Zach 4 mo.

Zach is such a cutie what can I say. My little boy is growing up way to fast. He had his 4 mo. check-up and weighed 14lbs 8 oz and was 25 1/2 in long. He had to get 3 shots and didn't like that at all, but he was a trooper and didn't cry for long. Zach has the cutest smile and shows it to most people. He always has to have something in his mouth whether it be a toy, blanket, or his fingers as long as it isn't a binky. He tries to grab at everything in reach and it's so fun to watch his face when he grabs my nose or mouth. He's got super strong legs and is always kicking which is hilarious in the bath, but gets me all wet. We tried cereal for the first time this week, but he didn't seem to like it with the face he made so maybe we will try again when he is 5 mo. We love having him in our family and Brody is super cute with him now. He is always concerned when he cries and asks him whats wrong. Brody is interacting with him a little more and wants to hold him, but only for a second. I love it!! I can't wait until I can actually get a picture of them together. Such a proud mom!

Checking out his rings.

He always has to have something in his mouth.

Trunk-or-Treat/Halloween

Our trunk-or-treat was a lot of fun this year because we actually dressed up. James has never wanted to before, but he was a trooper and got all decked out this year. I'm not sure what he went as, or even what I went as, but it was fun. Brody was our construction worker which was super cute even though he wouldn't wear the hat. We just collected candy in it since I forgot his sack. Zach was our little ghost. James had the option of putting him in a giraffe outfit or the ghost guess he liked this one better. James was such a sweet heart to get everyone ready, make the sloppy joe mix, and get the candy all together while I was gone with the activities committee preparing for the party. Thanks love you are the best. It was great to have Kiana, McKenna, and Jon there with us too.

The fam.. . . don't even ask about James.

My baby ghost!!

Brody cheesing it

Halloween this year was super fun. We had Steve and Heather's family over to go trick-or-treating with. This is a cute picture of Heather and her kids I made her put on James's afro wig and she looked awesome!!

Anyway, this year James rigged a tv outside so that he and Steve could watch football while handing out candy. We pulled the grill out front and had a little party at the same time. It was actually a lot of fun and you could see all the dad's out with the kids straining to watch the game as they went by. Very funny. .. Some even had to come over and ask scores etc. While the guys relaxed Heather and I took the kids out trick-or-treating. Brody was a natural he went right up to the people and said trick or treat and thank you. I was blown away. One lady had some toys in her living room so he invited himself in to play. He has no fear aparently. . . he didn't get that from his mom. We didn't go to very many houses, but I think the kids had a good time. When we got back to our house they had a great time passing out candy to other kids. Over all it was a successful night besides picture taking. Brody wouldn't let me take his picture so that is why one isn't posted.

My boys.

Zach 3 1/2 mo.

Here are some everyday pics of the boys. The boys are both growing up so fast. Brody loves to play with trains, trucks, cars, etc. He is talking more which is nice and says some cute things. When he says I'm coming it sounds like "I'm hummin". He says "On mars, set, go. He asks us "where goin" when we leave a room. He's not one to sit for very long doing one thing unless it's watching a movie! He gets so excited in some of the movies and talks a mile a minute. Then he gets up and dances if there is music and makes sad noises if someone gets hurt etc. It is all very entertaining. He always makes me laugh and gives the best hugs. . . I love you buddy.
Zach is a smiley baby and has smiles for everyone. He has the cutest little laugh that is contagious and you can't help but laugh with him. He loves his hands and always tries to eat them. I try to substitute a binky for his hands or a toy, but that doesn't last long. He is a total drool baby like Brody was so we go through many bibs a day. Zach always wants to sit up and loves to watch people especially Brody. When he looks at Brody he gets a huge grin on his face very cute. Zach is such a lovable little guy we are so happy he is ours.

Daddy's little helper!

Brody loves to help James no matter what he is doing especially if it involves tools. He can't get enough of the tool box full of treasures to find. I thought he was adorable trying to imitate the things that James was doing. He was trying to cut wires, use pliers, and work the drill. Super super cute. James might not feel the same way since he had an extra pair of little hands getting in the way. The water system got installed and my two plumbers did a fantastic job.

Brody's favorite box to play in.

Almost 3 mo.

Zach is such a big boy I can't believe he is almost 3 mo. A few things about Zach. . . he rolled over from back to front for the first time a couple of weeks ago, but doesn't like to be on his stomach. He loves to stand, sit up, or be carried facing out rather then laying down. He constantly blows bubbles and gets everything wet. He is a happy baby with lots of smiles for everyone. When he sees Brody he smiles so I'm hoping that means they will be best of friends.
We are so happy to have Zach apart of our family he is a special little guy. Love ya Buddy!

Pumpkin Patch

For an enrichment activity we went to a pumpkin patch at Mother Natures Farm. It was a cute place with lot's of pumpkins and some you could decorate, a bounce house, a hay ride with animals to look at, and cute areas to take pictures. Brody absolutely loved the tractor. He kept going up to the driver and talking to him in Brody language. It was very cute I wish I could have gotten a better picture of him by the tractor, but every time I got closer Brody walked away. I thought for sure that Brody would love the pumpkins, but not so much. I pretty much handed him things to put on his pumpkin and I was lucky to get a picture of him holding it at all. He was more interested in running around and climbing on the hay ride. We took a break and had a PBJ sandwich and then we were off again. I'm so grateful that Zach was sleeping the whole time because I was doing all that I could to keep track of Brody. It was nice to get out and visit with the ladies, but by the end we were ready to go home. 2 1/2 year olds wear me out!!

Loved the Tractor

Proof Brody does eat

Bounce house

Tables to decorate pumpkins

Zach not knowing what to think.

Brody with his decorated pumpkin

Sticker Fun

Brody loves stickers so we went through my sticker collection and found these bright suns. We put them all over Brody and I got one on the face. Later that day my neighbor and her mom came over to see Zach. I totally forgot I had a sticker on my face until they kept looking at me funny and I realized it was still there. I didn't want to pull it off in front of them in case it hurt coming off so there it stayed. I was going to use water to get it off, but Brody had other ideas. All of a sudden he came up and ripped it off my cheek. . . talk about painful. The next morning as I was washing my face I noticed this red circle below my eye. I couldn't imagine where I had gotten that from and why it wouldn't rub off. Then it dawned on me. . . that mark was from the stupid sticker that got ripped off my face. It felt like it would leave a mark when it came off, but I didn't really think it would. Lesson learned . . . no more stickers on the face!
This picture of Zach and I was taken by Brody. I thought he did a pretty good job aw my photographer in the making.

Pardon my ugly everything day!!

Birthday Party

So Brody got to go to his first official Princess birthday party!! Our friends Jed & Gina's little girl Arianna turned 3 and had a princess party. They had really cute decorations with Cinderella, Bell, and a castle etc. They had also rented a bounce house which Brody loved for the most part. He liked to go in, but didn't stick around for very long especially if there were other people in it. His favorite things to play with that day were the sliding doors. It's amazing how entertaining opening and closing doors can be. He took a break for a little while and played with a few cars, but then he was right back at the doors. I've decided Brody likes to do his own thing. He is kind of a loner child, but he seems to be ok with that. He doesn't really interact with other kids until it is time to go home then he wants to play with them. Go figure. . . We had a great time and it was good to hang out with the Groats again.

Brody giving me smiles in the bouncer.

Brody and Nicholas

James and Jed lounging.

More Random pictures

Here are a few everyday pictures. Zach is changing so much and has many facial expressions. He loves to stand up and has the cutest little smile. I haven't been able to catch one of those on camera yet, but will keep trying. Brody loves water and since we don't have a pool he gets to play with a squirt bottle. It entertains him for quite a while and he gets to be outside. He usually comes in soaking wet and a happy camper.

Brody watching a movie.

Brody and his squirt bottle.

Day at the Park

Saturday morning was beautiful here. . . not too hot and definitely not too cold so we were able to go to the park. We have missed our trips to the park and the fun splash pad we have close by. Brody loved running around the water and stepping on the holes the water comes out of. He was in heaven since he loves water and we don't have a pool at home. Zach loved being outside and was enchanted by the little monkey hanging in front of him he just kept staring at it. I guess he couldn't help it since it was right in his face!! : ) This is what we have to look forward to in the next couple of months. . . beautiful park days.

Brody playing with a squirt bottle can't leave home without it.

Zach staring at the little orange monkey.

Zachs Blessing

On Sept. 6th Zach was given a name and a blessing by his dad. I am so grateful for the priesthood which James holds and that he is worthy to perform such a wonderful ordinance. There is nothing sweeter then a blessing by your father. Both of them did a great job Zach slept through the whole thing and James gave him a wonderful blessing. We were happy to be able to share this experience with family and friends. It was fun to have Jame's parents here as well as his two brothers. They got to stay close this trip. . . thanks for letting us cram you guys all together!! : ) We had a great time and hope you did too. We love having family around and wish everyone could have been here. We have been truly blessed with two amazing boys and I'm grateful that they will be ours forever.

Zach not liking his suit hiked up to his ears, but he looks cute anyway.

Proud father!!

Proud Parents!

Brody looking as cute as ever!

Grandma and Grandpa Slade

Playing cards to pass the time. . . I think I won that game!

Brian and Steve playing the Wii, couldn't get enough of the tank game.

Nate. . . enough said