A much needed Date!

Life has been busy to say the least. I have been putting the boys to bed on my own more than I would like. Max has been incredibly busy with going through his parents garages (plural) and getting rid of most everything and going through the many boxes that look like they could have something important in them. He had to have the apartment keys ready to be turned in for his parents apartment and garages on Saturday and he has spent countless hours making that happen because he is an amazing hardworking man that takes care of his family. He's been gone so much that when he left for work, Charlie started asking him if he was going to come home to our house after work. It's been crazy but he's felt strongly that it is what he needed to do as part of honoring his parents. Anyway, the house stuff is pretty much done but now we just have tons of boxes in our garage that still need to be sorted through. Crazy! Anyway, the point of this post is that I finally got to date that man of my dreams and it was one of our best dates ever. 

Saturday was a busy day with Miles' Birthday party in the morning, I've decided to wait to post that one because I'm mad that the weather report said it was going to be cold and rainy so we switched the party from our backyard to our church gym and I'm having issues with my indoor white balnces. SO I'm not too pleased with the photos I got.  OH yeah, and it ended up being mostly sunny and warm. Anyway, This post is getting quite rambly but continuing on.

We got a babysitter and went out into the City. 

Oh yeah, and another backstory..if you are still following my choppy storytelling. Last year, just after Miles was born, Max went to our ward auction where the youth auction off items that the ward members donate to save up for summer camps. Max fought to get this couples massage class and eventually got it in the auction. We were both so excited but, since I had just had a baby, we decided to wait awhile before going. I finally got to scheduling it in January but there was a mad Valentine's rush and we didn't get it scheduled until April. Whatever, we were able to go at the perfect time when we needed it most. 

We got there a half hour early and were able to explore the old Portland building.

The class was amazing, educational and relaxing. We had done something similar shortly after we got married but it wasn't nearly as educational as this. It was a two hour class so we each got a one hour massage. And of course it is the gift that keeps on giving because we are basically pros now. We loved it so much that Max convinced me we NEEDED to sign up for another class. Seriously though, if you are in Portland, there is a groupon right now, it is so worth it!

We walked back to our car in the drizzling rain feeling refreshed. We then went to Chipotle and grabbed some food to go. When we got home we were so excited that Carly had gotten both kids to sleep and she had even cleaned our living room. (When we left, it looked like a tornado had gone through our house) Max and I were able to just sit on the couch, eat our food, and watch a show together, and it was only 8:30. I love dates, and much overdue couple time!

Easter/Miles' Birthday!

Easter Sunday was extra special this year because we got to celebrate Miles' First birthday as well. We love Easter so much and the celebration of our Savior. There is nothing more that gives me a tiny glimpse of the Love of our Heavenly Father than being a mother. So it was fun to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ as well as surviving a year of motherhood with two kids, no matter how small it seems in comparison. 

We got to spend the Friday before Easter as a Family and decorating Eggs. So much fun. I think I say this every holiday, but I love seeing how much more involved my kids are each year with our traditions. Charlie had been looking forward to this for weeks and would often ask if it was the day to color eggs. 

The remnants of our week old tulips. 

I think it's become a tradition that Max and Charlie cover their faces in the little Easter stickers that come in the dye kits.

On Sunday Morning, Easter Morning. We woke up to the sound of Charlie playing in the hall with all the balloons we had prepared to throw in Miles' crib when he woke up. Charlie was pretty excited when I told him the plan for the balloons


While Charlie waited in our bed we watched a couple videos about Easter. They are beautifully done videos and if you haven't seen them (even if you have) you should watch them! I love that Charlie is starting to understand Jesus Christ and his love for us.

After watching the videos, we waited impatiently to hear the slightest peep from Miles' room so we could bombard him with balloons. Eventually he woke up and we made our move. He seemed a little confused at first but then thought it was so fun!

So much joy!

 He now has a bunch of balloons in his room that we keep throwing in his crib when he wakes up in the morning and from naps. On one occasion when I went in his room to get him he pointed in the air and said "baloo" requesting that we fill his cribs with balloons.

After a bunch of balloon fun the boys got to go downstairs to check out their Easter Baskets. And they actually had baskets, not mixing bowls like last year. The baskets were so simple but completely loved by both boys. The slinkies and light up balls from the dollar section at Target are winners among my boys.

 Oh yeah, and they got matching shorts which neither of them were that excited about.

Miles found one egg and threw it so Charlie went on a hunt for the rest of the eggs and did great. Those hide and seek games are paying off. 

We then had a yummy breakfast of Puff pancakes and strawberries. And Miles got to try cow milk for the first time. He really wasn't that big of a fan, which disappointed me a bit because I'm ready to wean him from nursing.

We then spent the day at home and listened to the General Conference message. It was enjoyable to have a home day as a family. During Conference Miles got to open some gifts. Charlie helped me pick them out and wrap them so he was so excited and had a hard time letting Miles open the presents or play with them.

 After the last session of conference, we got ready to head out the door and go celebrate Easter more at my Red Grandma's house. While we were all ready and waiting for Max to be ready (haha!) we went to play in our much overgrown lawn.  He had his first experience with wishies!

We got there and Charlie promptly ran into the sliding glass door in his excitement to go play with his cousins outside. So many cousins and second cousins were able to come so there were tons of kids that made it so fun. 

We are always so happy when James and Elizabeth come down with their kids! 

 

Aaron showed off his tattoos

And Timmy showed off his missing tooth. 

And Everett showed off his tongue

After a dinner break we got ready to go back outside for an Easter Egg hunt. James was the security guard, holding the masses of children in. 

And then they were released!

Oh my this kids was happy!

 There were lots of low eggs for the younger kids to find, Everett and Miles were able to find tons!

Miles loved shaking the eggs and then throwing them, then they would roll down the hill away from him and he would try to get it and roll down the hill as well.

"Saved it Mom!"

Then there was a lot more backyard play time!

When it started to get cold we went inside for some cupcakes! Miles' faces were priceless!

Charlie had to help him blow his candle out.  

Powdered Sugar Mustache

And he loved his cupcake!

It was so much fun to celebrate so much goodness in our life with family! I'll save Miles' stats and development for another post.