We're Back (from no place in particular)

Finally, huh?  I think I might have just had a record lull in blogging -- at least since Austin's birth.  I have no excuses and I feel absolutely no guilt.  Why?  Because we have just had the best summer. 

Originally I thought I'd skip doing the "catch-up" post and just start blogging from here on out, but I feel like my memory is getting worse as the years go by and this blog is really a family journal for us.  So, for the sake of my future self who will forget the memories we made this summer, here is a long and picture-filled update on the last two months:

I already blogged about the zoo, the half marathon, the children's museum, and Amanda's wedding.  So really, this is just what happened in July and August.

For the 4th of July we drove over to Pullman, Washington, to visit Maren, Blake, and the cutest nephews in the world.  Grandma and Grandpa Forsberg and Aunt Kalen drove over too.   We got there Sunday afternoon.  We toured WSU's campus and spent the evening just visiting.  On the morning of the 4th we went to a great local park and let the kid's run wild.  Austin was in heaven.  We went back to Maren and Blake's house for more playing in the backyard and a delicious BBQ.  Austin totally pigged out -- so much that he threw up the next day.  Who doesn't love a great BBQ, though.

The main event in Pullman on the 4th of July is a celebration at a park just a short walk from Maren and Blake's house.  There wasn't too much to do but it was fun walking around.  They did have a couple fire engines there for kids to explore.  We even let Austin try on some fireman garb.  Our camera died at this point, but I know Maren took a few more pictures of us with the fire engines (hint, hint, Maren).

We came back home and put the little boys to bed.  Then we enjoyed a little firework show of our own in the street, followed by bonfire s'mores, and the big city firework show that we could see perfectly from Maren and Blake's backyard.  We left early the next morning, but we deiced that this should definitely be a yearly family tradition.

Ever summer my extended family on my Mom's side goes on a camping trip together.  We've missed out the last few years because we've never lived close enough.  Not this year, though.  Unfortunately Toren couldn't take any time off work to join us (he's saving most of his vacation days for our trip to Thailand in December), but we loaded up our van and joined my Mom and John.  I was a little worried about how Austin would do [or sleep], but he loved it.

He played in the dirt, the sand, and the water.  He went on long walks with his Nana.  He ate great food and played with his cousins.  He bathed in a bucket.  What more could a little boy ask for?  He slept great the first night.  The second night he woke up really early, but my Mom rescued him and let me sleep (thanks, Mom).  Still, he did better than I expected. 

Note the sand in the mouth and the dirt in the hair:

Since we had an especially busy summer with my Mom and John we all decided to spend their last week in the states at my grandparent's cabin on Whidbey Island.  When I was young we practically lived at the cabin in the summer months.  It is one of my favorite places in the world.

The best thing about being at the cabin is that there is nothing to do but play and relax.  So, that's what we did.  Austin loved playing in the sand and he even ventured out into the water, sans diaper. 

Nana and Papa joined us for the last half of the week.  Papa took the boys crabbing.  Nothing compares to crab that fresh.  Delicious.

My grandparent's had a SeaDoo long ago.  It's been retired, but we still have the dolly to ride down the boat ramp on.  Austin was a little unsure the first few rides, but then he decided he like it.

 

 It was the absolute perfect week to end our time with my Mom and John.  I just love to spend time with family...especially when you have no other obligations to think about.  Oh, and the picture that looks like baby torture below?  Well, Austin decided he was done with lunch and couldn't wait 30 seconds for me to walk over to the high chair.

Baxter?  Of course we brought him.  He was in dog heaven.  This was probably the only time he laid down.  He's utterly wiped himself out running along the beach chasing seagulls.

 We also grew a garden this year.  The pictures on the left are just after planting.  And the pictures on the right are actually from about a month ago.  You should see it now!  It looks like a backyard jungle of deliciousness.  Our tomatoes finally turned red this week and I'm thrilled.  Thanks Papa and Toren for building it for me.

Whew...was that as exhausting for you as it was for me?  Probably not.  Anyway, it was an amazing summer and now we're looking forward to the fall (holidays for me and college football for Toren).

Children's Museum and Kid's Day

While Maren and Blake were in town for the marathon we had a few days of fun with the boys.  On Thursday we went to the Tacoma Children's Museum to let the boys run wild.  None of us had been there before and it was crowded because it was a free admission day, but the boys had a fun time.  I wish I would have taken a picture of the boys together, but things were pretty wild in there.

Then on Friday we went to Auburn's Kid's Day Festival.  Our boys were a little bit too young to really love it, but we had a fun hour there.  They had about 10 bouncy houses, tons of fun vendors giving away free swag, music and dancing, and a great play ground.  They even had a baby bouncy house that was perfect for Austin.  He thought it was pretty awesome...as long as I was right there.  Again, no pictures of the three boys together.

My BFF is MARRIED!!!

This has been a great summer for us so far, and it's really only the start.  A couple Thursday's ago Austin and I flew down to Salt Lake for my BFF's (Amanda) wedding.  I have been excited for weeks years for her wedding!  She married a great guy named Jason.  I just hope he knows what he's getting into.  Since I was Manda's roommate for 4 years I've witnessed her tuna casserole dinner and borderline hoarding habits.  All joking aside, though, they are PERFECT for each other.

I was so nervous for the flight.  I'm have flying anxiety anyway, which just increases exponential when I know I'm going to have to contain a squirmy boy who will not sleep anywhere but his crib (have I mentioned the two of us our flying by ourselves to Thailand this fall?).  He did surprisingly well.  I pretty much fed him snacks constantly, which is really the key to a happy flight, I think. He even managed to sleep for about 20 minutes.  Still, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when we touched down in Salt Lake.  (On a side note, the benefit to traveling with a baby is that no one sits near you.  Thank you, Austin.)

Manda picked us up from the airport and we hung out with her, her sister, and her niece Evelyn.  I should have taken some pictures because Evelyn is quite the cutie.  We weren't really there long enough for them to like each other though.  Maybe when they're older...  Manda then took us to the hotel where we were staying at with my Mom and John.

Austin LOVED being in the hotel.  He especially loved the hotel phone.  What' funny is that he's never seen a phone like this before (we only have cell phones) and, yet, he knew exactly what to do with it. 

On Friday we went to visit my grandma and grandpa Gailey who live in Salt Lake.  Austin was 2 months old the last time they saw him.  It was great to chat with them for a while.  Austin loved having a new audience to show all of his tricks to.

I stole this from my Mom's blog.

The sealing was on Saturday (June 18).  Laura, David and Mandy had driven down from Rexburg Friday night.  Laura was able to watch Austin in the hotel while we went to the ceremony.  Amanda looked beautiful and happy.  The sealer's message was wonderful and reminded me of my own temple sealing and how grateful I am to be married for time and all eternity.

Afterward we took pictures.

Monday morning we left with my Mom and John to drive all the way back to Utah.  In the 16 hours of our trek, Austin slept for about 3.  He was just too curious about where we were headed.  Luckily he was fairly content during the other13 hours. 

During a McDonald's pit stop.

Run a Half Marathon. CHECK.

Not surprisingly, it has been a while since I last blogged.  I don't feel guilty about it, though, because I've been way to busy enjoying life.  Last Wednesday Maren, Blake, and my two adorable nephews, Braden and Brody, arrived at our house for a fun, long weekend.  We had fun Thursday and Friday (posts to come), but the main event was Saturday: the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half.  Maren was running the marathon, which I still can't even comprehend doing.  And I was running the half marathon with my mom.

I must admit, I didn't train as well as I had planned.  I have been running regularly for the past 4 months or so, but just not on the rigid training schedule I had planned for myself.  But that's how life goes sometimes.  Needless to say I was a little nervous the night before the race.  I also had been nauseous on and off all week for some reason, and no, I am NOT pregnant.  But my adrenaline was sure pumping at the start of the race.  It was such an amazing experience to have thousands of people running all around you.  It was unifying in a way.  I kept my mom and I at a slower pace for the first few miles (Thanks to the help of my friends GPS.  Now I HAVE to get one of my own.), which I think paid off in the last few miles when I felt like I was dying.  I blame it on the stomach issues.  I literally felt like puking through most of the race.  Maren had the same problem, so maybe it was something we ate the night before.

Anyway, aside from my stomach, I felt great.  My body felt strong and I had plenty of endurance.  We even captured a few snapshots along the way.

Like I mentioned, by about mile 11 my stomach was in pretty bad shape.  It took everything I had to get through those last 2 miles.  My mom was feeling amazing, so I sent her on ahead.  She beat me by 47 seconds.  But I'm okay with that.  My mom rocks.  And I did make it to the end in one piece.  I finished at 2:40:15. Boy was I glad to see my adoring fans.  Don't mind Austin's less-than-thrilled face; he really was happy to be there and proud of his mama.

After we had a chance to recoup a little, we headed over cheer Maren on at the finish line.  The boys were great little cheerleaders for all the runners.

Maren and her running buddies finally came down the homestretch and we went wild.  I still can't imagine running a full marathon.  Maren's an inspiration.  As she approached the finish line she whispered "NEVER AGAIN" to us, but I have a feeling she'll change her mind.  I'm sure without the stomach problems she would have had an amazing experience.

Now, even with the stomach trauma, I’m addicted.  I think I probably could have shaved at least 10 minutes off my time had I been feeling great.  My mom and I are already planning on the Seafair Torchlight Run (only an 8k) in a few weeks and possibly the Tacoma Half Marathon in August.  And, of course, we’ll begin preparing to beat our time at the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll.

 

Family Trip to the Zoo

Last Saturday I woke up early for a good, long run.  When I came home I found two boys desperate for a day out in the sun.  So we headed to the zoo for the day (after I showered, of course).  We took Austin to the zoo when he was around 2 months old and he didn't even care.  This time he LOVED it.  He especially loved seeing the fish and sharks in the aquarium.  It was a beautiful day and all the animals were out and about.  I have a feeling we'll need to purchase a family zoo pass in a couple years.  It was the perfect family day.

Party, Party, Party

We celebrated Austin's birthday with my family Sunday night.  Austin's first birthday surprise was that his Nana and Uncle John arrived!!  My mom hadn't seen Austin since he was 2 months old, so it was quite a reunion.  She hasn't quite put him down since.   They're going to be in town for the next 8 weeks (well, between here, Utah and Rexburg) and it's going to be WONDERFUL!  I already had one of the best days at church since Austin's birth because I didn't have to take him out to the hall once!  We are so happy they're here.  Austin seems equally as smitten and I have a feeling it's only going to get better.

So, we had a frog theme for Austin's party.  I know he's the "little monkey," but monkey cupcakes were too hard to make. Though, even the frog ones didn't turn out quite like they did in my head.  Oh well, they were delicious.

Through the course of the night Austin enjoyed a very large BBQ dinner, a (whole) cupcake, opening presents, and playing outside wit his cousins. Austin LOVED being outside with all the big kids.  I'm sure he can't wait until he can really run and play with them.

Yummy!

Year ONE Stats

Yesterday I took Austin to the doctor's for his twelve month checkup.  He's completely healthy and on track with developmental milestones.  I must say that I absolutely love our pediatrician.  She makes me feel confident as a parent and that Austin is the most perfect (or normal, at least) baby in the world.

Austin's 12 month stats:
Weight: 21 pounds 8 ounces (25 percentile)
Height: 30 inches (75 percentile)
Head: 46.8 centimeters (50-75 percentile)

At ONE year Austin...

...is walking (usually like a cute drunken sailor or Frankenstein, but he can walk halfway across the living room before crashing).
...is completely weaned from breast- and bottle-feeding.
...loves dropping things and throwing things (especially off high places like the stairs).
...still sleeps 12 to 13 hours at night.
...is transitioning into taking only one long nap a day (mostly by  my choice...I'm ready to have more flexible mornings).
...loves being outside.
...can open the back door (I've found him outside on the deck a few times).
...attempts to climb on things (mostly the couch).
...makes himself laugh on purpose.
...says "mmmmm" when he's eating something particularly tasty.
...has 4 teeth and (at least) 2 more on the way.
...is still a really good eater (though he's starting to refuse colorful foods before even tasting them, like kiwi, mango, watermelon)
...loves to wave "hi" and "goodbye" at everyone.
...jibber jabbers all day long.
...thinks he's really funny when he turns the TV on and off.
...is especially clingy first thing in the morning.
...can't resist dancing when he hears music
...is starting to bite (and he thinks it's funny when I tell him "no!").
...calls Baxter by slapping his hand on his thigh.