Down South

We recently took a vacation to St. George with some good friends of ours...it was a special treat for Travis since he's never been there before! He's driven through, but never stayed and NEVER golfed two courses over two days. Let's just say it was a delightful Father's Day for the dad's this year.

Photos from a small hike up something they call, "Fat Man's Crack." Not sure if you know it by that name or if you're comfortable with that?
A visit at the St. George Temple to climb the steps and smell the flowers. :)

A slice of heaven...

There's just something better about a homemade pie that you know came from the fruit of a tree in your backyard. Look at what my husband has been up to lately...

from this:

to that:

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.