Happy Father's Day

One more thing...

Today was just one of those days with Colton. He was either whining about not getting something he wanted, or he was trying to do things to get in trouble... yep, just an average day with Colton. (Oh and we've been working on potty-training so he was totally naked at this point).

Well, I'm a little embarassed to admit it, but around 5pm when I had absolutely had it, I looked at him and said, "That's it Colton, I'm going to spank your buns!" and then I added, "Are you trying to make me spank you?" At this point, he's got his hands covering his bum and he looks at me and says, "No, I trying to hide my buns."

Oh, I just started laughing and he ran around the room with hands on his bum screaming, "Hide my buns! Hide my buns! Hide my buns!"

Diamond Backs Game!

Thanks to our brother-in-law, Lincoln, we got to take Colton to his first baseball game! I wish I could have captured the look on his face as we walked in -- he was in awe! The seats were great! 3rd row in the right field. Thankfully we brought enough snacks and treats to keep Colton in his seat through the 5th inning!
All the boys! Seth is holding Lane, Anna and Lincoln's six month old son.

Swimming Lessons

Well, after a rough start... 7 days to be exact -- Colton finally likes swimming lessons! Somehow I pictured it going a lot smoother than it did, but with only 2 lessons left, he finally did it all without crying.

The problem, we found out, had nothing to do with the lesson part, it was having to hold on to the wall while the teacher took the other kids (one at a time) out into the water to practice by themselves. Colton H-A-T-E-D that part. All he would do was cry and occasionally pull himself up and out of the pool.

But, we kept going back everyday and I would sit as close to the pool as I could (about 25 ft away) and CRINGE for a half an hour. The funny part was that he didn't cry when we would get to the pool or even as we waited for his class to start - not until he had to hold on to the side. (Which, by the way, I can totally understand - but he needed to learn, right?)Each day as we waited for class to start I would ask him if he could laugh or blow bubbles instead of crying and he would just look at me and say, "No, mommy, I cry" -- like that's just how it's going to be so you better get used to it.

I'm glad we didn't quit since the second to last day he got in like normal, but this time not one peep! I think he was actually LAUGHING during part of it. I made sure it wasn't a fluke - sure enough the next day he was loving it again. So, I signed him up for two more sessions.Oh this kid of ours! We should know by now that nothing new is easy, but it's usually worth it!

Answered Prayers

Throughout the whole process of deciding on school, moving back to Arizona, being in school and now graduating without a job, we know that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. There has never been a doubt that this is where we needed to be. Before coming to Thunderbird, we prayed and felt good about the decision and even though we didn't know how the economy was going to end up, Heavenly Father did. So, even now, without a job, there are no doubts.

The great thing is that we've come by this faith through many other past experiences. Deciding to serve a mission, where to go to school, if Seth/Becky was the right one to marry, moving to Toronto, etc... All of these decisions came from prayer and while they might not have been easy, we know we are much happier than we would have otherwise been. We've been able to have so many wonderful experiences that we would not have had without exercising faith in our Father in Heaven.

We are so excited for our friends that have found jobs. We know that we'll find a job too -- Heavenly Father will answer our prayers; in His own time and in His own way.

Trains!

A few weeks ago we were able to go and tour some real trains as part of "National Train Day"

Colton LOVES trains and ran from each one to get to the next - it was so cute to see him enjoying the real thing! We of course loved that it was free!

Graduation, Global Gala and Goodbyes!

(It only took 3 weeks to post)

It's hard to believe how FAST the time has gone, but also funny to think how slow it felt at times too! Colton was only 13 months when we moved here and had just started walking - now he's almost three and won't slow down!

The graduation ceremony was great (but also really long - glad we left Colton with a babysitter). We took some pics beforehand so that we could have Colton in them.

My boys! (Aren't they adorable?)

Traeger Family 2009

Unfortunately, I took the pictures of Seth at graduation (I should never be in charge of pictures!) so here's the ones that sort of turned out.

From L to R: Ann, Ron, Hank, Carrie, Sheryl, Elva, Ken and Karl
Thanks guys for coming out to support Seth!

To start the ceremony they had the "Parade of International Flags" featuring 35 nations - Each flag was carried by a graduating student from that nation who then introduced their country.

Our friend, Petko, carrying the Bulgarian flag

I already warned you that my picture taking abilities are greatly lacking... well, I didn't even see Seth as he walked by during the processional, so I had to run up the aisle and try again!

This was my 2nd attempt!

By the time they got to calling the names I realized my best chance of catching something memorable was to use the video feature. Here is Seth's name being called and accepting his diploma (also got Dawson in there too!).

If you watch the video, you'll see Seth "tapping elbows" with the school's president. He asked that the students do this because of Swine Flu fears.

The family with the graduate!

With our friends, the Webster's. This was the only pic we got of friends after the ceremony. Thanks Wendy for sending this to us - of course our's did not turn out as nicely! :)

Graduation ended a little after 5 and by 7:30 we were out the door to the Global Gala for all of the graduates.

Don't we look like we should be going to Homecoming? Ha Ha

With Petko and Nellie

Just say No! ha ha - Petko wanted Seth to try a cigar - not gonna happen :)

Finally they let us take a nice picture!

We had a great time at the Global Gala but we were exhausted so we came home at 10:30. Aren't we the party animals?

With graduation, comes Goodbyes and the first of many were the Websters. They packed up and moved out only 2 days after graduation! (Wendy I don't know how you did it?!) Xander and Colton became great friends over the last (almost) 2 years and even 3 weeks later he still wants to go to "Xando's house"

Trying to "hide" in Xander's car - I have a feeling they wouldn't be able to get too far without realizing that Colton was in their car!

Goodbye Xander, Eliza, Wendy and Ben! We miss you guys already!

PHEW! What a weekend it was! (Glad it's over!)