Summer Photo Shoot

Family photos are hard work.  I am a bit obsessed with documenting my babies and so I always have to remind myself that all the stress and investment will be worth it.  While in Utah, we had Julie Burton snap a few family shots, primarily to document our Ireland's first birthday.  She did a great job.  Not easy to manage a frazzled mommy and two tired babies.

Small Town Girls

We just finished a week in Ferron.  I hadn't spent that much time at home since before Dean and I were married.  I must say, I was surprised to see the small town girl in me reappear. The little town hasn't changed.  I had some nice long runs, we played at Millsite, had a shake at the Grub Box.  Quiet nights and beautiful sunsets over Ferron Mountain.  Visits with good friends.  Small town life especially agreed with Blaire who ran free and took charge of play time with the neighborhood children.  What could be better than running through the sprinklers with a popsicle in hand?  Until next summer...

Sisters

It has warmed my heart to see my two girls begin to interact with each other.  When I was expecting Ireland I knew in my heart that if Blaire got a little sister they would be best friends.  I am beginning to see their relationship develop and it makes this momma proud. The other day they were playing and cuddling in Blaire's bed and I was lucky enough to capture the moment with my camera.

UCLA Botanical Garden

We're finally to the point where we feel we can start to venture out more as a family without total chaos. A little field trip to the UCLA Botanical Garden seemed like a nice, close, and stress-free idea.  I had visions in my head of our wedding reception at the stunning Red Butte Garden at the University of Utah.  UCLA's garden is not quite at that level, but it was quiet and secluded, and an overall lovely outing for our little ones.  

Summertime and the living is easy...

First item on the summer bucket list is complete.  Strawberry picking at Underwood Farms is always a fun field trip.  The berries are gorgeous and perfectly sweet and we Angelenos get to feel like we've escaped to another time/place.  A great day.  On to more summer fun!

Vegas, Pismo Beach, and Stuff

We went on a few short trips during April.  San Diego to see the Browns over Easter (technically March I guess), Vegas so that I could run another Tough Mudder, and then up to the central coast just to take a breather before Ally's Mom went back home.  A big thanks to Marilyn for all her help while she was here.   The girls (and I) are lucky to have you.  Great to see Grandma and Grandpa in Vegas as well.

Who's that panda?

Nothing like paying 3x retail for M&M's.  Blaire was on sensory overload.

Enjoying some Vegas sun.

First swim.

Blaire thought it was Rapunzel's castle.

The gardens at the Bellagio.

?

My mudder buddy

Morro Bay

Hearst Castle

The pool at our new house

First Word?

I can't verify, but I believe that Ireland began saying Dad and Daddy this week.  I'll leave it to Ally to confirm or deny, but I believe we have a first word on our hands.  Dad-2, Mom-0.