Just Another Day

Bean Cake has a touch of pink eye in her right eye. I had to hold her down for the drops last night (which was completely miserable for both of us) however this AM she cooperated as it meant that she could go to hang out with Shell today for the sake of not spreading it around school. She had a really fun day and we were way lucky to have a Shell who could help out! Our Betty is fast asleep accompanied by the ballerina she painted with Shell!

DD seemed content to go to school today and knew he was leaving early to meet his new friend, Christian. He was all smiles this morning and ran right into class barely stopping to hug me good bye! Mommy Amy picked him up at 2:30 and we met up complete with treats to keep him satiated. Christian was a huge hit and is going to help us help Dayton. He did have a "Y" (for BYU) on his phone but luckily DD had one of his blazing red Utah shirts on to let him know where his loyalties lie!

I haven't seen my Marky in what feels like forever. He's been working like a mad man and I do miss him so. I'm trying to stay awake tonight for the sake of spending some time with him but I'm fading fast. Jazzy is in Cali with Micci for their engagement photos (don't forget to smile Fluffs!) so things seem extra quiet around here tonight. I wish Liz was nearby. Everything just feels kind of sad in a good way.

I'm in love with Blake Lewis' 'How Many Words' and have listened to it a bazillion times tonight while the kids both drifted off to sleep. Time for me to catch some more zzz's before the swimmer does any more laps tonight. Coincidentally Marky felt the our little one tumbling around for the first time the other night while I slept.

On the B Side: Thank you Shell for your help today. You are a life saver and we love and adore you so. Our lives continue to be touched by you in so many countless ways. Thank you Amy for being such a special part of the kids lives. I appreciate you and your willingness to make time to work through some of the more challenging stuff and be part of the solution. Not only are the children are blessed to have you in their lives but so am I. xxox

19 Weeks...Dream On!

Dear Baby, Today you are 19 weeks old in utero. You are busy swimming around and the rest of your family can't wait to feel your movements! It won't be long as we are quickly approaching half way (next week, yay!).

This week I found out that you can dream and it is something that I hope you are able to do the rest of your little life! Start now and never stop as the world will soon welcome you and will be all yours.

You can hear and also startle with loud noises. You are approximately 6.5 inches in length and weigh around 8 ounces. We'll listen to your heart again this week and always love knowing that you are doing well.

You will have lots to do and 3 siblings to keep up with once you grace us with your presence! They love to talk about you and give you hugs through my belly.

On the B Side: I love the miracle of birth! I think it is amazing that two single cells combine and subsequently create trillions (no lie!). I am in love with learning about this marvelous process and cannot imagine how anyone could ever deny the existence of a loving Heavenly Father!

Wholesome Entertainment...ROCK ON!

This weekend while at the lodge I had brought all kinds of stuff for Ellie to enjoy. I did my Motherly due diligence by bringing books, coloring books, and a few of her favorite little toys to play with to keep her occupied while Dayton was skiing.

Turns out she has a 'rock family' living in her coat pocket and that was entertainment enough! She was careful to keep count of all of them and carefully displayed them and introduced them to Grandma Mikey and myself!

On the B Side: I am grateful for the simplicity of children! I love their ability to appreciate small things and not get caught up in everything.

"Nobody Should Have This Much Fun at a Ski Place but I did, Mom" - Dayton

This weekend I was able to steal the kids away to travel up to Snow Basin.

We started with a yummy brunch! Dayton loves bacon, polished off his fresh fruit, downed his OJ and worked diligently at his french toast so he would be ready to hit the slopes with plenty of energy!

He was fitted for boots, bindings, skis and a helmet since he has outgrown his own equipment. Ellie excitedly sat nearby and looked pretty.

We had DD walking around in his boots to acclimate himself since it's been a while and he not only looked great but had no problems.

To pass some time before the lesson Grandpa Mikey took D for a spin in one of the golf carts. Since Grandpa is notorious at SB we got all kinds of special treatment! Ellie was busy checking out the ski shop and it was right up her alley!

The Ski School puts on a puppet show for all youngsters prior to heading out to impress the importance of safety. D dug it!

Next the kids helped their instructors tote their equipment to the slopes. D has the silver helmet, white elastic on his googles and red racing jersey on. You can see his instructors Jessica and Ed with him as he carefully assist.

D did a great job carrying his equipment and walking up the slope to the 'magic carpet'. Ellie and I watched from the warm lodge and she was very sad to leave Dayton. Grandma and Grandpa Mikey stayed outside and walked up with Dayton.

Dayton was beyond brave and super excited! He didn't look back or bother to say goodbye. Off he went and the smiles were enough reassurance for me to know that he was in his element. While he was in his two hour lesson Ellie basked in the individual attention!

She also had a grand time singing and entertaining! She was busy observing and commenting on everything around her.

We rode in the gondola several thousand feet. She was busy looking for Dayton on the slopes below!

She was very intrigued by the gondola and asked a cornucopia of questions. She took this picture from the lodge at the top while we at lunch.

I didn't get any pics of our boy in action as it was super windy! I was taken aback not only by how much he really enjoy skiing but also by how well he did. He couldn't talk enough about it in the car and his instructors said he is a strong skier! He outlasted the other two boys in his class and quite literally skied circles around them! He giggled about the 'wedgie' they put on his skis to help but was pleased that he rode the lift and didn't require the instructor to guide him. He did comment that he fell a lot and I made sure he knew that was because he was trying to hard and learning so much!

They both crashed on the car ride home. I sat between them with a pillow on one side to comfort Dayton and my hand on Ellie's head to keep her propped up against me while we all snuggled under a warm blanky and slept!

On the B Side: I treasure days like this with loved ones! The kids were both super excited and the sun was out to keep us warm! We made some fun memories and I love knowing that Dayton had a blast, learned a lot and can't wait to go back! His strong legs and wind burned cheeks told quite a story and I look forward to taking him back. As soon as Ellie gives us the green flag she's up next! As for now I love spending time with her in the comfy lodge and perusing the ski shop! Special thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Mikey! We sure do love them!!