A Day of Firsts...

Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dear Max,
Today was a day of firsts...Today after sacrament meeting, you and I drove up to St. George. We were so excited to make the trip. This is because you were getting to meet one of mommy's dearest friends. Julie Hunt and her family. Now, you remember Grandma Swendy (Grammies best friend) well, her daughter's Julie and Becky and I grew up together. It was so fun that you got to meet Becky a few weeks earlier when we were in Salt Lake City and now Julie and her family were down from Seattle and came to meet YOU! Julie and her family stayed with Grammie and Grampie, so we met up for lunch and some great visiting. It was so fun to see everyone and get caught up on all the fun and excitement. Julie's kids, Jessie, Caden and Whitney loved seeing you!

The first first of the day.... Meeting Julie and her family!

The second first... Loosing the Binkie! That's right, some how on the drive up to St. George we lost your binkie! Now I wasn't all that concerned at first, you are not terribly dependent on the binkie during the day, so in true new mom fashion I chose to just "power through" and not worry about this little thing of having no Binkie. Until...

The third first... While hanging out at Grammie's house in her office, rolling around like you do so well, you banged your face into the bottom of the office chair! Oh boy - we had a screamer on our hands! You cried, and cried and cried! And guess what! Mommy had no binkie! So Grammie and Grampie took you to the couch, both doing all they could to console you and Julie and I took off at mommy speed to wal-mart to replace the binkie. I'm glad I had another mommy to go with me! Now, your probably wondering, what the first really is, banging your face into an office chair? Nope. Getting a black eye from banging your head into the office chair!

You should see the other guy!

The Fourth first of the day, was a great way to end our adventure to St. George. Grampie taught you a new trick that you LOVE! He taught you to smack your tounge against your top lip making a loud smacking sound. It was hilarious watching you study how your Grampie did this and then mimicking it yourself with complete accomplishment. You and Grampie were laughing so hard! It was the greatest!

Step One: Smack the tounge

Step Two: Giggle

Step Three: Laugh as hard as you can!

Another genius life lesson from Max: Never don't forget to laugh as hard as you can! It's amazing what it does for your sole! We love you Max and we love your belly laughs! They are the best cure all medicine in the world!

Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dear Max,
What an eventful weekend this has been. Where do I even begin? So Friday night, your Auntie Julie and Jaden came down to Vegas. They came down to celebrate Auntie Julie's mom (Grandma Roger's) birthday. Now, you are one lucky little guy and are so loved by so many people. But I must say, that you have a very special bond with Grandma and Grandpa Roger's. They just think the world of you and love you so much. So we were very lucky to be invited to Grandma Roger's birthday party in Las Vegas. Auntie Julie and Jaden stayed with us, and Grandma and Grandpa Roger's, Keirra and Taylor all stayed down town. So Saturday morning we met up with everyone down town.

First things first we rented Grandpa Roger's a "jazzy" we knew that would make the day a lot funner for all and enable Grandpa Roger's to "keep up" with us young kids. So once we got the jazzy we decided to ride the monorail.

Now, riding the monorail was a fun idea, but we didn't just want to go one stop, we wnated to ride for awhile so we decided to ride the monorail all the way to the end of the track and then all the way back to the MGM Grand. This seemed like a good idea at the time... until mid way to the end of the track we needed to make an "emergency" break. If you know what I mean? That is when we took a $10.00 potty break. So we had 8 of us on the monorail, with you in a stroller and Grandpa Roger's in a "jazzy" so we came to the next stop and started to all jump out of the monorail, Grandpa Roger's started to back out of the monorail and we all waited... slowly, slowly, slowly the jazzy backed up until he it a pole. By the time he had backed into the pole and tried to go back forward to get unstuck, it was too late the doors had already closed. We couldn't get out. It was like watching a slow train wreck and we were laughing so hard the entire time. So we used our time wisely as we rode to the next stop, making sure we positioned the jazzy just right so that we could make our quick escape from the monorail. So we got to the last stop of the monorail - the doors opened - and we all got out! YEAH! We made it! We made it! We made it!
WAIT - where is the "facilities?" where is anything?
Oh No! This was the last stop - their was not another monorail car! We were suppose to stay on the same car and it would just change the direction it was going!!!!
HURRY! Everyone - back on the monorail! Grandpa - go quick!!

I'm sure Max, that you think we must all be crazy! We all ran back on the monorail...well, Grandpa Roger's Jazzied back onto the monorail and the next stop is where we officially had our $10.000 potty break. Why it cost us $10.00 you ask, cause we had to re-buy our admission back onto the monorail. I went along with Grandma Roger's and you stayed back with the gang - apprantly having jazzy races. Well, I will give credit for feeding you between racing the jazzy!

Eating on the run!

Surrounded by my ladies... it's tough to be this adorable!


And the races begin...
Grandpa Roger's was off to a good start...

Then Taylor came up from behind, with that innocent face no one saw her coming!


Then Kierra came around the corner, did someone say that she
just got her drivers permit?


Now those are some skills!

Well, after our $10.00 potty break, you having your lunch and of course the Jazzy races, our adventure was back on track... literally we were back on the monorail track headed over to the MGM Grand. Once we arrived to the MGM, we decided to stop and have a birthday lunch for Grandma Roger's at the Rain Forest Cafe. Their was so many fun things to look at in the restaurant. It's so nice that you are able to sit in a high chair at the table, however, with all these extra hands, you were pretty much being held the entire lunch. You had so much fun with all your friends, getting lot's of love and attention! We even got to sing Happy Birthday to Grandma Roger's.

Happy Birthday!

Max and Kierra

Max, Taylor and Auntie Julie

Max with Mommy

The Crew

After our lunch at the MGM we headed over to M&M world. It was super busy, but we managed to make it through the crowds and get some fun pictures and go through the 4 stories of M&M Heaven.

Auntie Julie

Jaden


Max and Mommy


Kierra and Taylor

After visiting M&M world we needed to walk down to Wallgreen's drug store. So we continued on our adventure to Wallgreen's. Now this is when things really got interesting. You see, we were at a place of decision. It was a big decision. Do we walk all the way back to the MGM Grand and all the way through the MGM to the back of the hotel where the monorail is and ride the monorail back to the Flamingo. OR do we just "power through" and walk from Wallgreen's down to the Flamingo. I choose the later. And we started on our journey. Now, you must remember, it is August 1st in Las Vegas at approx. 3:00 pm, the hottest part of the day and we are walking into the sunlight. WHAT WHERE WE THINKING?!?! I really thought this decision had killed Grandma and Grandpa Roger's... well, really just Grandma Roger's. Grandpa Roger's had the jazzy! By the time we made it to the walkway's we were all dripping in sweat. I never felt so disgusting. We couldn't stop, we couldn't think, heat stroke had set in and we just kept walking - not talking. Until the sweetest moment came when we walked into the air conditioned hotel, it was all we could do to get back to the hotel room.
Now they say that a picture is worth a thousand words... let's try

You were a bit warm

So what is the cure? SWIMMING! Your Favorite!

Putting on Sun Screen... Not Your Favorite!


This is Bad...

This is Worse...

Does nobody hear my woes?

Oh Yeah... now this is a great end to a long day!

After our whirlwind day, you and I left after swimming, while the rest of the crew went to see Phantom of the Opera and go to dinner. Let's just say that before we even got out of the parking garage you were fast asleep and didn't wake up the rest of the night. You were one tired little guy! But what I love about you - is that you don't want to miss anything fun and you find a way to stick through the long day's and still so happy! You are a constant reminder to us to remain positive and happy even when the day's are long. We love you Max!

Kisses, Kisses, Kisses

Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Dear Max,
I just got home from picking you up from your babysitters, Jaime's house. I had to come straight in and write to you about what just happened... you have melted my heart once again! We've been working on giving kisses for the last few weeks, I would say, "Max, give momma kisses" and you would turn towards me and lean in for kisses. Well today as I was standing and holding you while talking with Jaime and getting the update about your fun day, when all of a sudden... YOU LEANED IN AND GAVE ME KISSES! Oh my! Is this what Mom's for ages have gotten to feel when you experience that your child truly loves you in return. I mean I always figured that you appreciated the fact that we cloth, shelter, feed and love you... but to experience you on your own giving your momma kisses... this is more excitement than my little heart can handle! Thank you Max! I love that you are here in our lives and I love you with all my heart!

A Boy and His Dog...

Sunday, July 19, 2009
Dear Max,
I wanted to take some time and tell you about your relationship with your puppy Cooper. You and Cooper are great buddies. It hasn't been the easiest transition for Cooper, and he has had some tricky moments with your arrival into our family, but it's so nice to see the two of you now! You have so much fun playing together and learning from each other. Cooper has taught you how to stick out your tounge, give open mouth kisses, and I think somtimes you bark when Cooper is barking, that could be my imagination, but it does sound like it. The cutest moments are when you and Cooper take naps together. Cooper just loves being by your side no matter what your doing. When we get home at the end of the day, Cooper is always so excited to see you! As soon as I set you down, he runs over and gives you kisses. Your puppy loves you so much! We love you too Max!

Playing with Cooper

Taking a Sunday afternoon nap with Cooper

A Boy and His Dog...

The Drive - In Movie in July

Saturday, July 18, 2009
Dear Max,
Today we got to spend the day with your Auntie Julie and Jaden. It was so fun to have them visit. That night we went to your first drive-in movie experience! It was... well... not the most pleasant experience. We packed up all we would need, the blankets, foam mattress and treats so we would be comfortable in the back of Daddy's truck. We even went to the late movie, thinking that would help you, just in case you wanted to sleep through the movie. Well, you were wide eyed the entire time, your mommy and Auntie Julie fell asleep and when Jaden started to dose off your daddy said, enough is enough! Why am I sitting in the back of the truck in 100 degree weather to watch a movie all by myself. We left. Maybe next time we should go in October during the early movie?

I got the screen, but can't see you...

Now we can see you... but can't see the screen

Lions, Tiger's and Mommy's business trip....Oh my!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dear Max,
Their has been a lot going on in the past two weeks. Two days after getting back from Salt Lake for the 4th of July and Natalie's blessing we were back on the road again. On Wednesday, July 8th I flew up to Salt Lake to begin a business trip. Your daddy, Grammie and you all drove up to Salt Lake on Thursday. While Mommy worked, you guys all went over to wish Aunt Jali a happy 30th Birthday! Uncle Geary and Aunt Jali went out to dinner to Aunt Jali's favorite place, the cheesecake factory.

We all stayed at the Hotel that night and the next morning after mommy left for work, Daddy, Grammie, Geary, Jali, Daniel, Natalie and you all went to Hogle Zoo. Your daddy said that you had such a fun day. Although he did say that you again slept through a large portion of the zoo. Now Max, we are starting to see a pattern here. Not sure if you recall a trip last January to the shark reef, where you slept through the ENTIRE day. Well, I guess you are making "baby steps" cause you did find some moments to be awake this time.

Daddy, Max, Uncle Geary, Daniel, Natalie and Jali

This Zoo is kickn'

Daddy and your big day out!

So happy to be at the zoo!

Wow- That's a big elephant!

Sleeping at the zoo...

Awake at the zoo...

Back to sleep at the zoo!

After the zoo I met you all back up at the house for a surprise party for Aunt Jali. Uncle Geary had invited over a bunch of her friends for a bbq and visiting. It was so thoughtful of him and I think she really enjoyed it!

On Saturday we had some time as I didn't have to be to my conference until 1:00 afternoon. So in celebration of Swendy's birthday, Swendy, Jenny and Becky all came over to the Hotel for breakfast. It was your first time meeting Becky and she was SO excited to meet you. She is so thoughtful, she knew that she was going to be meeting you for the first time and wanted to instantly win you over, so she specifically brought with her a soft scarf that she knew you would love - and she was right! You two hit it off and are bonded through the scarf, your appreciation for a great belly laugh and your matching hair do's! We had the funnest morning, laughing, crying and enjoying each others company. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends that complete our family.

Meeting Becky for the first time

Becky, Swendy (Birthday Girl), Jenny and Max

Love at first site

They adore each other!

Saturday at 1:00 pm kicked off mommy's crazy conference schedule. From that point forward I had to be out the door by 7:00 am and didn't usually get back to the hotel until 1:30 - 2:00 am. Your daddy had to fly back home on Sunday morning, so you spent the next 3 day's with Grammie. You and Grammie had so many wonderful adventures! On Sunday you went to Primary with Uncle Geary, Daniel and Grammie. Then hung out having a quiet Sunday afternoon. Monday, Aunt Jali, Daniel and Natalie came over to the Hotel to go swimming and hang out. Tuesday, you went to lunch with the girls and then Grammie's friend Sharlene came over to the Hotel with her grand kids to go swimming. And in the between your jam packed social calendar, Grammie taught you to Padttycake!

Even though I was super busy with my conference I so appreciated Grammie and your daddy's sacrifice to let you be at the hotel with me. It was so nice to swoop you up when I came home each night, just to snuggle for a bit and give you a squeeze. I know that it was a long 3 days' for daddy to be without you, but I'm so grateful he let you stay with me. I'm so lucky to do and experience some of things I'm able to do in my line of work, but I would say that Tuesday night by far was one of the funnest nights I have experienced in my career. So many times when I'm out for work, I wish that you and daddy were with me, but this time was the worse. It would have been my most perfect night if you and daddy were there! It was a blanket picnic at the Red Butte Amphitheater at the base of the mountains. Then as if the picnic was not enough - when the sun went down - the Smashmouth Concert began. It was a great night, the weather was perfect - not something I'm use to in July!

Picnic time

Shannon

Sun going down... getting a little chilly

Lauren and Traci

Smashmouth!

On Wednesday, we wished Grampie a happy birthday via telephone as we drove home from Salt Lake! You are a great little traveler and have certainly put up with being in the car for a large portion of this month traveling to and from our destinations. It's good to be home for a couple of weeks. Love you Max!

Natalie's Blessing

Natalie Jali Page

Monday, July 6, 2009
Dear Max,
Yesterday we attended Natalie's Blessing. She was blessed with her cousin Jaron. It was so nice to attend Uncle Geary and Aunt Jali's ward. You were in 7th heaven cause you met my cousin Candy for the first time. She came to Natalie's blessing and held you while you slept all during sacrament. I was so excited that you got to meet Candy. We love her so much and I'm so excited that we get to share one of our favorite people with you. Uncle Geary gave a beautiful blessing, I do have to say one thing... you know Max, your cousin Natalie suffers from Colic, and she is in such pain, and cry's. And you, are such a mellow baby, you hardly ever cry or get too upset. Now, last week during your blessing... you cried. This week during Natalie's blessing... Natalie was as quiet as a church mouse. How does that work?

After church we went back to Uncle Geary and Aunt Jali's for some lunch, friends and visiting. It was a wonderful afternoon, and we only wish we didn't have to make the 7 hour drive home.

Natalie and Jaron

Natalie with Grammie

Natalie and Jaron all tuckered out after their long day!

Mommy with Candy

Our Family

Once we got to St. George we quickly ran over to Auntie Glitz's house cause Uncle Gene and Aunt Sami were in town from San Antonio, Texas. They had not had the chance to meet you yet - so were thrilled to finally meet you. While there you learned to play the piano a bit with Auntie Glitz and we took a picture with the author (Grampie) and illustrator (Aunt Sherlene) of your book.

You with the illustrator and author of your book!
Aunt Sherlene and Grampie

Playing the piano with Auntie Sherlene

Meeting Uncle Gene and Aunt Sami for the 1st time

After our visit with our Auntie's and Uncle's we went over to see your Aunt Kathy and pick up Cooper. She was sweet enough to watch Cooper for us over the weekend. We were so tired by this point we decided to spend the night with Aunt Kathy. We were very unprepared for this - so you and I slept in Grandma's bed and daddy slept on the couch. We woke up early so we could drive back home and get to work by 10:00 in the morning. We pulled into the driveway at 8:45 am - you had fallen asleep on the drive home - so we left the car running and you sleeping while we hurried and unpacked the car. When suddenly - the car died! We couldn't believe it. Daddy tried to re-start it and it wouldn't start. This normally wouldn't be too big of deal - as we would just jump in daddy's truck and continue on till we could get the car fixed... however, Daddy's truck was down at the airport. He had left it there when he flew up! So we were in a bit of a pickle. Both daddy and I ended up calling out of work and what was going to be a normal day ended up a bit different! We got the car fixed and I made it to a customer dinner by 6:00 that evening. An eventful ending to an eventful weekend! Were home for two day's then back in Salt Lake on Wednesday for mommies business trip! Max, I'm so grateful that you are who you are. You fit into our lives so perfectly and I'm so grateful and feel so blessed! We love you Max!