Sneak Peek

We had our family photos done on Friday evening and I couldn't be happier with how the two I have seen turned out.  I am so anxious to see the rest.  Jimmer is at that age where it takes everything to get him to sit still and then to actually smile is the other challenge.  Alyssa, Vintage Girl Photography, did such a great job and was very patient with our crazy little family.

7 Month Baby

Carter is growing up way too fast and it's hard to believe that he is 7 months old.  He is such a good baby, other than his sleeping at night.  He is so well behaved during the day, easygoing, even tempered and then 12am-1am comes around and he turns into a different baby.  I am trying to use the cry it out method, but it is so hard for me to just leave him.  Hopefully this bad sleeping pattern will stop and we can get things back to normal.  Other than that he is moving all over the place, rolling from one end of the room to the next.  He's also pulling himself everywhere too; he'll be crawling in no time.  He's been eating really well although he doesn't like much other than his rice cereal and the occasional fruit.  He's able to hold his own with his older brother who likes to smother him with hugs and kisses.  Carter loves to go for walks and bike rides and he enjoys his time at the park in the swing.  There are so many things to discover and learn in his little world.

In July me and the boys took a trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house so Carter could meet Great Grandpa Nilsson and Great Grandma Baker for the first time.  We had fun relaxing and visiting family and friends for a week.  

My smiley, happy little boy.

Sitting up on his own.

Birthday Boy

Jimmer is a week old.

His 1st Birthday!

We celebrated Jimmer's 2nd birthday this year with lots of family.  It is nice to now live so close to the city and be able to share these special occasions with close family.  It's crazy to see the changes in this little boy.  He is quite the character and has a mind all his own.  He loves his mommy and doesn't seem to think that anyone else will do unless he's shaving with his daddy.  He still thinks that cartoons are the greatest thing to fill his days.  It's near impossible to get him to stay still unless he's watching his "toons".  This summer has been filled with going for walks and discovering new parks.  He is obsessed with slides and climbing just about anything to get to the top of the slide.  As he sits at the top he says "ready, set, go" before sliding down.  It doesn't matter how big the slide he has to do it all on his own.  His favorite things right now are animals, pirates, dinosaurs, balls, brushing his teeth and he still loves his Bubble Guppies.  Jimmer loves his baby brother "dee" so much and is constantly giving him kisses. He also loves having his big sister around to play with.  They play so well together and he especially likes playing hide and go seek "seek" with her.  He covers his eyes and counts to two before going to look for her.  Ava has to be awfully quick to find a hiding spot.  We think the world of this little boy and are excited to watch him grow and learn.  

It was so cute to watch him while everyone sang Happy Birthday.  When he finally realized that everyone was singing to him he got really excited.  He was pretty intense when blowing out his candles and was spitting all over.  

Love that sweet little face. 

He must really like what this card says.  

Disneyland 2013

As I mentioned in my earlier post we went to Disneyland the middle of May and had an absolute blast. Thank heavens for my parents who came strictly to watch Carter and Jimmer and just hung out at the hotel the whole week.  We were so grateful to have them there, so we could spend some good quality time with Ava at Disneyland.  I was most worried about traveling with two small children, but they did surprisingly well on the plane ride there and back.  Ava was a big helper which made for an enjoyable time.  

This was at the airport in Edmonton after checking in.  Jimmer was being lazy!!

Kids were all so good and everyone on the plane was super accommodating.  

This precious little boy is too cute.  He had fun at the hotel with Grandma and Grandpa. 

A little bit of down time with the IPad. 

Heading to Disneyland for Ava's first time.  She's all ready with her Minnie Mouse shades and autograph book.  

The first and only time I went to Disneyland was when I was Ava's age, so I think that this may have been just as exciting for me to see her react to all the Princesses.  

Our first ride inside the park...the train ride. 

This was our second day at the park.  Jimmer and daddy hanging out while Ava was getting made over at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  He was less than impressed with most of it except the carousel and just doing his own thing.  

This was one of the funnest experiences for Ava and from start to finish they truly make you feel like a Princess. Once the transformation was complete Ava got her own photo shoot followed by a chance to meet some of the Princesses without having to stand in line. Her Fairy Godmother took her through the park announcing to everyone to make way for the newest Princess, Princess Ava.  All of the staff and random people in the park made her feel so special the entire day. It was well worth every penny paid. 

We ate lunch at Ariel's Grotto and once again Disney did not disappoint.  Everything was so delicious and Ava was made to feel so special along with meeting the Princesses.  She was so happy to get all of their autographs.  

This is right after Jimmer woke up from his nap and Belle referred to him as her Beast.  

This is right before going on Radiator Springs Racers.  We all agreed that this was one of the most enjoyable rides in all of Disneyland.  

Third day at the park...Splash Mountain was number one on the list.  I wasn't sure who was more scared, Ava or myself.  

While Ava and I were on Splash Mountain Shane took Jimmer on the Winnie the Pooh ride and introduced him to the characters.  He was terrified, so when I had the chance to take him I left him in the stroller and he warmed up a little bit.  He was still quite hesitant, but did OK.   

Getting ready to fly Dumbo.

It doesn't look like he enjoyed flying Dumbo, but this was one of his favorites. 

This was our last day at the park and one of the best days.  We wanted to cram as much as we could into this day, but had a hard time because there were a lot of ride closures first thing in the morning.  We still managed to have a great day and make it a memorable one.  Our favorite this day was when we went back in the afternoon to California Adventure.  Soaring Over California, Big Bear Rapids, Indiana Jones and the Swings on the Pier were among the best of the day.

We missed this little boy while we were at the park...love those squishy cheeks!

Before leaving our fabulous hotel.  The Marriott was about 1.5 miles away from Disneyland and right across from Target.  The had the best continental breakfast and even served dinner in the evenings.  We would stay there again for sure and would recommend it to anyone.  

Had a run in with Mike Holmes at LAX.  After a stressful time checking through security it was a welcome surprise and he was very nice to stop and take a picture.  He said that he was shooting a commercial with Allstate Insurance and heading home with his wife.