Vacation Time!

So I finally have something interesting to blog about! LOL September and October seem to be our family's months for trips. First we had our annual Disneyland trip in September. The kids were older which made it a little more fun. Mason was tall enough to go on some of the bigger rides (Splash Mountain, River ride, etc.) and had a blast. Quinn was OBSESSED with the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland--I think we must have gone on it at least 5 times--but because it was so loud, he kept his fingers in his ears for most of it every time. Haha.

We also got to see my very dear friend, Stephanie, and her adorable little girl Madeline. I have no idea how I managed to leave without a good pic of them, but I did. Believe me, though, she is too cute! :)

 

This past weekend we had the chance to drive down to San Carlos, Mexico and stay with my mom and her husband at some quiet little condos that they rent out each year. It was cloudy, but warm, and the beach was perfect--small waves for small kiddos with lots of sandy beaches. Jake and I got to take the ocean kayak out to an island about a mile offshore and go snorkeling, which was tons of fun (and a good workout too!).

 

We've had a lot of fun, but it's nice to be home again for a while and back into the regular routine. Looking forward to Halloween!

Children's Museum of Phoenix - ROCKS!

So if you looking for a place to take your kids this summer, have I got the place for you. The new Children's Museum of Phoenix is awesome! We've been there twice now and only wish it were closer. It's located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, right down the street from the Arizona Science Center. The first time I went (with my lovely cousin Beth, and her kids) we took the Light Rail train from Dobson and Main right to the center (about a block away). We also just went this past Memorial Day, so here's some pics from both visits.

As soon as you walk in, you are impressed by the enormity of the place (three stories high). The first floor has a huge system of vacuum tubes that the kids can put balls and scarves in and watch them fly out at the top. Very cool. There's also a giant tent and tunnels for them to crawl through and a few other various activities.


The second floor has a hands-on art room and a "car wash" set up for tricycles of all shapes and sizes, as well as the lunchroom.


But it was definitely the third floor that was our favorite. The first thing you see is a giant maze of swimming noodles hanging vertically (we dubbed it the "noodle forest"). Made for the occasional bonked head, but Quinn's absolute favorite.

(A little dazed from overexposure to neon foaminess--don't worry, it passes.)

There's also a little ice cream shop, a grocery store (with carts, working checkout stands, and scales), and a "ball room" where kids can roll different sized balls down several imaginative tracks.

(Even Dads get in on the action.)

The funniest thing about this place is--while it is really, really cool--almost all of the exibits could theoretically be made in your own garage. Low-tech, but very kid-friendly. But I have neither the time nor the lumber supplies, so I don't mind just coming here (besides, where in the world would you ever be able to find 5,000+ foam swim noodles?). While it is a little on the pricey side ($9 per person over the age of one), this place is PERFECT for busy, hands-on kids like mine. Best for kids under the age of ten-ish.

Two Years Old

Happy Birthday, little Quinners!



Can't believe that my baby is two! One reason is that you are a little small for you age. And it doesn't help that your fine baby hair hasn't done much growing the past year either. But you talk like you're closer to three than two, so I guess that makes up for it.

You are my little cuddlebug. You love hugs and kisses. You will give big hugs to strangers, especially women. I'll have to keep an eye on that... ;)

You looove trains (especially Thomas), and books and unfortunately, watching movies. Bolt is your current favorite. Your new thing is to come up to me and pat me on the cheeks and say, "You're my good boy, mommy." Melts my heart everytime.

Every night, around dinner time, you start to get the giggles. Everything is totally hilarious to you when you get in these moods, and we can't help but laugh along.



You and your brother are starting to play together. I love that. You fight a lot too, though I suppose there's no avoiding that. Mason has a tendency to barrel over you--but I've been surprised to find that you're starting to hold your own.

Happy Birthday, to my smart, sweet, lovable little guy.

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Mason turned four yesterday! Here's the happy birthday boy:



It seems hard for me to believe that it has already been four years since he was born. Even harder to believe that most of my friends have kids at least twice his age! LOL Mason is smart, sweet and loving--also extremely emotional and beyond energetic. He has definitely challenged me as a parent; but he brings our family joy every single day.

Mason requested a Buzz Lightyear birthday cake. Since we found out that those are hard to come by, here is the attempt I made at it myself:



Be sure and book me for your next event. ;)

Yes, ANOTHER Blog

Okay, I know that this is getting a little ridiculous, but I have started up ANOTHER blog for my latest design project.

For those of you who like to digital scrap, I'm dabbling in my own digital designs. I just posted my first freebie--a romantic kit for February:



If you want to download it, swing on over to my new blog: Tara Ann Designery.

Feel free to send the link out to any of your scrap-happy friends! ;)

Once there was a snowman...

Snowman, snowman...

My little sister, Tamara, had her baby blessed the first Sunday of February. I plead a case of temporary insanity when I decided to drive up with my kids and without my husband. At least my mom was able to make the 12-hour drive with us, or I never would have even attempted it.

5 days and three cases of stomach flu later (yep, all three of us), we came limping home. I didn't even get to make it to the baby blessing (see previous statement). BUT we did manage one nausea-free day out in the snow. Woohoo!

This sad little snowman may not seem like much, but I was determined to get some shots of the boys in the snow.





If it looks like Quinn was just plopped into the scene for the photo op, that's about right. Sigh. Better luck next year. (And Auntie Karissa, Mason is really sorry about your carpet. Please send me the cleaning bill...)

Happy New Year!

It's that time of year again!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

Went on a cruise, went scuba diving in open sea.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Ugh. Resolutions. I had some from last year. Some I did really well at for a while. But I petered out towards the middle of the year. I’m not going to make any “resolutions” per se this year; just keep on working towards being a better me.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Um...I am Mormon, so duh. A few of my best friends. And my sister-in-law. Oh, and my baby sister had a baby!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My grandfather’s wife died unexpectedly (not my grandmother—she passed away a few years earlier).

5. What countries did you visit?

Ooo, fun one. Puerto Rico (although technically not a country), St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Antigua.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

More self-discipline and better stress-management skills (this is from last year and still the same).

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The cruise (can you tell I really needed that vacation??), watching my sister give birth, my children’s birthdays, going to Disneyland. Mostly, though, I’ve been trying really hard to remember the little things that my kids do day to day that make me smile.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting in shape for the cruise.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Getting back out of shape afterwards.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes. I tore the meniscus in my knee. It has sucked big time and has contributed greatly to the answer to question #9 (I miss my gym!!!).

11. What was the best thing you bought?

New hard drive for my computer, Buzz Lightyear action figure for the boys (seriously).

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband for his patience and longsuffering (can we just make this answer permanent?).

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I can’t handle news stories about people who hurt children. There is nothing worse.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Toward paying off debt.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The cruise, visiting family and friends, going to Disneyland with my kids.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

I don’t listen to the radio much, but probably “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis and “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Aside from being totally bummed about my knee, I’m about the same. Happy, content.

b) thinner or fatter? Same.

c) richer or poorer? In less financial debt, so richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercising, chilling out, enjoying the moment. (same as last year)

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stressing out. Worrying. (are those the same thing?)

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With my extended family (dad and stepmom) and my own little family. Christmas Eve we went over to my Dad’s for games, Christmas Day we went back over (after opening presents at home) for the traditional Christmas Brunch of Goldenrod Eggs. (same as last year)

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Again and again.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

The Office. And I always love the reality shows; Biggest Loser, Top Chef, and Survivor were my favorites.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Hate is too strong a word. I don’t think I’ve ever really “hated” anyone. Except for a very strong, inexplicable dislike of Kirsten Dunst.

24. What was the best book you read?

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Pandora

26. What did you want and get?

Adobe Illustrator, new hard drive, stronger faith.

27. What did you want and not get?

An immediate recovery from my knee injury.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

So far my favorite for this year is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 32. My dear, sweet husband totally surprised me by having a little party over at my brother’s house.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Healing faster from my knee injury (have I mentioned that yet??). And my insurance company not sucking so much.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Inexpensive.

32. What kept you sane?

Never underestimate the power of adorable children. And escaping onto my computer.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Uhhh… I still have a minor crush left over from last year on Jonathan Tucker (he was so cute in The Black Donnellys). But other than that, I don't much get into the celebrities (not surprising with a husband as cute as mine!).

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The election, of course. But right now, this one is getting me a bit riled.

35. Whom did you miss?

My best friends who all live in different states.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

My new nephews.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

That even when things don't seem to be going my way, all I have to do is remember how incredibly blessed I am to feel better.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Count your many blessings"