Labor Day and Return to Bear Hollow Preschool

We had a fantastic Labor Day weekend. Hank's dream came true when Nicole came over with her family on Saturday for a BBQ. I don't know where my camera was because there were priceless moments of awkwardness between the two of them. He was literally counting down the minutes until they arrived, but once they got here he didn't say a word. Being 14, I'm sure Nicole had more important things to do than hang out with a 4 year old but she stayed for a few hours to make Hank happy. I'm quite proud of myself for actually being a neighbor and having some friends over! Randy was super pumped about the outcome of the BYU game that night.

Monday afternoon we went to the Bee's final home game. We had tickets in the suites which was the ideal place to watch a game with kids. Max ate approximately 1 pound of m&m's.

Before the game started we ran into "Balloon Granny" who hooked the kids up with some sweet balloon animals.

Hank requested a giraffe and Max opted for a sword. She even made him a holder for it! The Bee's lost but there were many home runs hit to keep us entertained and I ran into one of my long-time friends, Mica, whom I haven't seen in 4 years.

Hank started school this week at Bear Hollow Preschool with Miss Molly. It is amazing to see how much he has grown up from last year. He has so much confidence this year. In fact he already has invitations to play with some kids in his class.

Unfortunately I had to work on Hank's first day, but his very capable dad got him styled and ready. He got to take Jeff Hardy (his bear) to school for their teddy bear picnic.

Max loves his brother and hates when he leaves!

Since he had to wear his Bear Hollow shirt on the first day, he was excited to wear his new skate boarding shirt today. He is so adorable I can't stand it. He needs to stop growing up so freaking fast!

Now for my second born child...he is hilarious! His love of music continues to grow. He loves anything with a strong beat. His latest request is "Back", meaning Justin Timberlake's song "Sexy Back". He also loves "mom's song" which means pretty much any 311 tune. I couldn't be more proud as a mother. Randy was mowing the lawn the other day and Max positioned himself out on the deck with my ipod shuffle and sat for an hour.

His hair is long enough to rock the faux hawk. He brings me the gel every morning and says "hawk".

Let's see, what have I been up to...well, I'm trying to figure out my new directv remote and searching high and low for the perfect outfits for our family pictures tomorrow. Oh, I've also been entertaining these two rats and making sure their sippy cups are full.

Grandpa Day

When Grandpa Curt mentioned a sleepover to Hank a few weeks ago, he never forgot. Hank has been looking forward to a day with grandpa, by himself, ever since the idea was mentioned. He packed his fishing pole, tackle box, and golf clubs and was on his way. They hit golf balls at Riverside, went to the movie (G-force), went out to lunch, caught 12 fish (fighters Hank told me), made smoothies, and watched Bee movie before bed. I'm sure my dad was worn out after all that! Hank had the time of his life. There is nothing better than some quality one on one time with grandpa. I've had a lot of time this past week to reflect on my childhood with my Grandpa Karl. He spent a week at Timpanogos Hospital in ICU after some complications with a minor surgery. I live in this state of denial where no one ages, no one gets sick, and no one dies. It's a happy place but unfortunately not reality. I cherish every horseback ride, ski trip, golf match, and most of all our conversations about life. What an impact that man has had on my life. Even in his worst hour, he still had the presence of mind to ask me how I was feeling after having my appendix out. Each time I went to visit, he always complimented me on how good I looked and told me how special I am. I love our talks. They mainly revolve around the importance of family these days. Obviously it has been a focus in his life by watching every child, grandchild, and great grandchild he has visiting multiple times this week. He's home now and hopefully he'll feel better soon. I love him so very much.

On a lighter note...Max can't wait for some quality alone time with grandpa. Until then, he very much enjoyed being the only child for a day! So much attention...he didn't know what to do with himself. Randy and I couldn't stop laughing at his dance moves and his Michael Jackson impressions. "Hee Hee OWWW!" What a happy little boy full of personality.

Camping Trip Gone Bad!

I had high hopes for my family's first camping trip. Scott and Jeri planned a weekend of fun at Trial Lake with lots of food, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately for me...my appendix had other plans. I got really sick the during our first night and couldn't shake the intense pain in my lower right abdominal region. Camping is not the ideal spot to come down with appendicitis. There is just something not right about throwing up in an out house. I felt really bad leaving Saturday morning but I knew I couldn't stay any longer. Max and I got a ride from Scott who had to head to Salt Lake anyway,and the rest of the campers stayed behind. I was sure I could just sleep it off at home. Randy and Hank stayed, but I knew they could be home in an hour or so if I needed them. Here are a few pictures before I left.

My pale hideous face says it all!

I had just returned from an unpleasant trip to the out house, Jeri and Jenni helped me walk back! Thanks guys, you always have my back.

Scott, Jeri, and Jamie really had quite the cooking station set up. Too bad I couldn't enjoy all the good food they made.

Dyson, Jayden, Hank, and Colby had a blast together. Hank LOVES his cousins!

Max was such a great little camper. The poor kid had to put up with my tossing and turning all night. He slept through most of it! He loved following all the big kids around.

Max and Kunz bonded during a game of Connect Four.

Scott gave Randy a quick fishing lesson before we left.

Hank felt pretty cool with his own tackle box and fishing pole.

They made a valiant effort to catch fish but unfortunately this is the best they did...

Wow...Randy nice fishing! I'm so sad I missed the catch of the day.

It became quite apparent I needed medical attention as my condition continued to worsen. Thanks to some investigation by my mom and Sarah, we determined the ER was the best place for me. I had every symptom of appendicitis. The ER was really busy but they got me started on some good pain meds and anti nausea medicine so I didn't mind the wait. Scott got a hold of Randy and he made it home just in time to see me off to surgery. I am so lucky to have such great family. My mom, dad, Sarah and Brett were there to give me support and watch Max until Randy could be there. Jeri, Scott, Jenni, and Lynn took care of Hank for me which gave me so much comfort. The surgeon removed my very infected appendix and also removed some scar tissue from the last surgery I had after Max was born. In retrospect, they should have taken my appendix out 2 years ago when I was having trouble. I have had pain in the region for a long time. Since the surgery was done so late, they kept me overnight. I'm home now and feeling sore but much better.

Jeri brought Hank home shortly after I returned from the hospital. He wanted to know all about the surgery and he is obsessed with watching the procedure on You Tube. It's disgusting to watch, but he loves it. Maybe we have a future doctor on our hands!

A Decade of Marriage!

We just returned from quite possibly the most perfect Anniversary celebration a girl could dream of. Randy spared no expense to treat me to the overnight get-away fit for a queen. I guess it's not every day that you celebrate ten years of wedded bliss. We dropped the kiddies off at the Royster's house Saturday morning so we could get in 18 holes at Soldier Hollow Golf Course. Randy wanted everything to be perfect so he was a little bummed out by the horrible weather that morning. I assured him everything would be perfect and it didn't matter if we got a little wet. It's going to take a lot more than a stupid rain storm to ruin our golf outing.

I decided to only take pictures this way for the whole day. I'm surprised how cute they actually turned out. After the first hole, the clouds lifted and revealed the most beautiful blue sky I've ever seen. We both played pretty good and thoroughly enjoyed every second we spent together.

I was trying to capture the beautiful view and the gorgeous weather. You can't even tell I'm holding the camera! That's how good I am! After golfing we drove to Park City and checked into Hotel Park City, quite possibly the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. Man, Randy knows how to spoil his lady! Our room was equipped with two flat screen t.v.'s, 2 fire places, jetted tub, gigantic shower with 3 shower heads, and this view right here....

FROM THE HOT TUB ON OUR DECK! I have come to expect nothing but the best from a weekend away with my dear husband. He is always full of surprises. For example, after we got ready for dinner, he came up to me with his hand behind his back. I won't repeat what he said to spare my readers from gagging but it was really sweet. He then handed me a small box wrapped in gold paper. My heart instantly started racing! I opened the the black jewelery box to find this amazingly beautiful ring.

Words can't express my love for this ring! I was completely stunned and surprised and excited. I can't stop starring at it!

This picture captures the sparkle. Bling Bling BABY!

I took this picture right after he gave me the ring. Can you tell how excited I am!! What a hideous picture of myself but it really captures my emotion at the time. We ate at 350 Main and it was delicious. Our server was so sweet, she treated us like we were celebrities. Randy mentioned to her we were celebrating our anniversary so she didn't charge us for one of our meals. Excellent service and very high quality food. I highly recommend the trout, it was amazing.

Randy has always treated me like a Queen, from the first time we met (14 years ago) to now. I remember the first time we met, I instantly got butterflies in my stomach. I still get that feeling when I'm around him. I am so happy to say we still have that spark after all these years. I certainly haven't had a dull moment with this guy and I can't wait to see what the next decade has in store for us. I guarantee there will be lots of laughter, happiness and love. I love you DEAR! I am one lucky girl to be married to you.

Best Picture Ever and Conversations with Hank

After taking approximately 5000 pictures of these two, I think I've taken the cutest picture of them, ever. They are both looking at the camera and giving the most genuine smiles they can muster. The stars aligned when this picture was taken. They are such beautiful boys and I love hanging out with them every day.

Here are a few things Hank said the last few days. He cracks me up.
H: How did I get white?
A: You were just born white.
H: How do I get black?
A: You can't, if me and dad were black, then you would be black.
H: Why was Michael Jackson black and white?
A: Good question Hank, MJ had a medical condition.
H: I don't know what that means. If I drink this chocolate milk will I turn black?
A: No buddy but good thought. You know it doesn't matter if you're black or white right? (thanks for that lesson Michael)
H: I want to be black.
A: Me too buddy.

Hank is OBSESSED with Michael Jackson. My car has become the MJ mobile. Hank now requests a set list every time we get in the car. He'll say "I want Bad, Annie are you okay, Thriller, and Beat it." I have to play the songs in that order or else!

H: Mom, I want to be like dad and Michael Jackson when I grow up.
A: Maybe we should just try to be like daddy, Michael Jackson is a little weird.
H: Why? He's cool.
A: Dad's cooler bud (and not a pedophile).

Next conversation:
H: Do I kiss Nicole? (his babysitter who is 14...he LOVES her)
A: No buddy why?
H: I mean when we get married, will we kiss?
A: Yes, if you marry Nicole you will kiss but she's a lot older than you. You won't get married for a long time.
H: Who will come to our wedding?
A: I'm sure all our family and friends
H: Who is going to take our wedding pictures?
A: I don't know buddy, do we have to figure that out right now?
H: When can Nicole babysit me again.
A: Not for awhile she just barely did earlier today.
H: But WHEN?
A: I don't know, a week maybe.
H: NOOOOOOOOOO a week is too long!

I'm dreading the day when she has more important things to do on the weekend than babysit my kids! Hank won't handle that well.

Thank You Salt Lake City Arts Council

I love music, I love concerts, I love hip hop, I love R&B, and I love things that are free. Put those ingredients together and you have the recipe for a great night. Randy found out one of my favorite MC's was in town, so thanks to him I witnessed Q-tip live. I've been a fan of Q-tip since his days in A Tribe Called Quest. He has such a unique style and flow, he speaks to my soul. He exceeded my expectations last night. Good times were had by all! Randy is such a great sport to come with me. Kudos to the Salt Lake City Arts Council for putting on a great free concert.

The Renaissance is his latest album, and very worth the nine years we had to wait for it. He collaborates with two of my favorite soulsters, D'Angelo and Raphael Saadiq making it my pick for the best hip-hop album of the year. DJ Wanksta highly recommends it!

Summer...Please Never End!

Oh Summer how I love you! I am not looking forward to school starting or colder weather at all. Here are a few summertime activities my kids and I highly reccommend.

The splash park in Highland is a definite must. My kids had a blast running through the water. It's just as cool as the fountains at Gateway but much closer. Hank said he liked it better than the Scera Pool. Sweet...we'll go there everyday because it's FREE entertainment. Even better than that, I don't have to stress every second that my kids are going to drown.

However, Isabel cut her foot up pretty bad. We're not sure how that happened...but overall it's pretty safe. I guess kids can get hurt anywhere.

My next summer must is Cowabunga Bay. It's in the strangest location...right in front of the VF factory outlets, but it was a great time. Hank was so excited he couldn't even speak. He was running around like a crazy person from slide to slide. Randy and I took turns watching Mino-Man run like a maniac through the water.

He wasn't really a fan of the water spraying him in the face, but was quite content just splashing in puddles.

I couldn't wait for my turn to slide with Hank. I know he would rather hang with his dad but he humored me and let me run around with him. I have to admit...I love water parks. I love having kids so I can do these things and not look like a total fool! Well, I'm pretty sure I looked like a fool, but I had a blast with Hank. He gets so excited about things. It makes it so fun to take him places. They have a four hour pass there and it was just the perfect amount of time. We will certainly be going back before it closes for the winter.

Finally, our rickety old green pool, a must for every child. We had one just like this growing up. I love when kids are entertained by simple things. The sprinkler under the tramp/kiddie pool combo has been an everyday occurrence around here this summer.

Oh yes, and naked gardening, also a summer must. He's really going to hate wearing clothes when it gets colder. My little nudest!

On a side note...no summer would be complete without at least one visit to the instacare. Last week, Randy came home from work one night and the usual chaos ensued. Not five minutes had passed when Hank came in the house crying with a bloody nose and Max was holding his eye screaming. Poor little guy cried all night saying "Oww eye". He scratched his eye pretty bad but it was nothing a little motrin and a few days time couldn't cure.

Thankfully kids heal really quickly. Injuries to the eye scare me. I'm glad he's o.k.