Three Wheelers Four Corners

Well its already July and once again I've turned into a blog slacker.  I'm sorry.  Things just get rather busy around here.  Nathan needed to take some time off so we decided it was time for another trip.  We love traveling, and hopefully Amelia will grow to love it too.  We decided to visit Nathan's brother Daniel and his family in New Mexico.  The neat thing about visiting New Mexico was also seeing my old college roommate Lisa and her family.  It was a 10 hour drive. A LONG 10 hour drive, with views of desert and not much else.  Amelia did pretty well, she did get a little fussy when she wanted to watch Curious George and we were out of internet range.  We were able to stop at Four Corners on the way to Albuquerque.  While its impressive to see/stand in four states at once, there really isn't that much to see.  It's the type of place you jump out of the car, take a few photos, and leave. Once we got to Albuquerque we had a lot of fun hanging out with Dan, Rachael and their kids.  Amelia had a lot of fun playing with Sarah who is just 10 days older then she is.  It was nice to be able to help Rachael out and catch up. It turns out Dan and Rachael are even in the same ward as Lisa and her family.  Small world.

We stopped by Lisa's house and had dinner with them, then we used our mad dancing skills (or the lack thereof) and  played a dance game on their xbox kinect. It was hilarious.  Lisa's mom was also visiting from Utah and it was really fun to catch up.  Amelia loved running around playing with Lisa's two little boys. She had a blast swimming and playing on their swing set.  Amelia tried so hard to get the boys to come down the slide with her, but they were a little shy.  We had the chance to go with Lisa and her mom to the aquarium and the children's garden.  The kids were in heaven!  Overall our trip was a success, it was great to visit with family and friends.  We left wishing everyone was a whole lot closer to one another.

This summer is our summer of trips it seems like.  We've gone to San Diego and Albuquerque.  We are going to Salt Lake (in August) and Nathan is flying to Montreal next week.  Amelia and I are not going to Montreal, and we are plenty jealous of Nathan's trip to Canada.  Amelia is also starting a parent/tot swim class this summer, she will love it.  She loves to play in the water.  I am currently teaching Roman Art Camp at the art museum, its fun to see how much the kids learn and enjoy the projects.  Nathan has been playing volleyball, but it has wrapped up now. Overall this summer is going fantastic, we've been traveling, swimming, boating, barbecuing, and spending time with friends and family.  The best part is, summer is  not even half way over.  Leaving plenty of time for more adventures.

We also had my uncle John, aunt Nancy and my cousin Caitlyn come visit us from Kentucky. They came down to see us with my dad and had a fun weekend in the desert.  I think its been 10+ years since I've seen my aunt and uncle, so it was really nice to catch up and spend some time with all of them.  We took them to Snow Canyon to explore the dunes and some of the beautiful red rock.

A little bit more on Amelia, she is two and boy do we know it.  She really loves to play outside, and is much more daring then I would like.  She goes down the big slides at the park all by herself and loves to climb until she gets stuck.  Amelia also loves to read/look at books in bed.  She will climb into bed with a book and fall asleep looking at it.  She gets that from me.  She likes to play "possum" and pretend to sleep in the most random places.  Her hair is finally starting to get longer but it also looks to be getting lighter in color in the back.  I'm hoping she keeps her lovely red hair but time will tell, and she will look darling with whatever color hair she has.  She can be such a little character.  Having a toddler can be such a delight but it can also be incredibly stressful.  Its a good thing that the good days outnumber the bad.

Ring of Fire- Solar Eclipse

Aunt Nancy and Caitlyn in Snow Canyon

JUncle John trying to adjust his camera

Amelia and Aunt Nancy

Nathan trying to wakeboard for the first time

Amelia on the boat (eating some Cheetos) 

Four Corners 

Swimming with her buddy

Amelia riding a starfish

Amelia checking out the shark tank

The three amigos

Butterfly on my shoe in the children's garden

Amelia riding an ant in the children's garden

My cute old (who isn't old) roommate Lisa and her son

Beach beach sandy beach, feel the sand, on your feet.

Yes the title of this post is from a Wiggles song. I have a toddler, which means I am subjected to horrible catchy songs that get in your head from a variety of children shows. I am subjecting you to my pain.

A week ago we returned from our trip to San Diego, it was AH-MAZ-ING. First off, many of you know that the heat is not my best friend. In fact, I generally despise the heat, especially where we live. It was very nice to visit San Diego with its beach breeze and 65* highs.  Amelia was a trooper on the drive and did super well until about an hour away from our destination, she was a little restless and wanted to be done.  The drive back was pretty much the same.  Amelia loved playing in the sand at the beach and the bay. Our hotel was less than a block from the beach and right on Mission Bay. Needless to say we played in the sand a lot. We also discovered that Amelia and I in a little hotel room is not good, we both tend to need some space when tantrums arise. We ate at some amazing restaurants, specifically Phil's BBQ, it was rated best bbq by Yelp in 2010, and we agree hands down. Seriously the best BBQ we've ever had. We also had the chance to visit the San Diego Zoo (one of my favorite zoo's).  It was fun to share it with Nathan and Amelia.  Nathan was impressed that the San Diego Zoo is a non-profit organization, so any money spent at the zoo, stays at the zoo.  Amelia was impressed that the "woof woof's" (referring to dogs) play with the cheetahs. Zookeepers also walk the dogs around and other animals, like wild porcupines. Amelia was in heaven.  Overall, the trip was a success and next time we are hitting up Sea World.


In other news, we had a great Easter, once again Amelia was sick. We thought she had chicken pox from her vaccinations but turns out she contracted (from some other neighborhood kid) Molluscum Contagiosum (which is a pox virus).  The crappy thing about Molluscum is that it can take up to 2 years for the bumps to go away.  Amelia only had bumps on her arm by her elbow and a few on her leg.  They can go away on their own or take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to go away. Her pediatrician recommended some antibiotics that she takes 3x a day for 2-3 months, it has a 70-80% chance of clearing up the bumps. I'm happy to report that she has been on it for 3 weeks and they are mostly gone. I'm hoping next Easter Amelia won't be sick, right now we are 0-2.  Amelia loved dying Easter eggs and going on Easter egg hunts.  Holidays are becoming so much fun the older she gets.


Things are starting to wrap up for me as the school year is coming to a close.  I'm teaching the final lessons in the art program at an elementary school these next few weeks.  It's on Leonardo Da Vinci, I'm very happy to be ending the year on such a high note.  Volunteering for the school art program has been such a delight, watching the students eyes get big as I talk about techniques or specific artists is energizing.  Amelia comes along with me, she has become very well behaved in the classrooms and the kids get so excited when "the red tornado is here!!!!" However,  there is no way I could do what teachers do five days a week for the whole school year.  God bless teachers, they are amazing.  School tours at the museum are also wrapping up, which is nice.  I am scheduled to be one of the teachers for the summer camp at the museum, this summer is Roman Art.  I will miss dressing up as Poseidon (Greek Art was last summer) I guess I technically still could and just go by Neptune, having a trident is just too much fun.


Nathan is excited because co-ed volleyball is starting up again, he loves playing volleyball. We love watching people get intimated as they see him block spikes at the net.  Nathan and his sidekick Amelia do everything together, they are two peas in a pod.  He is excited to go camping this summer and put Amelia in swim lessons.  Nathan has really become a valued employee at his job.  We are so proud of him and all the hard work he puts in.  Nathan is currently reading The Last Chevalier by Alexander Dumas, he is enjoying it but says its not nearly as good as The Count of Monte Cristo or The Three Musketeers.

 Amelia and I dying easter eggs

 Sorting through her easter basket

 Amelia and her posse. Curious George, Biscuit, and Sheepie. They come everywhere with her.

 Taking the posse for a drive. Curious George is up front with her. 

 Nathan and Amelia waiting to get on the bus at at the San Diego Zoo.

 Too tired to see the panda. 

 Amelia loved the fish and the turtles, she loves any type of aquarium or underwater viewing spots.

 Amelia loves dogs. She made instant friends with this Akbash at the Zoo. This dog hangs out with the cheetah, and is about the size of a Great Dane. 

 Nathan and Amelia planning out which parts of the zoo to see. 

 Orangutang: Rare red apes. We love our little red headed monkey.

  

 Amelia and the Orangutangs.

 I thought this was incredibly fascinating. This orangutang came over to the glass where this older gentleman was and placed his hand on the glass, the gentleman reached out and did the same. Then they just looked into each others eyes for a good 15 minutes. 

 Me frowning over the loss of arctic ice in the polar bear exhibit. 

 Amelia giving the polar bear statue some love. 

Amelia and Nathan. My two favorite people. 

 A dog (not the Akbash) and a cheetah playing. Amelia thought this was pretty neat. 

 Last time I was in San Diego a seagull stole my churro at Sea World. This time I was able to eat a churro without it being stolen. It was awesome. I did share with Amelia.

Amelia thought it was pretty tasty. I'd rather share with her than a yucky seagull any day.

Miss Amelia is 2

Our little Avie turned 2 on March 29th. Nathan took two days off for Amelia's birthday and Amelia loved having him home for a four day weekend. We had a little birthday party for Amelia complete with a few of her friends and a Curious George cake.

I can't believe my little girl is 2. Its gone by fast, however, days that are full of tantrums are probably the longest days of my life. Amelia is getting used to the fact that she goes into time-outs for misbehaving. I have found her putting her stuffed animals in time out a few times, its quite funny. Amelia is such a spunky girl, she is very picky about what Nathan wears and picks out his clothes often. She could care less what I wear but Nathan is a whole other story. She has a tantrum every day when he changes his work clothes. She is starting to be picky about wearing shoes and lately clothes. Our little nudist sure does make our days interesting.

My best friend and her family came down to visit during spring break, which was beyond awesome. I have missed her terribly since we have moved from Logan. We went to Snow Canyon and played in the sand dunes, I've never been there and it is such a fun place. It will definitely be a place we go often. Amelia loved playing in the sand and there were a lot of fun little hikes and places to explore. I kept asking Amelia if she liked hiking and she replied "UH HUH!". I think the petrified sand dunes were her favorite.

April is going to be a fun month for us. Nathan has to go back to San Diego so Amelia and I are tagging along. I am not looking forward to the drive, but Sea World and the San Diego Zoo will make up for it. Nathan has never been to either and I'm excited to go back and see how its changed. I know Amelia will love it. Hopefully she has more fun at the beach this time, last time she didn't really like the sand.

Amelia just had her 2 year old check up, she was such a trooper during her shots. I think the sucker helped. I know 2 year olds can be kinda finicky with food but Amelia eats like a bird. She has dropped from the 32% for weight to 9%. Not good. So we are now trying our best to increase her caloric intake. She could have Nathan's metabolism which means she could eat 12 cupcakes in a week and she won't gain an ounce. Her doctor is hoping supplementing her diet will help. Parenting is never easy and Amelia sure does keep things interesting. Can't wait for potty training...

Amelia enjoying her birthday cake and homemade ice cream.

Amelia's birthday cake.

Amelia playing with Playdoh.

Amelia LOVED her birthday balloons.

Amelia really enjoys painting. Its one of her new favorite activities.

Joanna and I climbing in Snow Canyon.

Amelia loved the petrified sand dunes.

Amelia and Nathan climbing in Snow Canyon.

Yay for sand dunes.

Nathan in San Diego on a business trip hanging out on Coronado Beach.

Woosh, that was January.

January just flew by us, Nathan and I both had birthdays which means January ROCKED! Nathan celebrated his 28th birthday with Amelia and I. He requested that his birthday be a "mello" celebration with just us. Very Nathan like. Amelia and I made him a cake, made him some cards, and gave him a present. He had a wonderful time. He can't believe he is 28, I've had to remind him a few times. Amelia and I sang "Happy Birthday" to him at any available opportunity.

January has been an extremely busy month for us. Nathan has been busy playing volleyball, Amelia has been a red tornado and I have been busy with art stuff. The Museum installed a new exhibit which meant meetings and training for docents. Plus I've had to teach Art Masters at a local elementary. Which by the way, was on Alexander Calder an engineer and an artist. Could that be any more fitting for me? If you haven't seen his work, google him, its worth it.

We also celebrated my "golden" birthday. I turned 26 on the 26th. I wanted to do something special, and Nathan made it special. He made me a red velvet cake (from scratch, no less!) and he didn't mess it up! My grandparents were passing through and brought me a cake, and took us out to dinner. Two cakes? yes please. My cousin also stopped by on friday adding to the family fun. Just as she was leaving people started showing up. I thought it was just to say hi, nope, Nathan planned a surprise party with my friends and totally got me for the second time. He is sneaky!! My friend made an amazingly chocolate choco-holic cake. 3 CAKES!!! thats right, I am that cool. I also chopped off my hair and added some blue and purple to it to commemorate being 26.

For those of you that are wondering, we had a great Christmas. I did leave my purse at home which had my phone charger, camera and of course wallet in it. So Nathan had to do all of the driving. What a good sport. We went to Logan and spent time with my best friend Joanna and her family. I wish we had more time so we could have visited all of our Logan friends, but it just wasn't in the cards. We spent Christmas with my family, which was amazing. Christmas Eve we had everyone together, first time EVER for Christmas, and the first time since my mom's funeral. We even tried to visit some of Nathan's sisters but two of the three weren't home. At least we were able to see Suzanne and the kids. We also went over to my dad's and spent Christmas with him. Overall a very fun trip.

Amelia is doing great, we are loving the terrible 2's and the tantrums, NOT. She is very independent and stubborn, she got that from both Nathan and I. She LOVES to help out in the kitchen, play outside and watch Curious George. She has a Curious George stuffed monkey that tags along with her most of the time. She loves to wear our shoes and clothes, today she wore one of Nathan's shirts around most of the day. She thinks its hilarious to pretend to sleep, she even tries to snore but it just sounds like heavy breathing. Her favorite songs right now are: Popcorn Popping, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes. She continues to bring laughter and delight into our lives, plus a little frustration (to be honest).

ONE MORE TIDBIT- Nathan wanted to trim Amelia's hair because it was in her eyes, so snip snip went the scissors and drive drive we went to a local salon to fix the hair cut. We had quite the laugh over it. For fun here are some photos, and for your pleasure they are out of order, thats right, we like to keep things interesting here.

Amelia in Nathan's T-shirt

Amelia's hair cut.

My haircut, there is blue and purple on both sides and in the back.

Super chocolate cake made by my friend. Recipe is on pintrest. SO YUMMY.

Super delicious red velvet cake made by Nathan, YUM.

Nathan's birthday cake. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN.

Amelia's car car. Best christmas present ever, thanks grandpa Dave.

Christmas #2 at Grandpa Dave's.

Frosting sugar cookies. Amelia is the best cookie helper.