THE HASLAR BOYS

5 Reasons

2011-05-19T14:28:00.003-06:00

Here are the top 5 reason I have not been blogging.

#5 Golden Spoon

#4 5 new stores in 7 months

#3 Brooks

#2 Ty

#1 Cooper

Cooper

2010-10-20T13:47:00.002-06:00

Cooper decided he needed to help me unmake the bed when I changed the sheets. Then he got to rolling around and acting like a crazy person!

I couldn't resist a few snap shots

Skippyjon Jones

2010-10-09T08:21:00.006-06:00

I had promised Brooks once we owned a house he could get a new kitty. He had been asking forever for a pet cat. We finally took the time and went to the pound to get us a new kitty!Meet Skippyjon Jones! Brooks named him after a children's book by the same name.We decided he looked like an Oreo with cream filling right down the middle.He is a good kitty. He loves to play and is very patient with the boys.Meeting Dixie for the first time.
They do fine together. Dixie has been kind of jealous, but we have made sure to give her plenty of attention too.

They are just now really starting to play together.

resting with Mike

He is really Brooks' kitty, but all the boys like having a new kitty

Skippyjon lets them handle him and carry him around, he is good with them.

Skippy loves it when someone sits in the office chair.

Here he was helping Ty.

Skippyjon really likes to sleep with Cooper, only problem, Cooper does not like Skippy in his room. I usually have to shut him out at night to keep him off of Cooper's bed. Here he had snuck back in, luckily Cooper was already asleep.

Not only was he sleeping with Cooper, he was sleeping ON Cooper. Cooper would have died if he had know Skippyjon was on his arm.

They are friends now but it took Cooper a while to warm up to him.

Our New House

2010-10-06T14:06:00.002-06:00

I have finally had a chance to catch my breath and should be able to get back to blogging. Here are a few shots of our new house.There are still no interior pictures, they are hard to take and not show all the mess 3 boys make when trying to unpack a house! We are really enjoying our new house and all the extra space we now have.

I promise it will not be 3 months before I get back in business!

Oh the Hair!

2010-07-18T14:45:00.007-06:00

If I had a dollar for every time someone commented on or touched Ty's hair I would never have to work again.

I think this picture show his hair so pretty. It is really starting to loose it's curl. Where it is growing out at the crown it is really straight! Remember how long he was bald?
It took him forever to grow those curls!!!!

For all the boys to have gotten the curls. They draw a lot of attention to Ty that he does not really welcome, but he sure is beautiful!

Kindergarten Field Day

2010-07-18T14:33:00.000-06:00

Gearing up for field day! Brooks was so excited to have a real track and field day. Time for a race.

Just beat out by Hannah, but you will notice she did cut him off and came into his lane.Tug of war is FUN when you are 6!

There were water events too.

Tricycle races

Everyone seemed to have a great time at Field Day!

School Pictures

2010-07-02T11:31:00.001-06:00

Cooper and Ty had some new school pictures taken. I like the back drop, but I think it is hard to see them. Maybe I'll do these and then crop some so we can see their faces a little better too!

Suuuuuuuper Cooooooper

2010-06-23T23:13:00.000-06:00

Cooper loves to play dress up. I think Superman is the cutest.

I think Superman is suppose to wear shoes. No trouble here. I am thinking about cutting off Cooper's hair--it would really change his look.

That cute little mug.

Rockies Game

2010-06-22T23:38:00.000-06:00

When we were in Denver over Memorial Day we got to take in a Rockies game. One of our favorite things to do when we get back to town! Papa and the boys.

Ty of course was sitting next to Mimi.

hmmmmmm, how can I get some of Papa's ice cream?

Ask and you shall receive!

We had a fun time at the game! The boys ask all the time when can we go back to another Rockies game.

Mother's Day

2010-06-14T10:18:00.007-06:00

Mike and the boys took me to brunch at the club for Mother's Day. We had a really nice brunch and then I wanted some pictures of me with the boys.

Cooper was the least cooperative, but I think we got some nice pictures! It was really bright and windy, we should have stayed inside.

Black Eye

2010-06-08T09:30:00.000-06:00

Poor Brooks got his first black eye! It hurt him so bad and I just knew when he pulled away his hand he was going to be bleeding! I still don't know how the skin didn't open, it is so thin right there on the brow bone.

You can see where the dirt and tears ran down his cheek :(

These pictures are from the next day. It looked much worse after a nights sleep. All of the swelling had moved and the colors had changed by day two.It was really hurting by day two with all the swelling. He had to really work to open the eye. We considered skipping school but he wanted to go and show off this shiner. Mike said when he dropped him off all the kids wanted to see what had happened. Brooks loved the extra attention. It stayed black and green for quite a few days. At least it had pretty much cleared up in time for graduation and graduation pictures!

Trampoline pics

2010-06-07T10:29:00.000-06:00

Just some random pictures from the boys on the trampoline. The boy spend hours out on that thing!Brooks is very good about letting the little boys play on it too.

Cooper really gets some air.

Ty tries, but he is so light he has to really work at bouncing. He still loves it though.We got them 3 big bouncy balls too which is fun to kick and roll on the trampoline too. It is nice to have something they can all go out and do together.

Brooks' Party

2010-06-06T10:23:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Brooks' party with his friends. We had a really nice turn out. It was a cool and over cast day but the rain and snow stayed away!

Pinata time. All the kids were lined up and waiting their turn.

Brooks got some really cool things from his friends.

We had a really nice afternoon, and party season at our house is over until next February.

Brooks Birthday pt 2

2010-06-04T08:30:00.000-06:00

Time for cake and gifts at home.

Every 6 year old needs a magician set--actually I think dad likes this the best.

Brooks was so happy to get Cariboo! All the boys love to play Cariboo.

Some great new clothes for summer.

Looks like someone had a great birthday.

I still have pictures to post from his party. Hopefully I can get those on the blog in the next day or two.

Brooks Birthday

2010-05-24T11:46:00.007-06:00

Brooks' birthday started out the way all birthdays start at our house..........................CUPCAKES for breakfast!Of course I have to have enough for everyone.We decided to let Brooks have his big gift before school, because he would have seen it when he went outside.Brooks got a trampoline!He had to jump awhile before school. We had allowed plenty of time because we knew he would be so excited.

He even let his brothers jump.

Finally after school and soccer he got in some good jumping time.

We went to the Last Steep for his birthday dinner. One of the 2 restaurant open during off season.Brothers

Then home and time for CAKE!

I have lots more pictures, I just wanted to spread them out so this wasn't a really long post!

Sea World

2010-05-16T11:17:00.010-06:00

Where we stayed in San Diego was at Mission Beach, which put us exactly 5 minutes to Sea World. It was cool to be so close. The boys were excited and we had to see the Shamu show.

They are pretty amazing.

Brooks was so excited to get splashed. He got a little wet, but not crazy wet.

Watching the dolphins. The dolphin show was getting a new stadium so it was closed, but you could still see them in a habitat that was open and they would swim very close. Cooper got splashed by a dolphin. He did not think much of that.

Brooks trying to feed a sting ray. He would hold the fish, but would not put his hand down when a ray came to him. I don't blame him, I wouldn't do it either.

Cooper would! He pet them and tried to feed them, but he usually dropped the fish before they took it from him.

Ty thought about it, but was much better at feeding the sea lions because he could just throw it to them from the rail.Daddy feeding some sting rays

There were so many things for them to explore and do besides the animals.

The boys stopped at the arcade for some game time. Ty loves whack a mole. It was fun that they were all big enough to play. At least we knew one of our boys would win the prize.And the winner was COOPER!

The bear he won was bigger than him! The two big boys were a little disappointed, but they handled it well.Caring away his winnings! Now we just had to figure a way to get it on the plane, luckily we still check car seats so it rode in Cooper's car seat bag.

Next it was time for some rides.

Mimi riding the tea cups with the boys.

We were a little worried about Cooper because he gets motion sick like his dad, but he did fine.

Look no hands

We had a lot of fun at Sea World.

More Beach Pictures

2010-05-13T08:45:00.003-06:00

Just a few more pictures of our time at the beach.

Burying Brooks

Big foot Cooper crushing all the sand castlesTy's turn to get buried

They do love to play together.

Ty got smart and spent a lot more time in the sand instead of the water.

My Baby is 6!

2010-05-06T00:36:00.000-06:00

Dear Brooks, You will always have a special place in my heart because you made me a Momma first. Not a day goes by that I am not proud of you! I am thankful on a daily basis that I was chosen to be your mom. You have always been such a thoughtful boy, such a kind brother, and such an awesome son. I can only begin to imagine what life will bring your way, but if you believe in Karma, you will have a life full of joy. You have a real love of life and it shows in everything you do.You are a very compassionate person.You like new challenges and meeting new people.You have such a young and innocent spirit~you love to playMay 6th marks the 6th anniversary of the best day of my life. I don't think I had ever been so happy. My wish was and continues to be for you to have a life full of happiness and love. You have always been the sweetest boy and I pray that is a quality that will follow you through your life. As I sit here and reflect on the past 6 years, I am flooded with how much love I have for you in my heart. Happy Golden Birthday Baby Boy!

Water Time

2010-05-02T16:40:00.008-06:00

Finally it was time for the boys to try swimming in the Pacific. Those of us that have been to the Pacific know that it is cold, really cold, all of the time. These boys did not care about that small fact~they were going in!

Here Daddy is laying some ground rules about the water. It is nice knowing Daddy use to be a lifeguard.Once they finally put their feet in, they spent most of their time running back and forth trying to beat the waves.It looks like Cooper finally gave up, but oh no, he went back for more. Cooper kept falling down when the tide would go back out. He would get confused when he watched the water go one direction and he was trying to walk another direction.

Lots of things to explore at the beach.

It was really bright and I couldn't see the screen on my camera, Cooper almost ran right out of the picture.

Ty stayed pretty close to Daddy. He is not very adventurous.

I wish I had taken a picture back towards the beach, then you could have seen that it was only us out there! No one else was crazy enough to be down at the water that day.

Beach Time

2010-04-28T09:21:00.005-06:00

When we first got to San Diego the boys were so anxious the see the beach and ocean! We went down to check it out and then got some lunch before going in our suits.

They were chomping at the bit and could not wait to get in that water--even thought it was FREEZING!

Pump It Up!

2010-04-26T14:54:00.011-06:00

One morning in La Quinta, while the guys were golfing, we took the boys to Pump It Up. It was so much fun and the boys loved it. It is a warehouse type building filled with all sorts of bouncy castles!Even thought the boys just want to swim the whole time we are there, it was fun to have a way to burn some energy.Lots of climbing, sliding, and jumping!

Cooper and Ty going together--oh wait................Cooper went with out Ty

Cooper getting some air.

Crazy big air hair!

You can tell that it was not too crowed--just our boys in this one bounce.

The boys spent a lot of time on the giant slides. They were really steep and fast.

I love how Ty looks like he is trying to slow down. There was one giant castle that was an obstacle course. It was funny to watch them try to maneuver through the obstacles. The boys pretended they were on "Wipe Out"

Over and under

Hot little boy--Cooper had run and played so hard he was hot and red faced!

Played out! We had so much fun! I can't wait to take the boys back!

Finally

2010-04-23T16:24:00.003-06:00

I finally got all of my trip pictures (all 166) downloaded--hopefully I can get them all posted soon.

Hunting Eggs @ 9000 ft

2010-04-15T09:10:00.000-06:00

This is what Easter looks like at 9000 feet!Both Mike and I were having a little trouble being in the 'spirit' of Easter--then we realized it was because we are so over and snow and nothing about Easter and snow makes you think, renewal, rebirth, new life. The boys were very into hunting eggs so after the snow stopped, Mike re hid all the eggs outside. Mike was determined to wear shorts because it was Easter and you are suppose to be able to wear shorts on Easter! Whatever--it made for some funny pictures.
Here they come! Hunting for eggs in their snow suites............

The dye all reactivated, it was messy, but made for some cool effects in the snow.

They were pretty easy to see in the snow.

"Hey this has snow on it!"

The boys really didn't seem to mind the weather.

Time for the big count. At least the deck had melted so they had somewhere to sit and count the findings.

"cheeeeeese"

Cooper is always eating snow!

We had a fun family day and I think the boys had a nice Easter. Hopefully next year it will at least try to be spring!

Easter

2010-04-08T09:09:00.009-06:00

We are happy to report the Easter Bunny made it through the snow and came to our house! Getting their baskets on Easter morning.

not a great picture--but can you see all the snow both on the ground and still snowing?

The Easter Bunny was very kind and hid the eggs in the house this year.

Ty loved his new stuffed bunny and stuffed chicks. Ty loves all stuffed animals.

So many fun new things!

Brooks and his new bunny.

Cooper's favorite part was defiantly the candy!!

We had a great morning despite the weather!

Time To Dye Eggs!

2010-04-05T12:00:00.008-06:00

Time to dye the Easter Eggs! They boys were soooooo excited! I was getting them paint shirts, but they all agreed that shirtless was more fun.

such concentration

Cooper really had fun this year. It is fun to see him now be big enough to do things with his brothers.

Ty took the whole process very seriously! He does not do anything half way.

Brooks did great too. He really worked hard the whole time.

Messy fingers!No matter how careful we are, we were all dyed for a few days!

Cooper must have only used his right hand, his left is completely clean. (I had not noticed this until these pictures)

Finished product--all colored and ready for the Easter Bunny to hide!

Cooper Skis Too!

2010-04-02T19:23:00.000-06:00

We have some cute video of Cooper skiing too! (We don't have any video of Ty skiing because he was always with his instructor and we didin't want to disrupt his lesson)

No Sign of Spring Here!

2010-04-01T12:53:00.005-06:00

It is still snowing here and there are no signs of spring, well maybe a few birds. Ty is now worried that the Easter Bunny will have to hide eggs in the house instead of outside. He wants no part of that bunny coming into the house.Dixie loves the snow

It is a good thing the boys all like to play in the snow.

If the Easter Bunny does hide eggs outside they sure will be easy to find on the white snow. Maybe we won't color them, now that would make for a hard egg hunt!

Brooks Video

2010-03-29T12:11:00.003-06:00

I finally got some video of Brooks skiing downloaded. It takes forever to load! Usually the battery on my camera dies before it is finished loading! Remember you can mute the music on the side bar before playing video.

Skiing with Mommy

2010-03-23T10:02:00.006-06:00

Mike tries to take Brooks skiing on a regular basis. For what ever reason it has not really worked out from Brooks and I to go together. We finally made the time to get on the hill, with Daddy too. Brooks does so well skiing. It is amazing to me the progress he has made over the last year. I guess he is just bigger, stronger, and more coordinated in general which helps in the ski department, that and he had a great instructor this season.

We had a great time. Mike took some video of him and I just need to find the best one and get it downloaded! I am sure it won't be long and all 3 boys will be out skiing me!

Pile of Puppies

2010-03-22T10:21:00.000-06:00

I looked over the rail the other day and this is what I saw. All three boys in one little boy chair. We have more than one chair boys!

They really like being together!

Another Birthday Party for Ty

2010-03-14T16:38:00.010-06:00

And one last party to wrap up Birthday Week............We had a birthday party for Ty and his friends from school on the Saturday following his birthday. Sponge Bob is king at our house.

Ty and Isaac

Play Time!

Getting some air--I had one picture like this Ty jumped clear out of the frame

Cooper's turn It was a small crowd but we had a good time to wrap up birthday season at our house.

Ty's Birthday at School

2010-03-08T13:23:00.002-07:00

Ty's birthday fell on a school day this year so he got to take cupcakes to school for snack. He was so excited.

Ty's class at Little Red--dang crown won't stay up. This little guy, Rhodes, has the exact same birthday as Ty.

Cooper's Birthday Pt 2

2010-03-07T09:09:00.006-07:00

I just realized I did not get a very good picture of Cooper's birthday cake. We went out to family birthday dinner and then came home for cake and gifts.

Cooper's cake was Diego, Dora, and Boots themed cake.

I am 3 now!

I can't believe we made it to 3, 4, and 5! It seems like just yesterday they were all so little.

Time for gifts!

Cooper got an umbrella--the boys love going out in the rain. Now if it would just stop snowing long enough to rain.
He got lots of help from his big brothers.

Cooper had a really good birthday--now next year if we can get him to pick somewhere beside Subway for his birthday dinner.

Happy Birthday Coop!

Cooper's Birthday

2010-03-04T09:47:00.006-07:00

Then it was Cooper's turn! Cooper was so happy to be 3! It is tradition in our family that you get a birthday cupcake for breakfast the morning of you birthday.Cooper wasted no time opening his box from Mimi and Papa. I think he had a pretty good idea it had a robe in it. Slippers tooI even broke down and bought the boy some strawberries and cream for his birthday breakfast! He was surprised and happy to get his favorite breakfast treat!

Modeling

Just like Cooper was close by in Ty's pictures, Ty was close by in all of Cooper's pictures. Before we started breakfast, Cooper looked at Ty and said, "I am 3 now just like you, to which Ty replied nope I am already 4" Cooper thought and thought and thought and then just went on. I am guessing he will always be chasing Ty, but Ty will always have one full year and a day on him.

Two clean boys in their robes!

Ty's Birthday

2010-03-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

You have never seen a boy so proud to be 4! On the morning of Ty's 4th birthday he was so happy to be 4. Opening a gift from the mail.

Birthday cupcake for breakfast.

He does love opening cards (Cooper was close by to get in on the action.

On Ty's actual birthday we had a family dinner and then cake as a family. His party was not until the weekend following his birthday.

That is a big smile!

Time for CAKE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TY!

Ty in his new robe. Who knew that a kid could love a robe so much?!?!?!

Boat Ride

2010-03-01T15:09:00.001-07:00

Cooper and Mimi riding the boat over to the T-Rex Cafe. Just a few parting shots from our trip to FL

Brooks ring the captain of the boat gave him.

We had such a nice trip. I really hope we can get to the PGA show again next year!

Bowling

2010-02-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Another real highlight of our trip was going bowling with Michele, Derrek, and the girls! Kids do love bowling!!!!! Drew was a bowling machine

She did great!

Mimi helped us corral Cooper and Ty to keep them back when it was not their turn. Callie would help Cooper bowl when it was his turn, which was great because then both Mike and I could bowl too.

Mike helping Cooper

Ty practicing his new favorite thing, standing on his head. He does this all the time!

Wait for it.......

Thank goodness Mimi was there to hold him up.
Brooks did really well too--but Ty beat all the kids.

We had a blast. I guess not only kids love bowling--we all had a great time. <>

Posing with Dora

2010-02-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

This statue of Dora was by our room at the hotel. This was the only Dora that Cooper was going to get next to. Took so many shots to get a picture of all three looking!

Oh Brooks.......

This one is good of Ty and Cooper

T-Rex Cafe

2010-02-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

One of the nights we went over the Disney Village and took the boys to the new T-Rex Cafe. I was really excited and thought the boys would be too, but they weren't ;( They were terrified!

This is the t-rex that meets you at the door, right at the check in stand. All three were already crying by this time--Brooks said he was scared because they have skin. I will give him that. In trying to rationalize with him about not being scared he said the dinosaurs at the museum are just bone and not alive. He really thought these were alive. In true Disney fashion they were very big and had animatrionics running them that were very life like! It was so neat and amazing how big the dinosaurs were.This octopus is over the bar and aquarium. His tentacles move and were very life like.

Once the boys ate dinner there was a neat area they could dig, clean sand, explore and be archaeologists, or is it paleontologists?!?!?!

They really liked this part of the evening!

Brooks may have found a new career.

After digging they got to build a dino friend. It was in the restaurant and worked just like build a bear. They each picked a dino and then got to stuff it, clean it, name it, etc.

Cooper cleaning and fluffing his

Brooks got a t-rex, Ty got a diplodicus, and Cooper got a brontosaurus

Covering their ears during one of the "storms" in the dining area

Mike and I thought the place was great and can't wait to go back! (Cooper was just looking over my shoulder and said he liked it and wants to go back) I was amazed at how scared Brooks was, and it was very genuine fear, maybe next year he will have a little better understanding!

Family Party

2010-02-20T08:23:00.010-07:00

One of my favorite things about going to Florida is getting to see all of Mike's extended family. Sunday we had a birthday party for all of the January and February birthdays. Mike and his cousin Tracy.

Did someone say "cake"?

Think Cooper was sick of having his picture taken?

It was so fun for the boys to see all of their cousins--many of whom we hadn't seen in a few years

They boys were completely spoiled by their aunts and cousins

Playing out on the tree swing

Everyone fell off the back side at least once

Aunt Michele's pig--or Drew's really--Batman

If you can't tell that is Ty peeing off of Derrek's dock. Leave it to our kids, Good boy, Ty

Sleepy

2010-02-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

Can you say, TIRED? The boys were on the go our whole trip--this day everyone needed a NAP Look how curly Ty's hair was in the humidity. It is never that curly at home.

It was kind of a drag to have to allow time back at the room for naps, at least we had a separate sitting room so I didn't have to stay in where they were napping.

I thought it was funny they all wanted in our bed to nap. You know they were tired because they weren't wrestling, they just dropped down and slept.

Poor Buddy

2010-02-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

One morning of our trip Ty cut his head open on a pillar at the hotel. He turned to run for Mike and I yelled for him to stop and he turned back right into the pillar. It was not a deep cut and did not require a stitch, but It bled like crazy!Mike walked around the corner right as it happened and looked up to see Ty with blood everywhere! I didn't have a room key but I did have some wipes in my purse. Mike had the great idea to have it looked at by the lifeguard staff--since they are all trained and had a first aid station. I thought this was the best idea! We didn't really think it needed stitches, but they had butterfly closures and antibiotic ointment for it. It was good to have someone else look at it and give us some reassurance.

Ty now has a permanent (scar) souvenir of our great trip.

Lunch With Mimi

2010-02-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

One of the days Mike had to work Mimi came over and helped with the boys and then treated us to lunch! What a fun morning! Thanks Mimi!

Nick-a-low-dee-tell

2010-02-13T08:57:00.007-07:00

Cooper could not say Nickelodeon Hotel so it came out nickalowdetell. Thus that is what we all call it now. Just wanted to share some more fun pictures from our time around the hotel. There was so much for the boys to do on property it was really great for us the ages that the boys are.I think all boys love putt putt golf.

We did this one morning waiting on the pool.

Ty of course took this very seriously. He is soooooo competitive--and boy he'd better win!

The pools were great! The big pool was heated and was very warm. The slides were not heated and were very COLD!

This was one of the little slides in the toddler area, it was plenty warm.

These boys do love the water.

This is the big slide and play area, it was way to cold for me. Brooks and Drew didn't seem to mind, but Ty wanted no part of it. Callie helped Cooper up and down and he loved it too.

FLORIDA

2010-02-11T17:34:00.005-07:00

I have so many great pictures from our trip to Florida and I don't really even know where to start. I guess I will start with the super fun Nickelodeon Hotel and all the fun characters we got to see. The hotel had a great little "mall" area with food and stores and the arcade. This was the best place to see the toons. They had a schedule so you could tell who would be out when. Brooks of course LOVED this! He was a little confused because we have had conversations about cartoon characters not being alive, but drawn, so he did have a little trouble processing the giant costumes.Ty did not love the character part! He finally got next to Sponge Bob because dad did not give the option! Cooper would have NO part of this! Mimi tried to help him see Dora--he was not having it!

Brooks was very happy to see and hug Dora

One of the mornings we signed up for the character breakfast. It was a buffet and the characters just stroll around while you eat. This was fine with Brooks, but his brothers did not get much breakfast that morning for worrying about who was where.
I love this picture, the character in the back is Pablo from the Backyardagains. He was not even in our range and you can tell by Ty's expression he is too close!

More Sponge Bob

Brooks and Patrick

Who doesn't love Patrick?!?!?!

I don't know why Brooks was not smiling-- he looks really tired

Here Dora was a little close for Ty--he just wanted to eat in peace.

This was right before Ty busted his head. This will forever be his last picture without that cut and scar.

Ty's First Time on the Lift!

2010-02-08T16:47:00.002-07:00

Sunday at Ty's lesson he got to ride the chair lift. So far his lessons had all been on the magic carpet, so he was nervous and excited to finally ride the liftThanks to his teacher Sparkles for the great pic! Good job TY!!!!!

How Can It Be?

2010-02-04T00:00:00.002-07:00

How can it be, my baby is THREE ?!?! I swear this was just yesterday! Having children makes you realize just how fast time really does go in this life.

I always get a little sad as we have birthdays because I realize my boys just aren't babies anymore! My baby you were, and my baby you will always be......

I get this look a lot!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUPER COOPER! You bring so much joy and laughter into my life. I don't know what I would do without you! I love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!

2010-02-02T23:53:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday, Ty! You are an incredible little person and I can't wait to see what this world has in store for you! Your beautiful smile brightens my day--it always has...and it always will!

Each day with you in my life, I am a better person!

It does not seem possible that 4 years has gone by so quickly, each one full of new reasons to love you!

You are kind, you are sensitive, you are beautiful, you are full of curiosity, you are smart, you are a good brother, and you are learning to share :)

You are such an amazing boy and I love you so much! Happy Birthday to my 4 year old TY!

Cooper on Skis!

2010-01-24T23:40:00.001-07:00

Cooper got to try out skiing today. He had been dying to because his big brothers do! I was very nervous but he did great. My pictures did not turn out very good, but I will get more. His skis are so little

He mastered the magic carpet very quickly. He never fell getting on or getting off. He kept trying to walk up it once he was on because it was not going fast enough for him.
Brooks was there to help while Ty took his lesson. Cooper was so well balanced. It was crazy how well he could shift his weight and recover without falling
OUCH! I swear his joints must be made of rubber.

He defiantly did not learn much in the way of technique, but he had fun and had a positive first experience on his skis. He even got to where he did not want any help at all! "No help, Mama" was shouted more than once. He kept looking back to see if I was staying back, then he would fall.
Dare I say he is a "natural"?

Sledding

2010-01-23T23:52:00.003-07:00

I wanted to share some video of the boys sledding. It is hard to film in the snow, because it is almost impossible to see them in the glare. Sorry for the jiggly camera too. (you can pause the music on the side bar if you want while you watch the video)

The boys love the sledding and it is another great perk of living in a ski town.

Cooper

2010-01-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

Showing off his new shark shirt :)

Skiing Pt 2 (or No Pictures Please)

2010-01-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

My mom commented on how tired Ty looked after his ski lesson. I told her that was my best picture and I would print how it really went. "Get this off of me so I can GO!" "DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE--HELP ME OUT OF THIS VEST"

The picture I used--not too bad

Really mad at me and the camera and ready to cry

He was exhausted and ready to head home. Poor baby, and all I wanted was an after shot :)

Ski Lessons

2010-01-20T07:47:00.003-07:00

This year Ty is finally old enough to start ski lessons. Both Mike and I were so nervous for him but he got out there and did it! Before they went out.

lots of gear

Cooper is pretty upset that he is not getting lessons. We are still trying to get him some time on skis, but he can't start the organized lessons until he is potty trained.

Ty; this is from his first lesson, but he has already had a second lesson. Here he was working on balance and staying forward in his boots and with his weight.

Brooks is doing great this year! He is all over the mountain. He is now having lessons twice a week and it is really helping his confidence. I think this year is better because he is more coordinated and stronger in general. It is fun to watch him doing so well.

Ty on his last "run" of the day

All done and ready to GO!

Pictures with Mimi and Grandpa

2010-01-18T15:30:00.005-07:00

These are some pictures I wanted to share from our recent visit with Mimi and Grandpa. I think there are some really good ones.

Cooper and Mimi

p.s. i included this one for the expression on Ty's face!

Brooks Class Ski Picture

2010-01-14T15:47:00.005-07:00

When you live in a ski town you get to do cool things like go skiing in Kindergarten. Brooks has skiing the next 4 Wednesdays instead of school, well with school, instead of class. I can't imagine the organization it takes to get all the elementary kids to the mountain and with instructors, but they do it every year for physical education credit.

Christmas Morning

2010-01-13T09:31:00.010-07:00

Just some snapshots to share from Christmas morning. I always think these will be great pictures, but it was such chaos it just looks like a big mess. The pictures of Ty and his dino Spike are the best!

It was so fun having Mimi and Grandpa here for Christmas! What a special treat for the boys!!!! Cooper was in awe

Ty was so happy with Spike! For those not familiar he is a robot-ish dinosaur (about the size of Dixie) There is a remote control to run Spike and it is very cool. learning to run the remote
Ty LOVED it!

Cooper is terrified of Spike! He will walk through a different part of the house to avoid Spike--so of course his brothers love making Spike 'chase' after him--poor baby! This is one of my favorite pictures of the season. Cooper grabbed his truck and ran in to the family room to get away from Spike.

Brooks opening his stocking I love how sleepy Brooks looks in the Christmas morning pictures--last year looks the same--like he is not awake yet

Frosting Cookies with Mimi and Grandpa

2010-01-12T12:41:00.005-07:00

It is no secret that I do not like frosting Christmas cookies. Mike gets so mad at me, but by the time I make the dough, roll, cut, and bake the cookies I am over it. This means that frosting always falls to Mike. This year he had the honor of having Mimi and Grandpa here to help him and the boys with this chore. Of course the boys love frosting cookies

Mimi and Grandpa were a huge help. This took about half the time it normally does

Ty was the king of sprinkles!

It was so fun to have Mimi and Grandpa here to help!

When it was all said and done we had GREAT cookies.

2010-01-11T11:12:00.005-07:00

Mike and the boys have a tradition of decoraing a gingerbread house at the holidays. I had a Christmas party this night so they were on their own. We buy the pre-built house to cut down on the frustration of having to actually build the house.

Waiting their turn to frost

Frosting the roof

Candy time

Notice all the frosting on Brooks' mouth :)

Time to decorate

Such concentration

Finished product!

Brooks' Kindergarten Program

2009-12-22T15:02:00.004-07:00

Brooks had his first program at the big school! It was really crowded and we were not early enough to get a very good seat. Luckily Mike had gone on ahead and got a pretty good spot to stand. This is the first number they did and it was all the K-4 kids. I challenge you to try to find Brooks! They put the little kids down front on the floor. He is about the center of the picture in the navy and white sweater.

I felt like we were pretty close, but the pictures were horrible. Here is when it was just the Kindergartner's turn. Brooks is again on the floor, which made it hard to see him, I don't know why they put them on the floor when they had risers.

Brooks did great! He was so excited for his program. When he found us in the crowd

he would wave and blow kisses--what a ham! I finally got a picture in the hallway so you could see that Brooks was there.

Eating his candy from Santa

This would have been a really great shot if Ty had kept looking :)

It was -7 as we left school after the program--BURRRRR!

He Did It!

2009-12-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ty got on stage and sang at his Christmas program! He had talked about doing it, said he was going to, but when the time came he was really nervous and anxious. Really not even when the time came, when the day came--he would start crying and get upset when it was the day. Here he is where they lined up, you can see the apprehension in his face.

Brooks went over to hold his hand and help him. We also came up with the fact that he could take his puppy with him to hold.Here he made it to the stage, still nervous, but up there.Once they got going he did fine. Mike thought he looked on the verge of tears the whole time, but I thought he relaxed a bit. He did all the motions and all the parts, but didn't sing very loud :) we were just glad he did it!

We made a huge deal out of it and then took him out for pizza afterwards!

Good Job Ty!

Our Tree

2009-12-13T20:35:00.001-07:00

It is tree time! The boys were so excited to get our tree.We had lots of help.

I don't know what Ty was doing--why he had such a funny smile. He looks like a crazy person.

I wish this wasn't blurry, I think it is so cute of Cooper.

Brooks still loves trains! This is a Thomas holiday train we bought on sale last year after Christmas, it was really fun to have it as a surprise this year. It was a good thing we still had some Thomas track because what it came with was not quite enough.

lights--we are making progress

ahhhhhh, finished product

***************OUTAKES*********************

more crazy person

Just Like Rockefeller Center......Not Reallly

2009-12-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was Crested Butte's annual light the night, night. There is a small, short parade to the big tree and then Santa light's the tree. This year Santa brought one of his reindeer to the parade. This was the first time for the reindeer and it was a huge hit! The reindeer making his way up Elk ave.

Brooks getting a lift to see the reindeer above the crowd.

Boosting Ty for a better view. I held Ty most of the time, he gets nervous in crowds--plus it is hard when you are so close to the ground in a group of adults.

It was really cold. I thought for sure in the single digits--but really it was about 11 degrees.

You can see Daddy enjoying this less and less with each boy. Cooper was having fun. Once Santa makes it to the tree he lights it up to start the season. After! Our beautiful tree is now lit for the rest of the year. One of my friends remarked it was just like the lighting in Rockefeller Center. Really it was a lot of standing in the cold for Santa to flip the switch. Brooks being silly

Santa Sighting

2009-12-05T15:34:00.006-07:00

I still have new pictures from our trip to California, but I am going to jump ahead a bit today. We took the boys to the holiday bazaar at the school and they got to see Santa. In the past we have not had much luck with Santa, but today the boys did GREAT! Ty did not believe his dad that Santa was going to be at the school. Hugs for Santa.

CHEEEEESE!

This seems to be the only picture I got with Brooks and Santa. He was very first and I was not quite ready. He got right in there and told Santa what he wanted.

Next was Ty's turn. We did not think he would do it but he went right up and let Santa put him on his lap.

Ty asked Santa for Spike the Dinosaur. Here he seems to be explaining the specifics of Spike the Dinosaur. He was telling Santa there are spikes all over him and he is green. It was really cute.

Cooper was not as sure about Santa but he was not going to be left out.

I am not sure he gave Santa any suggestions, but he went up and saw him.

Mike and I were both floored the boys did so great! It was really fun to have them excited to see Santa. We were first in line and they did not have time to think about being scared.

This afternoon Ty asked me if we had any carrots. When I told him we didn't he was worried we wouldn't have any for Santa's reindeer. Then I had to explain that today is NOT Christmas Eve. It could be a long 19 days.

1st Snowman of the Season

2009-12-01T18:02:00.003-07:00

This the the first snowman made of the season. Mike helped Brooks and Cooper with this on a Sunday afternoon. I thought they did a great job! Very creative on the face!

We have not really had snow since then--the resort really needs it to snow.

It may take me a few days to blog again. I feel very guilty sitting at the computer when I look around at all the work I have left to do on the move! (that and Christmas breathing down my neck ;)

Small Break

2009-11-16T12:16:00.002-07:00

The blog will be on a short hiatus while we get moved. Hopefully it won't be too long before we can get reconnected at the new house!

Cooper & Dinger

2009-11-12T08:46:00.007-07:00

If there is one thing my boys all love, it is going to a Rockies game. There are very few things they all agree on but this is one of them. Ty is so enthralled with the game of baseball he will watch an entire game. He has learned the players and knows some of the players numbers. Brooks loves the food and the crowd, but Cooper LOVES Dinger (the mascot)

These pictures are from a game this summer.

One trip we went to the dugout store to get a new jersey and hats. Cooper had his eye on a Dinger doll, but by this time we had checked out and the crowd was huge. So there would be no Dinger for Cooper. He didn't really care but I had wanted to get one for him. In the mail a few days later Cooper got that Dinger doll from his Papa. It has been a long time since I have seen Cooper that excited. He sleeps with Dinger most every night and he is never far from his side. Case in point. Thanks Papa!

A boy and his Dinger :)

Halloween

2009-11-07T13:58:00.007-07:00

In keeping with tradition we went to Denver to trick or treat with Evan this Halloween. It is really hard to trick or treat around here so we like to go to my parent's neighborhood where there are sidewalks and houses close by. Evan was Ash from Poke Mon, Cooper was a dragon, Ty was the skeleton, and Brooks was a Sumo wrestler.

The boys were so glad to have a chance to spend Halloween together.

Brooks' costume was so funny. It had a little fan that ran to keep it inflated.

To say they were wound up and ready to go is an understatement.

Ty had a skeleton mask that he wore a lot--that is until it was actually time to trick or treat

Getting readyCooper was kind of scared by the whole process. He was not fond of the dressed up big kids who were coming and going around him, and some people answered the door dressed up. He was a little nervous the whole night.

Off they go! The little boys didn't last too long, so Randy took Evan and Brooks a few more blocks after we dropped off.

Denver had had some snow, but the walks were clear and it was a pretty mild night.

Cooper had trouble with the steps, and had trouble remembering the steps on the way back down. Evan was kind enough to hang back with Cooper and make sure he had a hand on the way down. (even though Cooper didn't usually want the help)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Cheese

Soccer

2009-11-03T13:43:00.005-07:00

Soccer has finally ended in Crested Butte--and just in time. It snowed on our last practice and picture day and is really getting too cold for soccer. (ofcourse the kids don't think so) Brooks receieved this award from his coaches and we are so proud. He didn't love soccer when he first started, but has turned into quite the soccer player.

He was one proud guy! (and still asks when practice is--luckely not until spring)

Pumpkin Time Again

2009-10-23T16:15:00.010-06:00

We have carved our pumpkins for Halloween! We started with Mike cleaning the pumpkins. I hate doing this and Mike just jumped right in and did them.Cooper really didn't want to put his hand in the pumpkin but he did

Ty's finished product

Daddy helped Brooks

*******************OUT TAKES********************
just some silly shots
for being such a cute boy Ty sure is un-photogenic

Ty Masters (well kind of) the Monkey Bars

2009-10-18T13:13:00.005-06:00

Ty decided it was time to work on his monkey bar skills

He has such determination when he puts his head to something!

This was a small set of monkey bars and were made for smaller kids because they were pretty close to the ground. Looked like a good challenge to Ty.

awww man!

SUCCESS!

He can really get it swinging. I wish I had a sound track of his dialogue about this. He did not give up--he just kept trying over and over.

try again

I can do it!

A Little Scrapbook

2009-10-10T15:35:00.000-06:00

This is a scrapbook I made of the boys with some pictures from the past few months.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Enjoy.

I Couldn't Resist

2009-10-07T05:09:00.003-06:00

Ty is not a big fan on sitting on the potty. He would much rather stand. Now he has gotten to where he will sit to do his business, but he has to have all of his things and be plenty comfortable. Step stool, potty seat, DS or reading material is a must.

I just thought he looked so cute sitting on the potty. I know he will hate me for this someday :)

Pictures From Lake City

2009-10-04T18:00:00.001-06:00

After Brooks was done playing soccer in Lake City we went down to the river to get some pictures of the boys. It was a beautiful morning and the changing colors were so pretty.

Why do boys love throwing rocks so much?

cheesy smile

These were too far away to really see us very well.

Plus, getting all three to look continues to be a major feat. Cooper looks like he is picking bugs off of Ty.

I wish I hadn't put a hat on that morning. I didn't think about pictures at the river.

The fall colors were so spectacular that weekend. I am sure they are all gone now as we have had several really windy stormy days.
"The Boys" throwing rocks and being boys.
They do love to climb and explore. If I had planned ahead I would have taken a change of dry clothes so they could get in the river, but I was not prepared for that on this trip.

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

2009-10-02T08:03:00.002-06:00

It was 10 degrees when I put Brooks on the bus this morning, and the sun was up! I guess winter really is right around the corner. The leaves have changed and most have already dropped. I guess it is time to get out the puffy coats.

Soccer Monster Part Two

2009-09-28T20:35:00.003-06:00

This week's soccer game was here in CB and I did not take my camera.....but our little soccer monster made a GOAL! He was so excited. Brooks was definitely not having his best game--not much hustle and kind of lack luster, but he was in the right place at the right time and had the perfect shot. He was so proud. (us too)

Soccer Monster

2009-09-27T09:22:00.011-06:00

Brooks has started fall soccer and seems to really be enjoying it. These pictures are from a tournament we went to in Lake City (85 miles from Crested Butte) last Saturday. Brooks is in his yellow jersey and grey pants.in the openLast season Brooks would kick the ball good, but then not run and dribble it. This season he has really learned to run and advance the ball at the same time.You can't see this very well but Brooks got to do the throw in They scored off of his throw in Celebrating the goal.

Getting some instructions from Coach RileyThis trip they played 2 games against the Lake City kids. Porter calls it the championship game since they get to travel.

Our team is rainbow colored because not everyone makes the trip to Lake City. Just a couple from each team so everyone wears their jersey from their team in Crested Butte.

It was kind of a long trip for a couple of hours of soccer, but it was fun and we got to see a part of the state we had never been before.

School Park

2009-09-22T08:57:00.001-06:00

One of the schools in Alva has a great playground and we took the boys to play when everyone needed a break from 3 boys. This is the basketball court that had 4 low baskets. Ty of course loved this. He is a sports fanatic. Even thought these were low it was still tricky for him to make the shot.Ty was not going to leave until he made a shot in each basket. Mimi and Cooper were trying to be patient.I love how you can see his shorts falling down in this picture. He was really working at this basketball thing.SUCCESS! He did it. Once he made all 4 shots he went ahead and played at the rest of the playground.Teeter-totters and fun and you don't see them at parks much anymore.

This was the neatest toy. It had5 bike seats and the boys could pedal in a little circle.

I loved it for Cooper because he could just practice how it feels to pedal.

constantly trying to 'catch' that brother

so fun

Sometimes it is fun to play at a park that is 'old school' (Mimi Susan did go to Elementary school here) Today's parks are so modern and pc it was fun to take the boys to a really different park environment. They loved it.

Anyone Know

2009-09-21T19:14:00.002-06:00

Does anyone know a good divorce lawyer?I think I have grounds-- this much snow in September?

Mike still hasn't come home, I think he is too scared.

Meet Romo

2009-09-20T21:53:00.002-06:00

When we were in Oklahoma my cousin Amy and her husband Kyle came to see us and brought their puppy Romo with them. Romo is part Australian Shepard and loved 'herding" the boys in my grandparents backyard. Ty at first cried because he is a little scared of dogs. Brooks loved him because he was small and fast, Cooper cried because Ty cried. Once the boys went in the house they discovered it was fun to look at and play with Romo through the door. It was really cute and I could not resist the pic. All the boys warmed up to Romo and they had a great afternoon running and playing in Granddad's huge backyard. (and kiddie pool--Romo could not stay out of the water)

We Start Them Early

2009-09-13T09:48:00.003-06:00

Cooper enjoying his first Starbucks. It was just hot chocolate but it looks like he is swigging coffee.He is the only one of the boys who wants a taste of my coffee, and he seems to like it, he always wants more.

Let's Ride the Bus!

2009-09-11T16:01:00.002-06:00

Brooks had been dying to ride the bus to school. Both Mike and I had been nervous about sending him on the bus (just nervous parent stuff). We had some trouble with the timing because he has to be ready so much earlier than if Mike takes him, but finally Thursday it all came together and he got to ride the bus! This is Brooks' friend Rowen who gets on at the same stop as Brooks. At the next stop 3 more kids in his class join them. All told 6 kids out of his class of 14 ride the same bus. Brooks' good friend Porter and his big sister Catherine are already on the bus when Brooks gets on so we knew Catherine would look out for Brooks once he got to school. And away they go, it was a big step for Mike and I but Brooks handled it like a pro!

Kindergarten......We Made It!

2009-08-31T21:33:00.012-06:00

Well the day finally came with or without my blessing. Brooks could have not been more proud to be starting school. He loves school and everything that goes with it. You can see how puffed up he is about getting to start Kindergarten.I took these so we could look back and know we were in Crested Butte when he started school. (not just in front of a brown door.)wearing his new shirt from Mimi Anna and Grandpa Ralphmodeling his new backpack--of course it looks huge on himHe suggested I take this picture of him putting on his shoes! How funny!Walking to school with DaddyI love how you can see him pulling Mike. He could not get in that building fast enough. He actually told me I could let him out in the parking lot and he could go the rest of the way. ( i didn't think that was suppose to happen until middle school)

Finally one last picure with his teacher Miss Emmy. He does not look too thrilled and I am sure was just ready for me to leave and be getting on with the day. He did great on his first day and had fun with his friends. His class has 14 students and he went to preschool with more than half of them. I am so excited for him and what this year ahead will mean for him!

Water Park in Oklahoma

2009-08-27T12:12:00.002-06:00

This is the great new water park in Woodward OK where my Aunt Joy and Uncle Scott have just moved. We saw my uncle for lunch and then took the boys to swim, but there was some weather in the area and they were having a lightening delay. We would have just skipped it and left but the boys were not leaving without getting in the pool!Ty was trying to wait so patiently--but it was hard. Finally the weather cleared and we were able to swim (not a ton because grandmother and granddad were waiting for us at Scott's house)I am not sure how we got them to hold still long enough for this picture.

They were going three different directions the entire time.

At first Cooper was scared of the slide, but after I literally pushed him down he realized it was fun and went many more times.

Brooks needed no encouragement! He was a happy kid that we got to swim after all the waiting.

smiling for the camera

There was a great toddler pool too. Ty really liked the toddler part as well as the big pool.

controlling the water

and a little slide

While my mom was watching the little boys in the small pool a photographer came over and wanted some pictures of them for the local paper. Sure enough they were published the next day. My Uncle was sending my mom the clipping from the paper but I have not seen it yet.

The boys liked that they could do this slide together. It was very small but they had a great time racing on this slide.

So fun! We can't wait to get back to Oklahoma and swim here again.