Happy Easter!

So, my peeps, Easter means lots and lots of photos. I apologize in advance for the overabundance of cuteness. My only excuse... how is a mother to choose??
I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter weekend with plenty of Reese's Peanut Butter eggs and Starburst jelly beans!

Friday Boo and I went shopping for his Easter outfit. You might have seen me - I was the crazy lady in Baby GAP sitting in the middle of the floor with about ten outfits strewn around me mixing and matching, trying them on Boo and taking an occasional picture with my phone to send to The Hubs for advice? I only got one or two weird looks. Nothing I can't handle.

I was asked by a sincerely concerned employee toward the end of my shopping tirade if I knew there was a dressing room in the back. The thought hadn't crossed my mind. No seriously. I'm not being sarcastic. It actually didn't cross my mind that a store with the word 'Baby' in the name geared toward people under the age of 5 has dressing rooms. Only slightly embarrassed, I politely told her I was almost done and continued my quest for the perfect Easter outfit.

Boo was surprisingly patient. He found a couple things he wanted to try on and REALLY wanted to buy. Including the sunglasses you see in the above picture. When I told him we couldn't buy them there was a serious meltdown. This wasn't a spoiled meltdown, but a heart-broken one. Either way it was not a good experience and I couldn't give in. After much sunglasses-coveting sadness I finally decided to secretly buy them and let the Easter Bunny take the credit.

When he saw them in his Easter basket it was worth it. He was so very happy... You'll notice he didn't take them off the rest of the day.

The day began with a sleepy Boo following a trail of jelly beans that started from his room and lead to his Easter basket. The silly Easter Bunny's assistant (The Hubs) spent way too much time carefully laying each jelly bean down one by one the night before only to find that Boo doesn't follow rules on Easter. Upon seeing the floppy ears of his basket peeking out from behind the couch, he ditched the trail and ran like mad to his treasure.













What? Most kids go on Easter egg hunts in a shirt and tie and sunglasses. It's normal.

After our Easter egg hunt The Hubs made us crepes. Yes, I said CREPES, people! It's his own recipe and they bring me much happiness.

Of course, I had to document the occasion, much to The Hubs' enjoyment:



Yum!





And then Boo got naked and ran through the sprinklers.



The End.

Zoobies

The weather was perfect for a day at the zoo. Warmth, a slight breeze and a little cloud cover. This time we didn't leave the grounds with purple faces, sweating profusely as most of my memories of the Hogle Zoo end. We had a great day.

From the time I mentioned the zoo to Boo he has been rummaging through his toys to find possible animals we may encounter at the zoo. "This one Mommy?"

Regardless of the anticipation giggles and whines The Hubs and I endured during the hour-long drive to the zoo, Boo entered like any cool 2-year-old would, not to make a big deal, with his hands in his pocket and limited emotion in his face. "Let's see if this place is all it's cracked up to be," would read the hovering cloud above his head if it were visible.



Now, as curious an animal as giraffes are, and when I say "curious," I mean extremely strange above all explanation, you'd think Boo would be impressed. You think every kid who walked into the giraffe's habitat would be impressed. However, the only thing any of the kids surrounding us, including Boo, were excited about was a tiny little mouse eating the left-over scraps of hay at the giraffes' feet. In fact, before I put Boo to sleep tonight we talked about all the neat animals we saw. When I mentioned Giraffes his response was "Mouse, Mommy."




I love the pure excitement in Boo's eyes in this picture.


The Orangutans were a favorite of ours, especially for Boo. He wanted to climb through the window and play with the large, hairy family swinging from tree to tree. Apparently, so far the zoo doesn't have much to offer if you can't even play with the animals. He asked numerous times throughout the day, "I want them out, Mommy."


Another curious creature.




Yummy slushies to be enjoyed.


We took a train ride through the park because Boo loves, "Choo, Choo's." He is bracing himself in this picture. So excited!




I see myself in Boo so much in this picture. I can't put my finger on it, but I love it!


Yes, I was there too!




This was the fastest train ride for kids I have ever been on. I almost fell out trying to take pictures. Intense. It also only lasted about 30 seconds. If it weren't for the fabulous pictures I was able to get, it would have been the worst $1.50 I ever spent. :)


The bird show I had to talk Boo into going to, knowing he'd end up loving it.


We had a perfect zoo day.

Congratulations Master Hubberton!

The Hubs is now a Master of Business. He completed his 2-year MBA degree Friday, April 23, 2010. I couldn't be more proud of him. And I couldn't be more proud of us. These past two years have taught us a lot about ourselves and each other. Aside from gaining an enriched perspective on the world of business, The Hubs has learned a great deal about himself and, in the eyes of a very proud and loving wife, has grown insurmountable as a person. When I use a word as strong as 'insurmountable' I am quite aware of the amazing man I married almost four years ago, however, he has become a better husband a better daddy and a better person.

These years in school as students (I award myself the title of a student because the past two years have been a joint effort) will stick with us the rest of our lives. They encompass a broad range of emotion and experience. Friendships we have made with families in his program have touched our lives, so much so, that they will remain as such for a lifetime. Together we've shared laughs, sadness, tears, excitement, good news and bad news. Never in my life have I felt so many amazing people rally around me with which to share such experiences.

I have had the opportunity to serve and love my friends on such levels I didn't know I was capable. Recently I held the hand of a dear friend who lost her baby. I cried with her and listened while she spoke of her sweet Elena. Her heart was broken and so was mine. This type of intimacy lasts a lifetime. I will never forget the inspiration Candida gave me.

Another dear friend of mine, Amelia struggled through a difficult pregnancy, this year. Our friendship strengthened through her trying time.
I could write a page about Amelia and our kindred spirits. She is from the South and you'd recognize it right away by her amazing 'southern hospitality.' Her home was my home, Boo was hers and hers mine. We could sit on the couch for hours just talking, folding laundry, watching a movie. Our friendship is one that doesn't come around often. It is complete comfort-ability and acceptance. She gives herself fully to those she loves and has taught me a lot about friendship over the two years I have known her. She would do anything for those lucky enough to be around her, which is a quality to which we should all aspire. We both agreed that the closeness we shared is something that only comes around a few times in a lifetime. She told me those such people you already knew in the pre-existence and were reunited on Earth. I like that.

My friend Cheryl has remained a source of strength for me and an example of patience and servitude. She is also good for a laugh, which if you know me then you know that's important. Cheryl has four boys, one of whom was born about six weeks ago. Her second son was diagnosed with Autism this year. Not a single complaint have I heard come from her mouth about her children. The teasing manner with which she sometimes speaks of her boys is endearing and in love.
I was struggling with the grief, recently, due to the loss of my friend's baby. I began wondering if I should have any more children because of the fear I felt. She said,"Kelli, you are too incredible of a mom to not have any more kids. That would be an even bigger tragedy." After a few tears she continued, "You get no guarantees in this life and there is risk in everything. But I wouldn't change a thing," (referring to her son with Autism). That was exactly what I needed to hear.

I know many people have touched The Hubs' life as these women have touched mine. I wouldn't have believed this experience would have been such a profound one. Nor that I would meet people that were strategically placed in my life and would remain life-long, cherished friends.

The Hubs and my relationship as grown. With struggles of finances, school, family, jobs, we have come out on top. Together, I believe we can do anything and we have a bright future ahead of us, full of laughs, more good friends and lots of love.
Thank you The Hubs for making the decision to go back to school and giving our family this opportunity. We came out with so much more than a degree. You once said it was amazing I would follow you on such a journey with no guarantees and a great deal of trials. Well, Hubs, I'd follow you anywhere.

Thank you to everyone who has made this experience such a great one for us. We have so many friends that we will miss so much. We will be excited to hear how your families' and lives change over the years. It's hard to see everyone go, but I wish you all good luck and lots of love.

memories to hold tight and never let go.

Today The Hubs, Boo and I decorated the Christmas tree. Although fake Christmas trees are a little cheaper, safer, earth-friendly and all around easier, I can't get myself to break down and buy one. I can't forgo one of my very favorite memories as a child and as a wife and mother. I look forward to getting all bundled up and searching for our favorite tree. One which is usually much shorter and more bare than the others.

I still have an eye for "Charlie Brown" Christmas trees. Growing up, every year my mom would pick, in my young opinion, the most bare tree should could find. Her excuse being, "You can fit more ornaments on the tree." I never understood why year after year we were forced to pass up the full, beautiful, statuesque tree's for the seemingly sad and skinny trees. I remember telling myself when I grew up I would pick the biggest most perfect tree I could find. No holes to cover up with ornaments, no bare trunk showing! Ironically, in my older age, the trees that everyone seems to pass by are the ones that I love the most.

Today while tree hunting with my own little family, I saw my tree, which was to be rejected by an immediate grimace and shake of the head from The Hubs. The entire back side was branch-less and while the front looked 100 percent better than the back, it was slightly immodest, allowing it's trunk to peek through a bit.

As we looked around, we came back to the lonely little guy, sitting crookedly by himself. The sweet little salesman assured us it would stand straight and tall in a stand.

The tree was marked $28, but he said he was selling it for $20. We looked at it awhile and my bargaining nature kicked in. After I said, "make it $15 and we'll take it," he said "sold!" The Hubs smiled.

Boo was so excited to see our new little tree tied to the roof of our car. And I must admit, I couldn't help but smile. It's one of my favorite things.

When we got home we began lighting the Christmas tree. A few curse words later, half the tree was lit. Yes only half our tree is currently lit. We ran out. It wouldn't be Christmas without a Christmas tree lighting disaster.

Every ornament we unwrapped was a treasure for Grey to discover. I unwrapped a little purse ornament and gave it to Grey to hang on the tree. Instead he flung it over his shoulder and said "bye!" as he tried to open the door to leave.

The Hubs tried to teach Boo how to hang them from their hooks, but Boo just set them on the branches. The Hubs would then try to rehang them in a more acceptable spot, but that wasn't happening. Even if there were 10 ornaments in one spot, I demanded they stay. And after another shake of the head, The Hubs retreated. To me it's not about looking perfect, it's about the memories that are made and watching Boo put those ornaments on the tree is a memory I want to hold onto forever.

I made some yummy hot chocolate with fresh nutmeg. Boo waited until it was good and cold to take a sip which was immediately followed with a"mmmm."

When we were done hanging the ornaments on the tree Boo laid on his tummy with his legs and arms tucked under him and stared at the glistening lights.

These are moments I don't ever want to forget.

M.I.C.K.E.Y. M.O.U.S.E!

I finally talked The into taking Boo and me to Disneyland! It really is THE happiest place on earth! Especially when you don't have to wait in line. That's right, five minute lines, my friends! We had several things working in our favor: terrible economy, swine flu and school was still in session. :)
We invited our friends, the Knights along. Joe is in The Hubs' MBA program. They have a little baby girl, a couple months younger than Boo.

Boo had such a blast! It was a whole new experience to bring my own son to meet Mickey. In fact, he really couldn't get enough of Mickey. Every time we'd go into a shop he'd grab as many Mickeys off the shelves as he could and give them a tight "squeeze." He was such a good boy and put them away when we were done in the store. We asked him nicely, and he would gently (which is an adjective of which he generally doesn't know the meaning) and would tell them "bye, bye."
He didn't cry or beg for anything. So of course we got him his own little Mickey for being so good. And he still hasn't put it down.
He is very polite and tells everyone and thing "bye, bye." Every time we got off a ride he made sure to tell it bye. I didn't know you were supposed to do that. Where are my manners!

Boo's favorite ride was "It's A Small World." He thought it was very cool. We took him on it a second time and just walking to the ride he started making very excited noises.

His other favorite was "Finding Nemo." When the ride started he said "WOW!" in a really soft, little voice, with his tiny hand pressed up against the small window as he peered out. It was a highlight of my life.

Toon Town was also a hit. There were so many cars to drive and so little time. It was almost like he wasn't having fun while playing on the cars because he was so nervous someone was going to take him off. And we did. And he didn't like it. One bit. Notice the only crying picture. Can you believe we wouldn't let him drive us home?? We're really mean, parents.

We met up with my sister and her family. Unbeknown to us, we planned Disneyland trips for the same day. Really weird. But I'm sure glad we did!

We loved our beach days. The first day of our trip we went to Venice Beach, also known as "muscle beach." It was pretty sweet. We saw some very interesting folk. Boo loved the water and the sand. The water was cold, but of course The Hubs had to dive into it and catch a few waves, even though he could barely breath. Boo didn't seem to mind the temperature of the water too much either. He liked when it washed up on his feet.

The second to last day we went to New Port Beach, which is pretty opposite to Venice Beach. It was a little more ritzy and smelled a little less like marijuana.
The Hubs, Boo and I climbed some huge coral rocks and explored some tunnels. Boo even let a little crab walk on his hand. He giggled.

We had such a great time. Mostly Grey just loved that every day, first thing, we went "bye, bye." That's what he wants to do every day. Get his shoes, put them on, go "bye, bye." He doesn't understand now why we don't start riding rides at 10 a.m. poor kid. who am i kidding, i don't either.

Brock and I went to New York Nov. 20-22. Some MBA students were invited out to Wall Street to meet with some big-wigs, so I demanded to go! :) I LOVE New York and couldn't let Brock go without me. We decided to go together and make the trip a little longer, making it our Christmas.
My very good friend whose husband is also in the MBA program with Brock came with. We had such a great time!
The four of us stayed in a really nice hotel right in the heart of Time Square ( Brock is owed a huge amount of credit for getting us this $400 hotel for $150 per night! I'm a huge advocate of priceline!) My mother-in-law asked me if I felt awkward sharing a hotel room with another couple. I hadn't even thought about it being awkward. Cheryl is the EASIEST person to get along with and the four of us are so comfortable with each other it wasn't even an issue. Although Cheryl crawled into bed with Brock (thinking it was Paul) and I grabbed Paul's bum (thinking it was Brock!), it all was very appropriate. Brock and Paul think they're so funny, but that's another post. wink.

The city is so beautiful during this time of year. Lights everywhere.


The hustle and bustle of the city is amazing! There is such an energy there like nothing else. This picture is of Macey's. It was hard to even walk in there, let alone shop.


My hubby and me at Central Park. I could spend an entire day in Central Park. However, it was about 30 degrees the entire time we were there, so we didn't stay real long. It was seriously FAREEEZING!



These are our cute friends. I just have to tell you a little about my Canadian friend Cheryl. I can tell you a lot about our friendship by saying, our cars are about equal in messiness! This makes me very, very happy. (Sorry Cheryl, but it's one of the things I love about you!)
We were instant friends when our husbands made us drive down to Provo from Layton together for a Pre-MBA dinner in August. I wasn't super excited to spend an hour in the car with a girl I didn't even know, but I'm so happy I did!
She is so refreshing, because she is totally herself. She doesn't try to be, or pretend to be perfect. We have so much fun together and laugh until we hurt. So the few days we spent together in New York while our hubbies were in meetings were a blast! We shopped, explored and slept in! (No kids to wake us up at 6 a.m., are ya kiddin?!)
One of the nights our husbands were at a dinner we had a fabulous girls' night. We went to an awesome Asian restaurant where I made Cheryl try some sushi (because if I love it she must!), but I ended up eating it all by myself. oops. And then we went to "Wicked." It was AWESOME! I seriously loved it.





Isn't my hubby so cute?!