Jason:: New Bike

It was just last year that we got Jason a bigger bike and already he outgrew it. We had a bigger bike that had been Nathan's, but it never was a great bike (which is why we got Nathan a new one last year). So, we bit the bullet and purchased Jason a big bike like Nathan. It is a little too big for him, but that doesn't stop the kid from getting on and flying away!!

We can't wait to go out for a long bike ride and not have to stay in the first gear the whole time to wait for the kids. I think Jason will have to slow down so we can keep up with HIM.

I am so thankful that Dan works the extra hours he does so we can afford a luxury like this- I love my man!!

A Rainbow- God's Promise

It rained yesterday and through the night. When we woke up this morning- this is what we saw. Thank you God for your promises!

I am so glad I took this picture- soon after it melted away into the sky. Unfortunately the picture doesn't do the real thing justice!

Local Hike:: Laguna Canyon

Today we went to a local area to do a short hike. In Laguna Canyon is Nix Nature Center and trail head. It is the starting point for several different routes- we chose an intermediate one that wouldn't take too long, but wouldn't be to short either! Nathan is great to hike with- he is slow and steady. He doesn't complain, but just keeps going till he gets there. Jason has to whine the whole time and then use up all his energy running up and back, up and back. Unfortunately we couldn't take Chloe with us- we missed her energy! Happy Trails....

and so it begins-

hidden beauty-

up the steep hill-

at the top with the Edison towers-

pit stop and snack break-

boys & Barbara's Lake-

looking over Dan's shoulder-

Back at the Nature center-

Rolling Along

Today the boys decided that they wanted to go roller skating. Jason uses Nathan's old skates and Nate is on some hand-me down roller blades. Although I find blades much easier to skate with, you definitely need to know what you are doing and keep your legs and ankles strong (easy to bend them the wrong way).

Jason is a pro now and is so proud of himself scooting around the complex- more practice and one of these days we will go to a rink for some real fun!

Hey, maybe they will be good enough before I am too old to skate with them!

A Visit From Ryan

Ryan was home this past week for his Spring Break. He spent time with both of his families, hung out with friends, caught up on rest and even did some homework. The boys (Dan too) LOVED having him home for some wrestling and Lego building.

As soon as he came- he was off again. He will be back soon though for summer break!

We love you Ryan!

Rainy Day Fun

What do YOU do on a rainy day?

The Crouts stayed in ALL day and had a wonderful time!

Dogs- wrestled, begged for food, slept and went out when it wasn't raining

Mom- did 1,000 piece puzzle and finished it that day (by 10pm with the help of Dan)

Kids- watched Netflix, built forts, played with toys, ate and watched more Netflix!

Dad (not pictured)- played Mass Effect 3 and worked on computer!

Brywood Talent Show 2012

The Crazy Crouts made an appearance this year at the annual talent show. Again, they were first up and had a crowd pleasing song and performance. This year they danced (and lip-synced) to "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5. About 80 seconds were cut out of the song- we figure less is more when it comes to this kind of thing!!

I will post a clip of their act, but for now the pictures will have to suffice. Here they are demonstrating some of their moves.

New Year's Resolution

I don't know if it is a resolution as much as a change in our life that happened to begin in the new year. Dan decided that on January 1st he would stop drinking soda (Coke is his favorite) and cut out gluten (i.e.-bread, pasta, pizza). We lived it up on New Year's Eve and went cold turkey the next day.

Right away Dan was feeling better and noticed a difference. We took it to another level by starting Herbalife. Our weight loss goal is our trip to Hawaii in April, but this is a life change that we are determined to make. Dan won't stick with something if he feels like he is depriving himself of something- and he is sticking to it.

We have now been on Herbalife for 8 weeks and Dan has lost 12 pounds (15 since the beginning of the year). He looks AMAZING and still wants to lose about 15 to 20 more! I on the other hand have lost about 5 pounds, but didn't need to lose much. My personal goal is to replace fat with muscle and be leaner and healthier. I have made a good start and look forward to see the continued results. My body shape is changing for the better!

I am doing a Jillian Michael's workout most days and enjoy changing it up day to day. I also walk with a friend once a week (4 to 5 miles) and then walk Chloe and the boys to and from school. My energy level has been great and I have felt less sleepy in the afternoon. Turning 40 was a big wake up call for me- I really needed to step up my game when it came to my health routine so that I want get flabby and lazy.

Our trip is a short 5 1/2 weeks away and we are getting so excited, but the best part that we will feel and look great and be ready for the many adventures (hiking, snorkeling and kayaking) we plan on experiencing while we are there!

Three strikes- You're OUT!

If you thought this was going to be a post about baseball- you would be wrong!

Tonight we pulled Jason's 2nd tooth out of his mouth. It was super loose, but I couldn't get a good handle on it with a kleenex and my fingers. So, we went the old fashioned route. Yes, you guessed right. We tied his tooth with dental floss and tied the other end to the door knob. It took three times for it to finally came out, but it finally did! Note to self, don't use the glide dental floss- it kept sliding off his small and wiggly tooth.

Once it happened it was so fast that he didn't even know it was out.

Jog-A-Thon

Today we had our annual Brywood Jog-A-Thon. It was so much fun to help out and to see my kids run around the field. The kids had to run for a solid 30 minutes (which is a long time). They had loud music playing, water for them to drink and shouts from the crowds (I love it when parents can support their kid's activities).

First up was Jason's group (1st and 2nd graders). He was having a ball and ran for most of the race. I was surprised and proud of his efforts.

Then came Nathan's group (3rd and 4th graders). They were a rowdy bunch who threw more water on each other then drank it, but was fun to watch all the same. Nathan ran and picked up discarded cups along the way- so cute!

San Juan Loop Trail

The Crouts hit the road again today for another adventure in nature. We had so much fun 2 weeks ago out on the trails that we HAD to do it again! We went out Ortega Highway to the San Juan Loop Trail. This is a kid and dog friendly hike. There aren't supposed to be cyclists, but we saw two small groups. There was also a trail run going on and we had to jump out of their way from time to time. Chloe was supposed to stay on her leash, but she HATES being on it when we are on the trail. She pulls so hard that she is breathing hard and sounds like she is choking. As soon as we took her off she was happy, stayed with us and was the best trail puppy EVER!!

Again, Jason marveled at all the trees that were around us- This area of Orange/Riverside County is so beautiful!

Here we are at the beginning of our hike. It was a beautiful, clear day- not too hot and not too cold!

Since we took Chloe off the leash and wanted to get out of the way of the trail runners, we decided to go off the beaten trail (MISTAKE). We did come across some beautiful areas, but we were doing some serious SQUEEZING through tight areas that are not intended for humans to walk through. Chloe was in heaven- she could go anywhere and get through anything, but the humans (especially the adult ones) had a more difficult time.

We actually went through that- how you ask? It was hard and I have the scratches on my arms to prove it. Thankfully we were spared any Poison Oak!

I am kissing the ground of the trail once we were back on it. I never thought I would be so excited to see it. Although the off road hiking was challenging, I will say that it was a joy to see the boys problem solve and be awesome "trail blazers". I think they have a future in hiking!

We are coming back again soon! After we left we headed to Lake Elsinore which was the closest gas station. Although we came prepared with lots of snacks and water- we forgot to check the gas meter. Oh well, it all turned out! The one down side of taking Chloe with us is having to wash her when we get home (she gets DIRTY). I also took the opportunity to trim her hair which had gotten really long! Our reward for our efforts? Yummy Oggi's pizza for dinner.