American Girl Trip 2010

Mia is the world's most amazing 7 year old. She makes life so much fun. One of her favorite things to do is go to the American Girl Store in Los Angeles, so we do our best to get her there. We started the tradition last year. And since the whole "doll" thing is only a small moment in time, we're hoping to make this a yearly trip at least a few more times, before she gets too old.

This year we went on March 12th and 13th. Since baby # 4 is due in just a few weeks, it was now or never. So my sister Jill (who is also very pregnant) and her daughter Reagan, joined us on the trip. They flew down to Las Vegas, then we drove the 4 1/2 hours to LA.

First stop... THE BEACH!!!


The water was cold but it was so beautiful. Even Jill and I couldn't resist wading in a little bit.


This is what the girls looked like after 30 minutes of beach fun....SOAKED! They walked like ducks back to the car.

After getting cleaned up, we headed to The Grove shopping center and went to Maggiano's Italian Restaurant.
The next morning we got up early and went to the store where we spent hours and hours.
At lunch we dined at the American Girl Cafe.

Warm cinnamon rolls welcomed us.
Our appetizer...

Mia loves getting the mini hamburger and mini hot dog meal. Don't forget the pink lemonade.

And dessert was adorable.
We finished shopping and drove back to Las Vegas. It was such a fun girls weekend. I hope we can do it again next year.

R.I.P. Awesome Clock

My 2 year old loves to leave a trail of destruction. And here's his latest victim. My favorite clock bit the dust yesterday when Luke decided to throw a basketball in the house. It bounced off the 3 foot clock, causing it to fall to the tile below. It's made of particle board, so it's not the most fancy clock, but I've had it for years and it's traveled the country with us.
So my clock stand is sitting empty on the wall. I'm hoping that I can make a new clock to replace it. We'll see if my talents extend that far.
But in the end, it's just a clock and Luke is still my little sweetie. I just have to take a few deep breaths sometimes and remind myself that it's just a phase. Eventually he will no longer have the desire to color on my piano, or break my decorations.... someday.

Incidentally, Drew is convinced that he can fix THIS clock. Does it look bad (symbolically) to have the clock that represents our "Swasey & Co" with a large crack down the middle? I'm just saying!

Family Ski Trip

Last weekend we decided to join a few friends on a skiing trip to Brian Head. The kids had never been skiing before, and Luke doesn't even have much experience with snow. When we first arrived, Luke looked so confused. He couldn't figure out why it was so cold outside. After a little bit of whining, he finally got used to it. Mia and Cole were put in ski school from 10am until 3:30. Cole figured it out right away and did an amazing job. He's just a natural.

This picture freaked me out a bit. That's my first born on a lift all by herself. She was really nervous, but did great.
Mia was a little more timid than Cole, but she's a natural too, and had a really fun time.
My lack of pictures is due to the fact that Luke fell asleep on my lap and I couldn't run around with the camera. When he woke up, he once again decided that the cold weather was not for him.



Unfortunately Drew had a bit of an accident. It had been a long time since he'd snowboarded and luckily I made sure he wore a helmet. He doesn't really remember much of what happened, but he does know (from eyewitness accounts) that he crashed and hit the back of his head really hard on the ground. The helmet forced his goggles and glasses into his nose, causing two large cuts. He was a little confused for a while and had a bad headache for the rest of the day, but was a good sport about still taking the kids on a few runs in the afternoon.




We weren't ever able to get an entire group shot. Everyone was having too much fun on the slopes. But I did get a few of the Aikeles and Bodilys in this photo.
It was a fun trip and I'm sure we'll go back again next year, when I can join the group skiing. But as for this trip, me and my wiggly belly were content with sipping hot cocoa in the lodge.

Happy BIRTHDAY

I had a wonderful 33rd birthday. Drew surprised me the night before my birthday, with a night stay at the Trump Tower. We had so much fun together (thanks to his parents for watching the kids). We stayed out until late and slept in late. It was great. He also got me a beautiful watch, perfume, flowers, and candy. It was a dream birthday. When I came home, this is what greeted me. Mia made signs to wish me a happy birthday.
Mia's always so thoughtful....ALWAYS!
We topped off the night with an ice cream cake and 33 blazing candles. I'm surprised the ice cream didn't melt. Here's a photo with me and the kids, and cousin Austin who came to visit.

It was a wonderful birthday and I feel so lucky to live the life I do. Thank you honey for a great day.

FINALLY HOME!!!!

Yesterday, after 164 days, Drew finally arrived home! We surprised him at the airport. We told him we'd be meeting him at the baggage claim, but instead we got security passes and met him as he got off the plane. We arrived at the gate 15 minutes early, so the kids killed some time playing their DS's. Luke's "DS" - AKA the Leapster
Mia worked really hard on her sign. It was done a full month before he headed home.
Cole watching the plane pull up to the gate.

Mia was ready with the sign.
I loved the surprised look on his face. He changed out of his uniform back in Minnesota.

People were staring and cheering and we were crying. It was awesome.

Our family shot was a little blurry (which happens often when I hand my camera over), but that's OK. It's good to get a photo of all 5 1/2 of us.
Since his arrival home, it's been non-stop fun. After we left the airport we went to dinner at Chili's (mia's choice) and headed home. Drew was exhausted from the day and a half of straight travel, so we let him sleep a bit. He's doing well and we're so excited to have him back.

Who is this???

Not quite sure what's wrong with my little Bubba, but he sure doesn't look like himself. He has a swollen face and ears. Mia couldn't stop staring at him this morning and saying "You don't look like my brother". He says he feels fine, but he's staying home from school anyway.

**UPDATE** Turns out Cole has Strep Throat. His body reacted to the infection with a sandpaper rash all over his body and swelling, but no sore throat. Strange!

Last night he made us laugh with one of his famous comments.

Cole - "Mia, guess who had your DS today?"

Mia - "I don't know."

Cole - "LUKE!"

Mia - "What?"

Mom - "Don't worry Mia, I took it from him. It's fine. Cole, why don't you tell Mia who GAVE the DS to Luke."

Cole - sign.... "I did"

Mia - "What???? Why would you do that Cole?"

Cole - pause... "I don't know, I forgot to choose the right."

Mia and I laughed for a good 5 minutes, and Cole was angry that we thought he was so funny.