All About My Dad- by Shad

     Shad has a really terrific primary teacher and although he often says he doesn't want to go he always has a great time and is really happy after.  Even better, he is starting to understand some basic principles and has more interest in talking about church lately.  For Father's Day they had a cute little thing that involved answering questions.  Shad's was quite entertaining.  There is no question he adores his dad, and Bailey is the same.

1.  My dad is "6" years old.
2.  My dad is really strong, he could lift a "anything".
3.  My dad's favorite color is "white".
4.  My dad's favorite food is "cereal"  (That may be a case of projecting)
5.  My dad always says "No".
6  My dad is the best at "writing"  (don't know where this came from, but compared to me, when it    comes to handwriting, very true!)
7.  My dad's job is "working on stuff".  (This is actually what Dan tells him when he needs to study or "work on stuff")
8.  My dad laughs when "at me"
9.  If my dad had time, he would love to "play"
10.  My dad and I like to "climbing"
11.  My dad really loves "me"
12.  I LOVE my dad because "he is nice to me"

     Seriously, hilarious, adorable, and a bit eye-opening all at once.  Part of me was curious how he would have answered about me and the other part was relieved he didn't do this for Mother's day out of fear of what may have been said.

Getting old has it's perks

     For my big thirtieth birthday this year I was so lucky to be able to fly down to California and spend time with my wonderful friend Rebecca as well as my two sisters.  They all wanted to get together for the big year and since Rebecca works for Marriott she hooked us up with a room in a great spot in San Diego.  They all spoiled me by making it all about me and treating me to the weekend too! Dan was great  to watch the kids while I snuck away for three nights.  I flew into Long Beach and spent Thursday alone with Becca.  It was a great chance to eat amazing food, and stay up way too late talking about everything and nothing.  We met our freshman year in college and have stayed in close contact but have spent several years only seeing each other during brief layovers etc.  It was nice to spend time just us again and get to reconnect.   It was also fun to see where she lives and enjoy beautiful Huntington Beach.
     The next morning Brandi and Aubrey drove down from Camarillo.  We grabbed some great lunch right on the beach with a beautiful view and then spent some time wandering some shops.  Then we headed off to San Diego.   We got checked in and changed our clothes (we had planned to go to the temple that morning but didn't realize the sessions were so spaced out and decided to go in the morning instead).  Then we headed out to wander around and enjoy some shopping.  My sisters about fell over when I said I wanted to go into Nordstrom.  I am sure they are wishing I would have just left with more of it.  Luckily for us, Brandi's father in law and his wife have incredible taste in food and new some great places to eat.  We had an amazing dinner at an Italian restaurant and ended up just passing our plates in a circle because no one wanted to pick just one thing.  It was all delicious!  We then headed back to the hotel for more nonsense girl conversation etc.
     The next morning Aubrey, Brandi and I went to the San Diego temple while Becca worked on some stuff for work.  It was really beautiful and an awesome chance to go be together in the temple.  It was even more special since it was also my maternal grandmother's birthday and we were able to finish some temple work she started over 14 years ago.  I felt really close to her and my parents and it was honestly my favorite part of the weekend.  It is amazing to be able to be there with my sisters and know we will all be together in the next life with our parents and other loved ones.
     When we got back we all were in the mood to just relax.  It looked a little overcast and cool for the beach so we headed out to the pool.  It turned out to be pretty perfect.  We ordered lunch poolside and soaked up some sun for a couple hours before wandering out to explore more of the gas lamp district.  We stumbled upon a really great burger place and then hung out at a disappointingly crude but certainly interesting piano bar.
     The next morning we got up, got our stuff together and then headed up towards long beach since we hadn't known the San Diego Marathon was that morning and it was crazy.  We got some great breakfast and then dropped Becca off and my sisters dropped me off at the airport.  Goodbyes are so much harder now than they use to be.  With our Mom and Dad gone we don't have that same central "home" place and never know exactly when we will be seeing each other again.  I guess we are also just that much more aware that there may not be a "next time.  Sadly, we only got a picture right before I went to the airport.  Pathetic, seriously.  Especially since I carried my camera around in my purse all weekend.  My sisters, and Becca might have pictures on their phones but I am not sure.  It was a great trip and really fun to get to just be Mikaela not mom for a few days.  Thanks Big Mama, Small Fry and Becca!


     It was really fun seeing Dan and the kids when they picked me up at the airport.  They were all really happy and seemed to have fun at Dan's brother's house for the weekend.  Dan was so sweet to watch them and let me go.  Considering my flight was the worst turbulence I have ever experienced the three and a half hour drive from Vegas was long but it was nice to be home with my family.  Dan and the kids were really sweet and celebrated my birthday the following day.  Dan got an ice cream cake, cooked and as usual out did himself with sweet, thoughtful, and meaningful gifts.  I am so lucky to be married to such a kind and patient man who is also an amazing dad.  Thanks for everything Dan!

We'll just pretend this is a good picture hahaha.  Wow, maybe if we had taken some we wouldn't be forced to use this!  At least it is a sure way to bring a smile to my face-laughing at it!

Amazing Becca, who when she heard about my parents accident simply said, "When do you want me to fly in?"  Pretty well sums her up.

I am noticing a common theme that might be ruining these pictures. . .  oh well.  I said getting old has some perks. . . Man, those are some cute kids!

Happy Birthday Bailey!

Bailey's birthday was a lot of fun.  We got up and did presents early, Shad loved it.  We went to the gym in the middle of the day and I reminded myself no matter how bad spin class got it would be infinitely better than how I spent the same hour the previous year.  As we were cooling down I looked at the clock and realized it was the exact same time as when my water broke on the way to get Dan.  Incredible a year has already passed. That night we let Shad pick dinner and he did a great job picking one of Bailey's favorites.  Afterwards we did cake which everyone loved.  Bailey is such a little angel, and so sweet and happy.  I love that she still gives me snuggles although she is into everything too.  yesterday she was caught standing on the open dishwasher door holding onto the top rack and climbing onto the toilet.  We are going to have our hands full with this one!

Shad is really sweet about being excited for Bailey, he couldn't wait to help open gifts.  I was surprised that he stayed enthusiastic even after realizing they were all for her.  

A set of wheels, exactly what this girl needed!  She can't get around fast enough.  Shad keeps her  going all day long.  

Shad was thrilled to push Bailey around.  It turned out to be the perfect gift, they love playing together with it! 

At our house it wouldn't be a birthday without decorations.  Shad loves it!  This tradition just started with his past birthday.

When I asked Shad for suggestions for Bailey's birthday dinner he suggested German pancakes.  Perfect!! Bailey LOVES them and it doesn't get any easier than that!

This may have been Bailey's first experience with cake at our house.  She was in bed for Shad's.

Shad couldn't wait to blow out the candle.  I couldn't believe I found pink glitter icing at Safeway, amazing!!

We really need to figure out how to use our timer for pictures of the four of us all. . .  although Dan is probably avoiding it intentionally.

"You say it is called chocolate? I'm in love!"

Best day  ever!