Staycation: The Final

I don't understand why I had to split our staycation in 3 posts, but maybe I am just wordy and boring? Haha. Probably. Anyway, the day after my birthday, I was able to go to the aquarium with my Bff8 and her cute family. Honestly, its not that great there. It was nice that it has more space than the old one, but it still doesn't have too much to look at. What was there was totally awesome, but really, not worth the money. (thanks again for paying Mel!) But what was worth it was reuniting with my BFF8, even if it was just for two hours. I think Abby had a lot of fun running around there with Landon. And bonus, Landon made it so she stayed close instead of thinking she is a big girl and running off on her own!

The rest of the day we decided to let the kids recuperate from the fun. Sam, who works for one of the best company's ever, was able to get off at 1:00 again (the whole company got off because their CEO is awesome) so we spent the afternoon catching up on sleep, and then got some sandwiches and did a bit of birthday shopping. That night we just watched a movie.

The next day, the 4th, was an extremely fun day! We headed over to my parents that afternoon for a swim party. We had fun running through water, having relay races, and playing with water balloons. After an afternoon of fun, we headed over to my in laws for a delicious BBQ and a firework show. It was so much fun, however, my kids had had it by the time the fireworks were over. Actually, they were done much sooner than that, but I wasn't about to miss out on the fun. Once they were over though, we said our goodbyes to Brigham, Kari, Lydia, and Ammon, and took off immediately.

I love my cute girls outfits we got from Old Navy

It sure was an awesome week spending it united once more with our Tappana family. I sure wish Tim and Ashley and Brigham and Kari still lived in Utah. We all have so much fun together, and I truly miss them when they are away. Hopefully, sometime soonish, we can have another fun time together. 

Staycation pt. 2

The week Sam's brothers were here, Sam still had to go to work. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the time off. So on Monday, it was a pretty normal day. That night we met at a park with Sams mom Sue and the guys old Young Mens president Matt. Sam and I were pretty late getting there, so we were only there with Matt for about 10 minutes. We got pictures, talked for a bit and just let the kids play.

Pure Joy on her face

I love how handsome Sam looks in this picture. Kari pointed out that it would be a good one. 

Photo credit: Kari

Again, thanks for the picture Kari

Tuesday morning I met Ashley, Kari, and Brigham and the kids at the park for free lunch. After it got too hot to handle, we headed to Ashley's house so the kids could run through the sprinklers. However, I don't believe that Abby actually got wet. Still, the kids had fun and it was so nice to have some adult conversations during the day. That night was one of my favorites. Dan and Nonie took all the kids while Tim and Ashley, Brigham and Kari, and Sam and I all went to the temple. We decided to do initiatory, which was so wonderful. I love going to the temple with them! After the temple, we headed to Wingers for dessert and catch up time.

The next day, my birthday, was so much fun. That morning I literally did nothing. My house was trashed but it was my birthday dangit! The best part was Sam was able to get off work at noon. When he got home, we went to lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings (it wasn't very good to me) and then we headed off to Best Buy to get my birthday present: My new iPhone! I got a smokin deal on it and I love it so much. It is the best phone I have ever had! That night, Sue came to our house to babysit all the kids while we all had time together in the mountains. We roasted hotdogs, ate s'mores, and enjoyed our second date night in a row. It was such a fun way to spend my 28th birthday. (28..when did that happen?)

Stay tuned for the final pt.3 of our staycation: time with my bff8 and the 4th of July

Staycation pt. 1

Last week, the Tappana clan were all united once more. Brigham and Kari came and visited from Washington and Tim and Ashley are here for the summer from medical school. We decided last week to stuff in all the fun we could in that one week. It was an awesome, fun, exhausting time. And seeing as we probably can't go on an actual vacation this summer, we made the most of this little staycation.

Unfortunately, I didn't take very many pictures, because I didn't want too many pictures on my old phone, seeing as I got a new one on my birthday, but I still need to document this past week, so here it goes.

The fun for us started on June 27th: the first night of Taylorsville Dayzz. After the girls and I spent a fun day playing downtown, we came home, grilled some burgers and headed to Taylorsville Dayzz. Much to our surprise, Abby wanted to badly ride the rides. Girl can be scardy-cat when it comes to scary things, but she. was. in. heaven. HEAVEN I SAY! After we let her ride three rides, we walked around, let her play on the playground, and then went to find a spot to set up for fireworks. Madalyn was in heaven when we were waiting for fireworks and was busy exploring places on her own. Once the fireworks started, Maddie was a tiny bit scared, but both girls did great with them. They crashed on our way home and were zonked out til the late hours in the morning.

Pure joy on her face

Saturday was pretty much a repeat at Taylorsville Dayzz as Friday was, but we were able to meet up with Tim and Ashley and Brigham and Kari, plus a bunch of our friends. Oh and there was a Neil Diamond tribute band there and he rocked my socks. I seriously loved it. And the fireworks were SPECTACULAR as usual. Seriously, Taylorsville Dayzz has by far the best fireworks around these parts, and I am proud to live in this city.

Sunday, my newest beautiful niece Ruby was blessed. It was a beautiful blessing. Afterwards, we ate some lunch at Tim and Ashley's, then went home and napped. Later that evening we headed over to Dan and Nonies for a delicious Spaghetti dinner. Yeah, needless to say my diet was ruined that day. It was so fun having a family dinner with everyone there once again. Sunday dinners now with missing two families just aren't the same! The evening was spent eating way too much, talking, laughing, and relaxing. Abby was in heaven playing with her cousins and Maddie was in heaven being loved and snuggled on.

My little cheeseball. The only picture I took on Sunday, but it is a fantastic picture.

Stay tuned for part 2 (and maybe a part 3?)

The Dealio of Life

 Life lately has been jam sessions with daddy. Its been forcing Abby to run through the sprinklers, and her not happy about it, and life has been being star struck at meeting Elsa.

 Life has been two adorable shopping companions, a happy, smiley, scrunchy-nosed Maddie, an adorable daddy painting his daughters nails, and its been celebrating Fathers Day.

 Life lately has been a girl with an attitude, that I find hilarious. Its been a picture of all the dads in my family with their kids. Its been an upside-down cousin triplet picture, and its been enjoying splashing around at bath time.

 Life lately has been a chilly June walk, and Madalyn loving the wind in her face. Its been Abby dressed to the hilt for her fancy pb&j lunch. Life has been losing Abby's bow in a pond, and hero daddy stepping in and rescuing it. 

Lastly, life has been hanging out with my two childhood best friends, Marianne and Lucy, at Lucy's reception. Its been cute girls climbing under our table. Life has been my gorgeous daughter putting lipstick on almost perfectly, and its been playing with baby Edison while his mommy was at work.

Life, you are the best.

Happy July 4th weekend everyone!

Weekend Recap

 This weekend was great. It seems like it has been a while since we have had a really good one. Usually they seem to always be really busy.This one was the prefect mixture of accomplishment and play.

Friday night after Sam got home from work and we made some dinner, we decided to hit up the new Leatherbys in Draper. Our friend Mike works at that one so we thought, why not? Unfortunately, Mike wasn't there, but it was fun to go anyway. When we got home our kids were hyped up and stayed up WAY past their bedtime, but hey YOLO right?

My Saturday morning started out early. I got up and went on a 4 mile run. 4 miles. I am pretty freaking proud. I am slow, and I can't run the whole time without walking, but my walking isn't for very long, and I beat my previous 4 mile run time.

Check out the 4.01 time differences! Small for some, but huge for me

I can only go up from here! We then spent the afternoon cleaning, shopping, and napping. Later that night, we packed a delicious picnic (BBQ chicken salads....soooo good) and went to the park to play. They got new toys in the Taylorsville park since the last time I was there and let me tell you, way more kid friendly, and more swings, and even some bongos, which both girls approve of.

After the park, we went to Tim and Ashley's house and hung out with them. It is so great that they are back for the summer, and I wish they never had to go back to Kentucky again.

Sunday after church, we went to our friends house to watch the USA vs. Portugal game and BBQed up some chicken. USA came SO CLOSE! After the game, we ate our feelings in s'mores. And don't worry, a s'more + fresh raspberries = heaven. Plus, the raspberries make the s'mores have negative calories, so really, win win.

The best part of the weekend probably had to be Abby falling asleep last night for the night before 8, and Maddie shortly after 9. That is huge for us people. We have ourselves some night owls for kids.

She fell asleep on the way home and didn't wake up even as we got her in her pj's

It really was a good weekend, good food, and good framily time. And now Monday, if you please, be kind to me.

10 Months

Its that time of month again to write some cute little stats about my cute little baby, who before I know it isn't even going to be a baby anymore.

10 month Madalyn:

• Has hair that won't lay flat. No matter what I do, It sticks straight up. And I love it.
• She won't wear bows anymore. I put them on her head, but she will pull them off in a matter of minutes. I still fight it on Sundays, but most other days she wins,
• She is mobile! Really, really mobile. She was crawling before she was 9 months, but now she is everywhere. Its only a matter of time before she starts to pull her self up on things.
• Madalyn gives the best hugs. She wraps her tiny arms around my neck and buries her head in me. It is one of my most favorite things ever.
• At her 9 month appointment, she went from 58% in weight to 17%. Her doctor was a little concerned, so we are working on eating more. It has helped her sleeping a ton. She used to wake up at night crying, but now the kid is getting more food so she is satisfied til morning. Thank goodness.
  
• Speaking of sleeping, mama can't rock her to sleep anymore. She has been refusing to cuddle in lately and go to sleep, so now I just put her to bed and 3 cries later she is out. It breaks my heart just a tiny bit, but its also quite a relief. 
• She eats pretty much anything now except drinking cows milk. But she also knows what she wants and what she doesn't want. If it is something she doesn't like, she lets me know by squaking and moving her head all around so I can't put any food in her mouth.
• If I shower when she is awake, she sits on the bathroom floor and cries the whole time until she sees me. The only time I have a peacful shower is early in the morning.
• She is a very happy girl and usually always has a grin on her face.
• She grew another tooth this month, making it so she has on top and 3 on bottom.
•  She still is in 9 month clothing and size 3 diapers.

Here's to two more months til I have a 1 year old!

The Dealio of Life

 Life lately has been trying to do laundry with my stinker baby "helping." Its been Grandma Nonie fake cutting Abby's hair. Its been loving my two girls, and its been Maddie getting around during exercise class.

 Life has been Abby riding a horse, and naming it Bella. Also, its been being all cool and playing daddy's guitar. Its been lots of walks pushing our babies, and its been a best friend who made my day brighter by sending me the best. bracelet. ever.

 Life lately has been Bree finally getting her wish and putting Maddie to sleep. Its been a daughter confused about the seasons. Life has been switching sunglasses with Abby, and evening family walks. (Abby is getting pretty good at walking around in heels. She is a natural.)

 Life has been a stupid selfie to show off my new hair. Its been a daughter just too tired to wake up at Costco. Life has been the cutest snuggly girls in the world, and its been my adorable Maddie wearing Papa's hat. 

Lastly, life has been some fun swing time at the park. Its been Abby wearing my boots around the house. Those boots are made for walking! And its been having fun playing on the dinosaurs at City Creek, being the perfect toys for both girls and babies.