Crazy Hair Day!!!

Today was crazy hair day at the boys' school. We were on the way to buy some hair gel last night when we ran into our neighbors, offering their red hair gel to use. We didn't know what to expect, but we had some fun this morning turning Colton into a mini Billy Idol and Jaxon into a mad scientist-ish looking guy. He wanted a mohawk, but his hair was just too long to keep standing up (hmmm, maybe its time for a hair cut Jaxon). The kids had a blast and even Ella got into the fun, spiking up her bangs, which were just professionally cut yesterday after she tried cutting her own hair the night before. Ella + scissors = expensive salon visit.

Preschool

Ella started preschool last week. We are doing a co-op preschool with five other children, three girls, three boys. The kids rotate between the six houses every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for three hours in the morning. So far, Ella has had a great time. She feels so grown up. The only downer for her is that she doesn't get to ride a pink bus to the other houses, a dream she has had since seeing Colton ride off in a big yellow one last year.

Soccer Season Starts

Colton has started playing soccer again this year. Last year, he played through the military athletic program, but this year we decided to try AYSO, and we are so glad that we did! The coach is great and everything is a lot more organized and fair this time. Colton had his first game last Saturday and had a ton of fun, and just like the Hokey Pokey, that's what it's all about.

Big Birthday Boy!!

Mason turned one last Sunday, September 7th. We had a neighborhood party for him the night before. He enjoyed everyone singing to him, but like a true Burke, his favorite part was the CAKE! He started off enjoying the frosting, and before long, he was painting himself with it. Multiple baths were required before all frosting was removed from every orifice. His favorite present is a new car! We decided that we would foot the bill for this first one, and then he is on his own for the next one. Its a sporty blue convertible, that reaches top speeds of 3-5 mph, depending on which sibling is pushing him.

Clone Colton

Sean and I had a gift certificate to the Navy Exchange. (The military's equivalent of a Target, but not even close.) Rather than buy something practical like diapers or detergent, we bought a Clone Trooper Mask. I put it on and tried to sneak attack the boys as they came off the bus, armed with a squirt gun. Colton didn't want to take if off the whole night. He wore it everywhere, and when he couldn't find his own shoes to go outside and play after his bath, he felt confident enough in his masculinity that wearing his sister's pink crocs was a no brainer.

Rockin' Mason

Mason has decided to pick up an instrument in his spare time. He has chosen the pots and pans. He did quite a nice improv set the other morning. He is working on being able to make music and scrambled eggs at the same time.

Earning His Keep

If only it was a real one...

Great Neighbors

We are definitely lucky to live on base with some awesome neighbors. Our next door neighbors have craft day every Friday. Two weeks ago she invited all the neighborhood kids over to paint in her backyard. With no concern for her own backyard's original colors, she let the kids go wild and paint. They had a blast and she was so cool about all the mess.

Choir Boy

Jaxon was chosen to sing in a children's choir for our Church for a Stake Conference. He wasn't excited at first, but having one of his best friends sing with him helped. They practiced for a few weeks, and then did an awesome job when the big moment arrived. He had to wear a white collared shirt with a tie, which is very RARE for him. He is more a 't-shirt and athletic shorts' kind of guy. So, I had to snap a few pictures of this rare moment.

16th Anniversary

What do you get your hubby for your 16th anniversary? That was the question I was faced with a few weeks ago. I decided to get Sean a new bike, since it had been over 25 years since he had a brand spankin' new one. He has been running into work on most days, and decided a little cross training would be a good thing. So, Ella and I went bike shopping. She was very upset that we didn't find a pink one for him. He was excited about the bike and the great part was watching every one ride bikes together the next day.