James is 18 Months!

I can't believe that my boy is already 18 months. It has gone so fast. James is a very active boy and he tries very hard to keep up with his sister and does pretty well too. He also has no fear on the playground and loves to run and climb. James is all about the balls. He loves to play ball of any kind. When we walked into have is picture taken be immediately started crying with tears running down his cheeks and just clung to me. I only got him calmed down when we found their bucket of balls only he wanted to put them in and out of the bucket not stand and pose for a picture. I am amazed that we got these shots. It certainly was a struggle.

James is ahead of schedule in his motor skills but far behind on verbal. The boy refuses to talk. He can only say one word - Da, not Ma even though he is a momma's boy. He will occasionally sign a few words. Right now he will come a grab onto my clothing and pull me to where he wants me to get what he wants. I'm not worried because Emma still talks enough for the both of them.

We love our boy!

Labor Day Weekend in Vernal Utah

It has been 6 or 7 years since I have been out to Vernal to visit my Uncle Bruce and Aunt Shelly so it was time for a visit. The weather was perfect. My Mom's whole family ended up going. With 13 extra people in their house it was a bit crowded at the dinner table. We had a great weekend. They took us to a few of their favorite places and the kids had fun exploring their small farm and played from sun up till long after sun down. Here are some of the highlights.

Visiting the animals.

Chickens, Goats, Pigs, Turkeys and Cow - Oh My!

If we were at the house the kids were here playing and getting dirty.

Saturday we drove to a fish hatchery and then walked to a waterfall.

Emma walked the whole 2.5 miles there and about half way back. Thank you Uncle Bruce for picking up the slack.

The ice cold waterfall. I still don't understand how kids don't seem to mind.

Sunday we drove through Dinosaur National Monument to Steamboat Rock and were visited by a mountain goat (sheep?) and baby.

I'm only going to get my feet wet Mom!

Beautiful Steamboat Rock - love it!

Notice little Emma is now down to her undies.

James wishing he could get wet too, he had to settle for playing with rocks.

Cake and ice cream that night for three birthdays and two anniversaries.

The big 30! Noooooooooo!

The husband did great on gifts: Bones season 5, sandals, boots and a new camera. Thanks honey, you're the best.

Monday we relaxed!!

Kids played.
Adults played.

We had a great time and wore the kids out so much they slept the entire 3 hours home. It can't get much better than that.

Picking in the Garden

First Day of Pre-School

Monday morning Emma headed off to her first day of Joy School. Five of us Moms are going to rotate homes and do a pre-school for our five girls. It should be fun! I was a little worried about how Emma would do because after 8 months of primary she still can't sit in her chair and listen. She also hates story time at the library and is still not fully potty trained. But the others Moms said to just bring her and we would see how she does on a trial basis. Well she did great. All the kids are doing well but its only been two classes so I hope it stays that way.

Traditional first day of school pictures.

First piece of art work from pre-school.