New Cousins

Carson Elias Castillon
Last Thursday, July 20th baby Carson was born. Congratulations Uncle Travis and Aunt Crystal! We are so excited to meet him. All day Paxton kept asking if Uncle Travis was a Dad yet.

Baby Owens
Today, my sister had their little girl. They now share a birthday. I called her to say Happy Birthday and found out she had her little girl this morning at 7 a.m. We can't wait to meet her, although it will be months before we see her since they live so far away. Congratulations Uncle Jeff, Aunt Sarah and Sam!

All these new little cousins will be so fun for Tyler. A cousin on each side that is just 5 months younger than him! How perfect!

Sick, Sick Paxton

Last Friday Paxton woke up with a fever, throat hurting and headache. We gave him some Tylenol and thought he'd start feeling better but he just got worse. We took him to the doctor that afternoon, thinking they would just say its a virus and send us home but he had strep. He's never had it before and it was a bad one. Either Bryce or I or both of us spent Friday and Saturday basically holding Pax or rubbing his head and body since they hurt. I am just so glad that Bryce had Friday off (even though it didn't make days off fun). I could have made it on my own if he would have needed to work but I was sure glad I didn't have too!

Pax ended up with the sores from his throat spreading throughout his mouth on his cheeks and inside of his lips. He couldn't eat anything but water (he doesn't even like water) for two days. This is a terrible sickness for a kid who LOVES to eat! He kept thinking of things he wanted to try and eat but would take a bite and grab he cheeks since it stung. He had to chase everything with a drink of water. Finally, on Sunday night he was able to eat a melted cheese sandwich and drink Sprite. After he looked at me so excited and said, "That's two things!" He must have been so excited and his stomach too since it had been growling ever since he couldn't eat.

Unfortunately, this past weekend we had a few fun things planned and Pax was bummed to be missing out on them. Friday was the Primary Activity that included a bike parade. We had been talking about it all week and Pax was so excited to go. When he woke up on Friday sick he asked if he would still be able to go ... he had been calling it his special day. By the time the activity rolled around he couldn't even get off the couch. Then on Saturday the YM and YW had an activity out at the lake. Bryce had to be there but we were just going to go along ... we stayed inside instead. We'll have to go out another time.

It wasn't until Tuesday that Pax was himself ... running, playing and eating EVERYTHING in site. It is such a relief to have our Paxton back.

I'm also so grateful for Priesthood blessings. Its so wonderful to know that our home is blessed with a worthy Priesthood holder. It is a great comfort in times of need.

Teddy

A couple months ago the boys and I went to my parents home for a visit. While we were there Pax found Teddy. He is at least 20 years old. My Aunt Molly gave him to me, I think when we moved to Nebraska. Pax loved that Teddy winds up and plays "Teddy Bear Picnic." My Mom told him he could take him home when we left and he was so excited. Well we forgot to pack him so my family brought him up to us a few weeks ago. Pax has been LOVING Teddy, especially for sleep time. His stuffed dog Max (who he used to sleep with and take for walks around the house) is probably getting jealous that he has been forgotten and is now wedged between the wall and Paxton's bed.

This is Teddy. A little raggedy, definitely well played with but he still works.

Pax napping with Teddy. Last night we both fell asleep listening to him.

Splish Splash

Tyler LOVES to take his bath each night. In fact, he always reminds me its bath time because he starts fussing until he hears the bath water running then he starts kicking his legs and grinning. I still put him in his little bath inside our bathtub but instead of laying him in the sling like I used to I have him sit reclined. He loves being up and seeing everything. Last night, he learned how to splash and he thinks its funny. He just kicks and kicks ... he must love how it feels. He started kicking so hard that he splashed himself in the face. He quickly shut his eyes and was hesitant to open them again, even after I had wiped the water off. I guess he didn't know where the water had come from. It only stopped him for a second ... then he started splashing again.

Time

Some days more than anything I just wish I had more time. Between playing with and caring for the boys needs, keeping the house in order, running errands and doing the bookkeeping for our business I still feel like there are hundreds of things left undone. Not to mention other things that I would like to do but just don't ever get around to doing, like scrapbooking. This morning as I was feeding Tyler his cereal, playing Memory with Paxton, trying to watch the weather to see just how hot and miserable its going to be today, while assessing the next few things I needed to get done so we could shower and get out of the house, I thought its a good thing I can multi-task. I also had to remind myself that I can only do so much and to make time for myself since that's important too ... even if its just sitting down and doing nothing for 5 minutes.

Weekend Work

Paxton and Tyler sharing their blankets in the morning. Pax was taking a minute to wake up in the morning so he laid down on Tyler's blanket and shared his with this brother. I hope they always share so well.


Tyler is getting so big now. He loves to play in his exersaucer and it helps us be able to get some other things done. He likes being up where he can see everything that is going on, especially what Pax is up to. He sure thinks Paxton is the funniest and Paxton loves it.

We wore Tyler out on Saturday. We are doing some rennovations to this little house behind our house so that we can begin renting it out. Tyler, Paxton and I came in so they could both eat and rest. I didn't think Tyler was quite ready for his nap and laid him down for some tummy time. Guess I was wrong! He was exhausted.

Grandpa Hector is moving his archery shop to another room in his building and we went up to help. Paxton was a huge helper. He swept and cleaned display cases and earned a quarter to buy a gumball for each job. He thought it was the greatest thing that his Grandpa paid him!

Tyler came to help too! Tyler played on his blanket, in his stroller, with Paxton and killed my back as I carried him the baby bjorn. What a little trooper. Paxton found a remote control car in Grandpa's shop that kept him occupied. We were so glad the boys did well and we were actually able to help get some things done.

Surprises and Old Treasures

Lately Paxton has been having fun with surprises. He is always asking us to close our eyes while he hides something behind his back and then says, "I have a surprise for you!" When you open your eyes he screams with delight and is so excited to show you what it is. Often times its a toy of his or a treat. It makes things giving each other things fun.

We also just tackled cleaning and organizing his room this weekend ... it had gotten way out of control. It was a hard project because I also was throwing out toys he doesn't play with (McDonalds toys he'd forgetten about, etc.) or that were broken but he doesn't want to throw anthing away so I had to toss things while he was outside playing with Bryce. Anyway, the fun part of the project was that he kept finding toys he had forgotten about and would surprise me with them or come running to me so excited yelling, "I found it! I found it!" After cleaning his room I have decided he doesn't need any more toys. At least I know he appreciates it too since he keeps saying, "thanks! It looks great!" (probably just because he heard Bryce saying that) and right after I showed him he started playing, looked at me and said, "I'll just get one toy out!" Too cute ... I certainly don't expect him to just get one out but its nice to know he appreciates having a clean room too!

We also surprised Pax by taking him to the Stock Car Races last night. He loves all cars, trucks and things that move. He LOVED the races and especially when someone would break down and the tow trucks would have to come out. We didn't stay the whole time since it was windy, dusty and Bryce, Tyler and I were tired of watching ... Pax wasn't but he didn't know they weren't over yet. It was fun while we were there. I love to see him so excited!

Nicknames

Its funny how nicknames come about. I was remembering that when Paxton was born we didn't think we would call him Pax. We just weren't sure we liked it. It was his cousin Hunter, then 3 years old, who first called him Pax. They were just playing and he said, "come on Pax" and it stuck. Now we all call him Pax and I love it.

So now with Tyler, once again we weren't sure we liked the nickname Ty and thought we would just call him Tyler. At first when Tyler was born if someone said "is his name Ty?" Paxton would say, "No. Its Tyler." But now, it is Paxton who is always calling his little brother Ty ... and it has grown on me. Of course he also has other nicknames like ... Tyler Wyler too.

Its also interesting when people feel comfortable enough to call someone by a nickname. There's no set time and its different for everyone ... just a thought.

"Mom, I Love Tyler"

Today was one of those days that I just LOVE being a mom. We had a fun, relaxing day and just enjoyed being with one another. We had several big accomplishments too!

Paxton is taking a Kindermusik class. He loves his teacher, Mrs. Kari and has taken classes several times before but I always went with him (since he was in the youngest class and moms have to come too). Now he is old enough to go on his own and did great in class today. Moms only go to the end of class and we got to do an art project together. He made a cloud with cotton balls and is so proud of it. As we were leaving he said, "that WAS fun." I had told him before class that he was going to have so much fun and he had looked a little hesitant ... its good to know sometimes I am right!

Tyler turned 5 months today! I can't believe he is so big already. Where is the time going. He also rolled over from his belly to his back! It was so fun when it happened. He has been getting really close to rolling over the past few days. He would kick his feet over and almost roll but it was almost like he tried not too. So today he could hear Paxton and kept lifting his head and was trying to look back over his shoulder and he got his head up and over his arm. So then he started kicking and pushing with his legs and then rolled over onto his back. It was fun that Paxton and I both saw him do it. I was telling Tyler good job when Pax came running over and put his arm around Tyler. He leaned down and kissed Tyler on the forehead and told him, "I'm so proud of you!" A few minutes later he came back over to Tyler again and said, "Good job buddy!" Tyler just couldn't stop smiling at his big brother. What lucky boys to have each other! I hope they always encourage each other like that!

The best part of our day was when we were getting ready to pick Bryce up from work and I was getting Tyler ready to go. I asked Pax to put his shoes on. He brought them over since he always likes to ask if he's putting them on the right feet ... even though he knows which one goes on what foot, its just a game he likes to play ... anyway, he just looked up and said, "Mom, I love Tyler!" I mean I knew he loved him but its just nice to hear him say it without prompting and for no apparent reason.

I LOVE being a mom! I am so blessed to have these little boys!

Fun Cousins

It is so fun to live by family. Paxton loves to play with Hunter and Kolter. Most days he wants to be Hunter, who is always asking why Pax copies EVERYTHING he does. Having cousins is even more fun now since Kolter is 18 months and trying to keep up with the big boys. Paxton told me that "Kolter is HIS cousin only" which means to him that they are buddies now.

Tough Kolter! He'll get bumped or knocked over and doesn't cry. He just gets back up and is ready to play again.

The boys playing basketball together. Kolter kept trying to put his ball back up the net!

Tyler relaxing and watching the boys. He kept laughing and talking to them when they would come over to play with him. Kolter kept lying down and putting his head in his hands just watching Tyler ... too cute!

4th of July

Usually we are in Jackson Hole camping for the 4th of July with family. This year it just didn't work out since we all had something else going on. It worked out though and we were lucky enough to see the fireworks two nights in a row. Monday we went to Logan to visit Uncle Travis & Aunt Crystal. We wanted to see their new house and Bryce went to help Travis tile the kitchen. So while the guys were busy working and Aunt Crystal was at work, Pax, Tyler and I went to watch the fireworks. I loved going to school at Utah State and being near campus reminded me of all the fun times I had there. Anyway, while we waited for the fireworks to start Pax snacked on some Oreo's ... leaving evidence all over his face.

Pax making his MEAN face with Oreos all over it too!

Paxton was hilarious when the fireworks started. We had seen some a month earlier when our town was having Flaming Gorge days but they were from far away. So when these ones started and we were nearly sitting right under them he was ecstatic! He was by far the loudest person to be sitting by. He was yelling and screaming from excitement ...

"They're huge!"

"Green! Red!"

"I'm so excited!"

It was fun that he was so VERY excited. Bryce got to hear some of his excitement over the phone. Tyler fell asleep waiting for the fireworks but woke up during them. He also LOVED them and just stared at them with a look of awe! The only time he got a little scared by the noise was when he was sitting in the stroller during the finale and it got really loud. It had started to rain a little and was really windy so I set him in there to keep him more sheltered.

Tuesday we headed down to Salt Lake. Bryce had to be there early Wednesday morning so we watched the fireworks at Franklin Covey Field and also could see in the distance the fireworks at the University of Utah. It was a fun 4th!

Round and Round He Goes

For the past month now Tyler has been moving in circles. The first time it happened I was cleaning Bryce's office and Tyler was laying on a blanket on the floor. I set him down one way and went into one of the operatories. The next time I checked on him his feet were facing the other way. I would have thought Pax moved him but he was outside helping Bryce. So over the next few weeks he would move now and then. The past few days though he has been moving all the time. I don't even dare lay him on the couch since he would scoot around and roll right off.

So we keep thinking he is so close to rolling over. He rolls onto one side and tries to look behind him, arches his back and pushes with his legs but then he'll roll onto his back again (this is how he moves in circles). Paxton and I try to practice with him every day and it makes Pax laugh so hard. It seems every time we say "roll over" Tyler looks at us, smiles and goes onto his back. So maybe soon he'll roll all the way onto his tummy although he seems pretty content with his way of moving. It does get him turned around to see what he is looking for and keeps us pretty entertained too.