Birthday Weekend

My sweet Gavin turned two last week! Time has flown by and I feel so lucky to have him in my life. He is the sweetest kid around and even though turning two has brought a lot more tantrums, I would not change a thing!

I was lucky enough to take the day off work for his birthday so we spent the day at the pool. Unfortunately Jesse had class that night but he was able to spend a quick minute at home so we could give Gavin his gifts.

Very excited to open his Handy Manny tools.

He was so excited to see his basketball hoop that we couldn't put it together fast enough.

That night we went to the Chalk Art Festival at the Gateway.  My cousins were participating and I am in awe of this amazing talent. If someone gave me sidewalk chalk I would be drawing stick figures.

On Saturday afternoon we had Gavin's birthday party.  We went to the zoo with the whole family and then to dinner.  Thanks to everyone who came! It was great to see how many people love Gavin.

12-PAC

It's still hard for me to believe, but we are in the PAC-10! Last week was a whirlwind. We had been hearing for months that Utah would be invited to the PAC-10.  Then it looked like the PAC-10 wanted to become a "super conference" by adding six new teams. Luckily that didn't happen so they went back to their original plan of adding two teams: Colorado and the UNIVERSITY OF UTAH!

I was lucky enough to go to the press conference last Thursday and it was so awesome to be there.  The energy in the room was electric and there was so much excitement. The MUSS was mentioned by three different people: Chris Hill, President Young and Larry Scott, the PAC-10 commissioner.  Every time we were mentioned it brought tears to my eyes.  We have worked so hard to make the MUSS great and I'm so excited for the years ahead.

Me and a few of my MUSS Board members. 

Changing conferences is going to be a dream come true. We will finally receive the national recognition we deserve and no more going undefeated just to be snubbed by the BCS.  We now have a real shot at a national championship and all the awesome bowl games that lead up to that.  We will have some amazing opponents coming to Utah and we will get to travel to some very desirable places. But honestly, the best part is no more Mtn. network!!!!!!

GO UTES!!!!

Memorial Day

We spent our Memorial Day weekend at home, which was really nice and relaxing. We took naps (heavenly!), went for walks, ate out and spent time with family. I just wish the weekend would have lasted longer.

Feeding the birds at Sugarhouse Park.

On Monday we went to The Gateway and walked around. Gavin was hesitant around the fountains but he couldn't resist getting a little wet.

St. George Photos

Oh how I miss the St. George sunshine! We had a great time playing tennis, lounging by the pool, eating out, Fiesta Fun, golfing (ha ha) and relaxing. This trip had lots of laughs and sparked many inside jokes. I love spending time down there and I wish this was my every-day life.

The Girls

Every year I venture on a long and frustrating quest to find a swimsuit.  And every year I naivly think the swimsuit designers have had an epiphany and have started desiging suits for us well-endowed women. I should have learned my lesson by now; there is not one swimsuit designer on the planet who knows what it's like to have a large chest!

So, if there are any swimsuit designers reading this, here are a list of things to consider:

*Not every woman wants to show off "the girls" in a swimsuit. Many of us would prefer to be a little more covered up.

*It takes a lot more than a little shelf bra and padded cups to lift and support "the girls."  Especially after having a baby!

*Just because you put underwire in a bathing suit does not mean it's going to do it's job.

*I would like to be able to purchase a swimsuit without needing to purchase another bikini top to wear underneath.

*Just because I would like "the girls" to be covered and supported doesn't mean I want to wear a T-shirt, or an athletic swimsuit

I know a few of you who read this blog have had this same problem. If anyone can sew, I'm seriously thinking it's time to start our own line of suits for the well-endowed. I even know the perfect name for our line: 'Bertha.'  (sorry Michelle; I couldn't resist!)

Mom Advice

Gavin will be turning two next month and I have finally come to terms with the fact that I no longer have a baby; he is definitely a toddler! He wants to help with everything from cleaning, to opening the door with the keys, to putting laundry away etc. With all this independence has also come the tantrums. If he doesn't get what he wants, he will let you know it. I have to admit that sometimes this is quite comical, but I try not to let him see me laughing.

He is still such a sweetheart and his personality is so easy-going. I love that he willingly gives hugs and kisses and I think this stage in his development is my favorite; of course, I said that about all the stages leading up to this one too. :)

I've been thinking a lot about some milestones that will be coming soon and I would love your advice on when you took these big steps. When to potty train, when to put him in a big-boy bed and when to take away the binkie. I know these can be different for every child, but I would love to hear what you think.

My sister-in-law took these awesome photos of Gavin. These are scanned so the quality isn't that great, but I can't get enough of my little guy!

Swimwear

When I'm looking for a modest bathing suit this is NOT what I have in mind! No, this is not a T-shirt and skirt like it looks; this is an actual swimsuit from an online company.

Believe me, I understand the desire to cover things up while I'm at the pool but I'd say this is going a little overboard!

NBA

I watched the fourth quarter of the Jazz game last night with Jesse and I realized it has been a really, really long time since I've watched an NBA game.  I've never been a huge fan of NBA basketball and last night just solidified my opinions. Yes, I think it was exciting but that's mainly because playoff games in any sport are more exciting. Yes, I think these guys are talented but I hate how their attitudes and lifestyles have become a huge part of the game.

I feel like NBA players have a superior attitude and they have giant ego's. I'm not saying all players do, but the majority of them act like they walk on water.  In other sports you have a few outrageous, prima-donna guys, but in the NBA most of them act that way.

I could not believe the tattoos I was seeing while watching the game. I really think that 8 out of the 10 guys on the court, at any given time, had tattoos covering their arms, neck, legs, etc. Since when did painting your body become synonymous with being a basketball player. I don't really want my little boy to think that's what he has to look like in order to be a successful ball player.

I want to see athletes that are grateful for being paid enourmous sums of money for doing something they love. I appreciate athletes who have a team mentality and not "me, me me." I don't know why or how the NBA has fallen into this state, but I wish it could go back to being about the basketball.

Earth Jam

On Saturday afternoon my dad's band played in 'Earth Jam' at Liberty Park. It was a beautiful day and being in that crowd was very entertaining. Just look at the pictures and you will know what I'm talking about.

This guy was having a REALLY good time!

Go Utes!

The Spring Football Game was on Saturday and it was great to be back in Rice-Eccles.  The morning began with the annual MUSS flag football game. James played and it was so fun to watch. 

Elise and Anjila hanging out on the sidelines.

Gavin loves anything football related and anything Utah related so he had a blast on Saturday.

September can't get here soon enough. GO UTES!