The Perfect View

THE PERFECT VIEW ... watching trucks while swinging. We have been trying to run again in the mornings. I was being a slacker for a while since it seemed like we had a lot of things going on first thing in the morning and I really only get a workout in if I do it in the morning ... I don't like having to reshower. Anyway, Paxton keeps choosing to go the the Washington School Park (Playground) since the kids aren't in school. He loves watching the trucks on the interstate, plus they honk a lot since they're about to go through a tunnel and he always thinks they're honking at him.

Tyler also loves to play at the park. They are playing in "Paxton's house." Pax also takes him down the small slides or we go down the big slides as a train.

Summer Stories

I can't believe that summer is nearly over. It always seems to fly by! We have been doing some fun things. Paxton and Bryce had a sleepover on the deck. They actually just made a little bed and watched "Toy Story 2" until they fell asleep. Pax was so excited to lay out there and watch the stars and the movie. Bryce zonked out long before Paxton. I ended up waking Bryce up so they could come sleep inside.
Tyler is getting so big. He loves to play in the exersaucer. He is also a huge Baby Einstein lover ... and Wiggles lover. Pax likes to watch the Wiggles in the morning when he wakes up and is eating breakfast. The other day he looked over at me and said, "Why does Tyler love the Wiggles so much?" As if the reason it was on was for Tyler ... he is right though. Tyler kicks his legs like crazy, laughs and talks through the whole thing. He just learned to roll from his back to stomach as well and has started lunging forward. His lunging makes it very difficult to feed him since he lunges at whatever he is trying to eat. I have his highchair reclined but he sits all the way up in it ... until he falls to one side.


SILLY BOYS ... Pax still loves to check on Tyler when he's sleeping. He is getting good at sneaking in and out without Tyler waking up. He is always so excited when he goes in and Tyler is awake. This day Pax went to check on Tyler and crawled up into his bed with him. Tyler loves to watch and hear EVERYTHING that Paxton is doing ... although when I went in he seemed a little startled that someone else was in his bed too.

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.

Slip and Slide

Paxton's first slide down.

Paxton running down and then jumping and sliding on his bum.

Tyler enjoying his Otter Pop!

So Pax got a Slip and Slide yesterday. It was SO HOT out that we had to try it. He was hilarious when we were opening it. He took out the instructions, looked like he was reading them and said, "Now what do we need to do?" He could hardly contain his excitement as we began setting it up.

He only knows what a Slip and Slide is from commercials he has seen on T.V. I wasn't in my swimsuit so I was trying to show him how to dive onto it without actually having to get myself wet. He just kept looking at me like I was crazy. It was so hot out I almost did join in but he ended up finding figuring out that the funnest way for him to play on it was to run down the slide until he was almost at the pool and then slide into the pool on his bum. We sure are going to be sad when summer is gone!

Comb-over No More

Tyler before his 1st Haircut!

We kept debating if we should cut it but started feeling bad for him that he had a comb-over or wild hair! So I held him while Bryce snipped off the long pieces ... some were 3 inches long and I'm not exaggerating!

Tyler after his haircut! It looks much better!

Flaming Gorge Days

(Pax picking up as much candy as possible. We kept having to tell him to stay back since he was going out so far in the street. He just didn't want to miss ANY candy.)

Last weekend was Flaming Gorge Days. We enjoyed the fun by going to the parade. Pax was lots of fun this year. He was a kid with a mission when it came to catching the candy being thrown. He figured out that if I held his bag he could run and pick up as much as possible in his hands and then bring it back to me. This was his best chance at getting a lot of candy ... and he did! He managed to get a HUGE bag full of it. Too bad for him that his dad's a dentist because most of it already went in the trash and the rest he has forgotten about since its sitting on top of the fridge. Oh well, the fun part is getting it all!

(Pax watching the parade. He LOVED all the trucks ... semi's, fire trucks and buses.)

(Paxton playing with his lady bug. We found her in our house on the stairs. Pax played with her while he waited for the fireworks.)

At the end of the concerts each night they let off fireworks. We have a great view of them from our back deck. So I let Pax stay up to watch them with Grandpa, Grandma and I on Friday night. He was so excited! Saturday night it was just Pax and I and he just couldn't keep his eyes open ... it had been a long day. So I woke him up when the fireworks started and he watched for a few minutes but then asked if they were over. He could barely keep his eyes open. I told him they were ... although we had barely seen any of them ... and put him in bed. It was a fun weekend. It would have been perfect if Bryce had been here too. We were really missing him while he was in Boston.

Paxton also went for a hike up to Eagle Rock with Grandpa, Uncle Eric, Hunter and Haley. He LOVED the hike. He's been talking about it all week ... the bones and claws they found, lizards, caves, etc. Living by family is so nice, especially for Paxton to have fun experiences like that.

10 Year Reunion

This past weekend was my 10 year High School reunion. I can't believe it has already been so long since I graduated. I wasn't really sure I wanted to go, especially since Bryce was going to be in Boston at a Dental Convention (we didn't know the two events were scheduled the same time until we already registered Bryce). Anyway, it was a lot of fun to see old friends and classmates. Its interesting to see where 10 years can take you. It sure brought back a lot of old memories ... crazy and fun times!

So Much to Learn

Lately I've been thinking about how much we have to learn in this life. It seems my boys have been doing lots of new things lately and I'm just in amazement. I look at Tyler and remember Paxton being that small ... WOW! Pax has learned so much in 3 years. Then I think of how much more there is to teach Paxton. Its just incredible that our Heavenly Father trusts me with these little guys!

TYLER HAS LEARNED to smile, laugh and respond ... and we LOVE it!

(Tyler laughing ... its so off center since I was the one taking the picture.)

(Pax and Tyler playing on Paxton's red chair.)

Last Tuesday Paxton asked Tyler and I to play with him. So we went in his room and I set Tyler in Paxton's red chair and told Pax to hurry because there was a surprise waiting for him in his room. He was delighted to see that we were ready to play. He ran over to his red chair and asked Tyler to please make room for him. So they were both sitting in the chair and we started singing "Bumpin' up and down in my little red chair (instead of wagon) while I bounced them from underneath the chair. They were both laughing so hard. Finally my arms were exhausted since we had been through the song several times. I picked up Tyler and he looked so sad and even cried a little ... apparently he had been having so much fun he wasn't ready to be done.

PAXTON HAS LEARNED that there are several meanings to words that sound the same. The other night Paxton was saying his prayers and said, "help me to choose the right." Then he got silent and I peaked my eyes open and saw him get this little smile and then he said, "help me to choose the LEFT!" Clever little guy ... I had to remind him that we aren't silly during prayers but he sure was thinking!

PAXTON HAS ALSO LEARNED that helping gets us to the fun stuff faster!

(Pax cleaning the windows ... with Pledge, he was supposed to be dusting the window seat. Oh well, he meant well and was so proud of himself!)

I needed to get the house cleaned up because we were having the Young Men and Young Women over. Paxton really wanted to play but Tyler was taking a nap and I knew it would be easier to get our cleaning done then. So I asked Paxton if we could play after we cleaned up first ... he thought for a second and said, "Sure! Can I help?" He is such a great helper!

Paxton's PERFECT weekend

I can't think of what would make Paxton's weekend more perfect. It started on Friday when he got to spend time riding the tractor with Grandpa Hector and helped him move some dirt. They also went on a 4 wheeler ride to 'honk the trucks' as Paxton calls it. They go up near the interstate and get the trucks to honk at them. He LOVES it. Then he did the same thing on Saturday only this time he rode the tractor with Uncle Travis and the 4 wheeler with Dad. Lucky him!

We also got him a new bike on Friday. We did get him a bike for his birthday but it ended up being too big. He always wants to ride it but it is just hard to pedal and get on and off. So we decided to get him a smaller one. He LOVES it. He wouldn't get off of it Friday night and we had to turn the light on in the backyard to let him have one last ride. It turns out he is a great bike rider and great at following the rules of wearing his helmet.

Bryce and Paxton practicing riding his bike in the library parking lot.

Paxton riding all by himself and practicing using his brakes.
Pax riding up to our house from the library.

Tyler's BIG week!

Tyler had a very big week. He went to the doctor on Wednesday. He is now 13 lbs. 11 oz. and 23 inches (25th percentile just as Paxton was). I thought he was going to weigh more since he keeps growing extra chins but he has put on 2 lbs since his 2 month visit. He also had to get shots and was a very sad boy Wednesday and Thursday. His poor little legs were so red and swollen and he got a fever. I'm never excited about taking my boys to the doctor for shots since I don't like them having to feel sick afterwards.

Tyler's doctor recommends beginning baby cereal when they are between 4 and 6 months old. We waited with Paxton until he was 5 months but Tyler is our little beggar. He whines and wimpers when he sees us eating something like he is dying to have a taste. So we thought we would try giving him a little cereal. Its a HUGE hit. He loves it and actually gets most of it into his tummy instead of all over his clothes. He smiles and talks and just loves it.

Tyler's first few bites of cereal.

I don't actually know who was more excited about the baby cereal, Paxton or Tyler. That morning I told Paxton we were going to try giving Tyler baby cereal for dinner. I thought we should talk about it since I am always stressing to him that Tyler can't eat anything but milk. Pax was so excited that his brother is so big now that he gets baby cereal, as can be seen in the picture. He helped give him a few bites too.

Paxton is SO excited that Tyler is getting so big!

Just like his big brother ... falling asleep in his high chair. He finished all of his cereal and I went to get a wash rag to clean his face ... he was already asleep when I got back!

Happy Birthday Bryce!

(Pax and Tyler waiting for Bryce to finish with his classes for the day! Its PARTY time!)

While we were in Jackson we celebrated Bryce's birthday ... I won't post how old he turned. :) Paxton helped me decorate our room and was so cute about it all. He could hardly contain his excitement. He was so excited it was his Dad's birthday and kept asking when he would come back to the room. Of course, I forgot his real present at home so we got him some chocolates and a new James train (from Thomas the Tank Engine) since Paxton was SURE that was what his Dad would want. It was a laid back birthday but we all had fun.

It was also Tyler's 4 month birthday. I can't believe that he is already 4 months old! It seems like he was just born. He is getting to big already and doesn't look newborn anymore at all. He is such a happy baby and is always laughing! What a joy he is!

Jackson Hole Trip

We spent the weekend in Jackson Hole. Friday morning we took Paxton down the Alpine Slides. He LOVED it and begged to go back every day we were there ... now he is just looking forward to going back with Hunter this summer.

Bryce had a conference there and so while he was in class the boys and I just hung out. It was pouring rain Friday afternoon so our plans to walk around town and play at the park didn't last long. We ended up checking into our room and staying in for the afternoon. Paxton finally decided he was tired! He climbed up next to Tyler held his hand and was asleep within a few minutes! Unfortunately Tyler woke up a few minutes later since he couldn't move his arm! Oh well, it was cute while it lasted.

Saturday was Bryce's birthday but he had classes all day, so the boys and I planned a surprise party for him ... see the birthday post for pictures.

(Why I LOVE Wyoming! Isn't it beautiful? The Hoback River is running so high and fast!)

(Bryce and Paxton going for their hike.)

(Pax, Tyler and I by the Hoback River. We stopped for a hike on the way home.)

(Bryce and Paxton taking a break ... they've been rock hunting.)

On the way home we stopped for a hike just to enjoy the mountains. Paxton also got to throw rocks in the river which made us all a little nervous. I was holding his shirt while he threw them in and he even asked me to hold on to him so he wouldn't get scared. At least he realizes that the water is fun but could be dangerous too!

A Week of Water Fun

We had just come home from the park. I had the sprinklers on to water the yard. Paxton and Hunter began throwing their frisbees into the water so they would HAVE to go through the water to get them ... fully dressed! They were soaked but sho can blame them? It was hot out!


After I convinced them to change into swimsuits they kept playing in the water! They're laying on the driveway to warm up and dry off! I remember doing that too!


A few days later we decided to go play at the splash park. We called Sydney to come with us.


Apparently the water is pretty cold. They kept coming back to warm up. The sun is in their eyes!


Tyler and I found some shade under one of the only trees at the park. Good thing we got there early or we would have been miserably hot.

We have been loving the hot weather! I had forgotten how much Pax loves to play in the water. It seems that I need to invest in a few more swim suits since he has been playing in them everyday and they always need washed since he also plays in the sandbox ... while wet.