Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny!!!

Spring is HERE! The boys and I have been able to play outside so much lately!! It's been wonderful. We had such nice weather last weekend we even got out the sand box. It's fun to see how differently they play with it compared to last year.



This year no one decided to eat the sand and no one decided it was more fun to throw it on the ground. They actually enjoyed pouring it in the funnels, digging, and filling buckets. What growth.

So Reed has become very imaginitive lately. He was watching Cailou, one of our favorite shows, and saw that Cailou had a rock collection. While we were at the park I gave him my old tic tac container to play with. He quickly filled it with small rocks and determined it to be his "rock collection". He likes to take it everywhere we go.

Today we had our annual community Easter egg hunt. (the boys with their sheep baskets)

Becasue it was at 9am it was still chilly outside and they decided to hold it indoors at the clubhouse.

My favorite part of the egg hunt is that it's only for kids 1-3 so we don't have to worry about the big kids being involved at all. (Grant)

Grant really really really got the concept down quickly and had like 20 eggs. Reed not so much. He kept picking one up and then looking at it and holding it. He didn't get the whole, pick up as many as you can, concept. I think it's Grant's tendency to horde that helped him out.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Since Jeff got called out to work we had some time and decided to head over to the mall while we were dressed nicely. We thought we'd peek in on the old E.B. and see what he was up to. The boys kept asking if we were also going to see Santa while we were there. They did really well and didn't cry at all. What big boys!

St. Patrick's Day!

Spring has Sprung!! In our area atleast (for now). While I was in San Diego I got some cool hair stuff for the boys. They have such fine hair it's hard to find a product to style with. So I think I found one that works and doesn't move (hair glue). Reed looking all "cool dude" with his spikes.


We got our bikes out of storage and have been enjoying the nice spring weather. (Reed)

He's so cute because he will coach himself while riding his bike: "pedal, pedal, pedal. It's working!!" Too cute. He kept telling me he was going to ride his bike to the store to get some more treats for Archie dog. "the red ones"

My little Grant man loves his chalk. Like most things he loves, he mainly likes to hoard them. He kept putting the chalk on the back of the power wheels and driving 10 feet. Then he'd stop, rearrange, and drive another 10 feet. Alright then. Whatever keeps you happy.

Happy St. Patrick's DAY!! I love fun spring holidays. They make an ordinary March day all fun and festive!! We spent the majority of the day at our friend Krystal's house. She had to rush off to work so we went over to help out until Laurie got there with her kiddos. (Bri, Grant, and Reed) in their Irish Green.

The weather has been VERY spring like so we took all the kids outside to play in the afternoon. Laurie has twins too and they LOVED the bikes we brought over. WE got them out of storage because we are still here and it's been nice enough to use them. (Kaden LOVED this one)

Even baby Kam was cool hangin outside in his stroller. Grant helped keep a watchful eye on him.

My boys were really happy to ride their trikes and pick up rocks.

Brayton and helping his little brother with the other power wheels. We had like 6 bikes out and it was great.

Snow?

Grant has shown a real interest in potty trainning lately. He will poop on the potty if you let him watch a show while he sits and waits. I'll take it. Anything I can do to help move this process along is welcome. But he has gone several times now on the potty. REED on the other hand is still in full resistance mode. No amount of jelly beans can make him poop on the potty. Mickey underwear? NOPE. Oh well, I'll just hopefully get one done and work on the other.

So we have had this really weird winter. It's been very dry (thankfully) and the boys haven't had very many opportunities to play in it. Jeff and I think it's because we actually bought them snow gear this year and plan on moving. What other reason could there be for a lack of snow?

My point being that we get these strange dustings of like a few inches of snow. As soon as it hits we are out playing in it. They didn't even care about touching it, they just wanted to walk around and stomp in their snow boots.

They were so happy playing outside. Too cute.

It still amazes me at how little their stuff is. They have been seeming like big boys to me lately and it makes me sad (my babies are big) so just seeing their little boots on the rug made me think that even though they are getting bigger they are still (my) little guys.

Sick Boys, Katrina, and Auntie Lacey

Things at the Beck house went from godd to worse. The boys seemed to be on the mend and then decided to get another stomach bug. I swear I have never used my washing machine so much in my entire life. I have never cleaned up so much gross stuff either. They just couldn't keep their bodily functions to themselves. This was the scene for most of the last 3 weeks. They wouldn't eat or drink and when they did it was very little. :(



For some reason they were feeling well enough on Valentine's day to go out to breakfast. Jeff and I took the to McDonald's and had a good time. They didn't eat much but did play a little. Mommy tried to be cool and go up in the slide like daddy had and I FREAKED out. I kept my cool in front of the boys but my hands were shaking. I gues I've developed a fear of small enclosed spaces. Who knew.

The boys were almost better when Katrina came for a visit. She watched the boys for the weekend while Jeff and I spent a few days away. It was SUCH a treat. We slept in and ate out. It was perfect. Thanks again Katrina we LOVE you.

As usual while Katrina was here we did some shopping and looking around. You never know what you are going to need. While we were out at Hobby Lobby Reed discovered he had pockets. He's been doing this lately with his pants and jackets. It's just so funny to me because it makes him look so grown up. What a cute guy.

One of our other favortie things to do while Katrina is here is hit up the Costco. We LOVE the Churros there. If you haven't had one GO get one now. They are delish. The boys are getting big enough to handle half a churro now. Reed has issues not putting the whole thing in his mouth at one time. YUM.

Katrina has started a tradition with the boys of riding the "horse" at Wal-Mart. We tried to explain to the boys that it's not a horse but a warthog from the movie Lion King and that didn't seem to go over well. SO, it's a horse. This thing costs .50 a ride (which we both think is a rip off) but being the loving Katrina she is, she lets them each have a turn while we are there.

Kind of dorky I know, but this is a picture of the preschool registration for the boys. It just kind of hit me as one of those life moments. Here I am about to mail off the papers to their preschool and hopefully begin their school careers that will last for the next 18 years. My babies are growing up! Tear tear.

Sortly after this it was time to take Katrina to the airport and pick up Aunt Lacey. Originally she was coming to help me while Jeff took the bar exam. BUT since he has decided to take it in July (when we are hopefully living there) he didn't need to go but she still came!! We had a great time with her just hanging out. She and I have a love of singing along to bad music. WE don't sing well so we turn it up and have a great time. The boys decided to sit on the counter and dance and sing along. (Reed in Lacey's sunglasses).

For whatever reason Lady Gaga is their favorite. They actually know the words. Check out the moves from my man Grant W. Beck. Someone has a future on America's Best Dance Crew.

Hallmark Open For Business

I realized the other day that one of my favorite holidays was quickly approaching. I LOVE valenitne's day and am steadfast in my effort to pass on my love to the boys. I'm not sure if it's all the pink and purple or if it's the candy and glitter, but I love it. So we decided to make some valentine's day cards for Jeff.





The boys have both been sick and this was one of the first days they were feeling better. We made some handprint cards and let them color the paper all by themselves. They had a blast.





The finished product. Grangie heard about the card shop and was interested. So we may have made some more for her and Auntie Lacey. We'll just have to see if Cupid comes through.






Our proud display of cards and decorations.

This card making has inspired a love of crayons and coloring in Grant. Yesterday we went to Wal-Mart so that he could get a Mickey coloring book and a "new box of crayons" just for him. He was sooooooooo excited. Mainly he just likes to name the colors and look at the paper. He doesn't do that much coloring. But he's so happy and occupied that I don't care. He will sit at the table for almost an hour just chatting about the crayons and his pictures. It's really cute.

Reed has started calling me and Jeff "honey". He will also tell Grant, "no Honey". when he asks for something. So I couldn't catch it without a prompt but you get the idea. He has also starting calling Jeff by "Jeff" instead of daddy. Jeff hates it but can't help but laugh. It's kind of hard to hear him but he says it. Also, Grant talking about his coloring enjoy!

Not much to Report...

The boys and I have been sick lately but I think we are finally on the mend. We had a nice weekend with little activity. WE did make it out to the grocery store and took a few pics of Grant with his cart. The store provides carts but they are hard to navigate so we bring our from home. The boys love to push it around and put their food in it. (Grant)




The weather has continued to lend itself to some outside play lately. It's not the most comfortable temperature but it'll do. As long as we (Mommy) is in the sun it's not too bad to play outside for a few minutes and the boys really really love it. We're ready for spring/summer.



This weekend Jeff got a new iphone. SO while we were at the store the nice man gave the boys "dummy" phones. They use them as demos and don't have working parts or anything. They have a colorful fake screen but they are real phones. Well the boys just think they are the coolest thing ever. They love to "text" and call people.

It's so funny to hear the "talk" on the phone. Usually they are calling "Uncle Whitney" or texting him. They miss him so much!! Or they are calling the dogs in the family (sorry guys). Sometimes it's just a call into good old Mickey.

Sorry we're boring and don't have much to report. I took a cute video of Reed but can't find it now so I'll have to recapture the moment.

January Fun?

The winter blues, cabin fever, call it whatever you want, we have it at the Beck house. We are SOOOOOO ready for spring/summer!! Last week was a regular heat wave here in Utah and we saw some sunny days with 40 degree weather!! Break out the tank tops. Since it was down right swealtering, we went out front to throw around the balls and ride bikes. The boys almost didn't know what to think. It was actually warm enough to not have their gloves on them (which the HATE) so that was nice. AND it's been fairly snow free so the streets are dry enough to play on. Trying to find the bright side here. :) We long for the days of sweat and sprinklers. To talk the boys back in the house (after 45 min. of outdoor fun) I had to promise hot chocolate. (Reed)



They boys really really liked drinking it and had a good time saying, "MMMM, it's warm" (Grant)




Being the creative problem solover that I am, I figured out the value that comes with an icecream cone from McDonalds. .40 + .40= Two happy little boys.



Not to mention the personal joy of watching them eat it. :) It's a sight to behold.


Potty training update. Not much to update, they aren't. Grant wanted to try and use the potty yesterday and so we let him. He stood there for a good 5 solid minutes with no results. But look at those cute buns! He does insist on standing (know idea why) and has to have the elmo seat on the potty. Hey if it works I'll take it. :)

A few Videos

It's been kind of boring around here. Not much to report. The boys learned how to sing their ABC's. Enjoy

Reed hates the car wash. It just cracks us up. By the end he was sitting in my lap.

MeRrY cHrIsTmAs and HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!

The snow was falling in Salt Lake before we left on our trip to San Diego for the Christmas Holiday. Jeff and the boys took advantage and made a big snowman.



The boys helping daddy build him.


Reed kept patting him and "helping".

Then it was off to San Diego for us. My cousin Julia flew out to SLC to drive down with me and the boys. Once we were there it was nothing but 70 degree weather for us!!! What a treat. The boys had a great time playing with their cousins at the park. WE were just beyond excited that we could be outside this time of year!

On the 19th we celebrated my 30th birthday with a party put on by my wonderful family. (Thanks Dad and Emmy) Julia held Reed while I had Grant and the boys helped me blow out my candles.

My sisters and me at the party. Looking good ladies.

My wonderful Aunt Denise also helped me celebrate. Anyone else see the resemblence? After the party the boys and I headed down to her house to spend a couple of days hanging out with her and Julia and Uncle Bruce. Love you guys, the boys had a great time.

While the boys were with Denise and Julia, Kristen, Doug and I went to the SAN DIEGO SUPER CHARGERS game with my dad. We took the trolley down to the stadium with LOTS of other fans. It was so crowded but tons of fun. Kris with the hord of other Charger fans. GO BOLTS!

Doug and I trying to squeeze so that others could get on.

Half time at the game with Dad. We got him a cool new jersey for Christmas so he doesn't have to borrow Kris's from Albertson's anymore. :)

To make the whole trip even better the Chargers WON!

After Denise's house we went to Kristen's house for the night and had fun with Alexa and Justin. Here is Alexa cuddled up with Reed watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Kris had to run off to her office Christmas Party (of 4) so I made Christmas Cupcakes with Alexa and Justin during nap time. They were delish.

Finally Jeff came in on the 23rd and we were off to Christmas Eve festivities on the 24th. We went to a party at my Aunt Anita's house (had a great time) and the boys got all "fancy" Reed in his fancy clothes with mommy.

All the kids dressed up at the party. (baby Paul)

My fancy guy in his fancy clothes. Lookin sharp Reed.

Grant by the tree at Dad's house.

My party guys. How dapper.

The next morning was really really exciting. Santa came and brought a lot of presents for all of us. Kris, Alexa, Justin, Doug and Aqua (the dog) came up early (with starbucks) to open presents. Alexa and Justin told Santa that they would be at Grandpa's to open presents and sure enough Santa left their gifts here too!! It was sooooooo fun to open gifts with EVERYONE!

The boys checking out what Santa left them in their stocking.

Grant got some new DVDs. COOL

And Santa brought some Mickey TOYS!! Just what they asked for!!

Then it was time for a big family breakfast. Jeff and Emmy were in charge. They did a great job.

The boys ejoyed their Christmas breakfast. Libby dog was there to pick up anything that fell on the floor. What a helper!

Then it was off to Denise's house for dinner. We had a blast with all of uncle Bruce's family and playing outside. You totally take it for granted when you grow up in San Diego that you can play outside in 70 degree weather on Christmas. We LOVED it.

So my dad has this John Deer tractor for all the grandkids. What a hit with the boys this is!! Reed loves to "drive" and Grant runs the gas. What a team.

Reed had the wheel turned at a certain angle so they just went in a big circle. It was still entertaining.

We also got to go for some nice long walks around the farm just ejoying being outside and in the nice weather. You can tell these two aren't living in Utah. They had on parkas for 55 degree weather. That's almost shorts weather. They sure do look cute though.

Jeff got a turn on the tractor too.

Grandpa also blew up the bounce house. The boys (all 3 of them) had a great time jumping.

It's really cool and has a slide too!!

It was a great way to burn off some energy. They slept soooooo well.

While we were at Auntie Kristen's house the boys decided to play in Aqua's kennel. Alexa and Justin thought it was really funny that both of the boys could fit in.

We LOVE this dog. Aqua is my sisters newest family member. What a good looking guy.

He went most places we did. Aqua and Kris at the park. To put into perspective how tall he is, my sister is 6 feet tall.

What a cutie!

Sadly we did have to come back to Salt Lake city and be among the snow again. BUT the good news is that we got to have Anne and Michael a few days later. They came to Salt Lake to ring in the new year with us. Reed in his party hat. What a party animal.

Grant would not wear the hat but here he is with his horn. Bring on Midnight!

We didn't make it to midnight but we celebrated New York New Years and had a blast watching the Hangover.

What a great year 2009 has been. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends and family to share in our lives. We love you all and miss you all very much. Keep your fingers crossed for us over the next few days and weeks. Hopefully some good changes will be coming our way.

Some videos from the trip:

The boys on the tractor.

The bounce house Monkies.