Birthday

Yesterday, my baby turned one. What did we do to celebrate? Nothing out of the ordinary. Like with Joel last year, a picture of Lucas was featured on the Arizona Midday's 1st Birthday segment (I put Joel's picture up from last year for comparison). Other than that, nadda (don't be alarmed at my inaction; ridiculously cute combined birthday party coming up at the end of the month). Below are a few photos of our most recent favorite things.I hope you don't mind my change in blogging style. Let's face it. You don't want to hear me go on and on. You just want to SEE what's happening in our lives... And this is it; I have been focusing on my boys.

sisters' party

So. My SIL is getting married in just over a month (yay Amy!) and asked me to throw a sisters' bachelorette party. 7 of us sisters and SILs (plus an 8th sister on Skype). Food. Games. Presents. It was absolutely fabulous. Don't worry, these pictures are rated PG (due the pictures of alcoholic beverage glasses which contained NO alcohol at ANY point in time, an unused pregnancy test, and a back massager).Parties are my forte; I love the outcome of a well planned party. The food was delicious. The games were entertaining (Hubba Bubba: Amy had to correctly answer questions pertaining to Stephen... if wrong, she had to chew an additional piece of gum for each incorrect answer. Basket full of goodies: Amy had to identify wedding night related objects while blindfolded.) The presents were... perfect (we'll leave it at that). Thank you, Amy, for allowing me (and Lisa and Sarah) the opportunity to throw you a sassy soiree!

AMAZING

On Saturday, Robert had a company party at Amazing Jake's. Personally, a one time experience there is enough for me (yup, I am a kill-joy). Huge crowds and utter chaos are just NOT my thing. Besides, the boys were only big enough for two rides (which would have been "fun" if not for the jolts and jostles). We DID enjoy ourselves (despite my apparent Debbie-downer attitude), but decided a repeat is not necessary in our near future.

*Wondering why I have been photo-blogging so much recently? I am avoid other things, like editing photos, building websites, and planning parties.

smile

Robert had all of last week off from work. That made me smile. We took the boys out to do something fun nearly every day. That made me smile, too. A lot of things make me smile...(The EVMCO/Rob Garner concert. Robert is at the very tip of the arrow.)

Utah

Just under two weeks ago, we made the long journey up to Utah for our niece's baptism. Long story short: difficult trip. One thing after another added up to a less than pleasant trip. Despite the negatives, there were still a bunch of things that made me happy:

lately

Instead of telling you what we have been up to lately, I will just show you. (Thanks for flying kites with me, Daddy. XO, Pie)

hairs

Despite what some may think, my toe-headed boys DO occasionally need a haircut. Both had their first few haircuts in the tub while mom preened every individual hair with a pair of scissors. Not so sensible. So, two weeks ago, mom tried a different tactic when the blonde locks of both boys began growing minds of their own. Clippers. Genius. Placed the boys (one at a time, for obvious reasons) in our borrowed bumbo chair, wrapped the cutting cape around their necks, and clipped away. Both did well for having an electric toy buzzing next to their heads (but both insisted on holding the comb; one of them may have tried eating it). Stud muffins.

her day

I apologize for my absence as of late. I have been preoccupied with my adventures with photography and all that it entails. Nearly two weeks ago, my baby cousin, Kristen, was sealed in the temple [insert "awww" here]. She looked gorgeous! Overall, it was a very happy day.Yeah... That middle picture is of my ENTIRE family (minus my grandpa, who is kinda crazy anyways). I have a big family...Kristen had her ring ceremony and reception at The Wright House. The wedding favors were bubbles, which the boys LOVED. And Joel developed a fondness for the fish fountains...His entire right side may have been soaking wet by the time dinner started...The best part (for me) about the entire night was that Kristen's photographer, Chris Paxman let me shoot with his second camera. Still on cloud nine from being able to use such an awesome camera. Some of my shots:Of course I had to take good shots of my kids... Would you expect any less of me?Thank you Chris, you are AWESOME.