What Happens at Grandma's...

Everyone knows that a trip to Grandma's house means a free pass to do whatever you want, whenever you want, only a kiss required.

We arrived, unpacked our things, and the week of non-stop fun (and slight anarchy) ensued, which entailed:

Peeing in bushes

Riding on suitcases

underage driving

making a mess of hard-boiled eggs

working with dangerous tools while under the influence of sugar

spending long late nights out with lady friends

sitting on tables

and excessive amounts of crackers, cookies, and all things delicious around the clock

Likewise Mom took a break: from disciplining, too early of mornings, making meals, and cleaning.

I don't know who had more fun ;)

Photos of the Present

We have really been enjoying our two boys lately. Ryker has reached the point where he has begun to notice Kiki and want to be part of the action. Its so great to be happy with our present lives and looking forward to each day with them.

He also loves the beach, playing with toys, and his new-found love, Cheerios.

Anyone who knows me well knows I love hats for my boys!

Both kids love bathtime

Wrestling as only brothers can

Making fruit shakes with Daddy, a daily morning tradition

Dressed for church; are they related or what?

Cuddle time- a rarity with Kiki that we enjoy whenever he lets us.

We cherish each happy, healthy moment we have, and we are so grateful for it!

Mom Date

After some crazy days I decided it was time to spend some one on one with my buddy, Kiki.

We dressed up (his new green converse shoes have been termed his, "date shoes") went to Barnes and Noble and read tons of Thomas the Train books, ran around at Old Navy and played in the dressing rooms, and got some lunch.

It was so fun to spend time with him like the old days, just me and him. I asked him in the car what he wanted to talk about, he paused for a second, then he said "Dinosaurs!"

I love my crazy, talkative boy. I love how he reenacts Thomas story lines, tells Ryker "I'm serious!" when R cries, how he has a perfect memory for songs, how he still giggles like he did as a baby, and when he plays with my hair while I put him to sleep. He loves "lellow wallypops", his baby brother, his train table, and preschool.

I am enjoying his funny little personality and I just hope he doesn't grow up too quickly!

Does Life Get Better? I Submit That it Cannot

When J and I had to decide between AZ and LA there were several factors to consider, and many pros and cons, but ultimately (duh) we chose LA.

Pros of LA:

• Beach
• married housing
• Disneyland
• close to J's family
• Did I mention we live 3 miles from the beach?

There was one huge difference, something pulling on my mind whenever I reconsidered this decision. One thing AZ had that we seemingly could not live without... Cafe Rio/Costa Vida (we'll be honest, they're pretty much the same thing).

Well as of a week ago Arizona now has nothing on us!

We arrived happy (childless!) and hungry only to find...

Matt (not pictured) and Karyna on their way out!

Moments later the Blackburns arrived...

The Terry's

Then the Johnsons

Closely followed by the Jensens

(Later the Hoovers, Rasmussens, and Whites joined in... basically a UCLA ward activity)

I ate what I could and Jared finished the rest

15 blissful minutes later it was all over

Then it set in.... my food baby

Gloria's baby+food

And the rest of the night I laid in bed, not moving for fear of revisiting the meal

Was it worth it?

I will be returning saturday.