Farm Animals

A former student was kind enough to invite us up to their farm and see the new lambs, chicks, and other animals. We went a year ago for Easter pictures with their white bunny. This year, E was more mobile and a lot more interested in the animals.

He kept calling the llama a "horsie." He loved feeding it out of his hand.

 The sheep wanted nothing to do with E, but he loved chasing them. I told the family if they ever needed a sheepdog, he'd be available!

He didn't like the chickens at first, but once he got to feed them he loved it. The only thing is that he'd drop the feed right in front of him, so the chickens would get closer and closer. Then he'd realize he was surrounded. 

He probably would have fed them all night if he could.

This picture CRACKS me up. He didn't like the turkeys much, and it looks like he's having a stare down with the big one. 

My former student was so patient teaching him how to feed everything. He didn't want to leave when we were done... we might just be running back up there soon!

Birthday Party

E's party was a big success. I'm so grateful for talented and willing friends who helped out! Tina Farmer took the pictures and I was able to just sit back and enjoy everything.

Here are the pictures of the party - pictures of the decorations and food are on the craft blog here: Food 
 Shirt    Decorations

Sydney made this AMAZING Mater cake just for E.

The other AMAZING Mater cake made by Tracy and Sydney

Checking out his cake - he thought it was a toy!

Love this picture of E and Jackson

E and Sam having a blast.

The park is right across the street from train tracks, so the boys got to see a train. Love this picture!

Blowing out the candle on Mater.

Eating Mater!

Oooh. Cars!

Pausing to check out his new truck book.

You have to slide with your tongue sticking out!

Showing MJ the playground.

Best family pic we got. Oh well!

Absolutely love this pic of E with Aunt Jenn and Aunt Jannette. Perfect!

Birthday Traditions

Following last year's tradition, we went out for Mexican for E's birthday at our favorite place. All day he has learned to say "I'm 2!" and we're working on the fingers.

Unlike last year, he did NOT want to wear the hat while they sang, and he got all shy.

When we got home, he played with his two new toys from grandparents.... a train set and a plasma car (the big red car, that he either calls a boat or an airplane for some reason)

The big birthday bash is Saturday - praying that the rain will hold off!

Happy Birthday E!

Today is E's 2nd birthday. Time is FLYING by. There will be more pictures of his party this weekend, but I had to share these sweet pictures captured by Tina Farmer.

E has brought so much joy to our family, and to others. He has the most amazing group of people who love him so much. We are so blessed!

Newborn

1st Birthday

2nd birthday

Birthday Week

This time of year is BUSY. At school we're wrapping up and getting ready for testing. E and I both have birthdays in the same week. The week before my birthday, I found out that I have gestational diabetes. This was a big disappointment for me, because I've been trying harder to be healthy this pregnancy. I went to a class and got an early birthday present - my new test kit!

I'm making adjustments and learning as I go, but it's frustrating. I've had two migraines since starting this process, and it's been a few years since I had one of those. I'm more tired than ever, with more to do. The extra doctor appointments are making school a nightmare. I'm so grateful for the friends and family who are helping me through this. I realize that my problems are small compared to others, but it's the kind words, phone calls, cards, and encouragement that make things better.

I had a wonderful quiet birthday on Sunday, with a nice long nap and a delicious steak dinner thanks to Cam. He even baked my cake! Thanks to the class I went to, I learned how to plan ahead so I could enjoy a piece of cake. Now I'm getting ready for E's big birthday party.

Family pictures

This was quite the experience to get the whole family in for a picture. It didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would though, and I think it turned out pretty cute considering how hard it is to get that many kids to look and smile!

Spring Break Vacation 6

Friday was a fun day with a picnic at the park. The whole family invaded Castle Park, and we had a blast. Again, E was all worn out. We're playing HARD on this trip!

That night, we had a surprise dinner to celebrate Grandma's retirement. It was a dinner without kids, and it was fun to have a quiet evening with just the adults. I don't have any pictures from the rest of the trip (actually, I have a ton, but I'm trying to limit how many posts I make!) We had family pictures and dinner on Friday, so sometime I'll have those to post. Saturday was just filled with conference, packing, and saying goodbye.

One more picture - a random shot of E playing.  It's my favorite. I love his grin!

Spring Break Vacation 5

The next day was filled with visits to my aunt and grandparents. Cam took E to the Hill Air Force Base Museum to see planes and helicopters. I don't have pictures since I wasn't there, but Cam's dad took some that I'll get later. 

We ended the day by making Peeps smores. They were SO good! 

The next morning, we had more visits to make. We drove down to see Cam's grandparents. I loved the view as we drove - the snow covered mountain hidden behind low clouds. It was a beautiful day outside.

When we got there, grandma was playing the organ so E had to take a turn too.

An updated 4 generation photo.

E thought grandpa's wheelchair was just about the coolest thing ever. He followed just a few steps behind him the whole time we were outside.

On the way home, we stopped at one of Cam's restaurants - In N Out. I love when I capture E's little funny expressions!

Spring Break Vacation 4

We'll call this day TRAIN DAY! Cam's sister planned an awesome - and almost entirely free - train day for E. I have never seen him do his happy dance so much in one day!

We started by parking at a shopping center that's by the old train station. We ran in to Old Navy, and I found an adorable train shirt - perfect souvenir for the day!

Then we ran into Barnes & Noble, where he got to play in the train corner.

After some coaxing, we got him to leave and caught Trax - the local transit train. He loved it! He even put his arms up like it was a ride!

Downtown SLC is in the free zone, and we rode a few stops to another shopping center called City Creek. It's really neat, and there's a little creek with fish that runs through it. 

 There is a glass walkway that goes over the street below, so we had to stop and watch for trains!

Both shopping centers are outdoors, so the kids had fun playing in the fountains. Then we all shared some caramel apples and rode Trax back to Gateway.

We walked through the old train station, and E immediately spotted the neat stained glass trains. 

 Of course we had to hit up the fountain at Gateway too. E had a blast running around with his cousins in the water.

He crashed on the way home - shocking, I know! It was the perfect day.