June 2016

June was a bittersweet month, heavy on the sweet.  The bitter part was James finished preschool.  It has been such an amazing school year for him.  He has grown and really thrived at Pomerado Christian.  He loved Mrs. Turner, his small little class and finding treasures everyday in the playground sandbox.  I know it is a place he will miss but there are new adventures to come.  The sweet part of June was our camping trip to Dos Picos, swimming lessons (okay so those were slightly bitter too), the Del Mar Fair and visits to Uncle Jimmy.

Hiking at Torrey Pines and searching for sharks.

Safari Parkin'

James Finished Preschool

I remember James' first day of preschool.  We were both a little nervous and didn't know quite what to expect.  But since that first day of entering his classroom, he truly loved preschool.  It is such a sweet school where they learn not only about letters, numbers and sharing.  But they also learn about Jesus and their relationship to Him.  His teacher, Mrs. Turner, often times told me that she prayed to know what was best for James and how to teach him.  I think James felt how much Mrs. Turner loved him and that is one reason he loved school so much.  James loved making the crafts, playing in the sand during lunchtime and he even loved staying after for extended classes "beyond class".  He and his buddy Hudson became very close and I'm so happy that they'll be going to Painted Rock together too.  It was a very sweet experience, sending James to Pomerado Christian and I am so happy Foster will be going there next year!

James, 1st day of preschool/last day of preschool.

Hudson, Mrs. Turner and James.

Hudson, Mrs. Porter and James.

Last day at the Discovery Table.  Sharks, always a favorite!

Dos Picos Camping

Our annual tradition of Dos Picos camping with the Thompson was in full affect the month of June.  We had a blast as always and the kids played harder than ever.  There basically wasn't a time that their faces weren't covered in dirt which is a sign of a good camping trip!

The kid crew.

Beautiful walks and of course, Foster has to carry a stick everywhere he goes.

King of the Mountain!

Sunset walk.

Horsin' Around.

This was my favorite walk we went on.  Winding trails through spooky trees!

Playing in the rocks.

Swimming Lessons

James surprised us this month and really wanted to start swimming on his own without his floaties.  It was kind of crazy, in the course of one weekend he went from being afraid to jump from the side without me holding him to jumping from the side without floaties and dunking his head under the water.  I guess it shows when he's ready to do something, he DOES it!  So I signed the boys up for swim lessons and James did an amazing job.  He listened to his teacher and did his best everyday.  I was really proud of him.  Foster was in it more for the conversation with the pretty swim teacher.  He did not learn too many skills and there were some days he wouldn't even get in the water but he sure did like Lexi, the swim teacher.  Go figure.  James liked Lexi too except when she wore (that big long thing down her back) or what some people call, a braid.  Apparently James does not like braids.

Del Mar Fair

Going to the fair is the start of summer in my mind.  We love this family tradition and even though it was crowded and some of us were grumpy for a minute or two, we all rallied and had a great time.  The fried oreos, cinnamon roll and mini doughnuts were a big help.  James and Foster loved the little rides and James is getting big enough and brave enough to go on some rides that even mom likes.  The best ride this year was these little ATV's that were on hydraulics and went up high.  The boys had to ride it more than once and giggled the entire time.  And for me, the new treat of choice is the cinnamon roll.  It is amazing.  Covered in cream cheese frosting and walnuts.  I'd sure like one in my mouth right about now.

James went on the bumper boats all by himself and had a very serious face the whole time!

I have a photo of James when he was Foster's age, on this exact same ride.  It must be a 3 year old favorite.

Waving to the spectators.

Their favorite ride of the night

Visits to Uncle Jimmy

Uncle Jimmy's health took a turn for the worst in May and June.  Because of this, he was sent to Casa De Las Companas, a care facility in Rancho Bernardo.  Because he was in such close proximity, we were able to make weekly visits to see him.  The boys loved spending time with Uncle Jim and it was really the first time he had gotten to know my boys.  He loved teasing them and each visit they would bring toys and Uncle Jim would threaten to keep them.  Foster brought a squishy ball toy and Uncle Jim told him he was going to keep it and Foster said "Okay, you can have it."  So Foster left it with Uncle Jim and Uncle Jim titled the ball "The Booger Master" which the boys thought was hilarious.  It was a special time for me to have the man that watched me grow up, be able to get a glimpse of who my boys are and share some memories together.  Something I'll never forget.

We made this visit to Uncle Jimmy a couple of days before Father's Day and the boys picked out that card to give to him.  The green ball on the table is "The Booger Master". 

May 2016

May was a great warmup to summer.  We spent many days at the swimming pool and even managed to go on TWO vacations.  It was a sign of good things to come!  Other than celebrating Foster's birthday, we also celebrated Mother's Day, Scott and I managed a little getaway without the kiddos, we had a visit from cousin Elliot and Aunt Christine and then we rounded out the month in Las Vegas! May you are A Okay.

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day with my boys.  I was invited to a special Mother's Day tea at James' preschool which really meant donuts and lemonade...my kind of tea!  James was so excited to have me come to his class and to be honest, I had to fight back tears of pride the entire time.  When I arrived at the class, James greeted me at the door and escorted me to the rug on the floor.  Once all of the parents were there, they sang us their mother's day song.  James knew all the words and hand motions and to my surprise sang the loudest of anyone.  I mean seriously, I nearly burst into tears.  Then our preschoolers escorted us to a beautifully set table where they served us donuts and we listened to stories read by Mrs. Turner.  I went home with a beautiful flower craft and a list of things James loves about me.  He said that he loves when I make cold, salty pasta for dinner.  To be honest, I don't remember making this glorious sounding meal, at least not on purpose but lucky for me, this accidental dinner was a hit!
On Sunday, I was so proud of James for going up with the rest of the primary to sing to me.  It was a Mother's Day, I'll never forget!

Mother's Day Tea.

In our Mother's Day best.

James with the primary, singing on Mother's Day.

Palm Springs

Scott and I were so excited to get the chance to go on vacation, just the two of us.  It had been somewhere around 4 years since we had been on a vacation without the kids and we were due for some carefree alone time.  We spent our days at the pool, eating nachos and drinking diet coke (my personal dream come true!)  We had some really great meals and even snuck in some shopping and a movie.  But the best part was spending uninterrupted time together which we never get.  We vowed to not wait another four years before we do this again.  It might have to be an annual thing! 

Our hot date to Tommy Bahamas restaurant which was delish!

The daily walk to the pool.

Luckily, Ninja Turtles was not the movie we saw.

Don't mind me, I'm just stuffing my face with Norma's waffles.

Now I'm stuffing my face with a date shake.  I like food.

That little person is my husband running away from a T Rex.  He's so brave.

This is how we felt when we had to pack our bags and head back to reality.

Elliot and Christine Visit

We had a fun visit from our sweet cousin Elliot and Aunt Christine.  They escaped the scorching heat of Las Vegas and played with us for a couple of days.  We made it to the Safari Park and the Farmer's Market but the real highlight was hanging in the backyard, sipping on soda and watching the boys play in the "mud hole".  The mud hole is a literal hole in the dirt that they fill with water and then play in.  Elliot was all over the water table and all three of them were pants off, shirts off, having fun together.  Sometimes the best things are the simplest things and this was definitely one of those times!  We can't wait for them to come back and visit.

The Olson boys.

Safari Park Selfies.

The boys picked out their very own pokey plants.

But seriously, is there something on my back?

Trip to Vegas

We had such a great time with Christine and Elliot that we decided to head to Vegas for Memorial Day weekend.  It was great to see where the other Olson's reside and to spend some time with both Paul and Christine.  We had an adult only dinner in downtown Vegas on our first night there and it was delicious!  The meal included bacon jam and donut bread pudding....um yes please!  We were able to visit the Las Vegas Temple and spend some quality time making dinner and hanging out with the family.  On Memorial Day, we joined some of the Green Valley Ward at Cowabunga Bay, the waterpark owned by John Huish.  It was the boys first time at a waterpark and they had so much fun.  We loved the Lazy River and the Wave Pool although the waves were SERIOUS so we found a raft and glided right over them.  There was a great kid area with small slides that made keeping track of Foster extremely difficult.  Just when I thought I knew which slide he went down, he would come out the end of another slide.  Slippery little fellow.  But we left with all of our children who were tired and happy so that means it was a success!

So sweet to see these boys together.

Las Vegas Temple, it was VERY hot outside!

The end of our day at the waterpark. And the end of a really great month.

Foster Turns 3

Our Foster turned 3!

I can't believe my little baby is 3 years old, even though he has seemed 3 since the day he was born.  He walked early, talked early, and has been keeping up with the big boys for awhile now.  But he still snuggles up with his mama and let's me treat him like a baby.  Just don't call him a baby or else he will yell at the top of his lungs that he doesn't poop in a diaper anymore.  Charming.  Everyday he says to me "I think you're beautiful." It melts my heart every time. He loves his big brother James more than anything and misses him everyday that he's at school.  Nothing makes me happier than hearing the two of them play, wrestle and giggle.  Their bond is unbreakable and I love that about them.  He can't wait for daddy to get home from work everyday and is the first to run to the door to greet him.

Here are some facts about Foster:

Best Friends: James, Hudson, Anna, Leah, Goldie, Charlotte, Berkeley 

He loves to play with James' friends and gravitates to the older kids.  When he does play with kids his age they are girls....heaven help me!

Favorite food: fruit of any kind.  He will eat an entire box of blueberries in one sitting while informing you that his poop is going to be blue.  Which is true by the way.

Favorite treat: Lollipops.  The child will do anything for a lollipop.

Favorite show: Dragon Tails, Min Min, Dinotrux 

Favorite Toy: Superhero toys, Avenger toys, Dinotrux, Legos

Favorite Book: He loves all books and loves reading.  It is one of his favorite ways to spend his time.

Favorite Place to go: He loves going to the park and playing with friends.  He is one of the most outgoing kids at the park, making friends wherever he goes.  He also has no problem telling people what he thinks, whatever that might be.  Just the other day at the park he yelled to me that the little boy standing right next to him was not listening to his dad who had asked him to "come here" three times.  He's my little policeman.

Favorite Superhero: Captain America and The Hulk.

I always say that Foster brings the party and it couldn't be more true.  He wins over everyone he is around, including his family.  He has comedic timing, a mischievous way about him and is a little adventurer.  He has a soft spot for his mama and snails.  He collects bugs wherever he goes and observes nature around him.  We love to sit on the trampoline and listen to the birds and watch the butterflies as they fly by.  Little Foster could not be more loved by his family.  He is a light in our life!

Foster's Birthday Party

We celebrated Foster with a swim party with all of his favorite friends.  We had snacks, cake and squirt guns for all of the kids.  They swam, they ate and Foster's favorite part, he opened presents.  I bought it a giant #3 balloon which he loved.  Up until mom accidentally untied the string and off it disappeared into the sky.  He bawled all while screaming "My Balloon".  Basically, it's his party and he'll cry if he wants to.  And he wanted to. All in all, he had a wonderful birthday celebration that included a birthday dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house with a second birthday cake and party with family.  Was this kid celebrated or what????

Birthday Guests: Hudson and Cannon McEwan, Arden and Tatum Tilley, Anna Thompson, Claire and Charlotte Warren

Birthday breakfast at the Pancake House.  The birthday boy chose blueberry pancakes and despite the look on his face, he had a very good time!  Captain America joined in on the fun too!

Somehow we always end up in my mom's garage which is where the festivities were held!

Makin' Wishes

DinoTrux for the Win!!!