80's Party!

Swami's Cafe and a family stroll down the pier on a beautiful, sunny day. Perfection.

Keepin it Real

Lately McKay has been completely obsessed with his Thomas the train set, he drags them around everywhere we go. The other day, he was playing in the backyard while I ran upstairs to do a load of laundry. I was probably gone for literally, a whole two minutes, when I came back downstairs stunned to find this lovely mess all over my house...

...dirt everywhere, including himself covered head to toe. At first I couldn't figure out what in the world he was thinking! But, after the initial reaction (and getting it all cleaned up), I thought it was pretty funny he was just making it more 'real'.

The culprit. (after the strip/hose down)

There's not much to get into out back. We have artificial turf, a playslide, furniture, and two pots. Guess he found the one thing of dirt to get into. Oh well, gotta laugh, shrug it off, and sometimes remind myself he really doesn't know any better. ..next time, however... ;)

IT'S A...

We are so excited to have two little buddies! Boys are the best!..but I suppose I'm a little partial since I already have one of my own. :) Really, we couldn't have been more thrilled either way. I'm so excited for McKay to have a little buddy to run around with.

Happy New Year 2011

New Year's Eve: {Elizabeth, Elke, Lori, Anna, Me}

Ringing in the New Year with friends, what could be better? McKay literally fell asleep at about 12:03, without even realizing he made it to count-down. Haha. That's 2 for 3 for little guy. Happy New Year everyone! Cheers to 2011! PS: New Year's Resolution: Organization! ...I thought perhaps if I posted it, I'd hold myself more accountable. :) We'll see. Resolutions for anyone else out there?

Christmas in Utah

The first day, the boys took McKay sledding.

Of course, he loved every minute of it.

Christmas Eve, we went over to my Aunt & Uncle's house for a delicious dinner. Following dinner, the kiddos put on our traditional Nativity production. McKay wanted nothing to do with the dressing up part; but, despite his lack of participation, he was really excited about it.  

Here's the cast. It's so fun being on the other side of it after all these years, getting to watch our own kids.

Our entire trip McKay was completely obsessed, as usual, with his Uncle Britt.  From morning until night, all he wanted was to play with 'Bit'. He followed and pulled him around everywhere he went. For the first time ever, my little mama's boy wanted nothing to do with me..and let me tell you, I didn't mind one bit! It was rather refreshing. Btw, Britt, will you please come live with me! ;)

Christmas morning at the hotel and some stocking action.

Opening presents, McKay was in heaven.

Being goofy.

We also wondered around campus and the BYU bookstore. Chocolate covered cinnamon bears anyone?

    

How cute are they?!

A picture to remember Grandma's house. Home away from home.

'The Fudge Lady' floral arrangement.

Perhaps a strange shot to take but, c'mon, who else has a blue & white casket with a BYU logo on it?! Unique. Just like her. After the services, the entire extended family got out sharpies and signed it with love, covered from top to bottom. So Grandma. She would have loved it.

Grandma Glamour Derelys Lovely and Grandpa.

Derelys Dana Anthony

Grandma and me.

Christmas this year was rather bittersweet for me. Last minute, we headed up to Utah in order to attend my grandma's funeral. The service was one of a kind. In attendance, former BYU coach- LaVel Edwards, a professional MBA player- Mark Eaton, conducted by one of the 70's, a breathtaking musical number by a Mormon Tabernacle member, 7 children, 30+ grandchildren, 30+ great grandchildren, friends and loved ones. In closing, grandma's fudge and the BYU fight song. What a full life she led. I'm not going to lie, it's been extremely tough to part with her...and I suppose it doesn't help feeling overly emotionally pregnant either; although tough regardless. For anyone who knows me, they also know how special this lady was and always will be to me. Growing up living across the street as well as living in her basement between moves, during college, and my first year of marriage, she was more like a mother to me and really, also became one of my best friends. When Jeff proposed, he went straight to Grandma first to ask for my hand in marriage. She became friends with all of my friends. I always felt of her love and knew she was there for me, rooting me on and guiding me along the way. Full of life and energy, quick, witty, eccentric, strong, inspirational, and one of the most influential persons in my life. She taught me so much and has been my rock throughout my life. I am so grateful for the wonderful relationship I have had with this amazing woman. She will truly be missed and how sweet the day will be when I will get to see her again. I know you are up there partying in heaven, Grandma! I am so happy for you to be reunited with your Mama and your Mr. Wonderful. Love you forever, like you for always, forever and ever my grandma, my mother, my friend you will be.

JOY.

This year, Jeff insisted that we have Pipe as the backdrop for our Christmas photo. 'Insisted' just might be an understatement. And not just any Pipe, but a 'going off' Pipe. Ok, fine. Makes no difference to me. Well, I guess easier said than done. Sorry babe, but next year, you are so banned from all Christmas card involvement! After sifting through photos, hours of creating dozens of different sample cards, and finally Jeff just plain blaming McKay and I for ruining the Christmas card opportunity...(yes, it was a breaking point and well, to be perfectly honest, McKay does sort of look like a velociraptor here), we've FINALLY finished! A bit comically ridiculous if you ask me, over a measly Christmas card. So, good riddance to that and to all a good night! ...and um, with cheer and merry and bright?!?..I don't want to sound like a total bah humbug, after all. Ha ha. But seriously, so happy to be DONE with that silly thing and more importantly, we wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! :)   

Legoland

Last Friday, we scored some free passes to Legoland! (thanks to my friend, Erin!).  McKay loved everything about this place! Our first visit to Legoland turned out for some great fun! :)

Psssst...

So, there's actually another story to this picture here... I found these cute PJ's for McKay. They were the perfect fit for the job. So, after trick-or-treating, I changed McKay into his new jammies and pushed him out in front of Grams for everyone to see. It wasn't just the new jammies we wanted to show off. It was what the new jammies read... 

{Click here..}

{it's a little cut off in the pic but, can you make it out?} 

Here's another hint:

Yep, baby #2 is on it's way! We couldn't possibly be more thrilled! ..except for the whole having to be pregnant part.. but, of course totally & completely worth it! :)

{The jammies read 'Big Brother' in case you didn't figure it out!}

Halloween

Ward Trunk-or-Treat.

Dinner at Grams & Ha-ha's

Uncle Joey always carves the best pumpkins!

This little bugger would not keep the head to his costume on. Here's our best shot. 

Trick-or-Treating, Success!

 This year McKay was Brobee from the kid's show Yo Gabba Gabba. It was the cutest costume! (-thanks to Laura for letting us borrow her amazing piece of work!) Unfortunately, McKay kicked and screamed as we tried to get him in the darn thing. In the end, we managed to at least get him to keep the suit on, minus the head. Oh well, he is two years old after all, he's got a mind of his own. McKay absolutely loved the trick-or-treating part...of course! Overall, it was a great night!

Disneyland

Happiest place on Earth!

I love that Ella is holding his head up for the picture.

Of course, we had to give it a shot.

What the...face?

Meeting Goofy.

Meeting Mickey, so cute.

Parade.

Last week we went with some friends to Disneyland. It was McKay's first and he loved every minute of it! I admit, I was a little apprehensive about McKay and rides, considering he practically had a nervous breakdown on the ferris wheel a few months ago. (Yep, pretty much the most mellow ride of all time)  Yet, he was such a champ, he loved them all! Not even a peep on Pirates or Haunted Mansion. Magical. And lots of fun!