The Living Planet Aquarium

This last week the boys and I learned about Sharks and fish. Jayden’s favorite Shark is the great white and was excited to learn that they have several rows of teeth and when they loose one, another will always grow back. The kids and I took a trip to the Aquarium in Sandy. It was really fun for the kids to learn about fish in Utah’s habitat as well as in oceans around the world. They were able to pet sea creatures and stingrays. Jayden was a little skeptical about petting the stingray and decided to watch as Skyler did the petting. They loved the glowing jellyfish as well as the large tank full of sharks.

Growing Up!

SKYLER: He is my little snuggle bug. Anytime I need some cheering up, he is right there ready for a long hug. He absolutely adores babies and can’t keep his hands off of them. If there is a baby in the room, he is right there playing, mauling and kissing them. Lately he has become very persistent when he wants something. I no longer take him down the toy isles at the stores for fear of a major break down if I don’t buy him an action figure or specific toy. Skyler has become fascinated with bugs and spiders lately and makes me a little nervous every time he walks in the door yelling “come look what I found”.

JAYDEN: Jayden is my big helper. He has a few responsibilities around the house and gets paid for them on a weekly basis ( a whopping 50 cents). I told him he needed to take out the garbage and he replied he was going to quit his job. I explained that we all need to work and help out and asked what would happen if Dad quit his job. His answer was that he had plenty of money to support us and we could play all day. Wow, how would that be? Anyway, he often gets Aysia out of her crib after her nap and changes her diaper before I notice (and actually does a decent job). He starts 1st grade in 3 weeks. I am really going to miss him being around during the day.

AYSIA: I decided to take a few pictures of Aysia playing a couple of weeks ago. She is starting to look more and more like a little girl rather than a baby. She is so mellow tempered and easy going. She now has 6 teeth and has learned the word thank you and uses it on a regular basis. She also enjoys giving open mouthed kisses – mmmm! She loves playing hide & seek with her brothers although she is always the seeker. She squeals when she finds them.

Softball & Jamba’s!!

I absolutely love summer evenings especially those spent at softball games. The kids and I enjoyed watching Noelle & Janson play a few games along with grandma and grandpa Wright and Mom & Dad Pikus. It was usually a tradition to buy a Jamba Juice after the games. I look forward to playing in our “family” softball league this fall.

Swimming Lessons

Jayden and Skyler were both enrolled in private swim lessons at the Scera pool. Their teacher Missy was great. We went to a matinee movie and swimming once a week with Kristine, Noah and Cooper. We look forward to doing it again next year.

4th of July!

Our Fourth of July was spent in Wyoming with the Yates. We were fortunate to be able to buy and light off the big fireworks LEGALLY!!! We were able to light them off over Palisades Lake. We then watched a great firework show Alpine displayed. Jayden and Aysia both fell asleep near the end of the show.

Wyoming

We were able to take a very relaxing vacation to Star Valley with the Yates’ family. We were able to go to the Tetons and hike to hidden falls at Jenny Lake. It was a longer hike for us then expected, but thank goodness Grammy took little tired Aysia across in the ferry boat. We also went rafting down the Snake River. We only lost one family member, Troy, outside the boat over the lunch counter rapids. We all survived though. We were able to attend the Jackson Hole rodeo which was very entertaining. Jayden and Skyler along with several cousins were able to chase little calves around the arena for a chance at a prize. Taylor and most of the guys on the trip were able to fish nearly every day. They were very successful, but released most of them. The best part of the trip was just relaxing and enjoying being with family. Thanks Grammy & Grandpa!!!

Clark Planetarium

Each week during the summer Jayden and Skyler choose a subject to learn about. We have learned about the United States and individual states, Planets, Constellations, and are currently learning about creatures in the sea. We were able to make a trip to the Clark Planetarium at the Gateway to finish our week learning about planets and stars. While there, we let the kids play in the fountains outside. Skyler screamed “this is the best day of my life”. Obviously simple things make him a very happy boy.

Happy Birthday Sky!!!

BIRTHDAYS!!!

June is a crazy month for our family. Taylor and Aysia share the same birthday and Skyler's is 4 days later. Aysia just turned the BIG 1!!! We celebrated it at a nearby park with family. As you can see it was a “ladybug” theme. She was a little hesitant about eating her own birthday cake, but as you can see once she got started she couldn’t stop. Skyler loved his “transformer” cake and all the presents he received as well.