Hunter the Bike Rider and Valentines

Yep, Hunter is a bike rider! He learned to ride his bike on Valentines Day, 5 years old. Scott and I never pushed him to ride his bike, he actually has only touched a bike a handful of times. On Valentines Day, he randomly said "okay, I want to try it!" Scott ran behind him a few times, then he was off!! He rode his bike (with me running right beside) all the way to Beau and Kate's house! His cousin, Jake, was so proud that he got it all on video! Of course, Trent wanted to follow suit. So, Scott has been working with him too. Trent is AMAZING on his balance bike. That boy cruises...it won't be long before they are off on their bikes together!

Valentines was wonderful! We enjoyed the class parties and festivities. I was in charge of Hunter's class party, and Hunter was SO proud of that! I just love my babies! They are so beautiful on the inside and out. Hunter continues to be energetic, joyful and full of life. Trent is laid back, content, chill and cool! Faith Ann is still diva, hilarious and spunky! They are a great blend and balance!

Trent is doing great in school. His teacher says that he is so quick to catch on to things. He is always the first to want to answer, lead the group and ask questions. I am so proud that he comes out of his shell, yet is still reserved and independent! He is my dude. He is my bud! And my favorite part of the day is when Trent and I cuddle before his nap. Hunter is at school, Faith Ann is already laying down...so it's just me and Trent! I enjoy this time so much! We cuddle and watch some TV, then he takes a nap until Hunter gets home.

Faith Ann....this girl! She is a hoot! She just had her first bout of throwing up the other night. It was fast and furious. A few hours of intense throw up, then boom...it was gone! She was bright eyes and bushy tailed the next morning! I was sleeping on her floor all night, so I wasn't so bright eyed! Gotta love a kids bounce back. It didn't slow her down. She is as spunky and feisty as ever! The other side of her is sweet, playful and and frilly. She LOVES her beaded necklaces, all the time!

Most of the time I workout early in the morning before the kids wake or late at night after the kids go to sleep. However, I also incorporate the kids while I workout during the day. Pull ups on monkey bars, push up headstands, plank walks in my front ditch, the list goes on. Well, let me tell you...kids watch us! We, as parents, have such an impact on our kids little minds. The other day, we were all playing outside, I turn around and see Faith Ann doing push ups and planks!!! All on her own. Yes, she was naked which makes it so much cuter! The video of this is adorable, you can hear her grunting as she is doing push ups. And she has great form too!

Speaking of outdoor play, this was my view the other day while I was cooking dinner. I have no clue what they were doing, but they invented some game that entertained them for hours. Bouncing off the trampoline, jump over the car! Haha! These boys love the outdoors! They do come inside from time to time...we made Valentine cookies for their teachers, which they enjoyed!

Scott and I got to enjoy a lot of alone time this Valentines. We had a neighborhood party that we got to get all dressed up for. Scott's dad sat at our house while we stayed out past midnight! We are really getting to know a lot of other young couples in the neighborhood, and we are enjoying making friends! Then, on Valentines Day, Scott and I went rock climbing. It was AMAZING! We had a blast. I could have stayed for hours. I love that Scott comes up with adventurous dates! That is way more my style. Fancy dinners and flowers are not for me...but rock climbing and Mexican food makes me a happy camper! After rock climbing, the whole family went to Escalantes for Mexican food! Great day!

One last note for me to remember...I made it on top of the warped wall! Finally! The wall on the show is 14 feet. This wall is 14.6. That 6 extra inches is a real challenge. I haven't worked much on this wall, but I dedicated 2 weeks to leg power training. I was so close for days...then, I finally made it!! It felt great to have hard work pay off! Now, I just gotta get consistent at this dang warped wall! Remember kiddos, never fear failure! Take chances, and give it all you got!

January Wrap Up

I just transferred my pictures from my phone, and I realized how fast January went! We had a fun month, so I will wrap it up for you in pictures!! Hunter's first ninja competition was so memorable. He is awesome. Truly, there is no quit in his ninja game. He is a little fighter and would NOT let go. Many kids couldn't figure out an obstacle and would just let go (totally expected for kids,) but Hunter would tighten his grip and figure it out! People were just shocked at his tenacity! The guys I work out with were there, and one said "I can tell he is your boy...tiny but tough as nails and sure as hell will never quit!" That is a trait that I am honored to pass down to Hunter. He made us very proud, and he was over the moon! He was beaming with joy, confidence, pride and happiness! Ninja is totally his knack! I mean, this kid held himself in the spiderwall with his FINGERTIPS! That is crazy! Do you know how hard that is? He is at full extension, holding himself up with the very tips of those tiny fingers, amazing!

 

He was stuck on the cargo net and wouldn't give up. People started laughing because they were amazed at his determination. Hunter's face got red and he looked at me like he wanted to quit. But I said, "you got this, do it your own way, keep trying your hardest!" And sure enough...that boy got creative and figured it out! Everyone cheered as he bolted up the warped wall! After the course, Hunter said he got embarrassed because he thought people were laughing at him. I explained that people were laughing because they were so proud of his fight! But, that is what made me most proud...a little 5 year old, in a huge gym full of people, everyone quiet and watching Hunter, he gets stuck for a long time, embarrassed, and he still did not quit! His strong character really shined. It was amazing to see such will power and focus. His balance is off the charts, his grip strength is insane, and his ability to control his body is just amazing to watch! Way to go Hunter! I know there will be many more competitions!

I found my prom dress the other day while going through my closet. I put it on, Scott and I had a little prom reenactment. Prom pose 15 years later!! And can you believe my parents let me wear a completely backless dress to prom!!? Hunter and Trent said, "mommy, looks like you could swim in the sea!" Ha! Scott agreed that I kind of look like a mermaid, but I just loved this dress. Scott and I danced "prom style!" The kids thought this was hilarious, and I still think it is a pretty dress!

Some pictures of our day to day life...driving around with these 3 side by side always gives me a smile. I love looking in my backseat and seeing these faces!! Trent and Faith Ann love to sit at Hunter's bus stop. They anxiously await the bus to turn the corner! Trent and Faith Ann and I took lunch to Hunter at school. Rummel Creek has been rebuilt, and it is gorgeous! Ally and Hunter eat lunch at the same time, so Ally joined us. Blessings all around!

Speaking of Ally...she had me lead her birthday party! 10 years old!!! She and a friend shared a party, and they wanted an "American Ninja Warrior" birthday party. So, I created obstacles at the park. It was SO fun. The girls had a blast. I was honored that she asked me to do this!! All the girls called me "Aunt Brandi," so sweet! They all wore tube socks and had a blast. I set up relay races...pulling tires, push ups, pull ups, and so much more! It was awesome fun! My dad continues to make regular visits over here in the afternoons. He stops by, watches the kids play outside, and always brings them a lolipop! He just had his 73rd birthday (on Jan 20th.) He came over for James Coney Island and story time. Our kids adore Pardner! And yes, Faith Ann is becoming more frilly by the day! She is such a hoot!

The weather has been so beautiful!! So we have really enjoyed the sunshine. Tennis with the neighborhood kids and lots of outdoor adventures! My children have been so exposed to the "ninja world" that they see the world through ninja eyes! They see a board, and it becomes a "cliff hanger obstacle." Even Faith Ann does this stuff! She was opening the door at Hunter's basketball game the other day and used the door handle as a pull up bar. She had great form and made me laugh! Hunter is playing basketball for the first time. He is on a team with all the boys from his class, and he is really enjoying it. He is good at dribbling and he is amazing at passing the ball efficiently, both important skills! Here is a picture of him taking a shot.

All of the kids in the neighborhood think my ninja journey is just about the coolest thing in the world. So, I often load my car with kids and head to the ninja gym! I love having a hobby that brings people together! Ninja is such a supportive, challenging, fun and uplifting sport! I love that I get to share memories with so many special people. It is bringing people together in our community that is just amazing! My nephew Jim is obsessed with ninja! His Christmas present from me was a ninja training class and a one-on-one session with Sam Sann....Jim was ecstatic! Priceless memories!

Scott took Trent to "Monster Jam" the other day. Monster trucks do tricks and crush cars! Trent is obsessed with anything you can drive...planes, trucks, race cars, boats, motor bikes, 4 wheelers, motorcycles! Kind of a mothers nightmare! But, he totally digs it! Scott said he had a blast and was in complete awe! He hasn't stopped talking about it! I just know dirt bikes (and other vehicles that make me nervous) are in my future with Trent! Scott also took both boys to the boat show a couple weeks ago. A total guy outing! They held baby alligators, saw tons of fish and boats! They also had fun bungee things for them to play/jump on. I love that Scott creates such wonderful memories with our kids! Here is a sweet picture of  Hunter and Faith Ann eating dinner while Trent was at Monster Jam. These boys adore Faith Ann! Well, that is a wrap for January!