Dress-up

Nina's at that stage where she could play dress-up all day long. She gets excited about laundry day because she loves unfolding anything she can get her hands on to try it on. It doesn't matter how many things she is already wearing, there is always room for more. Oh, and everything goes on the legs, never over the head. She doesn't stop at just clothes, she loves hats, necklaces, bracelets, and anything else she can attempt to put on. It's really cute and it makes her so happy to pick out something to wear and prove her independence by putting it on.

Shirt on the legs in this pic.

Gotta pull 'em up nice and high.

So happy to wear a hat, at least for a few minutes.

Re-inspired...for now!

It's been a while since my last post and to be quite honest, I have simply had no desire to do it. It may be that my computer and internet are very slow, which frustrates me, or that I have just been overwhelmed by all of the things that have happened that I want to write about. Anyhow, this morning I was reading some entries from my mom's journal (thanks Beth) from when I was a young kid and I just really loved and appreciated everything that she wrote about me and my family and I want my kids to have the same thing for them. So seeing that my mom and stepmom were part of my inspiration and rededication to my blog, I may as well talk a little about mothers in this post. These pictures come from Mother's Day, back in May. It was a great Mother's Day. After church we were able to head down to Castaic to spend the evening with my parents. We had the special treat of having my Grandma Wood there as well. We also got to visit the cemetery where my mom is buried. It was a really special day. I always love a day that focuses on people who mean the most in our lives. There have been so many wonderful women in my life that I am so grateful for. I feel like I was blessed with the best mom growing up and now I have the best stepmom for the next chapter of my life. I am also very grateful to be a mom. I always say that Nina is one of the best blessings in my life and it's true. She has given my life so much meaning and has taught me so much.

Here is Nina sniffing the tulips my parents sent me for Mother's Day. Gorgeous, right?

Here we are at the cemetery. For some reason Nina was just not liking the whole experience.

Nina and Grandma Beth just love each other. Beth spoils Nina rotten and pays so much attention to her. They will sit and play for hours and when we are home Nina asks about Grandma all of the time.

New Sister

A couple of months ago I got a new sister-in-law! Tyson's brother, Brandon, married Lindsey. We are so lucky to have such an all-around great girl join the family. Congratulations Lindsey and Brandon. We had a great time at their wedding. They were married in the LA temple and had a reception at their vacation home in Palm Springs (which was amazing).Nina was loving having Tyson's cousins around. She was elated to have Reagan's attention and we were lucky to have her help!
There was a beautiful pool in the center of the reception. It kept Nina busy for a while.
Here is Tyson's entire family: left to right (Grandma Connie, Grandma Peggy, Nina, Tyson, me, Lindsey, Brandon, LoAnn, Mack, Carolyn and Tyler)
Nina and Reagan found a pole to dance around. I hope there are no future occupations relating to this!

Go Bulldogs!

So we are officially going to have to become bulldog fans. Tyson was accepted to the Nurse Practitioner program that starts this fall. He'll work full time and go to school part-time. I know Nina and I will miss him. I think it may be a long 3 years, but it will be worth it in the end. Congrats Tys!!

First Haircut

Nina needed a haircut for a while, but for some reason I was scared to do it. Maybe I was partly sad to do it (growing up way too fast) and I was afraid I would ruin her hair. Well, since Brandon and Lindsey's wedding was around the corner we decided to finally class her up a bit and get rid of the mullet.

Here she is post-haircut. I accidentally uploaded my photos in the wrong order and don't know an easy way to switch them...oops. It ended up looking pretty cute and I don't think I botched it up too badly.

Here are the curls that left us that night.

Here she is pre-haircut. Her hair is quite curly so it has been easy to camoflauge the mullet, but it was getting pretty long in back and not so long on top. Uncle Kevin would be proud.

Fun in the Sun

Nina and I have been thoroughly enjoying the beautiful spring weather. We try to spend as much time outdoors without getting burnt. (because we know the brutal summer lies just around the corner.) Nina enjoys splashing around in her friend Atley's pool.

These two girls often get mistaken for twins. Hmmm...I wonder why?
We took a trip to the zoo in Bakersfield and Nina LOVED seeing all of the animals.

Angels game, world record, and snuggies!

At the beginning of April (I know I'm a bit behind) we had the opportunity to head down to an Angels' baseball game on opening week with Larry and Beth! The atmosphere and energy made it worth our overpriced tickets. Beth...are you disappointed with the Pepsi or what? That place needs to get some Diet Coke!When we entered the stadium everyone got free Angels' snuggies. My dad was really excited because he has wanted one for quite some time. So the reason they passed them out was to break a World Record for: "Largest Gathering of People Wearing Fleece Blankets". I am so proud to have been a part of a world record!
There is the official document stating we broke a Guinness World Record!
Here is the whole crowd sporting their snuggies. I must admit, it was quite a sight seeing grown, drunk men in their snuggies. Oh, good times, good times!