Ode to Angie; And We Have A Major Victory

Angie, aka Etch, is my very bestest friend. We met in 1999 when we were both working on the ticket counter for Delta Airlines, and have been friends every since.  She is such a calming force in my world.  And I am grateful for every second I get with her, which aren't very many. She lives in Northern Utah while I flit all over the country. She and her friend, Jennie, came down this weekend for a little fun in the sun. It was a great time. We did a little time at Snow Canyon Park, a little time at the pool, and some shopping. {BTW, Jennie is fabulous and it was so fun to get to know her}

As a side by, we have been working with Jenna for a while on going poo, poo in the potty. It's a big problem. She's been pee trained for a while, but she has this total mental block when it comes to number two. She asks for a diaper and freaks out if we don't get one on her fast enough. Well, while we were at the pool I forgot to bring a diaper with me and so she was stuck. It was kind of sad to watch her pace and cry and be at a total loss as to what to do without one. But in the end, we were victorious, and we had our very first "poo poo on the potty!"  {sung in our poo poo tune} She was so excited and I hope this means we can turn that corner. I'm kind of over the diapers. Way to go, Jenna! 

Breaking Dawn: Part One

 Angie, Michelle, and I went to the premier of Breaking Dawn: Part 1...the tradition continues. This year we were joined by Angie's friend, (and my new best friend) Jennie Christensen who was feeling a little left out because she didn't have a ridiculously cool I <3 Vampires shirt. And who wouldn't?! They're fantastic. (Thanks for picking them up Ang) I'm so glad we have continued this, even though the movies are silly, it's just so fun. 

October

October was another big month for us. A trip to Ogden/Draper, Big Bear, and San Diego. The Goves came to visit us in St. George and we did a little photo shoot with their girls which Jenna had to get involved in. she's so funny. We go on walks through the neighborhood almost every day and we tend to get caught at one specific doorway because she likes to climb the stairs and run down the hill. It usually delays us 10 minutes from getting on with the walk. She has started reading to herself not that you can understand anything she is saying but it doesn't seem to stop the jabbering. She's also starting to help out around the house a little. More because she likes to mimic everything I'm doing, not because she is that helpful. But I'll take what I can get. Jenna's personality is blossoming and God help us all she's just like me only a little more cautious. 

Swiss Days & Park City

Casey, Jenna, and I did our first 5k together. Actually it was mine and Jenna's first 5k ever! It was the Santa Clara Swiss Days. It was a rough go there for a bit. Jenna wanted to push the stroller which slowed us down to the point of getting so far behind that the runners made their loop and and were running back before we made it half way. She eventually ended up and the stroller and we turned around. I would say we ended walking about half the course. Though it didn't go quite as planned, we still had a good time and I totally want to do it again. Plus as a little bonus, Casey bought her a new toy at the booths after the 5k while I was on my way north. She so has him wrapped around his little finger.

After the 5k, Casey took over watching Jenna while I went to Park City with my girls, Liisa Frei, Lisa Mitchell, Kay Berry, and Sheryl Kitchen. We drove up and I dropped them all off at the LDS Conference Center for the Women's Conference and I went and met up with Angie Gove, Michelle Taylor & Lisa Echols for dinner. It was a win-win situation; not only did I not have to go to Women's Conference, but I got to have dinner with my best friend and her sisters to boot.

Then I went and picked the girls back up and we headed to Park City. It was such a good time and the perfect little get away. I had to fly home Sunday night so I could get home for Monday. But even just 24 hours away was so rejuvenating. 

We happened upon a street fair and parade in Park City. It was full of silliness and fun! 

Love these women! 

The leaves were just starting to turn and it was absolutely stunning. 

Bear Lake

My best friend Angie invited Jenna and I to join her and her family at their cabin in Bear Lake this week. We had such a good time! It was so nice to get some time with Angie, it never seems like I get enough of that. So hard when we don't live in the same city.

We played board games, hung on the beach, rode in the boat and on the jet skis (well, Jenna did join me for that part). I adore Angie's family. They are such kind, loving people. I'm so glad, as I always am, that we made the effort to get there.

My mom was driving through Bear Lake on the same day that we arrived. It just happened to be her birthday, so Jenna and I took her and Bob out to lunch. Best jumbleberry shake!

Ethan is so cute. Such a little mini-me of Sean. They were connected at the hip.

And Madi was the perfect little second mother to Jenna while I was there. She changed her diaper and got her dressed. She fed her and read her books and carried her up and down to the beach. It was so darling.

Bath time 2

Thank goodness for Angie. Jenna was due for a little bath but I was very overwhelmed at the prospect of doing that by myself. So Jenna and I headed to the Gove's house so Angie could help me out. Plus, Maddi and Ethan got a little time with her. They were soooo cute!

New Moon

I took a tiny little break from parenthood and went to the midnight premier of New Moon (go Team Edward) with Angie Gove and her family. Tradition is tradition, right? It was a great time but I was so excited to get back to Jenna.

My Twilight Weekend

For those that don't know...I am a HUGE fan of the Twilight book series. (And unless you live under a rock, you are probably aware the movie came out this weekend.) I was lucky enough to get to go twice. My best friend, Angie, God bless her, scored me a ticket to the midnight show on Thursday night with her family. It was an experience to say the least. 30 year old women reverted to 12 year olds, squealing through out the entire movie; giggling, screaming "I love you, Jacob" at the movie screen, just plain silliness. At least it was memorable. Then on Saturday night I got to go to the movie again with my niece Maile, Wendy, and Wendy's family. It felt like a completely different movie the second time around. It wasn't quite a cheesy. I don't know if it was because I knew what to expect or if it was the lack of squealing thirty somethings that did it. But it grew on me the second time around. (Did everyone else catch the Hitchcock-esk cameo by Stephenie Meyer?) I had a great time enjoying the movie with my dear friends. What a great weekend!
Angie, me, Michelle, & Marsha

Angie's sis in law, Lisa (L) and her friend Holly

My darling niece, Maile and me (She's so cute)
My vampire friend, Wendy sucking my blood
Did you notice my Team Edward shirt?