Travis' fourth birthday

Travis had such a fun day.

He was showered with Spiderman goodies, art supplies, clothes, toys, books, a backpack, and even a  magazine subsciption.

All day long, he couldn't wait for his little party to begin. Jamin helped him pass the time by hanging birthday posters all over the house:

 Finally, 6:00 arrived. Pinata time!

 In the months leading up to Travis' birthday, he was very specific about one item in particular: his cake. He wanted a cherry cake. Then it was a cherry cheesecake. Then it was a specific recipe of cherry cheesecake (that he pointed out). And it had to be a "rectangle cake." Oh, and it still needed to be in the pan. No decorations-- just cherries and green candles on top. 

 Late that night, we packed everyone into the van and watched the Kuna Days fireworks.

Happy four years to our Travis!

Travis turns four

Our T-man turns four today! He has been planning every detail of his birthday for months is overjoyed that the big day has finally arrived. Here's a little about Travis at age 4 (in his words):

1.What's your favorite color?

Green.

2.What's your favorite toy?
Eli (his stuffed monkey).

3. What's your favorite tv show?

Backyardigans.

4. What's your favorite game?

TV Center. That's a kind of Team Umizoomi game and dancing song, and we can even watch it!

5. What's your favorite animal?

Teddy bears.

6. What's your favorite song?

Fa-la-la-la! What's that song? Oh, "Deck the Halls!"

7. What's your favorite book?

The Pokey Little Puppy.

8. Who are your best friends?

Riley and you, Mama. You get to be my friend, too! My favorite kid is Travis. That's me.

9. What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Jumping on the trampoline.

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?

The biggest dad.

11. What's your favorite food?

Watermelon.

12. What's your favorite treat?

Rainbow sherbet.

13. What's your favorite movie?

Dora.

14. What's the best thing about being four?

Me!

15. What are some of your other favorite things?

Talking, Spiderman, Papa, Mama, Nanay, Mama again, Coco, Daddy, Travis, Jamin, Libby, Cami, Brock, Clarke, Uncle Sean, Mutti, Humey, our whole family, playing games on the computer, riding my bike, drawing, swimming lessons, brushing my teeth, flossing my teeth, and telling stories... but not too much. That's all. I don't like anything else. Stop writing now.
 
Happy birthday, Travis! Thanks for the laughter and joy you bring into our lives. We love you so much, buddy.

Swimming lessons

The boys wrapped up swimming lessons last week. Travis learned the basics of blowing bubbles, floating, and moving his arms & legs. Jamin worked on swimming independently and diving.

Rock & Roll

Before the afternoon heat hits, we play hard outside.

The kids have discovered exactly how much fun the front yard can be.

If you pass our house most mornings, you can spot us rock climbing:

and riding bikes:

 

(He's working on the training wheels. Almost there...)

Family reunion

On Saturday, we held our first Renberg family reunion.

We ate, played, chatted, and had a great time. It was a blast to see the out-of-state family who made the trip... and the local family we don't see often enough!

Watching the kids get to know each other (and get thoroughly soaked) became one of the highlights of the whole day.

Berva & Charlie's great-grandchildren, minus Paislee (photo courtesy of Charlotte):

  Thanks to everyone who came! It was fantastic to see each of you!

Fourth of July 2012

Once again, we headed downtown for the parade. Scott had to work this year, but we still had a great time with Charlotte's crew.

We arrived early enough to secure a spot right in front of the Capitol. It was a gorgeous morning.

Charlotte, Cami, Libby, Travis, and I passed the time lounging in our space.

Brock and Jamin explored the Capitol building. They ran all over the steps, then Clarke took them inside for a tour once he arrived.

And then the parade began!

Of course, it was all about the candy.

Afterward, we trekked back to the Grove for a picnic and some splash time.

Once Scott got home, we played outside, grilled, and ate dinner on the patio. Then the boys brought out their firecrackers.

Too bad early work on the 5th meant we couldn't go out to watch the fireworks this year. Se la vie.

Packing it up

One unexpected joy of Jamin's new-found writing skills: little notes we find around the house.

Like this one.

I asked him, "Jamin, what do you quit?"

"Living here in Idaho," he explained. "I'm getting on a plane and moving to Hawaii. I've saved some money in my piggy bank. I have like three whole dollars."

But then he reassured me, "Don't worry, Mom. You can visit me any time you want."