4th of July

Independence Day started very early and ended very late. Grandma, Evan, and Lorelai flew in at about 1:45 in the morning! Grandpa picked them up and we had everyone in bed before 3:00. Needless to say, we did not feel like going to any parades in the morning. We mostly just hung out and adjusted to having 9 people in our tiny house. Eric and Grandpa got a lot accomplished. I can't imagine what they would have gotten done if Dad had stayed for a week!

We did decide to celebrate with a barbecue and some IBC.
Then (after the Dad's had a little nap) we were off to see Thunder on the Mountain. Most of the kids fell asleep on the way.
Evan rode with Grandpa and Grandma and he was wide awake!
Reid was being silly waiting for the fireworks to start.
Eric stayed entertained.
The kids woke up in time for fireworks, but Lorelai wasn't quite ready to be happy about it.
The street light was the only annoying thing.
Logan had a great time though!
Fireworks make us happy! Good times!

Blessing Patrick

What a special day! Grandpa T made it late the night before. Unfortunately, Lorelai got sick Saturday morning so my Mom and the kids didn't make it until the next day. Mom sent the blessing outfit though!

Eric did a wonderful job and I was reminded that Heavenly Father really does know and love each of us as individuals.
The men.
The Three Musketeers

My Three Musketeers

Evan & Lorelai are in Utah! Grandma Tucker took them back for a week and a half so it's just me and the Three Musketeers!
The boys helped me with a few projects around the house. We needed a new screen so the boys helped me install it!
Logan says Hi!
How did Patrick help? He did what babies do best!
Then the helpers made our dear friend, Araksya, cupcakes. I mixed and they cleaned up after me.
All that hard work makes us tired (and in Reid's case, dirty).
I really enjoyed my time with the boys. They are so sweet. Reid really enjoyed being the biggest brother in the house. He was so nice and let me nap while Patrick and Logan slept. I love my boys!

McWane

Grandma T. and I loaded up the kids and had an adventure at the McWane Center. I COULD NOT have done it without her!

Evan's favorite part was the zip line.
Lorelai's first time on the bike! she has grown a ton this summer so she's tall enough, but not not quite strong enough to make it all the way back.
Evan loves the bike. We have to let him ride it every time we go.
Being silly in the toddler area (no one else was there so we let the big kids play).
I love that grin.
Patrick enjoyed his first visit to the Science Center.
Logan dumped blue sand all over himself while I was feeding Patrick. This is him after I cleaned him up. Clearly, I still had a lot of work to do when we got home!
The kids had a blast playing and building! Reid had fun with his creation.

Bundt's and Banana's

I got a bundt pan! I know a lot of people don't use bundt pans, but I have always loved them. They make such pretty cakes. This is how we christened the bundt.

Sour Cream Banana Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 eggs
  
• 2 ripe banana's
  
• 1 (8 oz. container) sour cream
  
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with vegetable cooking spray (with flour).

2. In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips, walnuts, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup sugar. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat the butter with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to slow, add the rest of the cinnamon and the remaining ingredients, and beat 3 minutes or just until smooth.

4. Sprinkle a third of the chocolate-nut sugar on the inside of the pan. Drop in half the batter in big spoonfuls. Sprinkle with another third of the chocolate-nut sugar mixture and top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate-nut sugar.

5. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Turn the coffee cake out of the pan and cool completely before cutting. Serve crusty side up.

By Kay Chun, October 2001

First slice went to Lorelai for helping Grandma bake the cake!
In case you're wondering how good it was; this picture was taken less than 24 hours later.
Yummmmm. Happy day.

A Week

We have had our little man home for a week now! I can't believe how well he fits in! He was clearly made just for our family. So what have we been doing with our week?

A little sleep...
Sock hands! This is what happens when the kids get a hold of the sock basket.
Daddy and Evan read Patrick a library book. Evan got his first library card this week. I think Patrick really enjoyed it. ;)

Logan and Reid can't stand being cooped up in the house. Wiggle cars are the best!
Lorelai let Patrick borrow a hat. Patrick was too ashamed to show his face.
Lots of Potato Head fun. Evan was particularly proud of his little family.
And now it's been a week! Patrick went to the Dr. today and is doing well. No jaundice, no heart murmur, and he has gained back and passed his birth weight by 3 ounces. What a good boy!
P.S. Notice the awesome new boppy from Grandma T. :) My old one was flat as a pancake.

Meeting Patrick

Who wouldn't love this little angel?
So what did the kids think of their new little brother?
Logan's first thought "What is this cute new toy?"
Reid is very cool with the baby. He coos and talks to Patrick, but doesn't really fuss about him too much. Classic Reid.
Lorelai loves him! I think the grin says it all.
Evan approved. Definitely a keeper.
Grandma likes her newest Grandbaby too!
Logan held Patrick for a long time. When Lorelai asked if she could have a turn Logan said "Nope!" He does not like to share his baby!
We are a happy family! :D

D DAY!

Today is the day!!!!!! We got to the hospital at 6:30 a.m. Here I am on my last day as a pregnant woman.
5 1/2 hours later...

Patrick Riku Olsen
Born June 8, 2011
12:00 p.m.
8lbs. 4 oz.
21 1/2 in. long

Our beautiful baby boy!
Check out those toes! These are Eric's hands. Looks like we'll be looking for big shoes for this little guy!
Daddy finally got his turn!I am one happy Momma!