SIX!!!!!

Who knew our lives would change like this for the better six years ago.  Happy Birthday Skyler!!!

Almost 2 months old in this picture.

Today.

The love of nachos.

Mommy's love of nachos has been passed down to Skyler.  They both enjoyed a pan of them last night with some ranch dressing (also a favorite of Mommy).  :)

Mmm!

Science fair wrap-up.

It was a bit chaotic but we got to see all the different science projects at school yesterday afternoon.  It was incredible to see how much work the students and parents went to.

So happy!

Science fair day.

Skyler has his science fair later today.  He's been working on it since the 1st of April and has managed to stay interested enough to finish it last night.

Writing down the results.

Entering the time data.

See the dog?!

"I spy balloons" says Maizey!

Ham it up for a photo.

The Union Pacific 844.

We made it to Ogden and somehow missed getting rained on yesterday afternoon while viewing the steam locomotive.  We got there in the nick of time to see it backing into the station and Skyler got the bejesus scared out of him when Ed the engineer blew the "all stop" whistle.  He was really upset!  After he calmed down, we walked over to the engineer side of the locomotive and the water injector scared him again.  The engine sounds, acts, and even smells alive!  It took some convincing from Grandpa and me, but he finally came around to having a few pictures taken next to the 80" driving wheels.

80" tall drivers.

The smokebox is sporting a new darker graphite coating.  It looks pretty good!

I think we have enough oil now...

Looking back on the train.  Everything was coated in oil and grease!

Massive crankpin with the eccentric rod attached.

Grandpa showing Skyler the sand tubes they use to gain additional traction in slippery conditions.

The hard grease on the main rods.

Built as the last new steam locomotive delivered to Union Pacific in 1944, it has never been retired from service.

He wanted to climb on the step to have a picture but the locomotive was making way too many popping and hissing sounds.

A little better front view.  Note the old passenger platform.

Almost got a smile next to the 80"  driving wheels.

Steam exhaust from the dynamos.  They generate the locomotive electricity for the lights.

Having a snack while he watched the crew hookup the fire hoses to supply water to the tenders.

After an hour, everyone cleared out and we had some great access to the locomotive.

The heart of the beast!  Waste engine oil burning in the firebox.

The locomotive weighs 454 tons!

Rain and train rhyme!

We're off to see Union Pacific's 4-8-4 steam locomotive number 844 today in the rain.  I'm taking Skyler out of class early and Grandpa will be joining us.  Too bad it's supposed to rain all day!

Family bike ride.

Skyler wanted to ride his new bike on the Parkway yesterday so we did.  We headed up North where the trail crosses Redwood road and started off there.  He rode 7 miles!

Starting out.

Look at his tiny legs!

Here they come!

We had to turn back on the Legacy Parkway trail due to a natural gas pipeline repair.

Looking a bit disappointed we had to turn around.

Zooming along at 15.8 mph!

He was singing "I love biking".  :)

His reward was a kids meal from Subway enjoyed on the tailgate of my truck.

New bike day!

Not me this time, Skyler's turn.  Grandma and Grandpa got Skyler a new bike for his birthday a week from today.  We went down to Saturday Cycles and picked it up yesterday morning.  He rode it all afternoon!  He also said "this is the best day ever" on our way home from the park  in the afternoon.  Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

The obligatory picture in front of the shop's mermaid.

Mommy playing crossing guard.  He rode up and down the street 12 times! 

Later, riding in the park.  Mommy and I got our "Earth Day challenge" in for our Apple Watches.

Look at those mountains!

Karate Birthday Party.

Skyler attended a birthday party for his classmate Denzzel last night.  The highlight was the cake cutting using a REAL SWORD!!

Such concentration!

Friday.

It's Friday, time to stick your butt up in the air and blow bubbles!!

Picture courtesy of my sister.  This was SO entertaining to him last Sunday!!

Easter pics.

My Mom made a delicious Easter dinner as she always does again this year.  Skyler got lots of candy and was thrilled to spend time at the grandparent's house.

Toy lawnmower time.  He's getting a bit too big for it.

Still entertaining.

Candy!

Dinner time.  Grandma made him some Annie's Bunny shaped Mac 'n cheese.  The rest of us enjoyed Easter ham, potato salad, egg salad, croissants and Jello salad.  Mmm!

"I'm Batman."

Skyler got some new jammies for Easter.

He went into his room and put on his Batman mask to make it complete.  Mommy is holding out his cape.

Hanging out with Artemis after school.

Skyler found Artemis after class yesterday and we all walked out together.  He got to play with her for an hour while I chatted with her Mom.  Added bonus, Aurora Borealis the puppy was there to play too!

Taking a break in the back seat of their car after playing hide and seek outside.  She shared some candy with him and that's what's in their mouths.

Day 5.

We headed to the Hill Aerospace Museum for our last day of Spring break on Friday.  Skyler pretty much covered the entire museum in 30 minutes!  After the museum, we met up with Mommy for lunch at McDonald's.  Skyler was thrilled!

Super excited to see the F-4!

Next to the C-124 Globemaster tire.  Big balloon tire!

Under the B-1B Lancer.

Lockheed Jetstar that once carried LBJ and Ladybird.

He was running to each plane outside.

C-130 landing above the mountains.

Time to go meet Mommy at McDonald's!

Chicken McNuggets, Mmm!