Eclairs, Toys and the 4th of July

So here is a quick catch up on what we've been doing this month. On Sunday I made eclairs, and they were way easy and so so so so yummmy, I couldn't stop eating them. I was pretty proud of myself (you could probably tell since I considered them worth putting on the blog).

Andrew frosted them for me!

Alex is so lucky to have a fun daddy and a fun uncle nearby who will take time to play with him. The track and cars are a $2 yard sale find. After I took pictures they got more creative with the track, making it go over the bean bag chair and onto the couch.

The guys were sad that the cars wouldn't go around the exer-saucer because of the toys, then they realized they could just put the track over the toys...

Then they had to hold Alex's hands away because he would grab the cars. Ha.

Aunt Tonya gave Alex these great shoes, since I think every one should wear red, white and blue for the 4th of July we got them out so Alex could wear them. He loves them!! Only not so much to actually wear on his feet, they are so great to suck on, especially those laces.

Am I a bad mom because I let my baby suck on his shoes all the time??

We packed the 4th with fun. Andrew and Alex and I went to the parade late, then left early because it was pretty lame. Then Lindsay and Carson came over and we played basketball. Alex was not very happy to be left out so we were all pretty happy when he fell asleep in the stroller so we could play.

We had a BBQ and then tried to make some homemade ice cream. Even though we left it in the ice cream maker for hours it still never got past the consistancy of a runny milkshake. It was still tasty though.

The fireworks in Cedar are not set off from a higher area so we tried to get to a high spot so we could see them. They were still pretty lame, it was more fun watching people set off fireworks at the park near our house.

Though not very impressive, we still had fun seeing the firework show. See my cute family in our patriotic attire? I love the 4th of July!!

Quick Weekend in Cali

Here are some pictures that we took at the beach during our super fast trip to California. We ended up only taking pictures at the beach (aside from two that I took in the hotel room) but the reason we went was for my uncle John's baptism. The trip was so fun and totally worth the 10 hours that it took to get there. Alex was a champ in the car, we only had to stop once so that I could feed him, other than that he was happy with bottles and rice cereal.

Highlights of the trip were:

• The Nestle Toll House Cafe that my mom spotted where she got us each a huge ice cream sandwich


• Learning how to accidently call Onstar


• The nice man who stands outside my aunt and uncle's gated community telling people the code


• The beach!!!!


• Alex only waking up once in the night in the hotel room


• Purposely calling Onstar when we got lost and were late for the baptism


• The wonderful baptism


• Getting to spend the weekend with my wonderful parents and two aunts and one uncle!

I sure love these guys!!

This was after Alex face-planted in the sand.

I love the beach! Every time I go to California I am reminded of that, the weather was so great and I just love the flowers and the ocean and the beach and the palm trees. I can totally see myself as a beach bum.

I love this picture!! My mom was nice enough to let me talk her into coming to the beach with us so she could take pictures, then she sat with Alex on the beach so Andrew and I could play in the waves! I know they both loved it, later she thanked me for having her come saying "How often do you get to sit on the beach with your grandson?"

Spring 2011

Some of the things going on lately....

Lots of people tell me Alex looks like Andrew. Does he??? I just think he looks like a cute baby.

Alex and I get to hang out all day, I love it! Well until Dad gets home, then I will gladly take a little me time.

Saturdays are for family time since Andrew is so busy during the week. Andrew took us to Moroni's Writings.

I was concentrating very hard on my lunch.
Alex has started eating solid foods, he caught right on the first time he tried it. After that it took a little time for him to remember, now he eats like a champ. I do have to ask what it is about having a mouthful of food that makes Alex sneeze?? Do they make bibs for mommy?

He makes me smile!

On this particular day I was instant messaging Andrew and we were discussing the sleepless nights we are now experiencing because Alex's sleeping habits are going downhill rather than improving. I was wondering what I could do to get this kid to sleep better and I turned around to see my little cutie playing in his exer-saucer and just being nice. He totally melts my heart and I can honestly say he is totally worth the sleepless nights and messy diapers and the spit up. I love him so so so much and I can't imagine life without him. (but if you have any helpful ideas on how to get him to sleep better at night I would love to hear them).

My wonderful husband, and son vacuuming while I sat on the couch taking pictures. Andrew loves our little guy too, he is so so cute with him. While they were vacuuming together I overheard Andrew telling Alex about life, this particular time it was about basketball. Andrew loves to talk to Alex and show him new things, when we went hiking one time Andrew kept leaving the trail so he could show Alex lizards and plants and streams and trees. He takes him around the house and lets him feel things like the glass in the window and skins of fruit. Andrew can almost always make Alex laugh too, I love seeing the two of them together. He is such a wonderful dad!

Us

Lindsay took some fun family pictures for us! Alex got tired at the end because his napping was totally thrown off, although Carson's favorites were the ones of him yawning. I sure feel lucky to have these two cuties in my life!

Campin

On Memorial Day we went on the first camping trip of the year! Alex did so great, he slept in the tent as well as he does at home (meaning waking up about 3 times so not great but oh well). I think he was warmer than me, especially when I would feed him. We got to go on a fun hike and play games and eat yummy hobo dinners and smores. It was a super fast trip though and I decided next time we go I am not packing alone because that was a ton of work for not even 24 hours. But we did have fun and I love when Andrew gets to go camping because he loves it so so much!

For Aunt Stacy and Uncle Jeremy!

The following video is of Alex's second introduction to Rex. If you need a pick me up for the day this could totally be it!

Cruisin!!

This is our, mother's day, father's day and anniversary present!! I was so excited to get it!! The sun has only come out 4 of the days since getting the jogging stroller. I used it 2 of those days, the other two we were out of town. The wind and chilliness of Cedar City are somewhat frustrating but I am determined to run the entire Canyon Trail this summer. Alex loves the stroller, the first time we went out he was looking at everything, he loves being outside so I wasn't surprised, the other time we went out he slept the entire time. Thanks for letting me get the stroller Andrew!!!

Stuff

Alex and I got to spend the week in Moab while Andrew stayed home completing his finals. It was great hanging with my family and Alex was so good the whole time, he slept way better during the night there than he ever has at home. We got to come back and celebrate Lindsay's graduation, good job Lindsay. We can also celebrate Andrew passing all of his classes, no summer school, good job babe you are awesome!

Payton and Alex reading with Grandpa
Mom's birthday present and birthday cake, I had a hand in making both.
Cute Alex being so so so good at Grandma's house.
Yay Lindsay!!!

Lil Cowboy

Thanks for the cute jammies aunt Stacy!!!!!!

Easter 2011

We had a wonderful Easter, complete with dyeing eggs, decorating and eating sugar cookies and an Easter basket full of goodies. I love going to church on Easter and getting the chance to reflect on the atonement and Resurrection.

Its so great having Lindsay and Carson so close so we could have a yummy Easter dinner together and we get to enjoy all the festivities together.



I love my Easter village!!! If you want one I can tell you how to get one.