Memorial Day 2013

For Memorial Day this year we weren't able to go out of town to be at 

Miles' grave due to work schedules.

So we dedicated the day to do some of Miles' favorite things.

We started the day off up in Big Cottonwood Canyon at one of Miles' favorite places, Silver Lake.

Our family has always enjoyed going to Silver Lake.

In fact a week and half before Miles' passed we went up there 3 times in less than a week's time.

Our very last family photo was taken there. But that's another post.

We love it there!

Then we ate lunch outside and fed the birds.

After a nice lunch we went to Miles' favorite indoor bounce houses, Kangaroo Zoo.

Oh man did he love this place!

His personality really came out when we would go there.

In fact the month before he passed he incessantly kept asking to go there.

Mark and I really wish we would have taken him!

(I know it's blurry, but you can still see the fear on her face.)

Vivian was frightened by the place at first.

I don't blame her, those blow up things are huge and could be scary with 

all the dragons and such on them.

But after a couple attempts, and dad getting in with her, she was hooked. 

She even went down the huge slides all by herself. She's a brave one.

Just like Miles!

We came home and finished the night off with some popcorn.

Miles' favorite!

I was always amazed at just how much popcorn that kid could eat.

My good friend gave me this sweet bracelet with a picture of me and Miles'.

On the back side it says Miles.

I love it!!!

The amazing thing is, she gave it to me on Sunday, Memorial weekend.

This photo was taken on Saturday of last year's Memorial weekend.

She had no idea, but her timing was perfect.

I made sure to wear it all weekend and in our own way take Miles with us on our adventures.

It felt so good to look down at his smiling face all throughout the day!

Thanks Cindy!

Although we didn't get to go to Miles' grave, the day really was so nice.

We felt it was just what Miles' would have wanted us to do.

We love you Miles! 

You are forever in our minds, thoughts and most of all our hearts.

Till we meet again son.

Zoo Trip

Mark didn't have to work until later in the afternoon.

So we thought we would take advantage of a beautiful morning and take Vivi to one of her favorite places....the zoo.

Have I ever told you how much of an animal lover Vivian is.

She can't get enough of animals.

Any animal.

Nor have we met an animal that she is afraid of.

We have to keep a close eye on this girl around animals.

So Vivian and I grabbed our hats and we headed to Hogle Zoo.

We have found it's best to go in the early morning.

All the animals are up, eating and playful.

Plus it's not too hot yet.

It's perfect. 

One of Vivi's favorites are the sea lions.

She talks about them swimming in the water to everyone we meet. 

The zoo was giving out animal hats to all the children.

Vivi chose the elephant.

It cracks me up. 

You can't go to Hogle Zoo without riding their amazing carousel!

It's always been a family favorite of ours. 

We were lucky to see the first showing of the year of the bird show.

We saw it last year with the kids as well.

Miles loved it.

Vivian was fascinated.

This bird flew right over our heads.

Along with a few others.

If you are ever at the zoo to see the show we recommend it!

What a great morning with the family.

I think we will do this a couple more times before the baby comes.

Look who's Two!

Our little red head is now two years old.

When did she grow up?

Lately I have been noticing that she looks so much bigger.

We celebrated her birthday while at my parent's house in Idaho.

All she wanted for her birthday were pink cupcakes.

So pink cupcakes it was. 

We did our birthday balloon launch with wishes.

Vivian chose a blue balloon with polka dots for Miles. 

I'm sure he loved it.

Vivian loved watching the balloons fly away. 

Her favorite pal, Ralphy even gave Vivi a birthday kiss. 

That's a little Ralphy toy dog in her hands she got for her birthday.

She is in love with it.

But nothing bets the real thing.

Vivian, we love you so much.

You are such a pure joy to have in our family.

You have strengthened us more in the last 7 months than you will ever know.

I'm so sorry you have had to lose your best friend, Miles.

But I know he's always watching over you.

He truly adores you just as we do.

Your strength through this all has been nothing short of amazing.

I know the future holds great things for you.

We love you!

Happy Birthday sweetheart!

farm country

we were lucky to spend an afternoon at the 

Thanksgiving Point Farm Country with some great friends

the kids loved it!

 meet Clancy

Miles loved Clancy

they were pals

 meet a scared Vivi

she didn't even sit on the cute pony long enough to get it's name

 but Vivi sure enjoyed feeding the little goats

and they in returned liked her (or the scraps of grain she found on the ground)

we had a blast and

we will for sure be back!

farmers

 one evening we went out to visit some family and check out the farm

Grandpa took us for a tractor ride in Uncle Dallas' tractor

 Miles loved it, and so did Grandpa

 Miles even wore his tractor hat

 Vivian fell asleep

my dad called the tractor "the big babysitter"

 thank you Uncle Dallas

we enjoyed not only your tractors but also your company

 thank you Tammy (aka, the cat lady) for all the kitty fun

I had no idea that she loved cats so much

she currently has 11 total right now

(it's a good thing you are married Tammy, or people might think things)

 aren't they a cute couple?

this picture cracks me up!

(I hope you don't hate me for posting this.)

while there we enjoyed this handsome man's company

needless to say it was a wonderful evening!
(thanks for the lemon crunch yogurt too, it was delicious!)

it's love

Vivian loves this retro tricycle of my mom's!

It's really cool, so I don't blame her.

I step on the back and scoot her around and around.

She could ride it for hours, seriously!

Miles has also been reunited with his love...his green four wheeler.

Which he is way too big for now.

It now stays in Idaho with Grandpa's big four wheelers, for the time being.

Just a couple more reasons we love going to Idaho.

(Just found these pictures from the last visit...this is how we roll.)

still here

Yes, we are alive. Just very busy. Here is a quick update...

 Vivi does this funny thing with her tongue where she sucks it in and clicks it. 

It's really funny. 

Except for when I'm trying to nurse her.

 Miles still adores Vivi.
 Yes she still has red hair.
See the proof?
I love it!

 Miles is getting so big so fast. 

I keep telling him that I'm going to put a brick on his head to keep him small. 

He thinks that's pretty funny. 

But I just might have to do it.

 I just love this photo of her. 

She is such a happy girl. 

What did we ever do with out her around?

Miles liked Halloween. 

He didn't really care for the candy though. 

After about 4 pieces he told me "Mom, I think I have enough of those already." 

He liked running around with friends more than the candy aspect. 

That's right Miles, remember that one for the future!

Lazy Summer Days

Who doesn't love sleeping in the hammock on a hot summer day?

Or just sleeping in your mother's arms?