Cruisin' Along

The week before Christmas we went on an awesome Chase Family Cruise! I think there were 18 kids, and six families. That's a lot of Chase love! We cruised out of LA and went to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. I don't know about anyone else, but we had a ton of fun! There were little programs for the kids, so Logan got to decorate a t-shirt, make hats, meet Santa, watch cartoons, and hang out with his cousins. He loved being carried around by his Mom and Dad, and couldn't get enough of his bunk bed with its own ladder. He didn't usually get naps, which led to him telling us he was tired and going to go to bed at the dinner table! He liked the beach, but wasn't too impressed with the blow hole we saw in Mexico. He keeps asking when we are going back to the "airplane boat." It was so much fun to see everyone and to not have to cook or clean up! We miss the family we don't get to see, it was so great to have everyone together.

So, random picture above is with Matt Malloy. I thought I recognized him from the movies, and Ray was brave enough to check it out. You may recognize him from just about every tv show made in the last five years, I think it was Hitch and Drop Dead Gorgeous that did it for me. Random but fun!

I'm thinking next get together should be just the girls?

Vegas, Thanksgiving, and my sweet family

My sweet Mom and sister Julie came to visit for Thanksgiving, and proceeded to get lots of cuddles. We left the boys with their grandparents for two days and went to Vegas with Stacy. It was nice to have a break from carrying a diaper bag and worrying about naps. We had buffets, watched New Moon (yeah!), swam, saw the Titanic and Body exhibits, petted some sting rays, and generally had some fun girl times. We had Grandma and Grandpa Chase, the Bundys, Chris and Kendi and Family, and Aunt Alice here for Thanksgiving, which was super fun. Loren played hard in a turkey bowl that morning as well. All in all, a great November!

Proof!

The last few times I've gone to Vegas I have wanted to do the whole fake skydiving thing. Ladies and gentlemen: I give you the proof! (Oh, and my MOM went as well... how cool is that?)

Logan turns three!

Awww.... my awesome little boy turned three on the 18th! Some of my favorite things about Logan include: calling hammers "chickens," telling me he is proud of me, and telling McKay "it's okay, Logan's here" when he is crying. We moved this year and he handled it like a champ, even finishing his potty training. He has made some great friends and will be moving to Primary soon.

For his birthday the little boy was lucky enough to have his Grandma and Grandpa Chase, Stacy, Julie, Grandma Thornton and his family here. He had such a fun time making an Elmo cake with his Grandma and blowing out the candles. Logan had pancakes for lunch and lasagna for dinner so it was his favorite day ever!

My favorite picture is the one of him with a little smile looking down at his cake.

Milkshake

Not the best dancing video, but you can see McKay's costume in full, and the tail cracks me up. He is at our friend Karen's music class, Logan's favorite part of the week!

Halloween, Halloween, Trick-or-Treat

We love Halloween! It is Loren's favorite holiday, and I'm sure it will be the boys' as well. Thursday we had our ward trunk-or-treat, which was fun because it was actually a little cold out. We had hot chocolate and let our little cow run around. The little black on his nose is when he fell on the asphalt. Friday we went to the shopping center and went trick-or-treating, this time Logan was a dragon. (It still fit from last year--why don't my kids grow?) Saturday we went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. Anthem is big on Halloween, it was fabulous. There were all sorts of block parties, and people sat at the end of their driveways with tables of food and drinks. So we had a little root beer, a little nachos, some guacamole that was being thrown up by a pumpkin... all in all good clean fun. We had a great time.

McKay has popped THREE teeth this week, and he has two more to go. Poor little guy. I am letting him take a longer nap than usual. This week my goal is to get the butterfly wallpaper out of his room, the Dora the Explorer has already been stripped. Then--on to painting!

Family, firetrucks and I can't think of a "f" word for caterpillars

It is a little hard to remember what we have done lately! We took Logan to the fire station open house. He loved it! He got a tour, ate cake, sat in fire trucks, and put out a fake fire. Plus, a new red hat. He also has been loving the library, here is a picture of him with his very own hungry, hungry caterpillar. McKay is desperately trying to work out some teeth, but is having no progress. The other day I was counting the bites Logan had to have before he could get down (3, by the way). So I said, "One." Then McKay said "two!" (You have to imagine the cute little voice drawing it out.) What a smartie!

We just got back from Vegas where we watched BYU trounce all over UNLV. There were more Cougar fans then Rebels, it was a cool game. We also go to see my friends (family?) Duane, Becky and Betsy. So, so good to see them again! I miss everyone! Logan and McKay went to play with their cousins in Casa Grande, which they loved. Logan told me he missed me, but also said, "Logan no go home." Thanks Chris and Kendi, I'm sure church was fun with my two little monkeys!

You'll note the new playlist and background. The 80s music is compliments of Loren, Bob the Builder was a request from Logan. Enjoy!

A little dancing for Julie

Potty training, big mammals and surgery success!

That's it--I'm calling it! I'm saying that Logan is potty-trained! Whoo-hoo! We took him to this little KidzFaire thing as his present for being potty trained. It wasn't too exciting, although he got to take his picture with Scooby and dance with Dorothy from the Wiggles. McKay was less than impressed. They had a chance to make a few crafts and hang out with kids.

Yesterday I took the kids to the last free day at the zoo. They were more interested in the play areas and slides than the animals. I pointed out a few animals and they looked at me like: "Uh huh. An elephant. Great. Can we go play now?" Maybe wait until they are a little older?

Logan started a weekly music class, which he loves. He dances around and plays instruments. It is his favorite time of the week. Loren has recovered from his surgeries and is feeling much better. It has started cooling down--maybe we have officially made it through our first Arizona summer?

Rise and Shout the Cougars are Out!

Awesome win against the #3 Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday! We love our BYU Cougars!

You make me feel like dancin'

Okay, it is more of a run for Logan and more of a shake for McKay, but they love to "dance"

Is August over?

It cannot possibly be September! August went by so quickly! McKay turned one on the 18th--he celebrated with his grandparents and some chocolate cake. He is in the .77% for weight so we have got to start feeding this kid more fat! He continues to be his super happy self, although he is cutting three teeth. He is starting to think about giving up a nap, but I am not convinced.

Logan is enjoying story time at the library (do you like the alligator hat?). He has story time on Thursdays, park day on Tuesdays, Mother Goose on Wednesdays and Mommy and Me Music Time on Fridays. So we are slowly filling his week. Monday is for recovering from Sunday with no nap. I loathe 2 o'clock church.

I turned 30 on the 22nd but continue to try to ignore this fact. We kept it pretty low key, although I look forward to celebrating later. Loren had two surgeries in August, so we kept pretty quiet the whole month. His parents were kind enough to stay with the boys through that ordeal. He is looking forward to feeling better soon!

If Logan has only had one accident in two months--is he officially potty trained?

Hot Summer Days

We've managed to keep pretty busy during these hot summer days. Last weekend we took the kids to see "Montezuma's Castle" which is about a 45 minute drive from here. It was a free weekend, which is good, because the kids were not very impressed. You used to be able to go and look around, but now you just kind of walk a half mile loop near it. The castle is a cliff dwelling made by the local Native American tribe (I can't remember the exact tribe). Loren and I found it interesting, but at over 100 degrees not a place to linger. McKay spent a lot of time entertaining European tourists. We then went to Sodona and had some fudge and ice cream and checked out the art. All in all a good weekend. This weekend Loren took Logan to do a little craft at Lowe's. He got to make a little helicopter with cute little goggles and a little apron to keep. Adorable!

Loren is not having a great time. He has been passing kidney stones for the past couple of days/weeks, and is currently having a ct scan. The pain has been overwhelming and I have been a single mom for most of the past week. We have plans to go on our first date in six months--Harry Potter--so I hope he feels better soon.

We have also taken the boys to a magic show, several play dates, the water park, and library reading times. They have been very busy!

Phoenix Summers

The boys continue to keep growing, the heat doesn't seem to be affecting them too much. We are in the water if we are outside, otherwise we avoid being in the heat. We took the boys to Chik-fil-a's Cow Appreciation Day. McKay does not seem to impressed with his outfit--but Logan loved coloring spots on his garbage sack. We had great fun. And the whole family got free food! Everyone wins!

This weekend we introduced the boys to Lilly. Logan loved the tractor rides and keeps asking when we are going back. We will be heading to Prescott tomorrow--which means that they actually get to play in the grass! I took a few pictures of the boys with their new stuffed animals, they love hauling them around and cuddling with them. McKay especially likes to walk around with his "Font-font."

We are planning the Chase family reunion this year--and we are all going on a cruise! It is going to be super fun to have all 29 on us together. I'm thinking parasailing! We just about finished one whole room, decorations and furniture and everything! I finally got the house rekeyed, now I need to get all the carpet cleaned and finish cleaning the next few rooms and we are officially settled in!

I spent Sunday in the nursery, and am having a two-year old over for a play date on Friday. Saturday we are thinking of heading out to Motezuma's castle. Will take pictures if we do!

My Arizona Boys

The boys are pretty much diggin' Arizona! They have had a lot of fun playing with cousins, splashing in the water park, and hitting people with pow-pows (water guns). Logan has also picked up a way to save me money on washing cups!

McKay is now walking full time, and he is so small at ten months that we always get stopped to see how old he is and how long he has been walking. He looks like a little penguin, adorable! Logan has been enjoying his weekly play dates and is slowly, slowly getting better at potty training. He is liking having me home full time so we can work on letters and numbers when McKay is asleep. Last week he went on a backstage tour of the movie theatre and got popcorn and a little film strip. He is starting to say funny things, "Mommy, I love bubbles." "Mommy, there's a wow-wow" (cop car/ambulance/fire truck--it is the noise they make).

The heat hasn't yet broken our spirits. It is still cool enough for nightly walks to the park. Loren is still liking his job, and had to go to a quick conference--in Denver.

Hopefully we close on our house on Friday!

Why do I love people?

First, the pictures. I have taken some new pictures of the 

boys, 

but I can't seem to find the cord to download them.  So here are pictures of the boys being vets at the Denver Children's Museum.  Cute, eh?  McKay has a ways to go yet.

Second, the reason for this post.  I was really quite stressed out with the move.  I had boys to get ready, a house to clean and pack, a house to buy, utilities in two states to organize, showings to clean for, finals to write, grades to submit.... I was a little overwhelmed.  A lot of people helped us through those weeks and I just wanted to say thank you for all the kind, kind service that was shown to us.

Ray and Sharon Chase were invaluable.  They helped us drive here, putting up with Cosmo--which is no easy task.  They have helped to clean and put this house into a livable condition, and they have tirelessly entertained the boys.  Kendi has come to entertain me, so I don't go crazy.  Julie has sent packages so I feel loved all the way around the world.  Sometimes a girl just needs some candy and love!  Sometimes she also needs her mommy.  My mom sent us travel treats and other settling in goodies--plus good naturedly talks to me when I am going crazy.  My dad took Logan on the 18 wheeler and gave him a Kenmore key chain--which he loved.  Sarah Mayfield saw our moving van and just walked in to clean our bathroom--and was not taking no for an answer.  She also brought the boys fruit tape--which was well appreciated.  Dolores was our mom away from home, and we will sorely miss the weekly interaction.  This amazing woman not only cooked and babysat for us, but packed a beautiful new purse full of travel goodies for the boys.  Amber Martin fed us and packed another bag of goodies and toys for the boys--Logan asks about Joseph every time he sees a blue van.  And my beautiful and stylish cousin Loriann sends her amazing hand-me-downs to us--our kids never looked so good.  Our two realtors were actually quite amazing, our CO house is now under contract!

I'm sure I'm forgetting someone--and I'm sorry if I did.  I just wanted to express my gratitude for all the amazing people I have in my life.  Thank you.

Museums, Moving and Full-time Mommyhood

Ah!  What a month it has been!  Loren successfully took his oral exams, and is now officially ABD (all but dissertation).  It was a stressful time, but I am so, so proud!  After he defended we hopped in the car and took the kids to the Children's Museum in Denver.  They loved it!  Logan got to dress up as a possum and tunnel under trees, as a fireman and play on a full sized fire truck, as a train conductor and play with a room full of trains... it was never ending fun.  McKay just liked to look around and put everything in his mouth.  It was a win-win.  They had a fabulous time and we took the scenic route home to enjoy the beauty of Colorado.

Then we moved to Arizona!  After two days in the car with two kids and a cat we were happy to make it here.  We don't have enough furniture to furnish all the rooms, but the kids are loving crawling and playing cars on the never-ending tile.  We finally got the AC working which has been a huge help.  And we found a washer/dryer and refrigerator on craigslist while we still had the moving van. Slowly, things are coming together.

With my last grade submission I am now a full-time mommy.  Most of my time is spent cleaning, unpacking, and organizing. I hope to have summer plans for the kiddos soon.  Music class?  Swimming lessons?  We'll see.  

A big, HUGE shout-out to Loren's parents.  We literally could not have moved without them.  They helped us drive down here, cleaned floors and walls, shopped, watched kids, did manly chores, cooked, baked cookies, gave grandma loves, and took Logan to Ace.  Thank you so, so much.  

We will miss all our friends in Colorado, and look forward to making new ones here!

Easter, moving, and a whole lotta pain

Easter was fun this year! We went to a garage sale on Saturday and picked up a wooden train set, an Elmo electric guitar, three new trucks and a pull toy for McKay--all for $3! Logan loved his new toys and McKay loved putting new things in his mouth. Neither was too sure about the Easter bunny, however.

We are enjoying weird weather, hot then snowy. Logan likes to eat snow, here is a picture of his potential last time in the snow. McKay is cruising around the house, walking with the assistance of toys and causing general mayhem. We are continuing to show the house and getting ready to move, which is just a pain all around.

Speaking of pain, Loren has been working on passing kidney stones and has been in intense pain. Poor guy. He needs chocolate and some sympathy.

One Logan story to finish the post. I have been working with Logan on his colors and the numbers 11-15. Loren was trying to entertain Logan in the car while I was in the store--Logan would count to ten and then Loren would turn on the overhead light. Apparently, it was entertaining. Then Loren said, "Logan, what comes after ten?" (working on 11-15, remember). Logan's answer: "Light goes on, Daddy."

Ah, I love my sweet boys.