Recent things we've done...

Enjoyed some yummy Rite Aid ice cream on one unusually hot day.

Played dress up.  Evelyn is a super hero (cape on backwards) and Preston is a firefighter.

Took a trip to the pet store to buy bunny food and look at all the animals.

Played outside with the chalk.  Evelyn's posing next to her self portrait.

We've been riding bikes a lot.  Preston can now peddle all by himself.  He still occasionally finds himself going backwards but he's just about got it down.

And in SUPER big news my baby boy is officially (daytime) potty trained.  It's a big step for him!  I can't believe we're almost done with diapers.  I'm proud but at the same time I'm realizing how big he's getting and it makes me a little sad.

"Popcorn popping on the apricot tree" 

The apricot tree in the backyard blossomed 02/18/10.

(Big) Uncle Sam and Aunt Michelle came for a visit on Sunday.  As always it was great getting to catch up with them and meet their friend that came with them.  @Uncle Sam- I've reconsidered the wedding shoot.  If you think you can make me look good I'm up for the challenge.  

More stuff to come include our WPPI trip, a bridal show on the coast, and yesterdays trip to the California Science Center!

February Birthdays

Since Andy is mega busy right now prepping for the American Cancer Society's big event "Fight for Life" this weekend I figure I'll do something constructive (that doesn't involve cleaning) and update my blog.  Horary for blog updates!

For starters, last month was a big birthday month for my family.  With 3 out of 6 family members born in February (both my parents and myself) there's definitely no shortage of birthdays.  To start out the month is my dad's birthday on the 12th!

My dad is one of my best friends.  He's probably one of the people I can most easily relate to.  There's only a select few people that call me just to talk but he is at the top of that list.  Up until recently my dad's worked nights as a prison guard.  He's now retired and has spent almost every day off on some sort of adventure (Arizona, Texas and Mexico).  On his blog, the day he retired, he posted a video of fireworks!

Two days after my birthday, on the 28th, is my mom's birthday.  My mom is the most amazing mom that ever existed!  Last year she climbed Mt. Whitney with me.  Need I say more?  That day was one of my proudest accomplishments and I'm so glad I got to share that experience with her.  She later bought for us two matching patches that I'm very happy to show off.

My own birthday, as you know from my excitement in previous posts, was on the 26th!  I had a fantastic birthday!  Andy took me out on a date.  We went to Chilies and enjoyed some delicious ribs (and FREE chocolate cake) and afterwards we played a couple rounds of foosball.  After that we window shopped for a bit and checked out the book store.  Oh yeah, and he got me a go cart!  It's cool but needs a little work before we can get it running.  I'm really excited for it though and can't wait to take it for a spin.

A Letter From Evelyn

Dear Eliza,

  This is Evey.  Eliza is so sweet.  I love her.  I want her to go to my house and I want her to play in my room and then I want to write her name.  I want her to play with blocks.  I'm doing good.  Lately I played outside and go to Grandma's house with Charlie.  Evie was being there and Preston was being there.  Do you like deer?  I like deers and giraffes.  Preston likes sharks and Preston likes fishies.  And I like my brother Preston.  I like bugs.  What do you like?  I love kangaroos.  Preston likes lions.  And I was a baby.  I was being good at my house.  And I love happy faces.  Happy faces are funny.

   

                     Love your cousin,

                             Evelyn

*This is Evelyn's first authentic letter.  I was just going to email it to my sister but it made me laugh so I figured it was blog worthy.  She came up with everything on her own.   

Ode to the best show... ever.

And in Happier News...

My BIRTHDAY is almost here and it's my GOLDEN birthday too!  I'll be 26 on the 26th!

If this picture seems totally random to you THIS POST might clear things up.  

Andy's taking me out for my birthday friday night and I'm SUPER excited about it!  We already have a babysitter thanks to our sweet friend (practically family member) Amy.  Now I just have to decide what it is I want to do.  Any ideas?

And in other random news, this next picture is for all those punk kids that called me a "goody-goody" in school.

"A WARRANT HAS NOW BEEN ISSUED FOR YOUR ARREST"  

You all thought I was kidding when I said I was WANTED in Nevada.  I really AM!  I'm a fugitive of the law!  I could just pay it off for $145 but then again I kind of like it.

*In case the NV police are reading this I will most likely pay this off... OR will I...

Sad News

I helped my sister pack and move last week:(  I feel like a traitor to myself because I really didn't want them to go BUT I guess they had to go.  My brother-in-law was transfered to Riverton, UT for his job and he's decided to go back to school.  I'm sure Utah's not so bad;)  

Evelyn (4), Aubrey (2), Preston (2), Joshua (6) and Eliza (4)

The last day they were in town I got to watch my nephew and nieces so their mom and dad could finish packing.  The kids mostly played outside.  I got some cute pictures of them and figured I'd write a little something about each one.

Joshua (6 years old) is a little on the stubborn side (just like his mom;)) but he's a really great kid.  Whenever I babysit he's always such a good helper.  He's sweet and always wants to make his mom happy.  I've asked him to clean up his room before "for his mom" and without any complaint he did it and not only that but he helped his sisters clean theirs too.  He's smart, athletic and funny and he takes care of his sisters like a good big brother should.  I really had fun cheering for him this past summer at his soccer games.

Eliza (4 years) is such a doll.  She's caring and compassionate and always thinking about others.  She's SUPER smart and is going to do great in school.  She's the same age as Evelyn and is a great example and best friend to her.  I love watching the two of them play and that's probably what I'll miss the most about her living close by.  She's polite and sweet and always tells me she loves me!  

I already told Evelyn she moved but I don't think she really gets it yet.  I think it will hit her in a few days when she begs me to go their new house and I have to tell her it's too far away.  I guess the girls will have to be pen-pals now!

Aubrey is such a sweetheart!  She's actually a couple months older than Preston but you'd never know it because she's so small and quiet.  She expresses herself almost entirely through her eyes.  The other day she actually rolled her eyes at me!  Whenever I get to hang out with her I'm always sneaking her sweets to "fatten her up".  I should also mention that even though she's small and the 3rd child she has no problem standing up for herself.  When I first read The Hunger Games I couldn't help but picture Rue as a little older Aubrey.

And most of all I'm going to miss this sweet little babe.  She is the most beautiful and sweet babies I've ever seen.  I love to play with her and make her smile and laugh!  The only time she cries is when she's hungry and even then she only pouts. 

I'm sure going to miss my big sister and her sweet family.  I know they'll have a good time in Utah though.  I'm actually kind of jealous!  They'll also get to know the other side of their family which will be good for them (as long as I'm always the FAVORITE Aunt).