California

One of my favorite cousins got married last week, so Kyle and I hitched a ride to San Diego with my mom and grandma to attend. It was a short little trip but we had some fun! It was really fun to see family that I rarely see and Kyle LOVED all the extra attention and people. I also got to do the bride's hair which is always so fun! On Kyle's 8 monthiversary we headed to the beach. He was a definite fan of the sand and loved anticipating the waves getting his toes. He was also a huge fan of my cousins, who gave him endless playing and attention.

 enjoying his long car ride

 loooving some quality cousin time

 mmmm sand

 perhaps the prettiest temple ever

 reception time!

no trip through vegas would be complete without a Steak n' Shake stop!

I didn't get picture of the actual happy couple I went there for, they were a bit busy. I also didn't get pictures of any other family we stayed with or visited, but it was great to see them all! And I couldn't have asked for a better behaved lil' guy. He was definitely a champ. 

8 months

It has happened again. Kyle is yet another month older. They keep flying by faster and faster! A lot happened this last month in the life of Kyle. He learned a lot of new tricks and had a growth spurt! Here are a few of my favorite things.

• He is officially mobile! He can crawl anywhere and is getting faster by the day. He has only crawled a few paces the "right way" but he has this seal like move down! He loves his new found freedom.
• He can take out the outlet covers. Ryan thinks its a sign of early engineering skills, I think its a sign of trouble ahead.
• He is learning to clap at the appropriate times rather than just randomly.
• He has EIGHT teeth! Yes. 8. Holy smokes.
• He graduated from his little whale tub to the real tub. Loves it.
• He says mamamama and babababa and a few other new "words".
• He loves to eat! Finally. He eats fast and enjoys chewing real things rather than baby food.
• He loves people more and more. The more people around him the happier he is. 
• He bites. Not in a mean spirited sort of way though.
• He went on his longest road trip ever to San Diego and did great! 
• He went to the beach for the first time.
• He kicks his legs so fast, so hard, and so constantly. It is hilarious. He is full of energy, don't try holding him, he won't like it.
• He is very ticklish.
• He loves the personal penguin song. Literally LOVES. He can be as sad as can be then you turn on that song and immediate dancing, waving, clapping, and giggling follow. Every time.
• He loves dogs.
• He now does a yoga plank and the lifts one leg into the air and hold it...looks like a good work out/calf stretch.
• He uses his feet to play with his toys. He also likes to occasionally hold his bottle with his feet so his hands are free to play with things.
• He will give you a little nose nuzzle if you are lucky.
• He gets an attitude if you take a way a toy, or rest your arm on his car seat. He likes his space I guess. 
• Sometimes in the morning Ryan will bring him into our bed and he will fall back to sleep for a while. Then I will feel two little hands crawling on top of me and when I open my eyes there is a little face about an inch away from mine grinning as big as possible. I am convinced it is the best way in the world to be woken up. 
• He loves peekaboo.
• He answers to his name more.
• He is a lightweight, and I love it.
• He now gets up and peers out of his crib grinning and talking while waiting to be taken out.
• He is still a very happy boy almost all the time.

Kyle has seriously transformed this past month. He seems to much older and more mature than even a month ago. He is growing up fast but its ok because every new stage becomes my favorite. I love having a little friend with me all the time. Ryan and I always discuss how much K has changed our lives, and how we would never want to go back. He is our favorite little guy and we love him crazy amounts. I am excited to continue watching him grow and learn. This whole parenting thing definitely keeps you on your toes. Just as you start to get comfortable things change and its a whole new game. Its healthy I think. Keeps you learning, growing, and expanding your comfort zone. Here's to whatever the next month might bring!

It is ALL good!

I have always been a fall/winter person. I endure the summer to await my reward of cold, snowy days. This year however, summer has been FANTASTIC! I think it is the perfect combination of mild temps+Ryan home most evenings+me not working as much+Kyle's existence +not being pregnant like last year+making the most of the early sunrise and late sunset= the BEST summer ever. Seriously. We have worked hard but more importantly played hard! I feel like we have definitely made the most of this season. Allow me to list a few of my new found loves about summer time.

• Again, early sunrise. It allows early running. And I love it.
• Late sunsets. The days feel so much longer giving more time for fun!
• Not having to bundle Kyle in order to go outside. He doesn't even need pants half the time! (total WT maybe?)
• Being able to GO OUTSIDE! Winter was long with a newborn, that's all.
• Not having to worry about getting sick as much.
• Swimming. I love swimming.
• Getting a small tan. Most would laugh..I know I am still white, but believe it or not there is some color there!
• Enjoying the green farm we live on. SO pretty.
• Camping. We finally have weekends free to go camping! It has been awesome.
• Baseball season. Always a joy.
• Feeling active. We get out and do. 
• Delicious light meals. Fruits and veggies are so great this time of year.
• Outdoor naps.
• Outdoor walks.
• Outdoors!

See? The list could go on and on. I even caught myself feeling depressed that it is August and summer is coming to a close. This has seriously never happened. As I was feeling all sad that these wonderful months are winding down...I started to remember what is just around the corner.

• Jeans, sweaters, jackets, and scarves!
• FOOTBALL SEASON! BYU of course...and I am actually quite the NFL fan these days. SO excited.
• Halloween! And all the other holidays that follow.
• No more sweating. A big perk.
• Beautiful leaves and cool breezes.
• Harvest time.
• More "firsts" for Kyle as this will be his first Fall.
• October conference.
• Cuddling weather.
• Busting out the cocomotion!
• Energy bill going down.
• The first snow.

See? I have decided I am now in the best situation possible. I love summer now. This means I can officially be happy and embrace the weather year round. So if you find a certain season makes you grumpy, try to fill it with things you love and make the most of it. It has changed my whole life really:)

Lazy Days

Yesterday felt busy. I have a million things to do before this week comes to an end. Time out. Priorities. Instead of stressing the night away we ate dinner...and then decided to do nothing but lay and play with K on a blanket in our backyard. It was so nice to enjoy a worry free summer evening with our little family. These are the moments I live for. Pardon that cliche. Did you ever consider certain things being  cliche because they are so constantly true?

Such a yummy little boy.

Oh. After bed time Ryan challenged me to a little Ticket to Ride. Saying I wasted him would be an understatement...but we will go with that. I wasted him. This NEVER happens. Had to document. Winning score? 223 baby.