A trip to Twin Falls

The 4th of July was a packed week.  My sister Juli and her family came down from their new home in Alaska to spend some time with the family. Kendra and her husband were sealed, which was the main event. Kendra is just as pregnant as I am, so it was kind of fun having someone around to sympathize with.

Trevor wasn't able to make it, and neither were Spencer and Tom and their families, we missed them a lot but still managed to have some fun. Of course I didn't have a camera most of the time, but I did get a few shots in here and there.

We spent an afternoon at the drops.  This is just a canal outside of Shoshone Idaho.  The cement ends and just feeds into a small river I guess you could call it, and it creates a little rapid that's fun to jump in and ride.  I didn't think I could hang onto Collin well enough so we didn't go, but we did jump in at the end of the rapids and splash around where the current wasn't so strong.

We also had a short camp out at a place near Wendell, called Niagara Springs.  This is a place on the Snake River that has a bunch of boulders.  They are close enough to go "rock hopping" jumping from one to the other trying not to get wet because the water was FREEZING!  We used to go there often when I was a kid, but I haven't been there in years.  We weren't as organized as we normally are when we're camping, but we still had a good time. We just about wore everyone out.

Collin fell fast asleep and took probably the best nap of his life.

Josh and Caleb are best buds when we get together, they were totally exhausted and fell asleep on the drive back to grandma's house, it was just too cute not to take a picture of.  I'm sure they'll thank me some day.

We were also able to celebrate Uncle Jeremy a little too.  He finally finished all his medical stuff and is a full fledged Pediatric Psychiatrist.  Its been a long road, well travelled.  We're proud of how hard he worked, and Becki, Ethan and Mia for sticking by him.  Jeremy's mom rented a bounce house for the kids to play in while the adults got to sit around a visit while eating a whole bunch of really unhealthy food.  It was the best.

Collin inside the Jump Jump!

When the big kids came in Collin came out, but he enjoyed it all the same.

I was sad to have to leave, but Collin and I were anxious to get back to Trevor.  We're probably still recovering a little, but glad we went and glad to be home.

catch up

There is so much to catch up on.  I've been a bad blogger as of late.  I'm going to blame it on being really pregnant!!  So here we go...

Collin is getting to be such a big kid.  He speaks more clearly every day.  Some of my favorite words and phrases are "Hey Mommy, what's up?" and "That's awesome"  He can list a lot of our relatives and is constantly asking for Paisyn (aka Paislyn) Tavis (Travis) Mia, Dosh (Josh) and Emmett.  Honey and Babo and Mama (grandma) are also often requested.  Of course there are trying moments with a 2 year old, but the cute moments out weigh those.

Collin trying on one of Daddy's ties, a favorite pass time as of late.

We moved into our own house.  We were staying on some property that Agri-Service owns.  But as the construction got underway for their new shop we were anxious to get a place of our own. It took forever to find the right house, and even longer to get all the financing together but we finally got the all clear and moved out the same time the company was moving in.  It wasn't easy moving 6.5 months pregnant, and Trevor was busy getting everything in the office up and running.  Thank heavens my mom came and helped, and my sister Becki a few weeks later.  I still have some unpacking and organizing to do, which I get done slowly and everything needs to be painted. I'll get to it eventually, and then I'll post pictures.

As well as a new house Trevor and I decided a little more space would be a wonderful thing and splurged on a King sized bed.  Please excuse the lack of decorating.  I haven't gotten there yet.

The little lady is doing well.  Its funny how different being pregnant is this time vs when I was pregnant with Collin.  She moves differently, and I feel like she is smaller (this might just be wishful thinking, I'm hoping for a smaller baby and a normal delivery vs another c-section.) I feel like my body has a better idea of what's going on this time around.  We're keeping our fingers crossed.

This is a cute picture I just decided to throw in.  Collin and Paislyn are best friends, when we're together they do everything together, include sleep in the car!!

Trevor works hard everyday and is really enjoying his job.  Some days we don't get to see him much, but we're looking forward to when things slow down a little bit.  We're already planning some fun trips when things settle down.

Trampoline and Carnival

We finally closed on our house and got to move in about a month ago!  Sorry no pictures, the yard is a mess, since yard work posses a bit of a challenge to my 7 months prego belly.  I try to do a little each day, but I'm not good for much and it gets away from me quickly.  And the inside isn't completely unpacked for much of the same reasons, and due to Trevor working ALL the time.  We'll get there, surely but slowly.

My sister Becki brought her 2 kids over for a visit last week.  It was so much fun to have someone else around.  She helped a ton, just by being there and helped me get some of the yard under control, which I am so grateful for.  She is a better picture taker than I am and here are some of the snapshots she got off with her phone.

the yard has a trampoline sunk down in the ground, its the best because the kids can just run on and off as they please while we watch from the patio.  This day was hot, and the sprinklers had just been on, hence the nakedness.

I'm still not sure why, but there was a small carnival set up in the neighboring town of Ballard, since Trevor wasn't home yet he didn't get to come :( We missed him, but had fun eating unhealthy food and riding a few rides.

Ever since our last trip to Honey and Babo's house, whenever Collin sees a horse he calls out Reba! and begs to ride.  He kicked and screamed when we had to get off, but we soon got him distracted enough to ride some of the other rides there.

Except that summer is the biggest working time for farmers which is going to keep Trevor busy, everything is shaping up to a great summer and we are excited for many more warm days and activities to come!  Anyone is welcome anytime, we love to have visitors!!

About a Girl...

Before Collin was born, I didn't care what the gender of our child was.  I thought having a boy first would be great because everyone should have a big brother.  I love mine, he's always done a good job taking care of me and helping me when I needed him.  Trevor is a great big brother, I'm sure his younger siblings will testify to his enthusiastic involvement. :) Every girl needs a big brother.

I really enjoy Collin.  I love his snuggles and slobbery kisses and his little arms that give big hugs.  I love that he is mine, and I'm his mom.  I love that every inch of him is boy and I just want a million more.  I also love the relationship Collin and Trevor have developed. Trevor tosses him around and wrestles with him and Collin loves it.  Trevor teaches him to be strong and kind and respectful in a way I'm sure only a dad can. While I'm sad everyday about how quickly he's growing, and that these moments are soon to be gone forever, I'm so excited to see him grow up.  I know he's going to be a great man and I'm excited to help him get there. As we've started to think of adding to our family I found myself terrified of having a girl.  I know boys, I love boys and I want more! (I'm laughing at myself writing this because my friend expressed similar feelings before the birth of her daughter and I remember thinking that was a silly thing to think.  Anna, I totally get it now.)

Baby #2 is on the way.  She'll be here in August.  I say she with 95% certainty.  We've done 3 ultra sounds and each time the answer is the same "I think its a girl, but I can't get a very good look" When we first started talking with Collin about a baby we asked Collin if he wants a baby boy or baby girl he said baby girl.  When I asked him, don't you want a baby boy, he adamantly refused.  No matter how we ask, he says girl every time. So we're assuming its a girl and we're proud that she is fighting to keep her mystery at such a young age.  Hopefully its a sign of her future lady-like behavior.  Trevor is already telling Collin how he's going to have to look out for his sister and make sure ALL the guys know to stay away.  Collin listens intently and I'm sure he'll be ready to spring into action as soon as needed.

Despite my hesitations of having a girl, I find myself excited and really anxious for her to get here.  I can feel her sweet spirit even now and can't wait for her to join our family and make it that much more complete.

FYI My sister and her husband are expecting their first daughter the same day we are, and Trevor's sister and her husband are expecting their second daughter just two months prior to us.  We are so excited for them as well.

A trip to the valley

We figured since Trevor's work is getting really busy, we had better make a trip to visit family now.  We left on Wednesday and didn't come back until last night. We had such a good time, and didn't want to leave, but the real world was calling so we had to go...

While we were there we spent lots of time outside playing in the sun, watching Travis baseball games, and looking after the animals.  Collin especially loved riding the horses.  He was not the least bit afraid it is a natural horseman like his dad.  But the end of his ride, he was not only sitting alone in the saddle, (in fact when I got on with him he started to cry and said "MOVE!") but he was so comfortable he was holding on with just one hand!  It was so cute and fun to watch.

Those are about the only pictures we got, since we didn't bring out camera.  Thanks to Grandpa Holden for always being prepared!

Th eDark Cloud Will Lift

I do not like February. It seems to be a month that is plagued with dreary skies and unfriendly weather.  I've found over the years my mood is greatly influenced by the amount of sunshine my skin sees which typically in February isn't much!  With sunshine, my skin looks better, my hair is fluffier and my step a little lighter. I suppose I shouldn't complain about the weather, this winter has been particularly mild.  It may simply be a mental block I've created that February is dreary, none the less I still don't like it, especially in a leap year, when its a whole day longer.

Hooray for March!  With the new month comes a new hope for warmer days and bright skies to warm my skin down to my very soul.

We haven't been up to much lately.  We've been house hunting, which is difficult in the market we're in.  Homes here are much more expensive than I was planning on and I can't seem to adjust my thoughts to accept that.  We would rent, but there is an extremely limited availability, and it too is very pricey.  That is what has taken up most of our days and nights. I am mentally exhausted when we get home from and few hours of house hunting.  We feel we are close to finding what we want, so keep your fingers crossed for us.

Collin is growing like a weed.  Its really exciting to watch him pick up on things and work them into his ever growing vocabulary. I do want to tell him to stop growing and just keep being my baby, but I'm too excited to see what he'll become to really want that.  I'm a horrible picture taker, but I do occasionally get some good ones.  We've taken a few trips the last few months and done some fun things.  All of which I should document a little more, but for now,  here are a few pictures I managed to snap on my phone.

Collin with cousin Paislyn and a BYU basketball game

watching a show, like a big boy 

At a rodeo in Vernal

I think Collin is going to be a musician, be sure enjoys singing and piano playing!

Having a Sobe with Mom in the car, waiting for Dad

A portion of November

We went to Twin Falls for Thanksgiving and spent some time with my family. We are missing one camera and the memory card from the other, so we only have our phones which equals not many pictures.

We watched Dallin's and Landon's wrestling match and Collin couldn't resist taking a turn on the mat, Trevor was happy to jump on with him. 

A bunch of my family went to the Boise State game just after  Thanksgiving.  Trevor and I had left Collin so many times we decided we didn't want to leave him again and took him with us, you can see he did great!

Dallin and Becki and the game.  Becki was on crutches and hopped all the way up to our seats which were not far from the top! She's my hero.

Trevor and Collin infront of the smurf turf at the end of the game

This is probably one of my new favorite pictures.  This is what I often get when I ask Collin for a kiss!  He's such a stinker and growing way way to fast.