Preston is 9

July always brings us our summer birthday of Mr. Peanut, which we are never allowed to call Preston anymore. Preston is such a fun boy. He is full of sarcastic humor and loves to tease and play jokes. This is not always appreciated by the other brothers.

Preston blowing out the candles on his cake.

Aris, Athena,  Tony

We are so lucky to have all of my family close to us, it makes birthdays and holidays so fun.

Athena, Uncle Nick, and Grandpa Robles

Cristina , Aris, Grandma Rosie

Austin helping Preston smile, he didn't need that much help since we were at the best part of the party, PRESENTS!!!

New dvd player, Carter is so happy for Preston!

Preston with some of the cash he got.  Uncle Nick always comes through in helping Preston complete his quarter collection, Preston almost has all 50 states and only needs 2 or 3 of the territories and them he will have a complete collection. 

Preston had a great birthday and we love him so much.  He is growing up and becoming a very responsible and wise young man.  Preston is very kind to everyone and is very helpful at home.  He started playing the piano last year and is working toward his goal of learning to play the organ.  We are so happy to have this boy as part of our family.

4th July 2010

We went up to Georgetown with some friends on the 4th of July. We had so much fun. It was a perfect day without too many crowds. We watched the Georgetown parade and of course the best part was the candy that got thrown at the boys.

All the boys watching the parade, there was only a little fighting about who go the most candy.  After the parade we had lunch played at the park, watched the fire brigade, did a little shopping.

We spent a couple of hours in the car during a huge down pour. Thank goodness for the DVD player. In the end to a perfect day the storm passed just in time for fireworks. The boys loved watching the fireworks against the mountains, I think they liked the echo of the explosions even better. We really had a fun day!

Aidan & Logan

Aidan and Logan love to play with each other. Which means they make a lot of trouble together. I love to watch them together, because as my big boys just keep getting bigger, these two remind me to enjoy the time while they are little, sweet, and not so innocent. Aidan and Logan are clones of Austin and Preston and sometimes when I see them playing together I have dejavu of Austin and Preston being little boys playing together.  I thought it was so cute to see them sitting outside sharing Cheetos.

Of course what to do on a hot day but share a gallon of milk. They were so funny drinking straight out of the jug, passing it back and forth to each other. Oh I love these little boys!!!

Aidan and Logan or Austin and Preston? You be the judge:)

5th Grade Graduation

Austin graduated from 5th grade this year. He really has grown up to be quite the handsome boy, if I do say so. Finally got a haircut and looking so grown up. Austin is a great student and worked hard up to the very end. But he was so ready to be done with 5th grade.

Austin and his teacher Mrs. Lawler.  Austin really liked Mrs. Lawler, but she was not his favorite because she made him work hard, which made Mom and Dad like her even more.  Austin has grown up so much and is ready for his next adventure, middle school.  I am glad he is ready because his parents are not.

Aidan Finishes Preschool May 2010

Aidan finished his second year of preschool at the end of May.  Aidan loves school, mostly because he gets to see his friends every day.  Aidan is the most social of all of the boys and loves his friends.  Aidan can make friends anywhere we go and he has so much fun playing.

Here is Aidan with his best bud from preschool, Bryson.  Aidan loves Bryson and they hug each other every day, like it has been weeks since they have seen each other, even though they got to see each other 4 days a week.  Aidan had some serious Bryson withdrawal this summer as busy schedules didn't allow for many play dates, or as many as Aidan and Bryson would have liked.  Aidan was also very sad that Bryson is not coming to the same kindergarten with him. 

Here is Aidan with Mrs H.  We love Mrs H.  She has been our preschool teacher for the last 5 years.  She had Preston for 1 year and Carter and Aidan for two years each.  Aidan loves Mrs. H and is also very sad that she will not be in kindergarten with him.

Once again my children are growing too fast. I cannot believe preschool is done, next up kindergarten. This little boy is so full of energy and spirit.  I love to see how outgoing he is.  It still feels like he is my little toddler and not such a big boy.  I love to see how much he grows every year, I just wish it would slow down just a little.

Arrow of Light May 2010

Austin got his Arrow of Light this year in Weblos.  We are so proud of him and all the hard work that he has done in Cub Scouts.  It is hard for me to believe how fast Austin is growing up.  It really does seem like he just started cub scouts and now he is done, moving up to Boy Scouts.  Austin is so ready to grow up and not be a little boy anymore.  I miss that little boy!

Along with growing up Austin has become very particular about his hair lately and does not want his mother to cut it anymore. Nothing like having to brush the hair out of your eyes:)

New Floors

Here are a couple of before pictures of the before floors, carpet in the front room which would never stay clean and tile in the kitchen, which was good for a couple of years and then started to crack everywhere.


Here are a couple of the during pictures, of course new floors was a good opportunity to paint the ceiling and walls while I didn't have to worry about dripping on the floor.

Finally after wanting to for six years we got wood floor put down in the front room and kitchen, and we love it.

Ahh, totally worth the wait!!

Lots of Kid pics and bragging to follow. Read at your own risk!

Oh Logan! My sweet, quite baby has turned into a sweet, quiet trouble maker. Logan has tried to climb more things than any of the other four.He can frequently be found pushing a chair to the cupboard so he can get into the sink but the bathroom has the super handy toilet nearby so no chair required to get into that sink.

Also on top of the table in any number of rooms.

Or trying to climb the washer, which bare feet stick very well to. This is the child that we have to know where he is at all times or there will be water and sometimes toilet paper involved. "Please keep the bathroom door closed." ,is heard about 100 times a day at our house, along with "Where is Logan?"

He has followed in Carter's foot steps and become a head banger and has had a constant bruise on his forehead for the past three months (always self inflicted).

He is growing like a weed and is almost off the charts in his height. Weight is always in the 50th percentile and lately he has decided to boycott all food except hot dogs and chocolate milk (thank you to his brothers for introducing him to the chocolate part of milk). Austin was the same way when he was this age and I was always super worried about it, with Logan I have to admit it just makes my life easier always knowing what to make him for breakfast and lunch, I still put what everyone else is having for dinner in front of Logan at night, he just stares at it and drinks his chocolate milk.

Logan is still my sweet little boy, he loves to cuddle and has music in his heart. He is always humming a song. Over Christmas Austin learned to play Jingle Bells on the piano, Logan picked up the tune and sings it all the time. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Old McDonald are also favorites.

Logan loves to play with the big boys now and sometimes has trouble knowing what to do around kids his own age, since they don't play as rough as his brothers do. Logan is also somewhat obsessed with pulling long hair since he does not see a lot of it at his house, so sorry to any of Logan's little friends out their, I am sure he has pulled your hair a least once:) Especially if there is something colorful and sparkly in it.

Logan with some of his favorite hair of all time.

Aidan with Mr. Monkey from preschool.

Aidan is our little fiery one, which coincidental is what Aidan means. Aidan love, loves, loves preschool. Mostly because he gets to see his friends, Aidan is all about friends. By far my most social child, Aidan makes friends anywhere we go. Aidan is also adamant about having play dates so he has forced his mother to be more social and make play dates with his friends. If Aidan had his way he would have a play date every day and with every friend that he meets. Aidan is naturally full on energy and does not need any natural boost (like in the form of sugar). Aidan most days has chicken nuggets or hot dogs for breakfast but one day wanted waffles and which I happily obliged since he wanted real breakfast food, for breakfast. When I picked Aidan up from preschool that day I was kindly asked if I could save the syrup and waffles for the weekend:) The energy was too much for his teachers to handle and tends to be contagious in preschool.




Aidan is a very passionate person and tends to either be very happy or very sad, not too much in between. He is also passionate about Sponge Bob, Scoody Doo, and Pez candy machines. Some of Aidan favorite sayings are "Oh Barnacles", and "Zoniks". He also informed me that yellow Pez candy "tastes like pee" and are not his favorite, good to know:)

Carter, Carter, what to say about Carter! Carter is growing like a weed and towers above all the kids in his class. Carter struggled with his reading and writing at the beginning of 1st grade, but in the last few months has started making leaps and bounds in both areas and we are so proud of him. Mom and Dad have been working really hard with him and he also has a fantastic team of people who work with him at school. His teacher Mrs. Anderson has worked so hard with him this year and has even stayed after school with his two days a week to work on his reading and vocabulary. We were surprised at Carter's first teacher conference to hear that he was so very shy in class and would only whisper to his teachers. His teacher was trying to get Carter to come out of his shell. Brian and I had to laugh and tell her that at home and with friends he is the complete opposite and is very outspoken and hot tempered. I guess we are glad that his temper is controlled when is away from home:) Carter also has a special vision teacher, Ms. Barb, that works with Carter on making sure he is using his bugs eye (a little magnifier) and monocular (like binocular, except just one lens) to help his see the print in class. She has also worked with his teachers to make sure that print and lines for printing on paper are dark enough for Carter to see. She really is an advocate for his sight at school and we are so grateful that she is there for him. She really cares a lot about Carter and we can see it in all the time and energy she puts into him. Carter makes us laugh and is pretty quick witted. He sure dose keep us on our toes.

One day Carter got mad at something and a "Damn it!" came flying out of his mouth. (I have no idea where he heard that, Dad.) Brian and I both stared at him wide eyed and Carter knew he was in BIG trouble, but with his quick wit came up with "I said DAN, DAN IT!" While holding back out laughter Carter was promptly sent to his room to think about what he really said and so Brian and I could get all of our laughter out before we talked to him.

Preston in his "Halloween costume"
Preston has been having a great year at school. He really likes his teacher and Brian and I really like her too. She encourages Preston to challenge himself and grow more than any of his other teachers have. Sometimes Preston pretends he does not like to get extra work sent home, but secretly I know he loves it. But Preston will never admit that. We have seen Preston grow a lot this year. Preston continues to always be a good friend and won the PRIDE award at school in February for being a Positive, Respectful, Inclusive, Dedicated, and Excellent student. Preston is also enjoying Cub Scouts which he started last summer. Preston is also my best helper at home. He will clean the whole kitchen without being asked and is almost always:) willing to help his mother.

NO PICTURES PLEASE!!

We have been busy the last few months. Life keeps changing and taking us in new directions, one of my friends told me "There is no normal." and I have to agree, I keep waiting for life to "Get back to normal" and the is no normal.

Austin wishes school was not keeping him so busy. 5th grade has brought a lot more homework and this has cut into some of Austin's outside time, which he loves. He hates to hear it but this is just the beginning, middle school is next year and I told him to expect more homework, which of course gets the roll of the eyes. Austin is also enjoying piano, he started last year and has really learned a lot. Austin has made a goal to get more involved in school this year so he joined the choir and recorder club. We are very proud of Austin and the young man he is becoming. He has told me that he believes his purpose in life is to help other people and he is trying to do that every day. At Austin's teacher conference his teacher told us that he has been helping and standing up for a girl in his class who some of his class mates like to tease. His teacher was very impressed that Austin is able to stand up for himself and others and not back down when his friends try to peer pressure him to go along with the teasing. Austin is also very aware of his little brother Logan and tries to make sure he is safe, since Logan tends to make trouble or get into trouble:)

Shape up Mom and Dad!!

Don't mess with this boy!!

It has been way too long since I have posted anything, I will really have to try to catch up so there may be some random birthday, summer, etc. posts.



Anyway, I had to write this down before I forget.



Brian and I were talking to Carter before he went to bed tonight about his day. Carter was mad because some of Austin's friends call him mini Austin and he was a little ticked off about that and then his art teacher yelled at his class today because somebody was goofing off. Carter was very upset because the whole class got punished for something one person did. So Brian got on a little soap box about how teachers should not yell at the kids no matter how mad they get and that maybe he should call the teacher and so on and Carter turns to Brian and says "Never mind Dad, I don't think you can handle it, because you yell too!" Brian just stared at Carter and I was trying to control my laughter and be serious.



Then we had family prayer and I got a little upset at Aidan and Logan for goofing off while we were praying. Carter went up to bed tonight and said this was the worst day of his life because of Austin's friends, the art teacher, and Mom yelling during the most special time of the day according to Carter(and I agree), prayer time.



I think Brian and I got told tonight.

One Decade!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!

Austin turned 10 on May 14th. I still can't bring myself to believe that I am the parent of a 10 year old. This also marks the end of my first decade as a parent. This is the hardest birthday for me to swallow. I look at this boy and I can't even say little boy anymore because he is a young man. I walk next to this boy and am blown away at how close he is to looking me right in the eye, which makes me want to shrink him now because I know one day not too far away he will pass me in height. But other than height we are starting to see eye to eye in other things to. Austin can discuss things with his parents, and he is teaching us the art of giving your child space and not treating him the same way I treat his 4 year old brother. I will admit it is hard for me to let go of being the over protective, hovering mother. It is hard being the oldest child and having to teach your parents how to do things. I know being the oldest child in my family, so I try to be a little sympathetic to his request of "Mom I need some freedom!"

Austin had a monster truck birthday and the past couple of years the number one requested gift has been the all mighty dollar.

Austin and his brothers counting the loot!!!!!

I have really seen Austin grow a lot this past year. It is a bitter, sweet thing for me. I still remember bringing this tiny little baby home from the hospital and thinking "OK, now what?" Austin has taught me so much about love and compassion. Also about forgiveness, like a child he can forgive and love his parents despite all the mistakes that we make. Austin is turning into a very fun young man and we are so happy that he is part of our family. Austin's brothers look up to him so much and watch everything that he does. I am glad that Austin came to our family!

The lovely monster truck cake, I have made a few of these over the years. Austin has been true to his first love of cars and trucks. The first toys Austin ever played with were ones that rolled.

Aurora Scholar of the Year

Preston has always been a super star student. He teacher's consistently gush about what a great student Preston is and how thoughtful and caring he is. This year Preston won the Aurora Scholar of the Year for 2nd grade for his school. The teachers in each grade nominated a student from each class and then they chose one student from each grade to receive the award. The Aurora Scholar is someone who is consistently a good student, a good citizen, a good friend ,and an all around good kid. Preston got to go to the city of Aurora building and get his award from a member of the city counsel. Preston was very excited and we were all so proud of him and the good student that he is.
Here is Preston with his "Key to the Future"
Preston and Mom with Ms. Kenyon the principal at his school. (Aidan had to show how happy he was to be there too)

Congratulations Preston!!!!!