Nate, Landon, and Lauren's 6th Birthday

So I'm playing catch up, and posting pictures I missed throughout the year (because someday, I'll get around to printing my blog into a book, and I don't want to have missed anything).  I have a list of posts that I didn't quite get to, but that's when backdating a post comes in handy, so events can still appear in chronological order.

On Feb. 28, 2011 "the triplets" celebrated their 6th birthday! 

These kids are growing like weeds, and it makes me happy to see them grow.  I still remember when these 3 tiny little bodies entered the world 3 months too early, and they fought to stay here.  Now look at them- aren't they awesome!  

We're so proud of them, and we love these kiddos. 

 They immediately went outside to try out their new bikes, and 4- wheeler.  We tried to stay out of the way.  At first, it was a bit of  a hazard for the triplets, AND all of us watching, but pretty soon they got the hang of things.

 Then we played games, of course. That's a must at a 6-year-old's birthday party.

 Uncle Jason and Brody

 This boy looks pooped (and a little cold), but there was still more partying to be had.  So we continued the party inside.

 Love the look he's giving me.

Brody had a grand time playing in the aftermath of the present opening.

 Isn't Uncle Jason funny?!

 Mel and her two birthday boys.

 This is the triplets' cousin Kaylee.

 Brody took a liking to this sweetie. See how he has his eye on her.

 Then he started to move in.

 And went for the bold move-- in for the kiss!

Smooth, Brody, smooth. . .

Brody is such a fun, sweet, and SMART little guy.

At 11 months he's picking up on so much.

We've been trying to teach him sign language (along with watching episodes of  "Baby Signing Time") so he can communicate simple things like "more," "all done,"

"milk," "cracker," etc. . . (The experts say this cuts down on frustration since a baby can't verbally communicate what he wants, but can often do a simple sign.)

We were particularly working on the sign for "more" so Brody could tell us when he wanted more of a certain food, but

Brody outsmarted us, and proved the experts wrong.

He didn't need those mindless signs to tell us when he wanted something.

He simply pointed, and said, "mo."

To heck with signing.  He watched us repeat those silly signs, and probably thought we were crazy.

"I'll just say "more." What's wrong with that?"

Getting Bigger- 11 Months!

Watching Baby Einstein.

Nothing Better

Here's a cute video of Brody tonight sitting in his high chair with a case of the giggles.  There's nothing better than the sound of a baby's laugh. 

I thought it was funny how after he would laugh, he would pout out his lip as if he were going to cry.  Maybe he wasn't sure which he needed to do!

Winter Visit to Arizona

In February we decided to visit my parents in Wickenburg, Arizona to take a break from the cold Idaho winter, and of course to see my parents.  We were a little anxious about how Brody would react/ act on the flight since this was his first time flying. 

We'd heard horror stories from friends and family about their kids throwing-up, or screaming the entire time.

That would be my worst nightmare.  It's not like there's anywhere you can go to hide away from the other angry, irritable passengers.

We were pleasantly surprised--

Brody did GREAT!!  He was an angel, and basically slept the entire time going, and coming.

I was so happy to see this little boy drift off. . . my fears were calmed and it was a peaceful flight.  TWICE.

We spent much of our time outside.  Just soaking up the warm rays of sunshine.

My parents are really spoiled to get this nice weather year-round.

Oh, the bliss of retirement!

While we were there, Wickenburg was celebrating "Gold Rush Days" is a big celebration held each year in honor of its origin (it was founded by gold prospector Henry Wickenburg).

My dad has taken up the hobby of panning for gold, and tried to teach Brent a few skills at the exhibition they had set up for tourists to try.

Grandpa dancing with Brody

Waiting for the parade to start.

Notice Brody has a couple of extra lumps in his shirt. 

We are so cruel sometimes!  He didn't find the same humor in it that we did.

While we were visiting. . . Brody got his first haircut.

This boy has the cutest curls

immediately after he gets out of the tub.

See how cute those curls are?

And the faux hawk-- isn't it to die for?

But about 5 minutes later, those cute curls turn into this. . .

A fuzzy, matted, ratty mess.

I got tired of looking at the rats nest on the back of his cute noggin.

So Grandma did the honors and gave Brody his 1st haircut.

A little bribery with a sucker bid enough time to get the job done.

He has so little hair that it seemed ridiculous to give him a haircut.  But it looked so much better frazzle-free.

Check out the handsome little boy.

It was a great trip, and a fun visit with Grandma and Grandpa.

I keep thinking we need to go again next year before Brody turns 2 to take advantage of him flying for free.