A trip of firsts!

This past week we were able to go to a family reunion for Steve's immediate and extended family. When they said it was in Newport Beach, California you didn't have to ask me twice! The drive went well both ways and the time there went by too fast. We didn't really do much. After two years of law school, Steve working in Salt Lake every day and bishopric stuff, we were thrilled to not have a schedule or any commitments. We were all content to shop (okay, Steve wasn't too content with this), walk around Balboa island with a Balboa bar in hand, and relax with family. Despite us taking it easy for the week, there were several "firsts" on our vacation.

Hannah turned eight months old while we were there. She celebrated by being able to go from her tummy to a seated position all by herself. She is starting to realize she can use her voice to get what she wants. She is as sweet as ever, but definitely louder! I think Hannah's favorite part of the trip was getting stuck under our bed.

We also took Tyler to his first movie at the theater, Toy Story 3. Great, great show. A little intense for Tyler, who at one point climbed on my lap and told me he was scared. Hannah actually did better at the movie than Tyler! Don't mind crazy Aunt Suzie in the background!

Steve and I went to the Newport Beach Temple for the first time. It was so beautiful inside and out. There was the most exquisite tile work on the entry floor. Just beautiful!

Next was Hannah's first time at the beach and Tyler's first time body boarding. Hannah HATED the beach. She honestly cried for 30 minutes straight. Poor girl. Tyler was brave and with Steve's help successfully rode a wave back to the shore. Once was enough for Tyler and he was happy just to play in the sand the rest of the time.

Another first for our family was renting a small boat and going around the islands. It was relaxing and fun to see the amazingly beautiful beach houses. There was a sea lion just about ten feet from our boat in the water. This was Tyler's first time seeing one up close. The sea lion is just next to Tyler's head on the back of the boat. It was awesome!

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Pulley for a wonderful family reunion!

Just keep swimming, hiking, crawling

For those of you who have seen Finding Nemo over a hundred times like I have, you probably sang Dory's 'Just Keep Swimming' tune while reading the title just now. I swear, that song is always in my head. It works out nicely though. If Tyler gets frustrated I say "Be like Dory and just keep trying." Without fail, we both end up singing 'just keep trying' and Tyler is able to do whatever he thought he couldn't. Thanks Dory!

Anyway, so far this summer we've kept somewhat busy. Tyler is taking swimming lessons. He seriously loves them. I'm impressed by what they are already teaching him so young. The boy has no fear of going under the water, blowing bubbles or floating on his back. The lessons last for two weeks, and I'm sure I'll sign him up for another two weeks.

I got a great deal on a Seven Peaks season pass. I was skeptical taking both kids by myself. After Tyler and Hannah cried for the first 10 minutes there, I was ready to leave. After those ten minutes, both kids were able to relax and enjoy the water.

Hannah is super close to crawling. She easily scoots herself backwards to get where she wants, and just recently started rocking on her hands and knees. I'm NOT ready for her to be crawling. She is also cutting more teeth. She seems to have a harder time than Tyler did. She gets up a few times a night whimpering. Poor girl. She does make the cutest 'teething' face though (the second picture.)

Lastly, Steve and Tyler enjoyed some good Father/Son time this morning and hiked the Y. Tyler got out some good energy. And it gave me a good opportunity to get the house cleaned without interruption.


Oh, what do we do in the summertime? The answer is, what don't we do?

Like brother like sister

Everyone seems to tell me that Tyler and Hannah look identical. I've always acknowledged that the two are both blond haired and blue eyed. But much more than that, I've always thought they had their own look. That was until yesterday. Hannah started making some really sad and really happy faces. I thought to myself, "those look familiar." Tyler made the SAME faces. So maybe they are more alike than I realized.

Sad Faces
Tyler

Hannah


Happy/Cheesy Faces
Tyler

Hannah



Alike or not, I love seeing their beautiful faces!

Simple Things

I'd like to think that I am a positive person. Sometimes things are great and sometimes things are hard. Overall, I feel I live a blessed life. However, that doesn't mean that I don't get discouraged and frustrated. It doesn't take much to make me happy though. In fact, I'm coming to realize that it is NOT the big things that bring happiness, but instead it is the very small and simple things. Here are a few simple things that enrich my life.

1. Beautiful flowers that my hubby gave me. Seeing the fresh cut flowers sitting on the table is like inviting Spring over for dinner. Yes, these are the actual flowers. Well done Sweetie!

2. Finally getting a new swimsuit. While it made me feel like I need to lose a good 10 pounds, it also made me feel excited for the summer and all that it will bring for our family. For your sake I will not post pictures!

3. Oxy Clean. I would have had to throw out several of Hannah's outfits were it not for Oxy Clean. I love the stuff.

4. When Tyler listens the FIRST time I ask. It seems to happen so rarely, that when it does, it feels me with pure joy.

5. The Biggest Loser. I get emotional watching these people change their lives for the better. It also helps me realize I am blessed to have a body that is healthy and lets me do the things I want to do. (Don't tell Bob or Jillian I'm usually eating ice cream while I watch the show!)

6. Spring thunderstorms. Even though the rain keeps us housebound, I just love the majesty and power of the thunderstorms. I don't know why, but the thunder and lightning comfort me.

7. Casseroles. I used to hate leftovers as a kid. There seemed to be very few things I would want to eat a second time. As a mother, I love baking a big pan of something that will suffice for dinner a second time. Do the work once and get two meals worth of food. Brilliant!

8. Hearing my crazy, loud, energetic boy talk in his sleep. I giggle like a little girl hearing some of the funny things he says in the middle of the night. All is right with the world when I watch Tyler or Hannah sleep. It seems to re-prioritize my life when I see their innocent bodies sleeping peacefully.

There are many more little things that make my life easier and happier that I could list. I'll save those for another day. I hope you have a simply wonderful day!

Seventh Heaven

Hannah is seven months old today. It feels like she has been a part of our family forever. She is a wonderful little baby, always smiling. Thank goodness she is a good baby, because Tyler is keeping me very occupied these days. He's entered a new phase I call "I'll be as loud as I can." Not my favorite phase. I keep asking myself, 'what did I do before I had two kids?' or 'why didn't I get more done when Tyler was a baby?' Busy, busy.

The last month has been a big one for Hannah. First, she got her first two bottom teeth. She was a little fussy, but nothing horrible, so let's hope that trend continues with the rest of her teeth. The top left and bottom middle pictures show of her teeth nicely. Next, Hannah is rolling and twisting and turning to get wherever she wants. You put her down in a room and a few minutes later, she on the other side stuck under something. Time to baby proof the house again. And lastly, this month Hannah as begun being able to sit unsupported. Her longest is about 30 seconds, then it is TIMBER! It is just as exciting the to see her firsts as it was with Tyler. It is a privilege to watch them learn new things. Happy seven months Hannah Beth! I love you.