118 Days Late

I'm a little late posting our New Years Eve pics. 118, to be exact. 

It was a cold, rainy night and we decided to nix our plans to go South for the freaky puppet parade and stay home and enjoy a "dinner of appetizers", watch the ball drop together, and shoot off some fireworks. 

The kids were so excited for their candlelit meal. Some of their favorites were served: Cocktail Meatballs, Mexican Spinach Dip w/chips, fruits/veggies, and bubbly.

There was no shortage of food or horn blowing. I probably would have done better with a little less of both. Oh, the horns.

It always seems likes such a good idea when I'm in the store. I imagine the kids waiting for the ball to drop - when every grabs their horn in jubilation. Instead, they grab them the second they are out of their package - and use them as if they are ventilators. Ear Drums threatening to burst with each exhale of their excited lungs. Rarely do the horns last until the ball drops. It's the horns or my sanity. One day I will learn and won't open them until the ball is actually dropping. 

The kids had fun with glow in the dark balloon fights.

The kids (all FOUR of them) had fun shooting off "legal" New Year's Eve fireworks...which basically consist of confetti. Confetti + Deck + Rain = Not Fun to Clean Up. Dats what da mens are fer.

  

There was cake. 

And there was likely saliva on the cake.

They each made their New Year's Wish as they blew out the candles.

The sleepy eyes started to kick in and only one lasted to see the ball drop (Karah Kinz).

The three of us toasted again to the New Year with high hopes of the many joys and adventures 2013 would hold. Here it is, April 29th, and I can already say that 2013 has not let us down. What a great year it's been for our family. 

We look forward to seeing what surprises the rest of the year holds.

I love you, Little Bear Cubs. There is nobody I would rather party with, than you and your Papa Bear.

My Cub's a Wolf.

  Bradley is now a cub scout. A very CUTE Cub Scout.

He loves to wear his Wolf hat. 

His first Blue and Gold Banquet had the theme, "Shoot for the Stars". He had to bake a cake with his Dad to go along with the theme. They made our favorite chocolate bundt cake. 

"Bundt" is such a strange word. Bun-d-t.

They translated the theme quite literally with a gun shooting for the stars.

He was thrilled to come home with a prize for his yummy cake...but even more excited to feel so official at his first banquet. He was frozen during the flag ceremony as he watched the more experienced scouts post the flag. His eyes were huge. I will never forget how cute he looked.

He began working on his car for the Pinewood Derby that was right around the corner. 

The weigh in.

Bashful.

Call to order.

The Bracket.

The Listener.

Waiting for his car to race.

His turn!

The nerves kick in! He chokes himself.

 He chokes himself, tighter.

Grandma, Grandpa, and cousin Dave come to cheer him on.

His best friend, Connor, offers him moral support.

The juicy lips were there, too.

The thrill of competition was alive and well with all of the sub scouts.

One of Bradley's Den Mamas, Denise. We LOVE her! She is an awesome leader and always has the best activities planned for the boys. You can tell how much she loves them and she puts her heart and soul into her calling. Her daughter, Melissa, is the other Den Mama and she is a chip off the 'ol block. Incredible lady who is great with the boys. We are blessed to have such strong cub scout leaders in our ward. Bradley doesn't want to move because it will mean leaving his pack. They do make it tempting to stay.

Bradley was so excited to get his derby trophy and certificate.

Cloud 9.

 

Flying High

Donkey Hill is the perfect place to fly kites. The wind that comes through the valley stays pretty steady and when there is a storm rolling in...you best be holdin' on to sumpin. 

It was still technically "winter" but it felt so much like Spring that we decided to head to The Hill right after school was out. 

Sometimes it takes a little experience to get that kite flying and SOMETIMES there is a child that lacks said experience yet doesn't want anyone to help....which results in this look...

 It's hard being 5.

Bryce had some cuddle time with his pup and that cheered him up. 

Piper has a way of cheering anyone up. She's a special girl.

Finally. Victory was his.

Tommy T was out of town on business and so we were expecting his return.

He surprised us by driving up the back of the property.

We were all excited to see him...

But I think Piper was the most excited.

She greeted him at his truck...ready to play fetch.

The other animals looked perplexed. This must have been their first kite flying party.

Hoping for many more days like these...

Love my cubs.