Magic

This morning, Elle invented a new way to find mama when she's not in the house (or state, for that matter). After toddling around all the rooms of the house saying "Mama? Mama?" and satisfying herself that mama was in fact not in any of her usual hiding spots, Elle sat down with me on the couch and uttered the following: "Mama? Ta-dah!"

Poor dear — me thinks she thought the pronouncement of the magical declaration would pop her dear mama out of some hat right there in her own living room.

Poor substitute

Howdy all — J here again. As has become my tradition when Christina goes out of town sans children (she's hanging in Oregon with some buddies), I'm taking over this blog for a few days to post all sorts of random stuff. Random stuff like this video of Elle showcasing her mad dancing skillz:



And before I forget in the whirlwind that is semi-single parenting, I'd just like to give a huge shoutout to Grandma Mary and Grandpa Max. They're watching the girls during the daytime hours and letting me run off and hide at work. Thanks!

Eight's great

So today J and I have been married for 8 whole years (warning: this entry may be a little mushy and contain what others may see as too much information so read at your own risk) . It just seems like yesterday I was compiling pictures for our 7th anniversary. The time just keeps speeding up every year and I wish it would slow down a little. I am so lucky to have been able to spend these years with J. It doesn't seem possible that it has been this long, to me anyway, maybe he would say differently. We have shared a lot of fun memories together and I can't wait to share more. Here are eight reasons (I am sure I will leave very important ones out) why the last eight years have been great.

1. You always know how to make me laugh. I have a couple picture that I would love to show in regards to this but I would be in so much trouble that it isn't worth it.

2. We have gotten to experience a lot of new/first time things together (after wedding activities, cars, first apartments, our home, become parents, raising kids...)

3. Before we had kids, those quiet 5 years that we went and did so many fun things. I can't wait to be able to do some of them again together (hike, bike, rock climb, camping, weekend get aways, traveling...)

4. How special you make me feel and how loved that I am. You are always telling me how pretty I am or how smart or... and there has not been a day that we have been married (that I can think of) that you haven't told me that you love me.

5. Knowing that you are always there for me. I know that I can tell you anything and that (may say that I am crazy) you will listen and talk me through it.

6. That we know each other so well that we can complete each others sentences. That you are able to understand me even when I talk in Christina speak. And that we sometimes say or think the exact same thing all the time.

7. That we have such a healthy active relationship in the bedroom (sorry I warned you). You always now how to take care of me. I could say much more but I would embarrass myself and you readers (all 2 of you).

8. Having you as the papa to our children. Amber and Elle just love you and it is so fun to watch you with them. They both have you wrapped around their little fingers.

I loves you my honey honey and thank you for the beautiful flowers.

Happy Happy Anniversary song from "So I Married An Axe Murderer" (one of our favorites). Enjoy;)

More Summer Activities

Here are a few pictures showing what we have been up to the last week or so.

Amber starting taking swimming lessons

She has learned to float on her back

One of her favorite things is to use the pink kicking boards

This is when one of her teachers gave in and let her use one again

Elle enjoying a fruit leather while Amber swims

We went to Jumpin Jacks for the first time and Elle wasn't sure about it in the beginning

Amber helped Elle see that it was too much fun to miss out on

She even started trying going up the big slides by herself - she would have if she were a little longer

Amber made a new friend Haylee

I didn't see much of Amber after she met Haylee

So poor Elle got stuck with me the rest of the time

Tara and me just chatting as the kids played

On Saturday we decided to go to the pool and show Papa (hiding behind the camera of course) all the fun new things Amber was learning at swimming lessons

Heber Pictures

We had a great time in Heber last week. We got to watch Bonnie run, play with family and friends, see and ride the horses, ride the four wheeler, and whatever else came up. Enjoy the pictures.

Attention attention

We have an announcement to make:

There will be another monkey around here at Monkey Maxfield's come January 15th (or somewhere in that ballpark). Stay tuned for more updates in the future. That is all.

Beginning of summer activities

Summer is almost here but it feels like it has already started for us. It is so hot here already (except the last week or so - which has been so nice) and we are working on finding things to do that aren't outside. It has been the hardest on Elle because we had gotten into the routine of going out everyday either to go on a run or on a walk to the park. Then it started getting too hot too early and we would come home roasting. Then I had girls camp and Amber took a cooking class that threw off the schedule.

Amber really had a great time at her four day cooking class. Everyday I would stay because they needed help and everyday she would tell me that I could leave. This is a complete flip of how it was a year ago. I am glad that she is good being away from me again.

Amber making her name badge

Amber tasting her 'ants on a log.'

Amber decorating her recipe cards.

Elle trying to get in on the action.

Amber with her friend Ava.

Aunt Nettie was in town visiting so we were able to spend some time with her. She brought Drew up for a day of fun at the Main Street Water Park. Aunt Nettie was so gracious to watch the girls so J and I could go out. It was fun getting to visit with her. Thanks Aunt Nettie. :)

Amber and Elle in the fountain.

Drew, Amber, and Elle in the fountain.

Aunt Nettie - if you know her then you understand it is almost impossible to get a picture of her

Aunt Nettie reading a story to Elle.

We made a quick trip up to Heber for baby Wyatt's blessing. J headed home on Monday morning but the girls and I stayed until Tuesday afternoon so we could play some more. Amber and Elle had a blast when we went to Discovery Gateway with the cousins. They were all over the place and could have stayed for hours but the adults were the ones that were worn out from chasing them around. Then on Tuesday we spent some time at my brother John's house in Santaquin. Again, the girls could have stayed for hours playing with all the new toys and jumping on the trampoline but we needed to head back home for my sanity (Elle wasn't sleeping the best so none of us were).

Almost all the kids together in the Jeep (back: mystery little girl, Amber | front: Natalie, Elle, and Zach) Wyatt was kinda too small to ride in the Jeep.

Amber and Zach looking through the mouse door.

Amber "cooking." She wanting to spend most of the time in the kitchen.

Elle riding the car around.

Elle watching policewoman Amber drive her car.

Now Amber is taking two more classes: a story and song class and a pre-piano class from our neighbor Juli. She seemed to love it and has been singing "Little White Duck" song on and off since her class.

So that is what we have been up to so far this summer. Here in a couple of days we are headed back up to Heber to watch my sister run in the Wasatch Back. Then in a couple of weeks Amber will be taking swimming lessons. Hopefully, I will be better about keeping up to date so I don't have to do such long posts - sorry. :)