Land of a Million Bike Dreams

We took a family "dream" vacation the first part of June. It was dream for Scott to get some good spin time with his good buddy, Bill. It was a "dream" trip for Chandler to get to hang with the Pierce boys, all four of them. And Watson was in absolute heaven with Lindsey and Zack and anyone and everyone who played with him and made him laugh.  Fortunately, it was my "dream" trip too because I got to hange out with Sadie and got in a lot of mom-talk and share cooking duties. Moab was fantastic this year! We stayed at this beautiful condo:

We woke up to this amazing view each day:



We spent each day biking, swimming, hiking, eating, and playing. This year we saw new scenery on our trip to Dead Horse Point. It was amazing. We also returned to a favorite waterfall and watched the boys bravely leap from the 10-15 foot cliffs. Watson, Sadie, and I safely stayed on the ground. The weather was perfect and I even got in a little run by myself. we look forward to continuing this tradition year after year with our besties, the Pierces.

Then and Now

Where has time gone? Remember this day?

Chandler had just finished 4th grade. I thought he was growing up so fast! Time continues on and he continues to grow too fast for my liking. However, I really have no control to stop it, I guess.  The end of 5th grade picture had to have Watson in it. Chandler lovingly puts up with Watson's complete adoration.

Chandler finished off his school year with a bang by earning another "Gold Mustang Award." That makes five golds in five years. He worked really hard on every project he had this year and seemed to love almost every minute of it. Slowly but surely he is beginning to trust who he is becoming and I'm loving my part in it all. What a great kid! We are so lucky to have him.

Finally...

Though it has been rainy, cold, and/or windy practically every day this spring, we planted a garden this week. I decided it was time to live optimistically--to believe the sun would come out soon. We planted three heirloom tomato plants, lots of different peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, beans, two kinds of lettuce, cabbage, and carrots. Surely things will grow before summer is done. Let's just cross our fingers that we can actually harvest something before a hard frost in October...

Animals, Animals, and Tractors

Wheeler Farm is the place for Watson. I swear he has a little Grandpa Bee in him--he is attracted to tractors like nothing else. He loved to see the animals and even braved petting a lamb and a goat. He knows what a horse says, a cow says, and a sheep says. Just ask him. We tried to feed the ducks, but apparently they are fed all the time. Nothing would come close to us. Watson and I had a great time wandering the farm and watching all the animals.

This is Fun!

After seven years of brown and yellow tile, a big blank wall, and a weirdly deep shower with a seat, we have finally begun remodeling. I can't believe I never took a "before" picture. What was I thinking? Oh yeah, let's rip this baby out and make her new and shiny. We were able to remove part of a wall, this opened the L shaped bathroom significantly. We relocated the shower drain and the toilet so we could fit in a full sized bathtub. At this point the plumbing and electrical are done. So far it is halfway framed. This should be finished, along with the sheetrock, this week. Yeah! Progress!

The vanity stays in the same place but will get a sleek cabinet and sink.

We had space to add a built in shelf for towels and extra storage. We love extra storage!

Scott and I plan to do most of the tile work ourselves. It should be, at the very least, interesting. So far the project has been fun, partly because we don't have a hard deadline. But, boy, it will be great to have a second bathroom again!

The Big 1-1!

Happy, happy birthday Chandler Dear!

The day-o-Chandler started with a yummy breakfast by Dad and then a quick flag football game. He got to open a couple of presents, one being an official Boy Scouts of America shirt and cap.

 After hanging out for a bit we had a little dinner of sliders with cheese and sweet potato fries then a family party at Grandma Nettie's house.

Chandler wanted a BYU themed party so we put on our Cougar shirts and made blue and white cupcakes. He also requested his "own" birthday cake along with his favorite ice cream, chocolate chip cookie dough. We rented Sumo Suits and set up the mat in Grandma's backyard. It was really funny to watch and participate in the "fighting." Chandler and Brooklyn were the first competitors and made it so everyone wanted to try it out.

 

This year Chandler couldn't guess what was in the box.

He couldn't wait to wrestle!

Happy boy and his dad!

He ate half of it by himself!

It is such a privilege to be Chandler's parent. I love him in so many ways. He is generous and loving to his little brother, helpful so much of the time, and really a great kid. He is sensitive and thoughtful to others and really tries to do his best. I'm grateful for being a part of his life.

Baby is Broken...

 This is Baby...according to Watson.

This is broken baby...according to Mom.

It was time, I could feel it in my bones. He was 20 months old in a couple of days, we've had sleepless nights and lots of searching and picking up from the floor. I think he knew it was time. He didn't really suck on it anyway, just chew, throw, and play with it.

So far, so good. No screaming, or tantrums, or wailing at night. He still has it, tries to hold it in his mouth, but doesn't require it like I thought he would. I know this transition marks one end of the "baby" era for my sweet B. A single tear has been shed.

Our Easter Best

I love Spring. What a wonderful time to celebrate the resurrection of the Savior as the flowers and plants come back to life after a long winter. I am so grateful for Him, His love, His charity toward me and my family. I am so grateful he allows and encourages me to repent so I can have His peace with me daily. I'm so grateful to know that because of His plan my family and I can be one with him on earth and return Home to Him and our Father in Heaven. I'm grateful for the little reminders of His plan I get each day through my husband and children. I feel so blessed and want my daily life to show this gratitude.

Just About Us

Scott had a work conference the end of March in Las Vegas. He would be gone for almost a full week. We thought it would be fun to make a couples weekend out of it so I booked a flight, made arrangements for Watson, and packed my suitcase. Thanks to Challey and Spencer, Scott and I had a little trip all to ourselves for a couple of days. We did a little shopping, a little eating, a lot of walking around, and a lot of laughing while being entertained by The Blue Man Group.

By the Volcano

Bumble and My Honey

Super yummy Carrot Cupcake

Inside the Bellagio Atrium (My favorite!)

The Famous m&m store

Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate

A Blue Man and me

The Blue Man Band and Scott