This Is The Place!

Last Wednesday Brent got off work a couple hours early, so we went to pick him up. We had a couple hours to play before going to Theron and Lincon's birthday party, so we went to the This Is The Place monument. We arrived along with a crazy but thankfully brief storm. There were a lot of statues we were able to see and learn about. We didn't go into the village because we didn't have that much time. We'll have to plan a day for that another time.

The Pony Express Monument

After our visit, we still had some time to kill, so we found the Fort Douglas Museum. We didn't know what they'd have or if it would be free, but we were happy with the result. They have an open park area with a bunch of cannons and tanks and helicopters that have been used over the years. They even had a cannon from the Civil War! It was really neat. Of course the batteries on my camera died. At least I got one picture.

Ten Reasons Derek Needs a Haircut

Okay, so maybe just one reason...

Brent keeps telling me Derek needs a haircut. I agree, but I have to get his 1 year pictures taken first. The same day I finally told Brent this, Derek woke up from his nap looking like this. It was a pretty funny coincidence. I have to admit I love his hair most of the time. I think it's adorable. Maybe next week...

Just a side note - Derek's one year stats: 18 lbs 3 1/2 oz, 29 inches

He's still not even on the weight chart, but he made a big jump that's in line with the chart, so the doctor was pleased.

Hooray for Cousins!

Portia and the girls were in town and stopped by for a visit. Elliott and Evelyn had a lot of fun playing together. Derek and Elizabeth thought it was pretty cool too. We are so glad they came over to play. We miss seeing them often.

We also got to see Stephen and Amy and family last week for Theron and Lincon's birthday party. That was lots of fun. The kids had a blast. We definitely need to see family more often.

The Birthday Boys

Home Sweet Home

Well, after almost 10 months of living in our apartment, I finally got my decor put up. The only thing I have had out is a few pictures of the boys on the wall. Yesterday, Brent offered to put up everything else I wanted. So, now I have more things on the walls and my Willow Tree statues out. It makes me happy to have it feel a little more like home. It's about time.

Get this party started!

For Derek's birthday, we invited our good friends, the Malmgrens, to go to the park and celebrate with us. We had pizza and cupcakes. Yum.

Derek enjoyed his pizza. I was breaking it up in little pieces for him, but he had obviously had enough of that. He wanted the whole thing! He actually ate quite a bit.

Derek is not a fan of grass. We were eating on the blanket situated next to some pavement. Derek was trying to find a way off the blanket but kept finding grass. He finally discovered the one tiny bit of blanket close enough to the pavement to get there safely without being bothered by the grass. He crawled off the blanket and went cruising around. He thought it was so cool. He had the cutest smile. He was happy to be free.

As Brent put it, I like to humiliate my children by making them wear the birthday headband. It makes for a cute picture. And no, I don't still make Elliott wear it (maybe his 2nd birthday, but not beyond that)!

Helpful brother. Derek wasn't too interested in taking off the wrapping.

He did like what was inside though.

Happy Birthday to you...

Elliott and Brigham hanging around. They have a great time playing together. They were having fun saving the world.

Fun on the swings.

Taking over the swings! Towards the end, we were the only ones at the park. It was great.

We had a fun time celebrating Derek's birthday.

Happy Birthday, baby!

Happy 1st Birthday, Derek!

Wow. I can hardly believe a year has gone by and yet so much has happened in that year. Derek is growing up so fast. Look how much he's changed in a year! I guess it's bound to happen especially at this age. Quite a difference. Derek is such a sweetheart. It seems like every time I go out, someone comments on how good and quiet Derek is. He is really pretty good-natured. He definitely has his moments, but mainly at home and usually when he's tired or hungry. Derek finally started crawling right about the 11 month mark. Now he really gets around. He cruises all overe the furniture and finally figured out how his knees work. It's so nice when they get more independent. Just the last couple days he takes steps while holding my hands. He's becoming an independent eater. He squirms and turns away if I try to feed him, but give him stuff he can pick up and he's all over it. He is such a joy to have in our home. He has the sweetest smile and the cutest nose scrunch. I'll have to get a picture of that. He has a great personality and can always make us smile.
Happy Birthday, sweet boy! I love you.

Math Wiz

My dad stayed with us a couple nights ago. The kids were happy to spend some time with Popeye yesterday morning. It was fun to have him here even if it was a very short visit. While playing, Popeye says "2 + 2 is ..." Elliott was quick to give him the correct answer and then comes right back and says "99 + 99 equals 198." Popeye was quite impressed, as was I. I know Elliott knows a lot of crazy things and he can add well, but I hadn't heard that one yet. He is learning all about really big numbers and likes to try to figure out how to write them. Just now he said "90 + 90 is 180 and 90 million + 90 million is 180 million." Then he wanted to write it down. He's learning. He is one smart kid. Watch out Kindergarten!