Reed's list

Reed took the trash out today. We didn't ask him to or even suggest at any point that it would be a potential job he could do. He just took the trash out.

When he returned he asked, "Where's that book that says 'ages 3 through 8'?" That's when I figured out why he took the trash out.

A week or two ago Lindsay was reading a parenting book, which she left out. Reed found it and picked it up. The part that got his interest details a list of things you're supposed to get your children to do at various ages in order to teach them to work and be independent. Here's the list for five-year-olds:

• Straighten room
• Vacuum
• Empty garbage cans
• Set table
• Clear table
• Make own lunch
• Warm up canned food
• Get allowance

Looks like we have one to add to Reed's list: "Parent self".

Trip #4 to the ER...

...is what I thought was in store when Reed shouted, "Max is bleeding, Max is bleeding!"Thankfully the only accident here was leaving the Easter egg coloring tablets within reach. Lesson to Max: not everything that looks like candy is candy.

We love Reed

Reed turned five. We have made it through our 10 day waiting period so we can now post about the event. I understand that this particular requirement may seem pointless and arbitrary, but it's a rule and we follow rules. Lindsay also wanted me to bump that picture of my lip down so she didn't have to look at it anymore ("I'm tired of your lip!" she said).

We had two parties--the family party on the day of his birthday (March 24), and a friend party on the following Saturday.

Reed loved his Book of Mormon birthday cake


Max enjoyed it, too


The boys both liked the presents Reed got (this one is from Nana and Papa)


The friend party started at Bounce U


There were lots of slides...




And some other activities as well


Afterwards we went to a park, had cupcakes, and opened presents


We love Reed!

April Fool

I guess I shouldn't have tried a back flip on the trampoline after all. It would have only taken one stitch to teach me that lesson...the other six were just a bonus.