Nitro Circus

We are thankful for Tyler's job everyday. Not only just because he has a job, but because he has a job where he is challenged and appreciated and can do something he's really good at. We are thankful even on the crappy, stressful days. And we are thankful because its turned out to be a pretty sweet place to work sometimes. A few weeks ago, they had their end-of-summer party. The summer season is a pretty big deal for APX. So naturally, to celebrate a successful season they built a motocross track on their front lawn and had Nitro Circus preform. Now, I know absolutely nothing about Motocross or Supercross, or whatever its called, and even I was impressed-it was super fun.

The view from the window by Tyler's desk

Tyson Rupp, Tyler, Dax, Hayes and Ash with Travis Pastrana and some of the Nitro Circus crew

The Nitro Circus Grand Entrance - of course they jumped out of a helicopter

APX managers (Tyler on the front row next to the #5) waiting for Travis Pastrana to jump them

The first jump

And another

Broc, Jaci and Callan

Hayes with just a leeeetle bit of his J Dawg smeared around. We don't believe in napkins. We just use our freshly autographed shirt. What the heck.

Camillie and Ash, awwww

Ok, so I know you'll be shocked when I say that I made us a tiny bit late. I mean, that's not me at all cough, cough. By the time we got to the meet and greet we were at the end of a really long line, resulting in the fact that they ran out of t-shirts. Dax got one that fit, Hayes got a man's xtra large and the rest of us got... the shaft. Sorry Tyson. Well, maybe I shouldn't say that. We still got to meet the celebs and enjoy the show. Plus, if you ask the boys they would say that the free J Dawgs, candy and COKE were the !bomb! and the party in their mouths was pretty cool in and of itself. By the way, if you've never had a J Dawg, you simply must. They rock the hot dog world. And I'm a firm believer that people who say they don't like hot dogs are just big fat liars.

The handsome Mr. Tyson Rupp

Totally 4 Years Old

My everyday, all-day, cheek-to-cheek best friend turned 4. And let me tell you- when you have two big brothers to keep up with, 4 years old is older and bigger, which is both good and bad, happy and sad. Ash has to do everything the big boys do-ride bikes, skate board, play video games, go to school, play basketball and "fitball" and talk snotty. But for 6 hours Monday-Friday he can still be just 4, thank goodness. He LOVES to sing, color, secretly watch Dora and UmiZoomi play Batman, read stories and mop. Yes, he is the official mopper of the kitchen floor. I'm not kidding. I have FOUR children now. I'm just glad the floor gets mopped at all. Plus, he likes it, I promise! His besties are still Addie Jo and the twins, although he's starting to branch out and play at friends' houses around the neighborhood. That part of getting bigger doesn't make me so sad-I did mention that we're pretty much cheek-to-cheek, didn't I?Um, before I had any children I swore my kids would never be the kids in desperate need of haircuts riding their bikes around the neighborhood in pjs they'd had on for 48 hours with dirty faces and too-small moon boots in July. Huh. Wonder at what point exactly it became ok.Lunch at Dad's work-we love Impressive skateboarding, due to a very patient dad. Also placing the blame for the flip flops squarely on the patient dad. That is a canyon trail. Thank goodness he still has ten toes. He is, to my great surprise, the most gentle of all the brothers with Zoe. I think they are going to be two peas in a pod. And probably big trouble.The morning of his birthday he woke us up yelling "I'm four today!"As you know, I dearly love his longish hair. He dearly loves gel and (faux)mohawks. So I gave in last week, and what do you know, there was a pretty adorable kid under all that hair.

Happy Birthday Asher Bo Basher! We love you soooo much!

She's Home!

Miss Zee finally came home on Saturday, September 18, weighing in at 6lbs 2oz. The Monday before she was discharged she received a blood transfusion because of a low hemoglobin level. Apparently a super common occurrence with preemies, but still, I was a little nervous. Turns out those smart doctors happen to know what they're talking about. It was just what she needed to get her here with us. Seriously like magic, before the transfusion was even complete she began to turn the corner. When our fabulous Dr. Knochel explained how a baby's body works and why she needed it I was again amazed at the knowledge and capabilities of modern medicine. In the following days she was totally weaned off her oxygen and began to eat like it was her job. (Which it so was). Her stay in the NICU lasted 5 weeks and two days. Now she's gaining around an ounce a day and at her two month check up she was a whopping 7 lbs 4 oz! We've had her home for 5 weeks and we are just falling deeper every day:)

A cute Coming Home Outfit is a must. Ginormous Flower also a must.

And the brotherly love begins...don't worry Miss Zee, I'll protect you
I just couldn't help myself
A girl's gotta have cute toes. Just don't look too closely at my crusty, desperately-in need of-a pedicure feet. I'm making an effort.