Garden: Stage One

This yeas is the year. Our first garden. I couldn't be more excited. Today we started the battle. It has been sitting for at least two years. The dirt was rock solid and littered with nasty weeks. Scott took a few before pictures, but honestly, you can't see the half of it. 

Kyle watched Scott rototill for a good 20 minutes. 

The after doesn't do it justice either. It looks amazing. The dirt is soft and the weeds are gone. 

Scott was exhausted. 

But had enough energy for one happy dance picture. Yes, Cache is in his underwear. He's not naked, so its a win. 

A good close up of our (mostly Scott's) hard work. 

We'll spray weeds one last time, till in some compost and finally plant. Only half though, the other half is going to be a digging adventure land for the boys and they are so excited. Pictures to come! 

School Lunch Date

The boys and I surprised Tayden for lunch the other day. I was supposed to be dropping off a lunchable since we ran out of lunch groceries, but when we walked into the store and Beckett saw the Chinese self serve food, he begged for it and I thought it'd be fun to surprise Tayden for lunch. So that is what we did. We scooped up a bunch of orange chicken and some rice and headed to the school. Tayden was surprised, but happy to have us. 

Tayden and his buddy, Austin. 

I can not believe this gobber is in 1st grade! 

The weather was nasty outside, so they had indoor recess. It consists of walking around the hall. 

Having lunch with this boy was sure an eye opener. I had quite a few girls tell me they had crushes on my son, or telling me who did. He also had a little girl following him around asking him to hold his hand! He politely declined. This age is really starting to discover the opposite sex and I am not quite sure how I feel it. But Tayden reassures me he doesn't have a girlfriend and doesn't want one for a long time. 

It was fun to see him in a different element and interact with different friends. We really belong to a great community with a wonderful school. 

It was a fun surprise for everyone. 

Day Worth Noting

Today was a good day. It all started when Ky decided to sleep through the night for the very first time in his 12 months, 1 week and 2 days of life. Of course, Beckett had a nightmare last night, so I was up with him. But I wasn't up with the baby, so its still a mega win. 

The sun was shining today and the weather was awesome so we decided to walk to Becketts preschool to pick him up. It was so nice to be outside and breath some fresh air. On the way, Jodie asked if we'd like to go to the new Gelati place down the road. We accepted and hurried home to get ready. 

Cache even did his own hair. With a gallon of gel. 

I had to laugh, because the other option was to freak. 

I knew there was trouble when I watched him walk into the kitchen fixing his mohawk. 

He sure was proud of himself. 

I even got a little sewing done today. The library basket was being ripped apart, so I fashioned up a little liner. Its not without fault, but still cute and will keep my basket in one piece. 

The best part of today was when Scott came home early to take us fishing. 

I love these sweet brothers.  

Cache had to join in. 

Kyle loved it too. 

The worst part of the day is that we didn't catch a darn thing. And Beckett was feeling cheated that he didn't get to fish. He threw an epic fit. He is really pushing every last button these days. It seems to be that five is going to be a rough year with Beckett. He feels everything so strongly and he feels legitimately picked on. We're going to have to figure something out, because these fits are getting old. 

I gave him a good talking to in the car and he calmed down. But was still upset. 

To soothe the pain of the evening, Scott went back to Rita's (the gelati shop down the road) and got us a treat to share. 

Today was an extra ordinary, but so great, day. 

Girls Night

Girls night with Jodie and Heather. We talked plants, kids, food and dreams. We wandered stores and ate until we couldn't anymore. They get me. And I am so grateful. 

Boy Being

I have the greatest friends. And on this beauty of a day, I spent the morning with them. Heather has the prime outdoor space and there is always an adventure to be found. Today, it was digging in the dry ditch for seashells. 

Even Ky got in on the fun. 

The boys, Cache, Jack, Owen and Beckett. Missing Hank, but if you look to the far left, you can see his little blonde head sticking up from the ditch,

It was the perfect morning and every reason I moved to Idaho. I longed for mornings like these and watching them come to life is a dream come true. 

Last Stat

Kyle had his one year check up today. Its my last one year stat!!

He is doing well. His growth has slowed down a little bit. Probably nothing to worry about, but something we are going to watch. The doctor said its most likely because he is moving more and nursing less. And to be honest, I'm not really surprised. I knew he was a little shorter....not like Cache short, but not tall like my other two. Its kind of funny really. We have a tall and skinny (Tayden), tall and stocky (Beckett), short and skinny (Cache) and now a short and stocky (Kyle). One of each. Regardless of his stats, he is healthy. And I have learned that that is the only thing that is important. 

At one year, Kyle is 30 inches and 22 lbs. Thats 33% for weight, 25% for height, and 72% for weight for height. 

 The famous grabbing for the phone pose. 

I went to Albertsons for the case lot sale and this was the only spot let for baby. He wasn't mad about it. 

Ky is always mimicking people. It cracks me up. I was sweeping the garage and he screamed until I let him have a turn. 

We love our short and stocky little man!  

One year with Kyle

Yesterday, we celebrated our first year with Kyle. We started the day off by taking everyone to the Museum of Natural History. The kids have seen the flyers everywhere and have been wanting to go for some time. Ky's birthday was the perfect excuse to go. The reviews were mixed. Tayden and Scott were not as impressed as the other boys and me. I was just happy to get out and do something different with everyone. And there was no arguing at all, so I call it a win. Regardless of the reviews, I got some great pictures. 

Scott told me that if something every happens to me, the kids won't remember what I look like since I am always behind the camera. So I am going to work on being in front of the camera more. 

Caches favorite dinosaur, the Triceratops.

Tayden with his favorite, the T-Rex.

Becektt loves the stegosaurus. 

Scott even got in the fun and dressed up like a mixed dino, protecting his baby eggs. 

I LOVE watching all four boys participate in the same activity. Kyle is so aware of his brothers and is always so quick to mimic them. 

 Scott proposed in the exact spot, just 3 days shy of the 10 year mark, I had to get a reenactment picture and lucky for me my seven year old can take pictures. 

A regular view of mine. 

In effort to get in front of the camera more, I took a selfie with everyone. 

 I love the way Kyle is looking at Tayden. 

 We had a quick little party for Kyle with our families that evening. He was spoiled and we were spoiled having such great support from everyone. I hoped to get pictures of Kyle with everyone at the party, but we started a little late and Ky was less than interested in pictures when everyone was leaving. 

The three older kids were big unwrapping helpers. 

Kyle loved his cake. 

Almost every time I get the camera out, Kyle holds out his hand and begs for it. I never want to forget his little chocolate hand outreached begging for the camera. 

Kyle is a pure joy. I can not express how much I love this son of my mine. Being the baby of the family, he holds a special place in my heart. He completes our family and is everything good. Watching him grow has been a complete pleasure. I look back at the year and can not figure out where time went. I literally remember his birth like it was yesterday. I'm flabbergasted that we've been with him for a year, but on the same token...can't remember life without him. I love Kyle. 

At one year Kyle:

-Still doesn't sleep through the night. Its our sleeping arrangements, I'm sure. He is in with Tayden, so the minute he cries I go in to grab him so Tayden can get a good night sleep.

-Is a walking machine. He has figured out how to stand on his own in the middle of the room, so instead of crawling to a wall to get up, he gets up on his own. He is walking almost 100% of the time.

-Is silly. He knows when people are laughing at him, so he'll keep doing the same thing over and over as long as he has an audience. 

-He throws everything. 

-Loves mommy more than anyone else.

-Can say Dada and has started saying bye bye, and will throw in an occasional word here and there...but only says mama if he is crying for me. 

-Needs to have something in his hand at all times.

-Loves to put objects in and out of various containers.

-Whines and whines until he gets his way,

-Loves to eat and begs for food from anyone that is eating.

-Claps, but only when prompted. 

-Gives high fives.

-Gives the best slobbery kisses.

I feel like Kyle sees and perceives things that most kids his age don't. Behind his eyes is a deep  understanding and knowledge of things around him. His presence in our family is an undeniable blessing. I'll never be able to express my full gratitude for my last baby. Scott wasn't sure he wanted a fourth, but I felt Kyle calling for me,  And holding the spirit that I felt so strongly in my arms brings tears to my eyes. 

Happy Birthday Ky Ky, we love you.