This kid LOVES water.

Hayden had absolutely NO fear for his swimming lessons over the past two weeks. I put him in the "preschool" class, but I was worried that it might be too low of a level for him (the website said ages 2 and up). I was worried he would be with a bunch of 2-year-olds, but his class was all boys his age. I can't believe how outgoing Hayden is. He definitely didn't get that from his mom. He loved to show the teachers all his "tricks" and was constantly chattering. I rarely heard any of the other kids speak. (Maybe my son is just loud. LOL). Anyway, he did great and will be ready for Level 1 next summer.

Before I post pics of swimming lessons, I thought I'd share this picture. At our Wilcox Family Reunion early this month, we went to some hot springs in Idaho. Hayden was climbing up a rock and jumping off into the hot springs (he's such a Wilcox), and he slipped and hit his face. It left him with a nice little shiner. This pictures makes me laugh b/c he looks like a hockey player.

Hayden's Super Mario Party

Hayden turns 4 on Saturday! (Can you believe it? I can't). Since we had family in town over the weekend we decided to celebrate then. I made him a Mario cake. It was my first experience with fondant, so I was nervous about choosing such a difficult design, but I'm really happy with how it turned out. After about 10 hours of work, I had a hard time cutting into it; but it was definitely worth it. I love this little boy to pieces.

Can you tell he likes video games? He got a train set too, but this was the gift he was most excited about. It came from Grandma & Grandpa Wilcox, uncle Curtis & Brandon.

I'm already brainstorming for Torrin's cake in October. Any suggestions?

Still to Come

Camping, Wilcox Family Reunion, Hayden's Swimming Lessons & 4th Birthday.

Spider Meadow Backpacking Trip

In mid-July I drove the boys up to Boise to stay with my sister-in-law, Kari, and her family for a few days. I flew from Boise to Seattle where I went backpacking with 2 of my sisters (Stephanie & Darci), my dad, and 2 brothers-in-law (Jay & Shawn). We went to a place in the Cascades called Spider Meadow. It was about a 5 1/2 mile hike to the meadow, then we hiked another mile and set up camp. The next morning we headed up to Spider Gap for the day. It was a difficult (all uphill) hike to the Gap, but it was beautiful. During our 3 days/2 night trip we hiked a total of about 20 miles. It was so much fun and I hope I can do it again someday. (Sorry, the pictures are all out of order. I don't have time/energy to move them around).

Williams Family Reunion

Ok, so obviously I haven't blogged in a loooooooooong time. This is my attempt at catching up. This summer has been a very busy one for us. I'll start back in June with the Williams family reunion. Every other year my dad's family (my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc) gets together for a reunion. This year it was in Utah (Bear Lake), so I was able to take the boys and spend a few days with my family. It was nice to catch up with cousins and see our kids all play together. Here are a few pictures (that Stephanie took).

The All-Boys Club

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I just wanted to get out some thoughts on a subject that has been on my mind lately. So, sorry in advance for the vent.

I am in an All-Boys Club. I have 2 sons and I love it. When I see a mom with 2, 3, or 4 boys I feel an immediate bond with that woman--even if I have never met her before. I feel like I am part of an exclusive club that I have been chosen by Heavenly Father to be a part of. And I am grateful to Him for that.

When I was pregnant with Torrin (my 2nd son), a woman asked me if we were going to try again for a girl. I know peoples' comments aren't meant to be hurtful, but they make me wonder if people think my boys aren't "enough," or like we got it wrong the first couple times. Do-over. Scratch that. Try again. I mean, Torrin wasn't even BORN yet, and already I'm supposed to skip on to the next one?

Please don't get me wrong. I would love a daughter if Heavenly Father chose to send me one. But I would in NO way feel like my life was incomplete without one. I see me in that mom with 4 boys, and I wouldn't be surprised if I was chosen to be an all-boy mama for good. So, when someone tells me that I "need" a girl, or asks if we're going to "try" for a girl, I can't help but feel sad. The world's definition of the "ideal" family seems to be mom, dad, boy, girl. And while I have no idea what is in store for our little family (more boys, girls, or even any more kids for that matter), I feel like whatever we are blessed with will be "complete"--whether that means 2 boys, or 4 boys, or even 2 boys and a girl.

I know many of you moms with all girls feel the same way about your girls. That's the way it should be, and I admire you for that. Be proud of your All-Girls Club. And for the moms/dads with both genders, you are blessed as well. I think most people just assume that because you have all boys/girls you would be disappointed with another of the same gender. That's not always the case. So please, when you see the mom with 4 boys in the supermarket, don't feel sorry for her. She loves her boys and would do anything for them. And when you see a mom with her 3 little girls, know that they will grow to be her best friends.

Addendum

The last two weeks have been pretty busy for us. Hayden finally got his cast off and we have been able to do lots of fun things. (See previous post for pictures).

Allen has been super busy with school & work and spends most weekday mornings studying, so it's my job to get the boys out of the house (or keep them busy and quiet). Last week we decided to check out the Treehouse Children's Museum. It is right across the street from the Ogden temple. The boys loved exploring and playing with all the different setups. Hayden even got to dress up as a firefighter, cowboy, and nurse. We have also done lots of "exploring" so I can get to know the area better. (We really need to get the AC fixed in the subaru, though).

Last weekend Allen took a thunder run to Boise to get his brother's Bronco. Danny was nice enough to donate it to Allen. (It will be so nice having a car while he's at work/school). We just have to get it licensed now. My sister-in-law, Kari, and her boys followed Allen home the next day, so my nephew could go to EFY in Provo. We were also surprised with a visit from Danny and his family. The boys LOVED having their cousins around this week, and it was nice to visit with everyone. We got to play in our new pool in the backyard (it's a blow-up one, but it's pretty good sized), hit a pinata for Tyler's birthday, have a bbq, swim at Robert & Courtney's, go to Antelope Island, see Pixar's UP in the theater, and just have fun with family.

Allen started his CNA Course this weekend, so that will take up his next few weekends. He's very busy and has to stick to a strict schedule, but he somehow manages to pull it all off without going crazy. I'm amazed at how well he handles all the stress.

In the midst of all the activity, Torrin has learned to talk. (Well, he's picked up a lot of new words anyway). He will try to repeat words when we ask him to now. I'm trying to get him to practice my family's names before the Williams family reunion next week. So far he only has Darci's down, but we're working on it.