The Griffin Family

Eggs in a nest under a jelly moon

2012-01-22T15:55:00.001-08:00

Not feeling waffles lately....
So daddy resorts to an old childhood favorite and we added the jelly moon.

sledding...skiing and vistors

2012-01-15T18:23:00.001-08:00

Moose creek hike with a little hill sledding...I have to say that I had a ride of my life down the little side hills...yikes!And so did Ruezy!
Look at Mr. Handsome...he is full of spit and vinegar lately...but I secretly love it. He still loves his snuggles, kisses...hugs...and to be held...thank goodness!
The Schells arrived Friday night...I am always excited to see Rene and her beautiful little children...her hubs is cool too!
Night 1 = a candle lit dinner at the BIG table! Jordy made us Shepherd's pie...yum!

Day 2 = Skiing at Targhee
We make everyone carry their own skis.
Instead of renting alpine gear again for Whit...we decided to just use the KABOOM's because they are light and we just want him to have fun and be happy in the snow...

Daddy is a GREAT ski teacher....but we already knew that!

Little Charlotte learned to ski in about 1.5 hours...it was amazing to watch!
Whit's highlights included hiking with skis on...eating snow lollipops...and snow chews!
Ski baby!

Winter wonderings...

2012-01-15T18:21:00.001-08:00

This week I trimmed whit's hair...when it dried... It looked so bad... Then Thursday I had a doctors appointment and I came home to a big boy haircut.

An eve eve party

2011-12-31T19:30:00.001-08:00

Last night we went to a friend's 40th....and it was a 71 ski chalet theme...we had fun with that...I love hanging with Anne...she pretty much rocks.

Guess who is potty training?

2011-12-28T19:16:00.001-08:00

Whityn McKay Griffin
2 years.... 4 months...

The Peckhams came to Idaho: Part 1

2011-12-28T16:43:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how excited I was that my family was coming to visit...the only bummer was missing out on seeing the rest of the fam like Kane, Tina, Nannie, Aunt Eva, Uncle Greg and Joshua....but there is always next year right?

Anyhow Mom and Dad flew in without a hitch on Tuesday night and drove our truck over the pass...it was clear and dry so that was good! Jordy, myself and Whityn were at the Alta school watching the Christmas performance so we couldn't go and pick them up...it worked out though.

We stayed up when they got there and munched on sandwiches...caught up and let Whit get used to having Nonna and Poppa around again...he was so EXCITED!!!!

Wednesday Nonna and Poppa stayed at home with Whityn. It was freezing out...so they only did a tiny walk to the stop sign and back...but they got some playing...napping and snacking in!
Thursday night we had a WINTER solstice cocktail party at our house...and almost everyone that was invited bailed except for a few die-hards! We had a blast eating apps and sipping on warm spiced wine, sangria and white wines....oh so good. We even let the kiddos stay up in the TV room and watch Polar express...(which was Jensey and Whit) they were laying side by side with blankies and pjs...too cute!

Friday we went to Linn Ranch with just Nonna and Poppa...we let Whit party with the Stitts! WE had the most delicious meal and had fun talking and sipping cocktails together...

Saturday was Christmas eve...
Whit opened his first present which was a CARS coloring book with stickers...he thought he was in heaven. I thought it was precious to watch how excited he got to open one present...and how careful he was with the CARS paper...too funny.
Everyone opened a present on Christmas eve...Mom got a gLocket from the Griffins. My friend Afton Carson designed these and sells them now.
Dad got a pair of leather mitts with the JH cowboy on them!
Whit loved handing out the pressies to everyone! He just thought the whole thing was awesome!

Check out my new pjs mommy! We bought these in Chico! I loved them! Whit does too!

We cooked up a roast for Christmas eve dinner...my hubs did the carving!

ANd you know who ate so much that he was rewarded by getting to eat his GINGERbread house from Cha-Cha....boy did he love that!
And while everyone went to bed...mommy and Poppa were busy at work assembling Whit's Rail and Rock quarry set from Cha-Cha! Brought back memories I am sure for my own dad. I had fun trying to put it together, but quickly needed my dad's assistance....hmpf! And the funny part is...it wasn't even that hard.

Twig helped...he sat there!

ANd one good look at the tree on Christmas eve before going night night!!!

On Christmas day...we woke a little before 8 and headed downstairs but made sure to call the parents before going down so they could see his face....he was so excited to find his Rock quarry set.

And then his guitar....
And to begin opening...in the Griffin house..we take turns...so everyone gets a turn to open while others watch...then we show it off...and pass it around...etc. Sometimes we take food breaks...coffee breaks and bathroom breaks...we try to take our time and make it last. This year we were opening presents until the 26th!

Relaxing and enjoying eachother on Christmas morning!

For me...for me!

What is it? It's a shaving set for me so that I can shave while daddy shaves!

What's in there daddy?

Holy boxes!!!!

And now for a break...check out my new coat from Aunt Ramey and Uncle Max!!! I love it!

And my new puffer pants! Aren't they cool...I am so warm!

A cookie snack on the front porch....sunny and snowy....perfect!

And all that while the TURKEY was a' cookin....in the oven....a 20 pound bird mind you that was going to feed us, the Peckhams and the Stitts....Wahoo!

Dad visits the kitchen to heat up some spinach...

Over the next few days...we hunkered down due to cold weather...and then their was a BIG WARM front...so we went outside to play.

We had so much fun with my parents. We can't wait to see them again soon. More pictures to come, but for now HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Testing

2011-12-27T11:03:00.001-08:00

I love not working

the late-lies....

2011-12-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

So...a few weeks ago we hit up the knotty pine for a Friday night dinner...and were joined by friends...it was Whityn's first time...really exploring a restaurant....HENCE: RUNNING around like CRAZY with 3 other small children...good times!

oh...and Twig showed up after Thanksgiving...he's our elf! He's never...MIND YOU...on a shelf. I wish he would sit still, but he's busy doing things....LIKE....leaving a plate of snow donuts for my toddler....ahhhh...that little elf...
WHityn thought he was big time eating a plate of donuts...until we took them away...

This past weekend we took a personal day on Friday and took off to Lander, Wyoming. Our friends the SCHELLS live there and love to go and see the Schells. Whityn loved his time with Timmy and Charlotte. He got to sit at the kid table 2 days in a row...and I think he fell in love with Charlotte.

Blurry, but cute.

Friday night after dinner we did a FULL moon lantern walk at 0 degrees! The kids loved it. It invigorated me and excited me for the WINTER season.

Fast under the full moon.

Saturday Rene, the kids and I went to Riverton, Wyoming to hit up the WAL-mart...I had some secret Santa items to buy and some SUBS for santa items to buy....have you heard of SUBS before? It's in our town. Is it in yours?
After Wal-mart...we all tried for a nap....no luck! I managed to do 4 manicures and pedis...all kids under 4 including myself....we are truly ready for the holidays...especially Whit with his red toenails.

Then it was bath time!

And pjs...

WHityn McKay went to bed at a little after 6pm Saturday night! Miracle?!
Whit's crazy hair!

REne just started bountiful baskets! Do you have it in your town? SHe paid 25 dollars for her organic basket Saturday morning! I want to do it too....just haven't managed to sign up yet.

Charlotte hosted an ART class that involved drawing a book!

I hosted an ART class too...it involved making reindeer puppets...it was a hit too. WE were supposed to eat reindeer cookies too...but since no naps were taken...no cookies got eaten...BUMMER!

Turkey and stuff.....ING!

2011-11-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

This year the Griffins took their Turkey vacay to Montana. We have an annual visit to Chico Hot Springs every November, but last year booked it for Thanksgiving...which apparently is very hard to do. It books up fast. They have the best food. Check it out here! It was our first time in the lower lodge tho and we do have to say that we like the main lodge better. Oh well, there is always next time.

Our trip began on Wednesday. We drove through West Yellowstone...we stopped for a subway and guess who got their own sammie and drink....yep! You guessed it.

Then we arrived. It was time for running...playing and swimming. Whityn had a good time exploring the grounds.
The lower lodge is right across from the horses so that was fun to see every morning. Whityn enjoyed it too. He wasn't too sure about petting them, liked to check in with them to see what they were doing every day.
We made sure to hit the pool a few times every day. Whityn loved it. It was his first time wearing swimmies even tho I didn't get a picture of it. He also loved the shallow end where he could run and play in the water. Like his momma this kid loves hot water!
Daddy and Whitty swimming around.
Blowing bubbles and ear dips. We did some practicing from this past summer!
He was a happy boy. I wish we could swim all winter. He's a fish!
But when things didn't go his way...this was his time out spot!

KIDDING! Rupert went with us to Chico and you are required to have a kennel in your room. Isn't it cool that dogs can come? I love that is is dog and kid friendly!
On Thanksgiving: I booked our reservation for 12:30. We went as a family of 3 and all left with food babies! We all ate way too much. I was miserable until 8pm and Whitty never napped. It was an insane afternoon!
I even got my child a plate of desserts to sample. Boy did he love that? He ate the cream out of everything!
And he even picked up the check! Thanks Whit!
Then we RAN off lunch!
And went for a hike in the mountains. We only saw deer.

And snow!
Stopped at our cabin from years past...oh...and where Whityn was conceived! :) hehehe!
Hiked up some more. And then I think there was a major meltdown...so we went for a drive...to Livingston! We got a red box that we didn't watch...we all fell asleep at 8:30 and woke up hungry! How does that happen?
Friday morning we arrived in Bozeman at Uncle Scotty's house...we put on his hat and gloves! Cha-Cha, Kate and Scott were doing Turkey day in Bozeman so it worked out for us to all get together and eat!
Before dinner we went to Scott's shop! It's called DARK HORSE CUSTOMS! Check them out on facebook. Scott is just like my uncle Tim and can pretty much do anything to a car or motorcycle or with metal...it's pretty amazing and cool! Whityn loved every second of the shop!
Kate, Whit and Jordy checking out Cha-Cha's new car in the making!
Cha-Cha and Whit explore METAL!
Metal cutting machines and more...oh my! Then we left and went to Manhattan, Montana! WHERE? We ate at Sir Scott's Oasis...a little steakhouse hole in the wall...very very yummy! And might I say that my child did so well at dinner...that we even rewarded him with Ice cream! If you are ever in Montana...check it out!

We arrived home on Saturday...we hit the grocery store for some MUST - HAVES!

And the most important part of our trip....THE TREE! We don't go to the forest...we buy one that's already been cut down!

WE loaded it up! By we...I mean Jordy!

And let the decorating begin!

Whityn found all his santa books...he was so excited. WE have been reading them every night.

Oh...and guess who flew in! TWIG: our elf. He made an appearance with a '63 red studebaker truck. Boy was Whitty happy to see him!

REmember these...I started them last year...sorta like an advent calendar...but for the more spiritual...less religious types! Inside our 25 bags are things to do as a family....so far we have opened bags 1-5

1. Kiss and compliment

2. Sign up for subs for santa

3. Hot cocoa with marshies

4. Snuggle and movie with family

5. FAmily picnic inside

Whitty was so excited to decorate the tree. I was surprised by his enthusiasm. He did well hanging ornaments.

However he sometimes would get carried away...so he would get escorted out!

But he mostly did great. I had a blast breaking out the Christmas boxes with him. Last year I had purposely put back a bag of soft ornaments that were mine to hang as a child...so that he could hang them this year and he loved that...but he was so good we even let him hang some balls and breakables! Why not right?
Ta-DA!!!!! The picture doesn't do it justice!

Dear Nonna and Poppa...

2011-11-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Dearest Nonna and Poppa....

Just a little note to let you know how excited we are that you are coming for CHRISTMAS break...we worked hard to decorate...clean...fix and fancy up the guest apartment where you are going to be staying...the pictures don't show all the surprises..but at least you can start getting excited!

Fire is going...bed is made...DVD player is working!

Curtains are hung on both sides...fridge is considering be full...couch is fluffed...

dresser is empty ready to be stuffed full of clothing...

Table is set...ready to sit and sip coffee!

oh...snow is falling! Now hurry up...we want to see you!!!!

the latest and greatest.

2011-11-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

someone in our house started piano lessons and it's not me....

and someone else is obsessed with drawing airplanes and other moving things...and it's not me!

Jordy froze the turkey bones...meat...and other fixings that we had a few weeks ago and made turkey soup with wild-rice...what a nice Sunday treat! yummy.

Whitty...27 months now enjoys his bath time...doesn't love to wash his fro...but will do it for mommy...

It dumped Friday and Saturday...so we got to enjoy snow and sunshine...some of our favorites.

Whitties and mommy took a hike (as Whitty would say) down the road with the dogs...he thought he was big time. We got to see Maggie and Pipin too (the doggies next door)...and the SUN even came out!

Jordy did lots of clean up: got all the SUMMER furniture put away...and other "GETTING ready for winter jobs"

meanwhile yours truly and I played in the snow...

oh...then we went up to the guest apartment to do some work (next post)...and pack up some boxes for 4 soldiers in Afghanistan. My bestie Raven...her husband Jad is over there and my school did a drive to fill up 4 boxes for he and his friends...we got so much stuff...that I can do 8 boxes...very exciting and very fun to pack up...Whitty kept asking what he could have...and I had to keep repeating that is was for the soldiers...

now he goes around saying "it's for the soldiers mommy"
oh yeah...the potty fairy sent us a "mcqueen potty chair" and someone has been very interested in checking it out...

Experimenting with movie making! Last V-day!

2011-11-15T14:31:00.000-08:00

Don't make plans...or you will probably get sick! Just sayin'

2011-11-14T22:16:00.000-08:00

So...Whitties and I had big plans of going to Utah this weekend to visit my pal Afton and her brood...but instead...we got fungis...tummy trubs and head colds with nasty coughs...yuck and I am still sick..haven't been to work in 2 days! Eeeesh! Instead of heading to sunny Utah...we headed to pick up antibiotics...and back home...Whityn wanted to play outside....so we did get some fresh air...but the wind was whipping and boy was it snowing!

So we did lots of this instead.

Meanwhile this project awaited Jordy and Bruce...this is my laundry room...yuck right. No wonder Laundry is such a hassle. Anyhow the plan was for me to leave to Utah and the boys remodel the Laundry room...well instead I was here.

And we: meaning me, Whityn and Bruce's little man Brayden were all in the house cooped up together....ugh. It was a little frustrating to be sick and have people in the house..but what do you do? And knowing that I was going to have a FINISHED laundry room was worth it!

Bruce left Friday afternoon...and Jordy kept going...painting the floor..chinking the logs...etc. That man is a workhorse.

ANd I finally gave in...if I couldn't leave..and I felt lousy...might as well make myself useful right? So, I put Whitty to work and MOD-podged everything around us....like the dog bowl.

And then we began priming and painting this little bench that was given to us...I wanted to rid it of it's baby-ness and give it a BIG boy look for Whit's cars...

Whitty helped to prime too. He is such a little helper. He loves projects..he kept asking me, "mommy, wet's do anoder pwoject..."

Wah-la!!!! Take a look...what do you think? Sorry for the blurry Whit...but I am using my phone these days...as I lost my camera ages ago (SUMMER FRANTI concert)...:(

all this is happening while Mr. Griffin is hard at work...drywall up...mudding up...chinked...floor painted...and now walls being painted....BUTTE rock...but Jordy and I like to call it BUTT-rock!!

Oops..forgot to mention that JOrdy hired out for someone to move the hot-water heater out of the laundry and into it's own little closet...this little closet is by my bathroom..and we don't really use it...so now it's HOME to the hot-water heater...I think it's happy there! It will be happier when it has a door...but until then...I am happy it's out of my way!

And this used to be the pantry...but we ripped out the little cheesy shelves...mudded the walls...and Jordy painted it BUTT-rock too! Why not right? He is also going to paint the floor red...but in time my friends..in time. I am busy picking out my organizing system from IKEA for this pantry...right now my pantry is pictured below...you will have to hold on. NOTE: Do you see the Allison and wonderland door back there? I just know Whitty will love to hide in there one day..but for now it houses things like batteries and water in case all HELL breaks loose. :)
Look...it's Jordy...and he is still working! Oh and that beautiful white thing is my new pantry...got it from Downeast...it's from Pottery barn tho...but Down east is discounted things from pottery barn cause they have a small defect...I still haven't found the defect. And I love it....especially when it's full of food!
Back to the boys...Here is Whitty and Brayden enjoying snacks together at Whit's table...What a goofball Whitty is...when he says cheese...why do kids go through the funny "cheese" face?

And when indoors...you have to be creative...so he crawled inside the washer...

And sat up on them too!

almost done. sorry for the blur!

Project Laundry room: completed. Machines are in...working...walls and floor done...now just for some IKEA organizers...and trim...then it will be probably the 2nd nicest room in the house.

Skue me...it's Halloween!

2011-11-02T21:35:00.001-07:00

You might catch Whityn saying, "Skue me"...like if he bumps into you..or if he needs to get by...or if he toots...it's pretty funny. I am impressed by my kid's good manners. I do have to say that we got that right! So Monday was Halloween...right?...I hate Halloween on a Monday...not as a mom...but as a teacher...it's like a BAD TEACHER JOKE! It's brutal! It's awful...I will stop there...you get how I feel.

Despite how my day went on TUesday...Monday was fun!

Jordy got to escape school (because his kids had specials) and he got to meet up with Whit's daycare as they walked through town trick or treating...so he snapped a few pictures. The one below is Whityn and Emily (the preschool teacher)...I am not sure of the little angel...don't know her name...but she's cute. The Griffin's love Miss Emily...she baby-sits for us often!

What do you think of Whit's best "CHEESE"?

This is Whitty (the McQueen) pit crew guy at the hospital getting some "pwecial tweets"...Jordy said he was so cute...saying "twick or tweet" and please and tank you to all the candy holders! That warms my heart.

After school..JOrdy and I picked up Whit and headed into Driggs...where the little town does trick or treat on main street...so we made 4 or 5 stops and called it good...the first one was the bookstore...and whit wanted the painted rocks...not the treats.

Then down the street we went to a few other stores...too cute. He wasn't quite sure what to think..but once we got into the car...he did say, "mom, i like candy"....hehehehee! Me too Whit! Me too!
We made a quick stop by our house...warmed up some sausage...grabbed my home-made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies...and off we went to Kate's house for her annual trick or treat party...her front porch looks awesome huh? We got in there...and Whit tried to empty her candy bowl into this pumpkin bag...and kept chanting "I go twick tweeting"...so we were forced to take him again!

The houses go all out in Brookside and Willowcreek! I love it!

Then I had to get my pit crew guy home and give him a bubble bath...man, he's handsome!

This one was tonight...November 2nd...Whit is gearing up for the BIG GAME on Saturday! If Uncle Kane could see him now? He grabbed my pom pom and wouldn't stop!

Out of the mouth of Whitty

This past week...Whitty woke up and we asked him what he dreamed about...he said..."I dweemed of Mator, McQueen and Poppa!" Too cute!

About 2 weeks ago...Whit and I were driving along...and he said, "I go to Uncle Kane's house..." and I said no, he lives in Alabama! Whit said, "I go to Alabama then"!

LOVE HIM!

Whole brain teaching conference and us trying!

2011-10-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Whityn McKay

2011-10-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

My little 2 year old doesn't always seem so little. A week or so ago...we started a "I MADE a GOOD CHOICE" sticker chart...it's really not that cute...it's a piece of recycled paper hanging on his chalkboard...but he thinks it's cool...and when he does something like:

pick up trash and throw it away OR cleans up without being asked OR puts his clothes in the hamper OR clears his plates into the sink...you get the point...well, then he earns himself a sticker for his chart...and once he gets five stickers...he gets a little "matchbox car"...which are his favorite! You will rarely find him without holding onto a car in each hand...so I'd say it's worth it...and it's fun and it's promoting positive behavior!

Saturday we headed over to Jackson...will tell you more about why in a minute...but while we were over there we saw that the annual pumpkin sale was happening on the town square...we of course were too late to buy any which was fine...cause we have 4 of our own! However, it was beautiful out...and Whitty was wearing his Lightening McQueen costume...so we made an appearance.

Then we walked on over to the Jackson Elementary playground where Whit did a series of new things stating "I can do it myself" and when he would do it...we would shout "Wahoo, I did it!" Too cute!
And then we were starving...and someone GOT REALLY cranky fast...so thru the WENDY's drive thru we went...and chicken sammies for everyone..and a frosty too...and if you want to know what happened next...just keep scrolling!
We drove all the way back home...Whitty and I took a nap...ahhh! It was well deserved for me too as I stayed out way too late Friday night at the Stagecoach in Wilson. They had a FREEDOM rider's benefit for the bikers, trail makers and people who love to bike...so I went on over in a FULL mini van of friends....so needless to say...MY SATURDAY NAP was JUST WHAT I NEEDED!

When we woke up...I asked if Whityn wanted to make the FALL festival party at our local nursery...and he said yes...however he wouldn't wear his costume...made a 3 minute transition about an hour and a half long...so needless to say...it was over when we made it there...so we just looked around and I snapped a few pics of a smiley toddler...NOW!
BAck home again to find Jordy eyeball deep in staining one side of our house...we have been talking a lot about our house lately...and the upkeep of it...and what projects we want to do and what we want to spend money on...etc! This house talk is all based on where Whityn will go to school...because we have always thought that we will figure out a way for him to attend Wyoming schools..because that is where we teach and we are invested in it...we know it...we believe in it...however we just didn't know how we could make that happen because you have to live in Wyoming to attend Wyoming. Anyhow...we have gone back and forth about this even before Whit was born...and just now in the last few weeks have we felt like we settled on something...and here it is...

We have decided to stay right where we are...cause it's comfortable...it's awesome and we love where we live.

We are going to enroll little Whitty into Kindergarten right in Victor. I know what you are thinking...

"He's only 2"..."you might change your mind"..."Why are you worried about it"...

BECAUSE THIS IS HIS EDUCATION...and it's a huge deal to us...

But, because we are both teachers...and we believe in ourselves...and PUBLIC education..we are doing this along with a bunch of friends..neighbors...people we know...and a bunch of people we don't know...because it is what it is...he will end up going to Idaho schools anyway in the 7th grade...might as well start in Kindergarten..right? Well...I am sure to add more later...but for now know that Whitty will be a Teton Valley kid! Go Whit!

On another note: The reason for that long story is Jordy is got the HONEY "DO LIST" going...and staining was one...check!
OH...and back to the reason we went to Jackson...well, because while I was away in Cali...Jordy went out and bought me NEW front-loaders...hmmmm! What did I do to deserve that? :)
Whityn had a honey-do list too and it included sticking a screwdriver inside, on, around everything he could!!!
Sunday Whitty woke up on the WRONG side of the bed...Jordy woke up STILL sick...and that meant that we didn't do WAFFLE SUNDAY...so sad...so no one was happy...I took off to go to school right before Whitty took a nap...I logged about 3 hours...and headed back home...I called Whitty to see if he wanted to go for a hike with me...he said yes and seemed very excited..however once I got home it took about 2 hours to convince him to go outside with me...he played happily with his fire guys...making up little conversations...and drawing a picture of what he said was McQueen and Mator and a tree...too cute...

FINALLY I got him out to be a part of THIS....

Ruezy and Wynnie went too...they loved their little outing...as they lately seem few and far between!

Everything was so vibrant in color...I felt alive and part of something much larger than myself...and loved sharing that with Whitties...it was one of the best afternoons I have ever had with him!

Seriously.

Not to mention that this little 2 year old walked from the van...down this trail...into those mountains...and back BY.HIMSELF!

I kept asking him if he was tired...and he would say "yes"...but he kept telling me that he wanted to make it to the trees...and that he was strong.

I don't blame him for wanting to make it to the trees...they were magnificent!

And for the walk back...he got a pwecial tweet!

WHOLE BRAIN!

2011-10-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Yes...I am behind..I do realize this! Last weekend my great teacher friend Rachel and I jet-setted to California for a long weekend.

Last year I had this great idea to write a GRANT for a WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING CONFERENCE...and we (Rachel and I) got it...so we booked ourselves out to California (Long Beach and Palm Springs) for some sun, some fun and some whole brain learning. We had a blast. Below we are pictured with Chris Biffle (the founder of WBT)...we are such dorks!

If you knew just how much I hated flying now...you would be so proud of be for soaring on over to CAlifornia...it wasn't as easy as I thought!

Hotel Maya...first night...great view...perfect weather...even better company...and fun night out to the Pier to eat and then to the Irish pub!

Some sunning in October!

When in Palm Springs...do as they do...when we arrived to Hotel California...they asked if we wanted a shuttle into town..and we of course inquire as to how much it cost...and they say it's free...and it's a limo! Yep! It was awesome!

My team-mate from college is living in L.A and was passing through Long Beach with her boyfriend...and we met up with them...ATE and took a quick picture...so fun to see my 6'3 buddy!

All and all it was a great experience...and full of adventures...can't wait to show you my WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING VIDEO soon...stay tuned!

Uncle Dave...

2011-10-10T23:32:00.001-07:00

My Uncle Dave died Saturday afternoon holding onto his wife (Diane) and my grandma Joyce's hands. I got the message from my dad. My heart aches for all who loved him. I can't help but think about my cousins Kriscinda, Megan and little Dave. My Uncle Dave was just shy of 50. It doesn't seem right for someone that young to die. Cancer is an awful and ugly thing. I have watched it take too many loved ones. I have watched loved ones fight it and win. I am happy that my Uncle is not fighting anymore. I am happy that he went peacefully. I am happy that he waited for Grandma Joyce to be there holding his hand. That makes my heart hurt less. I am sad that he left his wife...his children...his grandchildren...his siblings (one being my dad)...and his parents...there are no words.

I have very fond memories when I was a wee one of Uncle Dave and his crew crashing our house for days...weeks even...they would take over my room...bags...clothes..shoes..cousins everywhere....on the floor...even in the closet you could find one of us sleeping...he was always the one having a good time...laughing...or playing or teasing us...I remember when I lived in Fox HOllow...he came down once to crash /install a sprinkler system...every morning I would make coffee with mom and keep running out cup after cup to his smiling face...

I remember when I was in college and I drove down to visit my boyfriend during spring training...I called up Uncle Dave and he took me around on the town...and out for lunch and cocktails...he was always good to me even if I saw him only once a year. Thank you for being a great Uncle. I love you. Rest in peace.

Uncle Dave....

this picture was taken at Grandma Joyce's b-day..and I had flown in to surprise her...snapped a good one of the siblings...everyone but Steve.

I don't remember Uncle Dave like this at all...but my Aunt Cindy and Uncle Tim were just down visiting him in Florida. They snapped this picture while they were there.

Another one at G. Joyce's b-day!

All gussied up.

just a few days ago.

Diane and Uncle Dave

Uncle Dave and Grandma Joyce

Uncle Timbo and Uncle Dave

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

Whitties.

2011-10-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

I love talking to Whit lately. It's crazy really how much he is understanding, comprehending and saying. He will tell you about certain parts of his day...good or bad. Like today for example...

Momma:...Whitties, how was your day?

Whit:..I played outside with my friends....

so cute...smiling...

Whit:I hit ____ in the face

Me: you did?!!! why?

Whit: She hit Whitty in the face.

Me: What? Are you sure? WEll...we don't hit whitty...we don't friends, or mommies..or daddies...or animals....and I went on and on and on...until I adjusted my rearview mirror to find him..and busted him whacking himself in the face....

Me: Whitty, we don't hit Whitty in the face either...

Whitty: I hit mommy in the face?!?

Me: deep breath....hey whitty...what should we eat when we get home?

*Sometimes you just have to move on. right?
Mr. Monkey man....is a HANDFUL..some days easy and mellow and smooth sailing..and others can be HARD...aggressive...bossy...non-compliant...but each day I learn more about myself as a mom..a person...a teacher...and as a piece to a very cool puzzle.
He loves his letters right now.... I bought the letters below for Hayden (Whit's cousin) when he was just a little guy and now he passed them back to us so that we could use them...Whit loves to dump them out and pick them up and say D for daddy...P for Poppa...E for elephant...those are his favorites anyhow. It's pretty cute.
We went to a wedding on Saturday...the boys got all gussied up in their wranglers...and about 2 minutes after pulling out of the driveway...whitty was asleep...hmmm. WE arrived...he slept the entire way there...and through the ceremony...and post wedding.....totaling 2.5 hours in the car....while we enjoyed the wedding just us....and a few cocktails..thanks whit.

Shawn and his little man Eli taking a break from the ceremony...

And WHA-bam...just like that...they are husband and wife.

The sky parted just for them...about 2 hours..and then in came the storm.

oh..and look who woke up to join in on some RIVER fun.

And a family picture.

What Whitty loves more than anything....new cars....the little matchbox ones...he's obsessed.

Fall...my favorite.

2011-10-03T11:47:00.001-07:00

Friday night we went camping...and Whitty drove us there. That's safe right?

We got there just in time for some camp fire songs and snacks...

Whitty did the best he's ever done camping. He slept through the night. He didn't wake with a night terror. He did sleep until a little after 7am...maybe we should camp every Friday night....hmmm. It's a thought.

He woke to find some kids running around in the morning hours...Eliza and Jensey who were both in my class 2 years ago. He didn't mind being the ladies' man. He loved it in fact.

We did some shootin the bull around the campers and trucks. The kids played in Todd's truck while we kicked around and decided where to eat. Apparently we camped...but we did all of our eating away from the campground...

Sunday Whitty and I had the best day. We woke together...we made breakfast...we cleaned my van...we cleaned the chicken coop...we cleaned Whitty's room. We left to get icecream in town and noticed the leaves in the park...so we stopped to play in them.

I love FALL. It's so beautiful. I find myself distracted by every little change in color.

teacher mafia at it's finest.

2011-09-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the big day. For the past 30 days...I tried to run at least 2-3 times a week. It paid off because I didn't have to walk my 6.5 miles...I wasn't the fastest...but I did have the bEST socks...hehehehe.This was taken at the 33 degree starting line...when Anne and I left Victor, idaho it was 51 degrees and when we got to Jackson...it was sooooo much colder. Anne was a good sport about it tho....hence her down coat.

No wonder she ran so fast...she said she couldn't feel her thighs...OUCH.

Anne tagged Rachel at 7.8 miles....and little Ms. Rachel FLEW too. What's with these fast girls?

Rachel TAGGED TRACY....and we went to meet tracy at one point..and she was so fast we missed our meeting spot...we had to RUN her down in the MAFIA truck!

Got her. She was so pumped...because she caught up with CARGO pants (this guy behind her) that we referred to as cargo pants...we were trying to catch up with him from the beginning.

And then there is me...waiting for the LAST TAG at the Stilson lot

oh...here she comes...SPRINTING...mind you! She blew "cargo pants" away....you go girl!

And the tag.

And there's ole' me...trodding along!

long legs in action

we made it in 3 hours and 41 minutes...wow! And little Whitty was waiting at the finish line.

the two lovebirds relaxing in the sun....the finish line had a band...and was held at teton village...it was a sunny beautiful afternoon.

we stuck around for the rewards and by golly we took first place in the relay division

me and my buddy.

Super momma Anne and her cutie...

Minus one...celebration.

these two were having their own celebration.

Feels like fall.

2011-09-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, if you were wondering it isn't slowing down around here, in fact it just speeds up! Whityn has been asking questions?

When pulling into the driveway: "Mommy, whose car is that?" "Where's my hotrods?" "Where's my elKAmeeeedo?"

"Can you help me mommy?" AND saying all kinds of stuff..."Get that yucky boogie mommy"...I wear my Muqueen shirt....I do it....change my diaper...I want some nilk please....i go for a bike ride now mommy...play cars with me....or I play puck!

Whitty loves his sports. He calls hockey "puck". Daddy is teaching him all his moves!

He finally let me put slippers on his tootsies...lately the mornings have been pretty cold...so all of us were wearing slippers...Whitty sported his ELMO ones. He liked them.

He loves to help daddy with his sit-ups...He helps you by crawling on your stomach and kissing you or crawling behind you so that you crush him on the way down. It's quite helpful REALLY!

Whitty likes to help mommy with laundry. He asks to "get in dere" so in he goes....

Saturday was a beautiful morning. I woke with the sun...got dressed, ate some granola and was out the door to meet Jenn and Morgan for the HORSESHOE challenge...an annual 10k up horseshoe canyon. It was awesome.

We walked a bit...ran all the down hills and just kept on running to the end!

It was Morgan's first race ever! She did great.

I was loving it. It was the perfect FALL day with friends in the mountains.

And I even ran with camera in hand so that I could take some MID-run pictures! You know me!?!

Down the hill we come!

And look who was at the finish line!

He was happy to see his momma and eat some snacks. We stayed for the RAFFLE prizes because this race always has good swag! I scored a knitted frisbee, some socks, a coozie, t-shirt and water bottle. Not bad huh? Whitty kept wondering when he was gonna win a prize. He kept saying, "I have a prize now mommy."....

And this was what I ate when I got home....glad my metabolism is still kicking...hehehehe. I hope at least!

quick. fast. in a hurry.

2011-09-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

Gotta love a weekend right. Why do they always disappear QUICK. FAST. IN A HURRY!...We spent Friday night as a family and ordered take-out...and put the little one to bed...and neither one of us can remember what happened after 9pm...we were exhausted I guess.
Saturday night was our DATE-night at the Marlar house. Jenn turned 34 and had a bbq bash. We were lucky enough to get the invite. We had brats, burgers and lots of yummy side dishes...and there was enough beer for all the BIG people. We left the little one at home with Emily from 4-9. It was nice to carry on multiple conversations...play Portuguese horseshoes and relax for a few hours.

I was the Portuguese champion...

At around 8ish..the Stitts called us from the lake...they needed DOG help...because they wanted to camp out but their dogs were at Todd's shop...so we came to the rescue and brought them to our house and then got a LAKE invite for SUNDAY...wahoo! We woke...did waffles and sausage..and headed down the the Palisades. The Stitts were waiting! Can you find the little one tucked in Todd's legs? Whitty loves some Todd.

There were some water sports!

Like doubles skiing perhaps?

And the wee ones tube hopped inside the floating dock...Whit was beside himself!

And there is always lots of eating.

And of course...we stayed too long...we ate too much...it was storming by the time we got home...and we experienced a few meltdowns by the little bear...but quickly put him down to sleep...and that solved that!

Hope you all had a great weekend too.

Labor Day lazies.

2011-09-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, gotta love 3-day weekends. I wish we had them every weekend...but we don't! Whityn was sure enjoying his mommy and daddy time, but daddy time more lately than ever. He loves his daddy. His daddy gets good snuggles and when I walk in his room in the morning and daddy walks in minutes after me, his face just lights up and he runs over to snuggle him. I have to admit...I have been a bit jealous about that. hmmpfh!

Monday we woke up and Whitty and I went up to DREAMCHASERS for a morning core class. It's awesome cause they have a kid's playroom and the kids can see into the workout room. However, Whityn wanted his mommy the entire class. I ended up doing my core exercises inside the kid's room. Jordy went to do some yoga and our whole day was better because of the morning exercise.

We put Whittys down for a nap and then headed up to the pool at Targhee cause it's closing this coming Sunday.

While we were up there we rode the lift to the top of the mountain. Whit thinks he is big time on the chair lift.
It was a nice relaxing family day. We even made it to the grocery store without too many complaints.

Whitty looks pretty good in mommy's flannel. Don't you think?

While we were up north in Alta...we hit up the Alta playground too. Whityn strolled the grounds...looking like old man farmer...this kid is cute as heck!

Spontaneous LOOP.

2011-09-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

From Victor...to Driggs...to Rexburg's BEAR WORLD....through Rigby....to Idaho Falls {mall, target and a few other stops}

We did the cheesy drive-thru at Yellowstone Bear world...but Whityn seemed to love spotting the bears. "There a bear mommy"

And then of course you must walk through the gift shop...the only thing we left with was jellybeans!
Whit loved the petting zoo.
"I touch him" he kept saying...

"Come on mommy, let's go for a hike"
And then we tickled the dear.
And Whit told this dear where to eat.
He's not too crazy about our chickens right now, so I was surprised to see him get this close to these chickens...
He was nuts about the train...
and excited to try the roller coaster...but ended up screaming a bit...
glad it was only 4 loops...or he might've freaked out!
He loved loved the cars...he rode those twice.

And then he q-ued right up for the Twirly bears...
And there they go.

PHONE pics

2011-09-03T08:50:00.001-07:00

Thursday after school we hit up the park...Whitty drove!

Room changes & Shopping trip & String Lake & Date Night

2011-08-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

So...times are busy. It's August and all teachers know that the overwhelming sensation begins in the pits of your tummy this time and instead of enjoying my LONG summer days I find myself checking off the to-do list and dropping in my classroom almost every day of the week. And this year since Jordy is joining our staff...it's been more convenient to go to school together but quite chaotic with a 2 year old....so let's just say I am not ready yet...but am well on my way.

Enough shop talk...on the home front...Whitty is so 2 these days...he wants what he wants when the He&!? he wants it...he wakes up wanting...to go downstairs...before his eyes are even open he is saying, "May I peas go downstairs?"....it's so funny...but if you don't take him..there is an instant meltdown...so I decided to spruce up his room with his toys from downstairs to see if it would make it more appealing to play when he wakes up in his own room....so far...I have to convince him to play...but it's working! Here he is playing with his fire-guys and firehouse from Aunt Ramey and Hayden.

My great buddy Anne and her little girl Jensey invited us to hit up Idaho Falls on Tuesday night for some back to school shopping...we left our town around 5pm...so we knew going in it was going to be a long night...we stopped at Kohl's and TJ Max and Whitty did great...he walked beside the cart...helped pick out new shirts...socks and underpants with birthday money from Nannie, Nonna and Poppa...He even scored some new books and movies too. We finished shopping at 9pm...and then hit up Johnny Carinos with the kids...yes...at 9pm..we were just feeding them dinner....AND did I say they were GREAT! They were! It was a miracle...for me at least! Here they are waiting to get seated....Jensey was such a big helper! They even put on their new shirts for you!

She was good at keeping him under control...sorta!

Thursday we hit up String Lake in the park...we were supposed to be leaving Thursday - Sunday to camp on Leigh Lake...but we totally bagged it. It just seemed too overwhelming for Jordy and I..plus our good friends bagged too...and the few people we invited couldn't make it...so we went for the day instead....such a great idea.

Anne, Jensey, Kate, Eli...Nic and Kristin met us...it was a sunny...amazing day in the tetons..

Not a bad view either.

Jensey is getting so big...I can't believe it. We love Jensey in this house!

My friend Nic and his girlfriend met us out there too...Nic has been away at Law school in Vermont getting all smart...and falling in love with Kristin too...she's awesome...Nic, Jordy and Kristin all swam to the big rock...it was freezing...Whityn and I stayed on shore.

And wreaked havoc.

on the beach.

This 2 year old is busy.

Nice diaper eh?

And the best part of Thursday was THURSDAY night...my honey took me to the bistro in Jackson on his gift card...we enjoyed margs...tuna tartar...calamari....pork adobe....and meatloaf...oh so yummy...then we sat in the back row at the movie theatre to watch CRAZY STUPID LOVE...not our first choice..but it was cute and I got to enjoy a dairy free chocolate bar with my hubs. Good night!

A little horsey ride.

2011-08-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors had their horse and mule out for a little walk and guess WHO got a ride...

Yep..you guessed it.

Happy Birthday who?

2011-08-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

I'm 2!

2011-08-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

I can't actually believe that my little bear is 2! I have been a mom for two years. Crazy!?! He has totally changed our lives...that's for sure...it's been magical...unbelievable...insane...adventurous...crazy....exciting...embarrassing...scary...and just down right fun! I love this kid more than you ever think you could love something. I have had so much fun watching Jordy be his daddy too. He has way surpassed how I even thought he would be as a dad. He's amazing...and this little 2 year old is amazing too. To celebrate his life...we went camping on the weekend...but on his actual birthday we invited a few friends over to share in his BIG day...and to hang with us!

We went down to the grocery for a brisket..but they were out so we settled on hotdogs...and a potluck...4 CARS balloons...and a few MUh-queen juice boxes....for his lady friends...

Whityn decided to tailgate in his tub-pool with his toys...he did a little pre-partying!

Then he ran around in his birthday-suit waiting on his guests to arrive.

And they did...and of course they arrived with presents...so we just WENT ahead and did that first....he got a little semi-truck with yellow diggers attached...a stuffed doggy...a new watering can....a zooming tractor...a hammer and nails...a pig book...a remote controlled McQUeen car...A PLAYSET...and some CASH..he made out pretty good...I highly recommend presents first cause then they can play with them....

Whityn kept asking Jensey for help on his presents...she was a great assistant.

And Rachel and Jon put together the remote control McQueen speedy quick!

And then it was time to suck down a McQueen juicebox! Notice that he has on purple crocs...he stole Millies...she wasn't very happy about that.

And now time for dogs...watermelon...chicken salad...pasta salad...

And then someone passed out noise makers...

And everyone started to sing while I lit the Mator and McQueen candles on his Mexican Mocha birthday cake...it was a huge hit...there was NONE left.

Who do you think blew out the candles?

"May I have some cake please?" were Whitty's exact words....such a sweet boy!

Happy Birthday little bear! WE love you!

thank goodness for immodium AND bug mayhem.../

2011-08-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

When Whityn turned one...we spent it on Green River Lakes camping. When Whityn turned two...we spent it on Elk Island camping. We met our friends the Schells at the put in in Colter Bay inside Grand Teton National Park (my old stomping ground when I was 18)...The Schells brought a motor boat (for hauling over ALL camping necessities including my new SUN chair...:) so thankfully they waited for the Griffins to arrive....

Whityn was so excited to ride in the boat...but I don't think he new how long we would be inside the boat.

Rene also brought her kayak and she followed us over while her hubby and the kids rode in the motor boat.

And we're off...on a 3 hour tour...

After a long canoe ride ALL THE WAY AROUND ELK ISLAND....Whityn was very happy to be there...he went right to exploring!
Camp was set up...we caught a little rain/storm..but it didn't last long..and it set the mood for Jordy's chili that he made up....YUM.

Here's little Charlotte exploring down my rocks with Mt. Moran in the background...

Trying to drive the bugs away..with an early fire..the bugs were bad...poor kids...they got eaten alive...Chili was good....and after a few beers and a glass or a two of wine...we started winding down....AND tummy trubs set in for me....(recently I have become DAIRY free..and it's so hard...and so frustrating...and come to find out the wine I was drinking had caseins in it...who would of thought that WINE would have a dairy by product in it....ugh...so needless to say I went to bed early and wasn't feeling great....and that carried through the next day....BUMMER! However I put on my happy face and carried on...

The next morning we caught the sunrise with little Whitty...this kid loves to explore

Breakfast in the making

Down the hill to the shore...throwing rocks...

Little Timmy taking a break in Whitty's chair...isn't he a cutie?

Playtime at the campsite...building tunnels and fences with the firewood

Made a little boat....and then singing row row row it....so cute.

Back in the canoe for little joy ride over to a beach..while Jordy did some fishing...can you see that Whityn is asleep in between his legs

And he's off!

Whitty and I enjoyed a little play time...snack and sun on the little island...

Beach bum.

More snacks....and some muscles

Mommy, Can I see that cool stick?

Griffins

Back at the camp beach...the kids rode the inflatable boat together...

Sometimes we tried to drag Whityn away from the crazies...and have him do some tent time....reading...relaxing...but it was hot in there....and all he wanted to do was get the heck back outside.

And sometimes we just had to escape the bugs....which WERE BAD!!!!

And thankfully Whityn would eventually all asleep.....and wake again around 3 am...with a night terror not knowing where he was or what was happening...so sad....

But he had no problem awaking by 6ish...to begin his exploring down to the shore...

And we would catch the sunset....

ahhh, sunrise with a new friend Lucas.

A deer caught....they were everywhere...AND I mean everywhere...and they weren't afraid to get right up in there

Up and down the kids went on this path....to the shore..back up...and to the shore again.

After a wonderful weekend...of good friends..food...great kids...beautiful weather...and surrounded my unbelievable beauty...Rene sets off in her kayak back to colter bay...thru the islands this time

And the Griffins set sail too....ahhh a wonderful weekend in the mountains...

You better believe we headed right to Signal Mountain for a marg and some lunch....yum!

Goodbye July. Hello August!

2011-08-02T20:20:00.001-07:00

End of July brings chores and projects...and a to-do list! The first one on the docket is to put together the playset...here it is in all it's glory in 4 boxes...eeesh.

WE started...and after about 30 minutes...I was all done...due to chasing Whitty around...but it was kind of a one man show in the beginning...

Then I tried to put Whit to work...ANd at first that was a GREAT idea...he gathered tnuts...screws...and pretended to work with them until he started to put them all over the garage and we had to put the kabash on that game...

so we hunted bugs in the boxes...and we found a lady bug...Whit loves bugs! I love that he loves bugs. He is so gentle with them and giggles as they crawl on his fingers..

Whit loves to help me water the flowers too...

he loves messing with them.

Day 2 of building the PLAYset....during the rain...Whitty learned to climb the ladder and proceeded to do it 1,000 times...he loved it.

THEN the rain really started that night...so the next day Jordy and I put Whityn in daycare and took ourselves up to the Alta school to paint his classroom and organize mine....feels good to just put the room back in order.

jordy has his work cut out for him...at least the painting is done but now he has to organize and put away....yikes.

When we picked up whitty we took him home to puddles and water...off came the pants and to work he went.

Then it was time for a bath.

And Carlito had to come too. Whityn loves Carlito...and he loves saying his name...

The other thing he loves is driving the car when it's in the driveway...he sneaks in there and gets in the drivers seat!!!

Tonight we had Matt, Shelly and Teya over for ribs...the kids played so well together...whityn loved chasing teya around and learning to jump...teya was jumping from the top step...and whitty tried to jump from the top too and did a BIG boom down 3 stairs...so I taught him how to jump from the bottom...he's mastered that!

Do you think he will be looking at her like that in 10 years?

Family time. Date days. And just good old summer days.

2011-07-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Summer is the BESTEST! I love it. I rarely sit still. We are always on the go. I love to fill my days full of activities until the sun goes down. But today it's just Whitty and me at the house...lounging...relaxing...reading...eating...and napping. We are watching a movie right now called Everyone's Hero. It's a baseball movie and Whitty loves baseball. The neighborhood kids let me borrow it for Whityn. I will let you know how it goes. Until then...I will fill you in a some summer fun we have been having...are you ready?

We went to a beautiful summer wedding. We tried to get a family picture...but the heat..and Whityn's inability to face the camera got in the way...oh well.

The boys have been getting pretty tight. Sometimes I get bummed that Whitty wants to HOLD daddy all the time...but then I am thankful for a break.
Once a week Jordy and I have been taking advantage of a date day while Whityn goes to school. It's been so nice to spend the day with my husband and to just hang and relax together. The last date day we went for a trail run up Teton Canyon (no bears) and ate lunch at the Branding Iron at Targhee and then went swimming. It was a blast. I know it will be coming to an end soon so we will continue to take advantage of it for a few more weeks.

Ahhh. Date Day. And reading.

Meanwhile when we are at the home front...we have been trying to strip Whitty down naked and have him try to pee-pee on rocks...with Jordy...he has been trying so hard and was finally successful last night. He is trying the potty at home and at school. He gets a sticker at school for every try...he usually comes home with 1 or 2. He has a sticker chart at home too. He also has a jar of m&m's too. He has yet to successfully pee-pee or poo-poo since I brought home the m&m's. Funny eh? I know it'll happen in time.

On a mission to find a place to potty.

Last week we brought home this new salmon colored umbrella. I love it.

Check out the Garage apartment...it's newly stained!

Being naked allows for ample opportunities to photograph a baby toosh! I got a winner here the other night.

Sometimes if I am lucky...I also have FRIEND DATES too....last week I saw one of my favorite people 4 days in the same week...that's a rarity since she lives over the big hill and we both have lots of things going on all the time. We got together for a little hike and a swim date....it was perfect!

I always get excited to come home to this little handsome fella! He loves a popsidadadadadada. He eats one almost everyday!

Had another great FRIEND date....to ski lake with 2 other lovely ladies

And we took some jumping pictures...or lack there of.

Just kidding...we got some air.

These two are the dynamic duo that teaches first grade at the Wilson school. I love love them!

Summer is awesome Possum!!!

1092 lodgepole

2011-07-23T11:09:00.001-07:00

When not on a bike...or in the woods...we have put in a little time around the house. I love this place. It's so us!!! I like to let the chickens FREE range it while we are outside...they like it too.

They find their way into the tall grass on the berms and go to town! This is HEN #1...and she is the prettiest because she is at the top of the pecking order!

Meanwhile...Whitty is devouring cantaloupe. This kid loves melon.

But more importantly...I-keem!

This is the front of our little cabin...we are deciding what to do with the upstairs dormers...

1. apply larger wood panels so that it looks better or

2. Some type of adobe look or

3. Just stain it and leave it or

4. another cool idea?

Mom and Dad...did you notice all the shrubs/bushes are gone from the front?

We ripped them all out and laid down some sod...now for a little fresh paint on the lower half...

I can't pull Jordy away from my lilacs...he loves to trim them...he wants to MOVE them...but I won't let him.

The daisies I planted in my boxes are blooming...I love it!

My chives are out of control...and my little marigolds brighten up the back deck!

Looks pretty good huh?

Griffins on the move.

2011-07-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Summer should be relaxing right? Not around here...we are on the move. Last week Whityn did his first SIT-DOWN story time at the library while someone other than mommy was reading and he made it 22 minutes...yes I timed it. Then we hit the park at the Alta School and had a picnic...loaded up the mini for a noopie and off to swim class we went. He did great in his first swimming lesson. He mastered ear dips, bubble blowing...and started to float...and also worked on the rocket ship across the pool. I was proud of him. Then...we went home and had i-keem!

Whityn is not the only busy one around here...mommy stays pretty busy too. I just enjoyed myself entirely too much on Palisades lake with some of my favorite girls. I wake-boarded....and tried to get up on the slalom ski....7 times...no dice. I worked on my tan too.

Gotta love a girl day!!!

I just got a new mountain bike and have been trying it out in the mountains...I am 2 for 6 when it comes to staying on the bike. I either go over the handle bars or forget that I am clipped in. I am a big scaredy cat when it comes to going down hills or over big rocks...but I do love it. It pushes at my comfort zone...and you know I love that. The below picture was taking on my 6th ride on Putt-Putt in Jackson.

Almost 2.

2011-07-18T19:36:00.001-07:00

Whityn goes around saying "almost 2" all the time while holding up 5 fingers. Too cute.

These pictures were taken back EAST...I am having to recycle some images because I LOST my camera...*story later.

I can't believe how much Whitty McKay is talking. He answers questions...fully disobeys you...laughs with you...talks to the dogs, cat and chickens...remembers when we get close to home and says "almost home and whitty get our of car". He is a blast and tiring all at the same time. I FULLY believe that he is a 2 man job at a grocery store. I dare NOT take him alone unless I want to have a BREAK down!!!!

He is loving summer. We bought a PLASTIC pool...you know the one that you had when you were a kid...we have it by the chicken coop in the back and he does some WATER time every day unless we hit the BIG pool up at Targhee. He is loving swimming but prefers WARMER water.

On another note:

I have been exploring the mountains on Jordy's old mtn. bike and we started to entertain the idea of new mtn. bikes....here's a picture of my old bike shoved in the back of the MINI.

And here is a picture of my new bike....Jordy got one too except his is WHITE. So exciting.

I haven't gotten on my new bike just yet because of course they had to special order it...but have managed to DEMo a few bikes here and there and I have this little issue with flying over the handle bars...hopefully I will improve!!!!

Saturday night was an awesome night...we all went up to Targhee Music Festival til around 6pm and then Jordy took Whitty down to a babysitter and came back up for Franti....oh what a night!!!! I was front row!

Love this man. See him if you get the chance.

Good friends. Great music. Sunshine. Food. Beverages. Love. Summer Rocks!

The only bummer is while having a great time at the Franti show...I was jumping up and down and jumped my camera right out of my pocket. UGH. So, I will be begging, borrowing and stealing pictures until FUrther notice....

WE HEART summer!

2011-07-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Since we've been home...we have been exploring...hiking...running...rock hunting...biking...buying...EATING...playing and LOVING SUMMER!

Nothing like a naked toddler in the yard.

the trip continued...

2011-07-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

so after a great week in Vermont...

We made it to Buffalo, NY!!!! Wendy (Jordy's stepmom) had a little welcoming dinner party for us...but little did she know that she was going to be surprised with an EARLY 60th birthday cake.And you can guess who loved that!
He even go to enjoy in a little EARLY b-day cake too!

And then he had to go to bed.

The following day we headed out to the Rock Quarry that Wendy *aka Cha-Cha owns...and gave Whityn a day to remember. He got to see HUGE dump trucks and even ride in them! Uncle Bruce...Cha-Cha's brother works at the PIT and gave us a FULL blown tour that included rides...views...reviews...rock crushers....facts and MORE! Whityn never even closed his mouth...he was in such awe and shock...he loved every minute of it.

Check Whit out in this 18 ton dump truck...

While in New York, Jordy's sister Blair *aka Beezy met us there...she came up from Palm Beach. She couldn't get her hands off Whityn. She wanted to eat him up. Who doesn't right?

Beezy took us to Smallwood Park...we carried on like kids and had a blast...it was hot!

Whitties didn't want anything to do with Beezy at the park...

cause he had things to climb

and bridges to walk. He was busy. He worked up a real red face and bossed us all around.

The next day...we all hit Buffalo Zoo. It was awesome. I sometimes have a hard time with the zoo, but I have to give credit where credit is due....GOOD ZOO! Whitty's favorite was the Polar Bear Exhibit maybe because they were giving a good show...swimming and fighting...and eating. Whitty didn't want to leave until we told him about the elephants.

Whitty made a little zoo friend...his name was Enzo. One of Beezy's friend's brought his little boy to meet us at the zoo. It made for some laughs and lots of chasing!

The zoo had this little digging area for kids called Dinosaur digging and we had a little family dig session...then beezy was ready to go...so we moved on. :)

to ride the pig.

And the carousel...which was Whitty's zoo highlight!

round and round he went with his daddy because mommy would barf.

after the zoo we got invited to ETS bike Enzo's daddy because his family owns the joint...we got to EAT up and Whitties had his first taste of rootbeer. I don't think he liked it. If you are ever in Buffalo....GO TO ETS!

the next day was a special day for jordy..he took me and whittles to Point Abino in Ontario, Canada where he spent summers with his grandparents...he loved showing me the house..the lighthouse..and telling me all about it. The following picture is the guest house where Gramps and Lol would summer. I loved it.

this is across the street.

and this is across the street to the right...this light house holds a special meaning to me even though I had never seen it...I had envisioned what it might look like...while I was pregnant with Whityn Jordy was writing a book about a girl named Diggory Clover who had to go and spend a summer at the light house with her grandma...however she wasn't so happy about it....I would read the story as Jordy typed along through my pregnancy...and towards the end we considered the name Diggory if it were a girl...because I loved the story so much...so I wanted to see this lighthouse and learn more about the inspiration behind the story of Diggory Clover. The light house at one time was pretty spectacular and is now being renovated and restored...more on that later.

by the way...the house where Jordy spent summers is for sale...anybody wanna go in on it?

here's the main house!

After walking around and listening to Jordy reminisce...we went to Crystal Beach to see Lake Erie and do what Jordy did as a kid.

We had fun just splashing around...digging...looking around and checking out the Canadian beach way.

Then we tried to get back on the bridge to the USA...but it WAS a line that looked like a day wait...because we happened to be in Canada on Canada Day! Oops!

So, we drove over to the falls...and ate lunch a snapped a few shots!

then we hoped in the line to head back home and we were there in 10 minutes or less....

The last few days were spent swimming and relaxing and EATING of course!

The last night in Buffalo we went over to the hospital where Jordy's dad Paul did his chemo treatments...and saw what Cha Cha had made for him...

This is the waiting room for patients who are in treatment...and it's a happy room!

Then we ate at Chefs...my fav!

CHa Cha turned on the back yard "prinkler" and off Whitty went.

More front loaders.

back on the road to see the parents for the 4th!

the 4th.

We went to a town in Vermont called Warren...where they have a creative...funny...and organic parade...and boy was it hot! We met up with Allison, Matt and their little boy Oliver.

The Reilly's used to live in Jackson and they moved a few months ago to Vermont so it was good to hook back up with them.

after the morning in Warren...we took it back to Stowe and did the local thing!

and Whit got a BIG RED BALLOON

from the balloon lady.

we took a wagon ride.

we beat the balloon.

And we had a great evening...we tried to stick around for the fireworks...but just couldn't do it...so we hit the grocery for the ben and jerry's and lit some sparklers and called it a night! What a fantastic trip!

We're home!

2011-07-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering....more ice cream this way.

What a wonderful summer trip. Vermont-New York-Canada-Back to New York...back to Vermont...

I finally got to see Vermont and that was so important to me for the longest time. Jordy did his undergrad there and always talks about it and ever since moving out west I have met so many wonderful friends that are from there. Vermont was everything I thought it would be from the Farmer's market...to the rolling farm hills to the people being all about LOCAL. I loved it. Check out my paper llama earrings I scored at the market in Stowe.

We of course did our share of icecream eating...I had a bit too much! Whitty enjoyed it when Nonna would ask him if he wanted ice cream for dinner. I just rolled my eyes. I am so glad Whit got to meet Uncle Joe and Auntie Pat from down under. They have always been special to me.
After a week of being without Jordy...I was so excited to have him back by my side. My parents, Jordy, Whit and I made a little trip to Burlington to pick up a rental for us and see Church street...eat ice cream of course, sample some yummy beers and taste some local cheeses.

Of course on Church street...Jordy gets asks to be in the street performance....leave it to him to gladly accept. He got to hold the unicycle! Awe, isn't he talented...Whityn thought it was great. He kept clapping.

Way to go boys. Don't they look cute holding hands?

Whityn had the time of his life wherever he was. This kid loves to be outside...with bugs...with water...with dirt...with rocks...with flowers. He loves it.

The boys.

Jordy, whit and I took off on Monday for New York. We stopped in a cute little town before taking the ferry from Vermont to New York. We found this little waterfall right before taking the ferry boat across Lake Champlain into New York.

No road trip is complete without a little......ICE CREAM. We stopped in Utica at Friendly's...for lunch and ice cream...if you ordered off this one menu..you got the food, the soda and dessert....ewww. But we did it anyway!

Then we arrived in Fairport in the afternoon at Bill, Bev and Matt's house. Bev was ready with yard games...balls and bubbles. She must be a grandma! Whit loved there backyard and played tirelessly for hours..

Meanwhile...Bill was cooking up some steaks...I am terrified of mine...look how big it is....every year I eat my whole steak when we come to visit...so this year...I got an EXTRA large piece....needless to say...I didn't finish it.

Bill taught Whit an important life-long skill in the backyard.

Can you tell what it is?

Any guesses?

to spit.

Whityn spit enough to work up an appetite...and Bev served him double the whip cream...talk about a happy toddler!

then we were such a mess we took a tubby!

It was the perfect welcoming to New York! As always...the Reeds do it up for us!

Thanks guys...we had a blast. See you next year!

I have a million stories to tell. A 100 pictures to share. I will be back...in the night...when the sun is gone...

Summer Trip part 1 {in random order}

2011-06-30T20:42:00.001-07:00

Whitty and I arrived at midnight in Burlington, Vt on Father's day! Boy was I ever happy to get off the plane. I was crying and Whit went right to my dad saying "Poppa"...it was awesome! We drove the 40 minutes back to Stowe...and awoke the next day to meet up with my Uncle Joe, Auntie Pat and Nannie..

We stayed busy for a few days...touring the area....and EATING lots of ICE CREAM!

Mom and I found Stowe Elementary school's park down the road from the B 'n and B and we went there everyday...even in the rain.

Of course Whityn took to Uncle Joe. He loves his guys!

Take note that it's the end of JUNE and look at our clothing...what's up around here?

A highlight for Whityn was receiving this McQueen sleeping bag from Nonna. He loves it!

Back soon with more details and more pictures....

WE LOVE SUMMER!

fathers.

2011-06-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to a man who I knew would be a great daddy. When Jordy and I first got married I used to think about what he would be like as a dad and I have to say he's even better than I had imagined. He's kind, patient, gentle, loving, soft and PERFECT with Whityn. I feel blessed that I have yet another man in my life like this. I guess I grew up with great role models like my dad and brother. They are 2 men that I respect and admire most. Of course I ended up with a great husband. I love that I get to spend everyday with an amazing friend, father, husband and fellow adventurer. I love you Jordan McKay Griffin. Thanks for being my team-mate in this ADVENTURE they call Parent hood!!!

The greatest thing a FATHER can do to his children, is to love their mother.

Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad

Patience is a virtue and virtue is a grace!

You are truly one of a kind.

22 months.

2011-06-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

This little stinker is 22 months. I can't believe it. He has quite the personality already too. He likes to look at me sideways with both eyes and then look away.

He loves to boss me around.

He often is caught saying: "Mommy, go count"....cause he wants to play hide and seek.

He's in love with his new BIG BOY BED...all we did was put the twin on the floor and bought disney sheets...yes, we are living the disney dream in this house....via "CARS".

He has been in his bed for a little over a week now...and it has been about 50/50...some nights are great...other's he wakes at 5am...or at 12...then come to find out...he cut 2 teeth this weekend..and has been nawing on his hands...so maybe that mixed with the "BED" transition...has thrown him off a bit. What's a girl to do? I just pull him in my bed and call it good. Heck, it's summertime!

Who can resist this toddler anyways?

One of my friend's turned 40! Say what?

2011-06-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

Yes...it's true...one of my friends turned 40. The other day when I was telling someone that I was going to my friend's 40th b-day party...they were shocked. I guess I should be excited about that, but I am only 9 years away from my 40th b-day bash!!!!

Below is the BIRTHDAY boy...one of my favorite husband's in the valley. Oh, in case you were wondering...there is an 80's theme!

And the birthday boy's brother!

Okay...so here's the scoop...we rented the party bus to go from Victor, Idaho to Idaho Falls for a night of roller rink fun....with an 80's twist of course...oh and look someone even brought their own skates!

I was so excited. I could hardly stand it!

We all were. When was the last time you roller skated?

Nice legs! ps-these are his wife's maternity shorts....

We had some pretty serious conversations.

We had lots of smiles and laughter.

Nothing says 40 like a very big mustache!

Nice look Jordy. Nice look.

I think she won the 80's look...what do you think? CAn you believe she JUST had a baby?

We had like the best night ever. I have been wanting to do the party bus since my 30th b-day...but didn't....and it just brightened my summer. I think it's already my highlight! I love love love the party bus! Happy Birthday Todd! You rock!

out and about...

2011-06-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

The griffin's have been hitting up the park lately because that golden ball has been shining in the sky...after I pick Whit up..he usually starts to ask to go to the park...pronounced: pike...

his favorite thing to do is still swing...but he will hit up the slide lately more than he used too. He doesn't have a lot of core strength yet...and tends to slingshot himself forward when coming down...it's quite scary.
i can't believe how much he's grown. he's got on high-waters for crying out loud...
he talks a ton...loves to scream...and run...and dance and sing...and play hide and seek...he demands that you count....but then comes to look for you anyways...too cute.

he is getting more and more personality...he frequents his time outs...but often remembers he doesn't want to go there...but forgets that there are no warnings on rules he knows....bummer huh!

he's too cute for words. i never knew you could love someone like this. it's crazy really. he makes me laugh out loud...and i miss him all through the day...i am very excited to spend the summer with him.

this past sunday...jordy and I went up the the Alta diamond and met some friends...we hit and shagged balls for 4 hours...whit was a trooper...he played in the dirt...followed jensey around...ate snacks...played in the dug-out...ran around...played mcQueen...hit the playground...and kept us busy.

it was in the seventies and beautiful...loved every minute of my sun kissed face...we have been waiting on a day like this for a while.

tractor time.

dug-outs

my new mitt my momma bought me. i have no idea how to work this thing.

Roller disco Class....

2011-06-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

I had to post my "END of the YEAR" field trip picture...we went to the roller rink! Too fun!

These are a few of my favorite things!

2011-06-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

MY cars....each and every one of them.

Naps with my daddy.

My car rug that mommy bought me.

My bucket 0' cars!

My musical sit and spin.

Good news....AND more

2011-05-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well, pictured below is the school Jordy will be working at next year...does it look familiar? Yep, it should...cause I work there already! We are so excited for this opportunity and blessing!

And Saturday we got a package from the Caulkins family...

How cool is it that these were Jordy's?

in the original box....

and someone doesn't even know how lucky he is....

Still in long-sleeves

2011-05-22T20:28:00.001-07:00

Friday night was date night...I love starting the weekend like that! Our daycare tries to host a DATE night once in a while...from 6-9 on a Friday. We hit up some local flavor in Driggs. It was delish! We couldn't come up with anything creative to do after dinner, so we picked up Whityn early...they were just getting ready to put him down...but we got to do the honors at our house...

Saturday was somewhat of a wash...I had to go to the eye doc for a check up for my lasik...still 20/20 in the right eye and now 20/25 in my left...it's crazy. If you are considering doing this and can spring it...DO IT! After my appt. Whityn and I loaded up the mini and headed down to Idaho Falls for my car to be worked on...so exciting...I did smarten up a bit and brought along the running stroller and my running clothes...Whityn and I did about 5 miles together and managed to see cows, horses, goats, llamas and a peacock...it was like a running ZOO.

After our run we only had to wait about 45 more minutes for the car and then we were off...we were hungry and the first thing I saw...was guess what!!!!

Micky-donalds....and well, nothing like having a first time right!!!! So, we DID. Whityn got a happy meal and mommy got some Fries....then were were off to Wally-mart...for some good ole disney purchases...like "CARS" everything!

2 BIG firsts for Whit on Saturday!!!

Sunday...we (as in me) went FULL force against our FAMILY tradition of Sunday Waffles...and we went to PEndls in Driggs for coffee and pastries...yum. Then we hit the Huntsman park...wow! Why have I never been there before...pictures to come...they are all on my phone for now.

Then we did some other out and about things...that I can't tell you about just yet...but I will later this week. Just keep your fingers crossed...is all I can say!

AND THEN..it was outside...yard DOG time!!!

we ripped up the beds in front of our porch....
we got the recycle bins ready in the MUD room...cause we just signed up for CURBside recycling...yahoo! Victor has recycling!
We did some reUSE railroad designs...this is a sneak peek...more to come...not finished!
we barked the aspens...and lined them with rocks...
whitty and i painted some birdhouses...and he painted the rocks...himself...muh-queen...and me.
and we just hung outdoors...I got whityn a bucket for outside toys...and he found this old tractor that he got when he was about 7 months old...and he drove it silly in the rocks.
making a road with a stick. THEN...Anne showed up by foot at our house...SHE RAN from ALTA...that's like 23 miles or something...then her hubby and Jensey showed up too...and we all hit up GRUMPY's for hotdogs...and beers....and feeding goats of course.

And that's another weekend still bundled in hats, sweats...and jeans....next weekend we are off to the City of Rocks for a camping climbing adventure....but hopefully you will here from me by mid-week with some VERY exciting...good news...stay tuned!

Little Bear

2011-05-21T20:12:00.001-07:00

this little bear is a talking machine and i actually understand a lot of it. he just learned to say "wranglers" and he thinks that all jeans are wranglers. I informed him that mommy doesn't wear wranglers...but that daddy and whityn do.
he loves to help...and can ask for help too. It's so cute to hear him say "I neeh hewp!"...
I seriously can't believe that he is about to be 22 months. He is making choices...making friends...watching movies...asking for a snack...asking to go to the park to swing...tells us he loves us...talks about "muh-queen" constantly...and racetracks...and his cars..and his blocks...and motorcycles.

He is like a girl when it comes to shoes...cause he loves them...my mom and dad just sent these from back east and they are a bit big..but someone is obsessed. He puts them on and doesn't want to take them off. He says they are his newwwwww suz!

no shortage of love around here....this little guy gets plenty.

check out my new shirt that my mommy got me at chico...it goes great with my wranglers.

Book club goes to Chico

2011-05-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Driving through Yellowstone has to be one of the coolest things ever! Roads were open so we hit the PARK roads Friday afternoon....we saw lots of buffalo with their brand new babies....AND

we even saw a grizz!

Hey dad! Remember when I climbed up this tower when I was 17. I wanted to do it again, but the girls strongly discouraged it.

It was so nice to just mosey on down to Montana.

So, book club should be renamed WINE of the month club...I'm just saying! I became a member of a book club almost 3 years ago...and I think I have read 5 of the books...however, when someone mentioned doing something different...I was all over it...WE (as in 4 of us from the B.C.) took book club on the road...to Chico Hot Springs! We left Idaho around 3:30pm and arrived in Chico around 8:00pm...and it was still light! We got there just in time for pizza and beers...and a nice soak!

We slept in Saturday...ate a buffet breakfast...RAN...one got massage...one went biking...then we soaked again...
and did lots of hard core reading!
got a little sun kissed.
Ate at the FANCY restaurant and even ordered the flaming dessert.
things got a little crazy...
and we all got our leftovers wrapped up in tin foil in the animal of our choice.
took a few photos.

one more of the group...before cameras went to bed...but the girls went out dancing...til 2pm...and we were up by 9am...to do it all over again...but we had to leave at 2ish...to get home in time to put the kids to bed...

Worm huntin'

2011-05-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

I love my poppa!

2011-05-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

momma's day and such.

2011-05-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

My momma (Whitty's nonna)

Happy Mother's day. I think back to my childhood at Pinto Drive...one of home-cooked meals, snuggles and nothing but love from you. I think back to you doing everything. You being everywhere and taking care of everyone. That's what I remember.

I remember Fox Hollow...where you stood by me, protected me, went to bat for me, carted me to every event in and around Alabama. I remember you cheering for me...I remember you trying your best with me...I remember you buying me make-up...rolling my hair....and TRYING to pick out my clothes.

I remember my teenage years. They were tough. For you and for me. We grew apart. It was hard for both of us.

I remember college. You cried when I left. You cried when I would visit and then I would leave. You supported me from afar...things inched at getting better.

I remember graduating. You were there. You stood up for me. You cheered for me. You were proud. You cried when I left. You said that I was going to move out west and get married and never come home....

I remember introducing my husband to you. Things changed. We talked a lot. We planned a wedding. You supported me. You were proud of me. You cried with me. You did so much for me. You went to buy my wedding dress with me. You cried with me. You got me ready. You left me in the bathroom for daddy to walk me down the aisle. You watched me. You were proud.

After marriage...we continued to change. things got better. we talked a lot. we took trips together. we celebrated together. we danced together.

I remember being pregnant. I thought of you daily. Something change in me about you. I was becoming what you had already been. A mom. You supported me. You got excited for me. You were proud of me.

I remember you meeting Whityn. You are a nonna now. I am 2nd. That's okay. He's your number one little man. You are proud of me. We talk a lot. We meet at the beach. We laugh together. We yell. We hug. We talk a lot now. I love you. You love me. We're moms. It's hard. I realize that. You did a great job. You are my momma. Thank you!

My 2nd mother's day was a good one. Jordy woke with Whityn and let me sleep. The best gift ever huh? Then around 9am they came in to serenade me with the happy mother's day song. Whityn even said it too. He gave me a bookmark he made at school with his fingerprints and they both handed me the card pictured below.

In the card was a list of 3 things that I would be given:

1. A 30 minute massage from husband.

2. A 100.00 to spend at Athleta (if u are a girl and don't know this website, you better get on it)

3. A hug and a kiss from Little bear.

I was so excited. I got my hug and kiss first and then ordered a new bike jersey from Athleta right away.

I am not going to cash in my FOOT rub just yet.
Then we all got dressed for BRUNCH at Warbirds. Whityn was the first one ready. He got to watch a quick flick on the world wide web.Then off we went. We met a bunch of teacher folk there. We ate a ton. From Pancakes to Chocolate Mousse. It was delicious. This little man was stealing bacon off my plate.
Then we went into the hanger to check out the planes and run around. Here are some of Whit's little buddies from BRUNCH. From the left is Leena (my principal's daughter), Teya, Whit and Cita (Brook and Jess Yoeman's daughter)
Some moms. From left: Kristin, Tracy, me, and Jess.

Whityn didn't love the next picture. He was too busy with his buddies to get a picture with me.

He did want his picture taken by the plane though.

More kids.

Pane! Airpane!

On the move.

Sans nap....we went outside for a little puddle splashing...yard raking...snack time. ahh, spring in the Rockies.

Can you believe that this little bear is 21 months old? I can't! The past 48 hours have been a growth spurt. He has been sleeping 'til after 8am....(good thing it's almost summer) and eating a ton. He feels thicker. He talks in 4 word sentences. He asks for help. He has fits. He loves his cars. Especially Muh-queen. He loves the dogs. He loves the puddles. He loves his boots. He loves to snuggle. Especially his daddy. I am looking forward to some time off with him this summer beginning June 19th...where we will be kicking off our summer with a trip back EAST to Vermont and New York. More on that later.