{8 Months}

Life flies by in seconds... Sometimes when I go to my boy's room to get him up from his nap I swear he has grown bigger since I laid him down.  On the topic of motherhood, a speaker I recently heard at a conference for women said, "The days will feel long, but the weeks fly by."  So far that seems to be an accurate description of what having a baby has been like.  

Without further ado, here is little man at 8 months - 

Enjoying the warm weather on our back patio! 

Not enjoying the confinement of the bumbo...

This face melts my heart.. Seriously it tugs my heartstrings when he is sad.  

Mischievous as per usual. 

Calvin LOVES LOVES LOVES to be outside and go on walks!

Calvin is quite mobile even though he can't really crawl properly - he does this inch worm type move or rolls to get where he wants to go.  He says 'dadada' when he is happy.. but when he is upset he remembers how to say "MAMAMA" and it melts my heart.  

He loves all his baby food so far and does a happy dance whenever he sees me getting it out of the cupboard.  

His dad changes him and feeds him in the morning, then puts him back in his crib where he just plays and patiently waits for Mom to come get him.  He is so patient and mellow. 

He loves to eat paper things, which can be scary because I swear he finds papers faster than I can keep up with him!  I have pulled clumps of paper out of his mouth which he has found and devoured.  Who knows how much he has really eaten... Yikes! 

He loves to sit on my lap and play the piano.  He also loves when his Daddy makes drumming noises - it entrances him.  He is such a fun little pal to stay with all day, I can't imagine life any other way.  

Happy 8 months little man! 

{4 Years}

April marks a pretty special month for us...  On April 15th, Mike and I were married in Hawaii.  The following year on April 28th we were sealed for all eternity in the Bountiful temple.  The promises we made that day bring so much meaning into our marriage and it is so fun to remember what an occasion it was.  As President Monson said... "Choose your love, and love your choice."  That is wise counsel.  I am grateful everyday for the choice I made. 

For our anniversary celebration Mike took me to Serendipity 3 on the Strip.  They have legendary "frozen hot chocolate" and it did not disappoint! 

Mike was in heaven because I let him eat the whip cream off mine.  Not that it was a sacrifice because whip cream is freaking disgusting and to this day I don't understand why he loves it so much.  Insert funny story ... One time our friends left some whip cream after they brought dessert over, and Mike saw it as I was putting it away and said, "Finally, something in the fridge you won't eat!"  He didn't mean it to sound like it did... needless to say discussions were had about how he phrases these things.  Bless his heart.  

Such a fun & romantic little restaurant!  Highly recommend.  

We took Calvin along on our anniversary date, because he makes everything so much fun.

Sure do love this family of mine!

{Aunt Lisa's Visit}

We have been soooo lucky to have Aunt Lisa come visit us from Seattle several times since Cal has been born.  This past month she had a conference for work and was staying at Treasure Island.

We went to the buffet at Tresaure Island the first night she was here (with the Pinedos) and enjoyed a stroll around the pirate themed hotel. Cal enjoyed his pack, as per usual!

The next night we ate at a Brazilian steak house in the Mirage.  Calvin was sooo sick and threw up several times, it was so sad.  You can see it in his little eyes that he does not feel well in this photo.

I know this is a gross photo, but it documents what we were dealing with that night!  Poor little guy.  

We made a stop by Carlos' bakery (the famous "Cake Boss.")  We decided it was overrated and we much prefer the french macaroon shop that's not so famous right next door in the Venetian! 

We also took Calvin on his first gondola ride!  He was entranced with the gondolier's BEAUTIFUL voice... seriously, this guy sounded like Josh Groban.  He was the best & was such a fun personality.  

This was Cal watching him sing 

In true Italian fashion, Cal pinched Randolpho's cheeks.  Grandma Avery would be so proud to see little man getting in touch with his roots. 

It was such a fun visit!  I always seem to get out to explore more when Lisa comes in town.  Glad she makes the time for us!  : )

{Pinedo Family Trip}

A few weeks ago, our friends Mario & Holly came to visit with their cute family!  Actually we had been down in Arizona, and they drove back to Vegas with us. 

We loved having them and exploring the strip is soooo much more fun with little kids! 

Holly & I did a fun photoshoot with Milo & Calvin - they are new BFF's. 

We also had a fun afternoon walking around the Ethel M. chocolate factory and seeing the cactus gardens.  Can't you tell Calvin is having a great time? 

Mario & Maxwell found a gigantic lizard in the plants.

Later we went down to explore the strip - we visited the famous "Carlos Bakery" and got canolis.

Max loved this bridge because he could see the volcano in front of the Mirage erupting.

We had a blast with the Pinedos and are so glad they made the time to come hang out with us!

{Arizona Trip}

A few weeks ago we took a little trip down to Arizona to visit some friends and have a mini-vacation!  

We went to see the Mulders & got to celebrate Elissa's birthday with her.  We celebrated by going to 'Top Golf' which is awesome for golf rookies like myself... 

You get your own little booth, and you try and hit your golf ball into these targets... the closer you are to the bullseye, the more points you get!  It was probably one of my favorite games and it was such a beautiful day.  Plus we were with some of our favorite people, it doesn't get better than that! 

Later that weekend we went to a party for Elissa, it was fun to meet some of their family & friends! 

Happy Birthday, Elissa! 

I had to share the above photo because it was taken after a heated game of musical chairs which ended in a wrestling match between Justin & Mike.... this is Justin after saying, "But I won, right?"  One of the many reasons we love the Mulders...

Calvin is lucky his parents have such awesome friends!

{Las Vegas Temple}

This past month Mike & I were able to go to the Las Vegas temple for the first time.  We went with our friends Nate & Emily.  It was fabulous to go to the temple together, it has been such a long time since we have both been able to go!

I have been thinking a lot lately about how grateful I am for how family-centered Mike is & I know a lot of that has to do with the promises we made each other in the temple.  There is something so powerful about going there often and just reflecting on what that means.

This past conference there was a talk given by Linda K. Burton that really resonated with me.  She talked about the roles of fathers & husbands in the family - and quoted President Packer, "You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home.  There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power."  

What a beautiful promise that is available to everyone who chooses to be worthy of that priesthood! 

"I am convinced that a husband is never more attractive to his wife than when he is serving in his God-given roles as a worthy priesthood holder - most important in the home."

-Linda K. Burton

{Seven Months}

It's hard to keep up the photoshoots with this little man, since he seems to get squirmier and squirmier ... but I have to attempt!  So here is what 7 months look like for Cal - 

He was pretty upset when I stopped him from eating the cards, and it quickly devolved into a tantrum until he got it back... yikes!  Calvin is crawling all over the place, says 'da da', and drools everywhere.  He is mild mannered and generally pretty dang happy!  

Love this little guy!