Birthday Weekend

This was a very eventful (and chaotic) weekend.  I attempted to pull off a surprise birthday dinner since Michael turned the big 40 and also hosted Madison's birthday party packed with a  dozen beautiful male magnets.

calm before the stormS

Let me just say Mike's party was the most stressful.  I was expecting over 20 close friends and spouses (several from out of state), but as luck would have it one by one I was getting cancellation calls within 24 hours of the big event.  I had a total of 12 people not show up for various good and not so good reasons...not good when you are baking and setting places for each person.  On top of it, my caterer (taco stand guy) never showed, called or picked up his phone.  Thank goodness for our new friends and neighbors who rescued me by recommending and picking up some great take out for everyone.  I can safely say I will never throw a surprise party again.

Pre party fun throwing my son (ahhh)

Saviors of the party!

not my night on many levels...horrible photos

Madison's party was more damage control than anything.  Trying to keep the boys out of our gate was no small feat.  These girls are just too cute.

Cy enjoying a ride with the ladies...if only he could be this lucky when he's older

I'm assuming this was the work of adoring boys

Esti at 5 months

If you go to the very first post on my blog you will see a very similar video of Cy at exactly the same age Esti is here.  So sad how fast time flies....I love my babies.

Best Friends

Cy's old friend Cal who was like a brother to Cy when we lived in New York recently came to Utah.  I thought Cy would certainly forget about how much he loved little Cal and the connection they had after being apart for over 9 months.  Not so, these little trouble makers got along so well playing outside in the creek and just being naughty (and adorable) little boys.  It was a good thing too, because Jenn (Cal's mom) and I ended up talking non-stop for 7 hours!  I miss our little Cal and my friend Jenn.  We may have to take another visit out there this Fall to get our friend fix!

I love these boys

Trek Trooper

  Madison recently took part in a 3 night 28 mile Pioneer Trek adventure in the wilderness with no tent, minimal food, and some old school wagons that she had to pull.  After her experience which included a horrible wind storm,some heavy rains, and a lot of bugs, I have a newly found appreciation for the struggle it must have been for the Pioneers (and dear Mads).

Summer Fun

We've been enjoying being closer to family this summer and have had several BBQ's, guests, parties, and play dates.  It's been wonderful to have all of these activities and people so close.  We love and miss New York and our amazing friends and schools back East, but life certainly is a bit more comfortable right now.

Uncle Christopher

Family gatherings

Cy and cousin Sam

My perfect

Little cousin Olive

My baby girl

My big girl

Cousins

Cy had such a great time with his cousin Miles this summer before he headed out to North Carolina.

water balloon standoff

Hillbilly waterpark

We've been enjoying a homemade water slide built by my brother in law's brother in law (you follow?)

Cy and Miles