Happy Birthday James!

James turned 4 on Monday!  Since Joseph, Ruth, and David's summer birthdays all fall within 3 weeks of each other, James has had an especially long wait.  It finally came.  The birthday tradition with the boys has been to take them to the Lego store to spend birthday money and then out to lunch.  This year James chose a trip to McDonalds.  This large Lego stormtrooper flashlight was his choice.  Pretty fitting for him, especially because he's been in love with star wars since babyhood.  I should add that David (his own idea) used his very own money to buy James a surprise as well.

Cute little threesome during the birthday dinner.  

Four candles

Four blows!

Before we could get James positioned behind the cake, Ruth somehow got herself situated for a turn.  I think that I was so busy with the camera, and Joseph so busy with the other camera, that we didn't quite catch her little maneuver.  Good thing candles can be relit!

We were lucky to have great-aunt and uncle Carolyn and Richard Boden over for the festivities.  They filled in for the grandparents that are in far off places. (sniff!)  Ruth and Carolyn were instant friends, of course.

I am quite in love with James.  It is amazing to see how such a strong willed, impossible toddler has evolved into a sweet-loving child.  He is by far the most easy-going of the three.  I love James because he is very thoughtful, very playful, and if you ask him about anything, he always has a lengthy explanation.  He also has the sweet faith of a child: always remembers prayers at mealtime, even at Costco, studies carefully our scripture books, and takes "CTR" very seriously.  He even requested "CTR" on his birthday cake.  His favorite color is blue, his favorite toy are Ninjago legos, and his favorite song is "The Armies of Helamen".  So glad that we had a day to celebrate this special boy.  The best part is that he belongs to me!!!

Sweet James

Since it took so long to conceive James, we often joke about how Ruth must've pushed him onto the slide from heaven to earth.  

Today, James corrected our silly notions: 

"Mom, Ruthie didn't push me.  Jesus helped me come to earth."

CindaRUTHIE

I think this girl has a weakness for shoes.  In fact, the other day, we went shoe shopping at Nordstrom Rack and spent a good 30 minutes inside the shoe aisle.  She did not complain once!

When it's just too hard to share...

Happy Halloween!!

Family Fun Weekend

I declared this past weekend to be a family weekend and designated Saturday as a field trip day.  We were lucky to have Natasha and her kids with us Friday night for a bonfire at the beach, complete with hotdogs and marshmallows.  I have been trying to avoid eating sweets all week, but the amount of s'mores I ate definitely made up for it!

Our Saturday field trip was dinner-and-a-show at Medieval Times.  I found discount tickets online, so on a whim, we decided to go.   The kids loved it.  David was happy because we got to cheer for the green knight (green is his favorite color).  James was happy to see the blue knight win (blue is his favorite color).  Ruth was very happy because a knight threw her a red carnation during the show.  Both the boys were intrigued at the jousting and sword fighting. We had explain a few times to James that the fighting was not REAL and the swords were not SHARP.  Still, very family friendly and fun!

The boys just completed their primary program today.  Up until today, James has refused to speak into the microphone at church.  It must have been the influence of the Spirit, because he finally summoned the courage to speak.  Both did very well and felt very happy afterwards.

Fall Randoms

I found these randoms on Joseph's phone.  Too fun not to share.

This is the latest hobby for the boys: archery.  I am surprised at how much harder it is than it looks.  Grandma and Grandpa's hill is the perfect setting.

The kids showing off their duplo town: lasted a few hours until some little hands got to it.

Ruthie and her cousin, Eleanor.  What could be more fun than throwing rocks?!!

David's team soccer photo.  Yes, soccer is still going on...  Yes, I am counting down the weeks until it's over!!!  5 more to go!!!  David has informed me that next year he wants to play football.... really?

James, the leaf king?  Not sure what it is, but he felt pretty official.

Recently, Ruthie was on a kick with reading to her babies.  I asked Joseph to take this picture for memory-sake.  For a long time, this was a favorite moment for both of us.  Kids grow so fast; moments like this don't last long and seldom repeat.