Ryan, Beth & Dylan

Franken-Dilly

2009-11-01T18:56:00.005-07:00

This turned out to be the best costume for our not-so-steady walker! Dylan has gotten very good at walking the last few weeks but he still has that wide stance and puts his arms out for support, this made for the perfect Frankenstein. He would even growl as he was walking to you - it was Franken fantastic!

Thanks for the fun party Annie!

Dylan won first place for his realistic portrayal of Frankenstein.

I love these boys!

2009-10-29T11:11:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to ... ME!

2009-10-26T17:15:00.000-06:00

September was an EXTRA EXCITING month for me as I welcomed the big 3-0 with open arms! Thanks to my awesome husband for throwing an incredible party! He spent countless hours getting the backyard finished in time and it was not an easy task. The pictures speak for themselves, it turned out absolutely beautiful - Thanks babe!! Thanks also to Ashlii (she cleaned up the whole place after, including doing dishes - who does that?), Kristi, Marlena, Mak and Neil for helping with the food and rolling around 30 sushi rolls. And to Jim for taking photos and Florence for helping clean up as well.

I am so lucky to have such an incredible family and loving friends.

I love this patio!

Dylan was SO TIRED after all this fun! There were so many kiddo's - thank goodness Ryan had the genius idea of paying his awesome cousin Heather and her friend Jaime to babysit.

I love this picture of Dylan playing with Reagan - Look at all that yummy food!

How many people does it take to light this bonfire?? Thanks to Ryan for providing some extra air I couldn't get them all by myself!

Again with the beautiful yard and patio - Could Mike BE having any more fun!?!

Thanks again everyone - I couldn't have asked for a better birthday party!!

What's up with Dylan?

2009-10-26T17:02:00.000-06:00

Dylan is walking! It's so exciting - he just wants to run and play with all the other kiddos and with his cousins visiting from Latvia for three months (starting Nov. 2nd - wahoo!) he'll have plenty of time for that. He also has lots of new words, he says his name when he sees a picture of himself, he says moon and he and Ryan go see it every night before bed, mickey mouse, duck, pat-pat (from Little Einsteins), sings the "Hot Dog" song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and he is at that age of the never ending no, no, no... It's so funny when he says it and he can be quite serious about it too, but he does NOT like it when we tell him no, he gets very upset. I really love to see him form his own opinions and express them!

He also got his first haircut this summer. I totally documented the whole thing but didn't keep any of his hair - what was I thinking!?!

Here he is sending his balloons around the world on his birthday. Lincoln - did you get them??

He watched them for a very long time...

The one year checkup, finally 20 pounds and a full 30.5 inches - wow!

Here he is helping Grandma Thomas AKA Ya-Ya (named by first grandson Lincoln) blow out her candles.

He's not a great eater and usually I will try to feed him spoon and fork food but let him feed himself finger food. I thought maybe letting him try the spoon with mashed potatoes would work - as you can see very little made it to his stomach.

Miscellaneous Summer

2009-10-26T14:14:00.012-06:00

That title pretty much says it all!

I don't know about the rest of you but this summer has been CR-AZY for us! I am so ready for fall, even the mayhem of the holidays will be a welcome change. My job has been the main culprit in robbing us of any free time or social life, something that will change November 2nd, and next in line is Ryan's school - most of which ends November 6th. Phew! I just want to do...NOTHING!

I posted a while back that everyone should go to the Ogden Valley Balloon festival but never updated with our own pictures. It is always fun up there, although this year it was a bit windy so the balloons were not at their peak. However, the music was OF COURSE, excellent!! Dylan had been sleeping on the way up so he has his "Don't Mess" face on in most of the pictures, especially about the bunny ears - they were so not cool to him!

Ryan's family had a reunion this summer as well. It was 2 days of family fun! The first night my brother came and cooked a delicious dutch oven dinner for everyone. This was followed by the story of Ryan's great-grandpa in theatrical form - of course! The kids performed the story put to music and narration written by Kaiser and Jill, it was incredible. We also had a luau and dinner at Ryan's aunts house one night.

Road Trip ~ Part IV

2009-09-15T09:05:00.011-06:00

Really? I am still talking about this?? I don't mean keep dragging it out, I thought I had wrapped this up last month but we can't leave out beautiful Yosemite can we??

As part of our northern route detour we decided to drive through Yosemite. We lucked out and it was a free day in the park BUT it was also incredibly crowded! We only got out a couple of times and pretty much just set our sights on making it through the park in a reasonable time. Hence most of the pictures taken from the car... Regardless it was gorgeous and the valley itself is breathtaking. We will have to return and spend some time hiking and exploring a bit.

Last but not least --->

What do you get for $50 a night in Fresno? A hotel left untouched since the 1970's, blond Lily Tomlin at the front desk and all! I am not exaggerating when I say I was more than a little afraid for our lives. We arrived after midnight and after driving for most of the day so I was exhausted, perhaps that contributed to my seemingly realistic fears? The front desk was gated in because it was after hours, there was a big bell on the front desk (which Dylan quickly learned to work and LOVED), we had to fill out a paper with our car and license plate, they took an imprint of our credit card, there was no elevator and the pictures of the room speak for themselves. Seriously this place was GENUINE old school, loud TV in the neighbors room 'til 3AM and all. I feel like my words can't do it justice, the pictures may not either...

Now - How about $50 in Reno? Honestly? THE BEST service I have ever had and an amazing upgrade! When we checked in the woman at the front desk was taking forever and had to go talk to her manager and I was concerned there was some issue, however she returned to tell us that because we booked last minute we were put overlooking the pool where there is an all night "adult" party on the weekends. She convinced her manager that our little family with a baby didn't need to be kept up all night and that they should upgrade us to the other side of the hotel - Ryan wasn't sure this was a good trade ;-). So we went to our 14th floor room and all the way to the end of the all and didn't see our room, then we realized the double doors at the end of the hall went to our entryway where there were two suites. As you can see by the following picture this was the COMPLETE opposite of our previous night. I seriously LOVE that front desk lady! We had the most relaxing night and took a nice swim in the morning to tire out Dylan before the long drive home. Oh - more on their service - I forgot part of our baby monitor and called when we got home so they shipped it to us at their expense and we had it two days later. AWE-SOME.

When in Reno http://www.grandsierraresort.com/

**THE END**
at last!

Road Trip ~ Part III

2009-08-19T00:35:00.002-06:00

I know you all thought we were done with this but it's really just beginning!

After work was over Thursday afternoon I finally got to enjoy some of the fun too. We decided to try something new and drive home the "northern" route. What exactly does that mean?? 2300 miles is what that means!! We left Friday morning and took our time driving up the coast toward Solvang, an adorable little Danish town a few hours South-West of Fresno. We drove on PCH for awhile but the traffic was making Ryan a little crazy, seriously not the most patient driver! Here is a great clip of Dylan's first windows-down experience as we drove ever so slowing through Malibu.

Dylan's progression of silliness....

We also stopped at the visitors center for the Channel Islands in Ventura. We didn't really have time to do any excursions and enjoy the islands so we just spent some time at the beach to release some energy. Dylan started getting pretty brave with the water but overall thought it was just too cold!

He is telling that water to back off - and then he decides to go get it! Look at that face!!

I love that we are making the same face in this one.

Finally feeling the water, he approves!

After a few more hours in the car we were finally in Solvang. It is so pretty there! I really love it! Here is Dylan being a very serious Danish soldier and he and I are pretty convincing little Danish people with this cutout, oh wait no, he isn't even in a head spot! haha so funny... Being true to a European town we were unable to really eat here, it was between lunch and dinner but luckily we barely caught a little bakery that was still open and stocked up before hitting the road again. Oh and did I mention we passed an ostrich farm!? Coolest looking thing - I wish I had taken pictures!

We followed the coast for quite a while and ate in Pismo Beach, I am determined to go back here it was one of my favorite spots on the trip! We headed inland through the rolling hills and vineyards, so beautiful! We even drove through "James Dean Memorial Junction" -- touching.

I can't even tell you how much I loved this drive, it was so peaceful and serene. **sigh**

How does YOUR garden grow?

2009-08-17T09:10:00.006-06:00

While our we are still not convinced that our decision to go with hydroseed will pay off there is one thing for certain - my garden rocks! This is the first time I have ever grown a garden and it is flourishing!! I have zuccini, yellow squash, little jack pumpkins, pumpkins, rhubarb, herbs and tomatoes, SO MANY TOMATOES!

~my first item of harvest~

Anyone have words of encouragement regarding our lawn? We are seriously regretting not getting sod right now... In the mean time the pups are loving it!

Balloons AND Music

2009-08-14T11:15:00.005-06:00

I know what your thinking... Where can I enjoy a perfect combination of balloons AND music this weekend?? How about the Ogden Valley Balloon Festival? Yep ~ that's the answer! Saturday, August 15th, two fantastic bands will be performing, Pladdohg & Shades of Grey. Look at how much fun we had last year! Music starts at 7 sharp with the breath-taking balloon glow at 8:45.

Photograph by Bill Singleton

A little more about Pladdohg...
Pladdohg is a high energy, Celtic American Folk-Rock band. Kidnapping tunes both traditional and original, Pladdohg exiles most instrumental conventions to play the music in a unique (and sometimes twisted) style. Expect the Unexpected.

After realizing some frustration with the somewhat “stilted” nature of traditional sessions of beloved Celtic music, Kaiser and Jill Wilhelm formed the original Pladdohg in the San Francisco Bay area in the early 1990’s. Lured by irresistible musical evolution, several like-minded musicians (including Jill and Kaiser’s son, Josh Canete) were recruited throughout the years. Pladdohg became a strong force in the Alternative-Celtic scene where electric guitar and Irish flute found a common host!

The spirit and influence of Wilhelm’s Pladdohg band is such that even upon their relocation to the Salt Lake City area, the band couldn’t die. Pladdohg multiplied! Now there are TWO Pladdohg packs with Josh and many original members still bangin’ the Bay, and Kaiser and Jill’s new Utah recruits rockin’ the Rockies.

Pieces of Broadway ~ A Unique Musical Revue

2009-08-12T10:42:00.004-06:00

I am a little late here but come see us - it's a great show in the beautiful outdoors on a fall evening! What could be better?

Once again the incredibly talented youth of the Belasco Theatre Company Utah bring to life the vision of Writer and Director extraordinaire, Jill Wilhelm. “Pieces of Broadway” features classic works from Annie, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls and Grease all combined into a unique story based on the simplistic theme of a boy and a girl. Belasco Theatre Company Utah is proud to present its 5th full length Broadway production and once again promises deliver with the same professionalism and talent that its adoring fans have grown to expect. You won’t want to miss this fall’s presentation of “Pieces of Broadway ~ A Unique Musical Revue”!

Show Dates:

August 10, 11, 12 & 13 at 8:00pm at the Ed Kenley Amphitheatre, 403 North Wasatch Drive Layton, UT.

August 21 at 7:00pm & August 22 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm at The Village Green, 395 South State Street Clearfield, UT.

Tickets:

General seating tickets sold at the door – $5 for Adults and $4 for Children under 12 and Seniors over 65.

Road Trip ~ Part II

2009-08-04T23:13:00.006-06:00

We finally arrived in San Diego and spent 5 nights there. Of course I spent the majority of the time working but Dylan and Ryan had some fun!! They mostly just chilled at the hotel swimming, napping, cartoon watching, etc. But we did go down to Old Town one evening and for some reason Dylan was NOT a happy boy. He his super crusty in every picture!

We also went up to Irvine Spectrum for a few hours one evening. A SoCal trip just wouldn't be complete without a Ruby's shake! Of course with ice cream and water to play in Dylan couldn't help but be a happy boy this night! Hence the gazillion pictures...

Above is waiting for the yummy shakes...look how serious he is about it below! We DO NOT mess around about ice cream in this family!!

He quickly realized he liked holding his foot above where the water would spray, he was so excited about the suspense of it all!

THE BIG ONE

2009-08-02T21:08:00.004-06:00

We actually have lots of 'big one's' this year and here is the first... Dylan turned ONE today! I can't believe he has really been here for a year already! It's been so exciting and fun I can barely begin... He has learned so much in the last couple of months, even the last week he seems to have developed so many new skills and expressions. The quick list? Drinking through a straw, twisting lids back on things (in general he is obsessed with putting things where they belong), saying "go in there", "peek-a-boo", "hi" with an adorable little wave, making new sound-effects, constant jabber - and I DO mean constant! Really he has just become more and more awesome, I mean really he is so freakin' cool! I don't know how we got so lucky but I grateful every day and don't know what we would do without him! Here are a few pictures of the big day. I have so much catching up to do so more to come soon.

**HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY DYLAN**

Road Trip ~ Part I

2009-08-02T20:30:00.000-06:00

I had work in San Diego so we decided to make a family road trip out of it! We were a bit concerned about having Dylan in the car for so long but staying true to his easy-going personality he was perfect yet again! We drove to St. George the first day to stay with my grandparents before going the rest of the way Sunday. Of course we forgot about the Las Vegas to LA traffic on Sundays so we stopped in Las Vegas and Primm to kill a few hours.

This is the awesome floral display at Bellagio and if you are wondering what that bird-like sound is? That is just one of the fun new sounds Dylan learned!

Dylan LOVES stuffed animals! I mean he attacks them like he is going to eat them up he loves them so much!! Here we are playing at FAO Schwartz at Caeasars Palace. He also could have stared into the aquarium all day!

This is a great sample of what we listened to most of the trip, when he was awake anyway. He has so many interesting stories to tell!! It takes a minute to get the camera situated since we have to be sneaky or he will stop the jibber jabber and pose for the camera...cheeser!

What's more American than Firetrucks, Juice Boxes, Suckers and Explosions??

2009-07-07T15:19:00.014-06:00

I love the 4th of July ~ I love the cheesy parades, carnivals, fireworks and family time all in the name of the good ol' USA. We went to the Kaysville parade and carnival, then had a BBQ at our house before heading back to Davis High for fireworks. My mom, sister and her friend came up for the day, Jim, Florence and Mike joined in the festivities and Jill and her adorable grandkids Hayden and Addison hung out with us at the parade.

This is the first holiday Dylan has really gotten into, it was awesome! He loved the parade, especially the loud firetrucks and cop cars, he was immitating their sounds - SO COOL! He laid back in awe for the fireworks, most of them anyway he got a bit bored about 10 minutes before they were over. He enjoyed his first sucker and juice box, both of which didn't last long since they primarily just created a mess!

As a result he didn't even make it to the car before falling asleep after the parade. I love that he has his hand in his mouth because he never sleeps like that, it's like he just passed out in the middle of something!

The only logical finale to this perfect day? One bed, 2 adults, one baby and 2 dogs. If you didn't end this way you aren't a real American... Ok that's not completely true but between our exhausted Dyllweed whose room was too loud from neighborhood fireworks, Sasha who is deathly afraid of fireworks and only allowed in our bed for about 2 weeks in July and Capri who always sleeps at our feet but gets very anxious when Sasha is having a panic attack, this was the result. We could very well have been hunkered down in the middle of a war, it was actually quite ridiculous! I don't have a picture so that one is going to have to be left to your imagination - you're welcome.

"Help" with the Laundry

2009-07-07T14:50:00.007-06:00

A Serious Swim

2009-06-27T10:01:00.005-06:00

I don't know why he is so serious in all of these pictures, I think he was sick of me interrupting him to get his attention...

Laughter & Tears

2009-06-19T12:22:00.006-06:00

This last week has been a roller coaster! More accurately it has been a big down swoop with one short lived peak in the middle... Poor little Dylan as been incredibly sick and it has been so hard for all of us! He started getting sick last Wednesday and proceeded to have a fever and was unable to keep anything down for three days. It was unreal, he could not even move, hold up his head or anything. He just laid there, wouldn't even look at you, toys, the TV... It was honestly heart breaking! He started moving around a bit Saturday and no longer had a fever after Friday. Sunday he broke out into a rash so we were back in the Dr. office Monday, he had Roseola. He also had a sore throat and we went back to the Dr. for some tests on Wednesday, after lots of tests we at least know it's not Strep, RSV or Influenza. Fortunately, he is finally feeling better this week, although his energy and appetite are slow catching up. I have new sympathy for everyone who has had sick kids, it's so incredibly draining and stressful! Here are a couple of phone pics on the day he started getting more active again... I LOVE this scowl, it says it all!

On to those few hours of fun in the middle? JOEL MCHALE! This could not have come at a better time, we needed the laugh and he brought it! I don't think anyone has kept me laughing so consistently for so long. He is a comedic genius! I mean really how can you not laugh at this??

Day By Day ~ Volume II

2009-06-10T18:17:00.012-06:00

Another camera phone update and it's a long one...I should be better since I have a Google phone that makes it easy to blog my pics, oh well more fun for you! ;-)

05.29.09 Sitting on his bee watching TV... and yes that's a "fence" in our living room but no we don't neglect and abandon him here, this is simply because we get exhausted from chasing the speedy kid! We are old, I recommend it for every parent!!

05.23.09 Can anyone tell me what these two flowers are called? Ashlee I am counting on you for this!
Also one of my favorite trees and landscaping features at Red Butte Gardens.

05.17.09 This is Dylan's favorite place to play these days!

05.05.09 Looking for his shadow on the swings.

05.01.09 Thanks to Aunt Jill for Dylan's first taste of cake, he is diving right in for a fist full of icing!

04.15.09 More snow in April! Really??

04.11.09 I don't know why my pictures blur like this sometimes, it looks artsy right? This is Dylan in my sisters purse.

04.06.09 Baggy jeans and cute buns - just like his dad!

04.03.09 The first time he pulled himself up onto his feet.

03.28.09 Need I say more?

03.26.09 Cruisin' for ladies at the grocery store, what a playa! Seriously, he is such a lounger... eventually he is completely sideways with his feet up, then he gets stuck because of the seat belt and yells for help and we start the whole process over again. Good times!

03.25.09 On the move and taking a short cut to through the toy in an attempt to catch Capri.

03.21.09 Dinner at the fabulous Zax in Moab. Nothing like delicious all you can eat pizza the night before a race!

03.19.09 First time sitting in a shopping cart, his face expresses the wonder of it all!

03.19.09 Finally some decent weather to play outside and explore the grass.

03.08.09 I LOVE this picture!! Dylan and Ryan were waiting for Kristi and I to finish a long run and it was more sunny than he expected so Ryan covered Dylan with my jacket. He looked like ET or Yoda sitting there...but the lighting in this, especially for a phone picture, is incredible! Could he be more awesome!?!

What's goin' on...What's goin' on?...

2009-06-02T11:00:00.016-06:00

Now that I have put that lovely song in your head ... It's been a crazy few weeks! Thank goodness it's because of all the fun things we have been up to ~ have I mentioned I LOVE summer!?!

FIRST ---->>>> We visited Ryan's Grandparents in Lovell, Wyoming. It was so great to see them and visit Lovell, it's the definition of small town America and I love it (to visit...)!! The terrible thing is we haven't been since we first got married, almost 10 years - we are bad grandkids! It helps that now we can fly into Billings or Cody so the drive is shorter. Dylan had a blast, he was spinning circles on the plane ride there trying to touch everything! He loved meeting Grandpa and Grandma and we are the luckiest parents to have such a good sleeper and laid back traveler. Of course no visit is complete without a rousing game of Upwords!

SECOND ---->>>> Musical Theatre Season begins! Actually I don' think it really has a season but we are making some BIG and exciting changes at Belasco Theatre Company Utah. I will definitely be keeping everyone up to date. In the meantime it keeps us all very busy and excited, our fall show will no doubt be my favorite one yet!

THIRD ---->>>> Ryan's sister Lisa and her boys are visiting right now. It's always so much fun to see them and the boys are all at ages where they can play together. They came over to play with Dylan yesterday afternoon and then in the evening we went to Red Butte Garden with the whole family for Kristi's Birthday and a congratulations picnic for Ryan's dad who is retiring from the Air Force as a Colonol with 22 years of service, awesome! It was so much fun, I can't tell you how much I love that place! It is one of Utah's best kept secrets in fact I may ruin it by spreading the word... The first few pictures are actually from a different visit but I had to include them, we go there at least once a week so I take tons-o-pics.

Happy Birthday Kristi!!

This is why you don't give a kid who is just learning to feed himself a
CUP to play with in the sand!

Last week the Wisteria was in bloom - it looked and smelled incredible!
Kristi, you look alright too ;)

Dylan absolutely loves to play with Aunt Jill (technically Ryan's aunt) and pretty much wherever she is, Dylan is as well! This is what happens when you play in the water BEFORE the sand box...he is plastered!

I have a million of these pictures but I narrowed to down to three. Lincoln is in the middle, he is 3.5 years old and Sawyer is closest to the camera, he is just over one year old. I had to include the last picture because it best depicts what was really going on! The fact that it is blurry actually adds to the affect. Dylan is yelling in excitement and delight, Lincoln is consistency creeping toward the edge of the platform and Lisa has a firm grip on Sawyers shirt while he attempts to join the fishies head first.

Jim not only received a Certificate of Retirement and Appreciation from Pres. Obama for himself, they also award the supporting wife. I know all you military wives will agree it's a well deserved honor!

FOURTH ---->>>> Dylan is TEN MONTHS today! YEAH!! He is such an awesome kid and everytime I think "it can't get better than this" he proves me wrong. He is mimicking me a lot lately - words, sounds (like when I sneeze! lol), actions, eating and so on, it's all so amazing to me! At his 10 month dr. appointment he finally passed the 20 pound mark! He is 20.6 pounds (30th %) and 30 inches tall (90th %), he grew 1.5 inches in just one month! Fortunately his head seems to be on a break...phew! Aside from all his fun chatter he is moving all over the place, climbing on things, walking along the walls and furniture, even occassionaly venturing to take a few steps without support, though he ends up right on his bum. I think he is still a month or so out with walking but he is quite determined, of course having his head growth slow down a bit should help, poor kid!

FIFTH ----->>>>> I don't even know how we have time for fun when we are spending countless hours working on our yard! It's getting so close...kind of...as most of you know it never really ends. I actually really enjoy the work I just wish it wasn't so expensive! The front yard is pretty close, the flower boxes Ryan made me last year are flourishing with colorful blooms and tasty herbs. We have fresh bark down in all of the flower beds and just need a few more plants and trees to finish it up! The backyard? That's another story!! When they came to put in the sprinklers and cleared the weeds I couldn't believe how big the yard is! We finally finished all of the edging today. I had a really good time picking my pattern and placing the edging for the whole yard BUT I couldn't believe it was SUCH HARD WORK!! Ryan came behind to finish hammering in all the stakes, we make a great team. I'll get some pictures of the front and update as we progress! Oh how could I forget? I planted my own garden for the first time, a few tomatoes, squashes and rhubarb. Hopefully it goes well and we can plant more next year!

9 months? Feels like 9 days...

2009-05-30T12:58:00.001-06:00

It's amazing to me that little Dilly has been here for as long as I was pregnant with him, that's a year and a half - where did it go? Remember when you were young and everything seemed to take FOREVER? Waiting for summer vacation, driving to Grandma's house, counting down to Christmas, time crawled. Now what feels like moments has been months! I guess it's further evidence that we really MUST take advantage of any and every opportunity, life is short and there is so much we GET to do! When Dylan was just a few days old he was sleeping on Ryan, something that rarely happens now, and Ryan said "this is going to go by so fast, isn't it?" - wow was he right! I try not to miss a moment with this kid because we are so lucky to play with him every day and before long we will be nerdy, embarrassing parents (at least Ryan will be) and he will be off doing his own thing. Has my perspective changed or what?!? I could go on and on but perhaps another day... for now a few pictures of the last month with our little Dillweed, I know it's way more than a few but I couldn't pick!

We love to be outside!! It took him a few times to get used to the swing but he now could chill in it all day, I love the picture where he is watching his shadow. Kiddos are so observant!

Fingerpainting with ketchup and mustard, he loved eating the mustard!

He loves playing in the water! Bathtub, sink, pool, as long as he can splash and get wet. These cute pictures were taken in his birthday suit, for his 9 month birthday.

First taste of gelato, seriously not ice cream, real gelato! It is the best I have tasted outside of Italy. It's called Bella Citta Gelato & Cafe and there is one in Foothill Village and one in Sandy. We are hooked! Not kidding, I looked in our bank account...8 VISITS in May!

All this fun? Plum tuckered out...

Sushi Master Mama

2009-05-16T10:47:00.005-06:00

Ok not so much the master part but I am learning! Ryan and Dylan got me the most fantastic Mother's Day gift, sushi class at Sur La Table and sushi making supplies. I LOVED IT! The class was amazing. Sur La Table has a very nice teaching kitchen and a VERY well educated head chef, not to mention this class is full service! There were 8 students and they served you tea, coffee, latte's, whatever you wanted while we waited for class to start. The teacher, Chef Kyle, talked about how to make perfect rice (it's truly an art), select fish, sushi history, etc. for about 30 minutes before we started hands-on. We spent an hour or so trying different tools, techniques and ingredient combo's. When we finished we had a quick break and came back to a full meal! They had edamame, homemade miso soup and all of our spectacular sushi... it was a feast! I got more practice Sunday when my family came out...more on that later. Here are a couple of pictures, thanks again Ryan I had so much fun!

Golf season begins!

2009-05-16T09:42:00.005-06:00

We went to the driving range with Chris, Annie and Maiki to 'tee' off the golf season...love puns! I didn't go at all last year (hot, prego, huge, etc...) so I have really been looking forward to golfing this year. Not to mention Ryan got me an awesome set of clubs, the pink ones pictured below, aren't they cute?! I know you thought they were Chris or Ryan's but they are all mine, I have never actually had my own set. They are the right size and everything! :D

Dylan and Maiki had fun playing as well, although I don't fully understand Dylan's technique of sucking on the club AND bag first. Who knows, maybe he is a genius and we have been missing a vital step all along!

We should join a league...

2009-05-16T09:35:00.001-06:00

Or maybe not! I am a terrible bowler, I mean REALLY awful! But I still love it and it's a great group activity. We went to Fat Cats for a few games last week with my family. Thanks for planning it mom!!

Dylan is a BIG TIME daddy's boy, but who wouldn't be?? Ryan is pretty awesome...I guess...he's like a 7 who thinks he's a 9 (his words, not mine!). And look at Dylan's big beautiful eyes! Yep, those are from me, or more accurately my dad because mine are more green, you're welcome Dilly.

With my sister Anna and brother Curtis.

Dylan loves playing with his aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, friends, really everyone! He is such a social butterfly...or I think Krissy calls it a dragonfly, more boy-ish...he seriously loves new people. Or maybe he just gets sick of me? Ashlee 's boys make him laugh SO hard, they don't really have to do anything he just gets excited and giggles when they are around. I think he can tell they are super sweet and happy kids.

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-16T09:30:00.000-06:00

Last weekend was chock full o' family fun!

On Friday night my mom, sister, Dylan and I went to Heber to visit my Grandparents and take them to dinner for Mother's Day. It was really fun to have Dylan play with them, they hadn't seen him since November, I know we should go up more often... Grandma had fun making Dylan giggle, the video is priceless, and letting him try new foods. He even liked pickles!

Sunday we spent the morning doing what we do best on Sunday morning...being lazy! We went to Ryan's parents house around 1230 and I made ebelskivers (Danish pancakes that are delicious, round and sometimes stuffed!) for everyone so we could have a nice brunch outside. It was a beautiful day and Jim took all the pictures so I will have to get them and post later.

When Ryan went to work (sad) around 230 Dylan and I went home to setup for my family dinner. We had a Japanese feast, I mean really SO MUCH DELICIOUS FOOD! Mom made stir fry veggies, Curtis made homemade gyoza and I set up everything for sushi. I even made perfect rice, I swear it's beginners luck and will never happen again! Curtis and I had fun trying different "recipies" although he went a bit heavy on the spicy sauce (sriracha) for me! I had picked up fresh tuna and crab at Aqaurius in SLC, with the time change they actually get it from Hawaii the same day it is caught, amazing! My mom, Anna and Brittany got a bit adventerous (for them) and enjoyed the rolls with veggies and/or crab. I love thinly sliced lemon on my sushi, if you haven't tried it you are missing out.

Lots of camera issues...sorry!

If this isn't what it means to be a mom I don't know what is!

2009-05-12T10:40:00.005-06:00

I know we have all been here, well not exactly here, but Michael's expression says what we have all certainly felt when mom does something that we hope our friends don't see...or anyone for that matter.

Of course being a mom now I see the humor in such situations and must confess my anticipation for the opportunity to mess with Dylan!