Saturday Snuggles

I don't know about you, but Saturday mornings are the highlight of my week!  I love that Tyson is home and we aren't in a hurry to get anywhere.  We lay around most of the morning in or pj's, watch cartoons and if the morning allows we make a big breakfast.  I make sure to take the time to snuggle each of my girls one by one.  I enjoy savoring the moment, inhaling their sweet smells and trying to remember each and every crease on their wrists and ankles.  I am reminded all too often that babies don't keep.  

If there is one thing that I hoard in my house it is blankets.  Each of my girls have drawers full of them and I myself have cupboards and closets full.  There is just something about the warmth and comfort that a blanket can offer.  I have one with me at all times.  I have even been known to take them with me to a movie and even restaurants.  A handful of my blankets have been quilted, sewn and crocheted by my mom. These are the most cherished gifts that she has given me.  Almost every birthday or holiday I beg for her to make me another.  I can't seem to ever have enough.

When I saw the Little Unicorn muslin quilt I about fell off my rocker.  My girls both love being wrapped up in muslin swaddles, but a quilt and made out of the same goodness!  It's so soft and the perfect size.  I foresee many many hours spent snuggled in this gorgeous quilt.  Make sure to check out Little Unicorn and show them some love.  I'm pretty sure I want one of everything on their site. 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I can hardly move over here.  I started working out again, and might have pushed it a little too hard.  My muscles have been woken from hibernation and are feeling the repercussions.  Hopefully I can find my way off of the couch.  In the mean time grab your kiddos and make sure to snuggle them a little longer today.

Penelope 2 years and 4 months

The other day I was taking Lucy's six month pictures for her love letter.  I noticed P getting a little concerned that I was not taking the pictures of her.  Like I have said before, she wants to be just like her sissy.  She found her way upstairs and rummaged through all of her drawers to find her onesie that hardly fits, a bow and her bracelet that matches Lucy's.  I was in the middle of editing photos, when I looked behind me and found P sitting proudly in the chair.  She kept saying cheese and wanted so badly for me to take some pictures of her.  My heart melted and I immediately picked up my camera.  With that being said, I have neglected to give an update on P for quite sometime.  I feel like she has grown up so much since her sis came into our family.  So here's a little update on miss P.

Dear Penelope,

You have the spunkiest most fabulous little personality.  The amount of passion and energy inside of you is astounding.  You are constantly yearning to learn and grow.  Watching you develop over these past few months has been nothing short of wonderful.  

Just recently you have started learning new words.  We were starting to get a little concerned because you weren't talking much.  You completely proved us wrong and are on fire.  You have even started to recognize letters and know what they stand for.  The letter P being your favorite.  You know that's what your name starts with.  You point at every P throughout our house and yell "ME."  It's adorable!  

Barney and Daniel Tiger are still your favorite shows to watch.  Every morning you get a cup of "cocoa," chocolate milk and we snuggle up on the couch and watch a show.  It's my favorite part of the day.  I seriously cherish that time with you so much.  

You show so much love and concern towards your sister.  Watching the two of you interact does my heart good.  Your sissy has started reaching for things and you are not a fan of sharing just yet.  But ever so often I will stop what I'm doing and notice you rubbing your sisters hair or kissing her forehead.

Your baby doll and silky go everywhere with you.  We finally had to give your baby a bath because she was covered in chocolate milk.  You definitely have your favorite things.  When you take a bath, you have to have your Daniel Tiger figurines.  You love making sure they get a bath everyday.  You beg mama to shave your legs and arms.  I think you have seen me do it one too many times.  You also beg to put deodorant and mama's lotion on.

You love playing with play dough and cutting out shapes.  Watching you color is so sweet.  The way you hold your crayon is darling.  You try so hard to color perfectly.  Blowing bubbles makes your day as well as coloring with sidewalk chalk.  Your favorite thing is to lay right down on the cement and have me outline you in chalk.  You stand up and smile pointing at your little body.

Over the past few months you have become such a good eater.  Your current favorites are apples, carrots, Lucky Charms, chicken, hummus, popcorn, macaroni and cheese, chocolate milk and mama's diet coke.  You love going out to eat and climbing all over booths.  You always pop up and down at the people sitting behind us.  

Tuesday's are your favorite day because you get to go to dance.  I can't tell you how proud I am of you.  Each lesson you get better and better.  You concentrate so intently and want to do your very best.  You listen so well to your teacher and beg for more every time we have to leave.  You are constantly wearing your leotard, tights and tutu.  I cannot wait to watch you perform on the big stage for the first time in June.  

You love to Facetime with your mimi, aunts and uncles.  Thank goodness for technology you have been able to get to know them better.  You love to show them all of your newest tricks.  

We recently  brought the bouncer and walker out of storage for Lucy.  You think they are for you.  I think you are more entertained with them now, than when you were younger. 

Nursery is another highlight of your week.  You love your teacher's especially Breton.  You have a crush on all the boys in your life.  Your uncle Brandon has your heart.  As soon as we get to church you run right to him.  He makes you smile and laugh constantly.  

On the days you wake up early enough you come with me to the gym.  Your little legs kick with excitement as soon as you can spot the gym.  All of the workers love when you come in.  You go straight for the slide and go up and down the entire time I teach Zumba.  I love picking you up because you scream for me and run as fast as your little legs will take you.  

There are so many fun and exciting things happening with you right now.  You are my little buddy and I love having you near me every day.  I kind of get sad thinking you will be going to preschool in the fall.  I cherish the moments I have with you and adore your strong personality.  I think I need you more in my life than you need me.  Thank you for being my tender girl.  I love you baby girl.

Love, 

Mama and Papa

Spring Fever

The flowers are in full bloom here in California.  I have been in awe lately, while driving around the valley.   The beautiful yellow, orange, pink, white and purple flowers have been absolutely blowing my mind.  This year more than ever, I have made sure to stop and appreciate each season.  They don't last long around here.  Over the weekend Tyson and I decided to load the girls in the car and capture the beauty that is currently surrounding us.  P was loving every second.  She couldn't contain her excitement from squealing out of her, as she collected tiny bouquets of flowers.  She loved them so much she tried eating them.  I couldn't get her to take the stems out of her mouth.  As we drove past the orchards she sang "popcorn popping on the apricot tree."  This spring weather has me all sorts of giddy inside.

^^^ Ty took this picture, I think it's my favorite one to date. ^^^

 We let Lucy sleep in the car while P went exploring with her daddy for a bit.  These two together get me every time.

 We decided to wake the little miss up to capture some pics with her big sis.  Penelope has this thing about matching me and her sister.  It's rather adorable.  If I am wearing something or baby is wearing something in particular, she wants to be just like us.  My friend and shop owner of June + Penny sent us the most darling matching bracelets.  I am literally obsessed with every creation of hers.  I couldn't get P's on quick enough.  She hasn't taken it off since.  I'm pretty sure I know what's going in my girls Easter baskets!

^^^ These baby's rolls have me totally smitten. ^^^ 

I'm so happy Ty captured this picture of me and my girls.  I love and cherish them more than I could ever describe.  Being their mama is so difficult at times, but honestly the most rewarding thing I have ever done.  The inspire me to work hard and love me unconditionally, even with all of my flaws.  Each day they let me start fresh and help inspire me to better myself for them every day.  I couldn't imagine my life any other way.

My sweet friend LynDee is offering all of my readers a 15% off discount code, to be used in her shop.  Enter: "notes15" at check out.   

Reservation Roadtrip

Tyson and I had been talking about going down to see my grandma Brown for quite sometime.  We weren't sure when we were going to be able to make it to the reservation, but knew we needed to make it happen.  My cousin let us know that my grandma was not doing very well and said it would be best to come as soon as possible.  We switched a few things around and were able to pull off a quick trip before heading out to Vegas and New Orleans.  I packed up the girls as quick as I could and we hit the road.  

It took us about 15 hours to get there.  You can only imagine the car ride.  Between the two girls it was very interesting.  We were able to have my sister and BIL come along for the fun.  If they were unsure of having kiddos before this trip, I think this one sealed the deal.  We survived on candy, stickers, chocolate, soda and of course cinnamon rolls.

Once we pulled into town, we knew the trip was completely worth it.  It had been too long since I had seen my Brown side of the family.  We woke up early Saturday morning and were excited to introduce my BIL Jordan to the flea market.  This would be his first time to the reservation.  We wanted to make sure he had the full experience.  

I loved being able to see my uncles and aunts.  It's always so good to be in their presence.  They are the warmest, kindest, loving people I know.  I always feel a little closer to my dad each time I go down to the reservation.  All of my uncles and aunts share his twinkling eyes and biggest hugs. 

^^^ P couldn't get enough of this rocking horse.  If we had room in our car, we might have thought to bring it home. ^^^

^^^ I was so excited to get my fixings of fry bread.  We also got the girls matching turquoise bracelets and Tyson found me the prettiest ring.  We also found some beautiful blankets to take home. ^^^

After the flea market, it was time to celebrate my grandma's 93rd birthday.  Kiersten and I went to my uncle Ken's house to decorate some cakes for the celebration.  Who knew decorating a cake could be so much fun.

When we first went into my grandmas bedroom to say hello, she wasn't very responsive.  I knew she knew we were there and that's all that mattered. 

Penelope enjoyed being surrounded by all of her cousins.  

^^^ I can't get over how much her and Bear look alike. ^^^

We perfecting our fry bread making skills and enjoyed the always so yummy Navajo taco's.  We laughed and cried and just enjoyed being surrounded by all of my family.

We sang happy birthday to my grandma and blew out her candles. 

I am so happy that both of my girls got to be there for this visit.  At the end of the night my grandma was so aware.  She told us she loved us and thanked us for coming.  It meant everything.  I am not sure if I will see her again in this life.  It was really hard saying good bye.  I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude that I got to be there, I tried not to think too much about that.  I have so many fun memories of my grandma.  Even Tyson has a few from his past visits with me.  It was wonderful being able to celebrate her life.
The timing of the trip couldn't have been more perfect.  My uncle told us he had been married and baptized into the church and that Sunday he was going to be ordained a priest.  He asked if Tyson would be able to ordain him.  We got everything approved and were able to be there for my uncles ordination.  It was such a neat experience.  Seeing the joy that my uncle and his wife have found in the gospel was amazing.  My uncle Ken's entire countenance has changed.  It was inspiring.  I look forward to their sealing in a couple of months.  I hope we can make it to witness that as well.
Everything about the trip couldn't have been better.  I know the Lords hand made it all possible.  I love my family so much and am so grateful for the knowledge we have that we can all be together forever. 

Vegas Baby

Over the past few months Tyson has been extremely swamped with work and I was feeling a bit overwhelmed myself.  He decided we need to go on a little getaway, to give get us feeling back up to speed and rejuvenated.  We knew it had to be somewhere quick, but that offered some fun.  Ty found some super cheap flights to Vegas and that's when it all happened.

I luckily had a couple of months to prep.  I started pumping immediately.  I was so worried I wasn't going to have enough milk to leave for Lucy.  Lucky for Lucy, I happen to be somewhat of a milk maid.  It was such a relief to have enough milk to leave for my baby.  

Tyson's parents are always so helpful.  They offered to not only watch our girls, but my two nieces and of course Gigi.  I didn't have too much of a hard time leaving the girls, only because I knew they would be in such good hands.  Penelope didn't even blink an eye, when she realized she was going to be able to have sleepovers with her cousins every night.  I also made sure Lucy was sleeping through the night.  I couldn't imagine his parents watching all four girls and getting no sleep.  It all worked out perfectly.  Once we got everything figured out we were off to enjoy some R&R.

We stayed right off of the strip.  I loved our hotel.  You can't really tell from this picture, but our view was amazing, especially at night.

The first thing on our to-do list was to go see a cirque show.  I have wanted to see one for years.  I had heard so many rave reviews and wanted to get my own taste.  We ended up choosing to see the Beatles LOVE show.  It was beyond words.  The performers were amazing.  The music was of course outstanding.  I didn't want the show to end, it definitely left me wanting more.  If we had the time, I would have liked to see every show in Vegas.

My friend Maggie gave us some great restaurants to check out.  I was excited to go out to breakfast each morning.  Tyson and I never go to breakfast back home.  It's one of my favorite things to do, so on vacations I take full advantage.  My favorite meal was located in the Paris hotel.  We sat outside and enjoyed the most delicious ham and cheese crepe and lemon pancakes.  My mouth is watering, just thinking about that meal.  The view was awesome.  We were able to sit right on the strip and people gaze, all while watching the water show at the Bellagio. 

The trip primarily consisted of shopping and eating.  That's all we honestly did for three days straight.  It was so much fun!  Tyson had put some money aside for me to go on a shopping spree.  I loved picking out some new clothes.  It has been far too long since, I had gotten some clothes.  Tyson is honestly the funnest person to shop with.  I'd prefer he just go shopping for me.  He has great taste. 

^^^ We were so thrilled to find out that Vegas had a Shake Shack.  It was just as good as I had remembered it being in New York.  It was a fun flash back to our last trip together. ^^^

^^^ I was so excited to finally get the purse, I had been eyeing for quite sometime.^^^

^^^ I became a little obsessed with acai bowls on this trip. ^^^

It was so nice being able to sleep in every day and enjoy so much needed quality time with my hubby.  I am so grateful for Tyson and all he does for me.  He truly treats me like a queen and knows what I need.  We had a blast and are already looking forward to our next getaway.