I should have been a Carpenter

I have found a few things out about myself that have truly made me happy (besides my happy little Things) during these last two difficult months without Daddy. Building things out of wood and refinishing wood furniture. I feel good working with my hands and it doesn't help that I love the smell of wood. Here is a piece of a set we got at a garage sale that I was able to refinish.

There was a coffee table and two end tables that came with the set. They are the same styles before and after a well.

Before

Birthdays!

Daddy and the boys birthdays are 12 days apart. For Daddy's birthday we had immediate family over for a dinner and had his favorite cheesecake for dessert. He was able to open a few presents that the boys and I gave him. For adults we just keep it simple. Especially because Daddy doesn't want a real big deal made. On the other hand.......

It's a little different for the boys. They get to choose what cake they're having, and a few other things. We have a family party of cake and ice cream and they get to open presents. I was very excited about making and designing what Thing 1 wanted for their birthday cake. Thing 2 doesn't really care, he just likes the same thing as his big brother. Until they're not okay with it, we're just going to celebrate their birthdays together. Why you ask? They're three years and one day apart. They like celebrating at the same time for now. 

Yes they're names were on the cake, but you also know that I have renamed them here on the blog. I was pretty excited about their cake. No, it's not perfect, but it doesn't matter because it's going to be eaten, and the boys were so excited about it.

While I was working on the finishing touches of the cake Thing 1 and Daddy took a well deserved nap.

While we were singing to the birthday boys.

Thing 2 was so excited to blow out his candles that Daddy had to hold him back so as not to steal Thing 1's thunder.

My little 5 year old! I can't believe it's been that long!

Thing 2's turn! He was kicking and happy about it. No, surprisingly enough the string of spit didn't land on the cake, it landed on the table.

The boys and a cousin playing with a toy for Thing 2's birthday. 

 Of course Thing 1 preferred to be on top of the car.

 

Happy Birthday my little Things! I guess you're not too little anymore though!

Preschool

Thing 1 had his first day of preschool at the beginning of September and was so excited to attend. Thing 2 was asleep during the pictures, and we were running a touch late. Thing 1 really likes his sleep and he can be difficult to get up. Even if he has gotten 11 hours of sleep. He attends preschool three days of the week for two hours. He barely missed the deadline for kindergarten by six days for the state of Idaho. Although he may have been able to get him in if we were to have him tested, we don't know if we want to because we're also trying to move. We're not sure of the requirements in Utah, and think it also may be best if he be more mature for school. 

Utah

As some (if not most) of you might know, Daddy has accepted a job in Utah. He is very happy at his new job, but we miss him and he misses us. Hopefully we will sell our house soon so that we can be together. We had the opportunity to go to Utah to visit the cousins that Daddy is staying with and attend an employee appreciation picnic.

Visiting with the cousins at the park.

 Jumping on the trampoline.

My cousin is looking to build and they wanted to show us the model of home they were looking at. As they were showing us around, we saw this little beauty. I was so excited, that when I saw it, I shouted "Up!" That's right folks, it's modeled after the house in the movie Up, complete with an iron rooster on top of the house. We drove past it on the side and it had a cute directional sign that had lots of different places on it in the Disney theme parks. To give an example, Tomorrowland, and I can't remember the rest.

This was at the employee appreciation picnic.

They had giant baseball decorated sugar cookies, that were amazing!

 Thing 2 was totally ready to eat his cookie.

The picnic was hosted at the Salt Lake Bees Stadium where we also got to watch a minor league baseball game! I have never been to a minor or major league game. Thing 1 and I were super excited!

Thing 2 was okay with it, he was tired more than anything. When we go to the next game, we will find him a babysitter so he can stay home and sleep. 

Daddy was sure happy to have us with him, and he tickled Thing 2 to no end.

I love it when my boys randomly hug each other. It's becoming a once a day thing. Usually Thing 2 instigates it because when Thing 1 normally tries, Thing 2 yells at him and runs away.

The game ended with fireworks and the boys loved them.