Soccer season is now officially over. Dylan played great defence this season. This week our coach told us that the coach of the other team was complaining to him that they couldn’t get the ball passed Dylan.

Who knew that our sweetest little guy would have the most determination out of the field. We are really proud of him!

The end of the season party was so much fun! What’s so funny is that 4 families on our coed team have all boys! Out of the 4 families we all have three boys and we’re all officially done. It feels good at times not to be alone in this crazy all-boy world.

Davis has been in this cutie’s class the past two years and since she lives a couple doors down, she’s become such a great friend. I just love having her in my home.

She’s willing to do just about anything Davis comes up with. Sometimes his antics are quite funny. As I went outside to check on them, they reminded me of the movie “My Girl”.

I don’t remember the actual plot of the movie but the dynamic between the two is pretty similar.

Ahhh, to be a kid again.

There are many things I love about our area and there are a couple things I could do without. The large hail is one of them! However, the boys thought it was very cool.

{{Cutie Ty is such a poser!!}}

Yep, another Peek-a-boo!

This time with underwear. {{at least it’s clean}} Too bad he won’t hear it on his bottom. {{sigh}}

My little spunky guy finally turned 3! He wanted a train birthday party this year and was all about his “Friday Birthday Party”.

I had forgotten how difficult it is planning a party with the birthday boy constantly around. He kept thinking that the day we went and ordered the cake was his birthday. Or the day we made his Thomas Train was his birthday. Or the day we bought the birthday supplies. Needless to say, it was a long week for the little engineer. 😉

Finally, Friday arrived and it was time to get dressed up and Par-Tay!

He was stoked!

He loved his train and even though it didn’t turn out like this one, it works for a 3 year old.

I made Drake his birthday banner inspired by this one that shows him growing up.

All the little engineers received hats, bandanna’s, and road sign suckers.

I a made ‘Pin the whistle on James’ game.

The kids loved it! Since they’re all still little, we used their hats to cover their eyes. It worked a lot better.

Next up, birthday bingo of course!! I made Thomas the Train bingo cards.

Grand Central Station was upstairs.

Where we had several trains set up for all the kiddos to play with.

I LOVE toys and having 3 boys I’ve gathered quite the train collection. Now they’ve come in handy.

It’s time to re-energize in the Fueling Station where we had pizza and cupcakes.

I was really pleased at how the Thomas cupcake cake turned out. Thanks to trusty ol’ Wal-mart. I’m all about one-stop-shopping these days.

It was such a fun party! Drake got lots of Disney Cars toys and loved everyone of his gifts. I think all the kiddos had a blast and it was so fun to see Drake really into it this year.

I can’t believe it. My sweet Dylan is growing up and last week he got braces. He’s been anxiously awaiting them since last October. But had to wait an extra couple months due to my surgery. (It’s been brutal making him wait. Mean Mommy.)

Before

During

After

When we arrived at the ortho office, we noticed that there was a “Congratulations Dylan” sign. He guessed exactly how many Mardis Gras beads there were in the jar and won all kinds of gift cards, the 99 necklaces, and chocolate. {{squeal with delight}}

Afterwards I took him to buy new shoes and he treated Mom to Jamba Juice with one of his gift cards. We had a great date! He’s such a sweet little guy.

One of the {{many}} problems with being out of commission for 3 months is that things and relationships aren’t maintained and kept in good condition. I had anticipated this problem and once I was able to resume a daily schedule; repairing my relationship with my youngest son would be a priority.

He has always been a Daddy’s boy and my “bed rest” so to speak was like a vacation to him. He got dad all to himself and he loved every minute of it.

One of Drake’s favorite things is going to the park and the playground. Don’t confuse the two, he will correct you! A park is outdoors and the playground indoors like McDonalds. 😉

So when it’s our turn for play dates, we pack ’em up and head on over to play. We’ve been going about 3 times a week. It’s done a number on my back but it’s really helped Drake’s attitude and our relationship.

Play dates are my life and right now everything revolves around them and my physical therapy. I’m enjoying the simplicy of life right now.

Before

Another thing that needed to be repaired was my house. Holly crap it was dirty! I’ve had some help getting it organized, so the last thing was my closet, the carpets, and touching up the paint on the walls.

After

I outsourced the carpets, covered all the food & finger prints with paint, and tackled my closet. Whew! Jason’s been out of town several times so it’s been a long couple weeks. However, he’s now home, my house is back to how I like it, and Drake and I have reconnected.

Life is good. {{relief}}

Where’s Drake?

There he is!

Drake and I were watching Max & Ruby when I realized a little later that I was the only one watching it. (Sort of, I was on the computer.) Drake had fallen asleep on the laundry. It’s the first nap he’s taken in probably over a year.

Dylan is onto his second big project for 2nd grade and he chose to do a presentation on the red-tailed hawk. Instead of doing a shoe box recreation of it’s habitat, Dylan chose to do a costume instead.

We searched for ideas and when I came across a mascot costume he said, “Mom that’s it! That’s what I want.” {{AHHHH!!}} Can you say high expectations?

To my surprise, he LOVED how his costume turned out. {{relief}} Dylan wanted his picture taken with a lizard in his mouth. He’s such a funny kid!

He was so excited about it, he wore it to school the next day.

Naturally, Drake couldn’t be outdone with the attention. Here he is sportin’ the look as well.

Now that I’m driving a bit, I made it to the boys Valentine’s Day parties at school. Their teachers are so amazing this year. We feel very blessed as a family to have them as teachers, especially this year.

Well… ok. I’ll admit they were hand picked because I’m one of “those parents”. {{evil laugh}}

Every V-day I buy each of the boys a box of chocolates and let them know they can give it their Valentine if they want to. They day of, I causally ask them who they’re planning on giving it to. I’ve been doing this for years, as it’s my ploy to find out who they like. {{another evil laugh}}

Skyler has been Dylan’s Valentine for 2 years in a row. She was very proud of that fact when I saw her. We had a cute chat about it and she gave me a hug. She’s darling! I love it that Dylan is so loyal to the woman in his life. {{snicker}}

Dylan’s such a sweet little boy. Here he is with a few of his favorite people.

Davis has had a harder year this year. Thank goodness he is so loved at school by his teachers. They take great care of him and are sensitive to his needs. They’re fab!

In years past, Davis has also been loyal to his Valentine, but this year there was a new name that I didn’t recognize. So while I was at the party I asked around and found out who she was. As sneaky as I am, I made sure she was in this photo so Davis could have a picture of her.

For Christmas, he was her “secret admirer”. So funny! He’s always been fine with giving the chocolates to the girl directly, but not this year. I guess it’s a sign that he’s growing up.

Davis grabbed the camera during his party and took some pics of his friends.

Chasing Drake around the school with a weak back is not a good idea. For the most part he behaved himself but Davis’ party was too much and he felt the need to be the center of attention. Needless to say, we cut the party short.

Basketball season for the boys has been underway since December. However, I was finally strong enough to make it to a game. Dylan did such a great job! He was the high scorer.

Davis isn’t that into sports and wants to quit basketball. However, I keep telling him that Mormon’s play basketball so he’s out of luck. What else is he going to do on P-day? {{bwahahaha}}

I’m so mean but he’ll thank me later. {{fingers crossed}}