Rocked

This little lovey, as we like to call her, has been put through the ringer.

Photo taken with phone while traveling in the back of my parent's car in Bryce Canyon. Lovely.

She has a wicked cold. Her first one. I'm actually shocked she made it to seven months old before getting her first cold.

She has one, possibly two, teeth trying to cut their way through her little gums.

And of course all of this occurring while away from the comfort of her home/crib while on vacation with both sides of the family. Nice.

Regardless of a constant running nose, watery eyes, dried snot on her face, and continuous drool she's still so cute and I can't get enough of her.

Do your kids usually get colds with incoming teeth?

Been on any fun vacations lately?

Are you a drooler?

Please share.

BRYCE

Over the weekend we took a quick trip to visit this place...

Bryce Canyon National Park.

We were there less than 24 hours.

But within that time....

I ran a half marathon.

We played with our sweet baby.

Got to see the beautiful sights that Bryce has to offer.

Hung out with my super, cool parents.

And just enjoyed being together without the pressure of feeling like we had

to clean our house, or do yard work.

Love being in Utah where so many beautiful National Parks

are close enough for quick weekend getaways!

Vacation Mike

I love all sides of Mike, "church Mike", "Dr. Mike", "funny Mike", "yard work Mike", "serious Mike", "singing Mike", but I REALLY love "VACATION MIKE". Three weeks out of the year Mike gets work off and becomes VACATION MIKE. A week with no responsibilities, no appointments, no patients; he's completely off the hook. Mike totally lets loose and relaxes. I look forward to his weeks off and count down until they arrive.

One of his weeks off was a couple of weeks ago and it was pure bliss.

The week off included heading down to St. George for a few days, staying up late and watching movies (of course staying up late means 11:00 p.m.) working in the yard, playing ladder ball (our new favorite game), going out to eat, just hanging out.

I have to say the best part of the week was seeing Mike spend quality time with Charlotte. He's so darling with her and she absolutely adores him.

Just woke up. Both have awesome bed head.

Bath time. Charlotte's legs are blurry in the picture since she was kicking with excitement.

Laughing at Mike. She thinks he is so funny.

I love how much Mike adores Charlotte.

Hanging out at home together.

Laughing again.

Getting her first haircut.

Yes we cut some of her hair. It had to be done.

Can't wait for the next week off, hopefully in November.

Three weeks out of the year just isn't enough.

Newport

In August we spent a week at the beach with Mike's family. It was a grand time! We played on the beach all day, ate donuts, played games, and much more. Seriously what could be better?

More of the trip included, Disneyland, Bocce, awesome facial hair, beautiful sunsets, running 5 miles along the beach, watching dolphins, body surfing, Newport Temple, walks along the pier, riding bikes to get donuts, playing with nieces and nephews, watching the surfers, reading and laying out.

I could get used to this kind of life.

Girls Trip

What does the best girls' weekend get away include?

(Farner is THE BEST hostess ever. Thanks again for letting us stay at your place!)

Thanks Sarah, Allison, Mary and Farner for one of the best weekends of the summer. It was such a treat to see you and spend time with each of you. I can't wait for our trip next summer. Denver? Seattle? Cali? I'm up for anything!

***Thanks Sarah for sharing your photos. You're a gem and take the most fantastic photos.

Swine Flu Schwine Flu....

Well we've been home from Mexico for almost two weeks.  No worries friends we've had no symptoms of the swine flu. We are as healthy as can be.  

However..

Our tans are long gone, Mike has already had 5 overnights shifts at the hospital, school is back in session for me and there are still piles of laundry to be done. It's unfortunate how quickly life gets back to normal. 

But for a week in April,  we got to experience a little piece of what I hope heaven is like.   

My heaven includes:

Waking up to the sound of waves and seeing beautiful views like this:

and going on 2 hour walks on the beach, exploring caves...
 and walking barefoot in the ocean. 

Check out the before and after shot. 

The ocean was calm and peaceful in picture one then BAM picture 2 shows a splash of unexpected ocean water creeping up higher than I was anticipating.

My heaven also includes having Mike all to myself without any distractions. 

No pagers, no laptops, no cell phones, no cable. Just us.

Heaven is playing in the ocean...
and burying in each other in the sand...

Our sand burying started off making nice sand sculptures like mermaids, but turned in deadly shark attacks and bloated turtles.

Heaven is hanging out in downtown San Jose. Enjoying the locals, delicious food,  unique architecture and dirt cheap souvenirs nobody really needs. 

Heaven includes going snorkeling in the beautiful blue ocean with a bunch of crazy people who weren't afraid to get up and dance on the boat. 

Heaven is walking around Cabo San Lucas, soaking up the sun and slurping slushies from Dairy Queen.

Heaven is reading 3 books in a week, sitting on the beach, and watching beautiful sunsets.
It's eating scrumptious food everyday without worrying about calories, fat and portion size while having someone else wait on you and being with your most favorite person in the world. 

It came and went so fast.  I'm so sad it's already over.  I'm ready to go back. Anyone with me?