Brothers . December 2014

December might be my favorite Brothers picture month - Christmas jammies!  This year, I also grabbed one Christmas morning of the boys wearing their "Christmas shirts" (really, just new shirts that look enough like Christmas to coordinate with the holiday, but really can be worn anytime!).

Brothers . December 2014 - Christmas shirts
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . December 2014 - Christmas jammies
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Brothers Posts | December 2013 | December 2012 | December 2011

Brothers . November 2014

A first for the Brothers pictures - 2 from the same day, but with an outfit change!  Harvick and Jarrett were able to still wear their Gobble Gobble shirts from last year (Ryder's shirt initially - I bought 2 when I got his!).

Ryder made a "pilgrim" hat at Kindergarten, and took it very seriously - wanting to wear it to various Thanksgiving themed events!  Yes - he did in fact wear it to the restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner!

To celebrate the day, we followed our tradition of going to the Feast with the Beast event at the Hogle Zoo - the weather was nice, but just a bit cool.  The boys' fleece vests were the perfect addition!

Brothers . November 2014 - Thanksgiving morning
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . November 2014 - Thanksgiving, Part 2
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Brothers Posts | November 2013 | November 2012 | November 2011

Brothers . October 2014

In our family, we've chosen not to participate in dressing up in costumes at Halloween.  We still have fun with fall activities, and the boys are all aware of how Halloween is typically celebrated.  They even get fun new pumpkin themed shirts (or hand-me-downs - Harvick is wearing Ryder's shirt from the last 2 years).

This has worked for us, until this year.  This year we had the introduction of (1) public school Kindergarten, (2) non-Christian daycare, and (3) public school preschool that encouraged costumes.  With all of the pressure, we caved a bit.  I was able to find some cute Batman t-shirts, and capes from the Dollar Spot section at Target.  While the boys loved semi-participating, Ryder told us at the end of the day he was glad he didn't have to wear a costume - he's never liked being the center of attention, and he saw how much attention the costume wearing kids were getting.

Brothers . October 2014 - pumpkin shirts!
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . October 2014 - Halloween
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Brothers Posts | October 2013 | October 2012 | October 2011

Brothers . September 2014

Harvick and Jarrett were thrilled this September when, for the first time, they were able to have their very own Tomato Days t-shirt.  Ryder got one last year (Patrick gets one yearly), but they didn't have ones small enough for Harvick & Jarrett.  This year, everyone got one!

Also, a long time ago I had to stop trying for a everyone-looking-at-the-camera-and-smiling photo.  I mean, I still try, but it just doesn't happen.  And, I'm really okay with that.  This photo captures the expression of each boy more perfectly than any "perfect" shot could have done.

Brothers . September 2014 - Tomato Days
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Brothers Posts | September 2013 | September 2012 | September 2011

Brothers . August 2014

In August I have typically tried to catch the boys on a day they are all in "ultimate" summer clothing - a tank top with shorts.  Oh, and with bruised shins - another summer staple, indicating they have spent hours and hours playing outside - running, jumping, wrestling - all without the protection of full-length pants!

Brothers . August 2014
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Brothers Posts | August 2013 | August 2012 | August 2011

Brothers . July 2014

July was a 3 picture month, I just couldn't help it.  Also, it brought a big change to the Brothers pictures...a new couch!  Since starting in May 2011 we have used our brown leather reclining couch (or chair to begin with), but we've made some updates to our Family Room...short-back gray couches.

Brothers , July 2014 - Independence Day
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers , July 2014 - Ryder's 5th Birthday
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers , July 2014 - Ryder's 5th Birthday Party
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Previous Brothers Posts | July 2013 | July 2012 | July 2011

Brothers . June 2014

Well, I've never been this late in posting a Brothers picture.  With blogging not happening as frequently anymore, it was bound to happen.

Although the Apraxia Walk was held a different month this year, I thought it might still be fun to capture the boys in their shirts.  They were all being a bit wild, so I only captured two shots.  I figured I'd try again on Father's Day (I had shirts made for them).  That attempt resulted in a few more pictures, but some uncooperative boys.  Some months I get a winner, and some months I'm just grateful to capture my boys together!

Brothers . June 2014 - Apraxia Walk
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . June 2014 - Father's Day
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Previous Brothers Posts | June 2013 | Apraxia Walk 2013 | June 2012 | June 2011

Ashley Danelle Photography . San Diego . 04.2014

It comes as a surprise to exactly zero people that I love photography.  It is evident when you read this blog, view my Facebook profile, or just step into my home.  I'm not sure where the desire comes from, I think it may have to do with not having very many photos of my own childhood, and even fewer family ones.  I definitely am not a fan of having my own photo taken, but I have yet to regret scheduling photo sessions.  I have hired a range of photographers from extremely reasonable, to a few sessions that may cut short the boys' college funds (but, you just can't get back the very earliest baby photos!).

So, as we planned our FIRST FAMILY VACATION, I couldn't resist the opportunity to hire a local photographer.  And, what better background (and one we can't replicate at home), than the OCEAN?!

After a ridiculous amount of time researching our options I found Ashley Danelle Photography!  Be prepared for many photos below...Ashley is seriously amazing, and to narrow them down further would be impossible for me...

My favorite of our family photos.
(Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett)

Ryder and Jarrett being lovey...and Harvick being curious!

How much of the session went...and really, how much of our life goes...wresting and laughing!
Harvick's expression in the second one is my favorite!

An attempt at a beach Brothers photo...and the real life photo of a second later.

The boys rotate who will be the least cooperative for photos.  It was Jarrett's turn.  Ashley captured a few greats anyway!

Could Ryder possibly look any more grown up than he does in the photo on the left?  Check out his grown up watch - he was so excited when I agreed to let him wear it for our photos!

Harvick appears cooperative, but he sure made Ashley work hard to capture photos of him in focus.

I make an attempt to get a photo of Patrick and me at family sessions whenever I can.  We don't take our picture together on our own, so I figure I should take advantage of a professional when I have one!

Beautiful sunset, and 3 great kids.  Life really is good.

Ryder.

Harvick.

Jarrett.  And, no, I'm not sure what is happening on the right, but I love it anyway.

My favorite photo is the one I put at the top of this post, but this one may be a more accurate representation of our family.

All these photo sessions, and I've yet to get a picture of Patrick with all three boys.  We attempted...but it may have been too late in the session (literally, the very end).  It will still find a spot on our wall!

One more of Patrick and me, just as the sun was dropping out of sight.

I had several people think I was crazy for hiring a photographer while we were on vacation, but I am so glad we did!

Brothers . May 2014

I may need an intervention.

In my defense, I had several occasions this month where I wanted a picture of the boys captured.  And, for the most part, I had willing participants.  So...

Brothers . May 2014 - Harvick & Jarrett's Birthday
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . May 2014 - Mother's Day
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Brothers . May 2014 - Apraxia Awareness Day
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Previous Brothers Posts | May 2013 | May 2012 | May 2011
Linking to these just made me realize that May is typically a hard month for me to narrow it down to just one picture.  I'm not sure if that makes me feel better, or not...

Apraxia Awareness Day . 2014

Wednesday, May 14th is the second annual Apraxia Awareness Day.

Much like I did last year, I find myself struggling with this day.

Bringing awareness is important.  In order for people to understand why our boys do not speak, they really have to know that they are affected by Apraxia.  Apraxia is not a visible disorder.  By looking at our boys, you would never know there is something much deeper going on inside.

Yet, our boys will not be defined by this.  I fight to ensure their teachers understand, that they are included in all typical activities of their peers.  Yet, I want their teachers to have high expectations of them, to not excuse behavior because of their inability to talk.

It's a fine line to walk.

Another Apraxia mom explained the struggle of Apraxia well on her blog:

Imagine you are a small child, playing outside, and you get stung by a bee or fall down and hurt yourself. You’re scared and crying and you run to your parents. But you can’t tell them what happened or how to help you or where it hurts. So you just sob and embrace your mom and dad until your just get used to the pain or it goes away.

This is us everyday right now.  Harvick and Jarrett do not have the ability to tell us what is wrong.  What is hurting them, what they need to feel better.  We comfort them, and make our best attempts to determine what's wrong, but often have unanswered questions.

This was us everyday with Ryder.  It is through intense speech therapy that we have a son who is able to articulate his feelings.  His emotions.  Without therapy it wouldn't be possible.

Like last year, the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) is encouraging people to wear blue & white on Wednesday, May 14th to bring awareness to Apraxia.  Last year I was surprised by just how many people made the decision to join us.  We'd love for you to join our family in this show of support again!

We will beat this thing.

One-step-at-a-time.

Apraxia Walk REGISTRATION . 2014

It's that time of year again!  The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of Northern America (CASANA) hosts an annual walk to benefit further research and support of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS, or just "Apraxia" is what I say).

You can see a recap of our perspective on last year's Apraxia Walk HERE.

The details for the upcoming Utah Apraxia Walk:

WHEN:
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Registration: 10:00-11:30am
Walk: 11:30am

WHERE:
Legacy Park - Foxboro Splash Pad & Park
1160 W 1100 N
North Salt Lake City, UT 84054
(about 20-30 minutes south of Ogden/Roy)

I don't know the exact length of the Walk, but it will be at least a mile, up to two - when I know more, I'll update here.

COST: 
$20/adult
$10/child
Registration increases $5/adult day of the Walk.

In order to ensure you get a shirt in your size, registration should be completed online by this Sunday - May 11, 2014.

2014 Apraxia Walk Shirt

To register multiple people in one transaction, CLICK HERE.  On the upper left corner there is a blue "REGISTER HERE" button.  After you agree to the Waiver/Agreement, select "Register Family", then "Join a Team", and choose "Team Hansen" from the drop-down menu.  

To register a single person, CLICK HERE.  On the upper right corner there is a blue "Join Team" button.  After you agree to the Waiver/Agreement, complete the form(s).

And, because I said it well last year, I'll repeat the same again - 
I do know the cost of the event can add up, especially if you have children.  I know it's in Bountiful North Salt Lake - a bit of a drive for many of you.  If it would work for your family, we would welcome the support of you joining us.  Walking with us.  But, for those of you whom this is not a possibility, for any reason, there is no pressure.  We know that you walk alongside our family "in spirit".


Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Let me know if you have any questions.

(Jarrett, Ryder, and Harvick)

We'll beat this thing, one-step-at-a-time.

Brothers . April 2014

3 YEARS, people, 3 YEARS!  That's 36 MONTHS of Brothers photos!  I'm seriously more excited that I can convey in writing that we've continued these monthly pictures.  Some months I take a few shots, and quickly get a usable one, other months I take (much) longer, and end up with one that will have to work okay.  But, 3 years later, I'm so happy we're still taking the time.  These boys change more quickly than I can keep up with, and having this similar monthly shot for comparison is just so fun!

April was Easter this year, so the perfect occasion for the Brothers photo!

Brothers . 2014
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

All Previous Brothers Posts | April 2013 (Easter 2013) | April 2012

Random . 03.2014

A compilation of the random photos taken in March!

Come rain or shine, these boys love to be outside playing.  Harvick and Jarrett are always eager to ride in the wagon if Ryder is willing to pull them around.  They are getting too big to be in their together, but they find a way to make it work!

The Saturday of the Lowes Kids Workshop was a bright and sunny one, so they moved the project outside.  As soon as we got home Patrick helped each of the boys find a place to hang their birdhouse, in hopes that they will be used this Spring and Summer.

When the boys are given the chance to watch a show before bed, their full attention is on the TV!  I love how sweet they are with each other, often at least one brother is laying on/over/on top of another.

One of my co-workers sent home extra treats with me from her team's Staff Meeting.  I got home late that night, and hadn't eaten dinner myself, and the boys were full of energy.  Patrick and I took our dinner outside, and let the boys eat their treat on the front porch.  The boys all loved the surprise, and were too cute to resist snapping a few pictures with my phone of a fun evening.  My co-worker loved seeing the pictures the next day!

Cuddly boys with Patrick.

Jarrett found the Handy Manny pajama shorts in the dresser, and loves to wear them any chance he gets!  He loves when Ryder constructs a track, and he gets it all to himself to play.

Harvick and Jarrett had a fun dinner with Patrick while Ryder was with Grandma Jody, and I was out running an errand!

Some mornings the boys really don't want to wake up in the mornings.  I don't blame them.

Patrick transformed Papa's old table into a coffee table for them.  The boys helped sand it down so that it could get re-stained.

Lazy Saturday mornings, or "pajama days" as Ryder calls them are favorites at our house.  Patrick and I switched out some of the toys to make room for Easter Eggs, and the boys had a blast finding new ways to play with them!

On our way to school one morning I looked back in the mirror to see Ryder and Jarrett holding hands.  Each time I stopped I tried to take a picture with my phone - none turned out great, but they all make me smile!

Harvick was pulling Jarrett around in the red wagon, so Patrick jumped in too!

Grandma Jody reading with Ryder.

Jarrett trying on a new hat while running errands.

While watching a show before bed - Harvick and Jarrett both wanted to cuddle up next to me!

Soccer & Zoo . 03.29.2014

My parents meet us at the park for Ryder's soccer games - they watch Harvick and Jarrett on the playset while Patrick and I watch Ryder's game.  The last weekend of the month my mom was out of town, but my dad still watched the boys - then, joined us for a trip to IKEA and the Hogle Zoo!

We started our weekend with Ryder's first soccer game of the Spring season.  He stayed out the first quarter, and reluctantly participated for the remainder of the game.  Thankfully, we have a very understanding coach who is willing to work with him. After the game, Papa joined us for a trip to IKEA, and to the Hogle Zoo.  When we arrived at the zoo, we first enjoyed some IKEA cinnamon rolls, and then walked around the exhibits.  It was a cool day, so it was fairly empty, considering it was a Saturday.  The boys loved running around seeing the animals.  Following tradition, we ended our visit with a ride on the carousel - the boys are eager for the train construction to be complete so they can ride it as well!

St. Patrick's Day . 2014

First, I posted this on Facebook the morning of St. Patrick's Day.  I thought it was just too cute to not share!

Ryder, excitedly, greeted his classmates this morning saying "HAPPY FAH-VER'S (Father's) DAY!!!" ... turns out that if your dad's name is Patrick, the name of today's holiday is a little confusing!
(picture from 2012)

On St. Patrick's Day the boys had a fun day full of green food.  Green oatmeal (with berries) for breakfast; cucumbers, green (sprinkles) yogurt, Lucky Charms, and a few green treats with lunch; green chocolate chip pancakes, green eggs, green apples, and cucumbers with dinner; and green apple fruit leather with a few more green treats for dessert!  Ryder even wore his green underwear!

Treehouse Alphabet Soup "R" . 03.2014

Finally!  The Treehouse reached the letter "R" for their Alphabet Soup!

Also, a glimpse into a Literacy Night with Early Intervention.

Ryder anxiously waited for the letter "R" to be featured at the Treehouse Museum's Alphabet Soup.  Unfortunately, they rearranged their activities that night, so we missed out on the bulk of the "R" activities - but made it to the art project - "Rainbow Dot Art".  The boys all enjoyed the dot markers, and I walked away with several new art pieces to hang in our home!

Harvick and Jarrett's participation in Early Intervention gets our family an invite to "Literacy Night" every month.  The themed evening starts with crafts, followed by books being read to the children.  Pizza is served, and a fun dessert is always presented following the evening's theme.  This time it was a school bus (transportation) made out of a graham cracker, frosting, Chex windows, and Oreo wheels.  The dessert is often the boys' favorite part!

Baths . 03.2014

The boys still fit in the bathtub together!  They love when they get the opportunity to spend extra time playing, rather than having to hurry out to get ready for bed.  When they know they get to play for awhile, bubbles are requested! It doesn't happen too often anymore because the boys also love playing outside for as long as possible each evening!

Bath time with these three crazy boys is always an adventure!  Getting bubbles added to their bath is a treat that they all enjoy.  And, squeaky clean boys is something Patrick and I enjoy!

Treehouse Birthday Party . 02.25.2014

Our trip to the Treehouse Museum, to celebrate their birthday!

The Treehouse Museum celebrated their birthday on the last day of February and allowed all members to invite a friend.  This year we invited the Bruderer Family (Patrick and I grew up going to school with Kari!).  The art activity was centered around a birthday theme, and mini birthday cupcakes were served!

Everyday Moments . 02.2014

Random February photos...playing with the ramp Patrick built...Jarrett reading a pop-up book...Harvick & Jarrett playing in our bed...Ryder at the eye doctor...Ryder & Jarrett playing trains together, and Harvick whining...Harvick & Jarrett playing trains...Harvick & Jarrett sharing snacks in the car...Lowes Kids Workshop...watching TV with Ryder & Harrison Patano...President's Day Pajama Day at home with mom...Date Night at the movies!

One evening Patrick teased the boys by "swaddling" them in their blankets.  They all thought it was hysterical, and wanted him to do it over and over again.  The best part for me was they they would snuggle with me!

Park . 02.22.2014

Last fall they completed a park in our neighborhood - I see many (MANY) trips there in our future!

Even though it was still rather cool outside, the boys never turn down a trip to the neighborhood park.  When the neighbors saw us headed there, Rowdy and Cyan joined us.  The boys rode their scooters to the park; Harvick and Jarrett took turns riding with Patrick around the park and playing on the playset!