Wesley's Birthday

Wesley's 31st birthday landed on a Saturday.  I was actually all the way in Virginia for his 30th last year, so I wanted to make sure we had a special day this time.

We had to make a quick stop in the morning to run some errands.  While we were at Walmart, there were firefighters collecting donations for the families of the men who died fighting a wildfire in AZ earlier that week.  They had a rescue helicopter out in the parking lot, and were letting kids climb inside.  We let the kids each donate some cash, and then they hopped inside to have a look.

Hard to tell from this picture, but they actually thought it was pretty awesome.  We had a quiet talk afterwards with Jake about those heroes who gave their lives to keep us safe.

Recently, we discovered that there is now a Kneaders in Gilbert.  (This was one of our favorite places to eat in Utah, and we really miss it!!)  So we stopped their for lunch with the kids.

Waiting for food.

Enjoying a mouthful of sugar cookie :)

After lunch, we dropped off the kids at my parents house, and spent the afternoon and evening out, just the two of us.  Shopping, dinner, and just enjoying the alone time.  Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of us. :/

I'm so grateful that this cute guy came into my life 8 years ago.  He really is one of a kind--my best friend, a great dad, and loving husband.  This next year is going to be a little nuts.  New baby in the house, and Wes will be in his second (and from what we've heard, harder) year of his MBA program at nights.  I'm a little nervous about how we'll get through the coming months, but I know it'll be ok.  I have an amazing man by my side, and I feel so lucky.  I love you Wes, Happy Birthday!!!!

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July this year! We spent the morning just relaxing, and then took the kids out for lunch and dessert.  Later that afternoon we drove down to Gilbert so we could celebrate and watch the fireworks with my parents.

Lunch at the Pita Jungle.  I've never eaten there, but always heard good things. Oh my, was it heavenly.!! Just thinking about it is making me wanna go back right now!

seriously.. amazing.

We also tried the Gelato Spot for the first time.  The place did not disappoint!!! 

Grandma and Grandpa in Utah had sent the kids a little note earlier in the week, to tell them that they missed them.  They stuck some cash in with it, and told Jake to ask mom and dad to take him and Mia out for a treat from them :) So this was it! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!! 

After naptime we headed down to Gilbert!!

..."mom, no pictures right now, it's too hot." pretty sure thats what she was thinking ;)

We had planned on heading to a 4th Festival, but the traffic and parking were horrendous.  We opted instead, to park our cars at a shave ice shack near my parents house, that supposedly had a great view of the fireworks.

 

I think we've found a new tradition.  Snow cones, fireworks, and minimal traffic and crowds. Yes please :)

We sat in the back of our cars with blankets.  Next year we'll plan ahead and bring more pillows, and a cooler full of treats. :)

summer--the parents move to AZ!

About a week after we got back from Utah (mid-june), my parents officially drove over the state line into Arizona.  My sister Sydney came with them for the cross country drive to help out with David.  She stayed for about a week.  Within the first few days, they had closed on their brand new house.  Since then, it's been a fun but busy month with them.  While they've been busy unpacking/furniture shopping/setting up house, I've been busy in my own little nest.  We are days away from welcoming baby # 3 home, so I've been working hard to reorganize all the closets and cabinets, setting up my new nursery, buying last minute things, and cleaning cleaning cleaning.  Between all the busy times, we've still managed to get together here and there for a little fun.  Also, they've had the kids over for a sleepover a few times, which has been wonderfully helpful for me! Here are a bunch of candid photos taken over the last few weeks.  A couple big events we celebrated were the 4th of July, and Wesley's 31st birthday, but I'll write about those things in future posts.  Enjoy!

The day they got their keys :)

 The kids loved running around in the big empty house before all the furniture arrived!

Enjoying the view from the roof of Restoration Hardware.  We've been to lots of stores like this with my parents as they work hard to fill in the furniture gaps in their new house. :)

Enjoying time with Aunt Sydney :)

Keeping busy while mom was busy...

One night, Wesley had the idea to take the kids to Jambo Park after work.  It's a tiny indoor amusement park that we'd never tried out before.  It's really cheap to go after 6 pm, so we decided to surprise the kids.  Here in Arizona, it's awesome to find new fun indoor activities during the horrible hot summer.  

The place had about 5-6 rides, a large play structure, and mini golf. Honestly, we thought it was a little run down, but the kids were in heaven!!! It doesn't take much to make them happy!! 

Mia cracked us up, every time she got a ball in the hole (usually with her hand).. she'd pull it out, wave it high above her head and shout "I did it!!!"

More fun with Omi!!

They've been obsessed with taking baths in my moms tub.  Mia is allergic to pretty much all types of bubble bath, but the jets in that tub work so well, that it turned a single pump of her Mustela Cleanser into this huge pile of suds!!! So now Mia gets to enjoy lots of bubble baths, both fun filled and hypoallergenic ;)

Jake watching the guys with the big bulldozers, digging out the big hole for the pool!!

One day my dad built a tunnel fort out of a bunch of empty boxes for the kiddos.  I remember him doing this for me when I was little!!! it was definitely a hit :)

Helping Opi put together the new barstools!  I think Jake looks so grown up in this picture.

Keeping busy at Omi's!

A couple weeks ago, Jake had his first filling.  I tried hard to make it a positive experience for him, even arranged care for Mia, so I could give him my full attention.  Turns out I was worried for no reason.  He was calm from the beginning (he loves his dentist office), and once they had the laughing gas flowing, he was totally relaxed.  He literally giggled when they gave him the numbing shot.  Way to go Jakey!

At the end of his appointment, Jake got to take his mask home with him, and was sent out the door with a popsicle.  I'm now worried that he'll want to get more cavities in the future.. I think it was a little too fun for him ;)

Here's a picture of him trying to smile with a numb face, lol.

We had my parents over for dinner one night.. and my mom showed up with flowers for me.  She's so thoughtful :)  Aren't they beautiful?

Wes and I took the kids to Studio Movie Grill to see the new Despicable Me.  It was so fun going there as a family, and the kids loved being able to order dinner while we watched!! I love that place.

Speaking of movies, one night Wes and I watched David at my parents house so they could take the kids out to see Monsters University.  I'm so grateful that we have some family living near us again.  Its already been a wonderful blessing, and I know it's just going to get even better!!!