Wild Kingdom

Dear Carter,

We kicked off Mikey's birthday weekend with a quick trip to the zoo. We got our season pass a couple of trips ago, but Daddy hadn't had a chance to come with us until this time. It was a nice day out, and your brother and sister loved hanging out as a family. I think it was this day out that made us realize just how much we have missed being together this Summer, and as a result we went on a mini-vacation this weekend (pics to come!).

I actually have a picture of your brother on this very same caterpillar that was taken when he was only one year old! I need to pull it out for a comparison. Actually, maybe I don't because it just might make me sad to see how much he's grown. Time flies!

This Giraffe was crazy! That is his tongue that is hanging down to lick that tree. Jovie giggled and giggled and giggled every time he did it.

It was an excellent day, and I'm so glad that we got some family time in before school started.

CAR WASH!

Dear Carter,


We have some exciting news about our next Team Carter event! Remember when I told you that you would have three trees representing you in The Festival Of Trees this year? Well, your darling cousin, Samantha, has partnered up with Sonic Drive-In to put on a Car Wash to raise funds for the tree she is making. She is calling her tree "Sweeter Than Candy" because you my baby boy are just that!

So, to all of our readers, you are invited to attend:

Samantha's Team Carter Car Wash

September 9th from 5:00-7:00

at

Sonic Drive In

1688 N 2000 W

Clinton, UT 84015

Each car wash is only $5 and all proceeds will go toward making Samantha's Team Carter tree totally awesome! The proceeds from The Festival Of Trees benefit Primary Children's Hospital where Carter spent much of his life.

Live too far away, or can't make it? No worries my friends, because Samantha is also selling Sonic coupon cards for $5 each (100% of the proceeds also go to her tree). With one of these babies you can score one of each of the following:

Buy one Sonic burger at regular price get one free

$1.99 wacky pack kids meal

$.99 regular iced latte

Buy one footlong quarter pound coney at regular price get one free

Buy one single topping sundae get one free

$.99 breakfast burrito

$.99 route 44 big drink soft drink

Free medium onion rings with any sandwich purchase.

Please feel free to spread this event around on Facebook or by telling every SINGLE person you know! LOL. The more money we can raise for Carter's tree, the more money will go to Primary Children's. Love you all!

Beefcake : The Movie!

Dear Carter,

Your brother has been working on a project for the entire Summer, and we are so proud to say that it's finally finished! He did all of the filming by himself, and had several ideas on which way he wanted this to go. Since he obviously hasn't ever used any video editing software before, I had to help him in that department, but I promise that I only did what he asked me to. Mikey told me a long time ago that he wanted to be a director when he grows up, and I think that it just might be likely! He's got quite the imagination, and I think a natural knack for this. So, here it is. Beefcake: The Movie. He's already working on the sequel!

P.S. Yes, he does say "Behind Mars". That's how he thought the saying went, and I didn't want to correct him because it was so adorable ;)

Here We Go!

Dear Carter,

I'm going to do a huge picture update later, but wanted to tell you all about our day today.

Your big brother started his very first day of second grade. The emotions were much different for me this year because I think I am used to him staying at school all day. Last year I remember it being very hard on me. I think that a lot of it has to do with knowing that I'll probably be at the school a lot helping out with PTA stuff.

It sounds as though he had a wonderful day. He has a LOT of friends in class with him, and he also has a brand new teacher who seems very eager to make this year fun for her students. Mikey even gets to be the very first "Surfer of the Week" since his birthday was only yesterday. I love it when he has to make the "About Me" posters because I get to see what he really thinks about himself.

Your sister will start Kindergarten next Monday. That's probably when I'll find myself getting more sentimental and sad. I just have to keep reminding myself that there is absolutely nothing I can do about them growing up, so why be sad about it? This is what they are supposed to do, and I really am proud of them for it! Today she and I went clothes shopping, and I tried to let her pick out her own clothes. For the most part she did a wonderful job, but there were a few times that I had to gently guide her toward another selection. One of our biggest scores of the day were not one, but TWO adorable Peacock shirts. She is going to look BEAUTIFUL this year. We had a blast having a girl's day out, and I hope that even when she is a teenager we will still have a good relationship. Your grandma and I struggled during that time in our lives.

I love you so much baby boy, and have really struggled with missing you during the last week. I know that it's because of all of the milestones that we have been hitting with starting school and Mikey's birthday. I just always ALWAYS feel like there is something missing, and that something (or rather someone) is definitely you! I am sure that it is a feeling that will always be here, and I really am adjusting to having it often, but it still hurts sometimes. I was thrilled when as we were walking to the doors of the school today, I saw a little butterfly leading the way. It was a gentle reminder that although you aren't here...you really are. I do know this, and I continue to remind myself of this, but as always it doesn't feel like quite enough.

I am looking forward to getting some serious work done on Carter's Hope and also on your Festival Of Trees donation during this week. It always helps me so much with the missing you.

We love you. Always and forever Bubba Jay!

Mikey's Day

Dear Mikey,

Happy Birthday to you my sweet boy! I can't believe that eight years ago today we welcomed you into our world. I remember how nervous I was to be your Mommy because you were so SO adorable and I didn't want to mess you up! You were a true joy for us. You were the CUTEST baby and you were SO FUN. Daddy and I were just learning what it means to be a parent, and we were lucky that we got you as our first teacher.

Thank you for being such a wonderful big brother to your sister and baby brother. I KNOW that Jovie feels comfortable about starting school with knowing that you are in the same building. I love how you are always thinking of Jovie and Carter. You find ways to make them feel special, and I appreciate it.

I love you more than you can know, and I'm still going to beg you to just stay seven because quite honestly I don't want you to grow up. I want you to always be OK with holding my hand, and snuggling, and hugging me, and kissing me. I know that you must grow up, and I am proud of you for it. I hope that you have an amazing year at school, and wish you luck tomorrow on your very first day of second grade!

Happy 8th Birthday!