Easter

Sometimes I get a little behind in my blogging. Then I have to bombard my blog with lots of pictures...this is your warning. There will probably be a lot of pictures (like always), the difference is, this time we have actually been quite busy.
We spent some time at the Children's museum which was so much fun. I am not actually sure who had more fun, Gunnar or Kyle. 

We have spent time at the park. Anytime it doesn't rain we try to get some play time in.

Gunnar got RSV. I took him to the ER with a fever of 105. He was having a hard time breathing and was just really sick. He had to be put on oxygen, get some fluids, and have tons of tests run. He laid on our couch for about 4 days without moving. He slept almost the entire 4 days. He had an ear infection as well so was able to be on antibiotics. Ryker ended up getting it too, and ear infections, but it didn't hit him nearly as hard as Gunnar.

My grandma came to WA state for a visit. She is one special lady to me and I was so sad I didn't get to spend more time with her, but we didn't want to risk getting her sick. So on Thursday night we headed for my parents and spent until the evening of Easter Sunday. We had a big family get-together and just had a great time.
The boys loved playing with her. Gunnar and her had a lot of tea parties. This was the first time she met Ryker, so that was a special time as well. 

We also had a little birthday party for Gunnar since he turns two tomorrow. He had his well-child check up on Thursday and is weighing in at 24.4lbs. and is right on target developmentally. He is so much fun! I love this age. We didn't have a cake, so we put his candles in the cinnamon sticks we got from Pizza Hut with our pizza.

 

Kyle and my mom share the birthday of April 27th. I got Kyle some airsoft stuff (which he knew about) but his big surprise was his first sky diving jump. He will take the Advanced Free Fall class on May 21 (our anniversary :() and do his first jump then. He has jumped out of airplanes before, but the military jumping doesn't involve a lot of free-fall. It is more getting to the ground as quickly as possible so you don't get shot at. He is REALLY excited and can hardly wait for May 21st to roll around.

Here is he reading about his surprise.

Grandma Kathy sent Gunnar his gift in the mail and some Easter Basket goodies. Gunnar hid in the closet and attempted to finish off a big chocolate Easter bunny on his own. 

I think that is about it. Gunnar turns two tomorrow, but we won't celebrate as a family until Sunday as Kyle is at Men's Retreat. I will close with a family picture from Easter and a fun one of the boys. To bad Kyle looks sleepy Easter morning. (Notice I got a major haircut, I am regretting it, but hoping I get more used to it).

Ezra and Owen visit (with Poppa and Gramma)

This past weekend, my parents came and brought two of my brother Paul's boys with them. Ezra and Owen came and we had a lot of fun with them. Friday night we just let the boys play. Saturday we got up, got everyone ready and made the hour drive to Northwest Trek. We had a great time walking around...then we got on the tram. It instantly started bringing back horrible memories of a long boat ride we took in Germany where Gunnar screamed almost the entire time. There was no screaming this time, but that was because I let Gunnar eat an entire thing of Tic-Tacs...this was after Kyle wrestled with Gunnar to get him to sit, look, and be content while I fed Ryker. Everyone else seemed to enjoy the ride. The best part of the afternoon was on a trip the boys took to the bathroom. Ezra decided it would be a good idea to run though the grass, which was more of like a marsh...you will see the result of this grand idea in the pictures.
Saturday evening after naps we headed to Charlie's Safari for dinner and playtime. Everyone had a blast! Uncle Peter and Aunt Perki came and joined the fun here with us.
Sunday was church, dinner, and then our sad goodbyes. I love having family visit, but it is never easy to say goodbye, even when I know I will be seeing them soon.
I have lot of pictures from the boys' visit, but here are a few of my favorites.

 The boys watching Uncle Kyle play airsoft in the house.

 Poppa and Ryker.

 Poppa and Gunnar not quite ready for the day to start.

 Gramma and with Owen and Gunnar

 Ezra a great big cousin.

 Our picnic lunch.

Ezra's adventures through the grass resulted in only one shoe and a lot of mud.

Ezra, Gunnar, and Owen

 A group photo.

 Here are some of the animals we saw at NW Trek.

And some pictures from Charlie's Safari.

Rub-a-dub-dub, three blonds in a tub

My dad, being the tech savy guy he is caught this great picture with his iphone. It is probably my favorite from the entire weekend.

Time in Post Falls

We just got back from spending a week with the Pettit's. The big boys did a lot of shooting real guns and airsoft guns, not to mention the CO2 grenades they were also playing with. Only two injuries were reported, but nothing major thankfully.
The little boys enjoyed all the attention that their Uncles and Grandpa and Nana gave to them. They were loving every minute of it.
Gunnar the future soccer star.

 Gunnar playing with his "gun"

Bubbles inside because of the weather.

 Gunnar spent a lot of time sliding down the stairs.

 He loves playing trains with his uncles.

Ryker loved sleeping on Nana.

 Ryker getting in some play time with his Great Grandpa Pettit

 Gunnar trying to get Great Grandma to play with him.

 The boys napping up at Priest Lake.

 Kyle and his brother Caleb at the lake.

 Mike cooking up some chicken wings in the snow and rain. The weather was awful the entire time we were up at the Lake.

 Ryker's bed at the lake. He slept very well in here.

 

Shawn and Gunnar. Uncle Shawn took great care of his little nephew.

Gunnar and Shawn playing.

The boys loved being pushed in here.

Nana spoiling Ryker with Jell-o.