What you should do in AZ...

My friend's sister had a Glitter Toes party and while the mommas were getting their toes done, the kids were playing on this. Joe loved it! He could have stayed here all day! So fun!

Lynden at 10 months

Lynden (aka Jane) is clapping, waving, and laughing at you when you ask her to not touch something. She waves and then claps for herself since she's doing such a great job. She crawls sooo fast and crawls on her feet so she doesn't mess up her skirt/dress/tutu.

Caught her clapping for herself

Laughing when I ask her not to open Grandma's hutch

Loves doing big kid stuff

Lynden 

*eats great

*still has only bottom 2 teeth

*sleeps ok, naps fabulously

*adores Joe and anything Joe does

*at the very curious stage-opening everything-cupboards, doors, attempting toilets

*gives kisses before nap and bedtime

*is an excellent car rider

*stands by herself

*says mama, dada- mama first

*takes 3 baths a day because she is such a messy eater

We love you sweetie!

I love my kids

I love my boy and my girl so much that there are days more often than not that mom doesn't get a shower until lunch or later. 85% of the time, mom goes without makeup and tries to dab some on right before daddy gets home. I wipe their sweet bums, feed their hungry bellies, and in Lynden's case, give numerous baths a day because of crazy messy eaters. I drive Joe a good 15 minutes each way to and from preschool 4 days a week so he can have friends and fun playing. Daddy and I "patiently" help him eat for at least an hour a night because of his picky habits. We try to teach them to be polite and to remember to say please and thank you. We help them understand why they aren't allowed to play with scissors, only color on paper, and to stay away from the stove and oven when mom is cooking. We love teaching them about Jesus and Heavenly Father and it is so amazing to see it all start to click. Being a parent is hard hard work with not a lot of recognition, but there is nothing else I'd rather be doing than spending my days with these two.

Lynden at about 9 months...smiling for pictures

Giving her "cheer facials"

Still adoring her brother (playing restaurant)

Still going along with whatever Joe wants her to do (place an order)

And is still quite the little daddy's girl

Happy 5 year Anniversary to us!

I can't find the picture we took as a family and think I lost the memory card, but Steve and I celebrated our 5 year! We actually paid for a babysitter and went and saw Salt, since we were too late for Inception and went out for a quick bite to eat. We had a great night walking around together and enjoying each other's company. 5 years brings, 5 moves, 2 sweet kids, graduation from college, career, church callings, lots of trips to see family, and lots of adventures left. We are very lucky! I love Steve and am so grateful for the rock he is in my life. He is very content and easy going which makes him easy to please. He mellows me out and has helped me become more patient. He is the hardest worker and best dad I could ask for. Love him!

We got a Costco membership...

As trivial as this sounds...our little family got a Costco membership. This was a huge step in our marriage as we have mooched off Steve's parents when needed or my sister and Benny boy on a few occasions to score some sweet deals. I even BEGGED Steve to get a membership so I could get a hot dog during my pregnancy with Lynden and was beside myself when he didn't! At the same time, we were hesitant to get one because I don't really buy in bulk having 2 small kids. Here we are getting ready for our first evening trip to Costco! Thanks to Grandma Maralyn for the adorable outfit, shoes and headband!