September

I'm kind-of liking the all in one random shots throughout the month that I didn't feel like doing individual posts for. I realize it's lazy...but as I am very busy and very important, I'm totally comfortable and accepting of my laziness. Hope you can be too...

Jenna's favorite way to wear her sunglasses is upside down. I think it's because they don't slide down her face but it cracks me.  She's insistent that she wears sunglasses, though more often than not they are upside down and on her forehead, so hysterical. My cousin Ashley came to St. George again and of course we did our traditional trip to TJ Maxx. They had the most fabulous faux fur coats and it was all I could do not to purchase immediately. But I didn't, and my budget is thanking me. My mom came into town as well and it was so incredible to get a little time with her. It feels like quality time with her has been few and far between and we had a lot of fun.

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. 

Weber State, Weber State, Great, Great, Great

We headed up to Ogden this weekend for Weber State's football game. Nothing like a beautiful Ogden afternoon and a little time the Dallimores! Jenna was thoroughly enjoying the nachos and the football. Casey's heart grew three sizes that day watching Jenna yell, "Go Cats" and tell him "Again" every time a play ended. 

Wordless Wednesday

Zion's National Park

My mom, and my Aunt Evelyn and her friend came to town to see The Little Mermaid at Tuacahn and while they are here we did a little excursion to Zion's. I cannot get enough of this place. There really is something about the raw, natural beauty there that I find very grounding and peaceful. We had a great day together and I'm really glad we all got time with my mom and my aunt. 

Because I'm new, (and as I have previously stated; very busy and very important) I totally forgot a diaper. And as Jenna drinks more water than everyone else on the trip combined, she hard the largest, heaviest diaper I have every seen by the time we were done. So because it's just how silly Casey and I are, we stopped at one of the rock and gem shops on the way down so that we could weigh said diaper... 1 pound 1 ounce. Are you kidding me? 

Gymnastics

Jenna and I have started taking a mom and tot gymnastics class. We are only a couple of weeks in, but she's a natural. She's little hesitant on the bars but she loves the obstacle course and most especially the trampoline. So fun watching her get more confident and enjoying the sport. What a lucky mom I am. 

August

Jenna is getting so big. She's started to be interested in trying to potty train. Not really seriously, but it does seem to be a fun new game. I'm really enjoying my book club. I get to socialize with an amazing group of intelligent and kind women and it's so nice to have adult conversation, even if it is only once a month. Kim came to town for like 24 hours and it was fantastic to get some time with her. Portland is so far away...sadness...glad I got a little time with her! Miss you, Kimberly! 

San Diego

 We had a busy and fantastic week in San Diego last week. We started with a birthday luau for our niece, Chloe who turned 3. It was so much fun.

Chris & Sara had the party at Santee Lakes at the splash pad and the kids had a blast...except Jenna. I thought she was getting better about water, but she was not having any of it. She was totally freaked out and would only get close when Casey held her and helped her play a little. She was much more comfortable safely behind the fence. I hope that will get better as she gets older. Growing up with a pool in the back yard, and camping at the beach every year, I have a real love of the water and would be so sad if her discomfort continued.

It was so nice to have all the family together, plus some! I was reminded once again how grateful I am for my family. And I am equally grateful that Sara's in-laws and her friends love her and her children as much as do. As I continue through this life, I realize it really does take a village and Sara and Chris have surrounded themselves with a great village! 

 On Sunday we headed to South Carlsbad State Beach for our annual camping trip with the Loughs/Powells. We didn't have campsites next to each other this year. So it was a bit of a trek to visit each other. Which was kind of a bummer but over all it was a great week full of naps on the beach, the kids driving the car the, not nearly enough pinochle, frolicking in the ocean, watching "There's a Monster at the End of the Book" on the iPad, and family bonding. 

How cute is my mom? 

Chloe had the time of her life on the bogey board. 

So many kids, so few iPads

We also took Malan family pictures. It was a nightmare. I'll be completely honest. Half the family didn't want to be there. The photographer was and hour late so the kids were all hot and over it before we even started. At least some of the pictures turned out okay. Wish I could associate it with better memories.

The whole fam damily

My Dad and Holly

My mom and Bob

For the last part of the week we got to spend some time with Casey's mom and sister. Marnee was in town for a conference and so Lorrie joined her and we had dinner in Old Town and then spent the next day at Balboa Park. It was great to see Marnee and Lorrie again!

We had, as always, a great week in San Diego. I'm so happy that I get home as often as I do. I'm grateful that Jenna gets time with my family and more specifically her cousins. I want to thank (publicly) Chris and Sara for giving us a roof over our heads every time we come to town. We know it's not always convenient or easy, but you never fail to be welcoming and open. We love you and will be eternally grateful for your hospitality.