REUNIONS!

We've had the pleasure of re-uniting with many family and friends over the last week.
First off was some of my girlfriends from high school. It's been 9 years since Bre, Lindsey, and I graduated high school and started our own adventures and between the 3 of us there are 6 kids and 1 on the way! Over the last 9 years we've all had different jobs, schooling, and travel experiences, but somehow this year we're all located in Utah...finally! So, Breanna Thomas, Lindsey Bodell, and I took advantage and got together at Bre's for a night of food, fun, and conversation. The kids enjoyed the reunion as well!

Corbin loved playing with Hayden's t-ball in their backyard.

Quinton enjoyed cleaning up dessert crumbs (chocolate cake, not dirt... I know I'm a good mom, I let him do this for the picture and then stopped him)....

...and trying to climb the slide backwards all night.

Our husbands (Ryan and Jeff, missed you Aaron!) entertained the kids/played off and on while Bre, Linds, and I reminisced about old times, caught up on life, spoke of motherhood, and laughed about what we used to do before we had husbands and kids. (For some pretty scary pictures of our younger days and a walk down memory lane, see Bre's blog)

It's so fun to have such good friends that you can just pick right up where you left off. Here we are now with all our kiddos in tow.

Can't wait to see what 9 more years will bring.

A few days later Jeff and I attended the Peterson Family Reunion, his Grandma Moss' side. It was at a nice park in Mapleton and we again enjoyed great food and conversation, but we didn't take too many pictures because it was pretty rainy, windy, and cold the entire time. Needless to say, the boys found their niches and enjoyed the park despite the weather.
Quinton found a ball.

Jeff and Corbin found hula hoops. This was Corbin's first lesson in shaking his hips.

After a few attempts, Corbin gave up and resorted to watching another girl his age and his dad do it instead. Nice moves Jeffrey!

On Sunday evening we were lucky to meet up with Mandy, Dusty, and Kimball as they rolled through town on their way to AZ for Dusty's sister's wedding. It's been months since we've seen them and Corbin and Kimball always pick up right where they leave off too. Kimball waited on Uncle Tom's front steps for us to pull up and was clapping when we arrived. The boys gave hugs and then found their way to the backyard and RAN....and RAN.... and RAN. Not sure if they were playing chase or just running (and falling) for fun. Think they were both pretty delirious, but it was pretty cute and funny to watch.

They sure worked up a thirst and then helped each other getting drinks. Cousins are so much fun!

Can't wait to see some more AZ cousins and family starting tomorrow for a wedding and the annual Larson Cousin's Camp. So, stay tuned for some great from fun from AZ and Cali in the next week! Hopefully when we get back we'll be tan, rested, and have the keys to our new house in Provo!
(keep your fingers crossed!)

Father's Day

How appropriate that the first official day of summer is Father's Day!

To me, dad's and summer both mean fun!
We have so many dads in our life that are special to us, here's a small tribute.

Life LessonsYou may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The (woman)(man) I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.By Joanna Fuchs
My dad, Scott is not only the best dad a girl could ask for but a great grandpa as well. As I looked through trying to find pictures of him there were only pictures of him teaching or playing with my boys. This is the last picture of he and Corbin before we left AZ. My parents gifted my boys with their own mini-hammers and here my dad sat in the backyard teaching Corbin how to pound a nail in to wood and then take it out again. Basics. We miss you dad/grandpa! Happy Father's Day!

Then there is Royd, Jeff's dad. Jeff has so many fond memories of summers with his dad: sitting in his truck, visiting the Hill Air Force Base, and hunting. He made a special trip to AZ when we got married and again when we just moved back to Utah. He helped us pack, load, drove our moving truck, helped me keep the boys entertained on the long drive, and then helped us move it all into our storage unit. He is the fun grandpa with the big truck and waterfall in his backyard. We love dad/Grandpa! Happy Father's Day!

When I first learned that Jeff had had 3 fathers in his life I asked him if he felt jipped. He explained to me that it was just the opposite.... what other kid gets 3 dads in their life? He viewed it as lucky to have 3 dads to learn from and bond with. Dick has been his step-dad for almost 20 years. Jeff has enjoyed golfing, hunting, and talking law-enforcement with Dick. Currently we are lucky to be living with grandpa-Dick, and Corbin and Quinton have learned he is the fun grandpa with a motorcycle and a bike. We love you Dick/Grandpa! Happy Father's Day!

Finally, the father of our family Jeff. He has the biggest heart and completely adores his boys! He hates leaving them in the morning and loves coming home to hear about their day. Jeff is not only the fun daddy that is willing to drop anything and play with his kids, but he also understands the value of hard work and loves to teach Corbin and Quinton new things. When Jeff has work to do around the house, you can be his 2 shadows (Corbin and Quinton) will be following close behind trying to "help." Jeff is so patient and understanding with them and sometimes I think he's more excited to see them than he is to see me. There is certainly a special father-son bond between Jeff and his boys. I'm lucky to have such a good partner in raising boys.
SLC Bees game

Fun in the AZ sun

flying kites on Utah Lake

Hero DadYou are my hero, Dad
You're my secure foundation.
When I think of you, I'm filled with love
And fond appreciation.You make me feel protected;
I'm sheltered by your care.
You're always my true friend;
When I need you, you're always there.You have a place of honor
Deep within my heart.
You've been my superhero, Dad,
Right from the very start.By Joanna Fuchs
Hope you all pamper your father's today! They work so hard for us and yet seem to always be accused of playing. It's a hard balancing act they juggle. Happy Father's Day to all you dads!

Photo Challenge

So since I seriously lack some photography skills but LOVE to capture those moments.... I'm participating in my girlfriend, Alicia's, photo challenge this week, themed "Get in There". Don't know about you, but I think I got "in there" pretty well with this photo of my 1 year old and our recent family picnic. Read more about it in the post below. Want to learn some new photography skills? Join in and visit IMMA MOMMA.

(I know, I know... I need to work on my lighting techniques.)

Here's another of my Q's blue eyes.

Family Bike Ride & Picnic

It has been incredibly rainy here in Utah over the past 6 weeks. Last Friday we got lucky though and it was a beautiful, Sunny (partly overcast) day so we took advantage of it. Jeff had the day off and we hadn't yet broken in the kids' new bike carrier/trailer or my new bike, so we decided to take a bike ride on the Provo River Trail up the Provo Canyon. We started on nice, flat ground at the Riverwoods Theater.... and began the trek. It was gorgeous scenery and perfect weather.

The boys loved the ride and we could hear them laughing and singing in the trailer behind Jeff's bike. It even got a bit bright at times for them... but they loved it still.

The ride UP the canyon felt like an eternity.... not only because it was uphill and neither Jeff or I had ridden a bike in YEARS, but also because Jeff was pulling like 75 pounds behind him and I am 5 months pregnant... (bellies get in the way of pedaling). When we got to the first park up the canyon we were glad to stop for our picnic lunch. Quinton especially enjoyed it, so I documented it well. First, an apple...

... then some Cheetos...

... a few drinks...

... and a yummy chicken sandwich on wheat! (yes... he ALWAYS opens his mouth that big.)

He was a happy little guy when he finished. After a walk down to see the river and a few times down the playground slide it was time to go. The ride back down the canyon was much easier for all of us and seemed MUCH shorter. Needless to say we all had a good nap after our afternoon outing. Guess we'll have to do this more often.

HOT!

I think I'm really in denial. My little brother (the baby of the family) is getting married in like 6 weeks. Even though I've known this for years (since he's dated Brittney for what, like 3 or 4?).... it hit me today as I browsed through a few of their photo proofs from their engagement session HERE. So cute! Aren't they a HOT, I mean handsome couple? Can't wait to see them next week... and to be a part of the big day in August. Congrats Jesse and Brittney!

1 Year

Quinton Royd Moss
As promised, Quinton's 1-year stats:
Weight: 21.5 lbs.
Height: 28.5 inches
Head: 18.5 inch circumference

An all around average kid... except that he thinks he's invincible and is constantly climbing!
Other developmental milestones include:
Weened from nursing, the bottle, and the Binky mostly on his own. Has 6 teeth. Off soft baby food and is willing to eat ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Walks and climbs independently. Says dada, mama, baw (for ball) baw-baw (for bunny), maw (for more), mu-ah (when he wants to kiss you), na-na for banana, and no-no (complete with the finger shaking gesture)....and lots of screams and grunts for everything else. He can sign "please," "food," "all-done," "poop" and "milk" and gesture for "come here". Q can follow simple commands. He problem-solves well when it comes to physical feats. He knows and points to eyes, nose, and owies. Knows the sound for dog (woof) and can point at the dog, light, mom, dad, Corbin, and Yoda (dog) when asked.
Likes:
FOOD! Enough said, he can't stop. BALLS! Quinton can point out balls that I don't even see such as the FireFox Icon on our MAC computer, little ball decals on clothing and shoes, on TV, etc. Just today he pointed to a tiny sticker ball on the thermometer at the Dr's. office. He absolutely loves ANIMALS... on TV, in person, stuffed ones, real ones, ALL of them. He screams and squeals in delight when he sees animals. He likes to SLEEP in his car seat and has recently re-learned to sleep through the night after moving to Utah. His new thing is to POINT and GASP at something new, such as paper coming out of the printer, random noises like a bird chirping or a train whistle. SHARING. KISSING, especially daddy before he leaves for work. Cuddling/biting on his BURP RAG (his version of a blanket). He loves CLIMBING on anything, and even though he falls a lot and has several goose-eggs, he won't stop. DANCING! I'll have to capture more on video, it's hilarious. Anytime he hears music he bends his knees and nods his head. It's awesome! WALKING. It's a new-found freedom and sometimes he giggles as he goes. He'll walk wherever we put him down and if he falls, he gets right back up in the middle of the floor. He's a strong kid! BOOKS. BATHS. WATER. Q loves OTHER KIDS. When we see other kids at restaurants, stores, the park, or church he loves to watch them.... his favorite of course is his older brother, CORBIN. I'll admit it... Quinton is a MOMMA's boy too. He loves me. Sometimes when I leave the room he screams. When his little brother shows up in October, my life will get even more interesting... and noisy!
Dislikes:
Ear infections. Runny noses. Teething. Shots. When the food is gone (or we refuse to feed him). Falling down. The feel of the grass on his bare hands and feet. If we put him in the grass in shorts without shoes, he won't move because he hates the texture! Diaper changes.... he always crawls away. Having his finger/toe-nails clipped. Sitting down in a shopping cart... he loves to stand up, in the back or the front!
Schedule:
6:22am- Wake up, cuddle, play, eat breakfast, play, snack
10amish- nap (working toward eliminating this)
11:30ish- wake up, play
12:30ish- lunch, play
1:15ish- nap with Corbin
3:15ish- wake up, play, snack
5:45ish- dinner, play
7:45ish- bath, pj's, play
8:15pm- almond milk and bed
That's Quinton in a nutshell. We can't imagine our lives without him, can't believe how much he has learned in just 1 year... and can't fathom what he'll learn in another year. We love you Q!

My Super-men

Since I'm the only girl in our family I always think to myself how I am surrounded by such great men (boys). The other day grandma sent us a package from AZ with SUPERMAN jammies and my 2 youngest boys quickly transformed into..."Super-men."
Super-Q
Super-Corbin

I think they're all pretty SUPER.Quinton especially thinks he's superman these days and is constantly trying to climb things he shouldn't (i.e.- toys, chairs then standing up on them, up beds, inside wagons then standing up, etc.). I'm pretty sure he'll have stitches before he's 2. Scares me to death. I'll post tomorrow about his 1 year old stats.... and a few other of his "super" feats. He's still walking everywhere and giggles as he goes!

Firsts

Turning 1 brings with it a lot of firsts besides a birthday party, presents, and cake. Quinton also received his first package in the mail (from Grandma).... and loved climbing all over it.

Of course he loved the contents of the package as well... it was everything he needed, new socks, a few outfits, and gear for the beach. (He hides his emotions well, he really does like them mom.)

He was happy mom and dad got a package from grandma too so he could climb all over those as well.

On his ACTUAL birthday we took a ride up to Roy to visit Aunt Nichole and the Young cousins. Quinton got his first haircut! He didn't love it, but he did much better than Corbin did at his age. Good ole' cousins kept him entertained....

...oh, and the fishy crackers helped too.

So handsome... even if he is screaming.

There, that's better. Carson got the big 1 year old to smile.

For dinner on his REAL BIRTHday we took the boys to McDonald's (I know... parents of the year, but it was actually their first time eating inside a McDonald's.) They loved the play place not only because of the slides, but they had a basketball court there too! For dessert Quinton enjoyed his 1st ice cream cone! Actually, he INHALED it!

He couldn't get enough. Good thing they were $.25 cones or he would have had a brain freeze for sure.

Finally, a new car seat. No more baby carrier for us (for a few months). Quinton got Corbin's hand-me-down car seat. He absolutely LOVES facing forward and seeing the WORLD! On his first ride in it he kept gasping and pointing out the window at all the sights. So cute!

Of course handing his toddler seat down to his little brother entitled Corbin to a new booster seat.... he is officially 30 pounds now (and almost 3). He was SO EXCITED to wear a real seat belt and have his very own cup holder! The trick will be trying to balance out his independence (he can unbuckle it all by his-self) while also fostering his ability to be a BIG BOY so mommy doesn't have to do it anymore!

Aren't first so fun?

1st birthday!

On Saturday we had a 1st birthday party for Quinton at Canyon View Park up in the Provo Canyon. It was a gorgeous day and the weather was perfect! We all got some sun as we played, ate, visited, and watched Quinton enjoy it all. I think 1st birthdays are so fun because of the novelty of it all. Thanks to everyone who attended and brought a yummy dish to share.... and to those who couldn't make it, we missed you!

Grandma Tee Tee enjoying the sun and her grand kids picnicking in the park.
Jeff, the BBQ man.

Our good friends, the Bryants, joined us and Quinton got to know Ella who is 2 days older than him. They shared some chips on the picnic blanket.... I think it was love at first sight.

Grandmother & Grandpa Bywater also joined us for the fun. Wouldn't be a party without them!

Uncle Cole and his boys strolling through the park. Ty came equipped and ready for anything! (Just like his dad.)

Tanzynn, McKenzie, and Corbin checking out the creepy crawlers along the banks of the Provo River.Quinton enjoyed crawling on his presents.

He got books and balls, trucks and a walker... he loved it all!

The twins: McKenzie and Carson, now 11 years old!

The traditional cut-up cake by mom: a blue Q balloon. (aka: a "baw")

Oh.... so yummy!

Can't get enough!

All that sugar worked up a thirst. He drank the WHOLE CUP!

After all the fun and all those new toys, Quinton was SOOooooo tired and just wanted to climb on his chair. Go figure, that's a 1-year old for ya!

The cousins playing around making a pyramid.