Kirsten and Mark

We go on field trips.

Last week we went with a bunch of friends to Underwood Family Farm. This place is great! There are so many things for kids to do and see. Britton fed animals, rode on a tractor,

sat in a train, ran up and down hills, climbed a hay pyramid,

and even picked a few strawberries!

These were maybe the best strawberries ever. So sweet and juicy.

Britton approved!

I quickly picked 2 pints. I could’ve been there all afternoon. I just kept seeing more and more delicious-looking bright red berries. I even picked my own cilantro and a few carrots. Plus got lots of additional goodness they picked at the market they have there.

He was asleep about 2 seconds after we left.

This week we visited the Zimmer Children’s Museum. The whole thing is full of exhibits the encourage kids to play, learn and discover. Britton was exhausted by the time we left!

The green circle is a button that activates lights in the bigger silver-looking circle. He loved it!

An interactive display where he could make different musical instrument sounds and have it play back. I’m sure you can imagine how long we sat here.

Playing with food in the restaurant (or market) There was also a big magnetic board with foam letters. He liked that too.

We’ll definitely have to go back. There is a lot more planned in the weeks ahead…and we can hardly wait!

With a three-day weekend ahead of us, and an itching for a vacation, we headed up to South Lake Tahoe for Memorial Day. It was a little chilly, but was sunny most of the time.

We started off well…haha. It took us 40 minutes to get on the freeway, then another hour to get to Santa Clarita (normally it should take less than and hour from our house) so, we were not nearly as far along our drive as we’d planned by the time Britton woke up from his nap.

Then I chose poorly for dinner. We stopped at a little town (little did we know there was a bigger one 5 miles further) and we ate at a Mexican place that looked really authentic, with half of its menu in Spanish. Those places are usually delicious. Well, not so much.

Stopped off for the night in Sacramento. Not so nice of a Holiday Inn. And we thought we were going to have to backtrack 10 miles in the morning.

Thankfully, the rest of the trip went well. The mountains are gorgeous, with lots of waterfalls and still a bit of snow. It made me miss Utah a bit.

We couldn’t check in yet when we got there, so we looked around the town. It’s a lot bigger than I’d thought it would be. A little over 75,000.

Britton found a fun play-place.

Nice bench

Climbing

Made it!

Yay water!

We got settled, had dinner and went swimming. Brit loved it! Those lessons are paying off.

The next morning we went up the Gondola (or helicopter as Britton calls it) at Heavenly.

Our route.

Very excited.

The Lake from the observation deck. Sooooo beautiful!

Though, at the top it was cold and snowy. All that was missing were skis. Unfortunately, snow and crocs don’t really mix.

Then we headed for a drive around the lake. We heard it was a good idea. It was. This is Emerald Bay. Apparently Kodak says it’s the 2nd most photographed place in the US after the Grand Canyon.

It was really greenish and lovely.

Monday we planned a hike, and a visit to Tallac. It’s one of the first luxury summer homes on the lake. The homes are large and beautiful. Britton had fun with a couple of favorite past times.

Running Away

Attack of the Giant Pinecone

So, the directions to our hike were a little confusing, so we decided to go on a different one. But, we didn’t really follow those directions either. We were supposed to end up along the opposite side of the lake, but we drove around and saw all the cabins along the right side of the picture and had our picnic lunch here instead.

Fallen Leaf Lake

Lounging

Sadly, it started to sprinkle a little as we left. Isn’t it a rule Memorial Day is supposed to be nice and sunny?

I really want to go back and get in some bike riding and more exploring. Maybe in a couple of years. It made me miss the mountains though, and I’m determined we’re going to get out more. (Not that I was a big hiker/out door girl before LA, but for some reason I feel like I want to be now.)

Yes, we are still here.

All last week we had family visiting. Mother’s Day morning my mom came up for brunch, which was delicious! Then stayed for church. Then Mark’s mom flew in from DC that night and had dinner with us. She stayed until Tuesday afternoon before going to a work meeting in San Diego. We had lots of fun showing her our typical routine. She enjoyed watching Brit at swimming lessons, and took some pictures. Maybe I’ll get them one day.

Then on Wednesday my dad came down from Utah for a quick visit. We had lots of fun going to the park, checking out Manhattan Beach (it was FREEZING that day) and taking walks.

Brit was so excited he got to play with his sand toys.

Taking a trip to the cold water.

Dig, dig, dig.

Britton got a lot of energy out this week. He ran around a lot and kept us entertained.

Then, both Mark and my dad left SUPER early Saturday morning. Dad back to Utah, Mark to San Fran for his beloved Music Hack Day. He made something pretty cool to use with Last.fm that he can share on his blog…since I’m sure I won’t do it justice.

It was nice having everyone here. Hope to see you again soon!

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!

So, I don’t usually write personal/feeling stuff on here, but I’m way too far behind in my journal, so here goes…

I just love my Britton. He is so darling and precious! I was just putting him down for a nap and he wanted a story. He chose “The Night You Were Born.” I got it from a good friend for my shower and we’ve read it before, but it’s been a while.

Maybe I’m still extra emotional, but from the first page I was totally crying. I’m not a crier. Well, I wasn’t before having a kid. It just hit me how much of a miracle a baby is and how magical the day of their birth is. Maybe it’s because he just turned 2 and I can’t believe he’s grown up so fast, but I barely got through the story.

I think I’m definitely one who grew into loving my baby. I loved him right away, of course, but I know for certain that it’s also been a process and I’ve grown to love him more every day. Like every toddler, he tries my patience, but he is such a little angel and quite the character, that I just have to sit back and try to remember to relish this time.

I mean, who could really not love this:

Can’t believe my baby is 2! It really did go by so fast. He is a walking, talking sweet little angel that makes us laugh so much!

He was excited for his “Day-Day” and we had a good time.

Wasn’t super into breakfast, but he did enjoy opening his presents.

He actually ripped off the wrapping paper this time. Apparently he really is growing up.

Had to put on his new shoes right away.

Pulled his presents out of the bag and read what they were. I was a little bummed though, because we got him the Tag junior books to go with his Tag reader, but it looks like he already knows everything in the books (shapes and ABCs.) They say they’re for ages 2-4, so I figured they’d be a little more interesting. Oh well.

Then we went to lunch with Daddy at Corner Bakery. He loved his fruit and the chips.

We got him a bubble gun….

It was a very big hit. All night “bubbles, more bubbles!”

He played with Play-doh

raced cars with his new friend Jake

And they watched Fox and the Hound. He got to run around, eat pizza and read stories. I think he had a pretty fun day.

This morning we had his check up.

Weight: 22.6 lbs 2nd percentile!!

Height: 33.75 in. 35th percentile

Head: 18.5 in. very small. His head has only grown 4 inches since he was born.

Favorite food: Depends on the day. Likes eggs, yogurt, cheese, cereal, fruit and PB & honey. Everything else falls in and out of favor on a daily basis.

Favorite things: Cars, bubbles, stories, his sign language dvds, Daddy, music, Snuggabip (snuggie and binky)

He loves to be thrown in the air, twisted around, climb on people…especially when they’re doing Downward dog or the plank (Yoga, people)

Britton talks all the time, repeats what we say and now says “thankyoucelcom” getting both niceties out of the way at once.

Love you baby angel!