Bella and Makai

So, I am still not sure what we were thinking when we got chickens, but yesterday when Makai took Bella out of the bucket for a while to let her roam on the grass I fell in love with his face.  He was so excited to have her in his arms.  I guess that is why.  To give the kids experience. 

Kyle's Invention

For school, Kyle had to make an invention.  This took a lot of thought, but we finally came up with something he could invent that also was useful to him. 
Kyle hates to tie his shoes! The way he gets around this chore is to just leave them tied and slip his foot inside everyday.  The problem with this is his shoes are loose so the back sole of his shoe wears out faster than it should because he drags it.  So, he came up with this invention! 

Underneath the button thingy is a zip cord tie.  You find them often on the end of your coat strands.  He just cinches up his shoe laces.  Then, the part that this covering the laces is a Velcro pocket that is attached to his laces with brads and that he just tucks his excess laces into them. 

 He decided to decorate them with his favorite football team logo.  It was his invention for school, but he uses it.  They are actually very useful and I'm thinking of making some for Trey! 

Bella and Madea

Meet Bella and Madea--the two newest additions.  The boys have wanted a pet for a long time.  I've wanted an outdoor pet, and they've wanted a bird, so two chickens were a good compromise.  We'll see how it goes.  Right now they are living inside until they feather, but once they are 5 weeks old they can be outside.  In about 5 months we'll have eggs!  We have had them for about two and a half weeks and they have grown so fast, but the boys are still enjoying them.  They take them out once a day to free roam in the back yard.  The chicks enjoy the time and so do the boys.  Bella is the light one and Madia(named by Trey)is the dark one.  Bella is growing faster than Madia.

April...Snow!

Since Monday we have had nothing but snow!  This has caused some drama in our home due to the fact that the boys are in two different school districts.  Monday, Tyler didn't have school, but even if he had he would have been sent home early.  However, Kyle, Kory, and Trey's district is crazy and never cancels school.  Tuesday Tyler had late start, meaning school started two hours late.  This news had him skipping around the house and left Kyle in tears.  Wednesday morning left me n a pickle as Tyler had a snow day, but Kyle, Kory, and Trey did.  However, I felt like it really should have been a snow day so I let them all stay home.  I felt rather justified when the local university cancelled classes.  Anyway, I guess Kyle, Kory, and Trey's district must have gotten some beef for someone because today they got a snow day and it isn't even snowing.  I don't think today should be a snow day so I sent Tyler to school.  He wasn't to happy about this, but delt with it.  The boys are having fun playing in the snow today.  Oh the drama of childhood!

Outdoor slide!

Pinewood Derby

Every year it comes and every year we are working on the cars at the last minute.  Maybe next year I'll do better!  I think part of the problem is that if you start too early the car will get ruined by the time race day comes.  Yeah...that's why I wait till the last minute!:) 
This year was Kory's first pinewood derby and Kyle's last.  They each designed their own cars and dad helped them cut them out.  They were happy with their cars when all was said and done.  Kyle's was 'The Camero' and Kory's was-shoot, I'll have to ask him.  Although they didn't win overall(those are always won by boys who's fathers make their cars for them) they did get several 1st place finishes and never came in last in a race.  They both came home happy.


Painting and detailing

I was rather impressed with Trey's memory from the year before.  He drew a perfect picture of the pinewood derby.  He was  cute at the derby.  He'd go up with the boys as they raced and give them high fives.  Soon it will be your turn buddy! 

 

Panipopo

During the younger boys spring break I took all the boys to the store to do grocery shopping for the week.  Kyle wanted to get a REAL coconut.  Being that I am such and adventurous mother(ha) I went ahead and let him.  When he got home he googled how to get the coconut opened, drain the water and then went all the way with figuring out how to make coconut milk!  Now the pressure was on because I had to figure out what to do with it.  We decided to try and make Panipopo (coconut bun) with fresh coconut milk.  Can I say it came out delicious!  We were so happy with the result- hence the smile! Thanks for the idea Kyle.  Now if we are ever on a deserted island you are a man I will stick close too!!

Tyler-12!!

 Tyler turned 12! 

Kyle was willing to offer 2 fingers to make it an even 12!

He had a rather fun birthday as a lot of family came out.  In fact, the entire Salanoa family was here by Sunday.  He asked for a Lemon Meringue Pie.  That's been his favorite for a while. I believe that's what he asked for when he was 5 too! 
For the record he was NOT taller than me on his 12th birthday, but he is pretty close now. I'd say less than an inch and we'll be tied.  He is an all around good kid.  He is eating like none other, but besides that he's pretty easy to take care of.  He loves playing his french horn, doing origami, and working on projects.  He is an amazing oldest brother. 
One of my favorite things about him turning 12 is that now I get to take him to mutual with me on Wednesday nights.  He is enjoying being in the YM program.  Which brings me to the next picture.  On March 17th he got the Aaronic Priesthood--which is kinda a big deal!:)  We are so proud of him.

Dad, Grandpa Tini, TYLER, Uncle James, Lu, Uncle TJ

The boys with Emjae and Julie

Dora, Mom, Aunt Helene, Aunt Cindy, Sega, Nana

A fun memorable day!!  So proud of you Tyler!!