The Botanical Gardens

I was surprised to see that the botanical gardens weren't just plants. They had a really fun children's area with slides, caves, tree houses, boats, bridges, and all sorts of fun hands on activities. One that the girls loved was a little replica of how the panama canal works. They loved playing in the water and making the boat go in and out. We didn't get to spend much time in the children's area because several schools were there on field trips so the girls were getting lost and trampled a lot. But we'll definitely be back.

All throughout the gardens, there were different types of huts the kids could play in. I wish I would've gotten some pictures. I hardly got my camera out. Pictured below is a hedge maze. Someday I'd love to be in one I can't see out of, but it was a lot of fun for the toddlers.

All around the hedge maze was this fun little fountain. The girls got a kick out of it. There was one arc that was lower than the rest, so if you didn't watch it, you'd get hit in the face. I wonder if they did that on purpose just for a laugh?

Mikey mostly enjoyed the fine dining.
Part of the Japanese Gardens. It was much more beautiful than this picture lets on.

Mikey Can Walk This Earth

First, it started with his dinosaur he got from Grandma and Grandpa for his first birthday. He loves it and uses it all the time.

Next came some help from Daddy and Allie. But mostly Allie, I'm sure. They loved walking around like this. (I'm not so sure Mikey did. Allie tends to drag him around more. She seems so eager to get him walking.)
Next, he decided to finally take the big leap. Trevor and I had been trying to get him to take his first steps for weeks and he refused. If he saw us get a few feet apart and "assume the position," he'd automatically get jelly legs and flop to the ground. There was no way we were going to make him and he meant it. One day at our friend Alpha's house on May 4th, I was sitting on the floor and he had pulled himself up on an end table. I wasn't paying any attention to him, but suddenly he started walking towards me. I tried to show Trevor, but Mikey would get so excited that he'd stiffen up his whole body and fall over. It was a few days before Trev got to see.

This was Mikey today. One month and two days after first steps. He loves to practice. Loves it. He loves going back and forth between Trevor and I. He doesn't love going between the couch and I as much, but he'll do it anyway.

Trouble maker

Mikey is so very mobile. But he sure gets into a lot! He got himself wedged between Allie's bed and her rail. He wasn't very happy about it.

He also really likes the bathroom. At least the toilet lid was down or it could've been much worse.
Yep. Into everything.

But how could I possibly get mad at a face like this?

Tired boy

He fell asleep putting food in his mouth. Isn't he so sweet?

Jason's House

In March, the kids and I went to Utah for a few weeks. We had such a blast seeing everyone. First stop was Uncle Jason's house. Allie took to Jason immediately. The kids were always fighting over his lap. I love these four. A lot.
We have such decisions to make. Trevor and I don't love Utah the most of the places we've lived. We don't want to raise our kids there, but watching Allie and Mikey enjoy their cousins and bask in all of their grandparents' attentions and affections made me seriously rethink our permanent home possibilities. We still have a few years to decide, but we'll have fun where we are in the meantime!

Leah's House

I love these three. Allie loved her Nash. She stayed by his side the whole time.
I got to see my Ella. This girl is my very bestest friend of all time. I love her so dearly!

We turned on some pumped up jams for cleaning. Allie and Nash were pumped!

A big reason I wanted to go to Utah was because I needed to meet my newest niece Miss Lucy Love. She was completely worth it. She's about the giggliest baby I have ever seen. No wonder. She's got LOTS of entertainment at the Higgfarm. I love her too much! Meeting her almost made it worse because now that I've gotten to know her, I miss her.

Some Cool Things

Allie loved carrying this giant fox around. It looked so funny watching her little body trying to lug that thing around.Granny's new couch is very static-y.

Mikey was almost OCD about getting the balls in the pockets.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far

I grew up in these hills. I love them so much. I miss them almost as much as I miss my family. Allie also loved them. She climbed every rock in sight. We never made it far, but it was still such a blast.
It wore her out well too.

Some Collages

Allie would NOT leave Curtis alone. She was absolutely obsessed.Allie asked to hold Mikey. When I put him next to her, she started yelling "Cammer! Cammer, Mommy!" (Camera) Like I NEEDED to take pictures of them. I did.

More of the kids

She apparently knows what mascara is.
They both fell asleep in the swings. It was about the cutest thing I've ever seen. I love those two little bodies.

Photo Op

The lighting was just right and I couldn't help myself. Could you if you had such a gorgeous and photogenic daughter? Some of these are getting framed.


This one is the background on our laptop. My favorite part? Her shoes are on the wrong feet. She's so imperfectly perfect!
Oops. Forgot to rotate. Still cute.

Trike Ride

Allie and I enjoyed the mild evenings in Curtis' tricycle. Mikey enjoyed them in Granny G's arms. I'm sure she hated it too.

Txt U L8R

My in-laws came to visit. We were having so much fun that this is the only picture I took. It was too cute watching Allie hang out with her Aunt Marissa.I was curious whether Allie would remember her grandparents. When they walked in the door, she didn't skip a beat. She grabbed Michael's hand and took him straight to the toy room downstairs. They were so involved in their play, they didn't even notice Marissa and I sneak down and watch them for a while. She loved swimming at their hotel with them and didn't want to see them go. I almost didn't see her the whole time they were there. She loves her grandparents and sure loves to bask in all their attention.

I am very very sneaky sir

Allie is such a wonderful sister. I'm always impressed with how willing she is to share with Mikey (now if only I could get her that willing with her toys and other kids). Yesterday, I gave her a graham cracker. She immediately handed it to Mikey and then asked for another. She always makes sure he has something to eat before she does. Well, unless it's candy.

The Johnny Jumper

Thanks to my wonderful and innovative hubby, we finally found a way to enjoy our Johnny jumper. And we enjoy it to its fullest!