Stevie Kate - with no training wheels

A few weeks ago,on a Sunday afternoon, Stevie Kate asked Steve to help her move her bike to the front yard because she wanted to ride it.  I don't think he thought much about it...but sure enough, she had taught herself how to ride her bike without training wheels.  We give all of the credit to Stevie and her pink run bike that taught her balance.  She didn't even want Steve to push her or help her in any way.  Stevie has always been very independent...no exceptions here. 

Stevie riding bike for 1st time from Steve Hough on Vimeo.

Jake's 1st Day of Kindergarten

I was somewhat worried about Jake's 1st day of school...only because he clammed up almost every time we visited the school and classroom before school started.  Wouldn't speak, very shy, etc.  But yesterday he turned it all around.  He was excited all morning and especially excited that it stopped raining enough for us to ride bikes to school.  Once we got into the school he was all smiles and said hi to the kids he knew in his class - 14 boys and 6 girls (those odds won't be so good later on :-)  And he wasn't sad at all when we left.  I wasn't expecting to be sad at all - but I got choked up somehow.  Maybe it is because this is a new beginning of our lives...me leaving him places and him having to be responsible.  He doesn't need me as much???  Who knows...but along with the tears, I was very proud of him too for being ready to let go.  All of you out there with older children...I know you know how I am feeling.
Steve said he wasn't sad...just excited for Jake and remembering what it felt like to go to your first day of school.

July and August

Yes I am behind on blogging....but it is summer...that will be my excuse :-)  I am trying to catch up a bit...so many things to remember...here are the highlights.

Tennessee
Steve & Jake were able to go to Tennessee to visit mid-July.  I was worried about Jake not handling the heat...but not one complaint from him.  He just loved the pool parties, the attention, and all of the play time with his cousins - who he looks up to so much.  Steph got some great pictures.

The girls and I helped with Angie's baby shower and then made a trip to Logan with Brittoni to visit Miranda and fam.  We missed the boys but we painted toenails, did hair, etc.  Yes...even Kelly likes to have her toenails done.

Nannie, Aunt Krissy, Drew and Cooper Visit
A few weeks about Steve & Jake got back, Nannie came to visit.  She is such a great help and everyone loves to have her visit.  Kelly was immediately in love and wouldn't even let Nannie talk to anyone else on the car ride back from the airport.  The Waydas came a few days later and Jake, Stevie, and Kelly went crazy.  Jake looks up to the boys so much and wanted to be with them the whole time.  Stevie was smitten with Drew and Kelly was smitten with Cooper. 

The highlights of activities - Olympic Park, Alpine Slide/Coaster, smores, bike riding and more bike riding.  Thanks for visiting us...we loved it!  I didn't get very many pictures...but here is a link to Krissy's great pics.  http://picasaweb.google.com/thewaydas/DevicesDownloadFiles?feat=directlink

Draper Family Reunion
This year Brady & Angie were in charge and we spent the long weekend in Wallsburg.  Of course we always love to go there and enjoy being outdoors, dogs, horses, ATVs, guns, etc.  It felt like we packed in quite a few things in a few days...so fun.  I especially loved watching the kids play with the water balloons and the Minute to Win It game.  Steve and I didn't get to enjoy the last day and night of the reunion because of our trip to Taos.  But many thanks to everyone who helped with our kids while we were gone.

Taos
Steve's friend Jason Boutwell from Tennessee invited us to his wedding in Taos, NM.  We have always wanted to ski there, but took the chance to see it in the summer and support Jason & Dena.  The trip was short....we had a great time at the wedding, shopped & ate downtown, visited the Rio Grande Gorge, and the Taos Ski Area.   

Our New Friends

In July, Nannie bought us a hummingbird feeder for our window.  It took a few weeks, but once the word got out...our house was the hot spot.  Birds were constantly feeding...and I think we even counted 7 birds there at one time.  The kids loved watching them and Kelly learned to say hummingbird and point at the window.  Last week one actually flew into the house.  It took some effort on Steve's part to get the bird to go back outside.  The poor thing looked terrified.  But after about 15 minutes...ssuccess.

The feeder fell and broke last week and the new one on the fence post doesn't quite get the crowds.  Maybe they are leaving for the fall/winter.  We will miss them...

Jake is 6!
Jake turned 6 on August 14.  This year he decided that instead of a party, he wanted to take 2 of his friends - Luke and Chase - to Seven Peaks Water Park.  And he invited Stevie Kate too (thank heavens :-)  Luke's mom Kathy and his sister Lila joined us too and we had a great afternoon & evening at the park.  I even wanted to stay longer and maybe next year we will go and stay all day.  Fun place.

We also did a little celebration with Ellie Edwards and fam since she and Jake share the same bday.

New Cousin

Quincy Lee Draper was born on August 19th.  She is so tiny and adorable and Brady & Angie are happy parents.  Kelly and Stevie loved to hold her...and Quincy makes Kelly look like a giant.  Brady was the last Draper sibling to have a child.  It really made me feel so blessed and lucky to have such a healthy and happy extended family. 

Kelly is 2!
My baby is 2 years old.  (I think that realization may be harder than sending Jake to Kindergarten tomorrow).  I am truly loving the stage that Kelly is in right now (minus the tantrums).  She loves to say new words, be silly, jump on the trampoline, and annoy Jake and Stevie as much as she can :-)  We celebrated Kelly's birthday a day early by taking the kids to the beach at Bear Lake.  Many of you know that that is one of my favorite places to visit...and it turned out great.  What a fun day and a delicious raspberry shake at the end.  On her actual birthday, we had the Dustmans over to celebrate with dinner and an Elmo cake - Kelly's favorite. 


Travelers
My parents and Amy, Kace, and Kassidy got back last weekend from visiting Tracie & fam and helping Casey, Lindsay, and Jack move to Philadelphia.  My mom had a crazy experience on the airplane, by herself, major allergic reaction, ambulance, and a stay in a Chicago hospital.  She is ok now and hopefully she can figure out what caused it.

We are happy to have them back in UT...without them at Jake, Kelly, and Quincy's birthdays, it was strange.  We are lucky to live close to family for sure and miss those who live away from us - we now have family in Nevada, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

Stevie's 1st Official Day at Miss Sharie's

Jake has gone to preschool off and on at Miss Sharie's for the past 3 years.  Stevie went a bit this summer...but last Thursday was her first official day at Miss Sharie's.  She loves it, even without Stella and Jake there.  On her first day, she was supposed to wear her favorite color and bring show and tell.  You would guess pink or purple...no...the new favorite is black.  What???  But she loved the Johnny Cash shirt she wore and was very proud because Jake's favorite color is black too.

Zeke

For the very first time ever...I passed Zeke on my bike.  Steve told me that Zeke had really slowed down...but I had to see if for myself.  It is true, and it makes me sad.  He is 9 1/2 years old.  The first time he let me pass him it was only for a minute or so.  But at the end of the ride tonight, about 3/4 done, he let me pass him again and stayed behind me for the rest of the ride.

Hough Happenings for June (and a little of July)

Lagoon - We started our summer activities at Lagoon at the beginning of June.  Unfortunately the weather wasn't great...but it was good enough to enjoy our time there.  So fun to have 4 adults and 4 kids - one on one.  Nikki & Tyson, Natalie & Colin, Steve & Jake, and me & Stevie Kate.  Jake's favorite part was the Music Express.  Stevie's favorite part was the Helicopter Ride.  Stevie rode almost everything when we went last year...but this year she had FEAR.  No roller coasters, swings, or "fast" rides for Stevie.  And my favorite part was riding Wicked with Steve.  Maybe one day we will leave all of the kids home and go for the thrill rides :-)

Camping - We tried camping again with 3 other families at Rockport (only 20 minutes from home) over Father's Day weekend.  Unfortunately we didn't check out the spot beforehand - it was a little dangerous with a little dropoff into deep water.  But we were all vigilant with watching the kids and everyone was safe.  It was only for one night and I wish we would have stayed longer.  Sitting around the campfire and telling stories and laughing makes up for all of the packing, setting up, and uncomfortable sleeping...all worth it.  I also love how much fun the kids have in nature - finding creatures, plants, etc.

Biking - Everyone has healed up...for the most part.  Jake and Steve went back to the site of Steve's accident :-) and took a picture of the drop and had fun too.  Steve has been nurturing his love for his new bike and riding quite a bit.  He is also racing a little bit in preparation for a big race over Labor Day weekend. 





Swimming - I love to spend time at the pool during the summer.  And that love drives me to work hard to get everyone prepared, sunscreened, dressed, fed, and kept safe from drowning.  It is quite a job and I am exhausted everyday.  But I still love it.  We just finished a 2-week lesson rotation and Jake and Stevie had fun and made progress.  Jake is so close to being self-sufficient.  His strokes and underwater swimming are great.  But he panics when he comes up for air and his legs sink.  This has kept his self confidence down so he is scared to try.  Hoping that more and more practice will fix it.  Stevie had developed FEAR in the water too and it took almost all 8 lessons in order for her to get more comfortable and start to keep her head under the water while she practices the strokes.  And then there is Kelly.  It was a chore to keep her out of the water during lessons.  She loves to jump in and isn't really concerned if she jumps too far from the edge or if she jumps without mom or dad there.  Steve got to come with us one time and she couldn't be pulled away from him.  Luckily she also likes to take breaks and lay on the lawn chairs too. 

GranDaddy and GranJackie - We had visitors last weekend and it was great for us all to spend time with GranDaddy and GranJackie.  The highlights of the trip included Steve beating his dad for the 1st time ever on the golf coarse, watching Steve, Jake, Steve Sr. and Jackie all ride the Alpine Coaster, and enjoying many great meals together. We also watched fireworks with them on the 3rd of July at a local park.



Other Stuff - Our new niece Halle Paige Hunter was born July 1st.  So happy she is here healthy and safe and congratulations to Shane & Carrie.  You are already great parents.

Jake wanted me to include a picture of the snake that he caught a few nights ago.  I am TERRIFIED of snakes so I was happy that we convinced him to let the snake go that night.  Stevie Kate was very proud that she held the snake and helped Jake take care of it.

The Past Month

The Hough Happenings for May
(having a hard time getting posts written lately...try to do better)

• Lesa-  Mother's Day...I followed the advice of a friend and had Steve take my picture with the kiddos on Mother's Day.  It seems that the moms are always behind the camera and at least once per year we should try to take a mom & kids pic.  Steve scored big points this year by getting me a necklace with the names of the kids on different charms.  I LOVE it!  And another highlight this Mother's Day...was watching my Mom ride her new red cruiser bike that we all pitched in and got her.  I really don't remember ever seeing my Mom on a bike before.  She looks great!  A few weeks later...I ran in my first relay race - Running with Ed.  It was the first annual Park City Education fundraiser....I think it raised around $50k and it was really fun being part of a team.  I kinda choked on the first leg - 7 miles slight uphill...but finished strong on our other leg - 6 miles trail running.  I think the second leg was easier because Steve and the kids were there cheering us on right when we needed it.

 
 

• Steve - Most of you have probably already seen this picture...but this is the aftermath of a fall at the bike park with Jake.  About 15 stitches in 4 different spots.  The chin/mouth area took the first impact and he still has no feeling in his chin.  We learned that the face/mouth heal very quickly.  It really was amazing how much better he looked within days.  He was back on the bike a week later and is LOVING his new bike - a labor of love for him and Duff.  Thank you Duff for all of your connections and help!

• Jake - it seems like this was a big month for Jake.  At the beginning of May, we finally convinced him to try a short haircut.  I actually love the look for him...but it was also hard for me to cut almost all of it off.  It hasn't been this short since he was a baby.  There is a little road rash on Jake's face in this picture.  He took a good spill on his friend's bike and was very brave.  His friend's dad said no tears.  The next big thing for Jake was this awesome birthday party that he went too for his buddy Luke.  He counted down the days and it lived up to the hype.  It was a reptile/spider/insect party and he got to hold several snakes, etc.  That has kicked off a LOVE of bugs and every creepy crawling thing.  When he is outside and off his bike, he is constantly looking for things that move.  The next big thing is that Jake can now make it through the night without a pullup!  For you parents out there who have gone through this...you understand our happiness with this news.  It was been a long road and he seems to be doing great and sticking to it.  Wish us luck going forward :-)  He earned a remote control car.  Spring soccer finished up yesterday.  Jake really enjoys being part of a team and I have loved that about his soccer experiences.  The things that we don't love...it that he is not really interested in kicking the ball too much or scoring goals...even though we bribe him with money.  He did score one goal this year - in the wrong goal.  But we are proud of him none the less. 

• 
  
   Stevie Kate - Stevie also did Spring Soccer - but just a skills clinic instead of teams playing games.  She loved it!  And is very excited to play fall soccer on a team.  We will see if she is more competitive than her brother.  We have all been biking...and Stevie took a good fall already on her new run bike.  She created much more drama over this fall than Jake and Steve combined.  School is now out in Park City and I had a parent teacher conference with her teacher a few weeks ago.  I was very proud to hear that Stevie is kind at school and always tries her best.  Shining Stars Preschool was a great experience for us.  She is now very excited to start going to preschool at Miss Sharie's...where Jake has been going to preschool.  Stevie wanted me to post this picture of her face as a dog...she absolutely loves face painting.

• 
  
  Kelly - As I have said before...Kelly is the comedian in our family.  She is quite funny and more of her personality comes out each day.  She loves to dance and do silly things to try to get people to laugh.  And I love that Kelly is starting to really enjoy having friends....and she loves to say their names.  "Choo Choo" (nickname for Drew Dustman), Mia, Will, Sophie, Jack, and Riley...all little ones about her same age.  She is also smitten with Aunt Amy "Mamy" (just like Jake and Stevie).  Kelly loves being outside...which is great for us.  She begs to go out first thing in the morning.  I think her favorite thing to do is go down the plastic slide onto the trampoline.  She also loves the swings at the park.

• 
  
  Goldie - our pet goldfish.  This was our first attempt at having another pet and we knew the outcome would probably be a dead goldfish.  But we tried....and only made it 3 days.  But in those 3 days...the kids fell in love with Goldie.  We left to pick Jake up from school and when we came back, she had gone to heaven.  I told the kids we should flush her down the toilet and Stevie agreed and didn't shed any tears.  However...Jake was very upset...hence the picture.  We talked about it...said a prayer...etc.  But he finally stopped crying when I asked Stella (4 years old) to talk to him about pets.  Stella lost one of her dogs this past year and she did a great job explaining it to him.  I shed a few tears listening to her say words like "freedom, family, heaven" etc.  So precious...

• 
  
  Misc - The brink of summer is finally here and we are looking forward to a great time and visits from some of our Hough family.  I am also excited for two new baby girls that will be born into the Draper clan this summer. 
  
  
  

Stevie Kate is 4!

Yesterday was our Stevie Kate's birthday...she has seemed older than 3 to me for a while and now she is officially 4.  Stevie is my helper, my cooking buddy, my shopping buddy, my dancer, my spirited daughter, my love and many more things.

We all had a great day celebrating her birthday.  She had a Pinkalicious themed birthday party for a few of her friends and also had Grandma & Grandpa and Amy & Kassidy over to visit.

A few of the questions I asked her today on her birthday...

Favorite Foods - Cottage Cheese, Watermelon, Bagel with Cream Cheese

Favorite Movies - Up, Princess and the Frog, Astro Boy

Favorite Book - Pinkalicious

Favorite Colors - Pink, Purple, and Yellow

What she knows about Jesus - He lives in the Churches and He helps to build them.

I love you girl!