes :)

We celebrated by eating cupcakes with Ian and Jillian

50 beads!

Rexford's 1st Day of Kindergarten!

2011-08-22T23:20:00.004-04:00

Today was Rexford's first day of Kindergarten! I think he will like it after he gets used to it but he was a little nervous this morning. He went into his class just fine and seemed happy enough. He wanted me to eat lunch with him so Austin and I came up for that. He was a little teary when I left after lunch :(. He was fine when I picked him up from school and said he liked it but that it was a little too long of a day. I think he will do great but Austin and I do miss him.

My big boy all ready for school

Ready to go

Rexford in front of his classroom

Eating lunch with us

Rexford's Pictures

2011-08-22T22:44:00.008-04:00

I finally had Rexford's pictures taken for his birthday this week. I can't believe he's FIVE years old and about to start Kindergarten! He's so grown up but still my sweet Rexford. Here are some pictures from his session.

Austin: Sleepyhead and Superhero

2011-08-22T22:43:00.003-04:00

Austin is such a cuddly little boy. Most nights he comes to our bed and I don't even notice but he loves to sleep with someone. It doesn't bother me but he usually cuddles close to Brian and kicks him out of his side of the bed :) The other morning I needed him to wake up for swim lessons. I opened the curtains, Brian was using the hair dryer, Rexford was watching tv - there was lots of noise. He wouldn't wake up! I rubbed his back and his hair and he still stayed asleep. After moving him around a bit he finally woke up :)

Austin loves to dress up in costumes lately. He likes to be a monkey, a fireman, a construction worker, but most of all Spiderman. The costume is really a power ranger one but it's red and black and he calls it Spiderman. The other day he asked me to put his cape on too and then he wanted his airplane mittens and hat from winter time. He put them on and his slippers and walked around for a long time being a superhero :)

Painting Buddies

2011-08-22T22:42:00.002-04:00

Just a picture of some summer painting fun

No Training Wheels

2011-08-11T23:26:00.003-04:00

We decided to take the training wheels off of Rexford's bike. We borrowed a slightly smaller bike from my dad's house (my old bike :) ) to teach him how to ride. Brian and Rexford were outside about 20 minutes and they called me outside to watch. He was riding all by himself! I couldn't believe he learned so quickly! Here's a video I took the first time I came out to watch him.

Trip to Visit Aly

2011-08-11T23:25:00.004-04:00

We miss Aly, Todd, Matthew, and Jacob so I took the boys for a visit! We left Thursday morning after swim lessons and headed to Busch Gardens. We played there for a few hours and then went the rest of the way to Aly's place. The boys were so excited to see them and had so much fun there. We went to the beach, played toys, and Rexford got to play Lego Star Wars with Todd. They didn't want to leave and Rexford cried for a few minutes after we left. We can't wait to see them again in a few weeks when they come here!

Riding the carousel

Crazy drivers :)

Playing in the water because it was so hot!

So much fun!

Austin cooling off in the water

The boys enjoying some yummy ice cream and cookies

Austin dressed as a pirate pretty much the whole time we were there. He was sad to leave it behind when we left. He loves to dress up!

Super cute Jacob smiling at me

Rexford loves to hold Jacob

Playing on the beach

Rexford

Austin working on his "volcano mountain"

We made a big pool and a mountain

Matthew and Rexford

We're so glad we got to go visit them! We miss you guys :(

Summer Nights

2011-08-02T11:04:00.007-04:00

The kids had been wanting to see a real fireworks show for awhile so one night we went to Sea World for the show. The kids had fun going on rides and watching the night Shamu show. Rexford loved that Daddy was there to take on all the fun rides. The fireworks were right before closing at 10pm and it was really good. They had fireworks and water and the kids loved it. I thought they might be scared of the noise but it really wasn't that bad and they were fine. It was a great night!

Austin watching Rexford and Dad on the roller coaster

Shamu Express

The fun crab ride that goes up and down

Rexford loves this ride that goes around and around and around

Watching fireworks

Pittsburgh Trip

2011-08-02T11:03:00.023-04:00

Our vacation this year was a trip to Pittsburgh with Brian's dad and his brother Eric and his son Ethan. Our kids had never been on an airplane before so they were very excited and talked about it all the time in the weeks leading up to the trip. Rexford was a little nervous but he was excited that his cousin Ethan was coming. Rexford really wanted to see where the Steelers play and they were looking forward to going to a Pirates baseball game.

THURSDAY

We left Thursday morning and the kids thought it was cool to drop the car off at a parking lot and take a shuttle bus to the airport. They loved the little monorail at the airport that takes you to the gate and seeing all the sights at the airport. They did really well and boarded the plane and buckled their belts and got ready to take off. They loved taking off and looking out the window of the airplane. Rexford's favorite part of the flight was getting to pick whatever drink he wanted :) When we landed we got our rental cars and then headed to Ohio to visit Brian's grandma for the afternoon. Brian's Uncle Ted and his grandma had set up a slip-n-slide and kickball field for the kids to play. It was great since it was so hot outside and the kids had lots of fun.

Excited for our trip!

Austin all ready for take-off

Rexford and Ethan ready to take off

Rexford and George Washington

Steelers!

The boys wanted to take a picture with the big T-Rex

Playing some kickball

Rexford and Austin playing in the water

Grandma Cavanaugh, Ethan, Rexford, Austin, and Uncle Ted

Grandma Cavanaugh, Eric, and Brian

Austin enjoying the slip n slide

FRIDAY

Friday morning we headed to Pittsburgh to see the city. The first thing we did was take a sightseeing tour of the city by boat. Then we went to find some lunch and the kids enjoyed a nice little train ride around the mall. Then we headed over to ride an incline up the mountain to get a nice view of the city.

Silly boys at the hotel

Heinz Field

PNC Park where the Pirates play

The boys looking at the sights on our boat ride

Rexford, Austin, and Brian in front a mural

Austin loved the little train ride around the mall

Ethan and Rexford and Eric too :)

We rode the incline up the mountain

The view going up

Here we are on top after riding the incline up the mountain

And then we hopped back on the incline to go down and it STOPPED! We were stuck inside the small, cramped car for about 15 minutes. It seemed like an hour! It was so hot that day and there were no windows in the car and only a few tiny holes for air. There was no A/C and we were all really hot. Rexford was very scared and cried most of the time. Austin did pretty well because he was too young too understand really but luckily I had his cup with some lemonade for him to drink. We tried to be calm but it got to the point where we were all a little worried about how much longer we could stay stuck in that kind of heat. Grandpa called 911 and was talking to them when the incline people finally got us going again. They brought us back up to the top and got us off. We searched for somewhere to buy drinks and ended up hanging out at an ice cream shop cooling off for a while. They sent a bus for us to get back down to the bottom but it took forever to come. It was quite the adventure!

After the crazy day we headed back to the hotel to cool off in the pool for a bit and then grabbed some dinner and headed back to Pittsburgh for the Pirates v. Cardinals baseball game. Normally tickets are easy to get but the Pirates were doing so well that tickets were hard to get and cost more than normal. But it was vacation so that's okay :) We all got free t-shirts but they only had XL by the time we got there. Rexford and Austin wore theirs anyway so that was cute. We stayed until the seventh inning and then everyone was pretty tired and it had been raining off and on so we headed back to the hotel for the night. The Pirates didn't win but it was still lots of fun anyway.

Austin was very excited about wearing his shirt

Rexford wearing his shirt watching the game

Austin cuddling with Daddy

Enjoying the game but getting sleepy :)

After the game in front of the ball park

SATURDAY

We finally found the boys some Steelers shirts in their sizes at Target near our hotel. I was able to get Austin to take off the huge Pirates shirt and put on his new Steelers shirt :) Then we drove over to see where Grandpa Ursic grew up. He showed us his grandmothers' homes and the house where he grew up. We saw his old school and football field, the park where Brian used to play when visiting as a child, and the bowling alley where Grandpa worked. Then we went to a park for lunch to meet Brian's two cousins and their families. The kids had fun playing in a little creek and running around. That evening we had to back to the airport to fly home. We got in really late but the kids did really well. It was a really fun trip!

Austin wanted to wear his Pirates shirt the next day too :)

Brian in front of his grandmother's childhood house

The house where Brian's grandpa grew up

Grandpa, Brian, and Eric at Grandpa's childhood house

Brian and Rexford at the park Brian used to play in near his grandpa's house

Austin and Rexford playing in a little creek

Here we are with Brian's cousins and their kids

The bowling alley where Grandpa used to work

Grandpa's old high school (now an elementary school)

Ethan, Austin, and Rexford

Ethan and Rexford

There was a great play area in the Pittsburgh airport and the kids got to run around while we waited to board the plane

Whee!

He kept pretending he was working on this plane

Getting ready to take off

Tired boys ready to fly home

We had a great time!

Happy 5th Birthday Rexford!

2011-07-16T18:46:00.008-04:00

Rexford turned 5 on July 11th! I can't believe he's 5! He is growing up so fast. This year he wanted a LEGO Star Wars party. They only sell party supplies for this theme online so we bought regular Star Wars plates and cups. I spent the week before his birthday making Lego Star Wars figures out of fondant to put on the cake. Rexford wanted Boba Fett, Luke, and Yoda. He wanted Darth Vader too but the box of fondant I bought that was supposed to have black in it was packaged wrong and had yellow instead. So I just made the others. I had never made figures out of fondant before so I think they look pretty good for my first time. I also made some little Lego blocks with a silicone mold. Rexford LOVED his cake. He wanted to look at the figures every day and he thought they were so cool. He kept telling me how much he loved his cake and that makes me happy.

For his birthday we took him and Austin to Monkey Joe's to bounce and have fun. The boys were so excited to go and even more excited because Aly and Todd came to town and were meeting us there. They were very excited to see Matthew and Jacob. We had a fun morning of bouncing and sliding and running around. After the kids were tired out we went to 7-Eleven for free slurpees. Then we went home to get ready for Rexford's party. We had some family over for swimming and cake that evening and he was very excited to open his presents, eat his Lego Star Wars cake, and swim with his cousins. He had a great day and lots of fun!

Rexford jumping at Monkey Joe's

Austin having fun

He loved the slides

Austin loved them too and could climb everything all by himself

As you can tell Matthew didn't love the slides :)

Matthew, Rexford, and Austin drinking their slurpees

Swimming time

Austin and Matthew

Rexford with his cake

Getting ready to blow out the candle

He got a really cool lego fire set

Hot Wheels

A Star Wars game for his Leapster Explorer

Lego Star Wars!

He finally got the Darth Vader light saber he'd been wanting for months

The Cars 2 game he'd been asking for

An awesome Boba Fett shirt

Excited to have his own money

And he got a really fun Nerf gun

July 4th

2011-07-16T17:16:00.004-04:00

To celebrate the 4th we all went to Shannon and Wayne's to swim, eat, and watch fireworks. The kids loved watching the fireworks but Austin got tired and sat inside and watched tv near the end of the evening. They loved doing sparklers and watching the big fireworks. We had a great night!

My red, white, and blue strawberries

Austin and Aunt Christina

Austin and Rexford waiting for fireworks

Sparklers

Christina holding a Roman candle

More sparklers

The kids watching the show

Big one!

Grandpa Ursic's Firework Show

2011-07-16T16:43:00.004-04:00

We had lots of fun Fourth of July weekend and Grandpa Ursic did his annual firework show for the kids. He did them Sunday night since some of the family wouldn't be there Monday night. The kids did some pop things and enjoyed watching the fireworks. Austin loved the colored smoke bombs. Lots of yummy food and fun!

Pop!

Rexford throwing it hard

Austin's favorite

Austin wanted to sit outside this time and watch

Watching Grandpa

The other kids watched from inside

and then after a while they joined us outside

Austin and Jillian (they are so cute together and play so nice all the time)

Costume Party

2011-07-16T16:34:00.002-04:00

The boys love to go to their cousin Ian's house and dress up in his ninja, boxer, storm trooper costumes. They like to dress up at our house but we only have costumes like doctor, fireman, army man, police officer. One day Rexford decided he wanted to have a costume party with his cousins. He got a piece of paper and asked me how to spell things. He wrote out an invitation and then a letter to Grandma telling her the party was at her house. Then he wanted to deliver the letters so we went out and delivered them. That weekend the kids all had fun dressing up and playing in their costumes with their cousins. I found a couple of power ranger costumes at the store for $5 so I bought them and surprised the boys. They were so happy! They thought they were so cool and love wearing them.

Early Fireworks

2011-07-16T15:34:00.003-04:00

Alyson was moving a few days before July 4th so she bought some fireworks for the kids to do together. They had so much fun and loved the fireworks. They kept shouting for Papa to do it again and again. We're going to miss Aly and Todd, Matthew and Jacob a lot :(

Jacob, Matthew, Rexford, Anderson, Austin

Matthew, Austin, and Rexford hanging out getting ready to watch fireworks

Here they go!

They loved doing the pop things

Watching the cool show

Anderson got to stay up late and watch too

Austin :)

I was trying to upload some cute videos that capture the boys' excitement but it keeps telling me there is an error so I'll try again later.

Rice Krispie Treat Treats

2011-07-08T22:13:00.002-04:00

One night we made Rice Krispie Treat Popsicles as the boys called them :) We dipped the RK treats in melted chocolate and then in sprinkles. Then we let them harden and it was time to eat. It was a little messy but the boys had a blast and they were so yummy!

Dipping Fun

Silly Boys

Ready to eat

Yummy!

So fun!

Bowling

2011-07-06T23:19:00.004-04:00

We have been having lots of fun so far this summer. One day I took the kids bowling for the first time. Neither of them had ever been bowling for real so it was fun to watch. Rexford did well and Austin did too for his first time and being only two years old. His ball got stuck a few times and the nice man who worked at the bowling alley kindly got it for us. Austin was loving it and wanted to do it all by himself. They finished the first game and we started the second game. Then Austin tripped and hit his chin on the ball :( Then he didn't want to do it anymore so Rexford bowled the rest of his game for him. Rexford won the first game and Austin won the second game :) Austin was fine and the nice worker brought the boys some fruit punch and that made everything even better! Despite the little fall, the boys had fun and have been asking to go bowling again.

Rexford bowling

Austin getting ready to push the ball

My little bowlers

Such a cutie!

Love him!

Dress Up Fun

2011-07-06T23:11:00.003-04:00

One day the boys were going through all of their costumes and playing firemen and such. Rexford put on this costume that is a bit too small and I had to take a picture :) We could barely put the hood part on his head. Austin's costume is too small too and we have two other bigger ones but he still prefers this one...

Wall Painting

2011-06-08T14:21:00.011-04:00

We were at the science center one day and they had a fun wall painting activity. They gave the kids paint and let them paint all over the wall. They had a blast!

Welcome Baby Jacob!

2011-06-08T14:21:00.009-04:00

On June 2nd Rexford and Austin got a new cousin! Rexford was so excited to meet Jacob and loves to hold him. He's a cutie!

Rexford and Jacob

Me and Jacob

Green Eggs and Ham

2011-06-08T14:21:00.008-04:00

The boys were really in the book Green Eggs and Ham a few weeks ago and wanted to read it all the time. So one morning we made green eggs and ham. Austin ate all of his and Rexford (who doesn't like eggs) even ate half his plate. They loved them and ask for them all the time now :)

Cake Fun

2011-06-02T15:17:00.004-04:00

The young women in our ward had a talent show with a cake auction to raise money for camp. I made two cakes which turned out to be a lot of work and a big mess but it was yummy and fun :)

The first cake I made was a zebra cake found here:

http://thewhimsicalcupcake.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/zebra-cake/

I changed it a little because some people said the cake had no taste. I just used a white cake mix and then divided into two bowls and added dark cocoa powder to one. Then I followed the directions for how to make the zebra stripes. On the website they didn't frost the cake but I used a homemade dark chocolate frosting between layers and a homemade vanilla buttercream for the top and then used a combo to decorate it. It's not perfect looking but from the pieces I trimmed and the leftover frosting, it was yummy! I want to make another one soon so I can slice into it and see the stripes.

The other cake I made was from here:

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/03/peanut-butter-stuffed-hot-fudge-cupcakes/

I have made these cupcakes several times and they are delicious! So for the auction I made a cake instead of the cupcakes. It's a heavy cake and you need milk to go with it but it's one of my favorite cupcake recipes. Peanut butter and chocolate go together so well!

Silly Austin and Matthew

2011-06-02T15:16:00.003-04:00

These pictures are a little dark but you get the idea:) Austin was being silly the other day and drilling on Matthew. Matthew laughed and liked it so they kept at it for awhile. Silly boys!

Preschool End of the Year Party

2011-06-02T15:15:00.008-04:00

Rexford's end of the year party was a pool party at his teacher's house. The kids had lots of fun eating pizza, swimming, and jumping on her trampoline. It was a great way to end the year and start the summer!

Rexford swimming

playing with his friends

Eating pizza!

Skyler, Rexford, Alex, Andrew, Taylan, and Mason

Last Day of Preschool

2011-06-02T15:15:00.005-04:00

Rexford's last day going to preschool was Wednesday because their class party the next day was going to be at their teacher's house. All the summer birthdays got to celebrate by wearing a special hat and eating cupcakes. His teacher made him a scrapbook with pictures from the whole year and a book with his artwork too. He loves looking at these. He was very excited to bring home all of his school supplies and especially his journal. He has written several entries since he brought it home. He told me "If someone doesn't know how to write, then I can teach them because I am a good writer." This is great because he really does not show confidence about some academic things and even though he is capable he doubts himself a lot. I love to see him writing and drawing pictures to go with his entries. He's growing so much!

Rexford with his birthday hat

Rexford on his last day of preschool

And here he is on his first day of preschool - he looks so young

Rexford's Preschool Graduation

2011-06-02T15:14:00.008-04:00

Rexford's Preschool Graduation was last Tuesday night. The chapel where they had the graduation has terrible lighting and my camera doesn't do well with bad light so my pictures never turn out well in there :( But here are a few anyway and some taken with Rexford's camera after. I can't believe the year is over, it went so fast! Rexford has grown so much, physical and academically and we are so proud of him. I am sad it is over...but it is really fun to watch him doing things like writing in his journal by himself and reading words and adding and subtracting.

Rexford and his class sang a few songs

Here is Rexford and his teacher as they called his name

Rexford's class after all their names were called

Rexford and Mrs. Comprosky

Rexford wanted me to take a picture of him with his camera

He took a picture of me and Brian, not too bad:)

Rexford and Daddy

Toy Story on Ice!

2011-06-02T15:14:00.005-04:00

After Busch Gardens we drove to the St. Pete Times Forum for the Toy Story on Ice show. It only took about 15 minutes to get there and the boys fell asleep in the car so we sat in the parking garage for awhile and I let them sleep. Then they ate a snack and we headed inside to find our friends and seats. I let the boys get a fun cup with snow cone inside and then we got ready to watch the show. They LOVED the show! Austin was so excited to see Zurg and Buzz and they both loved watching their favorite characters. And our seats were great! It was a really fun day and even though we got home late, the boys slept and everything went smoothly. P.S. And Austin stayed dry and went on the potty all day! He's such a big boy now and so cute in his little underwear :)

Rexford chose an alien cup

Austin picked a Woody cup

I didn't really take any pictures because it was dark but here's one of most of the main characters.

Afternoon Busch Gardens Trip

2011-06-02T15:13:00.005-04:00

Our friend Stacy and her parents who live in Tampa got us tickets for Toy Story on Ice in Tampa. I figured if was going there I would go early and let the kids play at Busch Gardens for a bit and I wanted to go early to avoid traffic from Orlando to Tampa. I picked up Rexford after school and we drove to Busch Gardens. We had fun playing around for a few hours just hanging out and going on rides. Here are a few pictures from our afternoon.

My little drivers

and pilots

Rexford and Austin on the hippo ride

Whee! Down the hill

This has been closed the last few times we've gone so it was first time we could ride the carousel

Austin on his horse

They wanted to take a picture on the turtle

Butterflies

2011-05-14T00:04:00.008-04:00

The boys loved watching caterpillars turn into butterflies last year so I ordered some more caterpillars again this year. They were so excited and wanted to look at them all the time. We had one butterfly emerge a couple of days before the rest. I put some fresh watermelon in for it and we watched it drink it and waited for the rest. Rexford noticed when the others started to come out and was very excited. Austin kept having me hold him up so he could watch the butterflies fly around. We kept them for a day watching them fly and eat. Sadly, one of our butterflies died. I think it was the one who came out before all the others. It looked small so maybe it just wasn't developed all the way or something. Anyway, the other four were fine and we released them outside in the backyard and they all flew away. Rexford was sad to see them go but says that they are out exploring the world :)

Christmas Crayons

2011-05-14T00:04:00.006-04:00

Our crayon box had been bothering me for quite some time. It was full of broken crayons and almost no whole ones so I decided we needed new crayons. I bought a new box at the store and decided to recycle all the old broken ones. Rexford helped me peel the wrappers off the old ones and we broke them into small pieces. I was just going to use a muffin pan but then I remembered I had a couple of pans with Christmas shapes. We put the crayons into the pans and put them in the oven for a few minutes. Then we took them out and let them cool. A few minutes later, new crayons! The boys loved them and thought they were really cool. They love coloring with their new box of full-size crayons and their new homemade ones!

Our new Christmas crayons

Coloring with our crayons

New crayons!

Austin the Elephant

2011-05-14T00:03:00.010-04:00

At Mommy and Me class one day we made animal masks. Austin picked the elephant one to make and it was so cute! Here's Austin wearing his cool elephant mask.

Roar!

2011-05-14T00:03:00.007-04:00

We had a church activity one night and there was a blood drive, barbecue, face painting, helping out with an eagle scout project, etc. The young women painted the boys' faces. First Austin just wanted stars and Rexford wanted to be a tiger. Once Austin saw Rexford's face he wanted to be a tiger too. They were so cute going around roaring but their cousin Stella was terrified of them :( They had so much fun and loved their tiger faces. They were both very upset at bath time because they didn't want to wash it off. They both cried :( But we took pictures and assured them they could get their faces painted another time.

Lina and Kaley working on Austin

Rexford getting his tiger face from Lexi

So cool!

Austin getting his tiger face - thanks Lexi :)

My two little tigers - ROAR!

Science Center Field Trip

2011-05-14T00:02:00.002-04:00

Rexford's class went on a field trip to the science center. Aly was sweet to watch Austin so I could go have a day with just Rexford. I don't have many pictures because everyone was all over the place. We had fun visiting the exhibits and playing and watching a movie. Rexford had fun with his friends and he liked having me all to himself.

Rexford and Mason in the Curious George room

Rexford as the door man

Going down the slide

Early Mother's Day Gift

2011-05-04T18:47:00.010-04:00

The last school day before Mother's Day Rexford brought home a gift bag for me that he made at school. He didn't want me to wait until Mother's Day to open it and he was so excited for me to open it right away. He was so sweet, telling me how much I was going to love it and how it would make me cry happy tears :) He's such a sweet boy and I love my Rexford.

He decorated the bag

He made me a card

And a flower and cute flower pot

He made this cute certificate too :)

Silly Stories

2011-05-04T18:47:00.008-04:00

One day Rexford and I spent the afternoon making silly stories. We have this little toy from a kid's meal that has lots of little picture cards in it and you shake three out and have to use them to make a story. Rexford had so much fun making up stories and titles and drawing pictures to go with them. We turned them into books and both the boys love to read these at bedtime. They laugh and laugh :)

Rexford with his books

The Popped Bubble

The Smushed Bow Tie

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T13:58:00.010-04:00

The boys were so excited when they woke up Easter morning. They had to look around the house to see where the Easter Bunny had hidden their baskets. They found Austin's first and then with some help found Rexford's. Rexford was very happy that the Easter Bunny brought him LEGOs and Austin was super excited to finally have Zurg (the bad guy from Toy Story). Austin didn't hardly notice anything else in his basket because he was so excited about Zurg. It was a fun morning and then we headed to church, with Zurg of course :)

Austin found his basket

Rexford found his too

Time to open

Zurg!

LEGOs!

They each got a Spiderman book

and Toy Story pajamas

And they loved the chocolate bunnies!

Happy Easter!

Easter Party

2011-04-25T13:58:00.007-04:00

We attended a fun Easter party with lots of our friends and had a great time. We had yummy food, played fun games, and of course had an egg hunt. Thanks Tait family for another fun party! Here are some pictures of the fun.

All of the cousins together in their cute matching clothes

Austin started to do this by himself but then got a little frustrated and so I helped him finish :)

Rexford having fun doing the race

Matthew did the race too

There was a game where everyone got saltine crackers and the team that finished first won. Austin shoved the whole thing in his mouth and Rexford took little bites until he was done.

Rexford doing the egg race

Austin patiently waiting for the egg hunt

So happy with all of their candy filled eggs :)

Egg Coloring and Easter Fun

2011-04-25T13:30:00.007-04:00

The Friday before Easter we spent the day with Aly and Matthew, and Grandma and Anderson. We had an egg hunt, colored eggs, and went swimming. So much fun!

Matthew and Rexford excited for the egg hunt

All ready

Showing me their full baskets

Rexford playing with his parachute

Austin loves his Buzz wristband and book

Ready to color some eggs!

My super sweet boys

Coloring with messy paint

Anderson colored an egg too :)

Matthew having fun

Three of the boys with their eggs

Austin and Rexford

Time to eat!

Austin loves eggs!

Rexford's Easter Party

2011-04-21T16:08:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures of Rexford's Easter party at school on Thursday. They started with an egg hunt, then had lunch, and then had fun decorating their buckets, playing, and eating their treats. Austin loves going to the parties too because he loves to play with all of the toys in the classroom.

Rexford ready to start the egg hunt

They each got to find 10 eggs with their names on them

Here is Rexford's class with their buckets full of eggs

Eating a yummy lunch

Rexford decorating his bucket

Easter Hat Parade

2011-04-21T16:07:00.004-04:00

We had to make an Easter hat for a parade at Rexford's school today. Here is Rexford's cool Easter hat :)

Austin wanted a hat too so I gave him some bunny ears to wear

Austin waiting for the parade to start

Rexford marching in the parade

Rexford's class

My boys

Rexford and his teacher

Austin's Easter Party

2011-04-18T12:12:00.007-04:00

Austin had his Easter party for our "Mommy and Me" class on Monday. We had an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny, yummy snacks, story and play time. Each child also got a cute bucket and little stuffed animal. Austin loves his little ducky and has slept with it since he got it. I thought Austin wouldn't want anything to do with the Easter Bunny but he was so excited and walked right up to him. He gave him high 5s and hugs and was so excited. It was so cute!

Austin gathering eggs (he only wanted green ones for some reason)

Austin with all of his green eggs

Giving the Easter Bunny a hug

He isn't smiling in this one but I think it was the sun because he was really excited and wanted to keep going up to him

Playing on the super fun scooters :)

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-18T12:12:00.005-04:00

We went to a fun Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday with some of Brian's childhood neighbors and the kids had a great time collecting eggs and getting prizes. They both came home with candy and a stuffed bunny.

Austin showing me his basket

Austin got lots of eggs

Rexford with his full basket

My handsome boys

Relaxing after the hunt with their new bunnies

After Strawberry Picking

2011-04-09T23:56:00.011-04:00

After strawberry picking we grabbed a quick lunch and headed over to Busch Gardens. It was only 15 minutes away and so we went over to play for a few hours. It wasn't crowded and we had fun looking at the animals and going on the rides. They loved watching the gorillas and bouncing in the bouncy area. We watched an animal show and just played around. Austin was disappointed because he isn't tall enough for the Grover rollercoaster and keeps asking me when he can ride it. But he was finally tall enough for another ride and he loved that. We stayed until evening and then made the drive home. We were all pretty hot and tired but we had a really fun day.

They loved checking out the gorillas today

Loving the motorcycle ride!

On the train, Austin saying "choo choo"

Flying together

Flying again

Going for a drive

Austin is finally tall enough for the hippo ride! He loved it!

At the top of Elmo's treehouse

See how different they are - Austin runs right across and Rexford goes slowly clinging to the side :)

They had fun crawling around but then got stuck and someone had to help them down :)

Last ride of the day - so hot and tired

They wanted to climb on top of this lion statue for a picture

Strawberry Picking

2011-04-09T23:56:00.006-04:00

On Friday we went with some friends to Dover (almost to Tampa) to pick strawberries. The boys loved it! They were so excited to show me their buckets with their strawberries. They picked for an hour and were really good while we were there. We picked 16 quarts of strawberries! We were hot and dirty and had strawberries on our clothes and hands but we had fun. We spent the next two days washing, cutting, freezing, and making jam(and homemade bread to go with it)! They have been talking about it for days and every time they eat strawberries, make a smoothie, or eat the jam, they are so proud and tell us how they picked them.

Austin picking strawberries

Rexford looking for strawberries

Rexford with his bucket

Me and my boys

We made lots of strawberry jam! Yummy!

All Boys!

2011-04-07T16:27:00.003-04:00

We watched Anderson one day over spring break while Shannon took Wally to the vet. Rexford wanted to hold Anderson and then asked me to take a picture of them together. Austin and Matthew jumped in and wanted to be in it too. So here's a cute picture of all the cousins together!

They had fun playing blocks together too

Austin and Buzz

2011-04-07T16:16:00.003-04:00

The other day Austin came in my room with his stuffed bird and a book and sat on my bed and "read" the book to the bird. Before I could get a picture he noticed me watching him and stopped but then said, "I want to take a picture with Buzz." He loves Buzz. He always has a Buzz in his hand. Sometimes the big talking one and sometimes this little one. He sleeps with them, he takes them in the car, he sits them on the table by his plate while eats. So unfortunately I don't have a picture of the adorableness of reading to his bird but I do have one of him and his friend Buzz :)

And just a picture of my sweet boy

Rexford and his Plants

2011-04-07T16:10:00.005-04:00

Rexford brought home two plants the day before spring break started - a bean plant and a cup of grass. Neither of the plants had sprouted when we brought them home but by the end of spring break they were tall. Now the grass is super tall and the bean plant is growing like crazy! Here's Rexford with his plants.

Austin's Tower

2011-04-04T23:38:00.008-04:00

The other day Austin and I were playing with blocks and he wanted to build a really tall tower. After we finished the tower he said, "i want to take a picture with my tower." So here is Austin and his really tall tower. He was very proud of it and it stayed standing most of the day :)

Doesn't Austin just look so much older lately? He's not a baby anymore :( but he's still adorable to us!

Rexford's First Magic Game

2011-04-04T23:38:00.006-04:00

My dad bought tickets to a Magic game and took Rexford last Friday night. He got Rexford a shirt to wear to the game and even brought Austin one too. Rexford was excited and wanted to stay for the whole game. He had a great time and came home telling us all about the game and the mascots doing tricks during half time and all the fun things he saw there. He wanted us to look up the Charlotte mascot's name (which is apparently Rufus). He keeps saying, "The Magic game was so fun, you should have seen it." Thanks Papa for a fun night!

Rexford and Papa getting ready to go to the game (and Austin wanted to be in the picture too).

Everybody with their Magic shirts on

Beach Day

2011-04-04T23:37:00.003-04:00

Most of spring break this year was very wet and stormy. Finally the sun came out on Friday and it was a beautiful day. We were going to go to Aquatica with Brian's family but it was a little cool so we all headed to the beach. The kids had a blast splashing in the chilly water and playing in the sand. Rexford had fun trying to catch waves on a boogie board and Austin loved to splash in the water.

Ethan and Rexford

Austin, Stella, Ava, and Rexford

Austin, Ethan, Stella, Zach, Ava, and Rexford playing in the sand

Austin liked to dump dirt on himself

Splashing in a little pool of water

Austin loved to splash in the little pools

Carrying a heavy bucket of water

Playing on the beach

Big Boy Bed

2011-03-27T23:20:00.002-04:00

My baby is now in a big boy bed! The transition was sad in many ways but it's good too. I've been wanting to rearrange things and so this whole process forced us to clean and organize and so that was good. The boys wanted to share a room so we set up Austin's bed in Rexford's room and moved the toys to the other room. Austin wanted a Toy Story bed so we put Toy Story sheets on his bed and then got a matching sports quilt like Rexford's to go on top of the bed and he loves it. They like being together and they have been sleeping in later because it's darker in that room for Austin and Rexford will stay in bed longer when he notices that Austin is still sleeping. Austin was starting to fight a little at nap and bed time but now he climbs up in his bed and wants to read a story and snuggle a little. So sweet!

In Austin's new big boy bed

I think it's sweet that they wanted to share a room :)

Cool New Jeep

2011-03-27T23:11:00.002-04:00

My mom found this Jeep at a garage sale and the boys are in love! They were so excited when we gave it to them and want to ride it all the time. They have so much fun riding it around and it's so fun to watch them.

Pretzel Fun!

2011-03-27T22:58:00.004-04:00

One Monday evening Rexford wanted to know what we were making for Family Home Evening dessert so I started looking around the kitchen to see what I could find. I pulled out my fun kid's cookbook and found an easy recipe for pretzels and since I had all of the ingredients we decided on that. The dough was super easy to make and not too many ingredients and the kids loved helping. Then we divided the dough into little balls and then rolled them into long snakes and then twisted them to make pretzels. Austin couldn't really roll it out but he helped anyway :) Rexford was a great helper and especially liked brushing them with egg and sprinkling the salt. They were good and the kids loved them! Next time I think we'll try sprinkling them with cinnamon and sugar!

Austin saying "cheese!"

My little helpers

Rexford showing off his pretzels

They were yummy!

Orange Juice

2011-03-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

We had a bunch of really juicy oranges/tangerines? from my mom and so I got a little hand juicer and let the boys help make orange juice. They loved it! They thought it was so cool that they got to squeeze the juice out and make their favorite drink. They drank their juice for Family Home Evening dessert. It was yummy!

Happy 10 Years to Us!

2011-03-10T11:28:00.004-05:00

We've been married 10 years now! We got to spend a great evening together (thanks Grandma and Grandpa Ursic) and enjoy several hours just the two of us.

Rexford helped me make and decorate a cake. Austin wanted the cake so bad, he whined for an hour and kept trying to stick a spoon in the cake :)

Here we are on our wedding day. Don't we look so young?!

Updates

2011-03-09T23:00:00.003-05:00

So I thought I should write some updates about the boys and what they do and like and don't like, etc. so we'll have it when they are grown up.

Rexford is doing well in preschool. His writing has improved so much and he does it so much faster and it's easier for him. He even does a journal at school and he sounds out words and tries to write them. He is still nervous about where to cut with scissors sometimes. He likes math and he can count to 100 by ones and tens. He is doing addition problems and he loves to show us his work. He is starting to like drawing and coloring more and often draws pictures of our family. He likes to play video games-Mario Kart at our house and Lego Star Wars at Papa's house. I have to turn Mario Kart off sometimes because he gets angry and emotional if he's not winning and he's trying to unlock a new cart or something. His new favorite show on TV is Wild Kratts (it's about animals and rescuing them-real life/cartoon combo). He has taken an interest in basketball and likes to play at school when they play inside and he likes to play at Papa's house. Even with the big ball and real hoop he can make some shots! He is a sweet older cousin-he loves Matthew and Anderson and they love him. Matthew always gets excited when he sees Rexford. He is sweet to Austin most of the time but they do have their little fights sometimes. He is a very loving child and always gives us hugs and kisses and tells us he loves us. He likes us to do things with him and spend time with him. He is very sensitive and gets very embarassed and upset when he gets in trouble. He likes to help Daddy outside and ride his bike.

Austin is growing so quickly lately. It seems like he is so much older these past few weeks. He talks so much and so well and can say just about anything he wants. He is more assertive and gets upset when people touch him (on accident or on purpose) and will shout, "Don't touch me!" or "Don't take my toy!" He can tell me what happened when he gets hurt and can tell me where he left something when we are looking for it. Whenever he falls down, he usually gets up and says, "I'm ok Mom." He loves Toy Story and wants to watch the movies all the time. He plays and sleeps with his little Buzz and Woody. He says "to infinity and beyond!" many times a day and always stretches out his arms when he says it. He does it on the carousel at Sea World, riding in a cart at the store, and running through the house or at the park. He thinks he's Buzz Lightyear :) He also likes to say "I am Buzz Lightyear, I come in peace." He likes to listen to Toy Story songs on my ipod. He loves to color and paint and play with playdoh and chalk. He is starting to want to write his name. He asks me to help him and he loves doing it over and over. He plays well by himself and will sit and talk and play but sometimes will ask me to come play with him. It is sometimes hard to get him to eat sometimes. He likes pasta, fruit, and cheese. He is often shy around people and if they try to talk to him he will close his eyes and turn or bury his head. But sometimes he is very outgoing, just depends on his mood I guess :) He copies everything Rexford does and wants to be just like him. He doesn't like his hands messy or getting wet when he's in regular clothes. He always asks me to wipe his hands and he hates it when I spray his hair in the morning to comb it. He is sweet and says, " I love you too mom" and gives me hugs.

They are growing up so fast! We love Rexford and Austin!

Daddy and the Boys

2011-03-09T22:59:00.008-05:00

Just wanted to post a couple of cute pictures of the boys and Brian.

Painting Fun

2011-03-09T22:59:00.006-05:00

Rexford and Austin love to paint. Here are just some art pictures taken in the last month. Last month they wanted to paint but I needed to cook dinner so I couldn't give them messy paints and leave them (well Rexford is fine but I can't leave Austin just in case). So I found these paint by water books we had in our art box and gave them those to paint. They had so much fun! They did a whole book :)

Busy painting

Rexford loved the paint with water pictures

Austin had lots of fun too!

Science Fun

2011-03-09T22:58:00.006-05:00

We have been enjoying our Science Center pass we got for Christmas. Right now they have a fun Curious George exhibit that the boys love. Austin likes to go to the transportation room, dig for dinosaurs, and play with the boats and water. Rexford loves to do fly airplanes, do the race car video game, and go to the Channel 9 weather room. Here are some pictures of our fun afternoon.

Austin loves to dig for dinosaurs but is a little nervous of the dinosaur sounds they play in the room

Rexford getting ready to do the weather

Rexford loves this!

Rexford doing the weather report

Austin talking on the weather report

Rexford driving a little Mars rover

Austin, George, and Rexford

Getting ready to go down the slide on George's rocket

Austin found the firefighters of Rescue Squad 86 in the elevator

They love to "work" on the car

Today they had a bunch of instruments and the boys had lots of fun trying them all out

Austin likes to play with the little animals