vegas and california (feb)

In February we went to Vegas for SCI (Safari Convention International). I might not be quite as interested as Mike is in it, but it's still really fun to look around at all the cool stuff! Vegas is definitely a lot different with a baby but Paxton did great and we had fun. We were there for a couple plans that me and Paxton caught a ride on the plane with my grandparents to Santa Maria for a couple days at home with my family. We had fun playing with grandma ranae and uncle steele!

^ Chillin watching cartoons ^

^ Grandma let Paxton pick out whatever jammies he wanted and he couldn't keep his eyes off these dino ones :) ^

^ It doesn't get any cooler than this ^

^ Just staring out at the world ^

^ my little man ^

^ this guy flies in style - private plane, don't mind if we do! ^

^ on the way home we lucked out with an entire row to ourselves ^

florida: november 2013

The day Paxton turned one month old we jumped on a plane and headed to Florida. I was extremely hesitant at first. Mike was going for work, along with his parents, and they suggested Paxton and I tag along. I was still adjusting to everything and getting on a long plane ride and taking my baby to a new place wasn't super appealing at first. BUT, in the end we ended up being brave and going and I'm glad we did.

The plane ride was great! I don't know what we did but we lucked out with getting a great little traveler. He couldn't have been better. He didn't make a single noise during the long flights. We were fortunate enough to be able to take his car seat on all four legs of the trip (there and back) because of empty seats and it made such a difference. He sleeps like a baby in it :) Honestly, the hardest part of the entire trip was figuring out my pumping schedule! [he never quite figured out how to latch on so I exclusively pump] 

^Paxton was so interested in the windows. And yes, we had to represent BYU all the way in Florida^

It was right around the time Utah was getting cold so it was so nice to be in the warm weather! We went on walks and got to enjoy not being bundled up. We ate (waaay too much) yummy food, played in the sand, water skied, fished, saw manatees, played with sharks at the Tampa Bay Aquarium, explored Longboat Keys, and enjoyed a week together in paradise. 

 ^ Paxton's first time to the beach ^

^ Sleeping while dad water skied on the river ^

^ Enjoying no pants weather! ^

^ Helping dad work. He is so alert for a month old baby! ^

^ Sleeping like a baby :) ^

^ Tampa Bay Aquarium ^

^ Lunch on the beach in Longboat Keys. It is absolutely beautiful! ^

Paxton was just the best little buddy during the trip. He was still getting up in the night and was up a little too early for my liking in the morning (especially with the time change) but nobody is perfect ;) Mike's parents couldn't believe how good he was. He's up for anything! The only hiccup we had was the day we got home, Paxton got a little cold for a few days. Weather in Utah is not quite as good as in Florida!

aloha

The Weekes have the best Christmas tradition - HAWAII! Mike wanted to visit a friend he hadn't seen in awhile so on our way to Maui we stopped in Oahu for two days. It was great meeting Mike's longtime friend Harrison Horn and his beautiful wife and sweet baby girl Holland.

paris

While we were in London, we took a day trip to Paris! I was in heaven. Paris is magical! I wish we could have stayed longer but am so grateful just to have been able to experience the dreamy city. Everywhere you look there is something else taking your breath away. Unfortunately, my camera card broke so I couldn't take pictures the second half of the day! I was so sad but grateful that I could get the ones of my camera that I did that (read more below for more pictures). London was like a second home, but Paris was a dream. It was all I ever imagine and much more.

london

Shelby, Mike and I met my grandparents in London to fulfill my lifelong dream. The only problem is now I want to go back more than ever :)

I literally cannot even explain how much I love London. When I first found out we were going to Europe, I wanted to travel all over. London was definitely not at the top of my list. However, because we were there with my grandparents, we stayed in London with a day trip to Paris mixed in. I was sorely wrong and quickly fell in love with London. It feels like a home away from home and somewhere I want to visit again and again.

thanksgiving

Better late than never for a Thanksgiving post, right? The weather starts to cool down in Provo and that's Mike's sign it's time to pack our bags. Nov. 2 marked our first adventure as we jetted off to... LONDON! It honestly was a dream come true for me. I'll hopefully get around to posting pictures this week. After a short two weeks back in Provo we headed to Palm Springs for Thanksgiving with my family. Two and a half weeks later (this Thursday) we'll be off to Maui before wrapping up Christmas at my house in California. I love all our travels! But January rolls around and it's nice to be in one place :)

For Thanksgiving, we got together with my dad's family for my Papa's (AND his twin sister's) 90th birthday! It was great to see my dad's side because we rarely are able to anymore. It was neat that every member of both families was there to celebrate at the big birthday bash. Happy Birthday Papa!

trips

Lots of trips lately for this family! Mike and I went to San Francisco two weeks ago for a couple days and then spent some time with my family. Mike had never been to San Francisco and I couldn't believe it! Although I'm a country girl at heart, I love visiting the big city. I was happy to share this great place with him. Thanks to my iPhone for all of these pictures. As much as I love my nice camera, sometimes it's just more trouble then it's worth (especially when with someone who never wants to take any pictures!)

labor day in vegas

Vegas has seemed to be the central meeting spot for my family of late, as it's halfway between my family's two locations. We missed Mike over the weekend, but had an amazing time, as always. I'm so blessed to have such a FUN family. There is never a dull moment, especially with Steele running around and making us all laugh.

We stayed at Mandalay Bay, we love their pool! It was perfect for the hot weather. We had fun riding our the waves in the wave pool.

Yes. This is what my brother looks like... when he's NOT flexing. Man I wish I had his 'problem'.

It was Trygve's birthday the week before so we celebrated at Capital Grille. It was so good! Steele loved his lobster!

My brothers are the best! They may be five years apart but they are so close. Steele looks up to Chad so much. It's the sweetest thing.

On the way home Shelby picked up some shock tarts, or shockers, or whatever they're called (I forgot how good those things are!) and was making the FUNNIEST faces! She couldn't help it... and I
couldn't help laughing.

Here's to another amazing weekend with my family! Thanks mom!

And can you believe how nice Steele is.. he gave me his iPad! Last time I was at home he noticed that I was playing on it a lot and so he wanted to give it to me. How lucky am I to have him as my brother!

lake powell

Another incredible trip to Lake Powell! My family and the Weekes had houseboats next to each other so we enjoyed time with both our families. It was a party! There really is no better place on earth than Powell. It is absolutely beautiful, perfect weather and water, so serene, has breathtaking rock walls, it's a break from the world, and on and on... We had a wonderful time and made unforgettable memories.