Saturday

Saturday turned out to be a very fun day! In the morning we went to Utah Lake with Greg and Richele and Nicole. The weather was perfect....not too hot, not too cold, but the water was quite cold. I was glad I wore Richele's wetsuit in the water!! I would like you all to imagine that the picture below is me on the wakeboard and not Greg. In truth, I couldn't even get up on it!!! And my muscles are STILL sore from trying! I do rock at the skiing though and very much enjoy that.


Alex wasn't in the mood to take a picture but my beautiful girls were!!! Poor Nicole doesn't really like the boat so she just sits there in her large life vest waiting for the day to be over! She is such a good sport though!!
I even tried to ski with just 1 ski.....but that didn't happen either. I'm old.

After the day on the lake the kids were exhausted and they both napped (MIRACLE!). Because they both napped we were able to go to Salt Lake for Andy's birthday dinner. Andy likes to go to Benihana for his birthday dinner and of course we forgot our camera so I just snapped these with my phone.
I know, I know, it looks like my boob is going to poke you in the eye. Just ignore it.
The birthday boy and Alex. The kids enjoyed their meal as did Andy and I. The fried rice was delicious as was the rest of the food. It was a great evening and the kids were a joy to be around.

Happy Birthday Andy! You are 34....hahahaha!

Today is Andy's birthday and this is what he got to do for his birthday week....
He has been in New York at the company trade show that he was in charge of this year. He is flying home tonight so at least I'll be able to give him a birthday hug (maybe a special hug, right Kami??). But tomorrow he's working from home so we'll be able to spend some time together and celebrate his birthday with the kids. Plus, he'll get to go to swimming lessons with us and he is very excited to see the progress the kids have made.

I was talking to my mom the other day about what it's like having Andy gone so much and the good and bad of it all. One of the good things is I think it has helped make me a stronger person and mom. I know that if I had to, I could do this alone and I would be fine. However, it also makes me realize that I NEVER want to do it alone and that my family doesn't feel complete without Andy around. We love you lots and lots Andy and are glad that you are coming home!! Happy Birthday Baby!

Ever wonder?

Ever wonder how it goes around here while Andy is out of town.......a lot????? Then check out this story from my sisters blog. chadandkami.blogspot.com

Neighbors and Swimming Lessons

Alex sliding down the pool slide after swimming lessons.

Samantha with the kickboard.

The kids with their sweet teacher.

Samantha loves to share popsicles with our neighbors.

Our days are filled with bike riding in the cul-de-sac......I think the bikes and swimming pool are going to get us through this summer!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the man who is helping me try to raise 2 good kids.

Happy Father's Day to the man who helped raise me (and did a great job!).

Happy Father's Day to the man who helped raise my husband to be the great man he is.
We love all of you!!!!

Just for you Flo

So, Florrie, you wanted a post on the weather, huh??? Well, here it is!!!!

Since when did Utah decide to have a spring?? I'm born and raised Utah and can never recall having a "spring" in Utah!! So what makes it think it can start now with all this moisture??? I always thought we lived in a desert, but maybe I'm wrong!! Maybe Utah is having an identity crisis?? It's probably sick of being the low-man on the totem pole. The state that everyone responds to with, "Utah? Huh. Don't they have like skiing or something? And, like, polygamists??". I've never seen anyone with an "I heart Utah" shirt like they make for NY! Maybe Utah has just had enough and decided in one season to change it's mojo. Well guess what Utah??!!! I don't like your new, damp mojo! I don't want any more rain! My plants are drowning. I have mushrooms growing in my grass. We haven't been able to frequent the pool. AND, most devestatingly, we haven't even gone boating yet!!!!! (gasp!) If I wanted this kind of behavior from a state I would move to Washington!!! Don't get me wrong......I have been enjoying the non-scorching temperatures! However, why can't we compromise and have these non-scorching temperatures without the rain!!!?? THAT would be a winning combination, Mr. Utah!!! In conclusion, stop your mid-life crisis, get a nice red sports car like my father, and DRY OUT!!!
Thank you!

Old Skool

I haven't had a whole lot to blog about lately (Andy's finishing school, the weather blows, kids need naps, etc.), so today we are going old school.

Andy and I went up to Vermont for our 1 year wedding anniversary. We missed the peak of the leaf colors by 1 week! We should have hit it just perfectly but they had a storm a few days before we arrived which knocked all of the leaves off. It was still quite lovely and we had a very nice, relaxing time. It's hard to even remember when it was just the two of us. I know it happened, but I sure don't remember much of it. My advice to newlyweds: Enjoy MANY years alone before you have kids. This was our one and only anniversary before we became of family of 3.....and then quickly a family of 4. Not exactly the way I would have planned it, but we love and are grateful that we have Samantha and Alex.

We stayed at the former home of Norman Rockwell.It had this great old covered bridge and church.Kind of a mouthful to say, but we loved it.This is the back of the house with the leaves all covering the ground.

Cookies Rule!

I just updated my cookie website a bit. Please check it out to see pictures and prices!! You know you want some cookies!!! Admit it!
www.krandyssweetco.com

BEST. CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISIN. EVER!

It's almost like his evil-ness is staring straight into your soul!!!! And after his photo session, I ate him!! And yes, he did taste mildly evil. Bwahhhaaaaaaaaa

Gavin and Stacey

The other day Kristi mentioned in her post the show Gavin and Stacey. I figured I'd share a clip with you so you can see what she was talking about. It's a BBC show (I think you can or will be able to see it on BBC America if you get that), but it looks like they are trying to bring a version of it over to ABC. The first season is also out on DVD here. Or if you're a geek like me, you can read this post about how to stream BBC shows here in the US (you can only usually do that in the UK).

I ran into this show on one of my flights - it was one of the options in the on demand TV. Fair warning - this is a British show, so it doesn't have the same FCC oversight that shows here do. Most of it is PG (as is this clip), but some episodes have moments that are quite firmly PG-13.

2 months, 11 days.....

......until Andy graduates!!! Praises and hallelujahs all around!!! I am not only looking forward to him being done with school, but I am looking forward to going down to Arizona for his graduation. I made a very smart decision to leave the kids home with family and go down by myself so that I can actually enjoy the cocktail reception, BBQ, graduation, hotel, massage, swim, and dinners!!! It will be nice not to have to be back at the hotel at 7 pm for bedtime. Besides, the graduation is like 2 hours long....can you imagine doing that with my 2 kids???? I didn't think so!! Thanks to my sisters and mom who are going to tag team to take care of my kids for 2 days. Ya'll are the best!!

Vegas - BLECH!

We took the kids to Vegas this weekend and you know what I discovered??? I don't really like Las Vegas very well!!! Especially not when the kids are with me. There just isn't much to do to entertain the kiddies. We figured we'd just lay by the pool most of Saturday but the pool turned out to be freezing cold!!! Heated pool my BUTT!!! The kids didn't last more than 15 minutes before they wanted to get out and get wrapped up in a towel. We ended up seeing a movie, shopping and eating. All things that we like to do down in Vegas but without whiney kids! Both kids hadn't napped in DAYS so they were cranky most of the weekend which made me cranky as well. Needless to say, I drank A LOT of Pepsi to help calm the raging headaches! At least the kids did well on the long drives. And finally on the way home yesterday they both fell asleep for at least 30 minutes. Which is a lifetime in the Higham house! There wasn't much to take pictures of, but I did snap these......

A few other gems I discovered this weekend:
1. My kids are too big and old for their blow up mattresses.
2. Samantha likes to cuddle when she sleeps.
3. Samantha likes to KICK me in the back in her sleep.
4. Alex likes to cuddle in his sleep.
5. Alex likes to FLAIL his arms about in his sleep.
6. I don't sleep well with my kids in the bed.
7. The drive from St. George to Vegas is longer than the drive from my house to St. George.
8. Del Taco strawberry shakes are THE BOMB!
9. Most people don't go to bed at 7 pm in Las Vegas like we did.
10. Bless you Gavin and Stacey!!!! (Don't know about Gavin and Stacey? Check out BBC.)

You're welcome

And the side by side comparison

Please help us sell our house!

Hi all, we are selling our home!! If you know of anyone who might be interested in our lovely townhome, please let me know!! Here is the link to our ad on KSL. Thanks for your help!!

LINK

****Clarification: This move is, unfortunately, not to England. Sounds like Andy's company isn't quite ready to pay up to send us there yet, so we have decided to try and find a home around here. Actually, we found one in American Fork that we really want and may put a bid on soon. We will keep you updated!

Piggy Back rides

One day the kids were stuck playing inside by their horrible mother (ME!) and so they got very inventive. We found out just how strong Samantha is. Keep in mind that Samantha and Alex weigh the exact same and the only difference between them is that Samantha is 1/2 inch taller.

Breast Snuzzle

I love how newborn babies fit perfectly right on my breasties. How sweet does Caleb look all cuddled up and sleeping?? I am having a major Caleb craving right now! I might have to wander down to Salem tomorrow to hold him.

Win a Bike!

I think this bike is kind of rockin'!! Click the banner for a chance to win this awesome bike!

Samantha's Preschool graduation

Samantha graduated from Preschool on Friday and her class had a little ceremony that was too cute for words!!! Her teacher even had a cap and gown for each child which made it just THAT much more cute!! Samantha did a great job singing the songs and saying her part and afterwords we all enjoyed some cookies and soda. Samantha had a great year in school learning her alphabet, her address, telephone number and is beginning to sound words out in preparation for reading. She is a very smart little girl!! I think she enjoys the social aspect of school much more than the learning part, but I understand that since I felt the same way as a kid. This summer we are going to be having "school" everyday with me as the teacher - we'll see how that goes, but I am going to give it a try.

(BTW, I highly suggest you click on this picture of Samantha to enlarge it and see just how gorgeous she is!! Have you ever seen eyes quite that pretty? Or a heart-shaped face that lovely? Or elf ears that perfect?)

More Caleb - cuz I can't get enough of him!

I took Andy and the kids to the hospital today to meet baby Caleb and they all adored him!! Samantha didn't want to put him down! Both of the kids were very sweet and kind and soft and Alex squeaked out in a very girlie voice, "He's so adorable!". Andy got to burp and hold him for a long time while I helped Shell-Bell get a shower and get changed. I think it made her feel a bit more human!! When we left Caleb had a full belly and was sleeping, Richele was clean in a clean bed and was about to eat lunch. I think it was a successful visit!

The new love of my life!

My baby nephew Caleb was born today!!!! I was lucky enough - thanks to my dad - to be there for all the labor, attempted delivery, and eventual C-section. Richele did AMAZING and was so tough and brave and Caleb is lucky to have her as his mom! I just got home from spending 2 hours holding him at the hospital and I didn't want to leave him. Good thing I'm going back in the morning for another dose of baby!!! Look at this adorable face.....
I tell ya.....there is nothing greater in this world than being an aunt!!!!!! I guess maybe Grandma trumps aunt, but I (hopefully!) won't know how that feels for MANY more years! And just for the record, I am SO going to be the favorite aunt. You hear that Kami???? (You would think since this is the 6th grandbaby we'd be over this by now, but we aren't, we love our babies!)