Do you think they know what they're doing?

I should have been monitoring, I mean why hasn't Collin's queen slaughtered Talin's undefended bishop? They've both been taught better. Apparently the rules change when no one is there to tell them differently.
When I play with them I try to teach them two things:
1. I will never let them win, unless they've earned it.
2. NEVER leave a man undefended.

Valentine's Weekend

On Saturday we had the fun opportunity to host a foreign exchange student (for Disney give a day receive a day). Our student was named Theo (pronounced Tao) and was from France. To show him the valley we decided to take him hiking and found our way to the Hieroglyphics Trail in the Superstition Mountains.
Tom had hurt his back the day before (darn those yoga handstands!), so I was relegated to chasing Caleb once we arrived at the end of the trail. It was exhausting, and slippery, and exhausting.

The great thing was that it rained a lot in the valley so there was water running.

Super Tal!

He struggled with the hike and kept wishing for a robot to carry him. What???

Me and the monster.

That should be the title to my autobiography, if I ever had plans to write one.

Collin in a little cave we found.

This kid is a trooper, despite the complaining he kept up front and was the first one there.

Collin, Caleb, Tom, Talin & Theo

Theo was a sweet boy, but painfully shy. We threw so many questions his way I think he was overwhelmed. The only time he talked where he wasn't answering a question was when we went to the $2 movies, and he asked me if the movie were really that cheap. Kind of funny. And I did make him turn all shades of red when I asked him if he needed to use the restroom. I'm so not used to 16 year old boys. I'll stick with my babies.

Valentine's Day

Cyndee made us a yummy three layer chocolate cake. It was sick, in a good way.

And we had a fabulous dinner, with lots of chocolate to celebrate the day. Woo hoo.

Wesley & Talin

Talin's lucky, not very many people are born into this world with a best friend already waiting. From the time these two met in infancy, they've been the best of friends. Despite never living next to each other they've both always had a connection and a love for one another. These two cousins have a bond that I can't even explain. Saying goodbye last Christmas almost had me in tears as Talin and Wesley held each other in a vice like hug and sobbed. So it's been with much anticipation that we drove up to Utah to watch Wesley get baptized. And I'm so glad we did. We're grateful for the example Wesley has set for Talin in choosing to get baptized. I just can't believe how fast they're all growing up!

Tyler & Wesley

The Hendrix Clan: Ryder, Tyler, Wyatt, Wesley, Gina & Noah

Caleb & Collin

The day before the baptism JoDee came up with a great idea for keeping the kids and parents sane by going to the bounce house.

Talin & Wesley

Madee, Gina (going down), Noah, Ryder & Tom

Collin

Wesley & Reagan

Tyler & Gina

This was so much fun for the kids and the adults.

Crew & Caleb

Crew loved riding around with us, but I have a feeling he used us for access to the TV in the car. Oh well, we take what we get, even if it's through bribery!

Week 4 Accomplishment: Headstand

Caleb Cuddled

I managed 5x last week, which was awesome, glad I did.

Saw my dad for lunch on Saturday, it was nice.

Celebrated Davyn's fifth birthday afterwards at Amy & Jim's, then they kept Talin and Collin overnight for a sleepover and took them to church at noon with them.

I missed my boys. Jim was shocked I could have such deep rooted paternal instincts.

On the way home Saturday night Caleb fell asleep in the car.
I insisted Tom carry in the purse, the milk machine, the bag of miscellaneous stuff and three new books to read (which I'm sure he considered hiding), and I took the limp baby in my arms to the house.

I couldn't bare to put him in his crib, cuddling his little body is so rare, so instead I took him to my bed.

Tom shook his head and proclaimed it to be a bad idea.

Cyndee stared on in jealousy.

I soaked up every minute. And the best part....
He woke up and still cuddled.

And on Sunday I got my boys back, 3:20 sharp.

We put Caleb to bed early and played Sorry.

I lost.

I'm so sick of losing that game, I really thought it was my night.

Somedays I wouldn't change being a mother for anything.
Somedays...