Weekend Update

Both of my sisters updated their blogs, so I figured I should, too. Ryan has been spending a lot of time on his script and I've been spending my energy getting ready for my show next weekend (lots of working out). So we decided to pack the kids up and take them to the park. Ryan pitched some baseballs to me and while I batted ~ and it works out perfectly because pitching is his favorite part and batting is mine. The kids hit balls off of a tee and then found two cats that they named Panther and Tiger. Then we took the kids to the playground. We put all three of them (the little ones) on the tire swing. I got some cute pictures, but I can't find the camera to download them. When it turns up I'll post pics. This evening we took the kids shopping at the grocery store. It would have been fine, but Mr. I-Need-To-Look-At-EVERYTHING and his son Mr. I-Need-To-Touch-EVERYTHING turned the trip that takes me 1 1/2 hours alone into a 2 1/2 hour ordeal. I don't know why I punish myself so.

A little birdie told me:

It's time for an update, though she could call for one if she really wanted to. I haven't had much exciting stuff happening to write about. I did yard work all day yesterday and enjoyed a BBQ with my family last night. It was so nice to have the sunshine! I tried to get some good pictures of Halea, but she would be posed perfectly and when I would take the picture she would move. Funny girl!

My diet and working out is coming together to make a pretty package. I don't like the idea of sprinting to a finish. I'm more of a prep not peak person, but I haven't had the luxury of time, so I will be sprinting this next week. Ryan and I are looking forward to a weekend alone (without kids). My parents are watching the kids at our house to give us this weekend together. Thank you to them!

Halea's 2nd Bithday

Halea has had a great birthday! We went to church and celebrated it with her nursery class. Then we came home and celebrated it as a family. She had a butterfly cupcake that her brothers couldn't wait to help her with. She got a Dora book and cd music gift set, some Sesame Street books, clothes, a mani pedi kit (we may have to enjoy that one together), and new stroller for her brothers to wheel her around in, and of course a new bottle of bubbles ~ because what 2 year old birthday would be complete without them? She is enjoying "chariot" races on the patio right now. Bryce is pushing her in the new stroller and Parker is racing them on his big wheel. She's winning.

My Angel

It's Halea's 2nd Birthday! Her two's are in full swing. We'll be celebrating it tomorrow after church with the family. I'll post pics then.

Bryce's Victory

Bryce was invited to compete in his school's Fit-Day Competition. He had to qualify to compete by meeting a high standard and he did by completing the rope climb in under 8 seconds ~ no easy task. His school competed against 14 other schools, the best of the best 5th and 6th graders. He competed in several events: the chin ups, rope climb, word wise, etc. He won 4th place for the rope climb, but did not receive a medal because they only handed them out for the 1st-3rd place winners. He was crushed and asked me to take him home early. I did, and we talked about allowing the defeats we face make us stronger and work harder for future competitions.

Monday morning one of his class mates told him that he had received a medal for the word wise competition he did. He came home so happy and proud of himself.

I'm thrilled that my boy has the word-nerd gene!

Birthdays Galore

I updated Hoffmann's Happenings with my children's correct ages. Between March and April, we have three birthdays. In May we have a break, then in about ten days Bryce and Ryan have their birthdays. It's such a fun time of year for our family! Halea will turn two next Sunday.

Florida

I had the opportunity to travel to Florida for a bombshell camp for three days. It was sunny and warm. It's cold and rainy here, so it was nice to get an extra dose of vit. D. I didn't get to lounge on the beach like I wanted to because I was getting my bombshell booty in shape the whole time. I really enjoyed it, though. I did take a walk on the beach all by myself one morning, so here are some pictures from that.

Rainforest Crape

So it wasn't the magical birthday surprise we were hoping for. They "forgot" that our reservation was a birthday party and sat us at the darkest corner table in the restaurant. We asked to move and they accommodated us. We were well into our experience when Ryan finally spoke with a manager about how this birthday business is supposed to go, and it came out that they had messed up. They comped us some toys and stuff. The kids had a good time, so I guess that's all that matters. The volcano cake at the end was amazing!!!

Parker has had a really hard time accepting that this isn't his birthday. When Apollo's cake arrived, Parker jumped in and blew out the candle. We had the waitress re-light the candle and Ryan held Parker back to give Apollo a chance to blow out his candle. Parker will get his chance in a little over a month. He is having his first friend party at the Y.

Happy Birthday, Apollo!

My sweet Apollo is four today. And we made our goal!!! I sure love this boy. We are taking all of the kids to The Rainforest Cafe to celebrate Apollo's birthday. I hope it goes well.

Adventures in Pottyland

My parents had all four of our kids over the weekend. It was SUCH a blessing!!! I've been a much more patient, loving mom since I had a break.

My parents had six kids, so they are pretty good at all things parenting. I have been working on Apollo's potty training since I last set my resolve to have him potty trained by his 4th birthday (late, I know). It was going ok, but he was having a few accidents throughout the day. My parents kept him AND Parker dry the entire visit, and we have not had an accident since they have been home. Apollo even wore undies to school yesterday and today and has come home dry in them both days. THANK YOU Mom and Dad!