After a lot of begging and pleading I finally put Ian back into gymnastics. The first day we went to class it was a disaster. There were 16 other 3-5 year olds in the class a well. Ian was the only 4 year old and so they grouped him with the three year olds. It did not go well and was way below Ian's current level. Aaron was in a parent-tot class at the same time but was too overwhelmed with all of the kids. Aaron'c class was supposed to have a maximum of six children but there were twelve or more kids there. I talked with the head of the gymnastics program and voice my "annoyance" and thankfully they did refund me in full and suggested I register him during the school year when it is not as busy.
They also mentioned that Ian needed to be moved into the advanced all boys class -no more preschool gymnastics. Thanks to Altius Gymnastics in Logan he has been very well trained. There are only two other boys in class with them and they are both six years old. Which is perfect because Ian has the mind set if they can do it so can I. He definitely proved just that the first day of class. The boys were supposed to jump to the high bar, swing, switch, then swing. The bar was much higher for the older boys so Ian's coach would lift him over to the bar. When his coach had turned to instruct another students Ian jumped to the high bar at full force. He was able to grab hold and swing, switch...and then he fell onto the mat. He had way too much momentum. We were all (coaches included) in complete shock that he was able to jump that far and high. As for Ian he was too busy giggling saying "Ha, I did it" and was ready to jump again.
Ian and his coaches.
At the end of the lesson they combined with the advanced girls class and had some fun with the parachute. I am so excited that we were able to find a good time and place for gymnastics!
I am sure you have already heard but it seems a new fire is starting every day here in Utah. The weather has been hot, dry and it has been quite windy. Utah has had more than 400 fires this year, 385 of these fires have been human caused. I was just looking outside at our view last week when the kids were inside sick and noticed this.
I was very grateful that it was on the other side of the lake. I could literally see the flames from my house. Thankfully it did not look to be too close to the homes in Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain.
The next morning I woke up and had completely forgot about it. Until I later read on Facebook that a few of my friends in the area were being evacuated from their homes. About 2,500 people were evacuated. I cannot believe how quickly this fire spread within less than 12 hours.
If you had 15 minutes to evacuate your home what would you bring? Besides my family and Pike, the computers would be the next thing in the car! They have nearly 40,000 pictures and home videos of our family. I also realize that I need to take all of the scrapbooks that my mom made of me as a child and turn them into digital scrapbooks -it would take me an hour to carry them all upstairs and load them into the car. If I made them digital and they were already on the computer then- tada I would already have them!
They had crews working around the clock to contain the fire and later that week the fire was finally out! Even better is no homes were lost.
Unfortunately that has not been the case in the Church Hill Fire in central Utah, or the fire in Colorado Springs. Hundreds of home have been lost and both fires continue to rage with minimal containment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those that have been affected.
I can't believe that the year is half way over!!! This year has not been very kind to us. Usually we go with your regular run-of-the-mill medical insurance. It seems when the end of the year comes we are always trying to burn through our flex money before we lose it. We do not actually put that much into our flex, but we have always been very health and just rarely end up using it. It has been that way for about the last seven years. So this year we decided to go with the high deductible plan.
The "crap" hit the fan. A lot of ear infections, and a couple surgeries later this is our stack of medical bills from the last few month. That is right months, not year, just months. You'd think maybe I did not believe my children should wash their hands or something like that. Nope we are constantly washing our hands and disinfecting.
We were starting to think that we had paid our dues for the year and all should be well but our luck just keeps coming. We all caught the stomach flu (again) the beginning of June (minus Ian). Thankfully that does not require any doctor visits. Then last week on Wednesday night both the boys started with fevers of 104.3 degrees with no other symptoms. They were miserable and did not enjoy cool baths. Thankfully the "magic" bags were awesome (washcloth with ice bag inside) that Aaron is holding.
Both Ian and Aaron were on medicine around the clock (Tylenol and Ibuprofen). On the second day they were still having fevers of 102-103 while on the medicine. I called the doctors office to see what was going around and if this sounded familiar to them. The nurse sighed and said that hand-foot-mouth disease has been going around the last few months and it tends to start with a high fever and no other symptoms. Then about 2-4 days into the fever they start to get canker/blister like bumps all over the back of their throat and mouth. They asked that if Aaron still had that high of a fever another day to bring him in for a check up to see if it was possibly strep (it was also going around). So we ended up going to the doctors office and discovered that it was not strep, or an ear infection, and that Aaron's throat was red but that was about it. If his Aaron's fever had not broke by day six we would need to come in and he would most likely need to be hospitalized.
After I had talked with the nurse the first time I immediately started having the boys swish and gargle salt water while taking a bath. I did not know if they had hand-foot-mouth, but I figured that it could not hurt.
Wouldn't you know on day 4 -they both had white blister like bumps in their mouths and back of their throats. Ian's were very mild, but Aaron looked almost bloody and very painful. They spent most of their time watching movie, after movie, after movie, after movie. Usually Ian would pick a show and then we would watch Baby Einstein: MacDonald after for Aaron. You would think that at least I could get a lot of cleaning/organizing done but nope. Both boys wanted me right by their side all day long. The air quality outside wasn't the best because of all of the wildfires here in the west (I'll post about later) so I did not feel too bad having to stay inside day after day.
While they both have ice packs all over them they still had to have their blankets on as well.
As of day six Ian was great! Aaron still had a low fever but it was slowly coming down (100.0 on medication). We knew that if his fever did not break soon we would have no choice but to take him back in. Thankfully the next morning he woke up with no fever!!! Hurray -the stack of bills does not need to grow.
As of now Aaron is doing much better! Neither of the kids broke out with a rash on their hands or feet but the doctor said that was common in what they had seen going around. They were both getting oatmeal baths and washing their mouths out twice a day. Not to mention Aaron eczema has nearly disappear with two oatmeal baths a day and a lot of aquaphor lotion.
So we are once again healthy! Here's to hoping that it will actually last!!!
Below are a couple videos of Aaron playing. I am not sure why he found this so entertaining but I loved watching him count and then quietly say "go."
He also discovered a new trick in the tub! He had way too much fun suctioning the boat to his face. Don't worry the water is not dirty it is just oatmeal :)
Last weekend was the Chalk Art Festival (June 16th) at the gateway in Salt Lake City to support the Utah Foster Care program. The theme this year was superheroes which meant we had to go! When we first arrived we picked up our superhero treasure map and were off! They had various booths set up for the kids and if they got a stamp from each of the booths then they won a prize at the end.
This was the first chalk drawing that we saw them working on. You can imagine the boys excitement. I think Aaron just shouted "Ironman" all day long -the guy in the yellow shirt in the sun is working on ironman.
This one was insane! It is by Clayton Tycksen.The detail was unbelievable.
This is a video from their youtube website it is a little lengthy but it gives you an idea of how long it truly took him to complete his "masterpiece."Plus it show the end result.
There were superheroes everywhere. We first ran into Bumblebee and starstem (or something like that).
Ian asked if he could get a picture with them -unfortunately I was facing directly into the sun so it did not come out very well.
We also ran into Optimus Prime.
We saw Batman and spiderman as well but they were on the move. I think they knew if they stopped they would be stuck taking pictures forever. Below are a few more chalk drawing that stood out to us...
I think the crack in the sidewalk really makes this picture.
Tangled
On our way to another booth we walked past a dunking tank. Our timing was perfect -Ian was drenched in water and the rest of us were completely dry. He stood there looking at the guy that had just been dunked in complete shock. It was hilarious and thankfully Ian then decided it was kind of funny. He also got his face painted just like spiderman.
The day was great! Our stroller was stuffed full of books, candy, coupons, superhero toys and all kinds of fun things for the kids. Here are some pictures that Tim was took of a few of the chalk drawings.
It happened to also be the Cedar Hills Festival. We decided not to attend the carnival this year mostly because the tickets for the rides were a little expensive, and Aaron is at the age where he wants to do everything is brother is doing but is still a little too young. We came home and spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the sprinklers and enjoying some downtime inside. That night after Aaron went to bed and daddy was gone to work Ian and I had a sleepover! It was great we watched Curious George in my bed and then as soon as it got dark the fireworks for the Cedar Hills day began. So we opened up the blinds and laid in bed watching the fireworks too! Perfect ending to a perfect day!
We have decided that it is too hot to go outside. It has been in the high 90's and low 100's. I think we are in for a long summer. So we have been doing our best to keep entertained inside during the heat of the day.
Occasionally we do have to go out. Ian has been loving to sing especially while we are driving in the car. I have been trying to get a good video of him but it usually turns out like this...
Finally he let me video him for a little while. He was singing the song from Tangled, "Flower gleam and glow, let your power shine, make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine, what once was mine." While I don't think he every finished the song he was still happy with me recording!
Last week my good friend Stephanie and her kids came down to stay with us for a few days! Her husband is currently serving our county in Afghanistan for the next 5 months. It is wonderful that we were able to get together and just relax. The kids got along sooooo well! Livie and Ian had a blast running around and playing from the second they arrived.
Really the second they walked in the door Ian and Livie were gone. It was hilarious because they really don't know each other that well. We had last seen them a couple months ago before Dave deployed but in a little kids mind that is forever. They rarely had any arguments and were great at sharing. They loved jumping on the trampoline downstairs and playing with the nerf guns. Livie was pretty funny to watch shooting the nerf guns, so proper and girly we had to laugh. They also loved dancing around the house!
If we could not find them they were usually hiding in Ian's bed reading books or out on the deck.
Aaron and Emmett got along great too! Minus the fact that they enjoyed stealing each others food -although they also freely gave it to each other as well.
Emmett was crazy about Pike! Anytime the dog was near he would instantly start laughing. He also enjoyed sharing his food with the dog instead of eating it himself -which Pike loved.
Thankfully Pike did not mind Emmett -he has learned over the years to stay far away from most young children but Emmett would just sit near him and giggle.
On Thursday we headed to Hogle Zoo for a members late night. This is where our adventure really began :( We were all in Steph's car and Aaron was kind of fussy in the car. Aaron is not usually fussy at all so I thought it was kind of weird but did not think much of it. While driving on I-15 Aaron started puking uncontrollably. We are talking projectile vomiting of Mac n'cheese, applesauce, and milk. It was unreal. I have never seen a child puke that much and to make matters worse we were in Steph's car, not even my own car. I jumped back as quickly as possible in attempts to block the puking from getting everywhere but then realized I had nothing. Steph threw me a diaper which ended up full of puke but it was still coming. We took the first exit and pulled off the road into a parking lot immediately. Poor Aaron was completely covered from head to toe (literally hair and all). He carseat was full (we are talking puddles) and he looked white as a ghost. I was at a loose of where to even begin -thankfully Steph being a nurse stepped right in and help clean him up, in fact I think she did most of it :) Thanks! She had an extra container of baby wipes in the trunk and gallon zip lock bags -which I now carry in my car as should every other parent! We put his clothes and shoes all in a bag and went through an entire container of wipes cleaning him and everything else up. The other kids were complaining about the smell but thankfully seemed to be fine with all the windows down. Did I mention we were heading to the zoo and nearly their? So we decided to continue to the zoo since Ian and Livie had been begging to go. We first went to the gift shop and I bought Aaron an overpriced t-shirt. They did not have any shorts so I just got a little bit bigger t-shirt. Then we were off to see the animals.
Livie loved the carousel, Emmett seemed to enjoy it for the most part as well. We decided to pass due to Aaron's prior condition.
Ian and Livie were eating goldfish and were kind enough to share with Aaron. Who moments later threw them up. We thought that maybe he was car sick and the heat was getting to him -since he was sitting up much higher in her car and could not see out the front. We had already had the stomach flu this year and I had not heard of it going around again. Plus all Aaron wanted to do was eat and who wants to eat if you have the stomach flu. We quickly rushed through the rest of the zoo and decided we better get Aaron home. Ian and Livie still had fun stopping and playing along the way.
On the way home we stopped and got Wendy's and also pick up some pedialyte for Aaron (since he threw up on the way home as well). When we got home he was so angry that he could not eat. He was looking great as far as color had come back and he seemed happy so I finally let him have some soda crackers and pedialyte. He held it down great plus had some frosty which is his favorite. The next morning I awoke to Aaron saying "uh oh, uh oh" he had thrown up a little in his bed. We kept a close watch on him and tried to make sure the other kids kept there distance and washed their hands frequently. Thankfully everyone seemed to be fine!
That day we headed down to the beach and enjoyed some fun in the sand and water!
On Saturday it came time for them to head home. We decided to head into SLC and go shopping with them as well. We made a quick stop at IKEA. Ian of course fell asleep in the car so Livie decided stay and wait in the car with us while Steph went shopping. I am pretty sure Livie was wondering when Ian would wake up or if was just deep in thought?
After having some fun running around and playing at the mall, we said our see you later's! Ian was sad and crying in the car on the way home, begging to go to Livie's house. He tends to get very attached when people come and stay. Even though we stayed up way too late, and it seemed that the kids woke up much too early we had a blast!!! I am so glad that they were able to come and stay a few days with us. The week went by too quick. The kids had so much fun playing together that it was nice and relaxing. Thanks so much for taking the time to drive down and hang out!
P.S. Saturday night I woke up at one in the morning and was up puking the rest of the night :( I guess we were lucky enough to have caught the stomach bug again. Tim got it the next night but thankfully Ian and Steph and her kids never got it! When Tim got home from work he remembered that we had some Zofran (prevent nausea and vomiting) on hand from when I had my surgery. I have now decided that I should always have that on hand!
School is out, soccer is over, and we have two weeks until summer camp for Ian begins! It is insanely hot outside which means that all activities must involve water!
We always love going to the BEACH. Aaron is really getting into playing in the sand and digging this year (versus just trying to eat the sand like last year).
Say cheese!
The women that live here in our neighborhood started their own Facebook group! If your ward or area does not have one you should definitely start it! Whenever anyone is heading to the beach, splash pad, park, or we want to have a girls night out it is posted on the group page. Then anyone that can make it at that time joins in for the fun! It is great and definitely makes it much easier to meet people. This day Elyssa had posted that she was heading to the beach with her kids and invited anyone to join. Which means moms get to chat and enjoy some adult conversation and the kids can all play together.
As you can see the kids were having a lot of fun! I love their creation.
Aaron trying to decided what he wants to do -sit under the umbrella in the shade or go back and play in the water.
One of our favorite things to do in Cache Valley was head to Mack Park. Ian always loved playing in the stream and enjoying a nice picnic. Well.....tada Heritage Park (a whole 3 minutes from our house)!!! We knew there had to be something like that here! Ian had to jump into the stream much faster than expected since Aaron chucked his spiderman airplane in and it took off down stream. As you can see he did not mind. Yes, he is wearing levi pants and a long sleeve shirt. He did not want to change.
Walking over to see the ducks.
After he was soaking wet he decided that next time he would listen to me and change clothes.
Ian tends to wake up before anyone else -usually around 8:00 am (I am not a morning person). One morning I woke up rather late and notice that Ian did not come and wake me up. When I went to check on him he said not to worry he got himself breakfast... juice and a fruit roll up?!?!
We have also been having some major NERF wars while Aaron is napping.
Aaron has decided that it is hilarious to wear a swim diaper on his head. I'll admit that it does look rather funny :)
Although he has also decided that it is much more enjoyable to run around the house not wearing a diaper. Occasionally I will wake up in the morning to Aaron going "Uh Oh, Uh oh." I usually run as quickly as possible to his room because it means he has taken his diaper off and is swinging it over his head. Thankfully we have not encountered a poopy diaper. That would be horrific.
We have enjoyed going to storybook time in the park. As you can see Ian is always very eager to volunteer.
One afternoon it was just too hot outside so we headed to the living aquarium. The best time to go is about 4:30 pm on a weekday. It was by far our best experience, we were just about the only ones there.
The boys loved watching the Otters swim. At the beginning you can hear Aaron shouting "Otter, Otter."
Our other favorite place to go is Seven Peaks. We caved in and decided to get the "pass of all passes" Yes, they really are called "pass of all passes." The kids loved the wave pool. Ian also loved the kids slides that they have in the middle of the park. We took him on one of the bigger slides and he was not a big fan -he hates being splashed in the face. However he tends to get splashed in the face by the kids slides and doesn't mind -silly boy!
The boys also loved playing in the tube.
Family picture -Aaron just wanting to play with the tube.
After a few hours -it was time to head home. The boys were both exhausted.
Very exhausted -we had not even pulled out of the parking lot before Aaron was asleep.
We still have enjoyed some down time inside. The boys enjoy watching cars 2 while playing with all their character cars while I made dinner.
Tim also found a frisbee golf course in American Fork. Let's just say that we will not be returning. The pictures I took of us playing frisbee were at the park -the actual course is back in all the trees (I am pretty sure many frisbees have been lost on this course). When first walking into the trees to find hole number one a lovely 2 foot gardner snake slithered right in front of my shoe -causing me to scream and conclude that we were indeed done before we had begun!
Time to leave!
The boys still had fun throwing the frisbee's around at the park -where there were no snakes. I think that Ian can throw the frisbee better than me.
Then we headed to the park for some play time.
These first few weeks in June have been packed full of fun! It seems my house is a disaster and that there is just no hope. In my complaining to Tim that the house simply did not clean itself, and that the house should not be this dirty if we were always going somewhere, he showed me this card that one of his friends posted on Facebook.
