Trip to Arizona 2011 -- Day 6 & 7

We had a pretty low key morning and afternoon...got a little relaxation in...

This is my boy's idea of a relaxing day, a nap followed by some pantless soccer!

We did head out for some shopping that day and my mom spoiled our new baby with some super cute clothes. Little did I know at that time that she was also buying things for my surprise family baby shower to come that evening. It was a Combo Shower for me and my step-sister, Kricket, who is pregnant with twin girls and due just a week after me (but will probably still have her babies quite a bit before me.)

You can tell by my lack of getting ready that I truly had no idea about the baby shower and debated about going and changing when people started arriving. Our baby girl got so many adorable outfits and we're so grateful for everyone's thoughtfulness!

Kricket -approx 24 weeks (twin girls) & Me - 25 weeks (girl)

My boys were super helpful with the unwrapping... (more to come)

Thanks again Mom for the fun surprise!

Day #7- Well the final day of our trip was great! We spent more time with family and ended the day with a trip to my favorite Mexican restaurant, Carlos O Briens. Overall our visit was wonderful filled with fun times, great friends, and a loving family. We left on Saturday with a little less relaxing flight back home, but even though we were dealing with an active little Tanner, Ethan made it all better with his love of airplanes. As we were descending he was so excited for the landing. As we touched ground he called out "YEAH!!!, I LOVE THE FAST PART." Of course due to the ear pressure he couldn't hear how loud he was and we could hear laughter from the front of the plane from others enjoying his enthusiasm. The boys did great on the whole trip and I think they were happy to see their familiar beds and toys when we got home.

Trip to Arizona 2011 -- Day 4 & 5

We spent our next two days enjoying our wonderful friends in Gilbert! I can't say enough how much I love and appreciate their friendship. It's something amazing to know that no matter how often you talk to someone, you can just fit right back into the perfect friendship like no time has passed at all.

Day #4- Chris and Tony got up that morning and headed out to Golfland for some unlimited video game play. They had previously beat a game they had there and wanted to see how their skills matched up with the newer version. I'm (proud?) to say that they spent 2 straight hours there and completely BEAT two games. Way to go boys! :) haha!

During that time I played with the kiddos at our favorite park in our old neighborhood and was treated to a baby shower by all my friends! It was so fun to have my first girly shower. I loved all the food, decorations, cute clothes, and especially the time to see everyone and catch up. I wish I had had more time to talk with everyone without the distraction of Tanner wanting to run out into the road.

After the baby shower, me and the boys were completely exhausted so we headed back to the Niu's house for a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. It's nice to be so comfortable in someone else's home that you can truly relax while you are there. We loved hanging out with them, playing games, eating dinner, and staying up way too late talking.

Day #5 - The next morning I got to go out to breakfast with my "breakfast girls." We had a tradition of always going out to breakfast on each other's birthdays because it was our favorite meal of the day. It was so nice and relaxing to sit and chat. It was such a yummy restaurant too...heavenly apple cinnamon pancakes and a bison egg scramble with tons of yummy veggies...good choice girls!

We relaxed, played, and visited with friends the rest of the day and then headed back up to my mom's house that evening. But before heading out of the East Valley, we made sure to stop by Cafe Rio for a delicious Pork Salad. There are a lot of great copycat recipes out there, but nothing quite like the original. Ethan was diving into my salad as I tried to distract him with his quesadilla...it didn't work too well...oh well, who can complain about their child wanting to eat salad? By the time we got up to my mom's, we were exhausted! Ethan of course wanted to go in the "hot pool" with Nana before heading to bed. He loved getting to spend that time with her.

Trip to Arizona 2011 -- Day 3

One of the best parts of our vacation was getting to have Dad with us to play all day/all week long! The boys couldn't get enough!

Freeze Dried Strawberries anyone? We love them!

Doesn't like dogs or cats, but pet the goats like a champ!

Tanner just loved the freedom to play and explore outside. He is definitely an outdoor kid and is ready for some great weather to play!

We have missed the McClures so much since our move East and were so excited to get to spend the whole day with them. We enjoyed a day at one of our favorite places, the Phoenix Zoo! We played, we talked, we got to eat at Oregano's and Nielson's Frozen Custard (YUM!), and the best part -- we laughed just like we always have! It was a perfect day!

Trip to Arizona 2011 -- Days 1 & 2

I should start by saying that there isn't a better month to go to Arizona than February! The weather is perfect, everyone is home, and we get to play outside nonstop after a winter of being stuck inside. It's perfect!

Day 1 -- We started out our week vacation with excitement and the boys were thrilled about their day of airplane rides. Our flight out to AZ was AMAZING...the airplane was only half full...seriously when does that ever happen? We had 2 full rows for our family to stretch out in and for Tanner to move around. It was nice to have the change of scenery for him. We made it to Phoenix just in time for my mom to get off work and we all headed back to her house for a yummy dinner and lots of playing! Unfortunately, when we arrived at my mom's house we found out that Tanner hasn't ever been around animals so was pretty freaked out by their dogs. He warmed up a little by the end of the week but more or less was pretty clingy while we were at their house.

Day 2 -- The weather was PERFECT! We played at my mom's house all morning then were so excited to head out to the McCormick Ranch Train Park that afternoon. We met up with friends, the McClures and Hache's, for a great time! Ethan played harder than he has for the last 6 months and just couldn't get enough. Tanner had his first experience with sand and just loved it. We couldn't leave without a fun ride on the train. After the park, we headed back home for dinner and more fun with family and the McClures. What a great day!

Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures...big surprise...but Melynda did and I'm just waiting to get them from her. When I do I'll update this post with pictures. I guess we were just too busy having fun to take pictures. :)

Holidays

I have to say that holidays aren't my specialty. I've never been great about making each one special and sometimes even remembering them. I always love every one's ideas when I hear or read about them and wish to be better, but somehow the next holiday still slips by.

Thank goodness for my Grandma (Ethan & Tanner's Great Grandma) who never lets a holiday pass by. Valentine's Day was no different. Even though we would be out of town for the actual holiday, she came by before we left to bring a special V-day surprise for the boys. They loved it and I know Chris and I appreciated the "date night" money she gave us as well. I'm hoping that her example will eventually rub off on me!

My Boys & Toys

My boys (ages 3 1/2 & 17 months) rarely play with toys! Is that crazy to hear or what? Not to say that they don't like them or that they never play with them, but just that they wouldn't necessarily choose it as a first option. Most often they prefer to play outside, play with balls in various fashions, all kinds of crazy adventures on the beds (forts, jumping, etc.) and as pictured below...play with random household objects.

Today their choice was laundry baskets and paper towel rolls.

A little lesson in static electricity as well!

Little Tanner Man - Almost 18 months

I have to start by saying...check out those eyes...seriously makes me melt!

I thought it was about time for an update on this cute little almost 18 month old who has found his way into the spotlight of our household. It's so fun watching his personality unfold and despite his brother's big personality, he's right there with him. Here's a few tidbits about our sweet Tanner:

Nicknames: Tanner Bear, Tan Tan, Tanner Lou, and anything else that comes out of my mouth

Likes: FOOD, specifically snacks and treats - he is constantly in the pantry and he can spot a treat baking from a mile away, stackable colanders and other fun kitchen supplies, Lightning McQueen ride on car, his DADDY, and without fail his binky and blanky are #1 on his list.

Dislikes: Any food with a funny texture, being left out, babysitters he doesn't know,

Words: mama, dada, up, down, shoe, all done, ok, boo, cold, go, ba (banana), bye bye, and probably a few more I can't remember right now.

Tanner is such a joy and we can't get enough of his fun smile and the sound of his laughter is contagious. Ethan and Tanner just love to play together and can entertain each other with their funny personalities in ways I can't understand...I love it!

Sorry for the blur...bad lighting plus moving kids