baby Julian

I figured Rachelle wouldn't mind me hacking into her blog while she recovers in the hospital to announce that baby Julian was born today! His chubby face and weight of 8 pounds 6 oz came as quite a surprise, since Townsend and Emerson weighed barely 5 pounds at birth. Mom and baby are both doing well. Emerson is amazed at all his small parts (fingers, nose, other parts . . .) and spent a while just comparing. Townsend and he are excited to be big brothers, and we are all grateful for the new, healthy addition to our family.

Certainly more to follow . . .

Winter Walk

We had a few inches of snow fall this last week so we took the opportunity on Valentines Day to go for a little walk in the woods near our house. It was just beautiful because the sun was out and shining through all the trees and the snow made the forest so quiet.

It would have been the perfect walk except our little Emerson decided that he was not having any fun at all and so for the entire walk (which really only lasted about 30 minutes) he was crying and saying he wanted to be carried and his legs hurt and he was cold...you get the picture.

I sometimes wonder why we even try. As parents, why do we insist on dragging our kids around old cities, forest hikes, walks around the lake. All they really want to do is stay inside and watch tv or play Uno. I have to believe that at some point in the future they will appreciate the fact that Hyrum and I tried to expose them to the outdoors. I can only hope that for every complaint that is made a happy memory is also formed somewhere in the recesses of their little minds.

The forest trail we walked along

Townsend exploring off the beaten path

Emerson and Townsend in our front yard

Bowling

We went bowling for Family Home Evening this last week. Emerson was asked to give a talk in Primary and he was very hesitant and so we promised him that if he gave his talk we would go bowling. Lucky for us bribes still work on 5 year olds:) They had lots of fun especially because the bowling alley had a slide to roll the ball down AND bumpers on the lanes, so it was pretty easy for them to play. Townsend was a great sport and cheered for everyone. Emerson got very frustrated if he didn't knock down most of the pins on his first try. It's so surprising how different they are!

My favorite part of this video is watching how they heft those big heavy balls up onto the ramp, it's so cute to see them being so independent.

From 0 to 5 years in 2.5 minutes

Enjoy this trip down memory lane!

Happy Birthday Boys

So the boys turned 5 years old this last Tuesday. I had delusions of grandeur and invited a few friends over for a birthday party. I think it would have turned out OK except Townsend was just getting over the flu and Emerson was just starting to get the flu...so the boys weren't in the best of moods. We started to sing "happy birthday" to the boys and Townsend got up and walked out of the room leaving his burning candles and cupcake on the table.

The pinata was definitely the high point. Ever since the Durtschi family reunion this last summer the boys have wanted to have another pinata. So a few days before their birthday I got all the supplies and helped them make a paper mache pinata. They weren't too thrilled with the sticky mess the flour/water paste made on their fingers but I think they enjoyed watching their pinata take shape over the course of a few days as we layered newspaper and picked out candy and ribbons to decorate. The final product was a very sturdy pinata and after the boys and all their guests took 3 hits on it Hyrum finally had to give it a good whack to break it open.

We love our little guys and are so proud of them. They are smart and strong and curious and even sometimes a little helpful around the house. I couldn't imagine life without them. They keep me busy (and sometimes frustrate the life essence out of me) but they also remind me of why I'm here on Earth, and I'm so glad I can be a Mom.

Townsend takes a whack at the pinata

Emerson up to bat

Emerson looking excited for a cupcake treat, Townsend not having anything to do with the camera tonight!