Cali-for-ni-a

We took a little road trip for Memorial Day weekend. We decided it was time for Maddie to experience the ocean. Too bad it wasn't warm enough to jump in... but at least it was a sunny day! The water was frigid and Maddie was pretty wary of it, especially after she lost her balance and was almost submerged. I caught the first part on video (below) but right when the video ends you'll just have to imagine Mike snatching her arms and swooping her up unscathed!

First view of the ocean

Running on the beach with Daddy

Mommy & Maddie

Playing in the sand!

Em came with us and was a great help with Maddie! Most of the trip her nose was stuck in the 7th Harry Potter book, but we got her to surface when we did fun things.

Smooshing Mike's sand turrets

Building a 'sand castle'

Later that night Jared & Holly went with us to Downtown Disney (the outdoor mall connected to Disneyland). I was amazed at all the gorgeous landscaping--they can grow anything down there! It was a beautiful place and had lots of fun things to do.

Legoland

Disney Princesses!

Make new friends, but keep the old...

We got to visit with some old but good friends this weekend! We stayed with Shelley & Steve in Yucaipa and Jared & Holly in Long Beach and got to meet their beautiful babies. Our daughters were all born within 6 months of each other! It is hard to think back to the time when we were all unmarried and living in the same ward at the Glenhood. Ha ha, those were the days. :) (A huge thankyou to you guys for hosting us and making us so comfortable! It was great to see you!)

Us with Shelley and Mariah

Jared, Kaylee, Mike, and Maddie on the beach!

All the girls

And these are some farewell pictures of our best friends in Las Vegas. Jeanie and Devin are moving to Michigan for ortho school and we are goingto miss them so much!!! They saved us (me) from utter despair when we moved to Vegas two years ago and felt so lonely. We have had many game nights, walking adventures, trips to the mountains or parks, and shared meals. It has been nice to have close friends here where we are far away from family. I remember my mom telling me to "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."

Stay tuned for more pics of our California adventure!

Blue Man Group

My dad took us to our first Vegas show last week! The scene above was my favorite part of the show. It's filled with color, percussion, and some crazy stunts... we really enjoyed it!

Dad also treated us to a fancy Italian dinner at the Venetian. SCORE.

They pass out white crepe paper for everyone to tie on themselves... for greater effect when the blacklights come on.

We got a picture with one of the Blue Men! Their face paint is so crazy--it covers everything but the whites of their eyes. (Emily's camera got the front shot.)

Mike enjoyed trying the pipe drums in the Blue Man store. He's got some rhythm of his own.

Grandma & Grandpa!!

My parents came for a nice 6 day visit to drop Emily off for the summer. They loved little Maddie, and she loved them! I am grumpy... I just realized I accidentally erased some really cute pictures, but here are a few to document the visit. We shopped (twice) at the beautiful new Townsquare Las Vegas, went to the Mini Grand Prix racecars, went on a picnic at the park (erased pics), and just relaxed!

Kisses for Grandpa!

Playing games with Grandma

We didn't get any of Auntie Em yet, but we will! She is here for 3 months! Yahoo!

Picture purge!!

We have so many recent pictures of Maddie, I can't decide what to post! So I won't. :)

It's the Cookie Monster!!! Maddie had fun helping me measure, stir, and taste test. Well, mostly taste test.

Pretty eyes

Messy mouth

Folding her arms to bless the food

"Head"

She knows what that's for...

Proud smile

Belly button shot

Mmmmm, spaghetti!

Cleanin up in the sink

Learning how to use keys

"Mommy's Little Treasure" on Mother's Day. Mike was so sweet... his card was my favorite. I love it when he writes his thoughts. It made me cry! He also gave me 3 roses, the new Jack Johnson CD, money, and tons of junk food. Maddie's hugs and kisses, the great messages at church, and seeing my own Mom the next day made for a fabulous Mother's Day.

Snoozin' with Elmo

" I believe I can fly!"

5 Happy Years

Happy Anniversary Babe!!! Our wedding day does seem that long ago, but the time has flown. Here's a little slideshow of the candid shots from the big day. Let's all be honest, who doesn't love seeing other people's wedding pictures? :)

Since we tied the knot, Mike and I have lived in 4 'homes' (3 of them apartments), earned 3 degrees, held 6 jobs, and our crowning accomplishment... had one beautiful daughter! It's hard to imagine 5 years into the future when you're wearing that white dress, but if I could have, I would have been thrilled by what I saw. It's been amazing.

Growin' up!!

It seems like Maddie grows up a little more every day. Here are a few 'firsts'...

First pig tails!

Hold my hand Mommy! I'm ready to go.

Pigtails are cute but they make for a crazy bed head.

Maddie finally got her big girl car seat!!! It's a new model from Graco so we had to order it online. Maddie knew exactly what to do with the cupholder. She went and found her sippy cup and put it in the hole.

I have been waiting for this dress to fit Maddie because I LOVE it! She looks adorable in it with her pretty blue eyes.

This is just a sweet naptime picture. She was getting some shut-eye before the church marathon.