State Fair '09

A few weeks ago we went the Utah State Fair with Jeff and Ashleigh. It was our first time going and quite the experience. We had frozen lemonade, fried sausage on a stick and curly fries. We saw some mediocre photography and a lot of cute little and big animals and vegetables. We tried to make it to the rodeo, but it was standing room only so we only stayed for the first little bit. I'll tell you what though, I loves me a rodeo! We had a great time!

#2

We are shocked! Gwen has tooth #2 making it's way into her little mouth! #1 is barely above her gums, but here comes it's buddy! She's growing up so fast!


She loves when we put our fingers in her mouth so we can see her little teeth. You really can only see the big one, but the little one is right next to it, I swear!! Oh and PLEASE ignore the boogies in her nose. I try really hard to keep it clean, but it seems to be more than I can handle.

Here are some funny pictures of Gwen. She loves the lens protector on the camera, so that is what she is reaching for in all of these.

Sara's Wedding

Last weekend my good friend Sara got married. The wedding was at the Market Street Grill in Cottonwood. It was so beautiful. She was gorgeous, the ceremony was lovely and the food was delicious. I'm so glad we were able to share her special day with her. Congrats Sara!!

Gwen LOVED the lemons in our drinks.


And she wanted to walk everywhere. I guess it's time to get her some shoes so her little tootsies don't get dirty!

I love....

These old people.

This house.
Yes that is a "For Sale" sign in my parent's yard.

This place.

This view.

This girl.

This boy.
On his 30th birthday.

Our trip to CA was so fun. We spent time at the beach and just hanging out at home. This might be the last trip I have to my childhood home. Hopefully my parents will be able to sell the house and move to Utah to be closer. It's bitter sweet, really. Sweet that they will be closer, bitter that my home and memories in that home will be just memories. The sweet out weighs the bitter. I think.

A New Addition

Tonight we were at Target getting some stuff for our trip to CA when I noticed a little something. A little white, sharp something in little Gwenny's mouth. That's right! She's got a tooth!!! I just noticed it today. It's already broken through the skin. That sure does explain her grumpy nights last week. We're so excited our wee one is growing up!

And this is the best picture we could get of it. Can you see it? Yeah, I can't see it in this picture either, but it was the best we could do. She does not like us poking around in there.


And then, here is a picture of Gwen's nursery. Some girls at my office were asking about it, so here you go!

Baby Gwen

Is so cute.

Orlando Day 3

Waffles are a good energy food...well, I'm sure it is in some country. If that's the case, I had to be sure to have plenty of them for my long day battling Floridian heat, humidity, and tourists because this was the day the Shirley's went to Sea World!

Since Tara was working a convention, I was able to get a discounted half day ticket. As a bonus, it's Sea World policy that, if you buy a ticket one day, you can go again the next day for free. It was too bad that Tara wouldn't be able to come with us.

Either everyone in Florida was really nice, or I do a really good job pulling off the struggling parent routine. Every time I got on or off the Sea World shuttle, there was always someone willing to help me get the stroller and Gwen situated. As a side note - while on this topic - I have never struck up conversation with so many older women willing to share stories of their grandchildren Gwen's age.

I didn't get it, the first few days we were there, it had rained for about 45 minutes every 2 hours, so I was counting on a little cloud cover. Nope. This was the first full day of sunshine! Did I mention it was hot? The heat made me a little nervous to keep Gwen outside for too long and I felt like an abusive daddy when I would see little beads of sweat on her nose. I strategically tried to seek out the indoor exhibits, but it is a long walk to Shamu stadium.

Shamu show was really neat, but I don't think Gwen really appreciated it. She spent most of the time trying to get people around us to smile at her. This is a rare picture I took when Gwen was actually watching the show.

I was amazed at how well Gwen did the whole day. She did so well, in fact, that I felt like I needed to get her some kind of radically over-priced souvenir. I was so proud of her.