Grandpa's visit

Okay, first things first! My dad was here to visit the family last month and we had a blast! I had plenty to keep him busy and he even found some "around the house" projects on his own. He of course was on top of aiding Finn's love for matchbox cars by buying him some much loved monster trucks and track to use all over the house. All in all he was here to meet Emersyn and enjoy Finn and all his energy! We miss you already Daddy-O!

Grandmas visit

Thank goodness for g-mas! She was here for a week and such a HUGE help. Finn loved her and his favorite phrase for her was "gama come to?" (As he is still perfecting his "r's" ) We kept busy with of course having Emme around but did find time for some garage sales and park time. He loved her idea of a treat per day to also include a new toy "surprise." Can't complain though, what are grandmas for other than to spoil their grandkids! Thanks for the great visit!

Climbing wall extravaganza (dance included)

Emersyn Elaine is here!

I was induced on Friday July 9th at 8:30 am and by 9:44 pm that night we had a beautiful baby girl! All I can say is thank god for good drugs! All risks aside I was able to enjoy delivery, although it only took 4 sets of pushes to get her here. I guess she was as ready to meet us as we were her! Her big brother Finn couldn't get enough of her, wanting to hold her and smother her with kisses. The night she was born, we were able to spoil the nurses with some local food (@ 2 am when I was finally allowed to eat something) and we're pretty sure that's what convinced them to book us in the maternity floor "suite" with a double size bed for comfort. Either way, it was just as incredible of an experience the second go round as the first and we continue to enjoy every minute of it! Almost 5 weeks old already, she is growing like a weed and I will try to keep up on updating pictures.

Where has the time gone?

Wow-have I fallen behind on this blog! A lot has happened in the past several weeks but I'll start from the beginning. We spent the 4th of July weekend out at the lake and had a blast. Although Finn wasn't too excited about fireworks, we did get some fishin' and ol' fashioned "rock skipping" time in. The weather was great and it was a relaxing way to start my maternity leave from work.

Father's Day

We couldn't have asked for a better day! The sun was finally shining after a week of rain and storms so we prepped the pool for the day then made cinnamon pancakes with strawberries and cool whip! YUM! We were able to play outside all day and enjoy some sunshine. Our day even included a bike ride downtown for lunch on the Blue Moose patio. I couldn't ask for a better person to share this journey with and to see him make our son laugh EVERY day, I know the days ahead are only going to get better. Happy Father's Day!!

The Wall

So recently a BIG project of the household has been Finn's "climbing wall" in his new "big-boy" room. Josh first brought this project to my attention awhile back and immediately I thought, "Go for it!" Maybe it's because I grew up in Colorado or maybe it's because I'm crazy but I will be the first to admit the winters are VERY long here and anything that helps those indoor days is okay with me. He's not quite done with it but we received the first set of climbing holds today and of course they (maybe just Josh) couldn't wait to get started! I must say I am very impressed and Finn actually seems to love it too! I am very proud and can't wait for our son to become an avid climber so that we can have an excuse to make trips to Colorado more often!

Finn turns TWO!

This last weekend Finn turned TWO! Where has the time gone? We had such a busy month as my Dad and Betty were here for a week to kick the festivities off. Finn got his first train set and often pulls whoever he can over to it in order to show it off. Our new friends Sarah and Josh next door got him a bubble train which he loves! Then Josh and I decided to pull out the inner artist in him by getting him an art easel that he can color away with all on his own! Finally we made the trip out to the lake to see Nanna, Pappa, Uncle Mark, Aunt Sarah and cousin Noah. He was spoiled of course with my homemade shark cake (yes I made it from scratch and yes I had LOTS of help from Josh) and plenty of action gifts. He received his first vehicle, a mini ATV (thanks Nanna and Pappa) and even a bubble lawnmower (Thanks grandma Karen and Grandpa Al). There were also of course traditional goodies like books and clothes but I guess at 2 that doesn't keep his interest very long. All in all it was a very busy, successful birthday and we feel very blessed to have so many people to share it with. Thanks to ALL!!

All grown up

Well we did it. We resorted to "buzz cutting" Finn's hair. I didn't start out with that intention but his mullet was driving me CRAZY and there just never seems to be any time these days to schedule a haircut so I thought I can do it?! My mom is a hairdresser for goodness sake! Right? Wrong! My first mistake was assuming kitchen scissors would do the job. Not even close! So with Josh patiently sitting next to me, next thing I know he is starting up the buzzer with the 1" attachment assuring me it will look good. And since Josh is usually the one who is the hardest to convince Finn's long hair is too long I figured it has to work. The craziest part of it all was how much Finn actually liked the feeling of getting his hair buzzed. My Finn now looks like a completely different kid! He looks all "grown-up." Good thing I have another bun in the oven to assure me that my baby days aren't over :)

Easter

Finn in his new cool shades as we go for a wagon ride in the beautiful spring weather!

This was Finn's Easter gift from the ever-handy Nana and Papa. It's a birdhouse for our backyard that reads "Finn's Lodge" in scrabble letters! We hung the vacancy sign below in hopes of capturing a bird's attention more quickly but have yet to see any action.

Hide 'n' Seek

Spring

Seems like forever since we've updated but things are crazy! Between work, a 2 year old and being exhausted from pregnancy it's hard to keep caught up! So here are some new pics. Now that the weather is finally starting feel like Spring we have been able to get outside a bit! Hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather!

Tiny Dancer

What can I say? We might have a back up dancer in training! We'll just have to keep letting him practice so maybe someday he'll show us all his moves.

Colorado

One big part of our trip away was actually what was taking place at home. Josh and I have long talked about adding beams to our home but I never thought it would become a realty.

That is, until I walked back into our house after being gone for 2 weeks. Here are a couple of pictures of his hard work and my NEW living and dining room.

Thanks Babe!

Finn and I recently took the looong trip home to CO to visit family and friends. While we were visiting, Finn got really, really sick and unfortunately we weren't able to do and see as much as would have liked. But we did make it to the aquarium in Denver and spent plenty of time with both grandma and grandpa.

Another big part of the trip was to attend a Multiple Sclerosis Benefit dinner that Al helped organize. The night was a huge success and raised a lot of money for a really good cause. I was able to spend the night alongside one of my favorite friends, Nicole, who I hadn't seen in a really long time! We had a blast and I only wish we lived closer together! All in all it was a good trip but I must say it was really nice to come home!

Christmas!

So as quickly as they came, the holidays are officially over! Christmas was fun this year but exhausting! I must say we started the process of opening gifts early, took a break for breakfast and then we were back at it. But it didn't end there. After a couple of naps we finally ended the afternoon with a visit from Santa. The boys weren't sure what to think at first but at least neither one of them ran away screaming. I think we'll be lucky enough to get a visit from Santa every year and I look forward to future reactions. Although I think next year it may have to be a 2 day event! But all in all Finn seemed to have a blast!

Hope everyone's holiday was as blessed as ours and Happy New Year! Finn and I will be traveling to Colorado for our next big adventure and we will be sure to keep you posted as the trip is coming up very quickly!!