It's Been a Long, Long Time

I haven't written anything here for quite a while and a lot has happened over the last couple months.

I've been at my job for a long time (in this day and age anyway) and as a reward for nine years of tenure, my company offers a sabbatical. So I had all of April off of work and Kari and I spent some of that time in Argentina while Baba, Grandma and Papa teamed up to take care of the boys. It was a great trip and I've been meaning to write something about it but I haven't gotten to it. Hopefully soon but, in the meantime, I did post some photos from the trip though including the one above.

We also moved into a new house a few weeks ago. The boys were somewhat helpful in the move. Somewhat. Like carrying a small toy tub and one stuffed animal. They sure were cute though.

LT turned six years old. We had a party with his friends at Homedepot. It was really fun but was the same weekend as our move, which was a little overwhelming. I got a few photos before my camera battery ran out and, like an amateur, I didn't bring my spare. Posting some of those is on my todo list that never seems to get done. But maybe. We also did his family birthday dinner at White Fence Farm and I kind of liked this pic of him on one of the tractors there.

LT decided that he wants to be called Landon rather than LT. Honestly, it made a little sad and I've had a hard time adjusting to it. I kept using LT so one morning he made this helpful sign to help me remember.

Since then he's gotten somewhat less determined about just being called Landon and we seem to be using both his 'big name' and his 'little name' interchangeably. I'm still pretty attached to LT but will try and use what he prefers. I guess time will tell if one wins out over the other.

We also took a trip to California to meet up with Papa and Grandma on their big road trip and got to visit Seaworld, Disney and uncle John's house. I've got some photos from that trip too and posting some of them is on my todo list but I haven't gotten to it yet (there's a theme emerging here). Traveling is getting easier as the boys get older and they even carried or pulled the bags (Landon shown here but Adler often pulled a big bag too).

Lair of the Bear

 Lair of the Bear is one of my favorite places to hike with kids.  Its a manageable loop, but long enough that it feels like you have accomplished something.  We made plans to go there with the Platt boys (and MC).  When we arrived (at 10 AM), a huge thunderstorm was looming overhead.  We waited for a few minutes and then decided to head out because the clouds seemed to be breaking.  Turns out, it was perfect timing.  The sun was out, but it was cool.  Jonah and Adler started off running and announcing that they were "super hikers!"

 Landon and Isaac noticed a lot along the way and chatted to each other the entire way.  I love listening to 6 year old conversations.

 Baby Elliot joined us as well and slept most of the way.

Mischievous Adler.  Soon after this picture he had turned his hands and most of his face black with soot from the grill.

 Landon enjoying lunch in the woods with his buddies.

 After the hike we found a good place to throw things into the river.

 And again, Adler managed to completely cover his hands in mud.

 We stopped for ice cream on the way home.

Adler's first swim lessons

 Adler was little, OK, a lot, hesitant about swim lessons.  We signed him up anyway because I believe water safety is so important.  I took him, not realizing how bad it could be.  He screamed and I ended up just having to drop him in the water and eventually needing to leave so that he could calm down.  I came back to the picture above!  Turns out with a wonderful teacher and a lot of encouragement, he actually warms up and enjoys them.

His second day went a little better and both Brian and were able to watch.  He still doesn't love going on his back, but he participates in everything else.  Step by step.

White Fence Farm

 We had Landon's birthday party at Home Depot this year.  It was full of fun and friends, but unfortunately Brian's camera battery ran out at the beginning of the party.  However, whenever we ask Landon (and now Adler) what they want to do for their actual birthday, they say, "well, we always go to White Fence Farm".  I guess this is a new tradition.  Its true we went for both of their birthdays last year.  We really had a beautiful night with a lot of fun for Landon's 6th birthday as well.  I guess its not a bad tradition.

Wings Over the Rockies

 We went to the Wings Over the Rockies museum a few weeks ago.  It was not crowded and they had these adorable little pedal powered airplanes out for the boys to ride on.

Everybody Needs a Rock

 "Everybody Needs a Rock" is one of my favorite books.  Whether we are at the park, on a hike, walking around the block, it seems my boys are looking at or picking up rocks.  Its such a fun activity to look for the perfect rock for whatever you may need.  One day we went looking for rocks to paint and then brought them home to paint.  Adler has really begun to enjoy art like Landon and so activities like this are fun for both of them (me too!)

 Landon made sure to paint a special design while Adler was such his was covered completely in orange.

Last day of Kindergarten

 On the last day of school, Landon's class had a big water party as well as a big celebration for all the kids with summer birthdays.  It was such a happy morning.  Above are the kids (only a few of the many) with summer birthdays waiting to be sung to.

 Landon with some of his buddies.

Sweet Landon with a yummy popsicle.

Seaworld

Before going to Disneyland, Grandma and Papa took us to Seaworld for a day.  This was a big hit.  The boys were fascinated by all the animals and shows.  Unfortunately I didn't take very many pictures.

 Landon really liked the penguins and the underwater tank with turtles.

 I hadn't been to Sea World for about 15 years.  It really has changed and has more of an amusement park feel with many rides.  Landon and I went on several of the rides.

We went to the Sea Lion show, Dolphin show and Shamu show.  My favorite was definitely the dolphins which now includes aerial dancing!

Disneyland 2013

 In mid-May, we met my Grandma and Papa as well as Aunt Ying, Uncle Scott and Nicholas in Southern California for a few days at Disneyland.  Adler was a little hesitant upon arrival, but after a few rounds of the teacups, he warmed up and eventually ended up having a pretty good time.

 He eventually went on the marry go round and a few other rides.

 Landon, on the other hand, fully embraced the rides.  Above is a roller coaster we went on 3 or 4 times together (we would have gone on it more, but it got stuck at the top of the hill at one point and was closed down).

 Having Nicholas there was definitely a highlight for both boys!  Above they are getting ready to drive the cars.

 Landon was a pretty focused driver, but maybe not the best driver.

 Adler was pretty worn out and fell asleep walking to the Pooh ride.

 We met my cousin Julie, her husband Dennis and their son Harrison one day.  This was really a treat!  Harrison is pretty fearless and managed to take Landon on the Haunted House (last time we were there we had to take the emergency exit because Landon was so scared, so we were a little worried, but he did great!) and on Splash Mountain!

 Adler loved the monorail after he went on it a few times.

 Landon loved the characters too!  We found almost every one of them throughout our time there to get a picture and their signature.

 Grandma found these adorable sunglasses (still a hit weeks later!).

 We went to several meals with the characters, this was our last breakfast, but we found Daisy Duck, a hard to come by character.

 Nicholas bought these super fun Mickey gloves.