Uncle Nickle

My BIG little brother graduated from High School last week.  I cannot believe it.  I remember coming home from school the day he was born.  I remember being the first person he smiled at, or giggled to.  Where did the time go?

We were such good buddies Nick and I . . . still am too!  I can never say "no" to that kid. (even if it means getting the girls up from their nap just so he can come over and see them).  The girls love their Uncle Nickle.
 

Congratulations Nick!  We are so proud of you! 

You did it Mom and Dad!  All five of us graduated!

(and no... Heidi and I did not plan the whole matchy matchy thing!  Seriously!)

 Lucy loves her Uncle Nickle.  And she doesn't give her love to just anybody... trust me!

 So my mom was one of the people in charge of the party for the seniors the night of graduation.  Because of that we were able to go to the High School before the graduates showed up and try out all the fun stuff.  The girls had a blast.

Mark and Cody on the jousting thing. 

(*Morgan... remember this?... I totally kicked your trash on this thing!)



Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?

We've had a little taste of summertime here in Rexburg! 

We LOVE it! And we want MORE!!!

1st taste of Summer - Swimming!

A few weeks ago some friends invited us to a Cinco De Mayo pool party!  It was fun.

 The girls got their feet wet for the first time this year (first time ever for Lucy!)  And we can't wait to do it again.

The pool wasn't heated (I hate that!) and Lucy didn't care much for the cold water.  She did, however, like to float along on this alligator toy. 

(Sorry for the blurry imagine.  It was SOOO humid in there.  But the lense did clear up later...you'll see!)

Abby and Hannah didn't mind the cold water near as much as Lucy. 

Abby's favorite spot was the stairs!

And when Lucy wasn't on the alligator, Hannah was!  She just floated along around the pool with daddy!

2nd taste of Summer - A Baseball Game!

Nothing screams summer more than a baseball game! This is my brother Nick's last year to play highschool baseball (I CANNOT believe he is graduating!).  The weather wasn't great this season, so we ended up only going to this one game (no worries he has a whole summer of legion baseball we can make it up to him).  The weather was beautiful and warm, and his game was played at Melaluca Field (the closest thing to a real field around here) in Idaho Falls.  So we went.  It was fun.

 This is my nephew Broc!  Isn't he a doll!  He and his family are living with my parents for the summer.  So fun!

 What's up little Bro?

 Nick is the pitcher for the team, and I like to think he was looking right at me when I shot this picture... you know for good luck or something!  Wishful thinking for sure!

Although the team did not win this game, it was a close game and got us excited for more this summer.

We are so proud of you Uncle Nickle!

3rd taste of summer - Riding Bikes and Mowing Lawns

Although I am not a lover of the fresh cut grass smell (and I am married to a guy who mows lawns all summer... go figure!), it definetly gets me in the mood for a BBQ or a picnic or a water fight.

and the last taste of Summer - The Cabin

The ultimate "kick off the summer" activity that got us really in the mood was heading to the Cabin last Saturday. 

Oh yeah... I think we are ready for summer! 

It was by special request, from my sister, for her birthday that we go to the Cabin.  And I am glad we did.  Despite a few piles of snow, the slight nip in the air, and a few mosquitos (seriously how do they live up there!)  It was a perfect day trip.  Thanks Heidi for having a birthday. 

The birthday girl.  Happy, what...23rd? sis!

We did a whole lot of four-wheeling!

This is such a sad picture!  My eyes are closed, none of the girls are looking, Mark is the only one that looks good!  But it's the only with all of us. 

 

And a whole lot of playing!

  It's a tradition to go down to the river and throw rocks and sticks into it. 

We HAVE to do it everytime we go, even if it's just one rock!

It's not that exciting really but to the girls it's wonderful.  And it's tradition!

  

So now that we've had our taste!  Please, summer, PLEASE stay a long time!!!

Hannah turns 3!!!!

Hannah celebrated her 3rd birthday a few weeks ago.  And to be honest in some ways it feels like she was 2 for forever (i think being pregnant for most of the year was the cause of this), but then again, sometimes it feels like she was a sweet little baby in my arms just yesterday.  Wierd, right?!

Planning what to do for Hannah's party was a little difficult.  When Abby turned 3 (and 4 for that matter) she knew exactly what she wanted to do, what she wanted to have, and what she wanted to get.  (Bowling; A Pink cake; and of course two bumblebees, a pink hammer, binoculars, and a bike).  Thus it was easy to please Abby.... just do what she said.  Hannah on the other hand, had NO idea what she wanted.  (It is amazing to see the difference in personalities those two have!)  I would ask Hannah what do you WANT for you birthday? Or what do you want to DO for your birthday?  She would then spout out in some mumble jumble whatever, and I would be left to interpret.  So because of this (and because her birthday landed on a Sunday) Hannah's birthday was kind of low key.  I don't think she minded one bit!

Grandma and Grandpa Bates sent Hannah a birthday card the could be punched out and made into a crown!  Hannah LOVED it!!!!

Since Hannah wasn't particular about her cake, I decided to experiment.  We made brownie waffles!  Served them up with ice cream, whip cream and sprinkles.  Very Yummy!!!

  Hannah was thrilled! 

Another difference between Abby and Hannah is that Abby LOVES attention.  (Those of you who know her can vouch for me on this fact!)  She absolutely thrives when all the attention is on her.  As for Hannah, well, not so much.  She got really shy and quiet as we were watching her open the presents.  She kind of looks mad.  But she absolutely LOVED everything she got. 

Her very own stroller!

 For her very own doll!

 Uncle Nick gave her this cute hat.  She wears it everyday!

So despite how unhappy and serious Hannah looks in these pictures.  I know she had a great birthday! Thank you to all who came or called to make her day special.  We love you little Hannah Bug!