A Day At The Zoo!

On Friday, Chad and I decided that we would head up to the Zoo. Chad had not been there in over 10 years and the kids absolutely love it. We invited Dave and Michelle to come with us. Going in the morning ended up being a great idea since it didn't get too hot until the afternoon and ended up not being too crowded. It was fun spending the day with the kids and our friends. Thanks Dave and Michelle for coming with us!

Here is Gaver riding the gorilla on the new carousel.

Breezy riding the hippo.

What a good looking family!

Chad and Gavin getting ready for the train ride!

Mommy and B's on the train!

Michelle and Emma

Bre and Emma checking out the turkeys

Gavin and Bre trying to get a closer look

Happy Daddy's Day Chad!

I just wanted to take some time and tell Chad what an amazing dad he is! Gaver's and B's absolutely adore him and love being with him. I know without a doubt that Gavin and Bre will learn and grow so much through his example and love. There have been countless times that I have come home from work and Chad is in Breezy's room playing kitchen or dressing up her babies or fighting bad guys and playing super heroes with Gavin. He always makes sure that the time he has with the kids counts. His family is number one! My favorite is when Gavin and I say our prayers, each time Gavin always blesses his daddy to be safe at work. They are always thinking about him! He is an inspiration to me, Gavin, and Bre. We are so lucky to have him in our lives and benefit from the amazing person that he is. Chad is my rock and I thank him for his unconditional love, his dedication to his family, and his way making sure we are not taking life too seriously. I hope that he has a Happy Father's Day, even if he is at work!
We love you!
Wee's, Gaver's and Bre's

Happy Father's day!

Happy Father's day to Laurey and Marvin!

I just love my dad so much. He has been my number one supporter my entire life. He had 3 girls that he would do anything for. We always knew that when mom said no that we could go and ask dad! He likes to try to act tough but we know that he is a big teddy bear. I am grateful that I was blessed enough to have him as my dad and Gaver's and B's love him as their Bompa. I know without a doubt that I would not be where I am today if it weren't for his love, support, and endless belief in me! Thanks dad for being a huge part of my life! I love you!

Marv is the best father-in-law that anyone could ask for. He is probably the hardest worker that I know and a genius when it comes to fixing really anything. He is such a softy when it comes to his grandkids and they love their Papa so much. I can definitely tell that Gavin is a Pate when he asks me if we can take apart his bike and put it back together! Marv is always concerned and will always be the first one to ask how things are going. I absolutely love how sweet and caring he is! Happy Father's Day Marv!

A fun day of fishing!

This year Chad has to work almost every holiday, so we are starting to celebrate them a little early. On Friday, we decided that we would take the kids fishing and have some fun. There is a fun little fishing pond and park in Herriman that was close enough and easy to access. This little pond is perfect! We struggled in the fishing department because we realized that we had bought the crushed shrimp and it kept flying off everytime we would cast. However, if you ask Gavin he will tell you that we did catch some seaweed, just no fish! After fishing we took Gaver's and B's over to the park to play. They had a blast of course playing on the toys. We ended a little early because some kids from another party decided that it was okay to include us in their water fight! Overall, we had a good time spending a day as a family.

I was afraid these guys were going to get a fishing hook in the back!
Bre loves the slides!
Gavin showing off his fishing skills. He was explaining how to cast.
Gavin showing some love towards his sister.
Chad trying to figure out a way to get the shrimp to stay on!
Bre showing off her dancing skills. Not into the whole fishing thing!
Gavin climbing high like Spiderman!

Happy Birthday Gavin!!!!

A little late but that's okay! My little guy turned 4 on Sunday! We had both mine and Chad's families over for a little party and he had a great time. Gavin made sure that everyone who came through our door had a present for him. He was so excited for this day to come and as you can see, he was not disappointed.

Gavin with Nana and Papa
Gavin with Bompa and Grandma Kari
Bre lovin' the ice cream!
My nephew Cole getting in on some of the ice cream action!
Gavin with his buddies!

Gaver with mommy and daddy!
Gavin holding up one of his presents!
Gaver & Dylan sitting in front of his presents.
Gaver wanted a Transformer cake. Not what I had in mind but it will do!
Gaver and Kailee on his new trampoline! He wakes up every morning asking if he can go out and jump.
I am so lucky to be his mom!

One Hell of a Week!

School is out and all I have to say is GOOD RIDDANCE! I mean, this was a fun year and I had an amazing class; however, there were too many things going on in one week. Can you say taking inventory, grading, cumulative files, checking out, packing a classroom, finding babysitters, babysitting, having a nephew in the hospital, and husband out of town! Yeah, that was my week, enough said!

Pictures with an Update!

I wanted to post about planting our Bubba tree over Memorial weekend, but the rain prevented that from happening. We get to do that this weekend when Chad is home. Instead I decided now would be a great time to write an update on the Pate family and show off my lil' kiddies since I think they are the cutest!

Chad - As you know is working full-time for Midvale Fire and part-time for Saratoga Springs fire. Between those two departments he is very busy, but has decided that he wants to enroll in fall semester at UVSC to work towards his Paramedic.

Me - I have one week left of school and I can't wait to actually have a summer this go around. The last two summers I have been working on my Master's degree which I received on May 3rd. I am also moving to a new school and possibly a new grade. I may be moving from 6th to 1st...can you say crazy!!! I am a little excited and little freaked out, but either way I know I will have a good time.

Gavin - Is turning 4 on Sunday! Where did time go? He also just finished his first year of preschool and loved it. He didn't sing at the celebration because he said he was too shy (ya right!). Gavin is such an inquisitive boy, he wants to know how things work, why things happen, and how to fix things. I am amazed at the things he comes up with and what he can actually do. His new saying is "totally" and he uses it whenever he can. Right now Gavin loves Transformers, looking through books, and doing anything as long as it is outside. I love this boy!

Bre - Is is 21 months old and is my sidekick! She loves Dora and loves to sing the Dora song, which is the cutest thing to hear. She also loves music and dancing. Whenever we are in the car she screams "up" which is our cue to turn the radio up. She bounces her head and tries to sing a long. Her new saying is "No I don't" and Chad loves to get her to say it! Bre always has to have her 3 babies and her two Dora blankets before she even think about going to sleep. She is very head strong but such a sweetie. She is all girl but enjoys hanging with the boys. I absolutely love having a little girl!

Visiting dad at the Fire Station!
Gaver driving the fire truck.
Gaver and B's playing super heroes!
Mom and B's.
B's keeping her candy from Bubba! We miss him so much!

Breezy showing off her mouth after eating a BLUE sucker! Chad giving Gavin a haircut with Bre as his audience.
Building a hut and playing with Gaver's and B's.
Lil' Miss Breezy!
Gaver pretending to drive Bre around at Daddy's work. Check out that belly!

Gavin with his preschool teachers Miss Lola and Miss Norma! They were great!
Gavin at his preschool celebration!
Gavin with Grandma.
Gavin loves to climb in and cuddle with Bre!
Me and Allison my partner and crime in teaching. She is amazing!