Spur of the moment Cali trip

The first night we spent without Jane, Emily and I hardly knew what to do, especially since Bart would be frantically spending the weekend getting ready for Sundance. So when my sister Allyson called with a proposition to come and help her unpack her boxes at her new place, I knew seldom would I have another chance to take a trip with Emily alone. So thanks to Raquel we quickly packed our bags and took a chance at flying standby. Due to a couple of people who missed their flights, by the skim of our pants we made it on the plane and enjoyed the mild weather of Southern California for a few days. The first day Allyson had to work so we leisurely spent the morning cleaning up and spending some time in her pool. When Ally got home from work it was all business unpacking her boxes. The next day started out a little stormy but Emily wouldn't let us forget we promised her some time at the beach. Surprisingly when we got there it was very pleasant with no wind. Perfect for making a sand village. After some wave watching and losing a shovel to the ocean (i.e. dust pan since the beach bucket and shovels hadn't appeared from the packed boxes) we set out for yogurt land. Emily enjoyed every second loading up her ounce of yogurt with every treat imaginable. We then went back to unpacking while Emily enjoyed a Red Box movie "Barbie's Princess Charm School"
Unfortunately I'm not as conscientious about taking pictures as Suzanne but here are some pictures of the beach.

A "Bacation" for Jane

Jane was privileged to accompany Bart's parents to Phoenix to see her Uncle Jeff and Aunt Suzy run a half marathon. The decision for Jane to go came at the last minute, mostly because we fought to let her go because we knew we'd miss her horribly and I didn't want a 3 year old to impose on any fun plans. After some discussion and knowing an Aunt Suzy and Uncle Jeff were anxious for her to come we decided to let Jane go knowing how empty it would make our house. So the night before I quickly dug out her old flip flops and explained to Jane I would wake her up early to meet Nona and Papa. She giggled with delight at the thought of wearing flip flops again and as if it was Christmas morning she was awake at 4:30 AM talking all about her "bacation". For a full report of the "bacation" visit Suzanne's blog. Here is a summary (I stole from her blog) and some pictures.

Jane was the first one awake and enjoyed Frosted mini wheats each morning. She loved watching for birds in Jeff's front yard and enjoyed some time hanging out in her Rapunzel dress. (She wouldn't leave home without it)


Jane loved the Nemo fish she discovered in a car wash waiting room and ran circles around it.

They ate at some fabulous restaurants which included finding a Chef just her size and a gumball machine twice her size which unfortunately was broken.


She enjoyed an art museum, balloon festival, and an outing to the movies to see "I bought a Zoo".



Jane had a front row seat to cheer on her two favorite runners.



I'm sure a highlight for Jane was being spoiled with a mani-pedi from Nona, and fabulous gifts such a Rapunzel Pez Dispenser and her own container of chapstick.




Thanks Nona, Papa, Jeff, Melissa, Suzy and Seth for giving Jane the time of her life!! She still talks about all the fun she had being with so many people she dearly loves.

Around here..

We've been scootin' in the New Year!!


Happy 2012 Everyone!

Before there was Jane....

the day after Christmas was always a little sad for me. It's like all the excitement is over, the radio stations stop playing Christmas songs and "normal" life resumes. Now I have one more day to celebrate and believe me with Jane it is a celebration. Forget about Christmas, for over a month now Jane has been talking about her birthday and what she wants for her birthday. Whenever Random people ask her how old she is instead of saying 2 Jane would say "almost 3". Grandma Becky was the first to wish her a Happy Birthday and gave her a stuffed animal for a present. Jane grabbed the bear and exclaimed "My own teddy Bear just for me." Since we were traveling home from Teasdale yesterday we celebrated tonight with family who live close by. This morning as she came into the kitchen I said "How's my babes?" Jane scolding me saying "I'm not a baby I am 3 now!" All day long Jane has been so excited for everyone to come to her party. About an hour before the festivities began she came skipping up the stairs and asked "How many minutes until my friends come to my house?" She did this about every 5 minutes until the guests arrived. In full Jane fashion she opened all her presents with gusto jumping and giggling the whole time. While ripping into a few presents giggling with delight someone would ask her "What did you get" and she would exclaim "I don't know" all the while jumping for joy!

Thanks to all of Jane's "friends" who came to celebrate with my wonderful Jane!!

A Grand Gingerbread House

I took the girls and Emily's friend Leah to the Grand America's Gingerbread Display. The house was massive and took like 5,000 Gumballs and a massive amount of frosting and gingerbread to make. The girls were impressed. We also had fun going on a scavenger hunt through the Hotel looking for the star in some Display Windows. At the end we all got a "Fairy" Sticker and a cookie for participating.

Sad, Sad, Day

Last week, while walking home from taking Emily to school, Jane complained that her toes were hurting. I knew this day would come that she would grow out of her all time favorite "Sarah's shoes" (see picture) which were given to her by Bart's very giving sister Sarah. For a long time I would only let Jane wear them to church or if she had an extra special outfit or outing. I did finally give up the battle and Jane started wearing them everywhere.
I inconspicuously put them in the "too little" box which worked for a couple of days. The other morning as I pulled out some boots to put on Jane she said "I want to wear my Sarah shoes" I couldn't lie so I said they are too little so they are gone. The look on her face almost tore my heart in two and she said in the most desperate voice "But where did they go" I repeated my answer and her voice became even more desperate "BUT WHERE ARE THEY MOMMA" then she paused and stated, before the tears came, "I am sad. This is a sad day"



(I'm almost tempted to show her the pair of the same shoes, I have stashed away, that Sarah gave Emily but I know she'll demand to wear them and they are way to big. But someday, as her feet grow, the joy will return)

Date Night

I had the most fabulous time on a date with Bart. We ate at "The Garden" on top of the Joseph Smith Building, walked around Temple Square and then enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert. The concert is always the highlight at Christmas time for me and I'm glad I got to experience it with Bart!