Killa Dance Moves

Lyv has incredibly wicked dance moves. We haven't been able to capture much on video, but Shawn was finally able to get her going the other night. Its hard to describe her shimmy booty shake, but it has become a trademark!

Enjoy the Lordess of the Dance.

Risky Business

In motherhood there is always a give and take, and at times you have to give a little in order to get a little done. In my experience it is during these moments of me trying to get a little done, that I give my children freedom to do things I wouldn't normally allow. This usually means that Jack finds a new way to look at things. Look out Tom Cruise there's a new man in town...... Jack has decided that going around the house "commando" is a great idea! Don't you just love the sunglasses upside down? Jack is master of mischief. Last week I took the kids to the church to redo some of the Primary bulletin boards. I figured I'll lock them up in the primary room - provide them with a dvd, toys, and snacks, and they'll be fine! Good idea in theory, but theory has yet to meet Jack. After 15 minutes of productive work, an member of the ward walked in and announced that a small boy had just climbed out of the window! What! Of course this is my small male man.... If I had even thought for one second that the windows opened, or that they wouldn't have screens I would have never thought this room was the perfect jail. He even noted that Jack carefully closed the window from the outside like he was putting things back just as he found them as not to leave a trail! Luckily he didn't get out for too long... but all of the questions of what could have happened keep me up at night! He is going to wear me out long before he hits his teens.

In other exciting events - Lyv has had her first experience with elastics .... Yes, I finally managed piggy tails. She was not at all thrilled about this little experiment of mine and I practically had to pin her down to get it done, but I had to see. She looked so funny. Jack and Sam couldn't quit laughing at her. She is turning into quite the little diva - so we got her first set of sunglasses on Saturday. She put them on right away and gave a little shimmy, booty shake in approval. She is such a ham! This picture cracked me up because she looks like she is smoking a big chapstick cigar!

Lastly we got a big, wonderful, black, bouncy, enclosed, piece of HEAVEN....

A trampoline! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Summers - this is the best birthday gift the kids (and Shawn and I) could have ever asked for!

Maritime Aquarium Norwalk, CT

We decided to take a little excursion to the Maritime Aquarium in Connecticut. It was perfect size for kids - not too overwhelming, but still had all the right stuff! We did the whole shabang - IMAX, Happy Feet Ride, and even built our own ships.

They kids had a great time and we did too....Don't you love how Jack's hands are resting under his chin? He is so cute!

We finished the weekend off with a sweet tradition ..... Cinnamon Rolls for General Conference. I used to love General Conference because of the cinnamon rolls, now they are just a bonus to a wonderful, uplifting experience. I feel so incredibly blessed to have prophets who lead and guide us. I also recognize the sweet peace the gospel truly brings in my life. So many of the messages spoke directly to me. And the cinnamon rolls weren't too shabby either (still not as good as your's mom!)

Summers' Schenanigans

You know you're a mother if..... #1: You give your baby candy just to see how big of pig they will be and a mess they will make.... #2: You have ever grabbed a cardboard box and thought I could make THIS out of that..... (We did this for a preschool activity, and talked about being Brave, Courageous, and Valiant and we also made fire breathing dragons with an empty egg carton. Just an fun idea!)...

#3: Encourage strange behaviors like brushing your teeth wearing your swimming goggles.... #4: Child gives you the finger! Okay in the case it is Lyv's pointer, but none the less she uses it to it's full potential and gives us all the business as she "yells" at us and shakes her finger no-no! It is hilarious. #5: You take 100 pictures of your kids because you can't believe how adorable, hilarious, and wonderful they can be.

Jack-POT!!!

Well sort of - Jack is in the middle of the drama that we call "Potty Training." He is able, but unwilling most of the time. This is a big difference from Sam - who just decided one day that he was going to do it and did. Jack doesn't like remembering to go, or leaving his toys to get to the bathroom on time.

I've tried Swedish Fish, suckers, and Twix.... so far "red goey fish" are the best motivater. Because of his inconsistancy, we've alternated between big boy underwear, pull-ups and diapers. I know this is probably making worse than better, but after 3 poopy big boy undies, I had enough! But today we had sweet success (with modesty!)..... can't you see it on his face?

Lyv's Mothering Instincts

Since Day 1 of having a baby doll - Lyv has loved her. She instantly picked it up and hugged it to her chest. She now sleeps with "Baby Girl" and mothers her throughout the day. Her are some of the natural mothering skills she is already aquiring (note: this is NO reflection on what she sees her own mother do - I had to do that in case child services come to check this out!)

#1) Lots of Hugs and Loves - followed promptly by:

#2) A good whack in the face, preferrably when the baby is pinned down #3) What child doesn't love a little nibble on their fingers every now and then (okay so she is eating the entire hand, but you know it's out of love)

Summers Schenanigans

Mother Nature has been playing cruel tricks on us - a week ago we enjoyed 2 BEAUTIFUL Warm, even HOT days (Fri. temp was in the 70s). Two days later we had snow and much cooler temps. We had our first taste of spring-summer and we are thirsty for more.... Spring Fever has officially taken over at our house:

Jack and Sam have been outside everyday, rain, snow, or shine and come in filthy but happy. We think that Jack possibly has Raynaud's Syndrome (where you have extremely cold hands and feet) is suffering from the crazy temps because he has been out without gloves most days. To keep himself entertained inside he has resorted to art: the supplies my makeup; the canvas his face! Nice! He is also in the slow process of potty training, not too successfully yet. He does find great pride in going by his self, and so far TWIX are the reward of choice.

Wax On - Wax Off - the boys are in LOVE with Karate Kid right now and Jack shows off his Mr. Myagi skills daily, all by his little lonesome.

Sam has been busy getting set up for Kindergarten, Tee-ball, Swimming Lessons and Basketball Camp (thank you Crapo boys... this is mostly because of his trip home). He is such a great kid. I have been finding times during the days where he and I will have an actual conversation about meaningful things. It is really nice, and I'm going to miss him when school starts in the Fall. He is loving BYU sports and Jimmermania right now - along with his dad. Shawn is what we call "Jimmer Drunk"! He literally can't get enough of him.

Lyv is such a sweety - but a sassy one at that! She knows what she wants and she demands instant satisfaction. But she is too stinkin' cute to not give in to her charms (or squeels!) A few milestones: #1) Hair bow in hair without a headband - It lasted about as long as it took to take the picture and then was clawed out!

#2) 1st Hat! Love this cute little hat on her:

#3) Standing - she has been pulling herself up onto everything, but she gets really scared once she is up, because she hasn't figured out how to get back down. Her legs can only support that booty for so long before she starts trembling from the effort.#4) 2nd Ballerina Outfit - I LOVE this outfit on Lyv. You know the outfits that are just perfect, this one is on her.