Month: May 2011

Montana or Bust…. Traveling North!

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Well its Montana or Bust! Abby, Ellie and myself set out for Montana to see my parents and most importantly to see my sister Jillian graduate from Montana State University. Unfortunately we all started getting a cold with a cough during the move and I thought it would affect our trip, but so far so good!

The first day the girls and I traveled from Porter Ranch to St. George, Utah. The trip was pretty easy with only one stop in Baker, California to change diapers, eat and unfortunately get gas. Yeah, gas is a necessary thing but at $4.85 a gallon it hurt the pocket book just a tad. I will just have to remember to gas up enough to skip over Baker on our return! Once we arrived in St. George we had the chance to relax and visit with my grandma Taylor, Aunt Caroline, Uncle Kevin and Uncle David. After a yummy dinner and some great conversation it was off to bed for us! We had a big travel day ahead of us.

The next day we got up early and hit the road. On this leg of the trip we would be traveling from St. George, Utah to Pocatello, Idaho. It was a longer day filled with some traffic and the typical construction through Provo and Salt Lake City but we survived.

We made a stop in Beaver, Utah to gas up and take a break. Abby had the chance to have a picnic lunch in the back of the car, which she was tickled pink about. Who wouldn’t love a picnic in the back of the car! Because Ellie is so wiggly she didn’t get to sit in the back with Abby, but she did enjoy a nice sippy cup of formula and a few teething cookies!




After some usual traffic and mommy taking the wrong belt route, yeah I cant believe I did that, we made it to Pocatello, Idaho. After a quick Subway dinner we all hopped into bed and got ready for our final day on the road before arriving in Bozeman.

The next morning we woke up refreshed and ready for the final drive into Bozeman. We took my favorite route as the weather was beautiful and the roads were clear. We cut off at Idaho Falls and took the road through Island Park and the Gallatin River Canyon. Just outside of Mack’s Inn, we saw a big Bull Moose eating in a small creek. It was a first animal sighting of the trip! Then as we crossed into Yellowstone Park Boundary Abby spotted a coyote all by herself! She didn’t know it was a coyote but as we were driving she all of a sudden said, “Mommy look at that dog in the snow!”. That’s my smart one!

Ellie is 10 Months!

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Ellie turned 10 months today. 10 Months. That means only 2 months until she is a year old! So much changes so fast. I swear the time with Ellie has gone a lot faster then it did with Abby. How is that? I guess its because I have my hands full with both girls. While I am sad to see her grow up so fast, I look forward to the next 14 months. With Abby, I completely enjoyed the time between 10 months and 2 years old. Ellie is almost a toddler and I really love the toddler years. So much changes and our little ones start doing things for themselves. Its amazing!

Ellie is talking a lot, well with baby babble, although I swear every now and then I hear something that sounds like a word. She is also starting to sing, which is really some very sweet to see. Always makes me smile, especially when I need it the most. Ellie is also standing for long periods of time and she is so close to taking steps. You can see she wants to do it but hasnt quite figured out how to do it. I have a feeling she will soon though.

It seems as though Ellie has settled in well after the move, although we dont have much time to adjust. In just a few days we take off for Montana! This will be Ellie’s first roadtrip with just mommy and Abby. I know, people think I am nuts but I am completely comfortable with it. I have a feeling Ellie will be taking her first steps on this trip. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Wedding Countdown for Kenzi… Shower #1

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Today was the first of several wonderful celebrations for my dear friend Kenzi. She and her fiance’ Jeff are getting married on July 17th and as the day approaches, the fun celebrations begin!

Ashley Welch (the Co Maid of Honor) and myself hosted the shower for Kenzi. When the planning began Ashley discovered that she would be unable to attend due to a planned vacation and an issue with scheduling. But, as we continued to plan Ashley discovered that she could change a flight and surprise Kenzi the morning of her shower and yes, Kenzi was very surprised! It was so nice to have everything work out the way we had hoped.

I guess I shouldn’t say everything worked out exactly as planned. Of all days, the one day we need the weather to behave as we are hosting most of the shower outside, the wind decides to kick up. When I say kick up I am really understating myself. In reality, the wind blew like crazy making it impossible to put up a lot of our decorations and all of the beautiful flowers that Kenzi’s mom found at the Farmer’s Market had to stay inside. Thank you weather! Its April in California it should be calm, sunny and a perfect 70 degrees out!

Despite the wind, the shower was a success and I think everyone had a wonderful time! I know Kenzi did and that is all that matters! The food was delicious and the cupcakes, which were a choice of vanilla and red velvet, came out just the way I had hoped! Yup, I made them from scratch, including the fondant flowers on top!







The shower was a success and Kenzi received a lot of wonderful things! I was very jealous, why didnt some of these cute things exist when Shaun and I were married? Oh well, it is what it is! I have to say though, Kenzi has great taste.

When the shower came to an end, Shaun brought the girls him to pick me up. Abby was excited to see her Auntie Kenzi so we stuck around for a bit just to hang out and talk. Abby had a blast playing out in the backyard with Kenzi and Jeff, which was a great way to burn off all the frosting she licked off of one of the cupcakes! What a great day. I cannot wait for the next shower and all of the upcoming wedding events!