More San Diego

Sorry, there's more I can't get enough. The first night we were in San Diego we went to a Padres game. We sat in the outfield where it was all sand and toys. The girls played all night while we watched the game. It was a great.

The next day was Matt's cousins wedding. The night was perfect and Mari had a blast meeting a ton of new cousins.

They had the wedding at a golf course that was really beautiful.

The kids couldn't get enough of the dance floor. I think we danced till 11 or later.

We haven't been to San Diego in the summer for a couple of years so we had to hit the beach a couple of times.

We flew kites and lounged in the sand.

This picture of Mari cracks me up. She said she felt like Curious George when the kite takes him away up in the sky. She's so small she really almost flew away. I had to grab her while she skidded across the sand.

Lucy was covered from head to toe in sand. You can't see but she had a string cheese in her hand that had been dropped in the sand about 10 times. I could not get it away from her, so she had a nice snack of cheese and sand, Yum!

Tuesdays are our Balboa park and Rubios day. Free museums and $1 fish tacos, you can't beat that.

The girls favorite was the Merry Go Round. I even grabbed the gold ring and won them and free ride.

Matt and my favorite part, the fish tacos!

Another exciting day we went to Del Mar Fair. We spent most the time petting the animals, Mari and Lucy couldn't get enough.

We even got to watch a little bit of Motocross. It was pretty cool. Lucy could not stop clapping, she loved it.

Matt even got to get away and do a day hike with his Dad.

Was that overload or what. While I was posting this I realized we did alot, maybe that's why it flew by. There's even still more, but I won't bore you. I feel bad we had alot of fun with our friends Mark, Heather and their family, but we didn't get any pictures. Thanks for the birthday party, dinner, Michael Jackson night, day at the park, and pool party.

4th of July in San Diego

Well, we're home after 10 great days in San Diego, and I am having major withdrawals. I don't know why life just seems so laid back there. Maybe it was because we were on vacation. Sometimes I could really see myself living there. Don't tell my Mom she wouldn't be happy. Anyway, you are going to get sick of my San Diego posts, but there was so much fun stuff going on I have to share.

The 4th of July was probably my favorite day. In the morning I ran a 10K, my first race ever! I was really nervous, I don't know why, it's just running. But it went really well, I ran faster and farther than I ever have in my whole life. I have to say though I was really happy when I was done. That was the best part, to have it over with. I don't think I enjoy running as much as Matt, but I am glad I did it.

This is the starting line, if you can zoom in on the speedo gang. They were pretty hilarious, they didn't last long though. I passed them before 1 mile was over and they were all walking.

This is the start of the race, when I was happy to be running.

After the race we went back to Matt's parents and spent the day relaxing in the pool.

Later that night we met up with Matt's cousins for a BBQ on the beach. It was such a pretty night. The girls had a blast in the water looking for crabs and shells. We weren't sure we would be able to see the fireworks with all the fog, but it cleared out just in time.

Our little family under the pier.

Mari really surprised me, she loved the waves. She was in the water till it got dark. Lulu of course loved the crabs. She tried to pick them up, but thankfully never got one.

Lucy's new face whenever we say cheese.

The girls watching the fireworks

Nothing better than fireworks on the beach, a first for me. I loved it!!

Lucy the snake charmer

I just found these pics from about a month ago and had to share. I wasn't home at the time or this never would have happened. I would have taken cover in the house until it was gone. Lucy took a liking to this little baby snake. She loved it and carried it all over the back yard. I'm surprised it's still in one piece, she has a death grip. She is our little critter lover, doesn't matter what it is she is loving that thing until they have had enough and run away or are dead. Poor ants and potato bugs don't stand a chance.

First day of Summer!

It's officially the first day of Summer!! It's so nice to actually have it here, and have some good weather. It's been so weird this year. We haven't let the weather stop is though. We have already been busy with Memorial day at a cabin, swimming lessons, birthday parties, Snowbird, museums, baseball games, running through the sprinklers almost everyday, the ice cream man, and neighborhood and family BBQ's. I love summer!! The great thing is there is still more summer to come. We have lots of fun things planned this summer, and I promise to be a better blogger. Have a great summer everyone!!

2 down 4 to go

Matt ran his 2nd Marathon last weekend in Ogden. (Sorry you might get sick of these marathon posts.) We had a really great weekend. We stayed at my Sister's, In-Laws house. They have a really cool place up past Ogden Canyon. We stayed there with my sister and her family. The kids had such a good time together, eating pizza, roasting marshmallows, watching Little Rascals, and staying up way to late.

The next morning we watched Matt pass at the halfway mark, then the girls and I got to the finish line about 2 minutes before he finished. We weren't expecting him for another 15 minutes, so it was a surprise to see him so early. He only has to cut off 10 more minutes to qualify for the Boston Marathon!! It was a great weekend!! Thank you Kari and family for being with us Happy Birthday Sammy!!

Happy Anniversary

Well it's been a couple of weeks, but I had to post about our anniversary. 6 years! Wow, where does the time go. It either feels like its flown by or its been forever. It has been the best 6 years. It has been full of some of the greatest adventures. I love to think back on those times we we were first married and living in the scariest basement apartment. It didn't seem to phase us though we were so happy. Then every year just keeps getting better. Now 2 little girls later it seems like we are the happiest. Don't get me wrong there are hard times too, but at the end of each year it always tops the last. I really did marry my best friend. Thanks Matt for 6 great years!

This year we decided to spend our day together as a family. We went hiking and camping in Moab (one of our favorite places). It was the perfect day, good weather, the kids loved hiking around. We went back to camp, the girls loved the camp fire and the smores. Then it came to the camping part, lets say it wasn't so good. Lucy is the type of baby that doesn't fall asleep in your arms. She has to be in her own crib. So after Matt walked around the fire about 500 times she finally fell asleep. We head to the tent for a good nights rest. Then, Mari who was just getting over strep started snoring louder than any adult I have ever heard. We tried everything to get her to stop, but nothing worked. After an hour or so we finally stuffed our ears with toilet paper. Matt leaned over and while laughing says Happy Anniversary! It was pretty hilarious, but it doesn't end there. At 2 a.m. Lucy wakes up and walks circles around the inside of the tent for 2 hours. I finally couldn't take it anymore and drove around till she fell asleep, and we slept in the car. The next morning we were to exhausted to hike so we had a relaxing day at the city park. It turned out to be a memorable trip, one we'll think back on and laugh. I think next year we'll plan something for just the 2 of us.

Girls Weekend!!

It's that time again.

Every year the girls get one weekend to ourselves.

We eat ourselves sick, and laugh more than I think is possible.

My sisters and me at the condo.

We had a patio that opened up right to the pool. It was so beautiful!

My cousin Amanda and Aunt Cindy joined us this year. I think it might have been the best one we've had yet. Every morning we took a walk, and soaked in the sun. But I have to say most of the time was spent shopping and eating. At night we felt like we couldn't waste a minute with each other, so we would be up until early the next morning still talking. We did manage to sleep a little, but not much.

Thanks everybody for making my weekend!! I love you guys!!!

Salt Lake Marathon

Matt finished his first marathon of the year! 5 more to go. We had a great day that started at 5 a.m. We dropped Matt off at the starting line, to music blaring and a gospel choir. From there we got breakfast and waited for Matt to pass at Sugarhouse park. The whole time Mari was yelling "good job" to all the runners. She really had a blast. After he passed we went to the finish line to wait it out with the crowds for 2 and a half hours. Let's just say I felt like I had run a marathon by the time it was over. Trying to save a spot for that long with 2 over tired girls, one that has no concept of strangers, and another that had to keep going to the potty every 1/2 hour. Even though it was hard it was such a fun day. It was really inspiring to see all the different runners. We are so proud of you Matt!

Pre run, looking good!

Post run, still looking good after 26.2 miles!

I'm not sure who is more tired Matt, Lucy or me.

ABC's

A-Attached or single: Attached and very happy.
B-Best friends: 1. Matt of course. 2. My sisters, I couldn't live without them. 3. Amanda, since the day I was born, Ali and Addie from middle school on. I have the best friends!!
C-Cake or pie: I'm not crazy about either, but I wouldn't pass either one up.
D-Day of choice: Saturday, nothing better than being with Matt and the girls all day!
E-Essential item: Probably food, it's always on my mind.
F-Favorite color: Blue
G-Gummy worms or bears: I don't think I have a preference. I love the green and yellow ones in both.
H-Hometown: Payson, Ut
I-Indulgence: Pedicures, when I get them, which is probably once a year.
J- January or July: No question July. I would erase January if I could. July is so full of good times. BBQ's, fireworks, camping, family, it's got it all.
K-Kids: Mari 3, the sweetest little girly girl. Lucy 1, our little dramatic one.
L-Life is incomplete without: Family, friends and good food.
M-Marriage date: April 27 2002. Coming up on 6 years!
N-Number of siblings: 4 sisters. Stephani, Kari, Heather and Heidi. Love em!
O-Oranges or Apples: Oranges for sure.
P-Phobias or fears: I can be scared of the dark if I let my imagination wander.
Q-Quotes: I like Ali's "You try it and you like it!" I say this to Mari every night at dinner, but she never likes anything. I'm always trying to find something she will eat.
R-Reason to smile: My kids, but when their hard talking with my sisters and friends to get through the hard days.
S-Season: Definitely summer! I wish it was all year.
T-Tagged friends: Katie, Heather and Heidi. Sorry!
U-unknown fact about me: I'm signing up to run a 1/2 marathon this summer. Those who know me will be surprised, I'm not a runner.
V-Very favorite store: I don't know if I have one. I do love Target though.
W-Worst habit: I'm a major procrastinator.
X-X-ray, Ultrasound, or Mammogram: Who would choose Mammogram? Definitely Ultrasound. There is nothing like seeing your little baby in your tummy, and hearing that heartbeat. I love that!!
Y-Your favorite food: Anybody that knows me knows I love food, all kinds. Right now we're still stuck on Sushi. Both Matt and I are wondering when we are going to get sick of it.
Z-Zodiac: Gemini

Tea Time

Last week some friends invited us to the cutest Tea Parlor in Midway. Mari had the best time.

The little girls got to choose from all sorts of dresses, hats, crowns, necklaces... Pretty much the works.

Then it got even better when they could sit at their own table, and have their own conversations with lunch and tea.

The grown up girls couldn't help themselves either. The dresses wouldn't fit, but we did get to wear some pretty great hats.

Thanks for inviting us we had a great time!

I don't know if Mari is ever going to stop talking about it.

1st hair cut

Mari has never had her hair cut. I did cut her mullet off once when she was a couple months old, but other than that I have never had it cut. Lately I have been getting the itch to cut. I get this all the time with myself, when you can't stand it any longer you just have to do it right then. That was me today. I have wanted to cut her hair for awhile now. So when my mom called today and said she was too sick to make it to her hair appt, I decided Mari could take her spot. So within 1 hour Mari's hair was gone. I thought she would be a little scared, but she was a pro. Here are some pics of the event.






She looks like a big girl now, not a toddler. I really love it. I can even still pull it back when I need too.
What do you think?

Mike's big celebration

My Brother in Law turned 40 this weekend! Steph threw an all weekend party at their house. Mari had such a blast at their house with all the animals (that includes the cousins.) The adults got to get away for dinner, while all 17 grand kids had a free for all at Steph's house. We spent the rest of the night talking and laughing. Mari and Sophie stayed up till almost 3 in the morning playing. The next day we had the roller skating rink to ourselves. It was like I was back at the Bonton in Payson(good memories.) It was Mari's first time skating, and she loved it. Thanks Steph and Mike for having us. We had the best time!

My baby is 1

Lucy had her first birthday last week. I can't believe she is one. This year has flown by. She has been a handful this year, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. She is our little drama queen. It's been so fun to watch her learn and grow into her own little person. She is walking now and has seven teeth. She jabbers all day long, but the only real word I hear for sure is Dada, and Mama rarely. Lucy is the dancer of the family, I think she gets it from Matt. She loves to dance while she eats. I don't know why or where she got it, but without a doubt when we sit down and start to eat she is dancing away in her chair.

We had a little pizza party with some of her cousins for her big day.



Here are a couple of her chowing down on her cake.







Happy Birthday Lulu!

The results are in

I had my month check up for my eyes. I told myself not to be disappointed if my vision wasn't 20/20 yet, sometimes it takes up to a year. The Dr. pulled out the letter chart. I have never been able to see the biggest E on the chart, so when I could read the bottom line I was so excited. Then he pulled out a different chart and I could read that one! My eyesight it 20/15!!! I am so excited to be seeing so well with no help from contacts. I recommend Hoopes to anybody who is thinking about Lasik. I had a great experience!

I have been tagged

Katie tagged me over a month ago, and I have been resisting. I feel like I don't have much to say about myself, but I am going to give it a go. This is for you too Ali, I just can't bring myself to think of more things. This already took me too long.

10 years ago (Feb 1998):
I was a Junior in High School. Probably doing nothing, I was kind of a bump on a log in High School. I look back and regret that now. Don't get me wrong I had a blast in High School; I had the best friends, and we were pretty dang funny. I just wish I would have been a little more involved.

5 thing on my to-do list today:
I am heading off to bed right after this, so I will do tomorrow.
1. It's my morning to sleep in. Hopefully I can. We take turns every weekend.
2. Decide what paint color we like and prep our bedroom to be painted. We have been in this house for 3 years and we're finally painting.
3. Hang out with my Matt all day. It's Saturday I look forward to that all week.
4. Clean Mari's room. It looks like a hurricane hit it.
5. Prepare my lesson for church.

Snacks I enjoy:
I am a snacker! I would probably eat all day if I could. But my biggest love is candy, I love candy! Sadly with age and weight I have to cut back. So my latest thing is Blue Bunny's Frozen Vanilla Yougurt with frozen raspberries. It's really good.

Things I would do I were a billionaire:
1. Buy a house where it is warm all year round. I love Utah, but the winters are killing me.
2. Have a maid for all the cleaning. I hate cleaning! I don't mind picking up, but I hate deep cleaning.
3. Travel, travel, travel. I would do this all the time if I could. Some day!

3 bad habits:
1. I am a procrastinator
2. I do the laundry, I even fold it and take it to all the right rooms, but I can't put it away. I drives me crazy, I really have to fix this.
3. I bite my nails and the inside of my cheeks. I was doing really well until a month ago.

5 places I have lived:
I don't like this one. I would like to see more places, but sadly there's not.
1. Payson
2. Provo
3. Orem
4. back to Provo
5. Thats all :(

5 Jobs:
1. Kmart. How great is that. I loved working there too. It was during High school and almost all my friends worked there. We really didn't work too much, just played.
2. Afterthoughts
3. Convergys. Everyone has worked here sometime right?
4. E-excel
5. For Every Body. I loved the people I worked with, but it was a soap opera.

5 things people don't know about me:
1. I love, love to read. I could do this all day. My poor girls get deprived sometimes. I can read anything too, if it's a crappy book I still have to finish it. If anyone has favorites let me know.
2. I have a love/hate relationship with scary movies. I love to watch them, but if I have to get up in the night to go to the bathroom I am petrified. I try to walk slowly back to my bed thinking "I'm an adult I shouldn't be scared," but by the end I am running jumping in the bed so whatever is under my bed can't grab my feet.
3. I love sushi, we just started eating it a few months ago I love it!
4. I love hiking and camping. I have hiked Timp 4 times, the Grand Canyon and Subway twice, the Narrows, tons of places in Utah. Sadly this was all before we had kids. This summer is our summer to camp and hike like crazy. I will not be pregnant and the girls are both a little older.
5. This one even suprises me. I scuba dive even though I am afraid of fish. I have been certified for a couple of years now, and it's a blast. I still get the butterflies up until I am off the boat and down . I get nervous that I won't be able to get to the bottom and stay there. But once I am down, there is nothing like it. It's almost relaxing to me. Just don't let me see any sharks.

I hope you read something you didn't know. I won't name names, if you have read this and want to be tagged I tag you!