3 big deals

The big kid on top can tie his shoes. He even ties Gauge's shoes sometimes. He also scored a goal this weekend. It's a big deal!

The middle sized kid is officially potty trained. We had a can of suckers that Gauge and Paxton ate when Gauge did number 2. The ruling was that when the canister was empty...it was official. This is bigger than a big deal! The 7 month old in front there can crawl. Its a half crawl- half army scoot but the girl gets around! She can also sit up, stick her tongue out when you do and make noise, she grunts when prompted and says Da Da. She is just a huge deal altogether. I can't imagine life without her! We are all totally smitten with Shelby!

Grandma's house

When we moved to Idaho we really thought it meant that we would see Ryan's Mom a little bit more. I guess it is still more than usual, but it hasn't been a lot. That's why when we were on a drive the other day, we decided to make our way to Cascade for a visit.

I am so glad we went. The last time I saw Don and Shiela, her arm was dead and she needed shoulder surgery and Don was carting oxygen around while trying to heal from several broken ribs...
They were doing so well. We only stayed a couple of hours but we were able to catch up and hang out which is very unusual with Shiela. The woman never rests!Grandpa Kerlee took the boys out to see the horses
One horse was ready to deliver. I know there is probably a proper term for that -horse talk wise...but I don't know what it is.

They put in a new fire pit that looked like it belonged at the Yellowstone Lodge. It had stone all around it and Grandpa Kerlee had one of his grand kids build log benches to sit at the pit. It was really cool!

Gauge was kissed by this horse
Gauge didn't get any kisses from Mom after that!

I don't know how we didn't get more pictures. I think its because I am carrying Shelby...no camera hand. We don't even have a picture of Grandma!I think that a great time was had by all. I hope they enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed being there. It is always so relaxing there and it always feels like home. We can't wait to go back-this time hopefully that means sooner than later!

Game Day

Game day baby! It couldn't have been any better. Ryan plays football, later Paxton plays Soccer and then BYU plays when we get home. I woke up early!

This whole football scene happened because of Dan and Sarah. Ryan and I had made comments about how cool it would be to have Ryan and Dan play football together when we moved here. I think as a favor to us they went out of their way to not only get Ryan signed up on Dan's team which was already full, but to call a month ahead and remind Ryan to start getting ready. My favorite part...besides watching of course :)

was sitting with Sarah and hanging out. I have been excited about this for awhile. She is so cute too, she knows everyone, laughs with everyone and of course -even when I know she wants to watch-she is holding Shelby and playing with the boys. They are the Screaming Eagles, and they are actually really good! They won!
I can't tell you how cool it was to watch my man play football. It was also pretty nice being able to cheer for the two hottest guys there too!
After the game Dan and Sarah had us over for breakfast. We were able to hang out and talk a bit before we had to get ready for Paxton's game.
Paxton got his exercise on and kicked his butt on the treadmill at their house. Who knew-those things CAN really shoot someone off the back when set at full speed!
Don't worry, he is okay!
After breakfast we hit the Walmart because we were first in line to bring snacks and then we hit the field. Dan and Sarah came too, which meant a lot to Paxton.
They warmed up. They stretched. They practiced.

When they got the game started it was only 3 on 3 which gave Paxton some good time to talk strategy with his Dad.

Now Paxton is a good sized lad. He is also almost five, so the kids on his league are more than likely younger...which also makes them more than likely smaller. The odd thing is that most of the kids on his team are his size. Not good for the other teams. Those poor little tiny kids! Every single one of them!

I have to admit, I was pretty excited to see Paxton play. I yelled and screamed my head off. I now know that I will not be a shy mother when it comes to these types of events.

Shelby did her best to cheer too!The Gray Scorpions won (our team) but technically they don't keep score...

after the game all of the parents line up and the players run through while they are cheered on. I let the other parents take care of that part. Is that wrong?

You did a good job Pax. You didn't score a goal which I know you were upset about. I asked you to be careful not to take the ball from the other players on your team and I think that you understood why. After any of them made a goal, instead of being upset that it wasn't you, you were the first out there to give them a high five. Every one of them, every time.

That made me very proud!After the games we headed home and settled down with some pizza while we watched BYU football together.

Today was a GREAT day!

God Bless America!

the Bastian boys

Does this picture look familiar? It may have been before I started blogging so it may be new to some of you. But anyone who knows Ryan, is familar with a picture like this.

Here's an example...and here...
and here...
The good news is

1. We are close.... and

2. Our team has grown

It was so heart warming for me to see all of my boys outside working on the truck.
To set the story straight...Ryan hates this kind of stuff. But he needs his vehicles to be beautiful. He will work as long and as hard as it takes, as you can see

something that I think he is passing onto the boys. They were really happy to be outside helping their Dad!

I think we are about two weeks out... but even if it's longer, the more I ge to see this-the better!

Family time

They put me on a day shift. I am still training though. SO we have been taking the liberty of hanging out as much as possible. Its crazy being home every night and am loving it!

We found a caterpillar at work. I brought it home for the boys to see and they were intrigued! We watched him for quite awhile until the neighbor boys came over to play...then I was old news...and I have no idea what happened to the poor caterpillar.

We found a new park that we love!

Its a pirate ship, its an apartment,

a bridge, a spaceship AND a slide! We have been taking walks. Yeah that's right...we live right next to not just any greenbelt-THE greenbelt.

Notice the lights. That's why he is the one reading the plaque.

Porter came too...and so did I

Paxton and Ryan have been playing football. Ryan is teaching the kid how to throw and how to catch. He is doing a really good job!

Look at the windup! He actually finds the threads on the ball and places his hands just like he is supposed to. Perfect throw

We were pretty excited about it!I love seeing these guys play catch. Every once in awhile I join in but I can't help but make it tough on the kid when I bring in so much heat.That's right, I bring my "A" game. You bring it, or you just don't come at all-that's how I play but whatever.and drives. We go on a lot of drives. This place is so beautiful. I love it here!