Friday Zooday!

Alicia and took the kids to the zoo today. Of course they loved it. Mylie loves the zoo and we go often enough that she totally could be a "tour guide" there. In fact, last time my parents were here we went to the zoo and my Dad suggested that Mylie volunteer at the zoo as soon as she is old enough. I definitely think we'll look into that when she is older!

Of course, Mylie and Drake ALWAYS have fun together.

And the obligatory pose with brother. Notice how the smile isn't as big?

A matter of perspective ...

I woke up at 4 this morning, asleep, in my clothes, on the couch, my laptop with a dead battery on my lap. I was awake just long enough to set the computer on the floor and to grab a blanket and go back to sleep. I had a feeling this might be an indicator of the type of day ahead. Summer school ends this week and I have been getting end of semester papers graded and working on final grades. I am tired, more tired than I have been in a long time.

Our dishwasher started leaking, but neither Jeff or I have been home long enough to figure out the problem or set up a service call. Hence, the dishes are piling up. Although I hand washed some last night, when I looked at the kitchen this morning, it didn't appear to have made a dent. I went to get Blake up and his crib was broken. Yep, broken. Somehow incredible hulk baby did something which resulted in the bolt being gone and the side coming apart. Sigh. We had breakfast got dressed and got ready to go to daycare so I could work. Blake excitedly grabbed his sippy cup, then promptly dropped it on the living room floor, the lid popped off, resulting in a milk puddle in the carpet. Double sigh. Oh, and I found an earwig in the house this morning (I hate hate hate earwigs).

Somehow I made it through work, through grading papers, through administering a final exam and got home at 8. I was tired and a bit grumpy. Blake had done more damage to his crib and I had to set up the portacrib. The dishes had babies (or at least it looked like they had reproduced). I still had a stack of papers to grade.

I tend to multi-task when I grade, taking a break to blog or facebook. So in my grumpy state I stumbled on a blog of a family whose 2 year old daughter had died. And I read. And I sobbed. And I quickly reconsidered my mood. Because it is a matter of perspective and I think that lately my perspective has been focused on how tired I am, how much I am struggling at some things.

And so I stopped and thought how incredibly lucky and blessed I am that I have two beautiful, healthy and happy children who love me unconditionally. They love each other and are best friends. They make me so happy it brings me to tears. They don't care if I didn't get the dishes done, they don't care if we have cereal for dinner. They just want to be with me, no strings attached. A baby boy who wants to hug me and kiss me. Who wants me to give him zerbers, whose laugh is the absolute sweetest sound in the world. A little girl who is so sweet and so loving, who is a little mother herself. Who wants to play princesses and put together puzzles with me. Who loves to read and sing songs.

I am blessed to have a husband who loves me. Who still loves me when I am annoyed and short tempered. Who hand washes dishes and makes dinner and bathes kids when I have to work late. Who does laundry and takes care of the yard. Who works hard for his family. Who takes off work early to come home and run through the sprinklers with his kids. Who supports every single thing that I do and never asks for more than I can give. He is completely selfless and gives 100% of himself to the kids and I.

I am grateful that I have a Heavenly Father who knows me and loves me. I know that I have been so busy lately I haven't acknowledged His hand in my life. I am reminded of a conversation my mom and I had one day. I remember we were driving to Provo (maybe for a scrapbook weekend) and it was after Mylie was born. I was making a comment about how lucky I was that I had found the job I had and could work part-time. Mom quickly responded by saying that it wasn't luck, but a miracle.

How often do we (do I) look at things that happen in our lives and feel lucky? When in reality they are little (or big) miracles in our life. I know I don't do it enough. I know I don't thank the Lord enough for the blessings in my life. I need to ... I have so much to be grateful for! So I think tomorrow I'll have a different perspective. Instead of focusing on being tired from school, I'll realize the miracle it was in this economy to find some extra income that pays well. I'll be grateful that dirty dishes meant we had food to eat. I'll be grateful that we have milk to spill (and to drink). Mostly I'll just take the time to recognize the Lord's hand in my life.

Are we there yet?

We took a mini vacation to SLC this weekend. One of my BFF's Sarah and her family were visiting SLC from Michigan, which gave us the perfect excuse to go for the weekend. Friday we had a yummy lunch at Maddox and then had family pictures taken in Ogden on Friday night by my super talented friend Shantel. We scored a sweet deal on a suite and Mylie was so excited, it was the coolest hotel ever mom!

Saturday morning we headed to Hogle Zoo with Bailey and met Sarah, Thayer, Trysten (6) and Alana (3) there. It has been over 3 years since Sarah and I have seen each other, it was so much fun to be reunited! She and I have this amazing friendship, that it doesn't matter how long since we have seen each other or talked, we pick up like we are living in the same apartment and spending every waking minute together. I miss seeing her more, but also know it doesn't matter where we live or how often we see each other, we will always stay in touch and really know each other. Did I mention that i just love her? Sarah, Jen, Mel and I were roommates for 2 years at Ricks. The 4 of us will be friends forever. It has been 7 1/2 years since we have all been together (my wedding), but I think we need to plan a reunion!

But enough reminiscing. Back to our trip! Mylie was excited about the zoo, Blake was indifferent as long as he was in the stroller.




His excitement did peak when we found the merry-go-round!


Mylie and Alana.


Blakey and super cute Aunt Bailey.

Blakey is a Momma's boy though.

He really liked the gorillas (or being out of his stroller ... one of the two).

After the zoo, we indulged in Cafe Rio (which Sarah first introduced me to years ago). Delish! Then back to our hotel for an afternoon of swimming. Our hotel had a nice outdoor pool and we spent hours just swimming, playing and visiting. It was so nice. Sarah, Thayer and the kids headed back to where they were staying and Jeff, the kids and I took a 5:oo nap. We met Bailey at 8 for dinner at Famous Dave's (notice how there is a lot of mention of food in this trip, hmmmm). It was fun to visit with Bailey.

Sunday morning we checked out and then met Sarah and family at Temple Square. I really love visiting Temple Square, I just have such a sense of peace when I am there. Mylie was really excited to take Daddy and Blake, because they weren't with us last time we went. She is also excited to tell Sister Ball (her primary teacher) about it.

Sarah, Trysten, Mylie and Alana.

The gardens were so beautiful! The kids were so cute smelling all the flowers.

I took a lot of pictures of the Temple while we were there. I think this one is my favorite.

Across the water .. Mylie, Trysten, Jeff (with Blake in tow), Thayer, Sarah and Alana.

Mylie posing. She is good at it.

After spending about an hour at Temple Square, Sarah and Thayer had to leave as they had a long drive ahead of them. We headed over to the Conference Center for a tour. Mylie and I have toured it before, but were excited for Jeff to see it as well. What an amazing building. 1.4 million square feet. Just a little peek from the top of the auditorium.

After our tour we headed home. I drove and everyone slept for quite a while. It was a beautiful thing. It was a great time. I love the uninterrupted family time together.

{Of course, while Mylie was awake, she did ask countless times if we were there yet. She and I are driving to Iowa with my mom in a few weeks and Jeff and I just kept telling her this weekend was practice for Iowa. I think it could be a long trip. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know!!}

The 4th

I really love the 4th of July. I love celebrating America, I love buying cute patriotic outfits for my kids. But really ... I love the 4th of July in Idaho Falls. It just isn't the same anywhere else. The 4th of July will always mean the parade then a big BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It will always mean lots of cousins around, lots of food and lots of laughs. This year was no different.

Mylie and Aunt Bailey at the parade.

Our traditional parade watching spot. I think this same tree is in the background of all my parade pictures.

Cute little man.

For a moment they obliged getting their picture taken together.

But just for a moment ....

My cute boys.

Then it was off to Westmoreland for the BBQ. Scott and Julieanne and the boys were here from Utah. Blake and Marshall are just about a week apart. They were pretty interested in watching each other.

Papa brought the URAL to give rides to all the kids.

Mylie didn't want to go on a ride, but Blake had no fear and went on a mini-ride around the house.

And then devoured an ice cream sandwich.

It was a spectacular day. We made a happy hour run in the afternoon, we went back to Mom and Dad's and hung out and then went to Grandpa Jack's to enjoy the fireworks (without worrying about the traffic).

It was such a fun weekend. I look forward to it every summer. It is hard to believe its been 3 years since my last 4th of July with Grandma. I miss her extra on this day.

Mesa Falls

We spent the 4th of July weekend in Idaho Falls. We left late Thursday night (really late, like we got there at 1:30 am). Friday we decided to make the Mesa Falls loops. I love Island Park and miss it. I think the Mesa Falls scenic highway is a contender for one of the prettiest drive in the state. This is taken out the window while we are driving (like the big crack in my windshield?).



And would you look at how much she has grown? She is growing up so fast and I think her hair cut makes her look so much older.

This is from the upper falls overlook.

Blake checking it out as well.

Love these dudes.

Blakey's cheesy grin in this one just makes me laugh!

Flew the coop!

It started out as a quiet Saturday morning at our house. Everyone slept in until 8 (a blessing), I made breakfast for the kids and I while Jeff went on a run. He got back, went in the garage to work on his bike. The kids went out in the back to play and I was sitting in the living room on the computer. I have a view of the sliding glass door and could see the kids playing out back.

I noticed a large bird flying low in the yard and thought it was a bit weird. I thought it was much weirder when that same bird FLEW INTO OUR HOUSE. I freaked and started yelling for Jeff. He was in the garage and couldn't hear me so I run to the garage. I look into the kitchen and it is standing in the corner. I run into the garage yelling that there is a bird in the house and Jeff is a bit perplexed. At this point the kids have run into the house so I get them and we go in Blake's room and close the door.

I can hear Jeff in the kitchen talking softly to the bird, who I imagine is a little scared. I peek down the hall and he has the bird in a towel and is headed outside. He is laughing and tells us it is a CHICKEN! Seriously?

We think it belongs to our neighbor behind us (yes, we live in a subdivision), as they have a coop in their backyard. I tried calling them but they weren't home, so Jeff just put it back in their yard. Mylie immediately checked the kitchen to see if it laid any eggs (it did not). I have not stopped laughing all day.

The rest of our afternoon was pretty uneventful, but still lots of fun. We packed a picnic, packed the kids into the trailer and rode to the park and had a picnic. It was so much fun! Mylie was a little concerned that we would find a chicken at the house when we got home, so far we are safe. It is never boring at the Breach house!

She loves him!

Mylie loves Blake so much and the feeling is mutual. They are just the best little buddies. This morning Mylie told me she wishes she could marry him when they grow up because she loves him so much.

Granted, in a few years that will seem weird, but it just was so cute to hear her talk about how much she loves her brudder.

The Virgin Voyage of Pinkalicious

I'm not going to lie ... I'm not in good shape and it has probably been 10 years since I have been on a bike. Jeff has turned into the Idaho Lance Armstrong. We were talking and thought it might be fun to enjoy biking as a family. I explained to Jeff that I would never be a competition cycler. He offered to buy me spandex bike shorts to see if it would help, I declined. I did, however, score this sweet pink cruiser. How could you not want to bike with this?

Our first plan was a bike seat for Blake, but much to Jeff's dismay (and after an hour of cursing), it was not going to work with my bike. Onto (the $100 more) plan B - a bike trailer. We (meaning Jeff) got it all hooked up last night. I picked the kids up early at daycare today and we took my bike (now known as "Pinkalicious") and the kids on a ride. Here is little snapshot of them in the trailer.

Jeff didn't think that they needed their helmets in the trailer, I reminded him of a few things, mainly that I hadn't ridden a bike in 10 years, there was a good chance I might be biffing it with his babies in back. Blake, not so much a fan on the helmet, but it looks so stinkin' cute on him!

So off we went! I did not wreck (well I almost tipped over trying to get off the bike when we got home, I am slightly short), the bike trailer stayed attached, Mylie took snacks for her and Blake to share, so they were happy. It was so much fun! I forgot how fun it is to just ride your bike. I think I must have burned extra calories, since I was towing 70 extra pounds. We went almost 3 miles, which I know isn't a lot for people who bike (Jeff usually rides 19 miles at a time). But for me ... I can't think the last time I did 3 miles of anything! We are off to a great start. The next thing on my list is to accessories my bike with a sweet basket on the front.

Shoshone Falls

On Sunday we decided to take a mini road trip to Shoshone Falls (near Twin Falls). It was a beautiful day and it was so nice to all be together without interruption. The falls were amazing.

Jeff and Mylie played a little frisbee ....

and Blakey played in the water.

I sure feel blessed to live in a state where there is so much beautiful scenery!