Monday...Monday...

I can't believe tomorrow is Monday already! This weekend flew by (probably because it was fun and full). Of course I forgot my camera, but we didn't forget any kids....so no complaints. We went to Rogers Saturday for a pool birthday party. The kids had so much fun, and it was so nice to see familiar faces and play catch up with everyone. After that I had the privilege of taking one of Ben's friends little girls shopping. Who knew shopping with a little girl would be like a million times more fun than taking boys? Then we skipped dinner and went straight for ice cream Saturday night with some friends. We truly enjoy spending time with the Wagahoff's, and it was so nice to sit and chat while the boys played.

We thought about heading home, but Ben thought it would be fun to go back to our vacant house (which obviously still hasn't sold...and any shout outs to the big guy for that are much appreciated) for some family time. So we headed to the house, and camped out. We played with the boys, watched movies, and slept in this morning. It was nice to have a distraction free place to do a little burnsie bonding. Ben's parents had us over for lunch and naps for our last event of the weekend. It was so nice to sit and visit with them. The boys love their meega and grand-daddy. And Ben and I loved sitting on the couch and enjoying a cat nap and their company.

So now I sigh because the weekend over, and dread Monday and the start of it all over again. But at least we had a mini get away and got a little refreshed...

Old man on campus....

Tyler on his first day of kindergarten...


then first grade....

Then second....

Now third....

I told him he is the old kid on campus now. He replied "not really there are the 4th graders....and the teachers."

Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting (ok well not really)

Benjamin will be 3 on Tuesday, so in honor of this little guys birthday we had a party on Sunday. We attended a Kung Fu birthday party this summer, and of course he wanted one as well. It was a very relaxed little party with plenty of kiddos and cupcakes. The picture above is my favorite. I had told him to close his eyes and blow out his candles and make a wish. What was I thinking? That was a lot to ask a 3 year old to do at once. You can see in the picture he is having trouble accomplishing all of those things at once! Here are some more pictures....
What a great cousin Brandon to help with the swing!

The kids enjoyed their cupcakes....a lot of dye in those things! I won't even tell you what color Grady's diaper was this morning....

He was very tired, but the sugar high kept him going

We all had a great time...

Mmmm...

Coulter enjoyed himself as well...

There were lots of scary kids oh I mean animals in the back yard

This is hilarious...Jordan took over camera duties for me and she is much appreciated!

I sometimes wish I could freeze time, and keep them just the way they are. But then they throw tantrums, poop, or scream at me and I am glad they are growing up. Depends on the moment I guess...so selectively freezing time would be what I am looking for

"No wise man has ever wished to be younger"

As most of you know 3 out of 5 of us Burnsies have birthdays within a week of each other. So the birthday candles were broke out again on Thursday for my 27th birthday. Did I just say 27? Yes!!! Even though I joke about not wanting to get older...I am grateful for another year, and more wisdom to come my way. I read a quote once that said "Everything I know I learned after I was 30." Something to look forward to I guess...... :) My sister came down and her and my grandma and niece and nephew took me and the boys out for lunch. I love them so much, and am so lucky to have them in my life.

The boys were very excited to have me open my present. In this picture I am wondering what in the world it is. It looks like a old phone receiver, but why would Ben get me an old phone receiver? Then he announces..."It is a bluetooth retro handset. It connects to your cell phone so you can answer it around the house if you can't find your phone." Very funny Ben......

Ben surprised me with an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. They are my favorite!!! I remember when I was around 4 or 5 my aunt got me a cabbage patch doll ice cream cake from DQ. Mmmmmm.....I don't know if it really is that they taste so good, or if it is all the memories that I attach to an ice cream cake, but either way it was yummy and very thoughtful of him. (Notice the candles say 21....also note when I am 80 I will still have those same candles on my cake!) Ok so now onto to the next birthday....

"Mommy I just want to get old enough to drive a car....that's all...then I won't grow anymore."

Well it is official...Tyler is 8 now! I cannot believe it was 8 years ago that God blessed us with this little redheaded bundle of joy. Ben and I were talking last night of how fast time has gone by. It seems like not that long ago I was wondering around the house 9 months pregnant (and weighing in like a sumo wrestler by the way) impatiently awaiting his arrival. He came 3 days past his due date on a Sunday night. Our lives have never been the same since he came. He has made it more rich, more purposeful, more joyful, and more lovely. Words wouldn't do justice to the way we feel about this little guy.

We of course started the morning off like any birthday boy would want...presents...then pancakes in the shape of the number 8 for breakfast

Tyler didn't want a birthday party this year. He asked instead for some mommy/daddy time. So we took him alone to White Water for the day. Tyler says he still feels like he is in the wave pool. :)

They rode this one twice. Me...yeah try zero times. I was very proud of Tyler for braving it. Even Ben said he got a little nervous when they got to the top of the stairs.

We finished off the night with a nice birthday dinner and then church. Tyler didn't know it but we had a cake waiting on him at church. He love Pirates! So he especially loved his cake.

"It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't."

I guess I should have taken note while the boys were "eating us out of house and home" that they are getting bigger and growing so much! I remember hearing my family say..."seems just like yesterday.." well here I go, it really does seem just like yesterday that they were all babies. And although I don't miss the demands a newborn brings I do miss all that cuddle time and those gummy smiles. (Ben on the other hand, well he is couting down the days til we won't have to spend as much money on diapers, oh and forcing them to mow the yard of course. I have been hearing about that one since Tyler was born.) The boys had their well check ups yesterday, and we found out they are healthy. I could have save $50 and told you that myself, but it is always good to have comfirmation (so I am told). Here are their updates....

Grady- Currently 15 months weighing in at a whopping 28 pounds. His favorite hobbies are eating, having mommy sneak in the occassional bottle (hey..a boy needs his ba ba), doing anything his older brothers do, jibber jabbering all the time, and refusing to sit in the highchair while climbing in the regular chair like a big boy. He is happy, silly, and just all around lovely!
Benjamin-12 days shy of turning 3, weighing in at 38 pounds. He is now completely potty trained, enjoys writing the letter "A" over and over again, cracking himself up, singing, rocking with his mommy, playing with anything that has wheels, and doing anything Tyler does. (and talking non stop). He is a wonderful little guy with such an ambitious spirit, and adds so much fun to everyday!

Tyler-Will be turning the ripe old age of 8 in just 6 days. He enjoys his brothers (although he might not admit this to everyone), trains, cars, books, dinosaurs, trying to figure out how everything in the entire world works...who invented it...and why. Other hobbies are talking almost the entire time he is awake, making people laugh, swimming, and hanging out with his family. Tyler is such a deep thinker with a very gentle spirit. He is always making me laugh with the things he says. An example...We were at my grandpas shop and he says to one of the employees "I like to watch you work because by watching you I am learning something new. And you should learn something new everyday.....LONG PAUSE.....if you aren't learning something new everyday, well, you should just stay at home I guess."