Words

Chase's vocabulary is growing everyday and I wanted to take the time to document all his words. That way I don't forget them all. So here goes:

• Mom
• Dad
• Nannie
• Nana
• Papa
• Happy
• Hockey
• Goal
• Amen
• Please
• Eat
• Up
• In
• Out
• On
• Off
• Poo Poo
• Pee
• Bubbles
• Go Go Go
• Bird
• Dog
• Cat
• Apple
• Pear
• Ball
• Book
• Yummy
• Cookie
• Elmo
• Ernie
• Cheese
• Car
• Truck

I don't want to forget all of Chase's words. Love ya buddy!

Home again!

Chase & I are home from a wonderful 4 days in Palm Desert! The trip came together quickly and Sunday morning at 5am we were on the road to the airport. The beauty of Palm Desert is it's a quick flight and you're in the beautiful sunshine. I love it! I've grown up going to the desert and it's a pretty incredible feeling taking Chase there now.
Our first day was spent by the pool. Chase is at such a great age. I loved watching him splash, jump and squeal in the water. Mom, Nana, Brittany, Chase and I headed off to Cheesecake factory for dinner. Since we were up so early we went home pretty quick and just relaxed.
Monday was filled with tanning and swimming again. Such leisurely days filled with laughter and fun! I wanted to take Chase to the Marriott for the boat ride and to see all the birds. My son is pretty amazed by birds these days. I love that little boat ride at the Marriott and yes it totally makes me think of the saved by the bell episode every time. Chase was so adorable on the boat in his bright orange life jacket. After our wee adventure we headed to Tommy Bahama's for dinner. All I have to say is "yum!" When the weather is a dry 86 degrees you eat outside and savor every moment. My son still goes to bed at 7pm and when he's in the water all day swimming by 6:45 he's begging me to put him to sleep. A mother's dream! That night was one I'll always cherish. All us girls sat on the patio with a glass of wine in hand and easy conversation flowing for hours. I have to say I got to know my beautiful sister in law so much better this trip. She's a truly remarkable woman and I'm totally blessed to have her in my life. Not having my own sister and growing up with guys (predominately) I can be a bit awkward with my girlfriends at times. Brittany is so understanding and real and I cherish her so much. Now that I'm a Mommy I loved that we got to have a sleepover and stay up late talking. Just little things I miss at times.
Mom, Brit and I are all very 'girly' so we woke up early the next day and did what girls do best...SHOP! I don't think Macy's shoe department knew what hit them. :) As I looked around at the sea of shoes around us I thought to myself "It's good to be a woman!" Then it was off to Forever 21 and Victoria Secret. So good! Chase fell asleep in the mall so we decided to pick up in n out burgers for lunch and head back to the pool. A pretty perfect day in my mind! That night we had a lovely cocktail party with our dear friends the Carlson's and some of their cousins. It was a blast! Always such great times with them and lots of laughter. The highlight was Joel finding a workout video for Grannies! It's interesting when women 40-50 years older than you look better. VERY humbling and only in Palm Desert!!!
My other fabulous sister in law Ang was also in the desert and flew home with us today. I have to say I love my sisters. They were so helpful to me with Chase. Plus, they're just great women to be with. All in all a great trip! Just what this mama needed. Although putting my fireplace on at home tonight made me miss the California sun a lot!

For me

I have always had a fascination with photography. Chad & I took a course a couple years ago that gave us an introduction to what our camera can do. We have a Canon 40D and it's amazing! My frustration over the last couple years has been I don't get enough practice and I'm so limited in the technical knowledge. This past weekend I was asked to come and capture a wedding reception. I was thrilled to do it! The bride & groom had hired the great Melody Davis until 7:00. I'm hoping to shadow Melody and learn as much as I can.

I don't think this will ever become a business for me. However, the perfectionist in me wants to do my best. So that means I have to learn and absorb all I can.

The best part about taking pictures that night was it was something for me! An outlet to creatively express myself. I love the social aspect with the guest and catering to the bride & groom. It was amazing! The perfect reminder not to forget the things I love. I just started editing the pictures tonight. Here are some of my favorites so far...

Mr & Mrs

One of the most beautiful brides!

Tulips!

For years I've been trying to go to the Tulip Festival in Washington. They have to be one of the most beautiful flowers. It's a quick hour drive once you're across the border. The tulip festival is outside La Conner which was one of my favorite places to go as a kid. This could very easily become one of our Easter/Spring traditions!

Nana & Chase

Nannie & Chase

Finally! A good picture of me and my son.

Uncle T

We came to the Calico Cupboard as kids. I was thrilled that nothing had changed. So yummy!

Best cinnamon buns ever!

Chase loves boats

Easter 2010!

Last Easter our wee family was in Palm Springs enjoy the pool, Easter brunch and a lot of R&R. This year Easter felt more like Christmas holidays with better weather. Our weekend was nonstop but I wouldn't change a thing! Every family has their Easter traditions. For us, my Mom made sugar cookies. I had to make sure I carried on this tradition for Chase! However, every morning since I made the cookies Chase wakes up and the first thing he requests is "cookie." I may have started the tradition to early! :)

On Saturday morning, we went to our church for the Easter blast. They had 26,000 Easter eggs for the hunt and 1,500 people came for the fun. It gave me goose bumps when I walked into the sanctuary and saw all those beautiful children and their parents. I was quickly moved beyond words as about 50 of them asked Jesus to be their saviour. Incredible!

After that we headed down to Ed & Aileen's dairy for an ice cream cone. I know, sugar overload for my son but it was a holiday. As soon as sunshine appears around here an alarm for ice cream goes off inside me. Of course Ed & Aileen's soft serve is like the Mercedes Benz of ice creams...we just had to have some!

Chase's 1st ice cream cone

He couldn't get enough

On Easter Sunday we went to church and then headed over to Mom's for Turkey dinner! Mom always does an amazing job of hosting. The table was so beautiful I had to sneak a picture.
Nana set up the "Great Easter Egg Hunt 2010." This is one of those things that makes me wish my Papa was still around. He would have loved to watch all his grandchildren having so much fun!

Steph & Aly racing to get some eggs

Chase was a pro at placing them 1 at a time into his bag

If you think Trent's happy here you should see him when he eats Brit's doughnut muffins!

I love this boy!

Matt, Trent & Jake looking for the last big chocolate bar...

Matt won!

Then on Easter Monday we headed down for Easter brunch with the Bennett's. The food was so yummy! It was great to catch up with everyone. While Ang, Stacie & I did some wedding planning, Dad, Mom & Chad took Chase to the park. One of Chase's favorite places to go!


The whole weekend was amazing! All the chocolate & bunnies is fun but being with family and celebrating Jesus dying for us is what it's truly about. I'm blessed and thankful!