Wedding in CaLiFoRniA!

We were lucky enough to make a quick trip to California this past weekend to see my brother and Sarah get married!

But let's not forget the two that "introduced" them in the first place! That's right... this is me and my good friend Michelle, who happens to live down the street! She is the sister of the bride... and I am the sister of the groom!

When I said quick trip... I meant it! We left Utah Thursday afternoon and caravaned with my sister and her family... (Brynn graduated that morning!)

and headed straight to Mesquite to stay overnight to help break up the trip a little!

Needless to say, the kids had a BLAST! We will definitely stay at that hotel again! From there we met up with my brother and his wife and hit the beach! Corona Del Mar was gorgeous! I've been to many California beaches... but somehow missed this one! LOVED it! (thanks Tara!)

And so did the kids! The weather was just right! Justin didn't want to get out of the water even though he was shivering like crazy!

Their wedding in the LA Temple (Saturday) couldn't have been more perfect! They are a gorgeous couple and the weather was beautiful!

The reception was gorgeous! I really wish I would have taken more pictures. I hardly took any. Maybe because my sister was the photographer, so I figured I'd get copies!

It was short... but it was perfect! We packed up and hit the road Sunday morning. I am so thankful for my awesome family and friends and look forward to creating memories with the newest member of our family! Welcome to the crew Sarah!

Pre-school graduate!

Congratulations Brynn! You are a pre-school graduate! On to the "BIG" school!

I honestly can't believe it. We have had 5 amazing pre-school years with Mrs. Amy.
This is April graduating after 2 years with her...

and Taylee after her 2 years.

We have enjoyed all of these amazing years with such an amazing teacher. I got emotional (so did Mrs. Amy) after this final graduation. We will no longer be using Mrs. Amy since Justin will be going to a pre-school of his own. (Even though she would be more than happy to take him! Tempting...)
I am proud of my Brynnster. I will now have THREE kids at the elementary school!

ALL boy!

So my girls have always had that "motherly instinct." Something that came to all three of them very naturally.
(2007)

But I NEVER realized that a boy would have his "manly instinct!" After having three darling girls... this boy thing has been so much fun!

A helicopter, hummer, and race car. Every boy's dream!

I love being a Mommy because...

your giggles make me giggle, your love notes touch me, you are my constant companion, your sloppy kisses come straight from your heart, I can watch my hubby be a daddy, your beautiful art is made special for me, you are my daily entertainment, you teach me patience, you give me excuses for eating fast food, being a Mom has deepened my friendships with other moms... especially my own, you tell me you love me for no particular reason, I realize my parents were right, we celebrate proud moments, I can fix boo-boo's just by a simple kiss, you teach me something new everyday...

Being a Mother has been the greatest blessing in my life. I will cherish you forever...

Look who's 2!

Happy Birthday Justin!

Justin slid down the stairs this morning and found his first birthday present! His very own table and chair set! Of course, he was more interested in the ball he saw sitting on the table! (it's the simple things...)

The traditional "birthday door decorations!" This time they were created by his sweet sisters!

It has always been tradition for Grandma and Papa Q. to get my kids their own chair for their 1st birthday. He wasn't quite ready then... but he sure is now! He climbs in and out like a champ! (perfect chair for watching baby signing time!)

There was NO WAY I was leaving the store the other day with out this! He was in heaven with this particular toy isle! Move over baby toys... Just is now a BIG BOY! (Thank you Grandma and Papa G!)

While Daddy was trying to get the toy out (you have to have an engineering degree anymore to open these boxes) ... Taylee and April read their darling birthday cards to him!

Finally... time to enjoy the toy!

Daddy was keeping him plenty entertained during lunch. The staff was sweet! The sang to him and brought him some ice cream... his all time favorite!

(Are you sick of the play by play yet?!)
We topped the day off with the cupcakes... which he thoroughly enjoyed!

You guessed it... once he was done, he wanted down. He headed straight for his tractor!

We LOVE you so much J-man! Happy 2 Birthday!

Birthday girl!

Happy Birthday!

11 years ago, I became a first time Mommy! One of the best days of my life! Once you were born, I knew from then on out that all I ever wanted was to be a Mom! You have always been such a joy to be around. You are such a great daughter and friend! Love you to pieces April!

My little update!

Mom is slacking BIG time with the whole blog thing. It's time for ME to take over! Here's a little peek of what I've been up to...
I LOVE to watch Baby Signing Time. I also love my coupe car. Put the two together... and wala! I am fully entertained!

As of now I can sign...
drink
more
eat
cereal
baby
car
airplane
want
all done
ball
shoes
socks
hi
bye
cracker
open
book
hat
Pretty impressive... I know!

I am cruising like crazy! I'll push anything that is in front of me so that I can walk. I'm too nervous to do it on my own, but give me some time... I'll get there! For now I can crawl on all fours! The army crawling got me from A to B for quite a long time, but I've moved up in the world!
I can climb up AND down the stairs with no problem! Which means... if a door is open and Mom isn't watching... I get myself into some fun trouble! Lately most doors have been closed. Bummer. Maybe Mom will be better at updating! Have a good day!

I'm SO glad...

I'm so glad when daddy comes home,
Glad as I can be;
Clap my hands and shout for joy,
Then climb upon his knee,
Put my arms around his neck,
Hug him tight like this,
Pat his cheeks, then give him what?
A great big kiss.

.... or something like that!
We are all singing this song by the end of the day!
It might not look like "a great big kiss," but there sure is a whole lot of lovin' going on! I absolutely love watching their little faces light up when Daddy walks in the door!

Wear them out...

As you all can tell, I haven't had much to blog about lately. I still don't. You'll see that once you've read this post while thinking, "she must have NOTHING to blog about!" But hey, it's a post, right?!
We spend some of our free time at this Dinosaur Park in the mall while the girls are in school. Why? Because it's FREE! Free is good! I don't even shop while I'm there. Not much of a mall shopper.

Justin is loving the fact that he can actually go wild at places like this! Brynn is just as happy now that she has someone to follow her around!

Because he is so busy and constantly crawling (army crawl) and climbing... we've found some wear marks in his jeans. They aren't in the typical knee area... they are up a tad higher! Not a cool place to patch 'em up either!
I am so glad Spring is on it's way! We can throw these jeans out soon! Oh... and get this! I tried on his shorts from last summer. Yep, they still fit! Money in my pocket!

We're more alike than different!

The National Down syndrome Congress is running a campaign to show that "We're More Alike Than Different!" They will produce the three posters which receive the greatest number of votes between now and April 1, 2010 and will make them part of the More Alike campaign by mid-summer, just in time for the NDSC national Convention. Please cast your votes! First you view the gallery, then go back to cast your votes! Justin is #190! I have so many beautiful blogger friends on there too! Good luck to everyone! Each and every poster is unique and special!

Dear Spring,

I am in a blogging funk.
Period.
I want to take a walk and not freeze.
I want to take my kids to the park.
I need you more than ever!

Loads of love,
E