Pioneer Day & My 28th Birthday

My birthday and the 24th celebration kind of ran together this year so 2 posts in 1! This year was a good one for sure. My mom took the day off of work and spent the 24th with us. She treated us to Olive Garden as an early birthday dinner. These 2 little yahoos are not the easiest to take out to eat, but they did relatively well and I loved hanging out with my mom. They love their Mimi too!

After we got home from dinner we walked down to the parade on Main St. Earlier that morning Lisa and I set up blankets and chairs and we picked a pretty dang good spot all things considered. We met her and Tori down there right as the parade began. It's really the only parade that I'm down with because 1) it's close and 2) it's in the evening. While it was still extremely bright and hot, the kids loved watching the parade and Fitz especially loved all of the cars and trucks. There are fireworks that night, but after getting second dinner (ha!) with Jeremy's family, we all pooped out and just relaxed for the rest of the evening. It was a good day.

 I lucked out this year for my birthday. Jeremy was able to take the day off, along with a few others, and we had the most relaxing time. Obviously, I'm all about that relaxation right now.

We started out the day at Corner Bakery. We ate our weight in pancakes and eggs and the kids mostly behaved. Jeremy took Ellie to get me balloons the night before and she could hardly handle waiting to give them to me. After brunch we just went home and hung out. The house was clean and the kids played while we lounged and watched New Girl. So nice! After we went to Smiths when Ellie decided that she needed to make me a cake. We had lunch in their food court and gathered the necessary supplies. She was so excited and Jeremy was so patient as they made the cake, which was a pink and purple cake, BTW. Her call.

Soon after we popped the cake in the oven my mom showed up with even more treats to babysit so Jeremy and I could go out to eat. She was left with the task of decorating the cake with Ellie and after prepping her for that we were off! I didn't get any pictures of the 2 of us, but we dined at Cheesecake Factory and thoroughly enjoyed having a hot meal that we didn't have to share with anyone but each other. It was so nice.

When we got home the cake was decorated and we celebrated with the pinkest and purplest cake known the man. The kids sang their little hearts out and even though Ellie wasn't the biggest fan of my cake, I sure was!

I'm learning in my old age, that the best times are the simple ones where I'm surrounded by those who love me and I love more than anything. My birthday was completely perfect and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Like I've said before, I've struck gold in the eternal family department.

Ellie Bean Turns 3!

Ellie Bean Blythe! How are you already 3 years old?! I'm not too worried about it right now because you ask me daily to "tend that you're the baby and I'm the mommy." So, I know you're not worried about growing up too quickly, at least in this moment. However, you also like to stand up as tall as you can on a chair as say, "LOOK AT MY BODY! I gettin' so big!" And yes baby, you are!

Mom was a little mean and scheduled photos for you and Fitz. You, of course, took it in stride because you're just that way, plus we promised to take you to the zoo after! Daddy and I stayed up late the night before to decorate for you. When you woke up you let out your signature squeal, and then again when you saw the living room. I love that you appreciate the little things. Always try to do that ok? That's where a lot of life's happiness is.

You asked if you could wear anything you wanted right when you woke up and of course we obliged! Not surprisingly you picked out your favorite dress up at the moment, Cinderella, and also requested that I do "Cinderella" hair. You are happiest in your dress ups and when you're not in those, your regular dresses are the only thing that will do. What am I going to do with you?! I'm eager to see how your style transforms over the years. I do hope that you always love to wear dresses...and sparkly shoes.

You and Fitz did pretty well taking photos, but you were both over it and ready to get on with the day. Danielle got some good ones anyway. By the way, your brother loves you so much.

We headed right over to the zoo and you were in heaven. The zoo is definitely one of your favorite places right now, especially when your daddy comes with us. You loved looking at the elephants and the lion cubs. I think you could look at them all day. We topped off the visit with a soft serve cone, a blue one of course, and we headed home to get ready for your little party.

You threw me for a loop and asked for an "Alena of Avalor" cake for your birthday. Good thing we have a Disney store close. You helped me add the figures to the cake and deemed to to be the best birthday cake ever!

We had Uncle James, Auntie Nin, and your cousins over for dinner (breakfast, your choice!), cake, and presents. We keep things simple in the birthday arena here, but we know how to have a good time, don't we? We loved hanging out with everyone and watching you open your gifts. Your are so enthusiastic in everything you do. Keep that trait too, ok?

By the time the festivities wrapped up you were doing everything in your power to not fall asleep, but alas you succumbed and all was well in your world. One other memory that I never want to forget: You LOVE birthdays, and I'm sure you still do (I hope!). The whole month before your birthday, the second after I would light a candle, I would hear you dragging a stool over to said candle, singing yourself happy birthday, and then blowing the candle out. Every time. It was the cutest thing ever ever ever!

I love you little lady. You're so fun to have around and we have the best conversations. You're always trying to do the right thing and I admire that about you. You bring a party where ever you go and love being around people. Please always remember to be kind and happy. You're a good girl with a big heart. 

I love you bean bean! You're my little sunshine, forever.

Fitz Turns One!

Happy birthday baby boy! What a year it has been! Do you know how great you are? You are a spectacular kid. You were such a good baby (and still are because you're only 1!). You're only imperfection was your sleeping habits for the first 11 months of your life. You really threw mommy for a loop, but taught me some good stuff along the way. Ok, and you're weight gain...or lack there of. You like food though, so I've relaxed a little. Besides that though, man! You are pretty amazing. You're happy. You're patient. You're cuddly. You're playful. And now, you're an amazing sleeper! Naps and night time! Also, I'm pretty sure you could get almost anything you wanted with your toothy grin, wispy red hair, and blueberry eyes.

We had a super fun birthday party at Nana and Papa's house. We kept it simple but you loved it. Ellie, Brookie, and Kendall made party hats and sang you happy birthday about a million times. Nana made everything so cute, like always, and loved that she was there to celebrate with us! We ate hot dogs for dinner, which kind of made me feel bad because you weren't allowed (you know, choking hazard and all!)

You loved getting into your cake...after a little bit of persuasion. Once you dug in though, there was no going back! You also shared some with mommy, which was so nice. We took about a million pictures, so there are so many of those. I'm sorry, but look how cute you are and I don't want to forget a thing! Also, THE BALLOONS! You loved your balloons, kid. Your party hat? Not so much. Ellie also blew out your candle.

You made out like a bandit with gifts but this one was my FAVORITE! Your cousin, Brooklyn, made it for you and she was so proud of it. So was I. You love her so much, Fitzy. Your grin can't get any bigger or arms flap any faster when you lay eyes on that Brookie Jayde.

Oh sweetheart, you are such a good egg. I thank my Heavenly Father every day that you chose to join our family. Your sister just adores you and the snuggles that you give her. You light up our lives, my little dreamboat.

I love you.