My hard working boys

This weekend Nick build me some grow boxes for a garden. Of course Colter wanted to do everything Daddy was doing. Last year we got Colter some kid size tools and wheelbarrow. He's uses them a lot. So here's so pictures of my 2 boys moving soil into the grow boxes.

Happy Birthday Nick

Thursday was Nick's birthday. I wanted to just tell him how much I love him. You are a great husband and an awesome dad. Colter's response to me telling him no is "When daddy gets home." You always like to see your kids happy. Here's some pictures to remind you what a great year its been:)

They call them HOT coals for a reason

On Friday Nick volunteered me to make dutch oven food for some guys he works with. He said this with the catch that he would help...but that's a different story. So I was in the back yard stirring and checking various delicious dishes. Colter kept getting close so he could see. I would very calmly yell GET BACK ITS HOT! Despite repeating this numerous times, he did get to close. No, not a trip to the ER close but enough to burn a hole in his shoe. I've never seen it happen and its still funny. So here's so proof that the coals are hot. Hopefully next time he'll remember to stay back, they were his favorite shoes.

Be My Valentine

On Saturday, Nick and I went on an actual date. No sippy cups, diapers, or whining. Yes completely kidless. We did things we haven't done in a long time. Movie and nice sit down dinner. We had a lot of fun. I of course worried a little about our kids. It was the first time we have ever left them with a teenage babysitter. They did good. A Colter gave me comforting words as we left. He said "I wont miss you." And he didn't. We watched Mall Cop. I thought if was really funny. I like the actor(Kevin James) because he's funny without a lot of cussing. We ate at Red Lobster. It was a long wait, but worth it. We came home to calm kids ready to go to bed. Maybe we'll start dating more often. Now I'll need to know what the going rate for babysitting is...the babysitter's mom said I paid to much. So I need some advice on how much to pay. We paid her $4/hour. I looked on some babysitting calculator(yes, there really is one) and it says to pay $6/hour.

Happy Birthday Brooklyn

Brooklyn turned one on Sunday. I can't believe how fast the past year has gone by. She has been such a cheerful addition to our family. Sunday was also our ward potluck. Since we weren't going to been home until late sat night/early sun morning, we got a birthday cake from Costco (they're really good) and took it to the potluck. There was some left over so on Monday night(we spent Sunday resting up) we did cake again but this time with a candle and present opening. Of course Colter was much more excited than Brooklyn.

Brooklyn and her cake, it was hard to keep her fingers out of it.
Yumm!!!

Colter blowing out the candle. Nick had to hold her back because she wanted to touch the candle.

Opening presents. She didn't get many toys, it was just Christmas. She got new plates, cups, clothes, and a car seat.

Colter looks more surprised than Brooklyn.