We're Cheering for the Cougars!

Today is BYU's first football game of the season and I really don't think Aaron could be any more excited. He got season tickets this year (I know, I deserve the wife of the year award for that one) with his brothers and they all just headed out the door as giddy as could be. Before they left though, I managed to get this picture of my boys in their BYU apparel. Go cougars!

Boyz II Men Rocks My World!

Alright, alright alright. I know what you're all thinking. But DON'T underestimate the power that a has-been group can have over an Orem audience, not to mention my heart strings. Seriously, I have fallen in love with Boyz II Men all over again.

It all started at Missy Porter's house in 4th (or was it 5th?) grade. "On Bended Knee" began to play over the speakers and I shared my first slow dance with a sweaty-palmed boy named Matthew Gaile. I had never heard a more romantic song in my life.

Fast-forward 13 years, and my sisters surprised me with a ticket to join them at a Boyz II Men concert at the Scera Shell outdoor amphitheater. Aaron stayed home with Finn under the guise that he "only ever listened to Boyz II Men at stake dances, if that". Boy did he miss out!
Neil, Tom, Megan and Lesli getting amped for the show

The theater was TOTALLY packed and the crowd was totally psyched. The singers were all so surprised and happy that so many people came, and they really did put on a great show! This short video shows some of their sweet performance skills -- check out those dance moves!

It really was so entertaining...I would see them again any time!

Bear Lake Baby!

Dan and Bobbi asked us if we wanted to go camping this past weekend. When I started making plans including sleeping bags, firewood etc., Dan said, "well, it's not really that kind of camping." Turns out Bobbi's fam has a pimped-out trailer at Bear Lake with A/C, beds and running water. I enjoy roughing it every now and then, but this kind of deluxe camping was definitely enjoyable! We had such a great time. We went four-wheeling on some really cool trails in the hills, enjoyed a refreshing dip in the lake and a delicious steak BBQ followed by some ruckus card games. Ellen watched Finn for us, making it the first time that Aaron and I have both been away from him for a night. I really wish I would have taken more pictures...especially of the four-wheeling. What a great getaway!

Best Weekend Ever!

It was our good friends The Henry's that first introduced Aaron and I to the humor of Brian Regan. Since then, he has definitely become one of our favorite comedians and we were able to go to one of his shows at Thanksgiving Point on Friday. We had such a blast!

We went with our friends The Ellis's and wanted to grab a bite to eat first...which turned out to be a mistake. Let's just say we ended up scarfing down Cafe Rio on the way into the amphitheater only to find a full-on BBQ inside the gates...so we could have just eaten there and saved a huge headache. Oh well. We ended up getting pretty good seats anyway and had a really great time. Even the opening comedian Kermit Apio was really funny (yes, his name really is Kermit) but of course, Brian was the best. I caught a few jokes on video that I have been trying to upload for the past few days but Blogger is being lame...so go ahead and take this moment to look up some Brian Regan on youtube.

This turned out to be the best weekend ever because the next night was Neil's surprise Rock Band birthday party. Everyone had to come dressed up as a rocker. I love dressing up and everyone got really into it so it was totally fun. Meg went all out too...there was a "concessions" area with all kinds of treats, a cardboard stand-up of Gene Simmons, strobe lights, a disco ball, christmas lights in the backyard, fooseball table...and Rock Band of course! I borrowed a sweet David Bowie t-shirt from my friend and wore fake eyelashes with crazy makeup and hair. Aaron went the punk route and sprayed his hair pink. He also wore a studded bracelet and let me put makeup on him...how fun! With the strobe lights and disco ball, it felt like a real rock show in the basement. I wish I would have taken more pictures of everyone's crazy costumes...here are just a few:

Aaron and I....Wa Ca Ca Cow!

Me, Gene, and Megan

Hangin' out in the backyard. L-R: Tom, Chris (both sporting sweet wigs), Andrea (80's rocker chick) and Kenny, also wearing a wig. Wow, there were a lot of wigs at this party

Sonny and Cher aka Lisa and Chad. Chad's long flowing purple dress was hilarious.

Having two baby-free nights definitely felt like a great getaway! We finished the weekend by hanging out at Dan and Bobbi's on Sunday with the fam. Aaron's brother Jake is in town from Texas so it was great to see him and his cute family. Thanks to everyone who made this the best weekend ever!

Da Girlz

My friend Meghan recently got hitched (congrats Mrs. Mattson!) Combine that with the fact that another dear friend, Davis, was in town, and that equals a couple of great nights with the ladies!

Me, Ashley Day, Beautiful Bride, Nat and Davis at Meghan's Wedding Bash

Finn and I at Meg's reception. He was having a good time I promise.


Davis and Finn

All the gals at Rumbi Grill on ladies night

Thanks to all my wonderful friends for a great time! I particularly enjoyed the ruckus conversation and peanut m&m's back at Nat's house. Miss you Davis! It was great to see you!

A New Addition to the Family

Nope, I'm not pregnant. But, Aaron and I just added a new member to the family.

Meet Henry! (a.k.a. our new Toyota Corolla)

As we all know, Josie (our Saturn SL-1) has been around the block more than a few times and is a tired old gal. She has 150,000 miles and has had a barrage of problems over the past couple years. We have really enjoyed not having a car payment, but when Josie decided to start stalling mid-drive, we decided enough is enough. We've been looking for the past few weeks and finally found a great deal on a 2007 Corolla LE. It drives really nice and only has 16,000 miles so it feels brand new! As far as we can tell, there are no hard feelings between Josie and Henry. Josie actually seems quite relieved to have a reliable guy like Henry take over the "main family car" position. We are planning on getting her running again (as long as it doesn't cost a fortune) and then keeping her in the family until she goes to her grave. And when that time comes, rest in peace little Josie, you served our family well.

Birthday Videos

Finn having fun at the park pre-party:

Birthday song:

Finn playing with his favorite birthday toy:

The Little Guy Turns One!

Finn showing how old he is

Friday was Finn's birthday and he had the best day ever! He started celebrating by playing with his cousins Taj and Brody in the afternoon.

Finn and Brody

Taj picked out this shape-sorter toy for Finn and he totally loves it.

After dinner, we headed to Veteren's Park for Finn's party. We were so happy to be joined by family and friends that all love Finn.

After singing and blowing out his single candle, we let the little guy dig into his own piece of cake. I took waaay too many pictures of that, so here is my favorite one: After cake, we wiped him down as best we could and let him open his presents. Or rather, let him watch as I opened his presents for him. He was SO excited about all of his toys. This is not surprising when you consider the fact that his toy collection pre-birthday consisted of Aaron's old watch and a plastic cup. Let's just say it's been a long time since we've bought anything new.He loved this stuffed doggy from his Grammy right away. For some reason he has become attached to a really ugly blue teddy bear that I wish we didn't own, so Aaron and I were both happy to see him bond with something new. We've switched the teddy for the doggy in his crib and he doesn't mind a bit! Also in the picture are his Aunt Kimmy and cousin Jaxson.
Finn sharing his booty with his cousins Gemma and Jaxson. He played with his new toys on this blanket for over an hour while the adults ate cake and visited. Seriously, these toys have made my life so much easier lately.

He also had a lot of fun playing with the cheapest toy there: balloons!

I can't believe it has already been a year. Aaron and I are so happy that we can spend every day with this little guy. He brings so much joy to our family. Happy Birthday Finn!