Catching Up

Summer is in full swing and I thought I'd update on what we've been up to so far...you know...before the snow starts. We've been having a ton of fun, traveling like crazy, and I'm one exhausted mama. I think that once upon a time I used to be able to stay up past 10 pm and not feel it, but those days are so 10 years ago. First up was a girls weekend in Austin for FOUR whole days by myself. My sister Ash recently abandoned me out here in the midwest and moved to Texas. I was having some serious issues/withdrawals/tantrums thinking about being here in Chicago while they got to be so close together, so my parents took pity and flew me down. I guess there are some perks to being the only one not in driving distance. This was the first time since I had a child over 4 years ago that I flew by myself. Alone. Who knew that you could get through security that quick? Or that you could get through a flight without having a drink spilled on you or peanuts stuck to your face? Thanks a ton Mom and Dad for the priceless experience! Here are all of us girls after a weekend of chick flicks, massages, 2 (okay maybe 3) dozen donuts, shopping, and lots of time spent chatting and laughing. Don't I look relaxed? (I stole the pic from your blog Valerie - hope that's okay!) Next up was a trip to California. Evan's sister got married at the end of June and we figured as long as we were flying all four of us out there (it physically pains me that we have to buy Cade a ticket now too) we might as well make a vacation out of it too. I have to mention that I tried my best to remember everything but when you're packing for three, some things slip through the cracks. When we showed up in LA, I had 2 sets of fully charged batteries but NO camera. Thanks to everyone who did take pictures and let me have copies! So here we are at Disneyland at the end of the day. Evan might have choked as we paid to get in, but it's the happiest place on earth and we were going to make memories darn it! So we pushed the kids till 10:30 pm and only had to survive 2 (okay maybe 3) of Cade's award winning tantrums. Memories were made (good ones too!) so mission accomplished.

Colt on a ride. Funny that the picture we got was of the carousel because this boy was fearless and went on everything.

Cade on a ride. He wasn't quite as fearless.

One tuckered out two year old.

We also checked out a cute little family farm that had animals to feed, tractors to ride, and haystacks to climb. Cade was trying to keep up with Colt and his cousin all week. Here he is working hard to catch up. Almost there...

Made it!

We kept having to remind Colt that the carrots he's holding were for the animals. The boy is a rabbit and the poor donkeys were getting the shaft.

I'm not caught up yet but the kiddos are begging for dinner and once they've decided they're hungry, there's no changing their minds. I wonder where they learned that from? Until next time (or next month...who am I kidding?)

When Dad's in Charge

And he takes you on your very first Father/Son Campout with the rest of the dads and their boys from church...
You end up, after getting ready for the morning, looking like this (and yes, those are pajamas doubling as pants).

Then Dad takes you on a cool hike, dressed in your very best camouflage sweatsuit, and teaches you how to blend completely into your surroundings.

I think someone forgot to mention to Cade that he doesn't exactly blend in.

Ps - kudos to Evan for taking both kiddos with him on the campout. He was understandably nervous that while helping one out, the other might jump into the fire or something. Everyone came home unscathed, dirty, and completely exhausted. I, on the other hand, felt ridiculously rested.

Birthday Boy

As of two days ago, my baby is officially two and truthfully, he's not a baby. He's a full fledged toddler and right on cue has started acting like a two year old, complete with Academy Award worthy tantrums and the declaring of his independence. I'm pretty sure that I hear, "I do it" about 3,258 times a day. It seems we're right on schedule. So how to celebrate his big day? My goal was to say "no" as little as possible. To let him try it on his own even if it meant waiting three hours for him to buckle his carseat or put his own shoes on or bathe himself... and losing my mind in the process. Cade also determined the menu for the day, starting with pancakes.

After uploading his birthday pictures, I realized that every one of them was of him in his seat at the kitchen table eating or about to eat. Pretty accurate for how I think birthdays should be celebrated.

Ready for cake. Colt had a hard time at the beginning of the day realizing that it was not his birthday being recognized, but perked right up once he realized he got quite a few of the birthday benefits.

Does this cake look familiar? Let's rewind two or so years to Colt's 2nd birthday. What can I say? I order cakes with the best of 'em.

I love this little man something fierce. This second time around I've remembered how much I love this stage. The part where they really start talking and telling you how they see the world. I asked Cade what he wanted for dinner and he said rice. I asked him what else and he answered water. What? After a little more conversation he settled on a burger from "Cheeseburger King" (as it's known around here). I love how he makes me laugh and will still snuggle with me before a nap or sometimes, for no reason at all. I'm more than grateful that we were blessed to have Cade come to our family.

Here's a couple of videos from the birthday festivities (mostly for the grandmas/aunts out there but for anyone else who cares to look too). On the first video, check out Cade singing to himself and Evan's sweet "zoom in" skills. The second video is Colt's take on the whole birthday thing.

The Rundown

I'm back with a recap of the last couple of months. Spring is here, we're moved into our house (hallelujah for my house!), and I'm ready to get back to blogging so here goes.

- Mom and Sis (and Logan too) were in town to help with the big move. It was a huge help to have them here. I talked my mom into staying a good 10 days which, considering Evan went out of town for work, had finals, and I had the stomach flu, was priceless. Have I mentioned that I love being in a house again? I have loved the space, especially the backyard that I can send (and sometimes force) the kids into when I start reaching my crazy mom status. I'm not alone here in noting this change since Colt recently told me, "You are such a nice mommy again." Hmmm. Suffice it to say, this was a good move for everyone.

- Evan's parents and sister Jen, home from a mission to St. Louis, came into town and got right to work painting. I can always count on some sort of project getting done while they're here. Not to mention that Jen watched my kids the whole day Evan's mom and I were painting. Her help was heaven sent, since not once did I have my kids near wet paint.

- Chanel and family came to visit! Seriously felt like the good ole days in Castle Rock with her right down the street. Except that she was in my house instead! We got to talk for hours without the phone plastered to my ear. Made me miss her so much when she left but she was nice enough to leave her love of Trader Joe's with me. I'm pretty sure that their salsa has changed my life.

- Family vacation to Nauvoo - a town just four hours away from us that has a lot of meaningful and significant church historical sites. This was the first time that we took off on a trip with just our little family in tow and we loved it! Besides, you know, the whining, crying, tantrums, etc. And what's more, I took pictures and everything.

When we drove in, this sweet elderly sister missionary told us that Nauvoo was the best bargain for miles around which was music to Frugal Evan's ears. She was right too since the church has so many free things for kids/families to do. We started off with a wagon ride around Nauvoo. Cade was prepared with every blanket we had brought/he could possible carry. You can never be too prepared I guess.

Can you tell who was the hot commodity during the weekend? The boys had the best seats in the house, right behind the huge horses. I'm proud of Evan here, since he has admitted to having a slight fear of "large livestock." I'm loving that grin on Colt's face - can we say mischievous?

There is a family center in Nauvoo where you can learn how the pioneers made candles, bread, wool, etc. Here's Colt posing as he helps make rope. Or really, watches his dad help.

Our dinner Saturday night. Little did we know that everything in town closes at 7 pm. Sharp. I was what you might call grumpy when we had to make do with what the gas station had to offer. I think I need to start taking pictures of these boys more often. Getting them to look at the camera is a Herculean effort.

What would a family trip be without an excursion down to the hotel pool? Especially when you've got a dad willing to give rides around it.

Colt was not exactly happy with us when pool time was over.

All of us in front of the gorgeous Nauvoo temple. Evan and I took turns watching the kids so each of us could go. All in all, I would say the trip was a success. Evan and I both loved learning more about the early church pioneers who had lived there. Granted the kids weren't as into the tours, especially since Evan and I said, "SHHHH!" or "Don't touch!" or "I mean it!" about a bazillion times. We got smart by the end and started taking turns going on the tours and reporting back about what we'd learned. It was amazing to feel of the spirit of Nauvoo and learn about the sacrifice and dedication of those early saints. On the car ride home (with both kids comatose in the back), Evan and I both commented on how strengthened we felt by the example of those pioneers. Kind of puts my complaining about our gas station dinner in perspective doesn't it?

-Last but not least, my sister Ashley came to visit this past week. This was her last visit out here since she's leaving me all alone in the Midwest and moving to Texas in May. We played with the kids, went to the children's museum and like usual, ate. Though I will say that since Ashley is on a healthy eating kick, eating together was not the same. After all the broccoli and sugar free snacks, I am seriously ready for a cheeseburger and fries. And a milkshake too - a big one.

Recap

Merry Christmas! This picture probably would have been more appropriate say in, I don't know, December, but nonetheless here is our Christmas rundown. Twas the night before Christmas and not a happy boy was to be found. Granted, the boys aren't smiling in this picture but it's the only one that they're all looking at the camera. They were much more excited for Christmas than this. Promise. And note the matching Christmas eve pajamas.

Now it's Christmas morning and there's the smile. This is too funny to me because of all the things that Santa and Mom/Dad/Nana/Papa brought, this is what Colt gets excited about. Look Mom! Candy!

A book!

Fast forward to 3 days later and we celebrated Colt's 4th birthday. My little man is growing up and I love him to pieces. Bet you can't tell what the theme was. He's been asking for a Spiderman birthday since well, his last birthday, and he never wavered. Oh and look at the cake I made! Just kidding, I'm a lame mom who buys the birthday cake.

I didn't make the cake but I won't shy away from hoisting all 40 pounds of this boy up to blow out his candles.

The big present. Now there's a reaction over something worth smiling about.

What happens when it's not your bike, your party or your birthday.

He's off! Colt really started to get the hang of this while we were down in Texas. The bike is on sabbatical while we wait for Chicago to get above freezing. Here's some of the other things we did while deep in the heart of Texas.

Eat with our Batman mask on. Nana not only allows stuff like this at her dinner table, she encourages it.

Bowling! I think it's safe to say that Evan and I stunk it up. I'm pretty sure my 4 year old got a better score than me.

Raquetball. Many hours were spent on the court though I didn't make it out this trip. I was too busy stuffing my face with Tex/Mex food and Shipley's donuts. I also don't have the best record with a raquet. I tend to hit myself as opposed to the ball.

Swinging. At the park. Wearing short sleeve shirts. Look at that sky! This is the reason I decided for about a month to forget that I live in Chicago and pretend that I live in a place where you can wear shorts in December. Which is also why I wasn't in the same state as Evan when he celebrated his 30th birthday. We did throw him a little surprise party down in Texas before he left, but luckily we have some friends who took care of him on the actual day.

They fed him, made him a cake, and made sure that he actually recognized the day. Evan was a little hesitant to acknowledge the whole 30 thing. I love this man. He's the best guy I know and an even better dad. I think it's safe to say that I lucked out 5+ years ago.

The latest news for us is that we're saying goodbye to the apartment life (no tears shed here) and saying hello to a house! We bought a house and move next week. Hopefully this turns out better for us than Colorado did. My mom and sis make their way here on Tuesday and I'm beside myself that they're coming to help. Especially since I haven't packed a thing. What can I say - I work better under pressure.

Happy Valentine's Day!

From Colt - striking a pose like nobody's business.

From Cade - who recently won the gold medal for cheesiest smile. Is anyone else obsessed with these Olympics like I am? Just yesterday I thought my heart was going to beat right out of my chest during the Nordic combined.

From the both of them - notice Colt (who has perfected Cade's smile) hoarding a toy just out of Cade's reach. Standard practice around our house these days. Evan keeps promising they'll be best of friends any day now and that wrestling is just how boys show their love. I think we need some more estrogen around here if that's the case. Oh and Ash, this picture is for you. Remind you of anything?

Ps - we have celebrated some holidays since Halloween i.e. Christmas, New Year's, Evan and Colt's birthdays. Pictures coming soon - as in before the 4th of July - I promise.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas too! Better get it all in there since I tend to not be the best blogger around the holidays. I actually had a goal to get my Halloween pics up before Thanksgiving and well, I think it's time to start setting more realistic goals for myself. So without further ado, our halloween:

I will say I liked Halloween much better this year which is saying something considering my confession last year. Maybe it was the fact that there was double the candy for me to "help" the boys eat with Cade making the trip to the doors this year too. Maybe it was the absolute perfect fall night, complete with leaves crunching under your feet (I love how we have yet to have our first snowfall - YAY!) It was just a really good night with my favorite boys and I think I'm really starting to accept a night dedicated to sugar.

Since this was my first time to try and be creative pretty much ever, I had to document it. The kids had a lot of fun and I had a lot of fun prodding Colton to tell me how much he loved it. And for the adoring aunts out there (and anyone else who wants to take the time) a video:

Oh and an update on my "Joker" status. It seems I've been upgraded to the "Catwoman" lately. I'm just saying. My son refuses to be called anything but Batman. Ever. His preschool teacher told me that they even had to sing the "Hello" song to Batman, not Colton. Hmmmmm. There are worse things and as long as he keeps this whole Catwoman thing up, I'm feeling just fine with the whole superhero thing.

On the Road Still

That title may be a little misleading considering the fact that we're not technically on the road at this moment, but we did roadtrip it up in October. We spent a weekend in Columbus, Ohio celebrating baby Gavin's blessing with the family. It was a great weekend after the brutal cartrip to Columbus (imagine nonstop rain, traffic, whiny kids, and one controlling side seat driving wife all of which made for some "tension," if you will, between Evan and I). There were definitely better pictures than the one above but I couldn't resist showing how extremely photogenic my children are. If you look closely, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Here are my parents with all of their grandkids. I had to post this one because a) Colt and my mom are matching and b) my parents look so darn happy. I think it's safe to say there are no pictures of my parents with us when we were little enjoying themselves this much. I'm going to try and not read too much into that fact.

Our second roadtrip was to Indianapolis for the big races. And yes, I'm counting my 5K as one of those "big" races. It was big for me people, so it counts. Here's Evan and our friends, Katie and Dave, after running 26.2 miles (a serious form of torture if you ask me). Since I had finished my pathetic 3 miles a good 3 hours before, I didn't feel right posing with the runners during this photo. I just don't think that my makeup and showered self would have shown all I had truly suffered. Speaking of suffering, Evan has now lost FIVE toenails. Ew. We are this close to enforcing a "you must wear socks to bed if you have missing toenails" rule.

On the Road Again

I'm pretty sure that back to back posts have never happened in the history of my blog, but for this little guy it was absolutely necessary. Tomorrow I leave to go see sweet baby Gavin, who arrived on Sunday night, a full three weeks early for my sister Ashley. Rest assured I will be picking her brain trying to figure out the secret to getting a baby to come early.

Try and tell me that those cheeks aren't completely edible. I'm already madly, truly, deeply in love with this little man and can't wait to be his favorite aunt (somewhere I hear sisters and sisters-in-law crying out in protest). More pictures to follow after a weekend spent eating my little nephew up.

Quick sidenote: somehow my beloved son Colton has taken to calling me "Joker." As in The Joker - you know - the villain from Batman? I thought it was a little phase that I could laugh off. One that would hopefully last a day? Maybe two, max. That just wasn't to be. Here are some things I've heard in our house lately:

(During prayers): "We're so grateful for the dinner Mom - I mean - the Joker made us."

"Joker, come wipe my bottom."

"I love you Joker."

And the kicker. (While bringing me a copy of Evan's The Dark Knight DVD and pointing to a beyond creepy picture of Heath Ledger): "Look Joker, it's a picture of you!"

Niiiiiice. It wouldn't be so bad if Evan wasn't affectionately being called Superman and Cade, The Hulk. How did I get stuck being the only villain in the family?

Our Weekend

Labor day for us included:

- Some camping. No pictures (I was too busy keeping my children out of the fire) but a fun time was definitely had by all. Oh and have we talked about how much I loathe outhouses? Evan was lucky enough to accompany me to the outhouse in the middle of the night. I even made the poor man come inside with me. I just can't summon up enough courage to go alone when it's dark outside. He was even nice enough to hold the lantern for me (but drew the line at holding my hand). Who says chivalry is dead?

- Some BYU football. Go Cougs! Such a wild, crazy and fun game to watch. I love fall and I especially love college football, more specifically BYU football.

-Hanging out at Ocean Michigan. I know some prefer to call it "Lake" Michigan but anytime you can't see land as far as the eye can see, I'll refer to it as the ocean, thank you very much. I kept having to remind myself that this was freshwater and absolutely no sharks were going to get me. I also kept asking Evan if there was any way possible that Lake Michigan connected to the ocean. Go ahead, call me paranoid. It would be an accurate description. This was the kiddos on the way home from a day spent under the sun and in the water.