Summer Fun

Here are just a few pictures of some of the fun we have had so far this summer.

Here is Jaimin showing us his dive.

And here he is finishing his "dive"

Jones after his last baseball game. This was his first year playing and he absolutely loved it.

Sleepover with their cousins. I was quite surprised how well they all did, we had no problems at all. It was even Lydia's first sleepover.

Fun at the new splash pad. As you can tell by Jones it was a bit cold that day.

The end of a wonderful thing.

So here is Jaimin 2 years ago getting ready to go to his first day of preschool. As many of you know Jaimin has been behind on his speech and so he had to go to a special preschool to help him. This was very hard for me, not only because I had to admit that something was wrong with him but because he was just barely 3 and I was sending him to school. At this point in Jaimin's life he wasn't talking at all, very rarely could you even get him to repeat what you had said.
I will never forget the first day we took him to school. He had really never been left with anyone except my parents for a short time so I new it was going to be hard. Jones and I walked him into the classroom where one of his teachers was and Jaimin was actually excited to be there because there were toys. Well as soon as he found out we were leaving he started crying. Not what I wanted to hear or see. Anyway the teacher came over and picked him up and said it is usually easier if the parents just go and not make the goodbye last longer. So Jones and I went and sat in the car. After a few minutes Jaimin and his teacher came outside to get some kids from the bus and he was sobbing. This broke our hearts, all Jones and I could do was sit there and cry. Jones kept asking if we could just go back and get him which of course I wanted to do but knew how much he needed the help. So we decided to just go run some errands to make time go by faster, well it didn't work, it felt like the longest day ever! The next day was a little better, he still cried but not as much and by the end of the week he wasn't crying at all. Now here he is on the last day of preschool after going there for 2 years. At this point he is talking in full sentences, interacting with others, and one of the most happiest kids ever. Since the first week of school 2 years ago he has never complained about it, in fact he always talked about how he loved it and was always excited to go. Amazingly this day was almost harder for me than the first day. Not only did I cry on his last day but I have cried for many days prior. I even made a fool of myself and cried at one of the meetings with all of the administration. I never thought I would like a school or teachers as much as I have this one. The teachers and staff are amazing! Every single day the teachers would come and greet jaimin with a big hug. One of my favorite things was seeing Jaimin running to his teachers with open arms yelling at the top of his lungs "Hi Teacher Tina, Hi Teacher Rocio, and Hi Teacher Dana". He absolutely loves his teachers and loved going to class! He had some of the most caring teachers anyone could ask for, they truly do care for him. Not once after 2 years did he ever come home upset, he was always in such a good mood after spending the day with them. In fact if he weren't at school he was at home playing school he loved it so much. If it were up to me I would keep him at this school until he graduated. I have so many mixed emotions, Happy because we were unsure Jaimin would be ready for Kindergarten and he is more than ready now. And sad because I know how much he loves his teachers and school and won't be able to see them anymore (except for the many visits I plan on having).
Jaimin has grown and accomplished more than I thought was possible while being at this school. They have helped him make a complete turn around. Without them I am not sure how he would be. So Thank you Teacher Tina, Teacher Rocio, and Teacher Dana!!!

Too Big Too Fast

I swear it was just the other day when Jones was this small! But no he just turned 7. Time goes bye too fast sometimes. On Wednesday we celebrated Jones' 7th birthday. (I still can't believe I have a 7 year old) Anyway we celebrated by letting him stay home from school and going to the Classic Fun Center, and of course I forgot to take the camera. After that we just had a small family get together for cake and ice cream. (The friend party is on Saturday) He had so much fun, he cried when it was time to go to bed because he didn't want it to end.

This is him with his new bike. He loves it and rides it every free minute he gets.

Here they are getting ready to open presents. I love how excited Jaimin was for Jones. Any time Jones would open a gift Jaimin would get so excited and thank everyone.

Here is the cake, my first attempt at fondant. It was more work than I was wanting but I am glad I tried.

This is what happened when he kept coming in and distracting me while I was making the cake.

Jones is such a sweet boy, we are so lucky to have him in our lives. He is one of the most caring boys I have ever met. Jaimin couldn't have a better big brother, he is so patient and understanding of Jaimin. I hope he never changes!!

Disneyland

Well we finally made it to Disneyland!! We had been telling the boys we were going to Idaho for a work trip. When we got to the airport and some of my family was there we decided to break the news that it wasn't Idaho but Disneyland. They were excited!! The boys loved every minute of it, Jones even said that he wanted to move there. We spent five days there, which was plenty. We have been home for almost a week now and they are still talking about it and still singing "It's a small world after all" (I don't think I will ever get it out of my head!). Hopefully we will be able to make it back again soon!

Here they are, I think the turned out really cute. I think the last time we had the boys pictures taken together professionally was over 4 years ago. So it was long over due. With this one we not only got some good pictures but we came home with the ducks as well. Don't worry we will only be keeping them for a few more days and then they are headed out to the farm.

Yesterday I took the boys to get some pictures taken. When we got home I figured should take advantage of them all cleaned up and try and take some of my own. Unfortunately I think they were sick of taking pictures at that point because they were not cooperative at all. So here is what I got. Hopefully the ones I had taken will turn out better. Of course they had to get one with the kitty.

I think these last two are my favorite.

Happy Birthday Mark!!

Every year for Mark's birthday we have gone to the zoo. It started right after we got married 8 years ago. I was trying to figure out something fun to do with Mark and found out that he had never been to any zoo before. Every year since then we have managed to make it and every year is seems to be more fun. I am sure it has to do with the kids enjoying it more and more. This year we told Jaimin a week or so earlier that we were going and he got so excited he started screaming hooray and didn't stop talking about it. Every time I would pick him up from school he would ask if it was the day to go. This year all the cousins, my parents, and younger sister were able to join us. The kids seemed to love it even though it was a bit chilly. I think I would rather it be a bit chilly rather than too hot. They are already asking to go back. Here are the three oldest Haley Star, Jones, and Max enjoying their snacks.

One of their favorites the Merry-Go-Round. Jaimin did act like he was going to be sick towards the end but still loved it. Jones thought he was pretty cool for being able to ride on a snake.

My favorite boys! Don't know what Jaimins deal was he kept doing this every time we would try to get a picture of the three of them. Every year we go we try to get a picture at this same spot and it seems like only one has turned out really good. Although I think it is fun to look at each one and see how the boys have changed. Last year Jones refused to even get in the picture. It is amazing how their personality changes so much in one year.

Here are Jones and Jaimin watching one of their favorites the penguins. At one point one of the penguins started nibbling at the foot of one of the zoo keepers and Jaimin started busting up laughing and then started yelling at the penguin to stop.

You can tell a little bit from this picture but Jaimin broke out into hives the day before. He was put on a steroid for it but for some reason this day it moved to his face. He looked horrible! Amazingly he didn't complain about it once. I wish I had a picture to show how bad it really was.

All the kids playing on the Rhino.

Watching the elephants eat.

Here are all the boys riding the train. I love that they all get along and always have fun being around each other. I guess we can look forward to next year.