Our First Family Camping Trip!

We went camping in Moab last weekends with the Landies (Don, Ruthie, Jake and Dylan), their friends Jamie, Patrick and their 2 boys Dylan and Josh, and Ruthie's brother Joey and her Mom, Carol. Our first camping trip as a family of 3!! :) We pulled into camp around 10pm and I tried to settle Burke into bed. Well...he wouldn't have it! He had a meltdown and nothing would calm him down. Usually a good feeding will always relax him, but he wouldn't even eat. I think the new smells and sights and sleeping in the same bed as Mom and Dad (he sleeps in his own crib in his own room at home) were too much to handle. Plus, the campground we were in packed the patrons in there like sardines so when you opened the van door, there were 12 people around a campfire 3 feet away. No kidding. I was worried about Burke and worried about being annoying to our neighbors so I in turn was having a meltdown. Stu kept his cool (thanks babe!) and suggested that we get a hotel room for both nights and that's what we did. Burke immediately went to sleep when we were in a quieter place. We spent the next day in Arches National Park and he had a fun time playing around in the sun. That night he slept 11, yes 11, hours!!! I think the movement and sunshine tuckered him out! :) Overall, I'd say that he adjusted really well to all the new experiences. At 3 1/2 months old, Burke is the ultimate adventure baby! Way to go Burke!

All packed up on the van and headed out of town. We pulled over twice to feed Burke. He travels in the car very well. Thank goodness!!

Me, Stu and Burke in front of Delicate Arch (way in the background).

This infant carrier was a little too big for Burke to fit comfortably. We ended up facing him towards Stu's chest and he handled that much better. Dad and Burke look so cute!

Ruthie and I at Sand Dune Arch. It was pretty hot out, but Ruthie was freezing so she wore her down coat the entire time. :)

Our fam at Sand Dune Arch.

Burke and Stu enjoying the hike, and taking a time out in the shade.

Our little man in Arches! What a big boy!! I love the brimmed hat he has on.

Group photo at the trail head of Sand Dune Arch.
From left to right: Rachel, Stu, Burke, Dylan, Don, Ruthie, Jake.

Joey, Ruthie's brother, holding Simon.

Headed home. Burke and his pot belly are ready to go! :)

Meeting Great Grandma Maxine

Burke, my Mom and I went down to visit my Grandma Maxine a few days ago. Maxine is my Mom's mom. It was the first time that she had met Burke and it was really cool. She told Burke that he was super cute, was very loved and had a perfectly shaped head. :)

My Grandma taught me a lot about the love of gardening and cooking. I always loved the smell of her house, it smelled like fresh vegetable soup and warm bread to me. She has always LOVED Stu and thinks he is very handsome. He is. :) My Grandpa Loran, her husband, was in the Navy too, so I think she's always felt extra connected to Stu because of that. I think she is very beautiful and has a great outlook on life. I love you Grandma!

Here's a cool thought.... since all of a woman's eggs are developed while she is still in her mother's womb, it means that a part of me was in my Grandma at one time and a part of Burke was in my Mom at one time. It took Stu's great genes to make Burke whole, but what a cool connection he, and all of us, have with our grandma. :) Something to think about on Mother's Day.

From left to right: Burke in his Great Grandma Maxine's arms, my Mom and Aunt Lisa.

Beautiful Grandma Maxine, me and Burke.

New Family Vehicle

Stu has been looking for the right vehicle for us and settled on a custom van. He flew to Vegas last Sunday and drove it home the same day. It is beautiful outside and in. Burke loves it and so do I! It has just over 68,000 miles on it and will be a great family car / camp-mobile. We sold the Motorhome yesterday :( It was sad to see her go, but it is a more realistic travel solution for Burke's car seat setup and we are super excited to have the van in it's place.

Happy Spring!

We are LOVING the warmer weather and Burke and I have been spending a lot of time outside. Every day my 'To Do' list grows as I think of ways to spruce up the house and yard. :) I pruned the peach tree today and rather than throwing all the blossom covered branches in the garbage I decided to make this bouquet for our patio. It's a little hard to see it in this picture, but if you click on the image you can get a closer look. I think it turned out so pretty. I'm not sure how long it will last, but for now it is fun to look at.

Sleepy Wrap

After rave reviews from my friend, I purchased a Sleepy Wrap to carry Burke around with me to free up my hands. It is the best! This is just one of the ways you can carry your baby around in it. Burke was so comfortable he fell right to sleep. We went on a walk around the block and he snoozed the whole way. I'm a fan of the Sleepy Wrap!

Burke's First Play Date

Burke went next door to Chris & Tessa's house for a little play time. Beck was already playing with Conrad (Danni & Curtis' boy) when we arrived so the three of them are now best buddies.

It is so nice having great neighbors who also happen to have boys around the same age as Burke. They're going to be a Big Wheel Gang soon. Look out Westshire!

As we were leaving Brandon & Mellissa asked us if we wanted to come over for a BBQ. We had a GREAT time hanging with those two and Early Pantelones (their Border Collie). DinDin was also Delish, thanks guys.

From left to right: Conrad, Beck, and Burke



Conrad is 2 months, Beck is 8 1/2 months and Burke is 3 months old. What cute little guys!

Ham it up Burkey Bear

Here's a random sampling of videos of Burke. Enjoy!