January 7, 2010: Pastries

On Matt's day off we went out and about and decided to stop at a pastry shop close to our house, Schmidt's Pastry Cottage. They have the most wonderful chocolate covered chocolate doughnuts that I was craving, yum. Ethan got very excited when he saw the cookies and picked one out. Matt took the cute picture of Ethan below enjoying his cookie.

I got my chocolate covered chocolate doughnut, Matt got his baklava and Ethan got his heart (haught, as he says it) cookie.

Winter Fun

-- The first week in December my parents came down to stay in the Kimball. We met up with them and headed out for dinner at the Lion House Pantry; complete with a private performance of a few Christmas carols for Highland High's Madrigals, and to check out the lights on Temple Square. We learned from a bad experience last year to never see the lights on opening night. This night was a little chilly, but not nearly as many people.

-- The week we headed out to the Grand America Hotel to see the gingerbread houses. These weren't your ordinary graham cracker houses. They were built local pastry chef's from hotels or the ski resorts. They were having a silent auction for the houses, they proceeds would benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.



-- The week after that we hit up the Zoolights at Hogle Zoo. It was a great night to go out. Ethan loved the lights. They have a lot more light displays then they did the last time we went, two or three years ago. The best part was seeing the tiger cubs active and playing around with each other.

September 2009: Laura's Visit

The last week of September, Matt's sister Laura and her family came to Utah for a visit. They stayed in Salt Lake for a few days before heading up to Logan so Ethan got to hang out with his cousins from Arizona.

The first day we hung out with Laura and her family, we went to the zoo. It was so fun to go again and see all the baby animals, the giraffe, tigers and snow leopards. Unfortunately the baby elephant wasn't out yet.


The next day we went to the Discovery Gateway children's museum. Out of all the exhibits Ethan loved the beehive ball center and of course the cars.

This car is especially cool since it has two wheels to turn.

The last day we hung out Brian, Laura and the girls were on their way up to Logan and stopped at the Dinosaur park in Ogden. Matt and I have been meaning to check it out, but had never gotten around to it yet. Ethan was still a little young to full enjoy it, but he still had a great time. I thought it was a great museum. Especially the outside dinosaur displays. It was great to just let the kids run around and not have to worry about them breaking them. The museum was decorating for their October spook alley, so there were little skeleton men and Halloween figure everywhere. It looks like it would be a cool haunted forest to check out.


It was so great to see Laura and her family and for Ethan to play with Bailee and Eli. I think he was only 9 months old the last time we saw them. Thanks Laura for letting us tag along.

September 29, 2009: Witches Outing

My mom and sisters came down today and we met at Gardner Village to check out the witches. Below are some pictures my sister Krista took while we were there. It's always so great when they come down to hang out.

Me and Ethan outside the knitting shop.

Ethan watching Curt Ryan try on Halloween garb.

September 25, 2009: Snowbird's Oktoberfest

Matt and I went to Oktoberfest up at Snowbird Ski Resort back when we were dating. It was fun to see the booths and have their sausage with sauerkraut. We have always meant to go again, but have just never made it. We decided to take Ethan up this year. They usually hold it the last weekend in September and the first few in October. Matt had a Friday off so we decided to go up then instead of Saturday to avoid larger crowds. Apparently, Friday is not considered part of the "weekend" since the booths were all empty and no one was there. We decided to just let Ethan run around on the trails behind the resort buildings. He had a blast just running to his hearts content and had to drag either Matt or I along with him most the time.

September 19, 2009: Truck and Tractor Fair

I had been hearing on the radio about this Truck and Tractor Fair up at the U. I thought it would be great to go to since Ethan, like most toddler boys, loves trucks and tractors. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get from our house to that area of SLC. This day, it took over an hour from the time we left our house until I could pull into the parking lot, thanks to lovely construction. Ethan was such a good kid the whole time we were detouring and turning around.

Anyway, enough about that. Once we actually got into the fair it was great. They had fire trucks, ambulances, big rigs (current and vintage), police vehicles, lifts, tractors, garbage trucks (new ones), etc. that they were allowing the kids to get in and climb around. Ethan was so excited and ran around, until I tried to put him behind the wheel of a fire truck. I guess it was a little too big up close for him. He loved the vintage trucks and of course the tractors.

They also had a bounce house, caricature artist, and wood projects that you could build provided free by Home Depot.

Ethan trying our the forklift.

Me and Ethan in front of the Fire Truck. This is as close as he would get to it. He loves fire trucks, but I think he was scared since it was so close and so big.

Ethan loved this vintage truck.

Ethan on a big red tractor. It took a lot of waiting to sit on this one. It was very popular.

Stay-cation

Matt recently had a vacation from work. Yay, seven whole days without work. I'm sure it was even nicer for Matt. Anyway, we were going to go to southern Utah, but decided just to stay put and do some fun things around home.

His first day off we just bummed around and didn't do much. The next day we decided to take advantage of the warming weather and went to the zoo. It was so much fun. Usually I dislike the zoo since I've usually been in the summer when it is hot, crowded, and the animals are all inside. The past couple of times we've gone, we've been in the morning and its been great since there aren't as many people, its cooler, and the animals are usually out and about. The last time I took Ethan to the zoo he was still pretty young. This time he loved to watch the animals. The giraffes were his favorite. It was fun to watch him get so excited. Later that day we had his 12 mos. Dr. appointment and shots. He did really well. He was even better when he got his sucker after the shots.

Our third day of vacation was the St. Patrick's Day parade downtown. We had never been to it before and thought it might be fun to check it out. It's not really a parade that would keep the attention of little kids for long, so we left after about an hour. Later that day we had our little party for Ethan.

Ethan blowing out the candle on his Birthday cake.

Our fifth day of vacation we went to Park City and walked around, saw some galleries and had some lunch. Later that day we took Ethan swimming for his second time. The first time I took him swimming a few weeks ago the poor kid was motionless. He didn't know what to do. This time, he loved the water. He was splashing around and crawling everywhere it the pool. The best part about swimming, it makes him tired.

Matt and Ethan hanging out next to the bear in Park City.

Ethan splashing around at the pool.

Our sixth day we did one of our favorite activities. We went to temple square and walked around (Ethan loves the fountains) then had lunch at the Lion House Pantry. It was still a little cool and the spring flowers hadn't fully bloomed yet, so it will just give us and excuse to go back soon.

Ethan hanging out at temple square.

Ethan shows his true identity in the tub (note the little devil horns).

Our last day of we just hung out and then took Ethan swimming again a little later in the afternoon. Later that night I gave Ethan his first haircut. His curls were just getting so unruly. I'm sure people think that I never groom my child since his hair was always looking crazy. Its taken me a few days to get used to his new do. Luckily he still has a few curls in the back.

Before, the crazy kid.

Before, crazy kid back view.

After. My, what a sweet little boy we have.

Weekend in Logan

Matt had actually had two days off in a row which just so happened to be a Friday and Saturday. So we decided to head on up to Logan for some fun.

On Friday we went climbing with Matt's little sister Erica at the local gym, Rock Haus. That was a fun, yet disappointing experience. I know I shouldn't have expected to climb like I used to, its been 5 years after all, but I still had in my mind that I hadn't lost it that much, but I had. I didn't do too bad, but I couldn't climb as hard of routes as I used to. Matt had the same problem. I guess this just means that we'll have to find the time to go climbing more (ha!).



Saturday we went out to Newton dam and went shooting with my dad, little sister Krista, her husband Taylor, and Matt's mom and dad. Check out Krista's blog if you want the details of all the guns we shot. Everyone got a laugh when I shot Krista's .40 m handgun, not knowing what to expect. It wasn't that large of a gun so I wasn't expecting the kick that I got out of it. The gun almost flew out of my hand my first shot. After that I was afraid to pull the trigger. I'll just say that I was glad when the clip was empty. I did much better when we whipped out the shot guns for a little clay pigeon shooting.

Another fun weekend up in Logan. Thanks everyone.

What!?!?! An Update!

I know, I know it's been awhile since we've updated, but I've finally gotten Ethan to bed early so I have a few minutes to type without the little one trying to help. Its amazing how mobile Bitsy is without being able to crawl. Well I should revise that statement, he can kind of crawl. He is finally moving his knees more then two times, so I'm counting it. He has also learned how to pull himself up to a standing position, which is all he wants to do now.

Ethan trying to crawl in his cute new pajama pants.

Since my last post was way back in November, I'll have to back track a little.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13th

Matt, Ethan and I went to the Gingerbread House Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Most of the gingerbread houses were from school groups, but there were some that were very well done. It's amazing the details that some people are able to put into those gingerbread houses.

Ethan splashing in the tub.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15th

James Christensen, one of Matt's and my favorite artists, held signings at some galleries in Salt Lake. We were able to go to the Twigg's and Moore gallery at Gardner Village to see him and have him sign his new book Men and Angels which shows all of his most recent works. We waited in line for over two hours, but is was great to get to meet an artist whose work Matt and I love. I have to say though, he was shorter then I had imagined.

THANKSGIVING

Matt had to work on Thanksgiving of course, so Ethan and I went up to my Mom and Dad's in Newton and had a great Thanksgiving dinner with the fam. I unfortunately did not get to participate in the traditional Thanksgiving day skeet shoot this year, but I did hear Krista got whooped. Don't worry Krista, you're still better then me, though that's not saying much.

While up in Newton for Thanksgiving my Mom helped me sew hand towels, a Christmas table cloth and a cute pair of Christmas pajama pants for Ethan. Who knew sewing could be so fun.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving Matt and I put up the tree and decorated for Christmas. Ethan loves the tree and our advent stocking. He laughs every time we come downstairs in the morning and he sees it. Later that night we met up with my Mom, Dad, Krista, Taylor and Grandma Bird to see the lights on Temple Square. I should amend that we attempted to see the lights on Temple Square. I have never seen that many people there to see the lights, ever! Matt ended up dropping Ethan and I off while he tried to find a parking spot. I have to apologize to everyone since Ethan cried the whole time, it made a short trip of seeing the lights. Matt never did find a parking spot, he ended up just picking us up a few blocks away. Matt, Ethan and I we up to the Captial and played peekaboo behind the pillars on the front steps. Ethan got a kick out of that. I'm sure it helped that we were the only ones there, in sharp contrast to Temple Square that night.

LAURA'S VISIT

The Saturday after that (December 6th), Matt's sister Laura and her two girls Bailee and Eli visited from Roswell, NM. Laura her girls and Matt's Mom, Pat, stayed with us for a few nights during their visit.

Sunday, Matt's Dad, Alan, also came down and we all went to go see the lights on Temple Square again. It was pretty busy on Temple Square again since it was the night of the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional, but Ethan did much better this time.

Monday, we all went to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point. I was pretty impressed by the museum. The girls seemed to have a fun time and Ethan loved the sand pit where you uncover dinosaur bones. It was so funny to watch him pick up a hand full of sand and let it run through his fingers. We took off his socks and he loved to squish his toes in the sand. He loved it so much, he was pretty upset when we had to leave. Monday night Matt's Grandparents, Arlen, Marie and Iva Lou, came for dinner and then we all listened to Arlen tell ghost stories around our indoor campfire that my Dad had made for me for scouts.

Laura and the girls and Pat also stayed with us the last night of their trip before flying out on Saturday, December 13th. It was so great to see them and have them stay with us. Ethan had a great time playing with his cousins.

Fun Autumn Days

Two weekends ago, Ethan and I decided to give Matt a break and go up to Logan as he was finishing a nine day work week. We had so much fun and it was perfect fall weather while we were there. On Friday, we went to the pumpkin walk in North Logan. I have actually never been to the pumpkin walk before even though I have lived in my whole life in Cache Valley. They had some really cute displays. I'd have to say my favorite was the Noah's Ark. (Thanks Krista for letting me snag some of your pictures, I forgot my camera)

On Saturday, we went to the USU homecoming parade to see my little sister Krista and husband Taylor's float for the Animal Science Club. Afterward we went back up to Krista and Taylor's to get a better look at the animals that they had on the float. Ethan liked the friendly little Brahman calf. Amazingly enough I have actually never seen the USU homecoming parade either, so it was a weekend of firsts for Ethan and myself as well.

Ethan on Sunday after we came home just chillin' in his sweats.

Matt finally had a day off on Monday, Yeah, and we decided that it was another perfect fall day and to go downtown to the observation deck of the church office buildings. It was such a beautiful view. Afterwards we had lunch at the Lion House Cafe (yum, we love to get their soup, rolls and pie, at such a reasonable price) and then walked around temple square. Ethan loved the fountains and was upset when we had to leave.

Later that night was the annual Nelson Gross Out Dinner at Matt's Uncle Russ' house. Matt and I dressed as tacky tourists and Ethan was our roamin' gnome (the Travelocity travel gnome). He was so cute in his hat and beard. Our gross out treat were monster eyeballs on a pool of coagulated blood. Very tasty. After dinner we walked down the road to Russ' neighbors who own a nursay and had created a small kid friendly spook alley in their back yard. It was so cute I wish I'd taken our camera. Ethan wasn't scared at all. So far the only things that scares Ethan is his Tickle Me Elmo.

Ethan

It's finally here, Ethan's first tooth. In the process he has put everthing in his mouth that was within arms reach. His new favorite toy is his rubber ducky, it squeeks and taste good. Foua gra anyone?

We don't get a lot of time together, so when we do we try to get out and see things. Last week we spent some time checking out all the witches at Gardener Village, Ethan did not pay much attention to them, but mom and dad enjoyed the time out. Here is the infamous Witchy Poo:

Matt and Ethan getting some exposure in front of the Chocolatier Witch:

Ethan in the Pumpkin Patch. Yes, his shirt says "Jugs N' Junk," a little something from Aunt Aud and Uncle Todd.

Vacation Continued

So, for the remainder of Matt vacation. Monday we were able to just bum around and get some things done. I have recently been called and the new Den Mother in the Cub Scouts for our ward's wolf pack (8 yr olds) and Tuesday night was my first pack meeting. Ethan was just so to go to his first pack meeting. I'll just say that things were a little unorganized. Apparently our ward has not had scout responsibilities for a few years since it has been at the stake level, so all of our scout leaders are new and have never been involved in scouting before. Hopefully we'll be able to get on track and make a great scouting program for our ward. I have even started a blog for our cub scouts to help keep them and their families updated on our activities. Like Matt and my blog, it has just started but if you are really interested the website it http://www.cimarroncubscouts.blogspot.com/.

Me in my oh so attractive cub scout uniform.

Ethan looking spiffy for his first pack meeting.

Me and Itsy ready to go.

Wednesday we went to Body Worlds 3 with Grandma and Grandpa Stephen's. Ethan actually made it the whole way through. Body Worlds is showing at The Leonardo in downtown SLC (right next to the downtown library). Wow!! What and experience. The bodies on display are actual human body plastinates. You know all that stuff is in your body but it is completely different to just see it laid out like that. Matt and my favorite part of the exhibit was the blood vessels. It was just interesting to see how they are mapped throughout the whole body. I would highly suggest going if you have a chance. Check out The Leonardo's website for more information at http://theleonardo.org/bodyworlds/index.php.

This is the only picture we could get of Body Worlds. They do not allow photos of the exhibit. Wouldn't be able to sell those postcards if they did.

Ethan and Dad.

Whew, made it through.

Thursday, Matt's last day of vacation, we went to my cousin Mckenna's wedding luncheon at the Lion House on Temple Square. It was a beautiful luncheon and reception later that night. Congratulations Mckenna and Adam.

Friday was back to work for Matt at 6:00 am, but Ethan and I decided to take another outing and go to Hogle Zoo with his cousin's Curt Ryan (Jaime) Ava (Justin and Shelly) and of course Grandma Bird while they were still in SLC. What a fun day. I must say that this is actually the first time I have been to the zoo and enjoyed it. The weather was perfect and we were able to get there early enough on a weekday that there weren't a ton of people and all the animals were out. Ethan liked the monkeys, bears, zebra's and the ghost of the bayou (white croc) the best. At least that is what I figured since that is when he did his little grunting and ooh-ing. The kids rode on the carousel and went on a train ride. It was so fun to see Curt Ryan and Ava's reaction on the train ride. Ethan does not know who Thomas (the train) is yet.

Ethan, Curt Ryan and Me at the Asian Highland exhibit at Hogle Zoo.

Ethan on the carousel.

Whew, made it through the zoo.

We had a great family vacation and were sad to see it end. Oh well, until the next one.