Learning to Ride A Bike

We came home from a day out and about on Saturday and Cole noticed the neighbor girl who is 6 years old riding her bike. Cole announced to us that he would learn to ride sans training wheels tomorrow...eventhough he was only 5. 

Prior to this he informed us he would be 6 years old and a 1st grader before he would be interested in riding a two wheeler. Seeing a girl, our neighbor riding happily along the sidewalk (and into the street---these neighbor kids are everywhere all day long---their mother is never watching them and it drives me INSANE) it was determined in Cole's

 mind that the wait was over.

We patiently waited for Chris to come home for work--for the kids to both eat their dinner--for Carter to have a bath and go to bed--and then it was Cole's time. 

I sat on the porch and watched. 

This was a moment for Cole and his Dad. 

Chris patiently waited for Cole to feel comfortable on his bike and they began to zoom around the front yard on the grass. A green soft comfort to Cole. 

Soon Cole was gaining confidence and did not need his 

Dad's hand on his bike to hold it up and guide him.

Soon Cole was riding confidently on the sidewalk. He carefully turned the wheel and made a u-turn in our neighbor's driveway. 

Chris ran swiftly next to him to comfort him in case he was scared or nervous.

As Cole tried to make a turn he missed his mark and ended up crashing into the flower bed. 

Cole apologizing for running over some flowers was nervous he would be in trouble. 

Of course he was not. 

It was time to get back on the bike and try again.

And this time he was brave and could ride all by himself.

I think this evening was poetic. A glimpse into the years to come growing up Cole. 

BIG SKY COUNTRY

So we took a little trip---to see two of our best friends get married under the Big Sky in Bozeman, MT.

Beyond the gorgeous scenery everywhere and the awesome vibe in the air 

we had a great weekend in Big Sky Country. 

It's water----just in a Pepsi cup....

Lone Pine Brewery in Big Sky---it wouldn't be a noteworthy trip if we didn't find a local brewery for Chris to enjoy! 

The Bobcat on Alumni Campus at Montana State. Our friends, Craig and Teresa were married right there! It was really a neat wedding. 

The night before....I spent a good hour chasing the kids around the campus as 

Chris practiced with the groomsmen. 

The wedding party-Chris is on the far right lookin' very stylish and handsome.

More running on campus......

Good looking Smith boys.

Guess who has his party face on......

Very serious moment.....they are announcing the plans for dinner....

And the dancing began.....

Sunday morning right before our departure

....traveling with 2 kids requires alot of luggage......

At least the kids enjoyed the valet cart for entertainment! 

All You Need Is Love

Why do 2 small little people require so much stuff? 

You should see my hallway. Diapers, wipes, clothes, extra clothes, Crocs, dress sandals, beach towels, swim trunks....I'll post pictures of the results from these efforts! Love is in the air!

Friday Afternoons with Dad

A Child's Paradise?

I think so.

Vacation Bible School

Cole has a week of vacation Bible school and the theme is Saddle Ranch Fun. 

When I picked him up today from Christ the King he had a big smile and a twinkle in his eyes and he told me....."Mom! Jesus is a Cowboy!" 

After some more discussion in the car we learned that the theme of the week is based on cowboys and at the end of the week Cole will get a bandanna and cowboy hat. 

Somewhere....it was lost in translation that Jesus was a man of the Wild West! 

Fun is what we do

Here's the little monster we call Carter. He's really turning into quite a little silly joker. He's so full of ginger and happiness to boot. 

So this is what Chris and the boys do on Fridays when I'm at work. The kids absolutely love playing in the laundry baskets and you can imagine who is encouraging them.....their Dad!

Cole loves to cook with me (and yes...that is a 25 pound bag of suger behind him.....Courtesy of my Mom....because you just never know when you might need 25 lbs of sugar.....Thanks Mom! )

Here is my new appliance for the kitchen. This combines two of life's greatest pleasures....coffee and the color pink. I'm over the moon excited about this one!

Breakfast. I know that everyone cooks around the world...but Cole and I are just so amazed that we can create some decent food that we become very excited.

Dinner---it's fun to make and very good!

This maybe the best dip ever. Cream cheese, cheese, mayo, and BACON.

Chris makes the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches. 

In. The. World.

Chris and his brothers. (Shaun-Ryan (the oldest) and Chris of course) 

 

 

So...this is how we do fireworks. After marrying Chris and his family I learned a few things. 

#1 when we go to the fair in Blackfoot, Idaho we eat. 

#2 Fair food in Blackfoot, Idaho is gooooood. Deep fried Snickers anyone? 

Or how about a HUGE deep fried scone. YUM. 

#3 The 4th (or 3rd or 5th...depending on what day Idaho Falls decides to celebrate it on...because heaven forbid we celebrate on a Sunday) of July is all about FIREWORKS. As a small girl growing up we always had sparklers and I was happy enough to stand with my small sparkler and watch the sparkles....Chris' family however.....is a little nuts about fireworks......so we all bundled up in blankets and had our own firework show. It was great. What was even better? Watching Chris and his brother launch bottle rockets out of empty beer bottles. 

I'm sure our neighbors think we are really classy. 

When the boys are not lighting things on fire.....they play at Grandma Kathy's....with their cousin, Henry (son of Melanie and Ryan) and Cole proudly taught Henry a vast array of new words this week....a few beginning with w and ending with einer.