Shoshone Falls

Let's start by saying I know I am not skinny, nor am I in good shape, but I am working on it. Noah and I have been hitting the gym and have even been taking spinning class together (never thought that would happen).

This past week with Jaxon being sick we have been taking turns with the kids, instead of handing them over to the child watch at the YMCA. It's still been nice to work out, but I thought it would be fun to do something together so I told Noah we were going for a walk/hike today. Shoshone Falls (known as Niagara of the West) is only about 6 miles away so I thought we should head over there.

I love this picture I took with the falls and a small rainbow. I thought it was beautiful, but Savannah was the most amazed out of our little bunch. She was so excited to see such big waterfalls.

Jaxon was pretty happy too. He loved wandering around on the lookout deck. I am so happy the gap between the bars was so small.

I was most excited by this find... a WOODCHUCK!!! I thought it was a small beaver, but noticed the furry tail.

We then headed up Centennial trail to Evel Knievel's jump site. I honestly did not think it would be that bad, but about 80% of it was pretty steep and even though it was only about 1.5 miles from the falls, it was tough pushing two kids in a jogging stroller. The views were beautiful.

Luckily the 1.5 miles back were mostly downhill back to the falls before another uphill walk to the car. Altogether it was about 3.5-4 miles of tough walking.

On another note... let it be know that Noah agreed we can start trying for another baby when I lose 40 lbs (my idea, he just agreed). Wish me luck!

Easter

Our Easter weekend was different than most years. Jaxon was running a high fever of 103.2, so we all stayed home Saturday night and on Sunday. It was very sad to not be at church, especially on Easter Sunday, but poor Jaxon just needed to be held a cuddled all day.
Saturday night Savannah dyed some eggs and did some crafts with me. We then decided to have Harry Potter marathon and watched the first movie. On Sunday the kids woke up and found their baskets. Jaxon had no interest, but Savannah was excited. Savannah then saw the hidden eggs and because Jaxon once again had no interest in anything (because he looked and felt miserable) Savannah would bring him eggs. We watched 3 more Harry Potter movies and ate way too much candy. Savannah told me that her best friend is Harry Potter. Apparently Noah and I have been replaced.

Dress up

A few nights ago Savannah came into the living room dressed like this. She wanted her picture taken, so I took this picture. Jaxon laughed at her and chased her out of the room.

About 5 minutes later I heard a little whining coming from the other room and then Jaxon walked toward me looking like this.
He didn't mind the outfit and I actually got a smile from him.

I'm just happy I had the camera handy.

Girls Weekend!

It's been a few days since I got home, but I am finally caught up on life enough to share about my trip to Chicago. I am very lucky to have a hubby so willing to take time off work to be home with our kids, while I got to shop and play! I got into Chicago late Thursday night and Amy and I got to start chatting about everything while we waited a little bit for Lauren. We knew we had to get up really early to make it to the Oprah taping, but that didn't stop us from talking a lot! We slept for 2 hours before trying to get pretty for Oprah (too bad it was raining and our hair and make up got wet).All of us waiting in line to get inside Harpo Studios

The show airs Friday April 15th and is a sad one. We joked a lot about how any topic would be awesome except Suze Orman or child abuse. Just so happens the show is on child abuse. I think I cried for about half of the taping. I left just wanting to go home, hug my children and apologize to them for anything I may have done wrong in my almost 4 years of motherhood. When there are boxes of tissues under every row in the audience, you know it's not because we're all getting cars.

After the guests left the stage, Oprah talked with everyone and tried to lighten the mood. She is a funny and amazing woman. No matter the subject, being able to be in her audience is an experience I will never forget.

All of us after hitting up the Oprah Store.

I like this picture I took of Lauren taking a picture where we waited for Oprah.

After Oprah we headed to the Magnificent Mile for lunch and Cheesecake factory and some shopping.

After staying up late again, we woke up early to head for a Spa Day. Manicures, pedicures, facials and massages. It was wonderful and an experience we will never forget. When we were all done, we spent quite a while in the car talking about all of the violating experiences we had with our massages. Donna... you were a bit rough, but you gave me the best massage I had ever had. We did some more shopping at the Woodfield Mall (huge mall!), before heading back to Amy's house.

Of course there was a trip to Sonic for onion rings

There had to be a bat involved in some part of this trip, so I made Amy's dog Watson a little toy.

We had such a great time. I was amazed how nice it was to just be with these girls again. I missed my family a lot, but it was hard to think about how much I missed them, when I was always laughing until my sides hurt and so into our "girl talk."

Thank you to Amy's hubby Alex for putting up with us and especially to Amy for making this trip happen. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends!!

Jaxon's room

I have slowly figured out where I want things to go in this place. I think the room I am the most indecisive is Jaxon's room. I have rearranged it 3 times now. Here is what it looked like as of yesterday. Don't you love Jaxon's matching pajamas and slippers? Sadly Jaxon and Savannah have to share a closet because Savannah's room doesn't have one. I also find it odd that there are no closet doors, but this also means Savannah can't trap Jaxon in the closet.

1.5 and 3.5!!!

Last week our sweet little kids hit some milestones. Jaxon is officially 18 months and Savannah is very happy to now say that she is three and a half (although lately she tells people she is 16). Here are some little stats on our kids.

Jaxon

• He is very happy during daylight hours.
• He laughs a lot and loves to wrestle, flip, be tickled and chased.
• Jaxon's two favorite things in the world are Toy Story and drawing. He is usually found with either Buzz and Woody in his hands or a small notebook and a crayon (which he had to sleep with last night).
• Jaxon still does not talk much and is a man of very few words. I was told by the ENT when he got his tubes that he probably had not heard much for the 6 months prior and to expect a delay in speech.
• Jaxon understands a lot and thinks the word "no" is so funny.
• He loves to test boundaries and climb everything he can.
• Jaxon still hates sleeping in his room and is a worse sleeper now then ever before.
• His favorite shows are Sesame Street, Blue's Clues and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
• He is now 31 inches tall and 25.4 lbs.

I love my little boy so much! He gives the best hugs and loves to cuddle and sit in my lap. His is becoming a bit more independent, but still loves his time with me.

Savannah

• Savannah is such a personality (as always).
• She loves playing soccer, drawing with chalk and playing games.
• She can sing lots of songs and thinks its funny to change up the words sometimes to see if we notice.
• Savannah has recently counted to 35 for me and is almost to 45 (she forgets a couple in between).
• She is eating better and on rare occasion will try something new.
• Savannah loves to play dress up and get into my make up too.
• Savannah is still overjoyed to not wear diapers and often talks to her brother about it.
• She loves to play with Jaxon, unless he wants Buzz and Woody to go into the Playmobil house.
• Savannah asks me for a sister often and now tells me that she will take her for walks in her doll stroller as an incentive.
• Savannah recently brought me a card with the Disney logo on it and told me what it said. This made me very proud.
• Savannah still loves tv more than she should and has recently started watching (and loving) the Disney cartoon "Gummy Bears."
• She has told everyone since she turned 3 that she wants to be a Dr when she grows up. Every adult that asks "how are you," gets the response "I am going to be a Dr." Dr visits are especially long because Savannah gets into deep discussions with them about school and work.
• Savannah is now 39 inches and 36.5 lbs. She is getting so big!!
• I love shopping for her in the girls department instead of the toddler section.

Savannah is such a sweetheart and a great big sister. She is very good at sharing and loves to talk. She tells me all the time that she loves me and knows just how to brighten my day. She is such a blessing in my life and I am so happy we have her!

Utah trip!

Last week we were able to go to Utah for the whole week! I had such a great time visiting with some of my amazing family and friends. I dropped Noah off at the airport so he could go to Texas for his last bit of work training and then headed to my parents house.

Monday we went to my sister Erin's house and the kids had fun playing and spending time together.

Tuesday we went to the mall with Erin and Eli. Jaxon got a new Buzz Lightyear phone. He talked on it throughout his playground time.

Bath time was a huge hit with my kids. They love my parent's tub and had baths almost every day. Jaxon sure does love splashing.

Wednesday was a day of playing inside and going through our things in the basement. When we moved to Nampa we left about a third of our things behind and part of this trip was packing it all up and bringing it with us to Twin Falls. I went through every box to make sure we really needed it. About 4 boxes went to the thrift store.

Thursday we visited with my amazing friend Ginger. She has two adorable kids about the same age as mine. Usually Savannah and Maddy are great friends, but Savannah was a bit of a punk this visit and was not so nice to Maddy. Sorry again Ginger! Here is a picture of our boys together. Ben is such a cutie.

I also got a change to make a quick visit with my friend Nicole to see her new baby while Ginger watched my kids. This little girl is adorable! I made her a little hat and it was way too big for her little head.

Friday we met up with my friend Elise and her two boys at Kangaroo Zoo. The kids had a great time! Jaxon was more interested in the merchandise than the bouncy castles and loved running off while I was catching up on life with Elise.

Reed and Savannah had a lot of fun running around and Savannah has already requested a trip back there with Reed the next time we visit.

Jaxon eventually played a bit.

Savannah drank crazy amounts of water there and we had to stop and get more before picking up Noah from the airport.

Saturday we loaded up the truck and I took the kids for some pictures. Ginger takes great pics! We then met up for some family time and I took this picture of Savannah and her favorite person. She will openly admit that my dad is her favorite person in the world. I should have taken more pictures of the kids with my family and will remember to next time. Noah headed home Saturday night and the kids and I stayed Saturday night and left Sunday afternoon. We had a great visit and I hope we get back there again soon. I am so happy its only a 4 hour drive.