Sunday, August 28, 2016

We Bought a House

Still feels a little surreal, but it's true! My husband has been itching to be a property owner, but with our military moves, it hasn't been too easy. So he we decided to buy one in ST. GEORGE, Utah! I say "we" because it's been hard for me to be on board with buying a nice new house I don't even get to live in, but when I get over that, it actually is a dream come true to have a place in an area we love so much.
We are currently renting it out as a vacation rental because it is great proximity to the city and Zion National Park, and so far it's been doing pretty good! We negotiated in the price to keep all the furniture so we could immediately let people stay in it. But a couple weeks ago, we went to visit, and update the decor. I didn't like the previous decor or the bedding, so we changed that out to make it more fresh and fun. 
^^Front entry area^^
^^backyard^^

 
^^the entryway tile reminds me of Flip or Flop haha^^
^^the living room is a great size. the back is a nice office workspace area^^
^^I had a lot of fun getting these vintage posters that are the same as the ones at my grandparents cabin. I used this tutorial to give them that vintage look!^^

Bedroom number one:
 Decor from HomeGoods
Bedroom number two, more decor from HomeGoods and Hobby Lobby!

There is a bathroom for those rooms, and then next to that there is a nice big laundry room...
That leads into a nice big master closet...
That leads into a nice big master bathroom that I forgot to take pictures of...that leads into the master bedroom!
 I really hope we can return soon. And if you want to stay there let me know! ;)

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Party for the Two-Year Old

 We had a little party for J on the morning of his birthday. I know he doesn't understand birthdays, but he sure loves social gatherings so he had a good time, not counting the tantrums that happened sporadically. Man, this two year old thing is really a bitter pill to swallow right now. I still love my boy, and I loved letting him celebrate in the form of a cake and being able to hit a pinata, which he LOVED!

We had the party at the community center on base since it was already much bigger than our tiny cottage, and it had a playground attached to the room, so that was awesome to just let the kids play. They were all in the 2 year range, so games were not really in their focus abilities haha.
 Pinata time! Just to let you know, a pinata with a bunch of two year olds is pretty anticlimactic. They have no strength to break it, and they need to be told to scoop up the candy. But it was entertaining to watch!
 ^^finally found a good use for my giant Romanian wooden spoon ha!^^
 ^^I love how my friend Shannell is pointing trying to explain the whole candy thing^^`


 "Hey! My hand is sticky now. What am I supposed to do?"
 "Problem solved."
 He got some other great presents (including a bike!) but alas, he is most excited about the trucks.

Happy Birthday, J! We are so grateful for you.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

We Have Ourselves a Hustling 2-year-old

Let me tell you something about this photo shoot. J saw I had pulled out my camera and had it on the bed. He brought it to me in the living room and motioned to me that he wanted me to take his picture. He does that sometimes, but he started to pull me into my bedroom, the notorious place where I usually have photo shoots of him and Dom. He happily hopped on the bed and started smiling for the pictures.

I started getting suspicious. Sure enough, after I started taking pictures, he said very matter of factly: "iPad." He was totally hustling me! I usually bribe him to cooperate in pictures by letting him watch videos on the ipad and he knows it. This kid!!
^^Future CEO Pose?^^
^^Future gymnast pose?^^
^^Future Hair Model Pose?^^
 ^^Or the best pose yet. I'll call it the Maharaja pose. I don't make him do this!!^^ 

 I think this may be my last time photographing him au naturale, since really, he is more and more quickly becoming a little boy and not a baby and that makes me so sad. Especially as we enter into the INSANE mood swings, the tantrums, the unwillingness to cooperate. Ahhhh, toddlers.

But as I look at these pictures, I am reminded how lucky I am to have this little boy. He has been the light of my life the last two years. And as he gets bigger and shows me love in return, it is amazing. He brings me such happiness. I love you so much, sweet baby J. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

Friday, August 5, 2016

8 Months of Dominic

I can't contain myself. Here a lottttt of pictures from our 8 month photo shoot today. Dom had just woken up from his nap and was so so playful! I think this is my favorite stage of his so far. 

 Dominic is crawling and climbing up a storm and he is all over the place. With his mobility his curiosity has exploded, and we have to constantly watch him because he causes mischief all over the house and finds even the tiniest crumb to put in his mouth. We fondly refer to him as our puppy, because he acts just like one. Cute as can be and follows you everywhere!

With his playful side, comes his attitude side. I am worried, because he already is having mini temper tantrums! Mostly if I walk away from him or put him down when he doesn't want to.

But back to the good stuff ha. He is easy to make giggle and his laugh is the best kind of baby laugh there is. He loves J, and is starting to initiate the rough housing with him yikes. Luckily he is still at an age where he doesn't mind J ripping toys out of his hand, because J isn't much of a sharer.

I love this baby. This is his sweet spot, where when I think of him getting bigger it just makes me sad! I want him to stay this size always.

Now for fun here are two pictures of my boys at 8 months, crawling like crazies. Can you tell them apart??


 
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