Late Enchanted Rock Post

So, I know our fun aunt and uncles left over a week ago, but I didn't get a chance to post our last little adventure together. Grandma Brudnicki, Jason, Jen & Adam, and the little boys and I drove out to the Enchanted Rock State Park, to hike to the summit and have a picnic. I'm so glad I cancelled the other things I could have done that day, because this was such a fun experience with the boys and a great bonding memory to have with their aunt and uncles.

 Here was everyone getting started. The "Rock" is a huge pink granite mound rising up from the ground. There are two, and we climbed the summit of the taller one the morning that we went. They also have plenty of scenic trails that go around the rocks.

It was a good hike, but not very difficult. After all, we took children and a grandma to the top!  

 Adam and Jensen raced to the top, ahead of all the rest of us. Carson and Jason were up next, then it took a little longer for Susan, Jennifer, Mason and I to catch up. It was a very windy day, and on the top, there was nothing stopping that wind! Adam and Jensen enjoyed leaning into the wind.

 Mason, however, was not a big fan of all that wind. He just clung to me the whole time we were at the summit.

 Thanks to my wonderful in-law family, who spent their morning with me and my boys and took such good care of us. The boys loved having their hiking buddies, and sharing this fun experience with you!

3 Piggy Opera

Carson got to perform in the 3 Piggy Opera put on by all the Kindergardeners at his school. It was kind of a mad house, with so many parents, friends and family members there for all the kids. Grandma Brudnicki and Aunt Jennifer got to go with us, which was nice for me, since that meant I had extra hands to help me with Jensen and Mason during the show.

Carson was cracking us up with his little pig hat pulled down so far that you could barely see his face. He sang in the chorus, but several of his friends played larger parts in the program.

It was very cute. And fortunately for us, it was also very short! :) 

Two things that I notice in this picture. #1- Those freckles! I love them! And #2- Why does my little Carson look like such a big kid? They just won't stop growing!!!!!

Play Ball!

So Carson started playing baseball last week. His practices and games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is also when I teach piano lessons, so I thought I wouldn't ever be able to come and watch my little ball player. But I've been lucky enough to have a couple of cancelations, so I've been able to enjoy this experience a little with him. Is he not the cutest little baseball player?

We've had fun playing catch and practicing his hitting in the backyard after school, too.  I love getting out and being able to actually play with him.

We've also been enjoying some time with Dustin's siblings this week. Grandma Brudnicki, Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Adam got to come and watch him last night. Carson had quite the cheering section! Mason likes to stand at the fence and yell, "Yeah, Carson!" randomly throughout the game. I love it.

Happy Easter

This weekend we went camping with our ward. It would have been nice had we gotten there a little earlier, or been able to play longer, but we take our camping opportunities as they come. I don't think we could ever go camping by ourselves. Having friends to help watch Mason, or play with the boys while we set up and took down our tent was invaluable. We also had the advantage of having a giant egg hunt with everyone the next morning. Here are the boys pre-hunt:

And then they took off! Mason was rather picky about his hunting. I took him over to an egg on the ground and said, "Mason, get this one!" He bent down, touched it and then yelled, "NO!" and went to look for another one.

 Jensen made out like a bandit! He was a very aggressive hunter, as you can see by his bucket full.

The big kids got to search for eggs in the playground that they had at the campsite. (It was a nice place to go camping- clean site, bathrooms, a pond, and a playground to boot!)

Three happy hunters. After packing everything up, we headed home to clean up and take much needed naps (even me!) and then we spent the evening playing with Uncle Jason, Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Adam who came into town the day before.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter remembering the real reason for this most important holiday.

Girls Camp Service

So, I got to go up to Girls Camp for a couple of days last week (our stake holds camp during spring break since the summers are too difficult to camp in) and I was assigned to help with a service project. Each year the young women participate in a service project during their time at camp. This year we made blankets and hand puppets to be donated to a hospital. It was a fun service to be involved in. During the project I had the pleasure of teaching many young women some sewing machine basics. Before they were allowed to work on a hand puppet, each young woman had to finish a practice sewing sheet. They practiced sewing straight lines, curved lines, circles and pointed angles. It was wonderful to see them go from knowing next to nothing and then being able to produce a usable product. Here's a picture of everything that was completed.

And since it was spring break the boys spent lots of time playing together. It was so nice to have such beautiful weather. I had to laugh at Mason, who decided he could play on the slide at the same time as eating a snack. Food is everything to this kid.

 And can I just say I'm a total "Unblock Me" master. I was feeling rather wasted at the end of last week, and got addicted to the game on my phone. I can justify it's good for my brain, right?

Eye of the Tiger

Carson, Jensen, and Dustin all ran the Negley PTA Fun Run 1K this morning. After a month of training, the boys were ready.  They warmed up to a little Zumba before the race.

 I know you can't see the kids in the crowd, but there's Dustin in blue, waiting for the race to begin.

 AND THEY'RE OFF! Carson took off in front of Dad and Jensen.

 

 Here they are mid-race. Going strong and having fun.

 Here's Carson coming up to the finish line. Dustin was so impressed at how hard Carson pushed himself the whole time. He did a great job!

 And here comes Jensen! He ran the whole way with Dad!

 My racers at the end of the race.

It was a fun experience for the boys to do together. They had fun practicing with Dustin in the evenings, and they loved feeling the excitement of the race. We hope there will be more races like this in their future.

And as a side note, Mason bit it on the sidewalk yesterday and fell on his face. Poor baby. Sometimes it's rough being a little guy.

Mission Accomplished

Got it! Finally took a current picture of all my little guys for my phone wallpaper. Mason wasn't too happy about sitting down with his brothers for a picture, but you certainly can't tell from this one picture. Thanks to Carson for tickling him to get that adorable look on his face! 

I love seeing this picture everyday on my phone. Even though they are not always smiling or being this nice to each other, it's nice to have a reminder that it happens sometimes. :)