Guess what we're having?

The Magic House

We went to the Magic House this weekend. We had a great time together. The entire house is filled with educational activities, mostly gross motor skills. He found a baby doll and was feeding it and keeping it warm. I was happy to see he cared so much about the baby. He will be a great big brother! So, if any of you ever happen to visit St. Louis, make time for the Magic House, it is a blast!
Thanks Rachael for the idea!!

St. Louis FUN

I LOVE MY DADDY! Everyday before Bryce leaves for work, he says to Austin,"You are my best friend!"

Finley is a new little friend Austin loves to play with. They always give big hugs.

Austin drove this tiny motor bike at the mall. He was smiling the entire time!

We are having fun living in St.Louis while Bryce is working. Austin and I are making so many new friends. Five of the wives here are pregnant and four of us are due in October. It is so fun hanging out with everyone! I do miss AZ. though.

The Big Announcement

For those of you that don't know, I am 13 weeks pregnant. We could not be happier! This pregnancy has been very different for me. Without getting into to much detail, I am very high risk the first and second trimester. We have been praying everyday, and things are going great! Bryce has been playing the role of Mr. Mom. I am also so grateful for modern medicine. So we can't wait to see this little one in October. In about six weeks we will know the gender!

We love the Diamondbacks!!!

My older sister called yesterday with extra tickets to the Diamondbacks opening game. Bryce and I were so excited to take Austin. We drove into Mesa to pick up my lil sister Anna for a fun filled night.

Daddy & Austin enjoying the game together. Every time the D-backs made a home run, fire works go off.They made four home runs that night! Austin loved it!!

Austin and I got our face painted. They have an area called The Sandlot, with tons of fun activities for children. We played for two hours there. We finally got to our seats at the seventh inning stretch.

Anna is such a great Auntie to Austin. They were goofing off in the back and we got this cute picture of them.

Easter Weekend

We headed off to the ER again after Austin fell at the park. It was very scary because there was so much blood.(I wont go into to much detail!) When we got to the ER they cleaned his chin up, and he got liquid stitches.I was very grateful the cut was horizontal. If it wasn't, they were going to do regular stitches. He is doing great, and everything is healing good.

We had a wonderful Easter morning. I put three Easter bunnies outside Austin's door in when he woke up. He was so excited! We told him the bunnies left him a surprise in the backyard. He ran outside picking up all he could find. I made a yummy picnic breakfast . Austin ate to much candy, so he passed on breakfast.(The poor kid never gets any sweets.)

We went over to my parents for our annual tradition egg hunt. My mom made a deliciuos dinner. It was such beautiful weather that day. The Fam played a competitive football game till dark. All of us women sat and laughed over all the funny jokes and plays the guys made. We ended the night with a spiritual lesson from my wise father. Easter is such a wonderful Holiday!

Baby CRAZY

Can you believe there are three pregnant women in this picture. From left to right, Mama, Laura(had her baby boy the following day), me, Jen(pregnant w/ a girl), Heather(pregnant w/ a boy, according to the ring test), and Krista.

Babies, Babies everywhere!!! It has been so exciting in our family lately;
Ryan & Stacey- Baby Emily Kate Wyler. She is absolutely beautiful!

Derek & Laura-Baby Reef Carson Lofgreen. He is such a good baby!

Isn't it amazing what we go through as women to have our babies. We had the most inspirational talks at church last week about mothers. I am so grateful to be a mother. It brings me joy everyday.

Super Dad

Since I have been a little under the weather, Bryce has really stepped up to the plate.(He hasn't worked for almost a month) He has been taking Austin on many outings. They are little best friends. Austin loves anything to do with sports. They have been to the Suns, Motor Cross, Bowling, NFL experience, golfing, soccer, and many more! They play basketball for hours at home. Bryce makes an incredible football obstacle course in the back yard for Austin to run. Daddy also does the bed time routine. He lets Austin pick all the books he wants to read for the night.
Sorry to brag about him so much, but he's an amazing father! Love ya Honey Bunches!!!

Go Fireballs!!

Since Austin is not starting preschool till next Fall, we decided to make this Winter/Spring time super fun for him! He is in gymnastics, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has been enjoying the social time and competition. (He makes me practice with him for hours!) His soccer team picked the name "Fireballs" at the first practice. It is so fun to watch all the kids run around to try to kick the ball. They are undefeated so far. Austin is the youngest on the team also.

Proud Daddy


Austin's friend Corrine- the only girl on the team


WHOOPEE AUSTIN!

Chuck E Cheese

All the cute kiddos

Boys being boys


GO AMI GO!!!

This is why I love Ami so much-she is willing to try anything for fun! We later figured out the seat belt had to be buckled for the bike to go up.

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.