Monte's first swim

Monte had his nine month check up this week. He only gained a few ounces weighing in at 18lbs and 7 or 8 oz and measuring 27 1/2 inches but, I think they messed up and that he is 28 inches. Monte also took his first swim this week. He loves the bath but I could tell he did know what to think of this big bath tub. I don't think he was sold on the idea at first. I didn't help that he had his energetic brother and cousin jumping around him.

Once he got comfortable he started to enjoy himself. I think he will like swimming after all.

Mitch as you can see loved every moment of it

Congratulations Dad and Gayle

Last week we added to our family. Congratulations Dad and Gayle! We wish you much happiness, continued improving health and patience (with Dad's tardiness). We were glad we were there. It was also good to see Uncles Gary and David and to spent time joking with my sister Heather. We almost didn't make it because Mitch (poor kid) got a stomach ache that caused us to stop three times (I'll spare everyone the details but David gets a best father and husband award).

Tains, wagons, and automoblies

The last weekend of April David's cousin got married. It was a beautiful wedding and we really enjoyed ourselves. As you can see from the pictures, Mitch enjoyed himself when he was being babysat by Uncle Jefferson and Grandma Claudia.

While in Hanford we visited with all of David Great Aunts and Nana. Unfortunately I did not get a picture with Lou and Ernie. Ernie became Mitch's new playmate. Mitch wouldn't even let him sit down. It was great to see everyone a glean from their wisdom. As you can see in the picture, Nana Mary had a good time sharing ice cream. Everyone got a little hot fudge on themselves that night.

Two weeks ago the boys and I took a long awaited train ride to Hanford. Both of the boys loved it. Mitch made friends (like usual) and Monte love the freedom from the car seat. I loved watching them and listening to Mitch say "Choo-Choo, chugga, chugga." every time the whistle blew. I love trains. Oh and the guy sitting behind us was not one of the friends we made.

Lettuce and onions

Today we went to the Zoo with Friends. We had a great time. There were six boys under 2 1/2 yrs old (Charlie is missing from the picture). Mitch loves to see his little friend Logan. They were both pretty brave reaching in to touch the sting rays but Mitch was not so brave when it came to the goats in the petting zoo. Thanks to Grandma Claudia for getting us in. Days like these make me so, so happy that we have chosen to have me home with the kids.

A moment for Mitch. He is so funny. He loves stickers but, he does not stick them in the usual places. They always start on the face and end up in really random places around the house.

This other picture is from a walk we took the other day. He always tells me when baby spits up. As we were walking he said, "Mom, baby spit up." I looked and well, it was not spit up. I guess I was not walking faster then the birds. needless to say I cleaned the tray right away.

While in San Fran, last weekend, we got to spend time with friends that the boys and I have not see in a long time. We had a great visit and they were so patient with are little guys. They actually did more parenting then we did during the visit (Mitch thankfully did not fall off the pier thanks to Sam and Mike).

Mitch loved the trolley ride, the water and the gellato.

The title of this post refers to a tradition we learned about this past week in China town, San Fran. At a very cool store re-opening we attended there was onions and lettuce hanging outside the store. We learned that means "Make more money." We also learned that the Chinese "Happy New Year" translate to make more money. No wonder Dave likes the people there so much. It was a really neat event and we were treated like honored guests. Mitch really liked the drummers, firecrackers and Dragons. Monte didn't get to see them because I had bad timing feeding him. It sounded great but I didn't see the really cool stuff. The whole event was great and we were so glad we made it a family trip.

The Grandparents

Here is a big Hooray for the Grandparents! The boys are so lucky to have each of you in their lives. So, great and grand we love you all. We couldn't and would not want to do it with out you.

Easter, a time to gain forgiveness

So, I wanted to have a section that I could just put a few thoughts. Of course Easter made me think of all sorts of things that I was grateful for. Dave and I really tried to teach Mitch the reason we celebrate Easter during our Family nights. I think a little of it stuck. I know at different times David and I each felt the spirit confirm what we were teaching.
This also relates to special experience I had this week. It was small but special. Mitch is two and although he is a really good boy, he is still occasionally a two year old discovering his freedom. Well, I have found myself to be less patient then I want and need to be. I have raised my voice and definitely gritted my teeth lately. I could tell Mitch was bothered by my anger. I felt so bad. I prayed and prayed one night that I could be more patient and not get angry. I prayed I could be more like a sister in our ward at church who was the picture of serenity. Well, part of the answer to my prayer came when that same sister spoke in church on Sunday and spoke of how she would get angry with her children when she was a young mother and her kids were small. She said she prayed all the time for help to be calm and loving to her kids. She spoke of how Easter was about receiving help and forgiveness from the Savior. Well, I felt that the message was just for me. I love my little boys and I am going to keep praying for patience and forgiveness.

Our Easter week

Good news, Monte is officially crawling! Bad news, he can get into things that mom, dad and as the picture shows, brother does not want him into. He is determined. We guess he will be walking before a year but, if not he will still get where he wants to go.

There was a three way tie for the funniest picture of the week (at least, I couldn't decide). Mitch wanted him and Monte to wear bunny ears to bed, well, why not. Finally, the bubble beards were completely be accident. Unfortunately a few bubbles were ingested in the making of the bubble beards.

This past week we had a visit from Nana Mary. We don't get to see Nana too often so, it was a treat. She got to see the boys in all their glory. Mitch even painted for her. Even with a full rain suit on he still managed to get the paint on himself.

I like these two pictures because it shows what a good sales man Monte is already. He got the better deal by far between the two baskets.

I can't seem to get the picture of Mitch to go the right direction so sorry, You'll have to turn your head. The boys had no shortage of Easter Egg hunts. They had one the week before with Charlie and Ella, one community one at the discovery center and one for the Grandparents that were in town. So, even though some eggs were filled with money and fruit snacks, Mitch candy then he needed. Monte found one egg just for him with plain cheerios in it. Dad was kind enough to help with some of the candy.

We hope everyone had a great Easter! We really enjoyed ours. I have proof in this picture of how patient Dave is. I found these matching ties and they were on sale, how could I not get them. I thought me three men looked so good. I was glad to see when we got to church that there was at least one other matching father and son. Thanks husband for going along with my silliness. I guess I didn't have enough dolls when I was young.