A Day For Boys Named Andrew

Yesterday it was my husband's birthday, but it was also my friend's son's birthday party. You have met them before, Giselle, Andrew, Ben, and their new one, Matthew. It was a blazing hot day as you all know, but it was most enjoyable.
I thought this was SO cute. Plus, Giselle made all the aprons - amazing!




As you can imagine, it was a sight trying to get a group shot! The funny thing is, it's just as hard when you are adults, the difference is we simply don't like the way we look. They all look adorable, no matter which direction they are looking.
Considering the party began at 1pm, Jackson didn't get a nap. He was SO upset during the first ten minutes of our drive home, but then there was silence. I looked back and saw Jackson's arm over in Ryan's seat. Using the mirror, I saw how he used Ryan to comfort himself and go to sleep. These were the best pictures I could get while driving.

After work, Andrew and my dad went golfing at a course new to them. They had a lot of fun, got their butts beat and melted away - but they loved it. Once they got home we all headed to dinner and dessert. Nothing like sitting outside in 110 degree weather around 8pm eating Coldstone.

IN OTHER NEWS - Ryan just survived the three ginger mints his brother just tried to feed him - that was a close one!

30 Years Young - Where Has The Time Gone?

I am so excited for my husband because today he turns 30! It's crazy, it's such a benchmark I think and I am so proud of him for all he has accomplished. I think I am going to copy Jena and write 30 things we love about you!

1- You can always make me smile, even when I don't like you very much :)

2- You have big dreams and you usually aren't afraid to pursue them.

3- You adore your children.

4- Jackson loves that you let him eat chocolate with you.

5- You love to come home and go swimming with us.

6- You put your family first.

7- Your passion for sports.

8- You always take care of me.

9- You are a team player, you don't expect me to do all the work with the kids no matter what time it is and how early you have to get up for work.

10- You can laugh at yourself.

11- You always want to forgive.

12- You are very intelligent.

13- You like So You Think You Can Dance and other shows I love.

14- You let me crack your knuckles.

15- You are so supportive in your efforts to let me get out of the house.

16- You are very appreciative of every little thing I do no matter how insignificant.

17- You can always make Ryan smile.

18- You make me think about you all day because you leave your mark EVERYWHERE - ok sometimes I am not too happy about it, but it's still apart of you.

19- Your little man is so excited to see you - that says a lot about you!

20- You always want to learn to be a better husband, friend, father, etc.

21- You hate letting people down.

22- You can't stand being a flake.

23- You dance with your son even though it's sometimes an interesting sight.

24- You always care to know how I am doing.

25- You love and honor the Priesthood.

26- You try to do things in a way that won't bother me when I don't feel well, or it's early or late, etc.

27- You have been there for us for 12.5 years.

28- You are kind to those that have wronged you repeatedly.

29- You try to find the good in everyone.

30- You are you!

I am sure there is so much more, things like how you're creative, kind, fun, etc., and I just can't think because I am thinking too hard, but just know we hope you have the very best day today and all year. Have fun golfing and see you soon - love you!

Happy Father's Day

We are so blessed because we have SO many incredible father's setting examples for our boys. It's weird to think one day they will be father's, or so I hope :) Weird! The day was nice - it started out with us speaking in Sacrament, always an experience! But considering our last year, it was a very emotional meeting for all. I spoke on the TENDER MERCIES OF THE LORD and Andrew spoke on FAITH OF OUR FATHER'S. I was just stoked with how well the boys did! After church and naps we hung out for a bit waiting for the Anderson's to arrive. The boys look so ridiculous in this picture I just had to post it.
It was sad not being able to go to Corona and see my family but it was a very relaxing day for Andrew. The comfort was that we will see them all this upcoming Sat. so that's good. Curtis and Tristan had some good times with the kids.
Annette and Cosmo tried to take Ryan for a swim, but as always, he was NOT pleased about it.
Curtis and Andrew being boys.
Around 7:30 or 8pm, we headed back to our place, wish I would have known, I would have cleaned up a bit :), anyway, we came up here to do the Father's Day competition: Root Beer floats. This competition was a sad turnout, but for those that like root beer floats, I guess it was still pretty tasty.
Today, I guess Jackson didn't want Father's Day to end - I found him walking out of my room wearing Andrew's sandals and hat, too cute.

He decided I didn't get a good enough shot of his feet so he took this one.

Not All It's Cracked Up To Be

Veggies at 11am - peas then carrots, neither brought pleasure.

Fruit at 6pm - the peaches had no success either :(

All in all, it wasn't really the experience any of us pictured.

We hope that one day he will enjoy food - we sure do!

Bumbo

When Jackson was an infant, I thought this was the lamest chair thing I had ever seen. But I guess that was because Jackson was in the jumper at three months. Now that we have Ryan, I have learned there is a reason someone is making millions off this Bumbo chair. Andrew brought one home for Ryan and Jackson had to position it and help put Ryan in it. Today, his third time in the chair, he seems to be enjoying it much more! Jackson is such the little caretaker. Ryan was lying down and so Jackson brought over a blanket for each and them and joined his brother in the relaxation for a little while. It's always impressive when Jackson is actually sitting still.

The Utah "Flip"

Yesterday I was thinking how crazy it is that this time last year, we were getting ready to make our big, crazy move to Utah. People didn't understand, neither did we for that matter, and yet there we were, packing up for the big drive. Everything fell into place perfectly, we found a great place in our price range, man I wish we were paying that now, we had a trailer to move all our crap, we had my parents who so willingly drove up with us, we had amazing family to greet us when we arrived. It was fun, BUT SO NOT LOGICAL.

Then Wes and Andrew found this house. Man Paige and I were at a loss for words. They said it would be a few weeks... now here we are and Paige just posted that the house is now finished and for sale. We felt HORRIBLE when we had to leave them with an unfinished product. The nice thing was Shay and Kioa stepped in for us and helped them out, but still, it felt awful leaving them behind to finish what we started.

And now, looking back - all that house was was a bizarre way of giving two brothers, best friends, one last chance to work together. MANY MANY hours together. Sister-in-laws a better chance at getting to know one another. You know, it just blows my mind everytime I think about it all.... the Lord is incredible. What would we have done without that time out there? I would hate to imagine that.

Here is the link Paige posted for the current listing: http://www.utahrealestate.com/807498

Check out all the picture - I tried posting before pictures of the same areas... it will really blow your mind all the work they did.

Paige I love you and I am so impressed at your endurance. Wes we miss you and in memory of, this Summer there will be random posts from last year. Here's one of our favorite's Paige:

FHE

We are still trying to get the hang of this, and I am sure it will only get more challenging as there years go on, but it's been a fun journey so far. After dinner and swimming, we started to watch THE TESTAMENTS, my favorite movie. Jackson watched a good half hour of it, and then it was time for bed. So I think we are covered for the next three weeks! Now Andrew and I are going to go eat the dessert, sorry Jackson, it was too late for you:)