Garrett's big debut...

About a month ago Garrett was asked to be in a little photo shoot. A local photographer (and girl in our ward) asked if Garrett would be a part of it. She took pictures of our family last fall and thought Garrett was such a character and couldn't wait to take more pictures of him. Well, the day turned out to be windy and cold, and Garrett wasn't very cooperative. I couldn't really blame him because I was in a jacket and long pants and he was in shorts, without shoes, and on the beach with a popcicle. Even though he is in tears, I thought these pictures were too cute to pass up and not share.

The boys weren't digging the backpacks!

On the beach - the sand covered popcicle wasn't tasting very good

"I've had enough!! Get me out of here!!"


Garrett really is such a character and Russ and I find ourselves laughing at him all the time. His giggle is so contagious that you can't help but laugh with him. Right now he likes to walk around with is eyes closed and then get so upset when he runs into things. He loves hiding under blankets and playing Peek-a-Boo. He tells us "all done" when he is finished with anything -- food, swinging, being held. He loves dogs and had a hayday with my little brother's dog, Chica. She would knock him over, lick him, and whip him with her tail, but Garrett couldn't get enough. Garrett is so shy he won't hardly look a stranger in the eye, but a big, black dog isn't intimidating at all! We are having so much fun with our spunky little Garrett!!

Fun in Utah

We had a great time in Utah and ran to and from so many things that near the end of the trip Cole would ask me, "Where are we going to today?" The boys did so well (and slept surprisingly well) and loved spending time with Grandpas and Grandmas, cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and old friends. Here's a quick photo tour of the trip...

We had a surprise party for my Mom's 60th Birthday. My sister, Teresa, and I surprised my mom and took her to lunch and for pedicures, but it was all a decoy to get her out of the house so the rest of the family could set up for the party. We invited her close friends and family and she was so surprised. When we pulled up to the house and the street was lined with cars she finally figured it out. Then she said, "Damn it - I didn't want a party," followed by crying. My favorite line was, "If I had known (about the party) I would have at least put curlers in my hair!" She told me after that party that she felt special, but more importantly, loved. We created a video tribute to Mom where each person was recorded giving a tribute to her. We also had pictures of her life that were put to music. It was a great party. Happy 60th Birthday, Mom!!


Here we are getting our pedicures. This was my first pedicure, and it was actually done by a former black USU football player (a straight one...). I'm not sure how he got into cosmetology, but my foot massage sure was good. I'm sure glad that I shaved my legs before I went!! I told Russ that I was a "pedicure virgin" and that hot lookin' black man was my first -- he didn't find the humor in it, but my mom, sister and I sure got a good laugh!!


Our polished toes -- don't they look good!!


We went with Russ' parents and Aunt Melinda to Willow Park and Zoo and had a great time. Steve took pictures, so I was a little lazy with taking some of my own. Here is Cole with Grandma Guymon as they looked at animals. Aunt Melinda was so much fun at the playground. She went up and down slides, through tubes, and around the play equipment with Cole and Garrett. After the park we went to Wendy's for a quick bite to eat and then it was nap time!


Here is Cole with Grandpa Jake and cousin Karli. Cole would ride on the 4-wheeler with Grandpa to feed the chickens. One day in the car Cole said, "Grandpa and I are farmers!" He loved being outside and having room to roam.




Russ flew in a week after me and the boys and was able to go to the Green River with his Dad, friends BJ and Chad, and my brother, Derek. It rained the entire time and even though the fishing was rotten, the camping and conversation was worth the trip.



While Russ was fishing, I spent a few days with my sister, Teresa, and her family in Spanish Fork. It was so fun to see her house, go to lunch, get to know her baby, Kade, and do fun things with the kids. We went to a really fun park and also took the kids to Thanksgiving Point. Thanks Teresa for such a fun few days!!

Self Portrait -- what a cute sister I have! (sorry Kade, your head was cut out of the picture, but my photo skills weren't so great since I was in front of the camera!)


The kids playing in "Noah's Ark" at Thanksgiving Point


Cole was so tuckered out he couldn't even stay upright in his car seat!


We loved being with family and friends -- that is where are hearts are, even when we live far away. What a great trip!