Happy Birthday, Lucy!

Today is a special day for Lucy...she's 6 years old! I remember the day we drove to Ogden to pick her up. I think she was born on the rough side of town and although she's got the cutest face in the world, she still has a naughty streak!

She's been a sweet pup, one that's very cuddly and she always wants to be with the family. She's been protective of Mia and let's Mia run all over her. I thought she would be the beagle to snap, but instead she gives her kisses. Lucy loves her family and we love her very much. Happy Birthday, Juicy!

Miss Traveler

We've been here there and everywhere especially knowing that Mia can fly for free. :) Before the age of two, our Miss Traveler will have been on 5 flights and it's helped her enjoy in her fascination with planes.

Over the past two weeks, we were able to go to reunions on both sides of the family. One in Denver for my dad's side and one in Spokane for Travis' side of the family. The photo above was from the lake in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Time Flies!

It's been nearly a month since our last post and I don't know where the time has gone. For starters, it's been filled with chasing a one and a half year old kid! Miss Mia is quite the independent little lady these days, but still a smiley, happy child. Her favorite things to talk about are doggies, birdies, saying her prayers, Elmo, airplanes and "oh wow!" her new Barbie Jeep. The first time she saw it, we got the..."Oh, wow! What's that?!" This is right before the foot was extended to climb aboard. We'll get some pictures posted of the new vehicle soon - maybe I should ask Kim for insurance? :)

Mia just started reading her books out loud, although only she knows what's she's saying. I watched her as she moved her fingers across the words while pretending to read tonight, so someone is quickly picking up the gist.

Here's a photo of her first "owie" which happened while she was running away from me on the sidewalk...yes, I saw it all happen and I'm sure there will be more opportunities to come. I just hope they are few and far between. Happy summer, everyone! (I think it's finally here at last)

A typical mealtime for Mia with 2 nosey beagles always looking over your shoulder!

Howling at the moon!

Although it was time for night night, Mia chose to raise a ruckus by howling withe the beagles. She learned at a very young age that if you throw your head back and howl, you will have friends that join you! It was all caught on tape...or flash memory. :)

Hoppy Easter!

Okay, we were a little out of order with the past couple of posts since I forgot to upload our recent vacation photos from Spring Training. But today is really Easter, so Happy Easter everyone! Mia successfully participated in 4 Easter Egg Hunts this year - enough for all of us (and then some). At least she got to wear all of her dresses including the ladybugs from Grandma Nina. Thanks, Grandma!

Over the past week, she's learned how to count to 10 with Dad! I look at these photos, hear her talk and already worry that she's growing up so fast. She's such a little person these days - independent and all. As I type this, she's humming a little song while scribbling notes on a piece of paper. Yikes - where'd the baby go? Another small reminder is when SHE points at babies and says, "Baby!" I don't know how to tell her that she's still a baby, but I think she's already moved on.

Mia and Daddy seem to be enjoying their time together. It's been nice to have the encouragement from others since not every daddy gets to be home with their kids! Travis has quickly figured out the art of "kid swaps" which has allowed for a golf game here or there. I even caught him making lunch plans at the park with some of our neighbors. Although fun, he said the sack lunches he prepared didn't get the time of day from Miss Mia. ;) Two words: ROLE REVERSAL.

It's that time of year again...

Spring Training this year was super fun and it was a special experience for Mia since it was her first flight! There's nothing better than leaving the snow and ice and showing up in Arizona where it's 80 degrees and sunny. We met up with our neighbors and ended up enjoying a much needed vacation (minus the part when I got the flu). I'm beginning to get a complex about traveling since I usually end up getting sick one way or another! Come on - what could be worse than throwing up on a vacation? I tell you...NOTHING.

Check out Manny, Griffey, Soriano and all the other boys we saw in Phoenix (Cubs, Mariners, Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox and Brewers). We were in heaven! I think one of my most memorable moments was meeting the Racing Sausages. If you've never seen them before, it's hilarious and a tradition. The highlight for me was getting their autographs and a "thumbs up" from the Chorizo. Arriba!

Here's some other snapshots of Mia's first pool experience - yes, we know, we need to take her more often! Since then, we've taken her a couple more times and she loves it.

Does Easter = Spring?

Not in Utah! We just got another 5 inches of snow at our house this morning and so it appears that Old Man Winter is going NO WHERE. Luckily, we were able to sneak in a quick Easter Egg Hunt a couple weekends ago. I was surprised by how quickly Mia figured it out. She's never been to an Easter Egg Hunt before, but once she had the basket in hand, she was all about business.

I know my posts have been few and far between, but now that I've deactivated my Facebook account (ah-ha!), I have rededicated myself to blogging. :) Blog on!