First Foods!

So my pediatrician told me since we didn't have to worry about Chase gaining weight that I could wait to feed him solids until he was 6 months old because of recent research done on allergies.  Whatever, I'll I heard was that I could put off smashed bananas in my hair and green beans all over the high chair a little longer.  A few days before Chase was 6 months, we dug out the high chair and sat him down for his first bowl of rice cereal.  He, of course (having my genes) loved it and gobbled it right up happily!

A few days later, it was time for Peas!  It was the funniest thing ever!  Every bite he shuddered and gagged but he kept opening his mouth and eating them.  He didn't spew them out like I was expecting him too.

We have "learning to like" lessons at our house.  If you whine and complain about a certain food, you then receive double.  If you politely just ask for a small helping and take a few "courtesy bites", then you're okay.  I guess Chase already knew the rules.  He took his  bites like a man without one complaint.  You're mommy's so proud of you Chase!  Way to eat those PEAS!

Grubby Little Knees!

I went for a walk with Audrey, Jackson and Chase to visit our neighborhood lizard.  I started visiting with a neighbor and the kids ran off to play.  They ran around and jumped on the tramp while I was talking.  They came back looking like this- oblivious to the dirt covering them. We had to scrub really hard in the bath that night but how I love grubby little knees and hands!  

First Day of School

School starts so early in Arizona and I still haven't figured out exactly why.  Blake was excited to start fourth grade because his best friend, Joseph W. is in his class again.  His new teacher, Miss Bentley, is from Utah and had "Mormon" written all over her; sure enough, she is.  Blake loves her.  Audrey's teacher, Mr. Bailey, is extremely organized and an excellent teacher.  Audrey loves the second grade and is doing so well.   Yes, I too take the "First Day of School" photo in the front yard.  I did it all my life, I'm just following tradition!

Oro Valley Splash and Dash

Blake and Audrey decided to join with some of their friends and participate in the Oro Valley 'Splash and Dash'.  It consisited of a short swim (400M) and a one mile run.  They "trained" with their friends for a few weeks before.  It's quite entertaining as a parent to see the differences in your children; Blake and his friend Cash are both super competitive and try their hardest to get ahead.  Then there's Audrey and her friend Tatum who just skip along, making friends and enjoying the scenery.  Neither one did it in record time or anything but they both finished and had fun!  They felt pretty cool with their numbers on their arms.

All the kids after the race!  Cannons, Petermans, Haymores, Gardners, and Spaldings.