Pioneer Day

To say our 24th of July holiday was eventful would be an understatement.  The week started when we went to see all the parade floats up close. Gavin loved it and he was even lucky enough to sit on a float for a few minutes.

On Thursday night Jesse and I saw 'Inception.'  It was definitely the best movie I have seen in a very long time! I was on the edge of my seat for the entire movie and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. It wasn't as confusing as I thought it was going to be; and I think the previews make it look a little more sci-fi than it actually is.

On Friday we ventured to Raging Waters with my siblings.  We haven't been in about three years and we had an awesome time; for about two hours. While going down a slide Jesse dislocated his shoulder. We are still not exactly sure how it happened; all he did was reach in front of himself and try to pull himself up onto the slide. I didn't think your shoulder could pop out by doing something so simple.

So, we spent the rest of the afternoon in the emergency room. Sadly this is not the first time I have spent a holiday in the ER, nor is it the first time I've sat in the ER in my swimsuit; but that's another story. :) He will be wearing a sling for the next two weeks and will probably need to undergo some physical therapy.

On Saturday we headed to the parade, which is my favorite thing about Pioneer Day! Gavin loved the floats and especially the motorcycles!

Saturday evening we spent swimming at Jesse's grandparents. Sadly Jesse had to sit on the side of the pool and watch, but it was fun to be with everyone. On Sunday we celebrated our niece's one-year birthday.

It's been a fun-filled weekend but I'm exhausted!!!

Cabin

I love the cabin and Gavin already loves it more than most places on earth. He loved being outside and getting dirty. He even slept better there than he does at home, and it's very unusual to get a good night's sleep at the cabin.

He LOVES the motorcycles; he is definitely all boy!

The mountains are beautiful right now and very green. There was lots of wildlife and it was a wonderfully relaxing weekend.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

This morning Gavin pointed to my strech marks and said "Mommy, ouchie."  All I could think to say was "yes, mommy has an ouchie."

What I should have said was "yes, mommy has an ouchie and you're the one who caused it!" I don't think he would have really understood. :)

4th of July

Lehi Rodeo - YEE HAW!

Silver Lake

FIREWORKS!

The Aquarium

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!