What are ya up to?

So much has been going on and I have been such a bad blogger I feel like the days just pass by and if I don't get my act together soon I will have a whole year with nothing to remember it by. So here are a few things that are family has been up to that I don't want to forget.

Taite (22 months) - He is quickly entering the terrible two's and keeps me on my toes every second of every day! As naughty as he can sometimes be a millisecond later he gives you "the look" with his big eyes and wraps his little arms around your neck while giving you kisses. How can you stay mad at that? He has lots of interests compared to Haydn's single obsession with cars at this age. He loves animals, tools, shoes, music . . . He is the ring leader between him and Haydn, he comes up with the ideas and Haydn is happy to join right in. He isn't much of a talker, but definitely knows how to get what he wants and continues to pick up more words, but no phrases.

Haydn (3 1/2) - I recently had someone tell me that Haydn had an old soul. I thought it was a strange comment at first, but he is so much wiser than his 3 1/2 years old. He has been the biggest help since I have been so sick. He frequently rubs my back while throwing up or offers to go and get me the bucket. He brings me his blanket when I don't feel good and makes sure I have the soft side. He is very considerate and thoughtful. He has done amazing with the move and loves his new Arizona house. He continues in his Star Wars phase and can turn basically any object into a light saber. His memory is amazing! He remembers things people said from weeks ago, songs he has only heard a few times. We are constantly amazed at the things he brings up and remembers. He continues to be convinced that he is 5 years old. Anytime anyone asks how old he is he always says 5. If Riley or I try and correct them and say that he is 3 he gets upset and says he is 5. This all started because I told him he has to be 5 to go to kindergarten. Needless to say he is over the moon about starting preschool in the fall.

Erika - I'm now 4 months pregnant and starting to feel a little better. I have several days that are nausea free before being hit by a car and having a day or two where I am completely useless. It is frustrating and I feel like a horrible mother/wife. I have basically stopped doing everything I was doing 4 months ago. I haven't even picked up my camera in forever which leads to more guilt - no pictures of the aforementioned cuteness. I try and do as much as I can on the good days to make up for my absence the last several month, but it is difficult. I am so grateful for an understanding husband and loving boys. I am really enjoying Scottsdale so far. Unpacking is never any fun, but I do love to make a new place my own.

Riley - The newest up and coming associate at Ballard Spahr law firm. He really likes his new job. It is going to entail a LOT of hours and some travel which I am not thrilled about. It is a different dynamic going from a St. George firm to solo practice to a LARGE nationwide firm, but he really likes his section and that is who he will mainly associate with. His office is on the 18th floor of a high rise in down town Phoenix. The commute can be a pain and frequently makes him late for dinner. Another thing I'm not crazy about. On the otherhand he has been a champ staying up late after everyone else goes to bed to help get our house in order, cleaning kitchen and bathroom cabinets, hanging cabinets, hauling out boxes.

We really are excited about making this new place a home and discovering a new area together.

Here We Go!

Riley here - since Erika is still laid up,  I hope you will bear with me as I attempt to fill in.  Our home is sold, and in less than a week we will be in our new place in Scottsdale, AZ.  I don't know if I dare call it our "home" just yet because (a) we don't actually live there and (b) we haven't actually seen it in person.  Give us some time and we'll let you know.  It looks very promising.

As for our final week in the only place our boys have even called home, we have a lot to do.  Luckily, we have been packing in increments to try and get the obvious stuff behind us.  We have also had quite a bit of success selling some of the stuff we don't want to move on Craigslist.  The thing I am most dreading is taking apart the trampoline, but I'm sure there will be other things come up that we haven't even thought of.  One way or another, we will soon be posting from "even sunnier" Arizona.  Here's a preview of coming attractions:

Since I am not as good as Erika on the whole picture arranging thing, I'll try and explain - and you match the explanation to the picture you think best fits (answers will be provided up-side down in really small letters at the bottom of the next post!)

One is of our new place, one is of Riley's new office building, one is of Cardinal's Stadium (where we will hopefully be able to catch a Vikings game), and one is of the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park which I am sure we will be visiting in the very near future.  Wish us luck!

San Diego

We had such a great trip to San Diego.  It was our first official family vacation.  We met my parents in San Diego, which was so much fun.  Also, helpful to have some extra hands.  The first day we went to Lego Land which was probably my favorite 

day.  It is so much fun and the boys loved it!

Highlights were the 3D Bob the Builder movie, rides, Lego Darth Vader, and mini town.  We also went to the San Diego zoo and Coronado Island, but I will have to get to those pictures another time.