Cody is 9

Happy Birthday Cody!

I can't believe he is 9! We love Cody so much. He has a great smile and tremendous enthusiasm only matched by his great disappointment at times. He helps his mom tremendously and has always been a blessing to our family. This year we just celebrated with a cake and a trip to the Rockies Game with dad. He is a great kid. We love you lots Jedi Master Frodus.

Here is Cody just after he was born - 10:10am and June 1st, 2001.

And what follows are some of my favorites of Cody.

"Frogga Fretta"

Cody and Rufus. They were both just pups.

Cody was about 2 and a half in this picture. Ben still wears this sweatshirt and looks like the spittin' image of Cody.

Not sure what he expects out of Pre-school, but he was ready for anything (plus some hoops) on his first day.

This is the top of Trailridge Road at the Continental Divide.

Coronado Beach - Typical Cody. Always in motion.

First Day of School this fall. Looking good for the Ladies.

Easter this year. Looking good Code.

At Grandma D's in San Diego for Spring Break.

Cody is ALWAYS helping with the twins and they L-O-V-E him. Worship might be even a better word.

Thanks Gma & Gpa Larsen for the Speedo for his Birthday. I think he likes it a little too much!

Happy 85th Great Gpa Thurman

Happy 85th Birthday Great Grandpa Thurman!

Memorial Weekend in Great Bend, Kansas was spent with the Thurman clan for Gpa's 85th Bday. Saturday we had a get together at the family farm in Rozel that Uncle Doug still farms.

Here is the whole crew - all kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

Notice the matching T-shirts - no reunion or celebration is serious without T-shirts. (I am feeling a little ashamed of not wearing one now that I see the pic. Didn't think one would fit over me and baby 5).

All of Grandpa's Grandkids. I have to say as a "significant other" of one of the grandkids that it is amazing to me how wonderful all of Gpa Thurman's offspring are. I really have never met such genuinely nice and wonderful people. They are all downright gracious. Really a beautiful family.

And of course here is our side of the fam.

These are all the feet of the relatives. It seemed important at the time....

And the fun begins. Dane and Ben have been obsessed with Trucks and Tractors. Mostly that is what they do - point and say "Da!"

Uncle Doug had a "gaggle" of cousins in the combine cab with him. He was generous enough to let a few of them steer. They loved it!

Dane and Ben had to settle for the outside of the cab.

No one wanted to see the motorcycle busted out - for everyone's safety, but Brett had promised Kai a motorcycle ride so there it is.

I really didn't take enough pictures, but was a little busy chasing small ones around sharp farm equipment. Here are some other pics from the day.

Thanks to Pam and her sisters and brothers for all the preparations and planning. They pulled it off. It was well worth it!

Graceful Kai

Kai and Miss Gay, her teacher.

Kai had her ballet recital tonight. She was so excited about her costume and her hair it is a wonder that she remembered any of the dances.

Before any judgements are made about her level of grace - let me just remind all of you that I was the clumsiest kid on the block - or so my mother tells me. I think Kai does remarkably well for a 95 percentile in height ballerina.

She could work on smiling though! I am telling you that she loved every minute of it, but it is hard to tell in the pictures. Hope you enjoy the show below.

Kai is in the back row - center. The only one with black ballet shoes.

Lovin' my Lilacs

My mom always called them "Lilox" and she ALWAYS pointed them out. Sorry mom, I never appreciated it. I now love my Lilacs and can't get enough of them in my house.

I think we have at least 5 varieties on our property. From white to purple to pink.

Clip a few - there are more than enough to go around - at least in Colorado. In fact, I don't mind if you come by my house for some.

Happy Spring Everyone.

Mommy's Helpers

Maybe this is why "dog pile" is a favorite phrase for the twins. Just your typical Monday morning distraction. I guess it is better than doing your chores.

Because I mentioned chores, I should throw in a few pics I took tonight where the bulk of the family decided to pitch in. This is Ben. For some reason he loves the vacuum and the broom. So, when Kai decided to help sweep up, he was all in. Dane couldn't help but follow suit. The irony is that I had to sweep after they were done and then pick up the brooms/etc. too. It was fun to watch, though.

How to be Cool.

Benjamin says: "Mom - Please tell me cuz I gotta know so I can be 'cool' like the rest of the kids. What should I do with my hands when we take pictures? Should I throw a sign?"

Cody is all over this one. "Oh I got it Ben. Let me show you how to be cool. This is how you throw the sign 'word'.....Now you can be cool like me."

The real story is that when I went to take this picture over Saturday Grilled Cheese sandwiches, Cody held up his hand and said "word". What does that even mean? I have a long way to go to learn to be cool.

DogPile

"DOGPILE"

I never thought that would be one of Ben's first words. "Dog Pile!" - not Juice, banana, or even Mama consistently. I guess I'll just have to go with it.

I caught it on video one morning. Check it out.