The Difference Between Boys and Girls

My friend Crystal has a daughter, Sydnee, who is in Garrett's preschool class. She told her family that she has a boyfriend at preschool. His name is Garrett! When informed of this budding romance I asked him, "Garrett what are the names of the kids in your class?". "I don't know". "Is there a girl named Sydnee?" "Yes." "Do you like her?" ....long pause, "okay."

Birthday Boy!

I had no intentions of throwing a "friend" party this year since Garrett had one last year. When he got an invite to his friend's party five days before his birthday you would think he would be excited. Quite the contrary. I read him the invite, he let it drop from his hands and with puppy dog eyes and a frown he says, "but what about my dinosaur birthday party?". Now, had he thrown a fit my "no party" idea would have stuck. But to see the absolute sadness in his voice and face killed me. So the next day we bought and delivered invitations (FOUR DAYS BEFORE PARTY) and I apologized profusely to their moms. Garrett was thrilled! He also had preschool the morning of his birthday so he wanted to bring dinosaur sugar cookies. Monday evening was spent making and decorating cookies, making a cake, and planning a party! I decorated the house before I went to bed and was exhausted when I finally hit the pillow. When Garrett woke up the next morning he was in awe. I brought him to the kitchen to see the cake and he went nuts! All morning he kept saying, "Thank you so much mama for my dinosaur birthday party!". The thing is, it was so heartfelt and sincere it made it all worth it. He thanked me when he saw the cookies he could take to preschool. He thanked me for the "Happy Birthday" signs that were hung up. He thanked me for the big dinosaur posters on the wall. He thanked me for the cake...over and over again. The thank you's just kept coming.

Papa Gray came over and Grandma and Grandpa Smith all to wish Garrett a happy birthday.

When 3:30 finally came he could hardly contain himself when his friends starting showing up. We colored dinosaur pictures for their placemats, played pin the horn on the triceratops, dinosaur "bone"lling alley, had cake, opened presents and decorated cookies to take home.

The boy couldn't have been happier. Nana, Grandma Sue and cousin Alek were there to help....and with 8 kids I needed it! After the party Nana let Garrett pick a place for dinner so we headed to Wingers. They have popcorn you know! We came home just in time for a visit from Great Grandma and Grandpa Gray and Aunt Mary. He finally made it to bed and fell asleep with a smile on his face! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARBEAR!

F-I-V-E

Garrett,

Today is your 5th birthday! It's hard to believe that just five short years ago you were born. I couldn't wait to see your little face, count your fingers and toes and hear you cry. Luckily, you didn't cry too much! You have been such a great little boy and I have loved watching you grow and learn new things. Recently I told you that you were getting so grown up and you, in a very concerned voice replied, "But I don't want to grow up, I want to stay little. I want a machine to keep me small." How I wish that were possible! You are such a great big brother to Rylee and a big helper to me and dad. I love you so much and am so thankful that I get to be your mom!

Love,
Mommy

Preschool!

Garrett started his first day of preschool yesterday! He got his backpack on and was ready to go long before we needed to leave. Luckily he was excited and didn't turn back when I told him goodbye. I thought I'd have a hard time - not so much - I was just as excited for him! It's just hard to believe how quickly time flies! He'll be graduating high school before I know it.

August Highlights

August was a little more tame than July, but we still managed to have some fun. On the 7th we went to our ward campout. This was Rylee's first camping experience and she was so excited. They had their backpacks, sleeping bags and flashlights ready hours before Jon was even going to be home. Once we got there and set up our tent it was time for dinner. We enjoyed visiting with our friends and getting to know others better. Garrett couldn't wait to get in his sleeping bag and officially start camping. Rylee on the other had wasn't going to bed without a ceremonial marshmallow roast - and how can I blame her!

While we were roasting marshmallows, Garrett and Jon were laying in the tent when Garrett told Jon, "this is the best place ever!". We slept pretty good and woke up to the lovely smells and sounds of the canyon.

Most of the ward opted not to sleepover since there was a chance or rain so there were only 14 of us for breakfast. Considering they planned for 50 - there was plenty of food and my kids loved it! More pancakes please!

We went hiking around the campground and then loaded up for home. Although we were gone only 16 hours Garrett and Rylee thought it was fabulous and want to go again.



On the 23rd we had the Oquirrh Temple Dedication. I watched some of our little friends so their parents and older siblings could attend. After breakfast they all wanted to get right in and play. I'm sure the Hoehne's would be so happy to see their sweet Henry running around with his partner in crime and their machine guns. It doesn't exactly scream Sabbath Day activity, but they were having so much fun!

We went to my parents for a yummy Alaskan salmon and halibut lunch. My dad was kind enough to share his catch with us. Then I went to the dedication with Shellie and really enjoyed the spirit that was there. It was one of those days where I kept thinking how nice it would be to just take a nap but it was definitely worth going!

On the 27th I went with Kristie, Amanda and Ashleigh for girls night. We got to see Kris' remodeled kitchen which is amazing and then headed up Ogden canyon to one of her favorite restaurants-Taggart's Grill. This is 1 1/2 hours from my home but I would go there again in a heartbeat. Although the service was less than stellar, the food was awesome, and the atmosphere (peacocks wandering around the rock fountains, beautiful flowers, etc) was great. Go there - it's in Morgan! The longish drive only meant more chatting with girls so it was a wonderful evening!

On the 28th Rylee had her first haircut. She was so excited to go until we walked in - then she froze. It didn't look so fun to her anymore and I couldn't get a smile to save me. She kept looking over at Garrett getting his hair cut also to make sure this was all okay. The girl layered her hair and cut some bangs.

Honestly, it doesn't look that different to me but at least it's not so crazy when she gets up from sleeping! After haircuts my parents offered to watch the kids so Jon and I went on our second date of the month! I think that's a record for us!

On the 29th we celebrated Shellie's birthday with a tasty dinner at Tepanyaki's - a family favorite! She's the best mom in-law a gal could have. Happy Birthday!!!