8!

Happy Birthday to the most caring, intelligent, and loving little boy in the world!

I can't believe it's been 8 years already!

Astronaut suit.

Skyler got an astronaut suit for one of his birthday presents Saturday evening.  He wore it quite a bit yesterday and even slept in it last night!

Adorable!

The party.

After months of planning and making, we hosted Skyler's 8th birthday yesterday afternoon at Pioneer Hall next to the West Jordan Cemetery.  What a hit!

I airbrushed his cake using food coloring.

Getting set up in Pioneer Hall.  He helped hang decorations.

Wrapped tables.

Food table.  We had to move it later due to a glitchy outlet.

Our "chicken toss" Sven board.  Custom wrapped and airbrushed.

Party favor bags that Mommy painstakingly made for everyone.

The master party planner in her element!

The spread.  Home made cheesy garlic bread, hot dog "fingers" fruit cups and guacamole.  Yum!

Skyler showing Grandpa the party favors.

I 3d printed the cutters to cut out the skull and ghost shapes for the garlic bread.

Costco beef hot dog "fingers" in ketchup to look like blood.

"Let's all go to the lobby"!

Cake time.  Due to insurance reasons, we couldn't have any live fire in the building.  Instead, she used Dots to simulate burning candles.

"Blowing" out the fake candles.

Time to open presents!

The kids are always so entertained by each other opening gifts.

A small meltdown occurred right after this because someone took the card off.  Sigh...

Looks like it was a success.  Thanks to everyone who came and thanks for all the gifts.

Wheee!!!

On our way to Costco last night, he decided to stick his head out the window.

"I bet we're doing 70 miles and hour!"

Trainset!

Grandpa surprised Skyler yesterday with a new trainset!  They are going to build a layout together over the summer in Grandpa's basement.  Words cannot convey the excitement Skyler has now!

Running the controls like a boss!  Thank you Grandpa.

Earthquake drill at school.

The kids all lined up outside near the parking lot to practice earthquake safety yesterday.

Skyler is kind of hidden behind the white paper in the middle.

Results that speak for themselves.

I spent the entire day yesterday loading and spreading compost!  I think it turned out fantastic.

Sideboards working great!

Double the amount of compost per trip!

Finished.

Wow!

I mowed after I finished with the compost and it only added to the greatness.

Earth Day weekend.

We celebrated Earth Day by getting  unlimited FREE certified compost from the landfill!  The Girls and I each got 2 loads and we took turns helping each other spread it out.

126,000 pound landfill compactor!

Each wheel weighs 10,000 pounds!

Skyler got to ride along the last trip on Saturday.  Whitney surprised me this morning by dropping off a load to my house!  We were going to do it this afternoon but she has a class for her Master's degree.

BIG loader!  Look at how big that bucket is!

What they were using to load everyone up with.

I just finished building these side boards on my cart since I'm by my self today.  This should eliminate half the number of trips across the lawn.  :)

Easter...

We kind of decided to take this year off celebrating any real holidays since Mom passed.  However, Dad and I unofficially recognized Easter by heading over to the cemetery Friday and planting some sod on Mom's grave.  We got tired of waiting for the City to take care of it and knew that we could do a much better job.

I used my sod cutter (doesn't everyone have one?) to cut some sod from my lawn.  It seemed a little more personal to use sod from my yard than just to throw down random store bought sod.  The quality is a little better too! :)

At the cemetery preparing the ground.

Some final raking...

Sod going down.  Look how green!

Finished.  Happy Easter Mom, we miss and love you!

Window washing helper.

Skyler helped me wash the windows on the house Wednesday morning.  I can't recall the last time they were so clean!  It was such a LONG winter...

He scrubbed the glass...

And was able to reach the top.  I followed with the squeegee.

Train cruise.

Grandpa joined Skyler and me to ride the Frontrunner train to Provo and back yesterday afternoon.  It was a nice outing and it was good to spend time with each other.

Passing through Midvale.

Wind turbines above the Jordan Narrows.

Looking out at the windmills.  He got to bring along his Lego Batman lunch bag with snacks inside.

Site of the old Geneva Steel.  In the center is an old slag hauler being dismantled for scrap.  :(

Taco Tuesday.

Skyler had a pretty great Tuesday!  We first went to Costco.  He was then invited by Whitney to come over and play at her house.  He met with Teisha his old therapist.  Then, he went to swim lessons.  For dinner, we all enjoyed some delicious street tacos from Costco!

Playing video games in the basement at Whitney's.

The street taco "Kit" from Costco.  Absolutely fantastic!   Foodie approved.

Sunshine on a rainy day.

I can't ever recall it raining this much for this long here in Utah.  At least the drought is over!  Sigh..

Skyler was able to use his sidewalk chalk Sunday afternoon between storms to draw on the patio.

Pretty much sums up his happy attitude.  Smiling while it's raining.  

Happy Birthday Mom.

Today would have been her 71st birthday.  I remember celebrating with her a year ago like it was yesterday.  I realize this is the first of what will be many tough holidays this year.  My Sister who is always SO good with words wrote this on her blog today.  Happy Birthday Mom, thank you for everything we love and miss your every minute.

Svengoolie Saturday!

On the patio again finally!

Son of Dr. Jeckyl on the television.

We had a fire to stay warm.