Grandkid Camp, Bear Lake, and Stockton's 3rd birthday

I think that Grandkid Camp is the one thing that Molly anticipates the very most each summer.  And this year Stockton got to go.  I went as well, since Stocky was the littlest and I figured my mom and dad might need an extra hand with 8 kids this year.  It was fun to go...and good to see how much work my mom puts into camp each year.  (My dad does a lot of work too, but he just does what my mom tells him...he's a good sport about it.) But really, my mom goes all out...she plans tons of crafts and games galore.  And each year has a theme.  This year was pirates and fairies.

 

We made sock puppets.

 

We walked the plank.

 

We had relay races.

We made pirate ships and watched a movie outside.

And much, much more!   

 

Can you see why my kids love Grandkid Camp?

Brynn tagged along, even though she is too young to really attend.  She just kind of did her own thing.  She is a sweet thing and easy to take care of.

The rest of the parents joined us on Friday night (during the movie).  It's the one time each year that we are all together at the cabin.  We usually head to the lake.  The weather was pretty good...Justin and I got to ski first.  The water was how it always is: way cold. Like hard-to-catch-your-breath cold. I knew I just had to get it over with so I jumped in right away.  The skiing was great, as always...it's so beautiful there.  Other than Brynn, we all got a chance to do something. Justin and I got to ski and Molly and Stocky got to have a tube ride. 

  

I think they both love just riding on the boat the very best.

  

And playing around on the beach and in the water, of course.

Later that evening we celebrated Stocky's birthday.  A pirate pinata.

And cupcakes.  Dirt and worms.

And presents.  He got water guns and a new sprinkler, clothes, cars, and a race track.

  

It was a great pre-birthday celebration!

Stockton turned 3 on June 25th.  It was a Monday but Justin was able to take the day off.  It's turned into a bit of a tradition for Justin to take the kids to Chick-fil-A for their free birthday kids meal (from America First).  So he did that and then we played with the new water toys for an hour.

We met some of Justin's family in the canyon that night for dinner and a little party.  He got more presents: a Crabby boat (from Cars 2) from Molly.  She picked it out herself earlier that day. We gave him a guitar.  It was really a no-brainer since he had been turning everything into a guitar at home.

We also gave him a helmet...to go with the new scooter that Gene and April gave him.

We had more cupcakes.  My friend offered to make Stockton a birthday cake this year, to which I happily agreed.  She knows what he likes!

Ah what to say about this boy.  I really don't know what to say.  Some days he is so hard for me and other days he is great.  He no longer naps at all, which contributes to his hard days.  When people ask me why he is hard I don't even know how to answer...he doesn't listen, he's hard to reason with, he's excellent at throwing tantrums, he won't go to bed at night...I don't know, he's just hard sometimes.  But I'd rather not dwell on that because he really can be a good, sweet little boy.  He's incredibly shy around others.  He goes to nursery well but I know he doesn't talk when he's there.  He likes to try to do what Molly does...her little shadow.  He's a picky eater, although I think he'd like more if he'd just try new things.  I think he'd eat cold cereal all day long if I let him.  I have a hard time getting fruits and veggies in him. Lately he's been so soft and gentle with Brynn...giving her random kisses and hugs and snuggling her on the couch when she drinks her milk.  He was fascinated by my sister's new baby this last weekend...wanting to hold her and rub her head.  He wasn't like that when Brynn was born!  (But I guess he was only 20 months old at the time...he's almost twice that now!)  He loves cars.  He gets excited when we let him pee on the grass (in the mountains). He kept running outside when we were home just to pee so I had to start punishing him for that.  The first time I took a car away from him, he got the message and he hasn't done it since.  Someone has to lay with him at night and tell him a story and rub his back for him to go to sleep.  We also have to leave the door halfway open so it's not too dark (something that Molly does not like).  He loves warm milk-he has a sippy cup every morning, afternoon, and evening.  Sometimes he begs for more and occasionally I give in, just because it can calm him down so well.  He loves to say prayers and does a pretty good job!  He loves to have his window down in the car.  He likes to get out and help us pump gas (he actually has to take turns with Molly to do this).

Okay, I think Stocky is old enough to have the birthday interview.  Here goes!

Stockton at 3 years old:

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite movie: a church movie

Favorite breakfast: meat

Favorite dinner: rice

Best friend: Jade (who is actually Molly's friend)

Favorite TV (Netflix) show: Thomas

Favorite scripture story: Child of God

Favorite book: the jungle one

Favorite game: a TV show

Favorite story: a book

Other kids think that I am: (This question was way over his head.  No answer.)

What do you like about your Mom? play with cars

What do you like about your Dad? He wants to play cars.

What do you like about Molly? She wants to play cars too.

What do you like about Brynn? She wants to play cars too.

What do you like about yourself? He likes to play cars.

When I grow up I want to be: I want to be Spiderman.

I like learning about: Jesus

I want to go to: Disneyland

If I had one wish it would be: a tiger

Favorite thing to do: play with Daddy and Mommy

Favorite song: Popcorn Popping

Happy Birthday Stockton!!  We love you!!!