Adam sitting up with his brothers

Our little guy is growing fast. He is sitting up already and has been for a while. He'll be crawling before we know it. Colby and Nickolas are the best big brothers ever. What a great way to end the summer! Happy Labor Day!

Nickolas' First Playdate

Today was a great day for Nickolas. He had a play date with Ryan. He was excited because this was a friend that he made by himself. It wasn't one of Colby's friends. They will be going to Kindergarten together next year. The play date consisted of the boys playing in the backyard on the play structure, trains, Lego's, games, lunch, cars, Popsicles and a trip to pick up Colby from school. A very fun full day and believe it or not....not a single squabble. The best part is that the moms were able to play with the boys and chat too. We plan to have Ryan and his mom over in a few weeks. They were really funny trying to set the play date up. Exchanging phone numbers verbally and trying to tell each other the directions to each others homes. I wish I had my video camera. They were seriously happy and they didn't want the day to end. It was precious. My baby is growing up. I guess they all are.

We Survived!!!

We have officially survived the first week of Colby's First Grade Year. He has a fantastic teacher Mrs. Rosette. She is very organized and has control of the kids. Colby is enjoying her. We have also visited his Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Romero to turn in homework and catch up. It was a great week. I am sure that it is going to be a great year. We have been up early and ready to go on time. It is a bit tough getting 3 ready for school and actually out the door. So far we are on a roll. Colby gets to eat lunch at school now and has enjoyed it so far. He is enjoying his class his only complaint is that Recess is to short. Nickolas will start Preschool next Friday. He can't wait. I'll be sure to give a full report.

Headed Home

Well our trip is about to end....we are all a little sad, a little glad and a little ready to get back into our groove. After all, school starts in 2 weeks. We have a lot to do too. Driving home was nice. Adam started fussing around Tracy but finally stopped. We decided to stop in Livermore to see my Aunt & Uncle. We wanted to meet for dinner but they offered to cook so of course we were on board. We stopped by the store for some appetizers and dessert. Auntie Rose cooked up something fantastic and "Uncle" Bill grilled. We all had a few glasses of wine, Adam and Nick passed out, Colby & Bill watched the game then decided to have a Wii Tournament. It was a fun night and a great visit. Thanks for Dinner it was Fabulous. We love you guys.

One Last Stop - Redding's Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Our last stop.....was an impromptu one. Being that we really didn't plan any part of this vacation we decided to check out a few things. I had a list at home of things I wanted us to do and this place was actually on it. However, I didn't remember until we had already decided to go there. Turtle Bay Exploration Park Redding not Turtle Bay Hawaii. It was nice just the same well sorta. The grounds were beautiful. We saw a bird show, enjoyed some of the exhibits, visited the aviary and butterfly houses. We were able to eat lunch there visit the Sun Dial Bridge. It was pretty hot to walk around the gardens so we'll just have to go back for that another time. Besides, it was time to head home.

Back in Cali - Mt. Shasta & Shasta Caverns

Another HOT HOT day. We stopped to see Mt. Shasta and then ate some lunch. It was nice to be back in California. Then we headed over to the Shasta Caverns. We thought we would try and beat the heat. It was crazy HOT. We took a boat ride over to the caverns. Once we were in the cave it was cool. We were able to see all kinds of formations. It really was a neat place. Our tour guide was cool too. The kids really enjoyed it too. Adam was talking one minute and asleep the next. Luckily, he loves the Snugli and likes to hang out with mommy. Once we got back to the gift shop Ed bought us some ice cream so we could cool off......then we headed to our hotel in Redding to swim. It as so hot that we had to wait until the sun went down before we could swim. Nickolas and Adam crashed. Ed enjoyed the peace and I took Colby for a night swim. We had a lot of fun together. He really is doing well swimming with his strokes and such. A far cry from last summer. Something just clicked.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake was beautiful. It reminded us of Lake Tahoe. The water was so blue. We went on a couple little hikes, walked around the lodge. Had a bite to eat and took in the scenery. Colby & Nick were a bit restless as it was a rather warm that day. From Crater Lake we were headed to Grants Pass, OR where my childhood friends parents now live. Carol & Joe invited us over for a home cooked meal which we were very grateful to have. It was delicious. We were able to relax and visit and get out of the heat. It was at least 105 that day. Funny thing was that one of my friends was visiting her parents too so we were all able to catch up as it had been to long. We also were able to meet Heather's fiance Aaron. They make acute couple. We're so happy for them. Thanks Again for the visit. We really enjoyed it. The boys had fun as well!

Hittin' The Oregon Trail

Well we are all off on a sugar high but none the less it was time to hit the road. We were headed down another two lane road me with a good book, my kids asleep in the back and my handsome husband at the wheel. Every so often we would talk, enjoy the high dessert sights and entertain the kids. Amazingly enough, all of the kids were great travelers. They even enjoyed the sights. We hardly had the DVD player on. That was nice. We had a pit stop in Burns, OR it was like traveling back in time.....the attendant came out to pump our gas. It was old time station. We found a great park for the kids to run around where Ed and the boys played soccer and baseball. I fed Adam and let him roll around and stretch. Colby & Nick even met some friends...they would have played all day. We finally got to Bend, OR. That was a great town. Great food, Great Beer and a Suite with a kids bunk area. This is the life. We had a wonderful Dinner at Tumalo Feed Co., Oregon Beer, Swimming and of course the Olympics.....even some privacy.

GO BRONCOS

Well, a trip to Boise would not be complete without a picture with our BSU gear. Go BSU Broncos!!!! Gotta make Aunt Jodi Proud. Just wait till she graduates with her Doctorate. Have a great school and work year Aunt Jodi. We miss you!

Day 4 - Bye Bye Boise

Well, we had a leisurely morning.....but before we go we had to hit the candy shoppe. Powell's Sweet Shoppe. It was a neat store will all kinds of candy. It was fun to see all the candy that we grew up on. We all had to indulge a little:). Did I mention it was 10:00 in the morning?? We give new meaning to kids in a candy store.

Day 3 Boise - Boondocks & Good Wood

What a crazy day this turned out to be. 8 hours at Boondocks. 4 rounds of mini-golf, 5 rides on the go-cart track, 8 rides on the bumper boats, 2 very tired but happy little boys PRICELESS.

Did I mention is was 12 dollar Tuesday? Well, nothing was 12 dollars but, whatever it was a blast. Unlimited video games for Colby and an indoor jungle gym for Nick. Adam even had a great time watching all of the people.

Then we were off to Good Wood for dinner. It was a great BBQ place. We celebrated Ed and Jodi's Birthday again. It was fun and the food was fantastic. We had a nice time and everyone was nice and relaxed by the time we got home.

Ed watched the Olympics while Jodi and I went to Fred Meyer to shop. Then it was time to pack up and get ready for our next adventure.

Day 2 Boise - A Day of Discovery

Today was great we had an educational day at the Discovery Center. It had a lot of great exhibits. The boys were all over it. Spending time making drawings, exploring electric, building things and doing experiments. Nickolas' favorite part was shopping in the mock grocery store. He would have stayed there all day if he could. Colby loved making the pendulum drawing and building things. Adam had a great time riding in the Snugli while we shopped for groceries. Nick made sure he got some baby food for Adam. He is such a thoughtful guy.

For a late lunch we headed to Sonic. The boys enjoyed their lunch and Slurpee's. Then it was time for Ed to spend his birthday gift card at Cabella's. He was so excited to go. He spent quite awhile looking around at all the stuff. Of course he got a few things and we couldn't leave until the boys got there coon skin caps. I can't believe I don't have a picture. Stay tuned it will be worth the wait. Then it was back to Aunt Jodi's for another BBQ this time with a friend that we all knew in Sacramento back in college. Boy does that seem like a long time ago! It was great to catch up. We went swimming at Aunt Jodi's Cabana Club. I will say that Colby is an official swimmer and Nickolas is getting there. After Kelly left Jodi and Ed headed to the Home Depot for some supplies for her Birthday Present. A fire pit. Ed put it together and we had a fire. It was nice weather and we enjoyed the fresh air. Another fun day! So far we are 2 for 2.

Adam & Cassie

Need I say more??

Day 1 Boise - A Relaxing Train Ride

We were off and running as Aunt Jodi had an itinerary that would keep any 6, 4 and 5 month old busy. If only the adults could keep up......that remains to be seen. We were headed to the train depot. We enjoyed a scenic train ride along the river. The water was flowing and so were the rafters. We had the unfortunate viewing of a BA you couldn't help but laugh. We enjoyed the beverage and food cars. Bought a few souvenirs and enjoyed the ride. The boys had a great time. Nick especially as he loves trains. He especially likes the crossing signals. The boys were thrilled to finally be in Idaho with Aunt Jodi. Adam was along for the ride. He loves the outdoors! Next stop home for a BBQ and some homemade ice cream with all the fixin's made by Colby & Aunt Jodi. Nickolas was to busy playing with Cassie and crawling through the dog door. As always Aunt Jodi has a Pinata for the boys. The really look forward to that. This time it had Sonic cards in it as Colby has been dying to go there. What a fun day!! Once the boys hit their pillow they were out like a light and so were we for that matter.

Boise or Bust!

We finally made it to Aunt Jodi's house in Boise right before midnight but since they are an hour ahead I guess it was 1 A.M. Who cares, we celebrated anyway with a homemade cake from Aunt Jodi presents of course. After a sugar rush we we all ready for bed. We have a busy 3 days ahead of us!!

Ready for a Road Trip??

Well after some repairs were made on the truck we were headed out of town for one more adventure. This was an adventure that was either going to go really well or really bad. I am happy to say that we all had a great time and the trip was fabulous! Our adventure started August 8, 2008 at about 7:30 right after Colby finished up with his Soccer Practice. We were headed to Reno, Nevada. Once in Reno we checked into The Silver Legacy and went to sleep. The next morning Ed's 35th Birthday we headed for Circus Circus after a fantastic breakfast. By noon we were headed to Virginia City as that was one thing on the birthday boys list of to-do's. We headed into a Silver Mine and the tour was given by as Nickolas put it "One old Dude". Well, we couldn't argue with that so we moved on. It was a fun and interesting outing. After that we grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the truck for some dessert. The boys and I bought for Ed his favorite a Giant Oatmeal Raisin Cookie to celebrate his birthday on the road. We left town just as the cowboys were going to have a shootout. From here it was Boise or Bust!!

Adam loves Aunt Debby July 26, 2008

Adam was thrilled to meet his Auntie Debby and cousin Sarah. They were out from Chicago. He already knows his Uncle Jack (Ed's Brother). He has officially been renamed as Uncle Candy Bar. The boys think it is hilarious when I call him that. They were thrilled when Daddy & Uncle Jack (aka Candy Bar) came home with a bag full of candy. Not just any candy but the KING SIZE candy bars. You name it they got it. The boys did have to fight their cousin Sarah for some. I bet you can guess who won. Auntie Debby loves the boys and Adam was no exception. I bet she would have taken him as carry on luggage if I would have let her. He couldn't get enough of her and his cousin Sarah making googlie eyes and smiling at them all night. Uncle Candy Bar is in good with Adam too as he will soon be reaping the benefits of the candy bag. We all had a wonderful visit. The only ones that were missing were the boys' other cousins Katie & Jeff. But, they are all grown up now and have real jobs. We hope to see them soon!!

Giants Game July 27, 2008

The Larson's set out for their Annual Giants Game as a Party of 5. We had a blast! Adam was and is such a good boy. We received his 1st Game Certificate. The game was good but the Giants did lose. O'well we were filled to rim with junk food for the kids and a few beers for us. Ed as always made us a fantastic snack for lunch. We got there early so that we could enjoy the activities and of course we had to get our free Bobble Heads. The boys really do like to watch the game and believe it or not it was a long but very enjoyable day. After the game we all ran the bases. Colby & Nickolas left Adam in the dust.....but that was my fault as I was Adam's legs this year. Next year will be another story! A great family outing and we always love going to SF.

30 Hours of Freedom!

Last Friday I had my first 30 hours of freedom since Adam! As hard as it was to leave I did it. I missed the guys but a day at the spa....I am there. My sister-in-law Suzanne and I escaped the clutches of the guys to Wine & Roses Spa in Lodi, CA. It may not sound like much but, it is! I had the best facial of my life. We were at the spa on Friday evening them headed for dinner at Lodi Beer Company. Pomegranate Cider, Fish & Chips and a Burger. Need say more. Headed back for an evening of gossip magazines, a chocolate tasting and some Champagne my brother Dave hooked us up with. Saturday morning back to the spa for some more R & R. It was a great time and I really enjoyed visiting with Suzanne. Unfortunately, the time had come....Reality. Ed called for a reality check while we were on our way home. I couldn't ever thank Ed enough for taking such good care of the boys and letting me go with peace of mind. He took the boys to the park, for a train ride, lunch and the house was still clean. Thanks Ed.

Colby's Vacation Bible School July 28th - August 1st

Colby attended Apostle's VBS this last week. He really enjoyed it. Although I am not surprised. He had a great time meeting new people and learning new things. He really enjoyed singing the songs. We went to church yesterday so that he could preform with the other kids for the church. It was a lot of fun. During the week it was pretty uneventfull. I went to the gym 3 days. Nickolas had fun playing at the house and scootering around. Adam had fun taking a few stroller rides and eating his food of the week. PEARS!!! He is onto the fruits and Oatmeal too.

Daddy's on Vacation!!!! July 14-20

Daddy took a week off to spend with us. I guess he couldn't stand it any longer.....The boys enjoyed the time with Ed and so did I. For those of you who thought we would be staying home this Summer......you were wrong! The week started off with Ed taking Colby & Nickolas to one of Ed's dads rental homes to help him. It was a great day for Adam and I too. We were able to get a lot of things done! Amazing what you can do with one kid :) Tuesday we were off to Vallejo to Six Flags. We hadn't been there since Nickolas was Adam's age. The boys rode an Elephant and Colby rode Tony Hawks Big Spin twice. He now has a small obsession with Tony Hawk. Nickolas loved the Island of Sodor. Thomas is huge with him. He had a great time riding Thomas, Bertie the Bust (my favorite) and Harold the Helicopter. Nick will always have an obsession with moving vehicles. I am sure of it. Adam was enjoying the sites from the Snugli. He is such a people watcher. Guaranteed that someone will talk to him....he gets excited and starts squealing. Colby may be a villain as he did hug the Joker. Nickolas on the other hand is Batman through and through. Wednesday was spent hanging out at the house as we didn't get home till midnight. Did I mention that we shut down Six Flags? Thursday we were headed to Great America to enjoy the Water Park. The kids had a great time. Adam was getting his beauty rest while the boys played. Ed and Colby enjoyed the water slides. Nick and I had a lot of fun on the Lazy River. A great day!! Friday we went to Chuck E Cheese and the boys FINALLY had enough tickets for the much anticipated Cotton Candy. Wow where did the week go??? Saturday was another work day at the rentals but daddy brought Sushi home so we were all happy:) Sunday A trip to Bonfante Gardens. We saw a great Bird Show, hung around for a bit and two little boys were starting to melt so we called it a day. Thanks Dad for a great week!