Day trip to Gunlock

Today we decided to go on a Sunday drive and take a picnic.  As we loaded into the car we weren't sure where we were headed, but wanted to end up somewhere fun.  Neither Jeff or I had ever been to Gunlock Reservior so we decided to stop there.  As we got out and paid our fee to park for the day I was very disappointed at the scenery and it was a little cold.  It seemed that we may have just paid to use the picnic table and my first thought was that we could've eaten at home for free (a bit pessimistic, I know).  We wanted to make the most of it so we decided to walk across the dam to see the spillway.  Jeff and I were both expecting a little cement spillway, but were pleasantly surprised by what we found.  Why have we never been to Gunlock before?  It was amazing and beautiful and we loved every second of it!  Cason was intrigued by the waterfalls.  He couldn't take his eyes off of them long enough to snap a good picture.  He even enjoyed sticking his cute little toes in the water.  We can't wait to go back on a warmer day!

I love these boys! 

 Really, would not take his eyes off the water.

 Cason had a very hard time walking through the soft sand.  I snapped this picture mid-fall :).

Laughing at the waterfalls!

Our Percussionist

Cason has been getting into everything lately.  He has been walking since 10.5 months and has recently picked up running.... full speed!  He is adorable and gets away with way too much ;).  "No" has become his favorite word, so we have tried to become a bit more creative with our words when he is not doing what he is supposed to.  Alas, we can't stop him from exploring all of the time, so I have decided that some things are okay.  He learns so much from exploring the world around him and I wouldn't want to get in the way of that.  A new favorite is getting into the pots and pans.  The other day he discovered "symbols."  He thought it was the funniest thing and wanted me to chase him around the house as he played his "music."  And when I say around the house I mean ALL around the house!

 kitchen- he pulls the funniest faces when he gets excited

entry

 

dining room

Baby Birds

This weekend we started re-landscaping our backyard... YAY!  I keep asking myself why we didn't do this 3 years ago when we bought the house, but am just ECSTATIC that we are doing it now.  I have never been so excited to do hard manual labor in my entire life :).  I will post pictures and more about this when we get farther along, but for now I'll get to the real point of this post...

Yesterday as Jeff was cutting down a tree in our backyard a frightened robin quickly flew out.  Looking a little closer we noticed a nest in the very top branch.  I felt horrible that we had just ruined her home, but even more awful when I saw that 2 baby birds and 1 egg were inside of it.  These birds had to have just hatched!  Determined to save the baby birds we carefully trimmed some of the smaller branches off and secured the larger branch and the nest into another of our trees.  All day I watched and waited for the momma bird to come back.  I was certain that she would not and that we had just killed these poor baby birds.  I know they are just birds, but it was not a good feeling.  Later last night I noticed a robin on our porch with a worm in it's beak.  We waited a few minutes and then went out to check on the nest.  I am happy to report that the momma bird reunited with her babies! 

Happy birthday to you Caseroo!

Well the day has now come and gone and I have mixed emotions about the whole thing.  Yesterday Cason turned one!  A couple of months ago people started asking me what I was planning for his birthday.  Each time somebody asked I couldn't help getting a bit sad thinking that my little boy's birthday was so close.  How could a year have gone by already?  Then as the day got closer I became more and more excited to celebrate his first year.  What an amazing year it has been!  We celebrated with a sports themed swimming party at my parents house.  I had so much fun planning it and it turned out better than I had expected.  Thank you to everyone who came to party!  Afterward, in order to prolong the celebration, we went bowling with my family and to dinner at Cafe Rio.  Even after all the pizza, cake (more accurately, icing), and junk food earlier in the day Cason enjoyed every bite of his "Cason-dilla."  The entire day revolved around him and I loved every minute of it.  However, as we were driving home at the end of the day the sadness I felt a couple of months ago crept back in.  I even got a few tears in my eyes.  I still can't believe that my boy is one!  Even as he sits here next to me eating his big boy breakfast on his own, communicating with me through grunts, gibberish, and an occasional comprehendable word, and looking so old and independent it's hard to believe.  It has been so much fun watching him grow and progress.  I am so proud of this little guy.  He means everything to me and I am so grateful that we were able to bring him into this world one year ago.  I love you buddy!  Happy birthday!!

Vegas Baby!

This weekend Jeff and I decided to take the plunge and go on our first overnight without Cason.  I had mixed feelings about leaving him, but knew he would be in good hands with my parents.  He did great without us and we had a blast in Vegas with four of our really good friends.  Although I missed Cason terribly it was a much needed get away for the two of us.  We saw Jimmy Eat World in concert (one of our favs), hung out on the strip, and ate at the tasty Cheesecake Factory.  Our friend works at the Marriott and was able to get us a steal on a two bedroom villa just off the strip.  It was an incredible room and we also enjoyed the rooftop jacuzzi!  Although we were only gone for 24 hours we made the most of every minute.  Even if that meant running down the strip full speed to get back before the pool closed or eating way too much at midnight.  By the time we sat down for dinner we were all pretty delirious which made it all the more fun.  I haven't laughed like that in a long time!  Thanks for coming with us guys.  I don't think we could ask for better friends :).

Jimmy Eat World- sooooo good!

Jim Adkins

 The Girls- Tara, Me, Aimee

 The Guys- Josh, Jeff, Sean

 Besties!!

The whole gang at Cheesecake Factory

Mothers :)

Today is mother's day and I have so much to be grateful for. It is my first (official) mother's day and I was spoiled by my husband :).  Thanks babe, I am so lucky to have you in my life!  I always feel spoiled by each moment that I get to spend with Cason, but for some reason today is even more special.  I can't remember what life was like before him and I can't imagine life without him.  These two boys are, by far, the best things that have ever happened to me.  Being a wife and mother are the best jobs ever!  Not only am I the mother to the most wonderful little boy in the world, but I also am the daughter of the most amazing woman I know.  Jeff graduated yesterday which brought a lot of my family together.  I had the opportunity to spend the day with my own little family and other extended family members.  Among them was my mother and both grandmothers.  I am trying to be the best mother that I can be to my little man and know that I could not be half the wife and mother that I am without the influences of these women.  I truly feel that I grew up in an extraordinary family.  These women have taught me so much about life, relationships, and unconditional love.  My mom has been here for me through every success, failure, trial, and accomplishment.  She has such a kind heart and a beautiful personality.  She is not only my mother, but one of my very best friends.  I can't imagine where I would be today without her in my life.  I love you mom!  Happy Mother's Day!!

 Me and my beautiful mother

 The sweet little guy that makes it all worth while!

Seriously spoiled! Jeff knows my weakness for shoes :).  On top of all of this Jeff cleaned the house and Cason let me sleep in.  I love Mother's Day!

Congrats Babe!

He did it!!  Jeff has graduated and I have been informed that I now have to address him as "Master."  In your dreams babe!  I already posted about the graduation in my last post so I won't go on for too long.  I just want to share some pictures of the big day!  

 Have I mentioned how much I love this man?

 We had to wake up at 6:30am to get there in time.  Cason was a bit tired :).

 Father and Son

Josh, Jeff, Adam, and Robbie- Jeff was able to go through school and graduate with three of his really good friends.  Congratulations guys!  (Sorry about the lighting, I obviously am not a photographer.)

Graduation!!!

My wonderful, amazing, smart, talented, funny, kind, AND extremely good looking husband will GRADUATE from Southern Utah University THIS SATURDAY!!! He has worked so hard and sacrificed so much to earn a MASTER'S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING.  I am extremely proud of him and so grateful to have him in my life.  He does so much for our little family and is the love of my life.  I don't think I can even begin to thank him enough or explain just how much I love him.  These things just can't be put into words :).  Although there are more long hours ahead in his new field, studying for the CPA exam and GMAT, and applying to PhD programs I am amazed and proud of his accomplishments.  LOVE YOU BABE!!