More Mini Sessions :)

Just so you know.... I am doing another round of Mini Sessions on July 23rd! Check out my photo blog for more information...

Time

Time is such a hard concept for kids. Yesterday Evan had a little experience where he realized that he couldn't simply start over. What happened, happened. It was too late to try again. We were on our way to swimming lessons and he realized that he forgot his "baby" (his teddy). He fell to pieces and begged me to go back. Since we were already leaving later than I wanted too... and since he didn't need his teddy bear to swim... I said no (I am such a mean mom). He wasn't too happy about that and insisted that I turn around. Well, lets just say that his tears didn't stop when we got to the pool. He refused to go to his lesson. So he missed it.

Later, on the way home, Dallas was with us. Evan told him that he didn't get in the pool today. I talked to Evan and explained that now he only has 3 days left of swimming lessons with his friend Carly. He said... "No! I have 4 days left!" I had to explain to him that he missed day 4 and now he only had 3 days left. He was so sad and quietly said... "I want to start over..."

Poor kid :( I wanted him to start over too. Maybe then he would have remembered his darn bear and the day would have been so much more enjoyable for the both of us.

I had to explain that we can't stop time, and we can't start over. The day was done and swimming lessons were over. Lucky for him, today he remembered his bear.... and he had a great time.

These pictures were from their first day of swimming, last week. They have two days left and they have loved it! Kiah was slow to get into it. The first week she stood around and waited for a teacher to show her exactly what to do. This week she jumped right into it. She isn't afraid to get her head wet and she loves to pretend to be all the different animals. Today she was sad because they went to the bigger pool with the life jackets. She wanted to be in the little pool and pretend to be a mermaid... :)

Evan isn't scared to get in the water... but he hates getting his head wet. He is the only one who won't dunk his head under the water. At first the teacher got him to stick his chin in and then on Monday a different teacher got him to put his face in. He had a bad day last Friday when it was cold outside. He refused to move away from the wall because he was so cold (and I can't blame him!). Other than that he has fun and enjoys the water. He is quite silly and loves to swim. He does get a little stiff and nervous when it comes to floating on his back or getting his head wet. Today he had fun with the life jackets... but he was nervous to jump of the side of the pool. Tonight we are going to take the kids swimming and hopefully get rid of some of their fears of the water. They are taking another session of lessons next month, so hopefully they will have the chance to learn a little more.

Utah with the Bateman's

The first weekend in Utah we got to see (almost all) the Bateman's. First on Sunday for our nephew, Archer's, baby blessing and then again on Monday for Memorial Day. The weather was not very warm so we stayed inside both days... but we had fun. Evan was looking forward to a camping trip with Grandpa... that was not about to happen because of snow :( Hopefully next year we'll have better luck with the weather. Instead we go to go bowling, which was a ton of fun! The kids really love it. I even got to take pictures of everyone for a picture book that I want to make for the kids. I am glad that the pictures worked out :) Everyone looks so nice!

The kids were still adjusting to the whole Utah trip idea... but after some time they warmed up and we really enjoyed ourselves. I've decided that the hardest part of going to Utah and living far away from family is reacquainting the kids with family. They are still so little. I know they remember faces and memories from last year... but it's so hard for them to be comfortable right from the start. It was this way with both families and with every other person we met up with in Utah. I hope that by showing pictures, talking about things we did, talking on the phone and using the web cam... we can make this easier year after year. 

It was so good to see the Bateman family... Dallas sure wishes he could've been there too! We love you guys!

Utah Friends

So... almost a month ago I jumped on a plane with my two kids and headed off to Utah. This has become a yearly thing that I look forward to... well, all year long. We already miss it there and we talk/think about it often. We had a GREAT time.

I planned the trip around my friend Emily's wedding, and I am so glad I did. It was wonderful seeing her on her wedding day. Emily and I grew up together and later we were roomies at USU. Ahhh. The good ol' days. I also got to see Kristen (who was our roommate), she came to the reception and we also hung out the next day (which was sooo nice and fun!).

I also got to see my high school friends Ashley and Stephanie. They are both single, dating and driving Mazda 3's... I am married, pregnant, and thinking about buying a mini van. It was fun to catch up with them and remember the good old days :)

Amanda and her husband came and played with us at the park one day. She is the cutest girl! I am so glad she came to see us. She is a friend of my sister Shannon and we all used to go dancing at Trolley Square every week. Good times, good times.

There were so many others that I saw... or wish I could've seen. I always wish that I had more time to see you all and catch up with you all.

Mini Session Opening...

I have soooo much to post. Maybe I'll get around to it this week :) I just have NO motivation to blog. It is a bad thing. Hopefully it will go away soon so you all can see what's going on around here.

I have a last minute opening for my Mini Sessions this Saturday, June 25th at 5:30-5:55. Let me know if you are interested! The information is all in this post here. The only change is the location. June Mini Sessions will now be held at Happy Hollow Park.

As usual that's all I really have to say. Sad, I know. One day I will tell you something fun and interesting and I might even post some pictures ;)

Sugar and Spice

Our little girl wanted to say hi... we are super excited to meet her in 20 more weeks! Half way there!

We brought the kids with us to the ultra sound. I think they would have died if we went without them. They have been looking forward to seeing the baby ever since we told them I was pregnant :) I showed them their own ultra sound photos before we went to give them an idea of what we were going to see. I explained that we didn't know yet whether it was a boy or girl but the doctor would show us a picture. Well, the kids didn't need a picture because they already *knew* it was a girl. When the tech excitedly told them "It's a GIRL!!" Evan just stared at her like, "um, yeah... we know!" I think Makiah was a little disappointed that we didn't actually get to *see* the baby today. She is now ready for the baby to "pop out" as the kids say. It was fun having the kids there and we are super happy that it's a girl! (Though a boy would be just as fun :))

Updates...

I'm home. Ahhh.
I miss Utah... hmph.
The kids are loving the hot, humid weather... because I let them play out in the water.
I am loving the hot, humid weather.... but only because my skin is much happier and no longer dried up.
I am booked full for the summer with photo sessions :) It's a good feeling.
BUT I do have 3 available Mini Sessions on June 25th. Take a time slot while you can, because after August and am going on baby break :) Oh, and I added some extra time slots to the Mini Sessions.... check it out on the blog :)
Next Thursday I have my 20 week ultra sound... that means I should know if it's a she or a he. I am super excited. I am sick of calling it an it.
I have many, many pictures and much to tell you. Stay tuned.

Mini Sessions

If anyone is interested in getting pictures done this summer then check this out!! I am offering Mini Sessions on June 25th and I am so very excited! Let me know if you are interested in booking one of the time slots. Spread the word to friends and family in the area. I am only taking pictures through August this year, because of my upcoming baby. Because of this I have limited time for photo sessions. Be sure to schedule quickly, before I am all booked :) I am out of town until next week, but I am still returning emails.

 I have been having a great time with my family! I love spending time in Utah. Here is a CUTE picture of the little girls playing today.... they are loving their time together!!