August Fun!

Now that Carter is getting a little bit bigger and starting to get on more of a schedule, we've been a little more adventurous as a family.  We've been able to get out a little more and enjoy the outdoors and other adventures.  Here are some highlights from the past month.

Friday, August 5th we went down to Lehi w/ Jeff and Kim for a swim party.  Unfortunately it stormed for an hour (rain and thunder), so they made everyone get out of the pool during that time.  The good thing was that most people left except for those people who were there for parties.  So when it finally stopped, there wasn't many people left to swim which was nice.  Nyles was SOOOO excited to go swimming when the weather finally did clear up.  Steve eventually had to force him out since his lips were turning blue.  We had a great time though.  Carter took a nap the whole time, so I relaxed and read a book snuggling in a towel on the side of the pool; it was a little cold to swim if you ask me.  Thanks for the invite Jeff/Kim!

Nyles playing in the water

Steve going up the steps to chase after Nyles.

Steve pulling Nyles around in a floating ring.

Nyles after swimming.  He was just a little cold :)

Carter just relaxing earlier in the day.  Cute boys :)

 

Saturday, August 6th, went to my work party, the annual Fidelity Family BBQ.  We went and had lunch and let Nyles do a few fun activities, then went home for naps.

Carter just relaxing in the shade.  Nyles getting a better view of the "Scales and Tales" show.

  

Steve and Nyles going for a train ride.

Nyles throwing a softball at the dunk tank, with a little help from Steve.

Nyles enjoying a snow-cone before heading home.

We haven't had much rain this month, but we did have a BIG down pour and some hail that came along with it that afternoon.  This was of course the same weekend Carter was blessed (Sunday) Jeff's pool party (Friday).  It rained all three days.

Heavy rain and hail.

Monday, August 8th, we made a slip and slide from some plastic my dad brought when they came up for Carter's blessing.  Nyles was anxious to try it out, but couldn't quite get it w/out a hill to move him forward.  So, Steve took it over to Dave/Joann's place and put it on their hill.  Stacie, London, and Conor joined in the fun as well.

Nyles going down the slip and slide w/ a little help from Aunt Stacie. 

(Thanks for the plastic dad!)

Carter flexing his muscles :)  He's definitely starting to figure out his arms now.

 Ferris Wheel at Scheels.  Nyles and Steve got another free ride at Scheels on their Ferris Wheel.  An employee gave them free tokens to ride again.  They sure are lucky!  Nyles LOVED it!

Thursday, August 11th, Melanie called Steve up and asked if he would be willing to help take some kids to Lehi to a rock climbing place.  It was Noah's birthday party and apparently they had too many kids and needed a few more seats in order to transport everyone.  Carter was sleeping so Steve and Nyles went.  Steve brought the Lake kids in our car w/ Nyles, and Melanie and Brandon took their other two vehicles full of kids in order to take everyone.  They then played at the rock climbing place for a few hours, then had pizza.  Nyles had a BLAST and loved it!  While they were out I mowed the lawn.  I brought Carter outside in the shade on our patio, but he fell asleep shortly after.  The noise of the lawnmower didn't bother him at all ;)

Carter taking a nap outside in the shade while I mowed the lawn. 

Nyles enjoying the rock climbing.

More rock climbing adventures.

Nyles climbing w/ cousin Chandler.

Now some pizza.

Carter and I have been going on walks most mornings as well.  It's nice to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, though its been pretty hot still.

Carter enjoying our walk.  Nyles went w/ us too this time.

Carter just being cute

Last year I signed Nyles up for a free program through the state called Upstart, which we just started.  It will help him get ready for Kindergarten next year (this is in addition w/ formal Preschool).  He does it on the computer for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week.  He's required to do it now through next year when he starts Kindergarten.  He had a little trouble at first being able to use the mouse, but now he's a champ at it and is really enjoying it.  We call it his learning and have a chart to remind him, and us, to do it every day.   He's learning numbers, letters, reading, etc.  It's a great program!

 Nyles doing his learning, Upstart.

August 16th, Splash Pad.  After Nyles 4 year appointment, we went over to a splash pad just around the corner from his Dr's office.  We thought it would be a good idea since he had to get shots and didn't want his legs to get sore.  Nyles had a blast!  Carter and I went for a walk in the stroller while Nyles played in the water w/ Steve.  It was a lot of fun!

Steve walking through the water w/ Nyles at the Splash Pad.

Carter just being cute.  Nyles trying Steve's sun glasses on; cool dude!

Nyles cute toes!

 Nyles new helicopter from Grandma Hegerhorst.  It came in the mail the day we got home from Bear Lake.  He was SOOOO excited to open it and play w/ it!  Thanks Grandma; he loves it!

Carter got his poop out in his pooping chair as it's become to be known around here.  99% of the time he's pooped while in this chair.  This one was a major blowout!

Melanie gave Dave a "get well fish" but wasn't able to take care of it, so he asked Nyles if he could take care of it for him.  Nyles gladly agreed and has been so happy to have it in his room.  He loves feeding him and turning on/off his light for day and night.  Ironically Steve has been wanting to get Nyles a fish for some time, but I thought they'd be stinky so I wouldn't let him.  This tank is actually clean and doesn't stink, plus Steve has been making sure it gets cleaned every week too.

Nyles loving the fish he called "Guppy."

At Petco getting another light (it burned out).  Nyles looking at the fish of course.

Conor and Nyles daring each other to "smell the garbage" at Grandma/Grandpa McGrath's house. 

Silly boys, what they don't think of next to do.

Nyles helping Steve mow the lawn. 

I found this pretend mower at the DI for a couple bucks.  Nyles loves it!

Then riding his bike in our cul-de-sac.  He's getting really good it and more and more confident.  Soon we'll take off the training wheels I'm sure.

Nyles swimming in the yard.  I ordered some swim goggles, which he loves!

Friday, August 26th, Steve went w/ his friend Josh Featherstone and went fly fishing up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  Josh's wife is about to have their 3rd baby boy, so he wanted to get out one more time.  While they were gone Nyles, Carter and I went to Draper Park for a walk/bike ride.  Nyles played on the playgrounds as we went around the park, then we stopped to see the ducks in the pond as well.  Afterwards we walked over to the Library and checked out a few books to read and take home.

The ducks coming to say hi.

When we got back I needed to feed Carter, and since Carter gets distracted w/ Nyles around, I had to lock the door to keep him out.  Nyles couldn't resist so he got an old belt and put it under the door.  He then pushed it too far and couldn't reach it.  Since I couldn't get up to get it for him, I told him to get something to reach it with.  He then went and got his light saber from his Yoda bear, but still couldn't get it.  He then left somewhere, and after a bit it got really quiet.  I wasn't sure what he was up to, but after I got done feeding I found him.  He apparently went to his bedroom and got in bed for a nap.  I was going to put him down after feeding Carter and putting him down for a nap, but Nyles did it by himself.  It was awesome!

Nyles trying to get his belt.

Now using the light saber.

Where I found Nyles after I was done feeding Carter, sound asleep, a little before noon even ;)

Luckily Nyles has still been willing to take naps.  We've found we have to wake him up after about an hour though, so he's willing to go to bed on time at night.  With Carter going to bed around 7pm, and it's been getting darker, Nyles has been going to bed around 8pm now, which as been awesome!

One of the fish Steve caught while fly fishing.

On Sunday, August 28th, Diane invited us over for dinner w/ her and LuDean.  She made yummy tacos (Steve's favorite), and then surprised us w/ cupcakes to celebrate Nyles birthday.  She said she was sad she missed his party and wanted to make it up to him.  Nyles was so surprised and excited to see cupcakes and candles for him to blow out.  After cake and ice cream Diane also had a fun game to play as well.  Thanks Diane for the thoughtful dinner and birthday fun for Nyles!  Steve also did a few favors around the house for them while we were there.

Nyles blowing out his candles!

 Opening his gift from Diane.

The next morning Steve helped him put it together.  

He loves the blocks!

We've been making more dried fruit in our dehydrator.  Nyles is a pro at using the apple peeler/slicer.  Steve can't keep up w/ him :)

Nyles peeling the apples.

Tuesday, August 30th, Nyles started his 2nd year of Preschool.  We're going through our school district again, Canyons School District, but we're attending an Elementary school closer to where we live now (Altara instead of Jordan Valley).  It's the same program, but at a different school w/ a different teacher of course.  We went to the orientation the Thursday before to meet his teacher, Mrs. Cynthia Armstrong and her 2 assistants.  There will be about 12 kids in the class.  Nyles was really excited to go back to preschool to learn and play.  He's had a blast this first week back!

1st day of Preschool.  Age 4.

                                                              All ready to go!

We've had a few family vacations as well in August, but I'll highlight them separately.   Needless to say, we've had a fun, eventful August!  It's been great spending time together as a family :)

Nyles' 4th Birthday!

On Friday, August 12th Nyles turned 4 years old!  He was so excited for his birthday, he couldn't stand it!  He has been asking how many days until his birthday since about 3 weeks leading up to his birthday.  I let him take my desk calendar and put in his room so he could see it as a reminder of when it would be.  Needless to say he was SUPER excited when his birthday finally got here.  Now he asks if he can have his birthday again.  Of course we tell him next year it'll come again, so we have to wait until then.  He didn't really like that answer though.  He was hoping every day could be his birthday :)

Since Nyles loved his swim lessons so much, when we asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday, he said SWIM!  We decided to go try out the newer Draper outdoor pool, since we heard good things about it, and we had never been there.  We invited his cousins to come w/ us, then come back to our place for pizza, cake and ice cream afterwards.  Shortly before we were going to leave to go swimming, Carter fell asleep.  So I told Steve to go ahead and I'd catch up as soon as Carter woke up.  Well, Carter apparently was really tired, and slept the whole time they were gone, so I missed the fun at the pool.  Stacie met Steve there w/ her kids though, and brought 3 of the Lake kids as well.  Pauline showed up w/ Charlotte and Ezra shortly after they got there as well.  While they were gone I set up and got ready for the party afterwards.

Nyles ready to go swimming.....after we rub in the sunscreen of course :)

After getting back from swimming, Steve went and picked up the pizza.  Pauline followed Steve over from the pool, then Chris showed up after work.  Rose and her girls showed up, along w/ Dave and Joann.  Stacie came over after running home to change the kids, but the Lake kids had to go to a high school reunion w/ Melanie and Brandon that night.  We appreciate everyone coming and showing Nyles your love for his special day.  He had a GREAT day w/ his cousins and family.  Thanks again for coming and for the thoughtful gifts too.  Here are some pics of his big day.

Nyles first thing in the morning opening his presents from mom and dad.

He picked this one out himself.  It is a digger that comes apart and you can put it back together w/ a screwdriver.  He loves to "fix" things.

Nyles reading the instructions ;)

Steve insisted on getting him some Nerf guns. 

Steve said we had to get 2 so he could play w/ him :)

They're pretty fun actually.  We've been shooting them out in our back yard.  They sure go far!

The fish cupcakes I made for his party.  Nyles LOVES fish!

Swedish fish w/ bubbles on the cupcakes.

Nyles blowing his candles out.  

The wind kept catching them so it made it a little tricky, but we finally got it.

Chris, Pauline, Rose,  (Carter in the bouncer) Ava, Ali, Joann, Stacie and Phill outside on the patio where we had the pizza, cake and ice cream.  It was a nice evening again outside.

We came inside to open gifts.  

Dave was inside trying to get comfortable w/ his knee, so we brought the party inside to be w/ him.  We appreciate him coming :)

Nyles opening gifts.

A card from Great Grandma LuDean McGrath.  He also got a card from Great Grandma VaLere Hegerhorst and Grandma Cathy Hegerhorst.  Thanks so much!

Nyles had his 4 year Dr appointment a couple days after turning 4.  Nyles weighed 40.34 lbs which is in the 83 percentile, and was 41.34 inches tall, which is in the 74 percentile.  We were pretty surprised how much he's grown this past year.  He's always been on the smaller side, since he was born 3 weeks early, but he has definitely caught up now and then some.  Nyles got 2 shots at his Dr appointment.  He wasn't scared at all and was excited to get them, though kept saying afterwards, "Why do shots have to hurt so much?"

Nyles eating dried apples at his Dr appointment.  

Steve got a dehydrator and has been trying it out.  Nyles loves the apples; he eats them like candy.

Nyles got adjusted at the Chiropractor.  He was sooo excited too!  He definitely doesn't take after me when it comes to going to the Dr's office.

Since we met our deductible and max out of pocket it doesn't cost us, which is awesome!

         

Here are some of his favorite things:
-Nyles loves to be tickled, he'll actually asks to be tickled
-Loves fishing and hunting w/ Steve
-Love tools and pretends to fix things
-Loves to build things
-Loves riding his bike
-Loves stuffed animals and has to have several to go to bed w/ him every night, and a couple toys too
-Loves water: playing w/ the water hose in the yard, playing in the water table, swimming, splash pads, taking a bath
-Some of his favorite foods are: noodles or rice w/ Parmesan cheese, Chocolate chips, dried apples, jerky, pretzels, homemade cookies, pancakes w/ Grandma Hegerhorst's homemade strawberry jam, popsicles, bacon, and yogurt.

Nyles helping to vacuum.  

He has been a big helper and helps w/ chores in or out of the house.

He definitely is a thinker and is very curious about how things work and why things are they way they are.  His favorite word is WHY?  Sometimes he says it when he doesn't need to (like after every statement), and we're trying to teach him when to say it, but regardless he has a curious mind and likes to know more than just the underlying reasons.

Nyles enjoying being a big brother.  He loves to hold Carter, though he gets a little heavy at times.

                                           

We can't believe Nyles is 4 already.  He is growing up so fast!  We are so glad to have Nyles in our family.  He is a wonderful big brother too.  He is such a joy!  We LOVE him soooo much!

Carter's Baby Blessing

On Sunday, August 7th Steve blessed our baby boy, Carter Alan McGrath, at our ward building.  We are so thankful to everyone who came and supported us.  We really appreciate your love and support.  My parents came down from Idaho on Saturday and stayed with us until Monday morning.  All of Steve's siblings and their families were able to attend, in addition to two of my sisters, Rose and Pauline and their families.  We especially appreciate Steve's dad Dave coming considering his condition (he had knee surgery the month before and is still recovering).  Also my mom's foot is still healing, so we appreciate her efforts coming down as well.  We're so thankful to everyone who came that day, as I'm sure you all made a sacrifice to be there.

The men who stood in the Priesthood circle were:  Dave McGrath (Steve's dad), Grant Hegerhorst (my dad), Chris Grayson (Pauline's husband, so brother-in-law to us), Brandon Lake (Melanie's husband, another brother-in-law), Phill Monson (Stacie's husband, another brother-in-law), Ryan Hammett (Carrie's husband, another brother-in-law), Dave Thomas (our friend, used to be neighbor in our condos) and Steve who gave the blessing.  Steve did a great job with the blessing.

Baby Carter just before the blessing in our front yard.

Family pictures.  Nyles wanted to have his pliers with him in the picture :)

 My side of the family:

Back Row- Dad, Mom, Steve, Rose, Summer, Pauline, Ezra and Chris.

Front Row- Nyles, Penny, Carter, Sophia, Ava, Ali and Charlotte

Another family picture after the blessing at the church.

Cute baby Carter!

After Sacrament Meeting, we went over to a city park and had lunch.  Ironically, it stormed off and on, both being windy and rainy here and there.  Luckily we had a large pavilion to take shelter under, so it didn't bother us much.  We only had to catch a few paper plates from flying away and have the kids get off the playground at times when it down poured.  We cooked up a ham again (like we did for Nyles), and my dad smoked a turkey in his smoker oven he just bought.  Everyone brought something yummy to go with them like salads, fruit, veggies, rolls, and desserts.  We had plenty of food needless to say.  Thanks again for bringing food; we really appreciate it!

LuDean and Dave watching Carter while we eat lunch at the park.

Steve's side of the family: (we were only missing Brandon who was doing his church calling and couldn't get away).

Back Row- Chandler, Ryan, Penny, Aunt Diane, Phill, Conor, Stacie, Steve, Kim, Joann and Jeff.

Middle Row on table- London, Cameron, Isaac, Nyles and Alexa

Front Row- Carrie, Lynsie, Melanie, LuDean, Noah, Carter, Dave, Olivia and Ethan.

 My dad holding Carter.

Nyles eating a cookie with Grandpa Hegerhorst.

Carter had his 2 month appointment the next Wednesday as well.  He weighed 12 lbs 9 oz and was 23.25 inches long.  He also got 3 shots and an oral vaccine.  He cried for a bit, but was fine afterwards.  He's definitely grown since he was born.  He's such a happy baby most of the time though.  He coos at us, smiles a lot, and even started laughing recently.  He usually only wakes up once to feed at night, so we're loving that.  We're so grateful Carter is a part of our family.  He is such a blessing to our family and we are so thankful he's finally here.  He is such a joy!  We love him so much!  Thanks again everyone for your love and support; we really appreciate it ;)