This afternoon after track practice I got to sit in the passenger seat and Tyler drove home. He was quite nervous but did a very good job. He will start driver's ed in a month. Before then he needs to have 20 hours of drive time (2 of which has to be in the dark).
Tonight at Casey's I helped Tyler learn how to use the machine and put gas in his moped. $1.75 later he had a full tank and was off and running again.

Birthday month has been a fantastic one for Tyler. It started off with a Spring Break trip to Denver. He then took his moped rider course in Ankeny at DMACC where Rich picked him up in the "Cynistr" Charger. It ended with him getting his instructors permit and moped. He has found a new independence and loves it. Me too;) He received lots of gifts, well wishes, and cards throughout the last week. He also attended a basketball camp which he got to drive his moped to. Tomorrow he will finish up his 4 week batting clinic which he will be driving himself to. All in all a great birthday month!

While Tyler was at his class today Andrea and I went to visit her niece, Julia. She is 1 1/2 and all toddler. She explores, reads, and repeats everything you say. She will be a big sister in August.
Tyler's one step closer to being able to drive his moped in 12 days! He is required to take a moped rider course. The closest one offered was in Ankeny at DMACC. He sat through class for 6 hours. The 2 most important things he learned was the speed limit which is 30mph and don't drive when you're angry. Here he is with his certificate of completion. He also received his birthday gift from Rich and Andrea. ISU stuff: size M. He will be regifting his smalls to Andrea;)

The track meet was cancelled today due to rain. Tyler is now practicing the high jump. After we picked Tyler up from practice he announced some wonderful news. He was selected as the 8th grade Star student of the month. He demonstrated the 3Rs. Ready, Respectful and Responsible in the month of March. He received a certificate for his efforts. I am so proud of him:)

Literally a minute before the event started Coach asked Tyler to "go jump." So, in true Tyler fashion he did just what the coach asked. He went and jumped. He got second place with a jump of 4'4". Not bad for never practicing the high jump in his life.
Tyler ran the second leg of the shuttle hurdle relay. They got first place. This is also the first time Tyler's ever ran the hurdles.

He also ran the first leg (100m) of the sprint medley. They got second place. His last event was the first leg of the 4x100. They won that event. The 8th grade boys as a team lost to Cherokee.

This morning Rich and Andrea headed to Storm Lake to bring Tyler's moped. On the way they had an "incident" to say the least which caused a delay in their arrival time. They eventually made it after dad and a nice couple helped them out. We are so thankful that no one was hurt.
Grandpa and Rich looking everything over before Tyler can take it out for a spin.
Tyler taking his birthday gift for a test spin around the block. The first trip he was pretty conservative. The second trip...he found out its top speed...28mph.
Tonight, after everyone left, Tyler went out with his friends. He sported his new key chain that holds his prized moped key which he got from Hollie and Jason.

Today at school a girl told Tyler he looked "mexican." LOL. Right? So tonight I removed his mustache. Now does he look like a white boy?

A shout out to Iowa. People around them were yelling "Iowa." Tyler thought it was pretty funny.

Our vacation started Wednesday evening. Hollie picked us up from the airport while Jason and Chloe waited for us at home. Thursday and Friday we shopped til we literally dropped. Tyler and Chloe are officially dressed and ready for summer. Saturday night Jason and Tyler went to a Nuggets game. It was a slow start but the Nuggets came back from a 20 point deficit to pull off the victory. Sunday, Jason took Tyler snow skiing at Loveland. Tyler had a great time. He went down the blue diamond hills and only wiped out once. We came home today. We absolutely loved our trip to Denver! It was so fun and relaxing. Thank you Jason and Hollie for all the hospitality you showed Tyler and I. We already miss Chloe and all her hugs and kisses.

Thursday morning Tyler teaching Chloe how to bounce the ball on the paddle.
What kind of mom Tyler thinks I can...;)
TYLER
Tyler showing Chloe the artwork.
Saturday morning all of us went to the D.A.M.
Saturday afternoon Jason, Tyler, and I went to Dave n Buster's for lunch and an afternoon of games while Chloe napped. 5,000 points later Tyler called it quits.
Chloe found the perfect seat to watch tv.
A quick hug for Tyler. It's been a while since she's given him one.
Sunday evening we went to a park to play. Tyler and Jason played HORSE and 1on1. Tyler was gone from Chloe a little too long and she ran out onto the court to give him a hug.
Tyler got involved with a pick up game at the park. He made the game winning shot of the first game!