Getting out

This past month I have been trying to plan at least one fun outing a day...sometimes it is just as simple of doing a library baby time, or play group at the park.  I am not good at staying busy in the house, so I like to stay busy by going out.  One day I will learn how to stay home a whole day and actually get stuff done like cleaning or cooking...but I figure when our next little man comes, we will have to be home for the first little bit...so for now, bring on the "funner" stuff! These are 3 recent activities that I actually remembered to bring my camera to...

This is at the Phoenix Children's Museum. We all had a blast there, not just Kade! They had 3 different floors and lots of rooms full of interactive learning games and fun activities. We stuck to the rooms that younger kids could appreciate.  Kade's favorite was the noodle jungle. It was so claustrophobic in there! You couldn't see anything but noodles!

GILBERT DAYS:

This is our yearly tradition with the Williamsons. We were laughing how last year the adults went on all the rides and we took turns watching the kids. This year, the funnest part was watching the kids do the rides...we didn't even go on any ourselves.  You know you are a real mom when you have more fun watching your little one do something than doing something yourself :)

So maybe I had to tell a little lie to the carnival worker to allow Kade to ride the train. What? He doesn't look 2 years old? I tried getting him in on several kids rides to get turned down every time.  We had already bought tons of tickets and I wanted him to get to ride the train so bad...so I figured a little fib wouldn't hurt. Who lies to a carnival worker??!!

The pink elephant ride was the only ride in the park that Kade was legally aloud to go on. He felt so big sitting next to cute Liberty...He really loves her!

Bass Pro Shop Santa's Workshop:

They have the COOLEST Santa's workshop at bass pro. If you have one near by, then I totally recommend visiting it.  They have stuffed reindeer next to Santa's shop and everything looks so real.  It's totally how I would picture the North Pole :) Nate loves it because he can go look at all the stuff while I wait with Kade in line.  I did not mind waiting in line because then I didn't have to pretend to be interested in the fishing lures.   They let every kid do a craft and make a stocking.  I am a mean mom and kinda got into it, I wouldn't let Kade help by messing it up. He kept trying to eat the jewels anyways. He must have thought it was more candy cane.

 Kade wouldn't stop waving at Santa Clause...he loved him! I will have to scan the professional pic they took of him because it was much better.

It is getting much harder to hold Kade! He is always wants me to hold him because he knows I will let him down to go wander and cause trouble because I can never hold him long enough. 

And yes, I am that dorky mom that has her boy dress up as Santa to go see Santa. He might kill me for this when he gets older.  Maybe I will mix it up and let him be an elf next Christmas!

Red Head??

Nate the Great!

So the other night I was going on and on about something in the car and buggin Nate about this and that. He sits quite for a min after I ask him a question, and finally, calmly, responds... "You know what, sometimes I am so shocked that you weren't born a red head".  Even though I had a hunch on where he was going with it, I still asked him what in the world did he mean by that. Apparently he meant that I am a stubborn, spit-fire, free spirit, and easy to rile up girl. Nate is at work tonight and I am just missing him at home and hating the night shift. I am thinking a lot about him tonight and how amazing of a man that he is able to live with me, AND still love me despite my strong willed personality. You know you are full of it when your family tells you when you are younger that they kinda feel sorry for who has to live with me forever :) So this is gonna be a shout out post for my hubby and why I just love him sooo stinkin much!

-His humor. The other day I asked him to put a jacket on Kade so we could go on a walk....Kade came walking into the room with this "jacket" on. Nate didn't warn me of the joke he was playing and it made it all the better. I was DYING laughing

-He adores our son. Nate is a great father. He is very helpful to me and most of all he plays with Kade, and our son loves him so much for that.

-He knows how to take criticism without getting offensive. Always willing to work on things to make him better.

-Is never afraid to say sorry first.  Even if I am the one who started the fiasco.

-Patient with me to no end.

-He is punctual. He is calm.

-He is very helpful with chores around the house without ever being asked: He is our dishes doer, trash taker outer, mail getter, take the trash can to the curb man, payer of bills, lawn mower, weed puller, bug sprayer, and laundry starter.

-He never goes a day without telling me he loves me.

-Works hard at his job, even when he hates it. Works the night shift so I can stay at home with Kade.

-His passion for running.

-Nate spent his day off work helping me set up for our Young Womans Evening in Excellence without complaining at all.

I promised I wouldn't post this pic when I took it. I said it was just for me, but I couldn't resist. Thanks for teaching Kade your cooking skills!

-Embraces my motto on how to spend a Sunday afternoon....go to church, come home and watch football :)

-He is basically everything that I am not... I make him late, I don't admit when I am wrong, and I hate being told that I didn't do something right. If Nate doesn't feel good or is tired, then he just gets quite. Where as if I am tired, everyone suffers. I sometimes give him grief about him wanting to go fishing sooo much. But I am glad he is passionate about something, and that he can't wait to teach our boys to fish. I tell him that I would much rather sit and watch him play soccer than sit on the boat...but you know what, he doesn't complain when he watches me play the sport I love. Nate, I am going to try to be better! I love you so so much and am so lucky to have you as my husband and best friend. I like to think we balance each other out a little. I love that you are my sugar, and that I am your spice, and that we both wouldn't have it any other way.

Parents visit!

Halloween Continued.... I am a firm believer that Halloween should be celebrated for at least a week.  So This was actual Halloween weekend.  We had a ward Trunk-or-Treat and parade.  It was SOOO great to have my parents come visit for the weekend!  Kade loved having them to play with as soon as he woke up all the way till bedtime...24/7 attention can't get any better than that.  My mom likes changing diapers (I don't have that figured out yet) and getting Kade dressed, and I loved having a helper!  Especially because holding him is becoming more of a chore.  Nate and I didn't mind getting spoiled by my parents either.  They took us out to dinner and lunch, and helped re-stock our fridge for us.  Food is the #1 way to a mans heart, right?  Oh ya, and a pregnant lady!!!  My dad couldn't get enough of the AZ weather, it was mid 90's while they were here!  We went swimming and to the park, crazy weather for November.  Thanks for the great weekend mom and dad!  We miss you tons already!

Kade can't get enough of the ducks at the pond...

The car slide is one of his favorite toys, the Williamson's gave him for his B-day.  He would squeal at the top of his lungs every time they flew down!

ASU Boo Bash

Fishin' for Candy & The Bean Bag Toss

I am sure you all are going to get sick of seeing Nemo pictures from all the different Halloween events, but I can't contain myself and will probably still post a million of them. I can't get enough of Kade in this puffy costume! The tail in the back wiggles side to side when he walks, it is adorable. Is there anything cuter than kids dressed up in Halloween costumes?! I originally had a duck costume for him from Carters. Kade loves ducks and quacks at anything with a beak.  I wanted the Nemo costume so bad but it was a lot more expensive (as everything in the Disney store is)...luckily it went on sale for 40% off and I returned the duck for the Nemo! ASU East campus, where we used to live, has a Halloween Boo Bash every year. I was so excited to take Kade this year because he could actually participate in the activities. We thought the huge bouncy slides/cage things where a little to wild for him, but he did love playing the carnival games!

 

Kade loved spending time with Nate and riding in his wagon.  Nate was the first to volunteer to take him around to all the Trunk-Or-Treat cars...those two boys both LOVE candy!

The Sager family was able to come enjoy the carnival with us. Kade has been such a blessing to all our lives. He really just makes us all so happy and we all love to spoil him with attention. Aunt Heidi got Kade that little glow stick and he wouldn't put it down the whole night! I made a rookie mistake and forgot to get Kade a Trick-Or-Treat bucket, so his Nana bought him one after the carnival. Kade puts his monkey in it and walked it around the house with him all day today. He even dragged in the backyard to fill it up with rocks. It will be funny to see him carrying it to the houses on real Halloween day.

Don't ask what I was dressed up as cause I have no idea. I was a LAMEO and made no costume this year because we don't really have a couples party or anything big to wear it to. I can't help myself though and at least had to do something Halloween-ish...any excuse to dress up a little.  I really wish there was a designated dress up day at least once a month. I thought I had drastic makeup on my eyes to look kind or rock-star-ish (why do I keep using "ish") and now that I look at the pictures you can't even really tell. Sad that it was actually a lot of eye makeup for me. It looks like I just had a little bit of a black eye.

Kade was so tired that he fell asleep before we pulled out of the parking lot! We all went to eat at In & Out after because not all of us could stomach the free hotdogs.  Although, Kade my picky eater downed a whole hot dog and a half! We laid Kade down in his wagon while we ate burgers, he looked so cute passed out in his costume.  Who knows if you are allowed to drag a wagon into In-and-Out, I didn't think anything of it until people were staring at us!

Campin out

 Our friends the Lemieux's invited us on a camping trip last weekend. It was SO nice to wear a sweatshirt. We went up to the North Rim and left the desert behind us. We are still hitting temperatures over 100 degrees in the valley.  It was a really fun trip and Mark's parents brought up their trailer which was great for all the kids to run around and play in. I can't say it was our most successful camping trip cause Kade blew out of 4 outfits in one morning! He was teething and apparently got some nice runs to go with it. I think I got about 20 min of sleep during the night. I guess I should just plan on it when we are on vacation. Kade sleeps like a champ in his crib, but has a hard time else where. I successfully made my first peach cobbler. I have eaten that stuff over a million time and never tried to make it in my own dutch oven.

Kade would stand like a statue until I would pick him up because he didn't like walking on the uneven ground. He definitely had no time rolling around in it and making rock piles though. He is such a boy :)

So I think I am done fishing for a while. I know I have said this before...but I used to love it when we went about once a month...but this once a week stuff is to much for me. I guess I am not cut out to be a fisherman's wife. Gone are the days when Kade slept in his car seat and I read my book while Nate fished. Now it is stressful making sure Kade doesn't dive in the water (which he tries) and he refuses to wear his life jacket so I tie it to his shorts (does that even count??) I feel bad to ditch out cause it is always been our family thing...but I think it will be better when Kade is bigger and can go with his Dad.  I am have a feeling next week you'll see more fishing pics though, I always give in!

This is obviously not from our camping trip...but look at the grin :) This little man has me wrapped around every one of his fingers.

26.2

October...my favorite time of year! Baseball playoffs, football season, best weather in AZ, beginning of the holidays, and to kick it all of the St. George Marathon. This was my dad's 14th St. George full marathon. Amazing huh??! As if you can't tell by looking at those runners legs, can I be jealous that my dad can pull off short shorts better than I can?! So basically since I can even remember we have spent the first weekend in Oct. in st. g every year. My dad has definitely been my inspiration with running. I have already vented my sadness about having to sit last year out because I just barley had Kade, and then this year as well because of being preg again. So worth it cause I love my babies....But now Nate is caught up with me and we both have ran 4 full marathons. I think I have raced in a few more half-marathons but we are pretty close.  I embraced my cheerleader role and had an AMAZING weekend cheering Nate and my dad on and spending time with the fam.

I was SO dang proud of Nate the Great! He is back into school full time and with working full time it has been really hard for him to get in the training he needed. He was doing really well training until the last few months when school started. I was not jealous when he was waking up at 4:30 am to try to beat the heat (which is basically impossible, AZ was NASTY this summer!)...Or, he would come home from work after working 14 hrs. and all through the night, and run the next morning. Kill me now! So Nate unfortunately didn't get his goal time. Around mile 13 he got the worst charlie horses in his quads and had trouble with his calves. He said that you could see the muscles clinched up and he couldn't get them to relax. He pushed through the pain for the rest of the way and got a 4hr 39 min time which I still think is great!

Apparently the beginning of the race was a record for heat. Usually it is cool for at least the first 10 miles...I was worried when I heard that because my dad doesn't do good with the heat. He still did amazing! He ran a 4hr and 9 min marathon! He always reminds us about the years that he got under 3 hrs. 30 min. but for him to be a grandpa now and still kicking butt is awesome in my book! Plus he felt really good after the race which isn't always the case. My dad went to prestood season after the race! My butt would've been in bed. Nate didn't feel as good so he and Jeff went fishing instead. Fishing always heals their souls. Good job dad and Nate!

It was hard to tell who was more tired, the runners or the spectators. Man it was hot sitting there cheering ;). Dylan and Kader did really good at staying in their strollers the whole time. They were sleepy from us dragging them out of bed, and then making them sit in the heat for a long time. They both earned some toys and dvd's for being so good. Nate earned a couple new running tops, and I earned a diet coke! Wahoo! Oh, and thanks Uncle Sam and the girls for coming to support! And some other shout outs: Aunt Nancy, for letting us sneak into your house to sleep in the middle of the night after arriving into town. And it was great to see Aunt Amy and her kids and my Grandma Moore. And once again, sorry to my St. George friends who I didn't get to see, I still love you all and just always get so wrapped up in family events when I am with them.

So I am the biggest air head. I usually am too focused on cheering that I forget to take pics. I wasn't going to post marathon pics until I could steal some from Brandi and my mom, but I thought I better use what I got so I don't get behind. This race I swore that I would get great action shots. As soon as Nate passed us I ran along the side of him (not on the race course, but behind the gate) to snap some shots. Apparently pictures  DON'T  turn out if you are pushing the on and off button instead of the picture button....so I got a sore back from my dumb shoes and still no cool pics! I finally noticed at the end and was able to get a good one of them putting the medal on him.

The little boys had the best time just playing on the bed! We brought up tons of toys, and of course Grandma had some new things for them (thanks mom, I love it!)...but the little guys were just interested in jumping on the hotel beds. They would wrestle and flop around like little fish! It was a little nerve wracking for all of us to make sure one of them didn't go flying off! The hotel had a great pool that Kade loved, and yes...no pics of that :(

The two cutest snuggle bugs ever watching their cartoons with their hot mamas ;)

Kade is totally Dylan's puppy dog. He follows him around everywhere. Dylan seemed to like him better on this trip more than he ever has. I think it is because Kade can walk and play with him a little more. Kade doesn't sleep well on vacations cause that boy LOVES his crib...when he got fussy at night Dylan would say, "Oh just stop crying" it was hilarious. We miss Dylan so much already!

My chunky monkey may be picky about what food he likes...but if he can get his hands on stuff he likes, then he literally won't stop eating. He chowed down more than half that apple on his own after a big continental breakfast! He loves his chompers! Please notice that doll in the background. I told my mom that I am afraid that Kader won't understand "soft" with the new baby. My mom heard that it is a good idea to let them practice soft with a fake baby. You can guess how that went over with Nate and Grandpa. They said absolutely not! They wouldn't even let him touch it! Lame, I don't think a one year old will grow up with issues from just touching a baby doll. No, I don't want him carrying it around with him all day but to touch it is fine with me. I would try to get Kade to play with it just to bug the men. Kade wanted nothing to do with it except to steal it's fake binki. Needless to say, that baby went back home with my mom...there was no way in heck Nate would allow it back to AZ with us until there is a little girl in the house to play with it. Oh boys :)

Grandma and Grandpa are the best...they can't get enough of their boys!

I look really stupid and didn't realize I was arching my back. Like I said before I hurt it really bad trying to run and take useless pictures. Holding Kade is starting to be quite the struggle. I am turning into such a wuss! But this is the only pic we got with Jeff and Brandi because the little ones weren't loving picture time when the pool was right there staring at them.

Doesn't Kade look so much like his daddy in that pic???!!! And yes I am only 17 weeks preg...not 27. I get huge so fast!

Look at that face! Don't you just want to bite him?? I swear he gets cutter and cutter by the second. I love my Kader so much!!!!!!!

PS...............

I thought this post was long enough already so I wasn't going to say anything...but what the heck while I am already up late I may as well get it all done. SOOO, we pretty much know what we are having!!! :) I had a doctor apt. when we got back into town. They decided to do an ultra sound because maybe I am all of the sudden huge and gained 7 lbs since my last apt only 4 weeks ago...hello! They were worried that it was polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) like last time. Well, the good news is that so far the fluid looks just fine! Now, bad news is what the heck can I blame it on! The ultra sound tech was being a little weird about checking for the sex. They are so annal about waiting until you are 20 weeks to tell you. She took a quick peek...she told us she couldn't be 100% sure but she was pretty darn sure. It was clear as day to me :) We decided to wait for our next ultra sound in a few weeks before we announce it so we can be sure. I am a tease? Not that anyone really cares to much either way..I just want to be sure. I love to find out the sex because it makes it more real for me. I think we are almost set on a name too! To be honest I have mixed feelings about what the gender, but truly am excited! I will go into more detail soon!