1st Day of School

Both boys started school on Monday! Monday was a busy day, since they don't go at the same time. Ashton still had a terrible cough, but he'd been on antibiotics for 3 days, and He didn't want to call in sick on the 1st day! So we gave him cough suppressant, and took some cough drops to the school nurse, just in case. We took our annual picture in front of the school rock...

Then we went into the classroom to give his teacher (Mrs. Telleria), a first day of school gift (My mom made some cute boards with vinyl lettering). We explained his cough, she said she had a cold too, but couldn't miss the first day either. She was very sympathetic to him. He put down his back pack, and ran outside to play until the bell rang. That was that... Off to 1st grade. What a great kid! This is going to be a great year!

Then... three hours later it was AJ's turn. We started his annual 1st day picture tradition...

We skipped playing on the playground, until the bell rang, and went strait to class. I helped AJ put his back pack on his hook, and find his name tag. He was very clingy and shy. I started to worry he wouldn't let me leave. I coaxed him to the carpet where the teacher wanted to start the afternoon. He let me leave his side to take a picture...Then his teacher asked me to help get something from the front office. I left for maybe one minute. When I returned the kids were all welcoming one another, and AJ was participating, and didn't even see me come back. Some moms were staying to watch, since it was only an hour. But Cam was babysitting Aryk, and I was free!!!! So,I left AJ in Kindergarten, and I went to the grocery store. Wahoo!! I know, crazy and wild! I bought some fun after school snacks for the boys. Then, I went back to the school, and picked up both boys. They had a great first day!
The only disappointment was that, because I took them, they didn't get to ride the bus. So, the next day...
Aryk, AJ, and I walked Ashton to the bus stop, waited for the bus, forgot the camera, and sent Ashton off to school. Then, 4 hours later... Aryk and I walked with AJ to the corner, and waited for the bus. This time I remembered the camera, but forgot to check the setting, and couldn't get it to turn on! AJ climbed on that bus, and didn't even look back. I was in tears walking back home! It was no problem to walk away from him at the school, but for him to leave me... rip my heart out! He didn't even wave to me from the bus window!!!

After school, Aryk and I walked to the bus stop and waited for them to get off the bus. This time I took the camera, and made sure I had it turned on...

Home again, home again.

And so a "New Year" begins. The rest of the story to come...

Rock-A-Bye-Baby

I know, I hadn't posted for a while. We had sick/grumpy boys. And we were getting ready for school. Now that the two older boys are off to school, and the baby is sleeping, I am getting in the last two weeks!

Aryk was having a couple days of not wanting to sleep more than 20 minutes, then eat and be awake for 2 hours, then sleep 20 minutes, eat, be awake for 2 hours, sleep for 20 minutes... you get it, right? During one of his post-eating, pre-sleeping fits Jeff rocked him while watching TV. I took a picture of Daddy and the littlest buddy.

I left the room to change laundry over, when I came back...

sshhhh! sleeping baby!

Jeff was able to move him to our bed, where he slept for about another 20 minutes, then we interrupted him to go to church! Go figure!

Smiley Photos

These photos actually go with the SMELL, SPELL post.

Happy Baby! (Ashton is a pretty good photographer. Way to go buddy!)

What's that... sMell? I mean sPell.

Aryk went to the Dr. last week for his 2 month check up, and had to get vaccines (8! In 3 shots, and 1 oral). He weighs 13 lbs. 12 oz. and is 24 3/8 in. tall. After his appointment, He was a little crabby (for about 2 days)! Aryk enjoys games and songs where we move his arms, hands, and legs. So I taught Ashton and AJ a cheer for Aryk's name. (Yes, I am being sarcastic with my 7 year old. It was take 4, Sorry.)

Both Ashton and AJ took turns with the cheer, but I only recorded AJ's version, because of what he says.

I don't blame him, with all the dirty diapers, we will be asking that question for a couple years.

Boys = Scouts

A couple weeks ago, Jeff's family held a court of honor for Cam.

He received his Eagle Scout Award. I know this a big deal, and a hard award to reach. Good thing these scouts have their moms! Cam actually did his Eagle Project last summer (while I was in Europe), it just took a while to get everything processed, sent, and an event held. Cam's project was to paint an elderly woman's home. With the help of The Boise Police Department, friends, and Young Men from the ward, they were able to get the paint and supplies donated, and free labor. Ashton and AJ helped Sherryl deliver a pizza for the boys, for a lunch break. The house was completed, and the community improved through service! Way to go Cam (and Rod and Sherryl)! I know that it is an effort on the part of family, friends, and ward members, to help a scout get to this level. And the Boy Scouts of America recognize this too, because there are pins/awards for the Eagle Scout to present to their parents and mentors. Here are a few photos of Cam's Court of Honor.

Sherryl and Rod Pinning on Cam's Eagle Award

Cam pinning on Sherryl and Rod's Mother/Father of an Eagle

"helped my son achieve this goal" award.

Cam pinning the Mentor Pin on Jeff. Jeff didn't do a lot to help, with the actual project, but He is a good example for his younger brother, and did receive His Eagle award hmmm... 16 years ago!

Cam being "sworn" in. I don't even know what the actual word is...

I need to learn the Scout jargon. I got three boys to do it with!Grandpa and Grandma are good at taking turns holding the baby!Big Brother AJ. He will show Aryk how Scouting is done!!

Thanks Uncle Cam for being such a GREAT example to these boys!

They really do look up to you!

Aunt Darlene was still here and was able to participate too, and of course, hold the baby!

Aryk J Likes

In addition to birthdays, the extended family also got together to celebrate Aryk. Jeff blessed Aryk on Sunday August 10, 2008. Grandpa Likes, Uncle Cam, Grandpa Holbrook, and Bishop Olson stood in, and gave our dear boy his name and blessing. He had recently eaten so his tummy was full, but he also had the hiccups and was tired. Jeff was hoping I could get him to sleep before the blessing, but alas, he was awake and crying throughout. Our other two were quiet and made it through their blessings, but Aryk, our never really cries baby, fussed. There was bouncing, crying, and a blessing. Despite the little extra noise, it was a good blessing. I am so grateful for Jeff and the priesthood, and that we could take the time to share this gospel and bless our Aryk.

Likes Family Top: Grandpa and Grandma Likes, Aunt Nicole, Uncle Cam, and Aunt Darlene

Holbrook Family Top: Grandma and Grandpa Holbrook, Uncle Devin, and Grandma Ashton

Thanks to all our family for coming and supporting us. We enjoyed having extra visitors all weekend!

Ashton is 7!

Ashton turned 7 on August 6th. But we had parties all week!! Grandma Likes came the night before, and gave Ashton and AJ new Clone Trooper guns. Then on his birthday the Likes' side came with more Star Wars toys. Even Aunt Darlene came!! Aunt Nicole gave him a Clone Trooper Costume.

Here are Ashton and AJ showing off their Star Wars Skills. May the force be with you...

We took the boys to a Boise Hawks game, the night of Ashton's birthday. Grandpa Likes and Uncle Cam came too! Here are the three boys posing with Humphrey the Hawk.

Middle of the seventh inning, the kids went down on the field and sang "take me out the ball game." Then on Friday Grandma and Grandpa Holbrook, Great Grandma Ashton, and Uncle Devin flew up for a visit. Ashton, Jeff, Grandpa Holbrook, and Devin went to another Boise Hawks game. And on Sunday afternoon, we did another party, where the Holbrook side spoiled him. And we had a Superman cake, with ice cream. What fun birthdays. Thanks to Grandma's and Grandpa's for spoiling Ashton. He did get gifts from Mom, Dad, and brothers too!

Wow! Ashton is growing up. He is such a great kid. Ashton LOVES Star Wars and Baseball. He also enjoys swimming at Grandma and Grandpa Likes', Taking trips to Utah to see Grandma and Grandpa Holbrook, Transformers, Superman, Batman, Spider man, Basketball, Lego's, Reading, Math, and Science. Ashton is usually willing to try new things. He always tries to be good at everything. Sometimes he is disappointed if he isn't good at it right away. But, after some practice, he has become a pro. He is going to try soccer this fall. He is nervous that he won't be good at it, but is still willing to try. Ashton is a good older brother. He takes good care of AJ and Aryk. He is a great helper to mom and dad. He is such a people pleaser. He made becoming parents EASY, and helps us all enjoy our family. We love Ashton.

Brothers

I have to share these look-a-likes. We took photos of each of the boys in the same outfits, with the same props, and on the same blanket. They are slightly different ages. Unfortunately, Aryk is so big, and we waited a couple extra weeks, he looks a lot older than the other two.

Ashton August 2001

AJ July 2003

Aryk August 2008

Aryk is Two Months!

Aryk was 2 months on August 6. This is also Ashton's Birthday. I will have some photos of his birthday later. We still have another party to take more pics, and I'll post them all at the same time. But on to Aryk... here he is at 2 months.

More Smiles

Now that Aryk has gotten better at smiling, he isn't as camera shy. Here are more smiles of the little guy!