Happy Face

Does that just make you happy or what?!

Thanks for the pic Susan.

Growing so fast!

We took a trip to Oregon a few weeks ago and here are just a few of the pics. Sorry there's not more- I just get too impatient waiting for photos to upload. We had a blast. Thank you Joni and Gordon and Fam. We watched football, and volleyball, saw the coast, went to an awesome aquarium. We had beautiful weather. And just not enough time.

Carter learned all about FunDip!

Carter, Jason, Aunt Joni, Whitney, Me and Brady after Colton's football game.

Carter was scared to death of Kona on day1 but by day2 they were inseparable. They played catch out in the back yard. Muddy football+Cute Dog=Happy Muddy Boy!

And now that we're back... Brady started sitting up all by himself! I can't believe how fast he's growing. Man I love that boy!

Not Ready

Well- not even a full day of potty training and I'm already giving up. For those of you who know me- you know I always try things too early (switching to a twin bed before Carter was ready). And I guess this was one of those things too. I just thought he could do it. Here's the problem- he knows how to hold it (which is pretty much what he did all day), and he knows how to go (which happened twice in the toilet.) but he just doesn't want to. And I don't know HOW to make a kid go to the bathroom when he doesn't WANT to! Is this normal?! We spent countless times on the toilet singing songs, talking about all the other "big boys" who also go to the potty on the toilet, played with the toilet paper holder, made our pooping faces (in an effort to help him push), and tried to aim into the toilet (which isn't natural for a boy sitting down), all this while Brady watched- (Carter was pretty excited to show Brady how big he was... for about 5 seconds.)

So ANYWAY, after about 5 cups of juice, and a concerned Carter playing uncomfortably, and trying really hard to hold it as long as he could- I decided to put the diaper back on. AND he went. Aaahhh... relief for him. Frustration for me. I guess that's what I get for starting too early.

Ready or not...

THIS is what we're up to. Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday Carter!!!

It seems that I am always playing catch up. I don't know why- but I have a hard time finding motivation to update our blog! I love looking at everyone else's and I finally decided I better document Carter's birthday (which was in July!) So Happy Birthday Carter!

The first thing out of his mouth in the morning was "Birthday Cake?" Well... um... no. We had to remind him throughout the day that we didn't get cake until after dinner. But he sure had fun opening presents all day long!
Do you think he was excited about his remote control truck?

And here's his cake. He's not really in to 1 thing right now- but he always loves "Monkey George" so that's what I did. And next year?... We'll do a store bought one.

And here's my sweet baby boy. Oh I just love those squishy cheeks!

I'll have to do a video sometime- but Brady was giggling so hard just watching Carter talk to him. Carter thought it was pretty cool. "He's laughing Mommy!" Was all I heard (repeated over and over) for about 10 minutes!

I'm glad they love eachother so much.

4th of July Trip

We've been home 1 week and I FINALLY feel like we're gaining control of things again. It's a little rough after 2 weeks of complete fun to get back into "real" life. We've finished phase 1: got the house cleaned, and now we're headed into phase 2: Detox. We really enjoy food- and with a pantry stocked with what some of us would call a year supply- we ate and ate and ate. I found myself wandering into the pantry "accidentally" as I was headed somewhere else- just to window shop. And Carter thinks that Suckers and icecream come with every meal now.

You could find Carter looking like this after every swim. Mmmm.... Everyone should have an icecream machine.
We had a blast with all of Jason's Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins from the Sant Fam. We love you guys. You may notice the familiar graveside pose. It's always a special memory to visit Jason's Dad's graveside in Bountiful. And good ol' "Uncle Geek Geek" (left). Carter's still talking about him.

We played with the cousins

We swam

We ate icecream

We went to the Dinosaur Park

We played in the rain

We played in the play house (Carter's favorite)

We went to a Parade

We watched fireworks

We swam

We ate icecream

We went to Children's Discovery Museum

We rode scooters

We rode 4 wheelers

We rode a horse

We went to Lagoon

We played with more cousins

We went to the Cabin. Sigh...

We played in the Gym (Another favorite for Carter)

We watched movies

We swam

We ate icecream

We played Volleyball

We played basketball

We ended with a trip to Grand Junction

We went to my Highschool reunion. 10 years!

We loved Every Second of it.

And in case you're wondering where my othere son is?! Yes, Brady did come with us and managed to make it in 2 of the above pictures. I think I took about 200- and He only made it in a handful. I can only get him Laying around in so many places before it gets boring.

Heartbroken

My heart is breaking. One of my closest friends here in Las Vegas is moving back to Utah- and we said our goodbyes today. It's been a busy week and an emotional week. Trying to fit in all of our walks, and play dates, and trying to talk about something besides "the move." I've had my melt downs, and now I'm trying to be a "big girl" and accept the fact that this is part of life. But I Just. Don't. Like it!

With that said, this has made me so grateful for all the wonderful friendships I've made in my life, and I'm Sooooo... grateful for all of my friends here in Vegas who make living here so Wonderful. I don't know what I'd do without you.

We love you Lauren! We're going to miss you. And even though you'll never find a group of girls as great as us ;) we hope you LoVe your new digs! And don't worry- we'll be seeing you.