Out to Lunch

Barros is such a fun place to go with children. Ami, Elisha, and I had the best time chatting, while our kids had a blast playing with each other.


My really good friend Janee is in town from Michigan. She is almost done with Law School. (You go girl!!) We are all so proud of her. We especially can't wait until her family moves here so we can play with baby Maya.
I love seeing friends turn into such loving mothers. Lisa just had a baby girl, Lillian, and Robin is pregnant with a boy! It is always fun to see everyone and their cute kids.

Christmas Outings!

After a crazy time pushing our way through the mall, we have been enjoying some movies. Austin can sit through an entire movie on the big screen. I would highly recommend August Rush and Enchanted!

This year has been extra fun going to see the Temple lights. Austin was excited about all the beautiful colors and decorations. He loves to watch the videos inside the Temple also.

We took Austin to see the Nutcracker at the Mesa Arts Center. He really enjoyed the parts with the mice. I felt bad because we were in the second row, and Austin was switching seats every so often. We got the evil eye from a lady in front of us.(Keep in mind, he is two) He was very quite, but sitting for two hours watching ballet is a stretch. I kept it under control for the most part. This event truly helps you feel the joy of Christmas. It was an incredible show.

Austin isn't scared of Santa anymore. WHOOPEE! No crying, screaming or kicking. I don't think he completely comprehends the entire story, but Santa gives him candy. All I want for Christmas is a new addition to our family. Nothing makes me happier than being together!!

Presents

As I was wrapping presents tonight, and feeling completely stressed out, I got to thinking.....
Having a combined over 40 family members , friends, etc. Christmas is not what it use to be. I love the big family events, Temple lights, traditions, decorarions, parties, and all the joy Christmas has to offer. I don't enjoy the pressure of getting everyone a perfect gift. I do want to make sure everyone knows how important they are to us though. I don't mean to be a Scrooge, but I have been to the Mall about 5 times in the past two weeks and am not even half way done. I guess I should have prepared and shopped all year for everyone, but I didn't. Nothing makes me happier then seeing my son, family, friends get a gift they love. I would personally rather see their smiling faces, then recieve a gift myself. I just feel Christmas has turned into an excuse to overcharge your credit card. As we were at the Temple watching the movie Luke 2, I left feeling so grateful that Christ was born. I wish Christmas wasn't so much about a million gifts. I know Grandma will spoil my son , and thats what Grandmas do best, but I want to make sure our traditions are all about truly celebrating Christ birth. I know this will be a wonderful year with Austin being 2 1/2 seeing his face light up Christmas morning, and I guess it will all be worth it. "Bah! Humbug!"

Best Thanksgiving EVER!

Bryce and I both agreed, this has been the best Thanksgiving so far. We went over to my sister fun house. We did everything imaginable. Like I mentioned before, her house is better than Disneyland. I barely saw my two boys the entire time we were all playing so hard. I took my mom on a quad for the first time. She was holding on so tight ,even in first gear. We rode horses with my dad and nieces. Bryce was jumping on the motorcycle. Bryce also helped finish a skateboard ramp my brother in law started. They even have pet turtles. Can you imagine Austin's face when he saw them, and he could hold them. AMAZING! We jumped on the trampoline for hours, of course.
The food was delicious, and the company even better. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. EAT AND PLAY!!
Happy Holidays everyone!

Disneyland

Landscaping Duty

Austin is the best little helper. When ever he spills anything, he always insists on cleaning it up himself. Since it has been so beautiful outside, I decided to pick some weeds. They were out of control! Austin was jumping on the trampoline and playing a game with his football. When he saw me working, he came right over to help out. He actually did an entire area for me. He was very proud he could pick weeds like mommy. Austin sure earns his keep!

Weekend at the Buttes

We had a wonderful relaxing weekend. Bryce and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary together and stayed overnight at the Buttes. We missed Austin so much, that we brought him back the next day. We figured, this is probably one of our last times to swim before it gets to cold. Bryce was so cute with Austin (as always). They played for hours, going down slides, playing softball and volleyball. I was able to read Deception Point and lay out (Yippee!!). It was a perfect day! Austin hasn't been feeling very well, so this cheered him up.
The weather is already starting to cool off and we are super excited about all the outdoor activities! This is why we live in AZ.

Jumping cousins

My sister lives on two acres and her house is like Disney Land. As soon as I step onto her property, responsibilities are off my mind. They have everything imaginable for children, and adults. Austin and his cousins jumped on the trampolines for hours .I was able to drive a Back-hoe tractor and move some hay for their horses, let me tell you, SUPER FUN! Bryce was riding the skate ramp and showing off his skills. When we go over there, I feel like a kid again, Sometimes I can get a little crazy. But then reality hits when we realize its MIDNIGHT and we have to get our baby home.

My baby is swimming!

Bryce is such an amazing coach with Austin. He has taught him baseball, basketball, soccer, football, golf, and swimming! Bryce makes Austin really work for it. He is such a great father. We are always so happy when daddy comes home! It means game time.

Austin's Gymnastics

Austin has a little gymnastics class on Wednesdays that he absolutely loves! We go with his cousin, Shelby. They play so nice together. His favorite trick is his somersault. He just started getting more interested in the balance beam. We are so proud of him and all his little talents.

Birthday Weekend!

I have to say, I think Bryce made this my very best birthday of all time! First, I wake up to a dozen gorgeous red roses and a sweet and romantic card. Then, we got a massage together, I even got to go shopping at Forever 21.(Yippee, shopping with no kids Rocks!) After that we went to check into our room at the Buttes. When I walked into the room there were chocolate covered strawberries ready to devourer. We enjoyed our favorite dessert and hung out for a while, enjoying the silence. I was craving sea food, so we went to a restaurant called 'Wild Fish', which I would highly reccomend. We were having such a great time, that I didn't realize we were done with our meal just hanging for about an hour. The waiter brought over a huge ghirardelli chocolate cake with ice cream that said 'Happy BIrthday Becky'( as you can see!)
We swam the next day. Bryce got super burnt. My favorite part was being able to read with no interruptions. We also saw 'Rush Hour 3'. We headed over to Grandmas for a huge family party. It was a blast! Heather has a birthday on Aug. 27th, so we were able to celebrate together.
My wonderful mother in-law watched Austin. We didn't have to worry one minute about him. She is so great with him, and we feel so blessed to have her in our lives. Austin was happy to see us when we walked in, but very exhausted from all the weekend fun. It was funny because when we were ready to take Austin home we said," Let's go Austin."
He said, "Bye mommy, love you."
Poor lil guy, he thought he was going to stay with grandma and get spoiled one more night. Sorry bud,he finally came with us and we all had a great night sleep when we got home.

Daddy's Home

We are soooo very happy to finally have Bryce home. He drove 27 hours straight to get home to us by Sunday. Austin is smiling from the second he wakes up, till he goes to bed. I love my wonderful family. I'm not scared at night anymore. Yippee!

Diamondbacks Game

My fun sister Rachel came with Austin and I to the game. Rachel enjoyed watching all the hot baseball players. Austin was cheering and clapping with the crowd. Rachel is a great Aunt to Austin and all her niece and nephews. We had the best time.They won too. Go D- Backs!

Sea World

We went to San Diego over the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Wyler, and Brennon. Austin had the best time at Sea World. He was fascinated with all the animal shows, especially Shamu. Since we've been home he has been doing the funniest things. He has been sleeping with his Shamu stuffed animal every night, he takes the Sea World ticket, and the Shamu lunch box with him everywhere. He also jumps off the couch and tell me he's going underwater and jumps up like Shamu. It is very cute.
We also went to the beach. The kids were holding on to my while the wave crashed into them. We also saw Grandpa Wyler surf. We are so proud of him. It was a great vacation.

Big Boy Bed

Austin was so excited about his big boy bed! I asked if he wanted to help put it together and he got his tools out. After all, he is the man of the house now. It was a little sad, because my baby is growing up. But everyday is a new adventure for him. He is getting so smart. He starts preschool in the spring. We have to work on the potty training now. Any tips would be great. The only thing that works is M&M's. Now, lets see if I get any sleep tonight.

Fun day at Grandma Hinzes

My parents got home from Utah and we have been having the best time together. Austin loves to swim with Grandma. He is a little dare devil. He jumps off the sides and diving board with no fear.







My parent live on an acre, so mowing is quite a chore. They got the driving mower, and is it super fun! It was like a mini quad or something. Austin loved to watch mommy go around and around. It is great to have my parents home. We all sure missed them.

Water Boy!

Austin is the most thoughtful little boy. This morning I wasn't feeling very well,and Austin asked if I wanted a drink. I told him yes and fell asleep a little longer. Then, Austin said," Mom, want some water?" I turned to see all the bottles on our end table. I thanked him. and he was so proud of himself. I love that little guy!

Ryan and Stacey's Wedding!

Ryan and Stacey got married in Pinetop last weekend. It was a very beautiful ceremony. Ryan kept looking at Stacey with the biggest smile. They are so in love and we are very happy for them. Stacey, and all of her sisters,have the most gorgeous blue eyes. All of the nieces and nephews were so well behaved. They all had a great time afterwards outside running around together. It was such a wonderful day!

Olive Garden with friends

We had the best time at lunch with (left to right) Ashley, me, Marie ,Amanda and all the kiddles. I love all of my wonderful friends. They all bring so much joy to my life. I am very grateful for each of them. Thanks for being so awesome everyone!

Grandma!

This picture explains it all! Austin's first cookie, cake, ice cream or anything sweet was given to him from Grandma. She sure does love to spoil her grandkids- and they sure do love it! We are very grateful for all the fun activites Grandma creates for all of us. We love ya!

Family Reunion

We had a Hinze Family Reunion in Utah. It was wonderful to see everyone. My Grandpa is at home with hospice care. I feel so grateful we were able to see him. We really had some fun times: We had a concert in my Uncles garage. We went to the Lagoon for two days. It is cute to watch my dad on the log rides. We went running with my dad at the local High School. My dad ran 2,000 steps! Austin loves playing with all of his little cousins.

Shedd Aquarium

We had the best time at the Shedd Aquarium. Austin loved the Dolphins and Sharks. We watched the octopus for about 45 minutes. It was changing colors and swimming to the top fast. The Beluga whale just had a baby girl named Bella. The mother and baby were swimming around with each other the entire time. It was very relaxing to watch all of the beautiful fish.

Hair cut

We attempted to get Austin's hair cut and right after I took this picture he had a melt down. So we will wait till daddy can cut it.

Chasing Geese

Austin was chasing the geese and they started hissing at him. We were laughing so hard. I made sure he didn't get bit. We had a great time.

Brookfield Zoo

We spent the day at the zoo. There was so many fun things to do. We saw a dolphin show, pet sting rays, and geckos.

Ferris Wheel

Navy Pier

Running through water fountain

The beautiful North Lake in downtown Chicago