Sam's Parking Spot

Pool Progress (Belated)

This post is way late...or early...since we almost didn't believe the pool would ever happen, like a dream!

Back in August, my parents pool was finally completed! Samson and I joined my mom the day the pool liner, and many other things, went in. It was a little surreal watching it all happen!

Samson pitched in a little

And zoomed his truck along with the other machinery.

Then, as all busy little boys should do, he took a little break below the stairs with the stuffed snake and books.

Mom was under the impression the liner was going in a day or so later, so we squealed with joy when the pool guys wheeled out a giant box and unwrapped the liner from inside! Watching how they put it in was pretty cool!

First dip in the pool!

Nielsen's Grove

Also, awhile back we spent an evening at Nielsen's Grove, a little gem I hadn't yet discovered!

We needed a couple pictures on his Samson sized chair mostly because I can't get over his chubby face.

Tadd had a chance to try out his new birthday boat, and with an audience, none the less!

Shaley found that Lucy thought it was HILARIOUS when she threw bread to the ducks. She was outrageously giggling, it was so cute!

I just love these two

What is cuter than a little boy riding atop his handsome daddy's shoulders with a bird's eye view? (The handsome is really just for me...)

We found a great...uhhh..."splash pad" for the kids to play in

...and be naked in.

Oh wait...

Samson didn't really enjoy the giant swings

But these two little munchkins did!

Miss Nora

Miss Lucy

My babe and I.

Boy do I miss the days of summer

Kangaroo Zoo

Sam and I took a little trip up to North Salt Lake awhile back to visit Lauren and her kids and play at Kangaroo Zoo.

Sammy caught up on his reading on the way up, and I admired his ability not to get sick in the car while reading. Something he did not get from his mother.

He also stuffed his face the.whole.way.

Kangaroo Zoo was a hit!

As was the frozen yogurt afterward.

Leaving Lauren behind is like leaving behind a part of my soul!

Sushi and Splash Pad

I've been so lucky to meet a new friend a few months ago, and via Instagram, none the less. Her name is Lauren. My Lauren. That's what I shall call her.

Our first official rendezvouz outside of the salon was at Riverwoods with our kidlets, minus one of her two kids.

Samsy and I goofed around in the car while we waited for Lauren.

Took a little jaunt around the parking lot

After a truly haneous lunch at Happy Sumo with my child who refused to sit in his chair, keep his food on the table, or speak with an inside voice, we let the kids play in one of the splash pads and did our best to keep them occupied while we chatted.

Luckily Tadd was actually down the way at another restaurant, so I was able to drop Sam off for a few minutes so I could finish my lunch. TGFH (thank goodness for husbands)

Showing Scarlet the ropes

Except it turned out that she was more adventureous that he was!

And then who can resist a shirtless baby in a carseat!?

So, basically what happens when two girls who have a ridiculous amount in common and both enjoy a good time hang out??? Oh goodness!

Goofin' Around

It's no secret I take way too many pictures, and catalog way too many of them, but with a face like the one below...can ya blame me?

I have to admit watching Sam grab both of the giraffes out of the toy bin, I thought it was a stroke of genius.

Sammy and his daddy love to goof around, and they do it better than any father and son I know.

Exhibit B: Eating dad's sour patch kids.

Priceless

Botany Pond

Looking back at these pictures really makes me miss HOT weather!

We headed to the BYU Botany Pond one Sunday with Tadd's family to feed the ducks, although they weren't interested in food. Seems they're a bit overfed...

Reeeal excited about the ducks and turtles

They've recently redone this area on campus and it's really pretty!

The cheesy smiles from this little girl never get old!

My Birthday via Instagram

Lunch with my boyfriends

Tuckered the bebe out

Birthday pedicure

Happy Sumo with Taddow

Then a movie

And the one thing I asked for for my birthday was delivery of our hand-me-down bed, and I got it! We're one step closer to a grown up looking bedroom!

Heber Camping

Earlier this month we spent the night at the Heber Campsite that the church owns with Tadd's family. Let me just be clear from the beginning, I am not a camper. Not my thing, and actually not really Tadd's thing. As for Samson, he loved it. Aside from it being the worst night for him, sleeping wise.

He was already feeling a little under the weather, so the 40 degree temperature and the rain didn't help matters. He basically spent the entire night coughing and waking up, as well as waking up everyone else in the cabin. It was delightful. On the upside, it was the first time Samson has fallen asleep in our bed since he was only weeks old, and I absolutely loved that.

Aside from all of that misery we did enjoy our time around the campfire, grubbin' it, decorating our family flag, lots of laughs, good food and each others company!

Samson enjoyed wandering around, getting away with whatever, and being doted on by family. He also said, "please" for the first time! You can bet I've been requiring he rehearse that day in and day out!

Recap

I should do this more often. I want to remember my life as it is now, and the little things we enjoy.

Woke up at 6:15 to a crying child. "Wah? Huh? Is that ours?" Of course. No other babies/kids in the house. That unsightly hour of the day just leaves me disoriented.

Tried to let him cry it out, realized he may have messed his drawers, had to check on him, gave him some milk and Tylenol (teething and goose egg) then laid him back down.

You'd think my caring nature and kind gestures would've calmed him right down and clued him in it wasn't time to wake up, but no. Had to get up with him at 7:30. This is unacceptable in our home. 8:00 and no earlier.

Punished him by taking a little nap on the couch after feeding him breakfast and scattering snacks about the house. He didn't understand this discipline tactic, and instead insisted on throwing books at my head and rubbing his snot nose on my arm.

Somehow willed myself to get off the couch around 10, and semi-reddied myself. Threw my hair into a headband for no heat curls (I'll clue you in later), dressed myself and Sam after changing messy diaper #3, and headed "ahhhside" for a quick "wing" for Sam on the porch swing, and then errands.

Hit up Crest first for my DC and crumb donuts. Priorities, people. Allowed the Crest girl to fawn over my DIY washer and ribbon bracelet while I ever so modestly blushed. Almost offered to make her one then thought that might be taking our relationship a little far.

Macy's for dinner fixin's. Had a little help from a friend since I'm a hot mess in the kitchen. Discovered Sam likes rice cakes, picked up a bag of those too.

Headed to Peerless after for Moroccan Oil S&C for sister Whit and I to share, then Target for empty bottles to split them up.

Adored my little boy as he said, " hi" and "buh-byes" to other Target patrons, and silently cursed all of them for not stopping to "ooh" and "ahh" over this ever so adorable and friendly child. Don't they want a picture? A snotograph? (Golly gee, I'm brilliant.)

Back home for lunch, naptime, bracelet making (who am I?), and dinner making (WHO AM I!?). I didn't stop
At Crest for a refill, and regretted it 30 min later.

Samson ate his lunch out on the "wing" while he admired all the "caws" driving by. Bike, motorcycle, truck, scooter, stroller. All cars.

During naptime I watched a little Sunny in Philly and made Whitney a bracelet. Purple ribbon, just as she demanded. Not requested, demanded.

Also took out my headband to reveal my...frizzy curls. Turns out air dried, already frizzy, moussed up hair doesn't work as well for this. I've had more success in the past with blow dried, many days dirty hair. Ah well. Threw it up on a Pinterest inspired braid knot, and finally put on some make up. So unlike me to wait that long, but what's a girl supposed to do when her whole day has been corrupted by a 6:15 wake up call?

Dinner was a success only because I had assistance even though Sam ruined our afternoon by taking only an hour long nap. Who does this kid think he is? All was well since he entertained himself by emptying Tadd's fridge pack of DMD and stacking the cans (oh the brilliance!), then dropping them in the space between our bedroom door and the baby gate. He was quite proud of himself. And I must admit, so was I.

Tadd asked why I let him do that and I wondered how he could even question that. Child entertained. No danger. Out of the way. Plus he shook up a few cans just for good measure.

Off to the salon to cut Meg C's hair, via Crest. Got to see her adorable belly, and catch up. Always a pleasha. Whitney arrived next accompanied with a fresh DC and dinner, (per my request in case mine was a flop). Now I have lunch for tomorrow!

Enjoyed our ever rambunctious behavior and conversation while taking her hair from a summery golden brown with blonde highlights to a deep brown with a tint of red. I tried our new color line, Keune, and we were both pleased with it's success. The pearly sheen! So lovely. I also used her new shampoo and conditioner on her and instructed her how to properly wash and condition her hair. What a cave woman.

After getting home I promptly plopped my tired self on our bed, realized I should change into my jimjams, did so, and haven't moved since. Tadd has come in to kiss me goodnight and I'd imagine he'll be in soon to watch Sunny. I want to be asleep, but awoken by him asking to cuddle with him. Then I'll fall back asleep on his chest. Aren't we so picturesque?