Happy Anniversary…yesterday! It’s been 4 years already (I know, that’s not really that long, but it still seems to have gone by fast)

As the clock struck 12 to start April 22, 2010 I gave Mark a kiss and said I was going to bed. I could hardly wait for the surprise I had waiting there…no, not what you’re thinking. It was this:

The Hyatt Grand Pillow. We’ve been dreaming of them since our trip to NYC in December. It was the most comfy, cozy pillow (and entire bed) I’d ever slept in and could barely bring myself to get out of bed the next morning to catch the bus back home. I think missing Britton was the only thing that did it.

So, we talked about getting them for our anniversary since they’re pretty pricey for a pillow. But, I didn’t tell him I had done it. I was slightly worried he’d notice the completely different shape and color of the pillowcase as he got ready for bed…but no. He even leaned on it a little..but not until he actually laid down did he realize the surprise. He was really excited and we had a great night’s sleep on our wonderful new pillows.

We met up that night for a temple session and grabbed Yogurtland afterward. It’s the first time we’ve been there and it’s really good. I love that I can satisfy the part of me that wants sweet/candy bar yogurt and toppings and the part that wants something fruity at the same time.

When we got home, I had a surprise waiting for me:

Not positive what it was. Though, it was a surprise since the pillows were our gift.

You guessed it…and Ebook reader! Kind of like the Kindle, but better! Leave it to Mark to find an electronic with all sorts of cool things.

See that nifty color part at the bottom? It’s a touch screen for easy navigation. And the flower is my screensaver (or wallpaper, I’m not sure which)

And this is my library. It comes with 3 already. Super cool!

I’m especially surprised and excited ’cause Mark did this ALL on is own. Around Christmas I mentioned the Kindle, but whenever it comes to getting something for me our conversation usually goes something like this:

Me: Wow, that’s super cool. I’d love that.

Mark: Do you want it?

Me: No. Don’t even think about getting it for me either. It’s way too much/I don’t need it/etc.

So, he pretty much knew that I’d tell him I didn’t want it/need it if he brought it up, but knew I’d love it anyway.

Thanks honey! This was a terrific anniversary. I love you so much for all that you do and are!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Friday was a great/totally crappy day in our house. I was pretty sick most of the day (not sure why, my friend Paige had the same symptoms, but a couple of days before me and it was NOT the flu.) But, we got to find out what type of bean we’ll be having this fall, and that was pretty great.

Luckily the nausea stayed away while at the doctor’s office and we got some pretty cool pics.

Little profile

Tiny foot.

Well, Mark couldn’t be there, so I told them not to tell me what the gender was. From the beginning I’ve thought this was a girl. It’s just different than with Britton, and it just seemed that way.

But, I’ve been known to be wrong on occasion. I was thinking I’d seen a little something during the “bum shot.”

Opening the envelope in anticipation. Seriously, I could hardly wait all day!

I guess not! It’s a girl this time. So, yes I was right. I’m thinking 2 for 2 isn’t bad. We’re excited to be able to use a definite pronoun when we talk about the baby now. I’ve been saying she pretty regularly, and now and I won’t have to feel guilty about it.

After living in LA for 5 years now (I know, I can hardly believe it’s been that long either) going “home” to Utah makes me realize how different and country some places still are.

Like–distance is measured in miles there, and no one thinks twice about driving 10-15 miles to  get somewhere because it’ll take 10 minutes. Here, distance is measured in time and going 5 miles can be an afternoon trip.

There, seeing a tractor drive down the road is probably a common occurrence in some parts. Here, seeing one would cause accidents and it would promptly be run off the road.

This is what we had driving behind us one day. So awesome.

In Utah now Britton also gets the opportunity to try out life as a non-city boy. My dad likes motorcycles and rode around with us all over the mountains when we were little. He picked one up for a friend and had Brit test it out.

This was before it was on. I figured it would terrify him since loud noises tend to do that.

This is him riding it laughing his head off.

When it was time to be done he cried and kept asking for the “cycle” Oh no!

Just as I’m thinking he’d be a stinkin’ cute cowboy…

HATED it! When she started to move he bawled. Sorry Shae!

Guess it’s a good thing he’s a city boy.

We had a lot of fun visiting with friends. We spent one day with my friend Charlene and her cute kids. Didn’t get a pic till the end…

Saw cousin Kaylee…they had fun running around and eating lunch at Cafe Rio.

Brit also got to spend a lot of time with Great Papa and Great Mama (we’re testing it out for my grandparents.) and Grandpa. He got to show off for them and make them think he’s pretty cute. We ate dinner at Mandarin (the best Chinese restaurant) with Ethan and Shaela too.

Saturday we went to the zoo. Check out pics here: EthanandShaela.com

On our way up there I got to meet up with my awesome friend Melissa.

By my fantastic luck her girls had a dance competition in SLC, so they were down from the far northern part of the state. Yay!

Britton had fun with Aunt Shaela’s dogs…the 3 little ones anyway. He wasn’t a huge fan of Addison the Great Dane. By the end he was saying “Addison, no no!”

The trip home was the best part though…

Britton threw up 4 times. Maverick threw up 2 times (about doubling the total for his life) and poor Paige had to clean up a lot of it. With Britton I pulled over as soon as I could and changed him…but still. Then I tried with Mav but it made me about puke. We were going to stop in Las Vegas for the night, but decided to keep going since they’d likely sleep the rest of the way.

Good thing the rest of the trip went so well!

So, I tried to be a little crafty for spring/Easter. Things didn’t turn out exactly how I wanted, but good enough.

Though, I’d better not make edible centerpieces any more. Both of my guys had a hard time keeping their hands out of it.

The eggs “the boys” (me and Paige) dyed. Britton couldn’t have cared less. Didn’t turn out quite liked planned either. But, when I get my craft ideas from Martha Stewart, what do I expect?

on Saturday we went down to OC to the Easter Eggstravaganza. We had a while to wait before Brit got to do the egg hunt, so we kept busy in some interesting ways.

Touching the bunny’s eye.

He frosted a cookie.

Yummy!

Get it off!

He was totally freaking out about the wristband. We barely got to the hunt ’cause he wanted to get it off.

The haul. Kids were only allowed 8 eggs, but as much other candy as they could get.

Then, on Easter we had a great day watching General Conference, eating good food and spending time with friends. But, what would it be without baskets too?

He liked some of it…mostly the Toy Story movies and his car.

Then he found some eggs we hid super well. Like on the floor, and under the table.

He liked his daddy’s basket too. Thought it was very interesting.

The messages we heard about the Savior and his Atonement were wonderful. And I was struck by how many people talked about how parents need to teach their children in the home to be good people, about correct principles and be good influences for them. I am so thankful that I am able to stay home and be the primary teacher for Britton. It’s a big responsibility, but I’m excited too!

Then we went to the even more crafty than me Paige’s house for a delicious dinner. They had some other friends over too who have a 17 month old boy, and they all played so well together. It was a great afternoon!

Yeah, I’m a little slow, but a couple of weeks ago Britton celebrated his birthday with a few friends and family. We had a rockin’ good time, and I think the kiddos loved all the banging, shaking and clanging they got to do.

The Boys

Jammin’ on those drums

Shake, shake, shake

Blowing out the candle. He actually did it this year…all  by himself.

Eating some “drum sticks”

Stinkin’ cute face.

Seriously, he had a lot.

The Drum cake

The spread. Complete with “Keyboard Sandwiches,” “Bass Clef Whole Note” Fruit Salad, “Crashing Cymbal” cookies and “drum stick” pretzels

It seemed to be a hit. We’re happy Brit was able to have a fun party this year and he got to do some of his favorite things.

Like play a game* with Aunt Chezney. *This means watching as other people play.

Happy Birthday Britty!