A Quick Escape

Any summer that we can, we escape up to MT for a few days at Swan Lake. This is one of my most favorite spots in the world and I have been looking forward to showing it to Crew.


The cabin is several hours away and despite being nervous of how Crew would do for that long in his car seat, he was a champ!

As a preface, the cabin is being built in stages. One outstanding item being a shower. We were however, able to craft a pretty awesome version of a shower with a newly installed garden hole. So we are clean, but definitely not our cutest!

The first night the mommies took to bathing the babies in a big plastic bin. My mom has a similar photo of me as a baby, except I was being bathed in a metal pot. Crew and Nixson were good sports but for now, I think Crew wants to stick to his own plastic tub at home.


Being at the cabin is all about being lazy, My favorite lazy spot is the beach. With Cole and the boys golfing most of the days, we jimmy-rigged this awesome spot for crew to lounge.


The family enjoyed their fair share of cards, scrabble and that game with the pebbles. What is that one called?


Crew had no shortage of admirers who wanted to play with him. I think his expression here sums it up nicely.


Such a nice place to relax. Loved it, just loved it.


Disclaimer: We took this vacation the last week in July and I am just posting about it now because I am trying to avoid being post-less this month. Hoping to get my camera back from my mom...so more posts coming soon.

Lazy Saturday Afternoon

After a couple extra busy weeks of work, chores and places to go, we enjoyed a Saturday afternoon at home. Crew and I were able to lay out a blanket under the shade of our biggest tree and just relax.

I love watching him taking in new things that he has never seen before.



Don't you just love how the shadows bounce around his little face?


He has been very excited about sucking on those little fingers lately. I am a little worried he may choose to take after his dad. Any guesses on how long Cole sucked his thumb? (love ya honey!)

My neighbor Liz came over to share this yummy watermelon. The perfect summer treat.


Oh, and did I mention that while we were sitting on our tushies Cole insalled the coolest new house numbers for us?

The duct tape was our super classy template. I plan to show them off once we finish a few other "front door" projects.

I <3 Saturdays.

A Name and a Blessing

On Sunday May 30, 2010 we were able to officially give Crew a name and a blessing in our ward. Because of my sister's wedding the day before, we were able to benefit from the blessing of extra family in town for the special weekend.

Cole gave Crew a beautiful and simple blessing, encouraging him to learn the teachings of the gospel, courageously surround himself with good influences and look for opportunities to serve the Lord.

Following the blessing, we had the gang over for some food and family time. Thanks to my talented friend, Jarad, we have some awesome pictures of the festivities.

The first order of business was to document both sides of the family. In addition to everyone who lives in Utah, I was lucky enough to also have my sister Alyssa and brother Bryan in town from Arizona and Oregon. It felt wonderful to have so much of the family together.


We were also blessed that Wes and Stacy were able to join us from Texas. Here is a pic of the Lansford clan.

Because we were a little anxious to get the grill up and going we missed official photos of the Tipps and Richins, who were also wonderful enough to join us for the party.

Grill, did you say grill? Yes, my friends. Cole finally got his grill. This has been a desired purchase since the day we went under contract for our beautiful patio-less backyard.


I warn you. The man makes a killer kabob.



Don't you love how fancy photography can make regular food look special? :)





We love our friends (here and here).


Katie, how did we not get a cute picture together?


Such a fun day.


Yes, he got stuck and wasn't sure how to get back down.



Nothing like a little weekend sunbathing.



Last but not least. My little guy was such a champ. Between his Binky, a quick nap before the BBQ and all the "loves" from his favorite people, Crew was such a good little boy.

Couldn't you just eat him up?

Rain = Outdoor Shopping

The rain this weekend kept us from working on a few outdoor projects so...we decided to head to Park City for a little retail therapy. For anyone who knows me, I love me some outlet shopping. We always start at the bottom of the outdoor mall by JCrew and then slowly make our way around.

With our beautiful lil addition we have now learned that if we want to make it to even half our favorite stores, we must hustle and choose our stores wisely.

Armed with a bottle and two diapers still didn't afford us a full three hours of shopping.

That being said, I learn a few tricks every time we go. So far:

Tip 1: Be prepared to changed a diaper on the pubic changer or on the front seat of the car. You never know when the family bathroom will be occupied by a mall employee who is trying to change her clothes for a date.

Tip 2: The mall has one rocking chair for nursing mothers. A quick trip in advance to every bathroom may be necessary to locate. In case of a meltdown, it will be worth it.

Tip 3: The Crocs store has a pair of cushy chairs at the front of their store. Low traffic and a husband who is great at acting like he is anxiously looking for a pair of shoes will score you at least a half hour sit. (Should you have made the mistake of not locating the rocking chair)

Tip 4: Always bring your carrier canopy and a blanket. The mall designed the ramped areas (for handicapped and stroller-ed guests ) outside the covered walk ways. Staying dry or in the shade will be nearly impossible.

Tip 5: Purposefully forget your water bottle in the car. By the time to make it to the top of the hill, you will be dying of thirst and will be "forced" to make a trip to the TCBY by Old Navy. SCORE!

Discount shopping, whatever the hassles, is totally worth it. I will share more wisdom as I learn. For now I will leave you with a few shots of us before we left, while we were still dry.

Marriage Is What Brings Us Together Today

Gotta reference a classic where you can, right?
Saturday of our jam-packed Memorial Day weekend included my sister Anne's wedding. The happy couple was married and celebrated their special day at Tuscany Gardens in Roy, Utah. Despite my best efforts to fulfill my bridesmatronly duties and document with photography, the photos in this post have been shanghaied from Michelle Raye's blog, my sister's uber talented photographer. (Her photos are clearly watermarked)
We were lucky enough to have almost everyone there (we missed you Briggs!) and were super excited that our aunt and cute cousins were able to make it down from Montana.
I know I am biased, but isn't my cousin Carson the cutest ever? The couple had an outdoor wedding surrounded by family and friends. As the bishop of my parent's ward was conducting the ceremony I couldn't help but think back to the day that Cole and I were married. So excited, a little nervous and unable to snag a bite of that delicious food we had spent so much time planning.

Like Anne and Lucas' ceremony, we too were told that the most successful marriages were those that included not two but three individuals.

That Christ, at the center of any marriage, is a the rock that will help you pull you through tough times, savor the beautiful ones and overlook those *dang* dress socks your husband never quite manages to get into the dirty clothes bin. OK, so maybe I added that last one on my own. :)

Seriously, though.

We love you guys and are super excited for your new journey together!