Spring

I know spring is here when my biggest desire is to find something for my kids to do OUTSIDE.

So up went the trampoline.

I hope the excitement lasts through the summer.

Fingers crossed.

Westling

March may be madness for some due to college basketball, mine is madness due to the wrestling tournaments.

Bennett and Jacks started wrestling this month. The first tournament went great, if you consider watching 9 hours of it great. Bennett took 2nd place in his weight division. He's improved so much since last year and it was fun to see him so excited about winning his rounds.

Jacks took 6th in his weight division. This was his first tournament and I guess he didn't really know what to expect. His first round started off really well. He was ahead in points and just about to win the match...until his opponent placed his arm on Jacks throat. Jacks began screaming that he was being choked, and that was that. He was done wrestling. I can't say that I blame him. I don't think I would enjoy being thrown around on a mat either, someone pulling at my arms and legs trying to pin me down. That doesn't sound like too much fun at all.

Bennett also went to a tournament in Soda Springs, Idaho. I enjoyed that one much more. Were were there for 20 minutes. Bennett wrestled in his pod. Took 3rd place, was handed his metal and we were done. It was a lot better than 9 hours.

His last tournament was in Riverton. There were 12 kids in his division. Our saving grace was that it was double elimination, and weeding out the kids went a lot faster this time. Bennett won his first 2 rounds, and then lost his next 2. He ended up placing 6th. He wasn't too happy with the results, but he had some really tough kids to wrestle against, and he held his own pretty well. He also was put in the Bantam division which means he was wrestling kids who were 1 or 2 years older than him. Pretty darn good if you ask me, but what do I know...I'm just the mom.

I'm glad wrestling is over, however my summer might be busy with it again if the boys get their way and go to wrestling camp.

Oops

Never leave super glue where a 5 year old can find it. You might find random things glued together.

Valentines

Valentines was a pretty special day around here. We all got exactly what we wanted:

Bennett: A stuffed animal and chocolate

Jacks: Bennett not picking on him (due to the fact he was occupied by said animal and chocolates)

Jemma: Tylenol and a decongestant to help her sleep through her cold

Matt: A homemade dinner that he did not have to cook

Me: Jemma in bed at 6 pm and the boys occupied by said gift above. And beautiful flowers from Matt!

Birthday Bowling

Since Jemma and Jacks' birthdays are one right after another we partied the entire weekend.

We started Saturday off with fixing our flat tire before we heading to Thermopolis to the hot pools. The kids love the slides and I love that the water is actually warm, or hot, depending on where you sit. We decided to leave and go get lunch at the bowling alley and then do a little bowling. My kids had never been and they all found a new love.
That afternoon started off a little shakie when Jacks decided he was going to have a fever and take a nap. But after a small nap, a little lunch, and some tylenol, he decided he could get up and join in on the fun.

Birthday Bikes

Since Jemma is an only girl... and we are cheap... and our favorite product ever made is spray paint... It isn't surprising when Jemma asked for a bike for her birthday we did a little recycling with the old one we had laying around.

*Note to those who would like to refurbish an older bike. Do not spray paint in the kitchen. Even if you lay down plastic sheeting. Just take it outside. Lesson learned.

After I went to bed. Matt went to the store and found stencils to put the butterfly and flower decals on. I thought it added a nice touch.

We didn't forget the clear coat finish to make the bike shiny. It was a must.
Turned out pretty nice if I do say so myself. Jemma was thrilled! That's what truly matters most.
Jacks also asked for a bike for his birthday. He wasn't quite as thrilled to see his bike at first because we hadn't added the training wheels yet. But once we put them on he couldn't wait to go for a ride. However, this summer he'd better be ready. We are taking the training wheels off, permanently

Jacksen Matthew

A whopping 5 years old! Time flies when you have something this cute to look at everyday!

Jemma Julianne

3 YEARS OLD...I can't believe it.

Ballerina Girl

At Christmas time I took Jemma to see the Nutcracker ballet performed by a local dance school. Once Jemma saw the ballet she was hooked and repeatedly asked me when she was going to be a ballerina. Spring ballet classes started the second week of January, and Jemma was never so happy in her life to be in a leotard and a tutu. She's been having so much fun and loves her new friends and dance instructor!

Potty Training

Check!

Now I just need to teach Jemma the art of "less is more". Especially when it concerns a roll of toilet paper.