One Year Older and An Island, Too

I've realized that we aren't really cake people. For years now we've been doing the birthday cake thing because, hey, that's what you do for birthday's, right? I guess either cake or pie. We had birthday pie a lot at our house growing up. Jaxon's last birthday cake (mucho disastero) ended up being tossed in the garbage long before it was close to being gone. Jaxon didn't have any of it...not even a tiny little bit. The rest of the gang ate it out of obligation. I suppose it tasted okay, but seriously, it looked awful! So for Brian's birthday this year I thought I would make something that Brian liked.

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Introducing the rice krispie cake. I realized frosting would completely destroy the cake so I pulled out the curling ribbon and made a little sign on the computer and voila! we had ourselves a very yummy cake! For the record....the cake was eaten in it's entirety within 3 days. I am almost happy to say that the traditional cakes are out at our house.

The following day we took the boys out to Antelope Island. Brian hadn't been there since he was a two year old and (for obvious reasons) couldn't remember anything about it. We figured after 30 years he should see it again!

We took the binoculars to look at the buffalo but as it turned out we really didn't need them. There were plenty sitting close to the road. Jaxon didn't freak out at all. A huge improvement over last summer's trip to Yellowstone.

We made the trek out to Fielding Garr Ranch. This by far was the highlight of the day. I'm so glad we took the drive out there. There were horses, chickens, calf roping (fake calf's at least), and so much history. We toured through all the buildings and learned so much about the islands history. It's amazing (and sad) that we live so close and we don't really know too much about it. Did you know that the oldest house on it's original foundations is located at the ranch? So many cool things to see and a great place to take photos!

A Little Bit of Everything

A few weekends ago we went with some of Brian's family to Hardware Ranch to see the elk. I went years ago as a kid with my family and honestly I wasn't thrilled about seeing it again. It's amazing how things change when you're a parent. It was so fun to watch Jaxon and Ryker enjoy the experience. During the tour the guide asked if there were any questions. Jaxon raised his hand and asked why the elk were eating straw. He wasn't prompted by any of us. It was one of those moments where I realized just how grown up he is becoming.

The other picture in there is SIL Emily. I was playing around with photoshop and thought the picture was kind of fun!



Later that same day we went to the Solomon Center in Ogden to watch Adam (Brian's brother) and Brian experience the iFly. This was their birthday present last year! Whenever they tried to plan a time to go it never worked out. Better late than never, eh? Brian loved it! It is so totally amazing how it works. Brian and Adam each got a video of their flying adventure and a t-shirt. Can't beat that! There was a kid there with his parents who did NOT want to do it at all. His mom was literally dragging him at one point trying to force him into the wind tunnel thing. The kid hooked his foot on Adams leg and was grabbing at Brian looking for someone, anyone to save him. Poor kid. No one knew what to do. Eventually he broke free from his mom and went back and sat down. He never did do it and is now most likely traumatized for life!

We also took the boys down to the Draper Temple open house. We debated back and forth whether or not to take Ryker with us. In the end I'm really glad we did. It was so neat to be in the temple with my little family. Jaxon and Ryker were so reverent. Sitting in the Celestial room I had the most overwhelming feeling. Before the open house we watched a short video explaining why we have temples. Elder Holland said in the video something to this affect: It just wouldn't be heaven if I couldn't be there with my family. As I sat there I thought about what Elder Holland said. I am so grateful that my family can be forever, because it just won't be heaven if I can't be with them.

We've been working with Jaxon on his prayers, reminding him to think about the day and the things he's grateful for so he doesn't get stuck in the repetition mode. That night as he said his prayers he said:

"Thankful I could see the temple because it was so beautiful"

"Thankful I could ride on a bus because I've never been on a bus before"
"Thankful I could eat all the cookies because they were good and I like cookies."

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. Jaxon is such a great big brother! He tells me every once in awhile "Go do something mom and I'll babysit Ryker". He helped me by feeding Ryker his dinner a few weeks ago so I could finish making our dinner. One day Jaxon was watching Ryker in their room while I finished getting for the day. When Ryker started crying I asked Jaxon what was wrong. He told me that Ryker was in the closet. I told him to take him out. "But, mom the door is closed and that's why he's crying" When I asked him why he had closed the door on Ryker he explained they were playing hide and go seek!

We took Ryker in for a weight check a few weeks ago and he weighed in at 16 lbs 10 oz. Woo hoo! He's also started pulling himself up on everything and is starting to walk along the furniture. He can also stand independently for a few seconds. I can't believe that he is almost one!

All About Daddy

Here are some interesting facts about Brian through Jaxon's eyes:

What is his name? Brian Vincent

How old is he? 22

How tall is he? 20 feet

What is his shoe size? 10

What is his favorite color? blue and red

What's his favorite food? rice krispie cake

What is his favorite drink? water and root beer

What is your daddy's job? to go to work

What does he do at work? he helps people get better

What is daddy's favorite game? Spiderman Memory and the games he has in his drawer

What do you like to do with him? help him and play with him and get the garbage can with him

What is his favorite tv show? Knight Rider

What is one thing your dad is really good at? beating me at games

What's daddy's favorite animal? buffalo's and horses

Who is daddy's best friend? me, Jaxon Scott Vincent

What is his favorite sport? Jazz and the Utes

If you could give him anything what would it be? a Knight Rider car and a black motorcycle

It's his birthday, what would you like to tell him? Happy Birthday and tell him that I love him.

I'll second that. Happy Birthday Brian! I love you!!

Ode To Dr. Seuss (Reposted)

I'm reposting this poem (I can't seem to make up another poem about the great man) in honor of the great Dr. Seuss. I don't know where I would be without his wonderful words!!

On Mulberry Street and the big sandy beaches
From Horton, the Grinch, lots of Who's, and the Sneaches.

You taught us the value of treating people the same
That when mother's not home we shouldn't play games .

Life can get scary and sometimes it gets tough
But we have don't have to give up when the going is rough.

And let us never forget persistant Mr. Sam -I- Am
Who eventually won the battle of green eggs and ham.

Oh, the places we'll go! Oh, the fun things we'll see
When we sit down together to have a good read.

We'll have a good laugh with words like quotestant and bludgend
Happy Birthday, Ted Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss), you're a legend!