Backyard Fun

Ben and I were playing in the backyard the other night while Blake was at swim lessons. It turned into a sprinkler party. Notice no swim suit. Ben to this point had not gotten wet with the sprinkler toy. All previous times he was just a spectator. This night he decided he would give it a try and he really enjoyed it. He was so proud of himself when Blake got home. He kept telling Blake to watch him.

This is how I found Ben when I came back outside from getting my camera...

Blake joining in the fun. He actually had his swim suit on.

Sliding wet was really fun

Hooray!!

Bath vs Shower

Well it is kind of a sad day in the Baldwin house. At least for Mom. Blake is now infatuated with showers, while Ben insists on baths. This is great, as it is showing Blake's independence and maturity, but it makes Mom kind of sad. Poor Ben is left in the bath by himself. While at first he was a little upset, now I think Ben likes having the whole tub to himself!!

Before.....

After.....

Blake in the shower....

Ben in the bath....

Blake's School Party

Last Tues, Blake had his end of the year party at school. He was really excited that I was going to come join the celebration. Blake had a wonderful school year. He has learned so much. We loved his teacher, Mrs. Carruth, who actually goes to our church. Small world! So crazy to think he's headed to Kindergarten in August (well via a church kindergarten before public kindergarten the following year).

Blake came home the first day of school and I asked him who he played with. He said Jorge. Everyday since he always says he played with "His Buddy, Jorge." Blake and Jorge are night and day when it comes to size. It's pretty funny. One day Blake's Grandy went to school and read to Blake's class . She called Jorge, George, and Blake thought that was hilarious!

Another funny story was when we were at our neighbors birthday party one night. All the kids were doing the pinata in the backyard. We didn't really know any of the other kids at the party. Blake was standing there watching and out of nowhere this boy threw Blake to the ground. Not sure really why, but it happened. Blake stood up shocked at first and then he started crying. I couldn't really hear him, but Brent was dying laughing. I asked him what was so funny, and he told me Blake was saying, "He doesn't know that I am Jorge's special friend." From the pics below, I think you will find that Jorge might have been Blake's bodyguard.

Watching Mrs. Carruth prepare the fruit salad....

Blake is the "duck" during a fun Duck, Duck, Goose game......

Being chased by the "goose"......

Blake loved the bubbles.......

Blake, Jorge, and Arianna.....

Blake and Jorge being dancing partners for the silly song that was on. This was really funny....



Blake and Mrs. Carruth.......

Summer Time Fun

We had some summer time fun with a few neighbors on Monday. Carol, Cole, and Meg were our great hosts. We went swimming in the inflatable pool, did the slip-n-slide, bubbles, and the sprinkler. Blake had a blast and Ben decided to sit this one out. He had a bad day and ended up with a viral infection later in the week. Yuck!

Blake, Cole, and Mia

Meg escaping...

Carly and Meg splashing...

Ben sitting out and having a snack...

Blake trying to catch a big one...

Cole...

Watch out for Carly...

Baby Carter who was 1 week old. He didn't want to wake up to eat!

Camping

Brent and Blake have been talking about going camping for a long time. It has resurfaced a lot the last few weeks. Brent made the mistake of telling Blake they were going camping on Friday night (last Friday). Brent ended up checking the camping sites where they wanted to go and they were already booked up. So this left us with a very upset boy who insisted that he was camping. So never fear........they camped in the backyard. Blake was super excited. We played Chutes and Ladders and had Oreos. Then it was time for Mom to go inside and enjoy the air conditioning and nice comfortable bed. Brent tried to blow up the air mattress but the pump was not working. He said he would be fine with a few comforters for his padding. Well at 2 AM I have 2 guys coming in my room and into my bed. The camping was over!!! Brent was the one who called it off. Blake would of slept all night out there. He was out of it. So Blake slept in our bed, which never happens. It was not a good night sleep for anyone involved.

Here are some pictures of the great adventure.....

I'm Back.....

I know it has been forever since I have blogged. The last half of April through May have been very busy for us with trips scheduled every 2 weeks. Right when we recover from one trip we were headed out again. We have finally caught up and things are getting back to normal.

My college roomates and I were finally able to celebrate our 30th birthdays. Yes, I just turned 31. We had been planning for a few years to take a trip for your 30th birthdays, but it ended up last spring that 3 out of the 4 of us (not me -)) just had babies or were pregnant. So we waited a year. We had a great time. I truly love these girls. We really enjoyed ourselves. We were able to escape our normal lives of being "mommies" and were able to relax and enjoy the peaceful ocean of Mexico. No little voices were calling our names or demanding anything of us!! We have already begun planning the trip for our 35th. Get ready husbands, we are thinking of including you this time. Thanks for taking care of our little ones while we were gone.

Blake is almost out of school for the summer. Wed is his last day. Next year he will be attending a church Kindergarten since he will be such a young 5 yr old and then head to public Kindergarten the following year. It is so crazy to think I almost have a 5 yr old.

Below are some pics of my trip and of the kiddos from the last few weeks....

We had just arrived in Mexico after being in Customs for 1 1/2 hours. Yuck!!

View from our room...

Our second night after dinner...

And our final night after dinner...

Pictures from Blake's Game day at school

Blake with his speech teacher, Ms. Dollar

Playing the drum..

Today was all about painting with our water colors. This is relatively new for Ben. He loves it!

Colorado Springs

This past weekend, Brent and I traveled to Colorado Springs for my good friend Heather's wedding. Heather and I have been friends since the 6th grade and it was a honor to be apart of her big day. She looked beautiful and Brent and I had a wonderful time.

Grandy came over to watch the boys. They seemed to have really enjoyed their time with her and PaPa. Donuts 2 days in a row and all the attention that they could possibly get. What could be better?? Everyone was pretty exhausted when we came home. I'm sure they were going non-stop.

Here are some pictures of our trip and the amazing views of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods.....