Thursday, August 23, 2012

Birthday Boy

Our sweet boy Kenneth turned 2 on Saturday! It was a great day! Kenneth brings so much joy and life into our family. I can't believe it has been two years, but I am grateful he is part of our family. He has such a sassy little personality, and he makes me laugh so much. I love you sugar! 
Our day in pictures.
Started off with breakfast
At the Park for his party













I held him all through his nap, it was perfect!
Using up his Free Birthday Tokens at Chuck-E-Cheese
Dinner and Dessert at Red Robin - he was not so sure about them singing Happy Birthday to him, but he sure did love the ice cream! 

After dinner we headed out to Toys 'R' Us where dad bought him his birthday gift, a new basketball hoop! He was pretty excited about it when we got home.

Disclamer: The reason there are no pictures of Andrew is because when he woke up on Saturday, he grabbed his little cars suitcase and told us he was going to Grandpa's. I was in the bathroom and I heard Kenneth tell Andrew he was going to grandpa's too and Andrew replied by saying "No, your going to a party, I'm going to grandpa's!" It was hilarious. So Andrew really did pack his own suitcase and when we got to the party he asked his Grandpa Leavitt if he could stay the night and Grandpa said yes, so he left us and stayed the night with his grandparents. It was so cute. Before he left though, I did have to go through and properly pack his bag, but honestly he was ready, he packed shirts, underwear, socks, pajamas, pants, oatmeal, snacks, nectarine, peach, and kiwi. He was sure ready, with a couple minor tweaks, he was ready to go. Love that kid.

7 Years

That's right, Jon and I celebrated our seven year wedding anniversary! It's crazy how fast time really does seem to fly. So much has happened in our lives over these past seven years, and I am grateful to have such an amazing man by my side helping us make it through. 

We had the perfect anniversary weekend! My parents were willing to take the kids from Saturday and we picked them up Sunday night. After dropping the kids off, Jon and I headed out for some target practice! :) I ended up shooting two fire extinguishers off, which was a lot of fun. After some shooting, we headed home got cleaned up and went out to dinner at Olive Garden. Seriously, the deal they had for two people, was S.O.M.U.C.H.F.O.O.D. Jon and I couldn't finish, but thoroughly enjoyed what we did eat. After dinner, we were going to go see a movie, but realized we had some time to kill. So, we pulled out our inner child and went to Chuck-E-Cheese and played some skee-ball, and a basketball championship (I lost by the way, over and over again. I demand a rematch soon). After we enjoyed playing like kids, we headed over for our movie. We ended up watching the new Batman movie. I was a little hesitant because, although The Dark Knight was very well down, it was just too dark for me and I didn't want to watch another movie like that. Thankfully, the new Batman movie wasn't dark like the 2nd one at all, it was a great movie! After our movie we headed home for some late night snuggles and 24 on Netflix, it was a great day!

Sunday, was our actual anniversary, so we played hookie from church and decided to drive out to Ocean Shores. Unfortunately, fortunately, nobody told the Ocean it was supposed to be nice. We left home where it was over 80 degrees, and ended up in Ocean Shores to 64 degree weather. Despite it being really cold, we had a blast chilling in the chair, eating lunch, playing Rook (another game Jon killed me at), LAUGHING A LOT, and talking about our lives. I Loved Every Minute. After about 2 hours of being in the car we decided to go for a walk on the beach. To our amusement (or maybe just mine), we left the AC on in the car and our battery had died. I found it to be hilarious. We went for a walk and when we came back the car was still dead. Thankfully, I always keep jumper cables in my car, so we asked the car next to us for a jump to which he graciously ablidged. Once we were started, we headed back home to pick up our crazy kids at my parents.
 This was us on our honeymoon, 7 years ago
 Shooting it up
 Kisses for my love at the beach
 Getting a jump
 We put the timer on, and of course, a truck happened to be driving behind us and ruined our beautiful beach kiss picture. 
 It was an incredible weekend, one we both needed. It's so nice to spend time with the one I love and feel reconnected. I love him more and more each day. Happy 7 years, I look forward to many, many, more! 
xoxoxo - Wifey

Monday, August 20, 2012

Mini Date Night

A couple weeks ago, Jon and I decided that we really needed a date, UnFortunately it was already too late on Saturday to hire a baby sitter and go out, so we decided to make our own little date upstairs. It was great. I ran to the Papa Murphy's and picked up a pizza while Jon put the kids to bed and when I got home, we spent some time laying out on our porch roof (trying not to slide off, we are working on a fix for it being too slippery) until the clouds rolled in and covered the stars, then we headed back inside and ate some pizza while watching 24 on Netflix. It was wonderful. I savored every minute of being in my love's arms talking, laughing and snuggling. I am grateful that we can be creative and make special moments for ourselves at home when we don't have an opportunity to go out. Besides I wouldn't have traded a night out for our home mini date anyways.

Garden Spoils

Jon has done such a great job with our garden this year! Every year he gets better and better. This year we had way more veggies than any year prior. These pictures are a result of one days picking. Imagine this on a weekly basis. We also still have corn, pumpkins, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and hot peppers still growing. Even though I do not enjoy gardening, I'm glad Jon does, because I do enjoy eating stuff that is fresh out of our own garden. 
 There are 10 cups of peas, 10 cups of green beans, broccoli, 2cups of blueberries, 10 carrots and 3 turnips
Our helpers

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Underwear Makes the Best Hats

At least according to my kids it does! I walked around the corner from the bathroom heading into my room and found my kids walking out with underwear on their heads. It was hilarious. Sometimes these kids kill me. 
 And not to worry, the underwear is clean, as in just came out of the dryer clean! 

Elder Leavitt

Jon and I had the opportunity to accompany our Brother Josh (and parents) to the temple on Saturday July, 7th where he become more prepared to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Vina Del Mar, Chile area. It was an incredible experience! Words can't describe the love I, especially felt for him, and how PROUD I am of him and the decision he made to serve a mission. I felt as if I was watching my own son getting prepared to Serve. 
 Josh with his Parents
 Clearly, I did not get the "make a funny face" memo. Silly boys

 We were also able to spend time with him on Tuesday, and watch him be set apart as a Missionary. I was a blubbery mess. The Priesthood is so special and the whole experience was amazing. After he was set apart as a Missionary, we were then able to spend a couple more hours with him...well Jon was, I ended up packing his suitcases for him. I have to admit, I loved it. Then around 11pm, once everything was packed we said our final "see ya laters" and drove home. We are sure going to miss that boy, but know he is where he is supposed to be.

Oh and as a side note, ours kids love and adore Josh. They admire and look up to him. As proof, I sing songs to Andrew and KB every night before they go to bed, and I ask him all the time if he wants me to sing the Missionary song. Andrew responds by saying No, he doesn't like that song and is NOT going to be a Missionary...he was adamant about it. Then once we told him Josh was going to be a Missionary, he was so excited! He now LOVES that song and when I sing the part "I want to be a Missionary..." Andrew always shouts out "And Andrew too, I'm going to be a Missionary." I know our kids are going to miss their Uncle, but I am truly grateful for the example Josh is setting for them. We are extremely close to Josh and although it was hard to see him leave, I know he made the right decision.The people of Chile are lucky to have such an amazing man. He is caring, giving, patient, loving, friendly, happy, and kind-hearted! I know he is going to make one heck of a Missionary. 
We love you Elder Leavitt!

4th of July

 Normally we have an amazing 4th of July. We head out to a breakfast in the morning, then meet up with family and play at the park and end the evening at the Valley Athletic Club to watch the fireworks. This year had the same plans, but unfortunately grumpy kids + exhausted parents dealing with the grumpy kids = leaving the fireworks show before it even started and a 4 hour crying shift from our youngest. However, despite all of that, we did end up watching the fireworks show from our car up the street. Not as much fun, but we still got to see them. 
 Despite having to leave early, we did make it in time to watch the skydivers!
 Our grumpy boy, this is what it was like for 4 hours...
 Andrew trying to give me a smile
 Fireworks from the car
Even though all the festivities are a lot of fun, I LOVE the 4th of July for it's true meaning...
I am BEYOND GRATEFUL for the Freedom of our Country and for the men and women who serve to protect it. May God always watch over and Bless them and their families for the sacrifices they make on our behalf!!! 
And an extra shout out to my Brother (in-law) Michael, we are so proud of you and love you! Can't wait until we get to see you again, stay safe!