Jaden and Forrest Jr.

Jaden and his cousin Forrest Jr. were sitting in the pool and they were taking turns playing "the Dad."

This is the conversation Charles overheard:

(Forrest is the Dad, and Jaden is the kid.)

F: You are NOT going to the party tonight, and you are NOT going to the club.

J: Why not?

F: Because your girlfriend will be there. And you can't kiss her.

J: Well. I'm GOING. (Swims to the other side of the pool and comes back)

J: I'm back.

F: Did you kiss her?

J: Yeah!

F: That's it! You're grounded! For a MONTH!


(Now Jaden is the dad and Forrest is the kid)


F: Can I go to a costume party?

J: Is your girlfriend gonna be there?

F: Yeah.

J: Well you better not kiss her!

F: I'm GOING to! (Forrest swims to the other side and comes back)

J: Well? Did you kiss her?

F: Yeah!

J: Fine. You're grounded for TWO months!

Go Take a Hike!

While Mere was here visiting last month, we decided to take the kids on a hike. We went to... this one place that I can't remember the name. Ummm... we'll call it the "Pleasant Grove/Lindon exit... 200 S. ...canyon." Yeah. That sounds good.


It's a gorgeous trail that Mere and Julie showed me a few summers ago.


It follows a stream almost the whole way so there's always water to stop and play in, or throw rocks into.


We only went as high as the waterfall, which took us almost an hour.


This is the view from our highest point, near the waterfall.


We stayed there and took a rest,


...re-hydrated...


...and taught Mere how to make alien hands.


Then on our way back down we stopped again for a snack. Poor Kaleb was not very happy with his food options.


Jaden and Bradley didn't mind.


Our descend was a lot quicker. It would have been even faster if Bradley didn't insist that he walk by himself. It was actually more of a run.

I think Jaden looks cool walking with Mere, with one hand in his pocket.


Kaleb finally cheered up a little.


It was a great trail for the kids and I think they enjoyed their first hiking experience.

Kaleb's Award

My first year of Preschool is finally over. My teachers made our class perform this like, "Broadway" singing program, which was followed by each of us receiving some special kind of award.

Well. I have worked very hard this year on ONE thing in particular. Being quiet. I did such a good job at this, that out of the entire school year, I only said one word: Mayflower. That's it. Not a single other word. My communication was a head nod or a head shake at best. Pretty impressive, huh?

Anyway, somehow, I made it through the long and "wonderful" singing program. Barely. Then it was time for the awards. I mean, awards are a big deal, right?

They called my name...

I bravely walked across the stage...


and accepted my award...


I couldn't hear much over the applause. My family is crazy. So I sat down to examine my paper.


What?! The Most Talkative Award?! Are you kidding me?

Man!

Do you know how hard it is for me to be quiet?

Just ask my mom and dad!

I worked so hard, all year long!

All for nothing.

No appreciation.

What a waste of time.

I am so done with this Preschool!


What? What's that? We get to celebrate at McDonalds?


Peace! I'm outta here!

Jaden's Award

Jaden is just finishing up Kindergarten. He did very well, made a lot of friends, and was overall, just a good student.


He earned a "Soaring Eagle" award. It's an award for students who have gone beyond the regular requirement of Kindergarten... or something like that. His certificate was nice...


...but Jaden was all about the medal. Way to go Jay!

Kaleb's Bus

Last week was Kaleb's last day of Preschool. To celebrate, they had a drive-in movie day. All the kids had to make a box-car to bring to school to sit in while watching their movie. Charles helped Kaleb out, and this is what they created.


Kaleb was so hyper that night... well... I guess he's hyper every night, but more than usual, on this particular night. I told him I was just going to take pictures really fast, and to just hold still. But for just about every shot I took, he made a different expression.






Such a ham. :)

Who Says Peer Pressure Isn't Good?

A few weeks ago one of Jaden's friends learned how to ride a 2-wheeler. That next weekend, Jaden asked Charles to take off the training wheels. First he mastered it on Kaleb's bike, then he moved on to his bigger one. Who says peer pressure isn't good? Thank you Caleb. :)

Here he is riding his big bike:

He's a little pro now. He rides with his feet up, and he rides standing up. The other day I even caught him trying to ride with no hands. Charles also taught them how to "make Ice Cream."


Yesterday he found some ramps set up and just couldn't resist trying them out.


But at least he had the sense to use Kaleb's bike with the training wheels. Whew.



It has become almost a daily ritual to take all the bikes to the church parking lot and ride for about an hour. I love it. Jaden will speed around...


...Kaleb either rides his scooter, plays in the car, or just runs around...



...and Bradley likes to be pushed on his bike, or push his babies in the stroller.






Charles really should get his own bike. But, it's pretty impressive that he can balance on a bike that barely reaches his knees.


I love going here because it is just so much less stressful then trying to ride around the neighborhood. They can ride as fast as they want, they don't have to stay together, and I can see them the whole time. Sometimes I take my iPod and just listen to a book while my eyes are on them. Yes. Fun for everyone.

To Nathan, From Bradley

Bradley has been working on a little surprise for baby Nathan. So... in preparation for the big day... Happy Birthday Nathan!