Malinda & James' new little puppy is to die for! I'm especially fond of weimaraners, and I've been loving this little mini version of Haley running around.
The puppy followed Haley around like she were his mama. But Haley seemed less interested in this rolly-polly little fella.
Alex was loving cuddling with him
He was so fun to watch -one second he'd be bounding after Haley with lots of energy, and the next instant he's collapsed in a rolly heap, snoring away.
Sydney got a bubble machine for her birthday from Stacey, and it's been very handy with all these energetic kids around. You turn that sucker on, and you've got a good half hour or so of smiles and giggles.
even my mom was getting into the bubble fun
and while we were all playing, Tommy was working. two dogs + a small yard = lots of scooping.
Sydney's been loving all these cousins around. Especially little Leah, who's just 4 months younger than Sydney. They've been sharing toys, clothes, bottles and binkies...pretty much whatever's in one girl's hand, ends up being snatched by the other. I have a feeling they'll be best buds.
Alex and Valerie make such a wonderful Auntie & Uncle!
Alex is so talented with his guitar, and entertained the kids with his songs the whole week
Even Haley enjoyed all the cousin time. She especially loved playing and cuddling with her Auntie Kathleen
This summer has been non-stop fun and play so far. My brother, Tony, just moved back to Utah, and will be living in Provo and teaching at BYU. While he's been looking for a house, he and his little family have been staying with us. We've also had almost my entire family visiting as well. It's been so much fun with all the siblings and little cousins this past week. Our house backs onto a big park, so we've spent many hours running around back there, BBQ-ing, picnicking, and playing all kinds of sports and made-up games.
Kathleen and Alex playing with Tony's boys and little Mason
the boys being boys
As is always the tradition when family's together, my dad had his guitar out for some family tunes we've always grown up singing together
Malinda made a rhubarb pie from fresh rhubarb straight from her garden
Alex was so sweet with his little nieces and nephews
Sydney's been eating watermellon constantly this past week with all the picnics and bbqs. I've learned to strip her down before she even gets close to that yummy, juicy mess!
look at that face! such an all-American boy right there.
I couldn't resist snapping a few of these classic birthday cake shots. I was surprised at how dainty Sydney was when I placed the cake in front of her. She smiled politely for a minute, then gently took a few tastes of the frosting with a sly grin. I think the frilly tutu put her in a girlie mood. Happy Birthday, little princess! I'm so excited for this upcoming year ahead of us!
after a few minutes Sydney realized how yummy this cake really was and threw all manners out the window
DIY: I just made a little hat out of a few sheets of cardstock, glue, and ribbon, and found these mini cakes at Walmart that you can customize yourself for just six dollars!
A year ago at this time, I was cradling a newborn in my arms. I had spent 8 hours laboring with my sweet hubby by my side, and my angelic mom rubbing my back all night. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to endure, yet I have such sweet memories of that incredible night. Sydney arrived with a long cone head after all the pushing, but I still thought she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She snuggled in my arms peacefully for those first couple weeks while my mom (and later mother-in-law) doted on us.
And now I have a little chubby-cheeked buddy by my side, so smiley and full of life. She's one of the best things that's ever happened to me. Happy birthday, baby girl!
She started off her day in a birthday outfit from her Grandma. Then she tagged along with me, Malinda, and Mason as we browsed some cute botiques (yeah, that was probably more for me than for Sydney)
We've had lots of family in town this week, so Sydney had lots of friends to celebrate with. We all spent the afternoon at this fun water park -Sydney's first swimming pool experience. It took her a little while to get used to it and all the splashing kids around, but she ended up loving it.
Evidence of hours spent playing in the pool
we were able to grab a 4 generation photo before the birthday BBQ began
Sydney shares her birthday with my sister-in-law, Sarah, and my Aunt Jane, so we all gathered for a joint birthday bbq that night
yummy cherry cheescake
Sydney got spoiled with some fun toys. Then she got to stay up until 11pm playing with her cousins. A very great birthday!
I got home from my trip just in time to celebrate my hubby's birthday. Birthdays are very special to us, where we plan the whole day with activities and surprises. Tommy always one-ups me every year, so I tried to do a little better this time. This is what we did:
We went out to Tucanos for lunch (Brazillian Grill -one of Tommy's favorite places), where Stacey and Tait surprised him
Next, we went to Malinda and James' and got to see their brand new weimaraner puppy! Tommy loved cuddling with the little guy (he's so new, he doesn't even have a name yet), and got close to wanting to get a puppy himself. I was kind of hoping Tommy would ask for one for his birthday. :)
We finished the night with a surprise party that I amazingly was able to keep a surprise! I was very impressed with my lying abilities. I was so happy to have so many close friends and family show up -thanks, guys!
27 candles in the shape of a big T. And on the yummiest cake in the world. Costco's 7 lb, 7 layer chocolate cake -thanks to Matt & Joy :)
Tommy got a surprise visit from "Zoom" (Tommy's childhood birthday visitor). Mason's cape lasted only a few seconds, and he didn't end up singing Tommy the 10-minute song, but he was still one of the best versions of Zoom we've seen yet.
