May 2015 - Time to party

Tyler is our little Einstein.  He has already started writing the beginning of his name on his own a couple of months ago.  I was so surprised when he sat down at the kitchen table and wrote a ‘T’ and ‘Y’ on a piece of paper and pointed excitedly, “Mom!  ‘T’ for Tyler!”  I thought Kyle had been practicing with him, but it turns out he is a great observer of his big sister writing her own name and decided to just do it on his own, much like most of his other accomplishments like walking and climbing the stairs.  He also draws circles and faces (he drew a picture of Kyle in church today!) and is a pro at coloring in the lines.  He's just so cute!  I’m counting on him to pay for our retirement.  

Seriously, look at this kid.  He's adorable.

Also, he is in love with his Grandpa.  It's so nice to have Mom and Dad living out here.  I love that we get to see them so often.

Ok, I'm done.  Thank you for indulging in my Mom brag moment.

May is our fun celebratory month.  We have our anniversary, Kyle’s birthday, Alexa’s birthday, plus the birthdays of many other close friends and family members.  Todd also graduated from the U this month!

For our anniversary, Kyle surprised me with a romantic horseback ride in the mountains of Heber (just outside Park City).  It was the most beautiful ride I’ve ever been on and I loved it.  We rode for about an hour and a half and then came back to a BBQ dinner waiting for us at the stables.  I love that man. 

Alexa’s outdoor swim party was swapped out for an indoor playground and carousel due to the weather dropping 30 degrees and an 80% chance of rain.  She requested ‘A’ pancakes  with sprinkles for everyone for breakfast and had a wonderful day as Queen Elsa the birthday girl.  We played with the chickens and jumped in muddy puddles together.  Sara made some incredible cakes to also celebrate Kyle and Melissa’s birthdays while we were together as a family.

Alexa had her last day of preschool on Friday and she's excited to start Spanish preschool in the Fall. They have a fun talent show and program next week, but we'll be in California so we'll miss it.

Alexa and her teacher, Miss Pamela:

Some other random photos--

Slurpie day at 7-Eleven

I got one of Ben's photos printed on canvas to hang in our living room and I love it.  I was standing next to him when he took this photo.  It's a wonderful daily reminder of him and the beauty he saw in the world.

I had a wonderful opportunity to take a group from work to the Food & Care Coalition in Provo.  Our Chef made some of the food and we were able to serve dinner to many needy families.  It was nice to work alongside employees I don't get to see very often, and it was really great to be able to participate in this service and give back a little that we've been so blessed with.  I love the quote on the wall above the area where the meals are handed out--"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."