Climbing Up

Gus can climb up on everything these days... including the kitchen stool that was a little too close to the stove for my comfort one day.  

He loves getting up on Jimmy' trike and just pulling on the handle to pretend he is actually riding it.  

He is getting so fast and is into everything. Not to mention he is learning to throw tantrums when I don't let him be into everything.  

What a little mischief maker.

Bess and Jacob Visit

About a month ago, my best friend from college and her husband came to visit for one night on their way back from a trip to the Grand Canyon.  Bess is Jimmy's Godmother so he was so excited to see her. I was excited to see how long Jacob's hair has gotten.

We grilled and our gracious guests made a lot of delicious appetizers. 

It also happened to be the night before Bess' birthday so Jimmy and I made this awesome brownie cake.

Jimmy thinks every cake should have dinosaurs.

 The Kerstings came over, too, and all these kids ended up in the crib.

 We attempted to get a nice picture of Bess, Angela, and I.

(aka: one where we are not all sticking out green tongues... I love that picture, but I wouldn't call it good)

 We had a little breakfast on the porch before our friends had to get back on the road. 

 We loved having them at our house for the first time even if it was a short trip.

Hopefully, they will come back again soon!!

phoenix children's museum free day

My Mom's Group decided to meet at the Phoenix Children's Museum because one of my friends got free passes for us all.  Really that is the only way to do it because in my opinion it is way too expensive.  I have actually never paid to get in.  Of course, going on a day when a lot of people have free admission usually makes it a little crazier, but you really can't complain when you didn't pay and all in all the crowds weren't a problem.  I have posted pics of the museum before, but since it was Gus' first trip I thought I would share again.

 The notorious "Climber"

 ... and its winged bathtub.

 I couldn't go in the climber with Jimmy since Gus wasn't allowed in so I had to watch him slowly disappear into the heights and grit my teeth.  Finally I had to have a friend watch Gus so I could go make sure Jimmy was going to come back.  He was on his way down like a good little boy and I was just being paranoid, but honestly, sometimes other kids can be mean in there.  Once at a Chik-fil-A play-place a little hoodlum jumped Jimmy and started punching him for no reason.  His mother was nowhere in sight so I had to pull the kid off before he ran away (Note: This incident was unrelated to the business practices of my favorite fast food restaurant).  I am usually pretty easy going, but then I worry that if I am too easy going it might come back to haunt me.  

 Then there is the "Noodle Forest" which is also slightly frightening to watch your kids go into without you.  

The fact that there is fun stuff on the other side to distract them from coming back doesn't help ease my anxiety.

 Jimmy loves the car section

 My cute boys riding the pencil car.

 We took our lunch break with friends in the "secret" less crowded multi-purpose room.

 Gus got to know Abby a little better.

 Then we had to stop by Jimmy's all-time favorite: The Car Wash.

 Last stop was the 3 and under room (we only have a short time before I can't take Jimmy in it).

Gus was thoroughly entertained by everything in there.

 I couldn't keep him away from this yellow ball:

 He was not walking by himself when we went (he is now!) so he spent most of the time pushing this carriage around since is served as a walker for him.  Jimmy insisted it was a lawn mower, but it did have a baby in it most of the time so I beg to differ. Then Gus just jumped in:

On our way out we stopped to take a picture with the red dragon because it reminded Jimmy of one of his most valued possessions.... more on that later.

cassie's newport wedding

Cassie Davis has been a dear friend of mine since High School.  We both were the only girls from our grade school to not go off to the all girls Catholic School and we found each other in the theatre.  We did lots of musicals together and have always shared a love of singing and acting (although she actually rocks at both).  She does, however, claim that I am the only person to ever make her laugh and break character onstage so I take great pride in that.  I really didn't want to miss this important day in her life. So off to Newport I went with my little baby.  We got to hang out in the Bridesmaids VIP room (aka: our room) before the ceremony:

Gus was a favorite with all the ladies.

Here the groom is waiting for the ceremony to start while the birds swooped down to try eating the flower petals that they apparently thought were food.

The bride looked lovely and so very happy when she came in with her dad.

(This picture is very grainy, but I think it captures them both well.  Her dad cracked us all up when he gave a speech at the reception, but I won't elaborate.)

Cassie and Sean exchange vows.

Mr. and Mrs. Sean and Cassie Taylor:

These were the Seating Assignments.

(Note: Apparently, James Taylor was invited to the wedding.  I was so psyched to see him and then he never showed.  Rude.)

Cassie and Sean decided that since they both don't really like cake that they would serve Cold Stone at their wedding.
I got Coffee with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and it was awesome!

The little kids couldn't wait:

It was a good wedding for dancing and the music was all great.

Everybody wanted Gus as a partner.

These friends of Cassie's parents loved Gus so much that they decided to be his surrogate Grandparents for the weekend.  

They wanted to hold him for me all the time... and dance with him, too.

The Saint Mary's Girls kept the dance floor busy.

We rocked out to Fernando as usual.

This is perhaps my favorite picture of Cassie and I ever:

...It pretty much sums up our relationship for me.

And this one pretty much sums up Cassie and Sean's relationship:

They actually met doing musical theatre together which absolutely figures.
How could Cassie not marry a man who doesn't sing to her all the time?... It just wouldn't happen. 

And meanwhile, Gus found a place to nap on the floor:

... This is what happens when you are too nervous that the airline will break your nice stroller again and all you bring is a cheapo umbrella stroller. I put him in it at the end of the night.  Of course, I didn't get a chance to take a picture of him with the bride until he was asleep.

Great Wedding! Thanks for having us Cassie and Sean. We wish you many blessings.