Swimming lessons with Andrew

The boys just finished a month worth of swimming lessons. We have attempted swimming lessons in the past with Haydn without success so we were crossing our fingers that now that Taite can go that maybe my boys might have a chance at learning to swim. Well we hit the jack pot with their first instructor. They both fell head over heels for Andrew. He made them laugh and every day they left saying how much fun they had. He never got frustrated with Taite's inability to put his feet and head in the water at the same time. When we started the second session and didn't have Andrew as an instructor I had to talk Taite into continuing. He was seriously sad. But since he was able to say "hi" and "bye" to him every day that made the transition easier.

{monster arms}

After two rounds of level 1 I can proudly say that Haydn has passed and is doing really well. Taite get's an honorable mention and hopefully next summer will move on.

Buddy Bear

In Haydn's preschool class each child got the opportunity to take home the class teddy bear. During your week with Buddy Bear you are supposed to share with the class what you did and put it in his scrapbook from the year. Since Haydn was last we were able to see all the adventures he had during the year and add a few new ones. I was a little grossed out by all the possible germs that bear could be carrying, but Haydn was thrilled that it was finally his turn.

Haydn's Preschool Graduation

I still can't really believe that I will have a child in elementary school next year! Kindergarten here is full day so my little buddy will be gone all day every day. UGH, I can't think about it too much or it makes me sad.

He had a wonderful year at preschool. He really loves school and the little friends he made this year. His favorite is subject is math. He continues to struggle with writing and reading, but we are trying to keep up the practice over the summer.

Half way through the year he got really into coloring and has made us smile on numerous occasions with a drawing or card he has made.

His class had mostly girls so the boys really stuck together at recess.

I was laughing too hard to get a picture fast enough, but Haydn got the award for "best lunches" That's right! I guess when you have a 5 year old who requests cucumbers or carrots and ranch in his lunch it deserves an award!

He was so funny about the graduation hats. He refused to wear it. Even when all the other kids were going up and having the teacher move the tassel from one side to the other signaling graduation. I talked him into it just long enough to snap a picture.

Ms. Angela and Ms. Brittany.

Pinetop

My parents came for a visit - yes in August in Arizona - not exactly the best time, but we rolled with it!

We took a little get away to Pinetop and let me tell you this place was gorgeous! It is crazy to think that just a few hours drive can take you to a landscape that is so different from the desert I am surrounded by every day. Don't get me wrong I love the desert, but by the end of August when every store brings out pants, sweaters, and jackets, when it is still 110 degrees out it gets a little tiresome. In Pinetop the high was in the 80's!! It even got down into the 50's at night!!!

We had a great time hanging out, going to the pool, hiking, remembering how annoying mosquitos are, and eating yummy food.

Taiter-D turns 3!

Taite's 3rd birthday was probably the best day of his life! As my husband will tell you it's tough being the middle child! There is always someone older to outshine you or younger that is more demanding of your time. It is a tough balance to make sure he gets his own special time and this birthday was pretty much perfect! We started the day with a McDonald's breakfast, which is tradition for any birthday celebrated at our house. That evening we had Colby, Jessica, and Jillian over for tacos, birthday cake and presents.

Ever since he helped Riley decorate for my birthday the end of June and then seeing all the decorations in Pine Valley for the 4th of July this kid has been so excited about his own birthday. He has been planning and planning! His plans included a pink dinosaur cake with pink frosting and pink ice cream, a watch like Haydn's, and a gold fish. Who could resist making all this little boys dreams come true!

{the goldfish}

{the cake}

I think it was the first time he felt that something was done just for him and seeing the genuine joy radiating in his face makes me so happy. He spent the rest of the night playing with each of his toys and going over and over the events of the day. He was much too excited to sleep and finally fell asleep on the couch cuddled up next to me. Yep, pretty much the perfect ending to the perfect day.

If you know Taite you can't help but love him. He has the largest heart of any little person I know. He marches to the beat of his own drum which can drive any parent crazy, but I wouldn't change a single thing about him. He makes me laugh and tries my patience every single day. It should be a big year with starting Primary in January, hopefully, finally getting potty trained, and lots of new things to learn. We love you Taite!

To see more of my favorite 3 year old go here and here!

Fourth of July

We had a great time at the annual Snow Family Reunion in Pine Valley

Megan went above and beyond for the treasure hunt. Each kid had their own envelope to open and a clue to figure out inside.

She also made these paper swords for all the boys, which were a huge hit!

Alicia made her fabulous sugar cookies and there was plenty of time to relax and catch up with every one.

See more here.

Memorial Day

We had a FUN Memorial Day. It started with a hike at Pinnacle Peak. We were trying to see how far the route is and ended up dragging the kids over a mile in before we discovered it goes really far. Oops. Luckily we had Colby and Jessica with us so I was able to pass off one of my offspring to Colby and save my back for the return mile.

That afternoon we had the best start of summer picnic with corn on the cob, hot dogs off the grill, salsa, watermelon & strawberry shortcake. I think the only "summery"

food we were missing was lemonade! YUM-O!!

We finished the day off with ROCK BAND! Colby was kind enough to bring his set over and set it up so the boys could rock out! Haydn staked claim on the guitar and started a signature side bend when he was playing. We all had a great time memorializing!

Happy Mother's Day

Wyatt is 4 months!

At his 4 month checkup his stats were:

weight: 15.10 lbs (58%)

length: 27 in (96%)

head: 43 cm (66%)

So, yep, he's pretty much perfect! See more HERE

On the road . . .

We will be in Utah again May 22-27!!

Stops will be made for sure in St. George and Salt Lake, possibly Las Vegas!

If you would like to schedule a session while I am there send me an e-mail at info@erikasnowphotography.com

Space is limited . . . meaning don't delay :)