Holiday Weekend Kick Off

Surprised the kids after school with an impromptu trip to the aquatic center. Perfect day to be there, especially since it's closing soon for the Fall. Awesome weather, no crowds, happy kids, and happy mom and dad.

 Cole loves his Baby Mum Mum.

Now home with Costco pizza and The Lorax. Here's to a happy, long, Labor Day Weekend.

Friday Morning

A couple things:

Here is a big difference between my two oldest kids. Tyler's lip still quivers when I drop him at school. He's fine and all, but the kid is sweet and sensitive, and would probably love his mom to sit at the desk next to him some days. Audrey, on the other hand, rushes out the car door, runs into school without a look behind - maybe a hand waving. Today she told me she didn't want me to go on her field trip (to McDonald's this morning). "I wanna go all by myself, mom", said in a proud, independent, excited voice. She did, however, ask me if I would be there to pick her up later, so at least she knows she still needs me for something.

Also, leftover birthday cupcakes and a Diet Dr. Pepper is a great breakfast. After spin class, no less.

Bachelor Birthday

Last night when I got home from Back to School Night (which was great, by the way, and I'm really excited for Tyler this year), this is what I found in the back yard. Adam goes, "It's a Bachelor birthday". Okay, how funny and awesome is that?! I am married to the best guy. How many hours of The Bachelor/ette have I subjected him to, poor thing? Now I know he's a secret Bachelor fan, (and has clearly been taking notes). He set up a back yard candlelit dinner, and you can't see in the photos, but also threw down a blanket and pillows on the grass a-la The Bachelor. So great!

And yes - there was a rose, too.

35

Super happy and grateful for another year! We've been having some heavy conversations over here this past week, as the little ones learn more about life and death. A photo of my Grandma and Grandpa Currie (both deceased) sparked curiosity in my kids and has made for some great late night talks. These talks have also sparked immense gratitude - for 35 long, healthy years lived so far, (and hopefully more and more to come). Happy to spend another year in this strong body, that I'm finally starting to recognize after #3. Happy to watch my babies grow and grow. Happy to love Adam and this crazy-awesome road we travel, trying to live what we love. Happy for the best friends and family on the planet (who've been wishing me happy birthday all day long and making me feel super special). Happy for 35 full years. Obviously feeling pretty grateful today.

Girls morning at the mall with Audrey. Bought a couple girly things for ourselves, like makeup and a princess Aurora doll. Stopped for cupcakes. Michelle and her boys stopped by and brought me a cake! (I will for sure need spin class tomorrow). Tonight is Back to School Night, then a night spent together at home. This weekend Adam's parents are watching the kids and he and I will get some time just us. Much needed. And fro yo with more girlfriends. How lucky am I?! Here's to the beginning of my 36th year! Off to a great start.

Gearing Up for Another Year

Encino Girls got together last night for a little early birthday celebrating. We always have a good time. Like this past June when we celebrated Emily and went go-carting. Nice!

Last night was my turn. First stop - much needed (and well-deserved) pedicures.

Afterward we hit Wolf's Creek Restaurant. Oh my we ate well, and split appetizers and four desserts between the five of us (with a little leftover) - chocolate creme brule, banana bread pudding, chocolate mousse brownie, and lemon raspberry buttermilk pie. Sooooo yummy, and now I know where to go up here for good dessert. Last stop was Amber's hot tub for late night relaxation and chatting, catching up. Love these girls. Love that we try to get together often, and never forget each others birthdays.

Kinda Sorta on the Move

Little man is slowly movin'.

Pretty proud of himself.

Gets tired after a while. Crawling is hard work.

 Then he gets himself stuck in the corner, and is pretty sad about it 'til mom or dad comes to help.

Cole's pretty easy to contain right now, but I know our days are numbered! Does this mean I have to be better about vacuuming, sweeping, and baby proofing?

First Day Pre-K

This girl is so ready for school she already wants me to drop her off valet-style so she can walk in herself. Sorry Audrey, not yet - but next year when you and Tyler are at the same school (can't wait!) and I can drop you both curbside, I'll be grateful for your independence. Happy first day of the last year of preschool. Tonight we celebrate with her meal of choice: hot dogs on the grill, strawberries and ice cream for dessert. She's grown up so much since last year.

Utah Trip: People

Utah: Places

The first week of August Adam's parents rented this house in Midway, Utah for them and all seven of their kids and families to come stay and play. It was huge, and gorgeous. Adam and I slept in the most comfortable king-sized bed ever. Kids bunked with cousins, and camped out in sleeping bags. A beautiful home to rent for a getaway.

View from the front. Even more beautiful in person. I've seen every state in this country (except Alaska), driven cross country twice, and toured with Ragtime, and am now adding Midway, Utah as one of my most favorite spots. Loved it there. Gorgeous, quaint, picturesque, peaceful. Hope we go back for sure.

Adam's grandpa was born here. (The house he was born in is no longer there, but this is the spot!)

Adam's mom took us on a pretty cool family history tour through small, farm-town Utah.

Super cute coffee/ice-cream shop on Main Street.

We found pretty parks and played games with lots of cousins. 11 cousins total. One on the way in September.

Swam, fished, floated, boated, and jet-skied on this gorgeous lake.

Cutest cheeks!

I took a ton of photos. Another post is coming. A wonderful, relaxing week in a beautiful spot, filled with family was just what our little family needed.

First

First day, first grade.

Finding the Lego Ninjago backpack was a big deal.

We all took Tyler to school this morning. He put his lunch box in its designated spot, waved, and got in line with his class. Totally ready to go. He had to wait in line about 5 minutes for his teacher. I looked over at him and saw his lip quiver, and a frown. Then he pulled it together and smiled. Then lip quiver and frown. Smile. Oh my gosh - how many ways can your kids make your heart burst! I think the waiting made Tyler a little nervous, maybe insecure, but he held it together like a man. So proud of this kid. Anxious to hear how the first day went. Baking brownies to celebrate a good (or not-so-good) day, whatever it may be. Excited for the year ahead.

*After school update - first day went great as far as I can tell. Tyler was happy when I picked him up and happy to go back tomorrow!

Back To School

Oh my, Tyler starts first grade Thursday. First grade! He's so excited, and I'm the one who's nervous. New school, new teacher, new friends. This afternoon we went to his school's Open House, met his teacher, and checked out the classroom. Teacher seems super sweet. Here's to tomorrow's last day of summer. First day of school on the horizon.

A couple shots of Tyler's classroom.

Awesome view from the school grounds.

I'm curious - Do you have any back-to-school traditions at your house? We don't really yet - besides some back-to-school shopping, Adam gives the kids a blessing, and this year I told them I'd make whatever they want for dinner on the first day (Tyler chose tomato soup, grilled cheese paninis, and brownies. We'll see what Audrey picks next week). What does your family do to commemorate the day?

Lauren + Tim

Cole and I went to New Jersey to see this girl get married. Four flights total (two delays, ugh), four time zones in 48 hours. We did it! A fast trip but so worth it, and Cole was the best travel companion of all time. I already miss rooming with Steph and Clara - watching the Olympics with the kids, chatting, snacking in our hotel room. Spending time with family.

Lauren and Vernon.

Dad, Liz and Clara hangin' at the hotel cafe.

Cole and G-Mom.

This face! And those fat legs!

And one with the groom. So happy for these guys.

Love this shot. Clara, Steph and Vernon.

The venue.

 The view. So, so pretty. Oh how I will always be an east coast girl at heart.

Congratulation to Lauren and Tim! A perfect weekend, and the perfect way to celebrate a great couple. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.