Spring Break: The Mall

Wednesday was nice and relaxing. After getting some much needed sleep, we just hung around the house and played all morning. After Braden's nap, my mom and sisters, Kalen and Audrey, headed off to the mall.

Braden loved the Disney store. I guess it's in preparation for our September Disneyland trip. There was a big pile of Mickey and Minnie's and you better believe he had to be thrown in the middle.

My mom watched Braden in the play area while Audrey and I got some good shopping (well, just looking) and talking in. We came back to discover a new favorite for Braden, the mechanical Fire Truck.
He thinks he's hot to trot in this video.

We didn't do much that night. The mall really wore Braden out. It was bath time and then off to bed for him. We just watched American Idol as a family and then I watched Lost. I have my own opinions about the ending. Do you remember how he had heart problems? I think it was because of this shot. (I hope I didn't give anything away, but I needed to tell someone and if you haven't watched last week's episode by now, then you aren't a real fan.)

Spring Break: The Beach

On Monday and Tuesday we headed to the beach. My dad and brother had to work, so my best friend Jennie and her son Blake joined us. My mom rented a beach house in Seaside. After settling in, we headed to the aquarium. There were a bunch of sea lions.

Mom & Son watching the sea lions.
Aunt Kalen feeding the sea lions.
Jennie & Blake
The sea lions were so close. You could touch them, but it wasn't recommended.

The group watching the octopus.

The Big Octopus

Mom, Braden, & Aunt Kalen

Boys playing in the sea area

Grandma & Braden loved the aquarium

Braden reading about the coastal birds.

The 2 boys watching the octopus

The house we stayed at had antiques everywhere. The house theme was pitchers. Pitchers pitchers everywhere. I mean, this was a toddler dream and a parent's nightmare. My mom said she felt like there needed to be a price tag on each item so she wouldn't feel bad if something broke.

After the aquarium we headed to the outlet malls. We had some good finds, mostly cheap thank you cards and such. Braden shopping at the outlets.

The boys running around outside.

Bathing Boys

The next day we went to the board walk and Braden dazed out.

At the house there was this weird mannequin. It was in the corner of the kitchen and freaked you out everytime you walked in there.

On the way home we stopped by Camp 18. They have the best hamburgers. It was a great way to end the vacation.

Jennie showing off Camp 18

It was so much fun. We rented Twilight and stayed up until 2am talking. My mom says that we were solving all the worlds problems, only if they'd listen. Although I missed my dad and brother, it was a nice to have a girls weekend. Only if we had my wonderful sister-in-law Audrey there with us. Maybe next time.

Spring Break: Day 1 & 2

Well, we are finally home from our wonderful Spring Break trip to Oregon City. We arrived Saturday evening. My family had just got done watching the Broadway play "Wicked." It comes highly recommended from the Forsberg clan. I wish I could have seen it.

We arrived to a bed full of presents. There were some great clothes sales going on Fred Meyers, that's where all the clothes came from. Plus, Braden really needed pants. The sippy, plates, and silverware were a late birthday present to Braden, a long with some church toys. (miniature bible action figures.)

The shoes were an added plus. We have needed shoes Braden could wear outside since he doesn't want to be carried anymore. And my mom and sister threw in the skirt for me. I guess they didn't want me to feel bad. (Mom & Kalen, I got tons of compliments at church today about the skirt.)

Since we got in kind of late, we went to bed shortly after getting home. After church on Sunday, Braden had a great time popping bubbles with Aunt Kalen. His cousin Baxter joined in on the fun and Braden didn't hesitate to tell Bax where the bubbles were.

We even got out the tiger Uncle Blair got him. He was pretty excited.

Until getting on it that is.

It was a nice relaxing day, along with an excellent home cooked meal. Aunt Audrey and Uncle Toren even came to play. Braden really enjoyed Frisbee and Baxter, but was fascinated with Itty Bitty, our black cat.

I Stand Corrected

As some of you may remember, last week I had NOTHING good to say about American Idol finalist Adam Lambert. There was nothing good to say about Adam last week. That was until I saw his performance last night. I will admit when I am wrong, which is hardly ever, and I am wrong about Adam. He was clean cut, no nail polish, nice outfit and an incredible vocal. Had I of voted last night, it would have been for Adam.

America's Next Top Model

I decided to come home during spring break. I know spring break doesn't exist in our home, but it does in my parents. So my family not having to work and Blake being super busy at work (plus 2 Jazz games on tv, ahhhh), convinced me to purchase the ever so cheap $49 (can you believe that!) each way plane ticket home. My parents offered to buy Blake tickets (for his birthday present) so he could meet up with us this weekend, but Blake wasn't able to get away (he's now getting a Home Depot gift card).

Anyways, I will post more pictures and details about our trip when I get home (on Sunday), but decided I would share 2 photos to get you excited. My mom rented a beach house for the night and my best friend Jennie and her son Blake, as well as my mom and sister had a girls night out. While at the beach my mom decided she had to get the old fashion photos of Braden. Here's what we got...Braden was totally working the camera. Not only were we surprised, but the photographer was too. Why doesn't he ever pose so cute for my free pictures? He quite enjoyed the attention. The photographer had me sign a release because he wanted to use the pictures in his portfolio.

Like I said, more posts to come. We have only been here for 3 days, but have already done so much. We are hoping the weather will clear up so Braden can have his first zoo trip.

Pea Coat

I just have to say that I love garage sales in Pullman. I landed this cute pea coat for $2 last summer. It is still a little big on Braden, but works well for these cold end of winter days.

He's not too happy to still be in the coat. It is kind of restricting.

Blake and I have already started a list of things we would like to find at garage sales this summer. Since my friend Jessica is moving, I will need a new garage sale partner, anyone interested?

What's the deal w/ Adam

Adam Lambert that is. I don't know who watches American Idol, but I do. This guy gets so much praise and everyone seems to love him. I can't stand him. Last night's song and I thought I was on drugs or something. I have never done drugs, so I really don't know but am pretty sure this is how I would feel.

What does everyone else think of him? I honestly can't stand him and just want to fast forward through his performance. I think he is so ugly too. This picture is totally airbrushed. I know that's mean to say, but man is he ugly. Please get kicked off tonight Adam, you are so cocky and terrible.

The Old Man Turns 31

My husband turns 31 today. Is he an old man? His looks don't indicate that, he is as good looking as ever. I thought a look back at younger Blake would be appropriate for this St. Patrick's Day boy. (The pictures were scanned in by Blake's younger sister, Amber, as a birthday gift to him. Thanks Amber.)

Riding his trike at 3 years
Blake loved gymnastics when he was younger. Look at that leotard.
Blake holding his baby sister.
Blake and his older brother Chad

I married a wonderful man. He is a great husband and an even better father. Both Braden and I look forward to his arrival home each day. Happy Birthday sweetheart!

First Unofficial Haircut

The other night we decided to give Braden his first unofficial haircut. I mean unofficial because we just used the hair clippers at our house and didn't take him to the barber. His spurts of long hair didn't bother me, but it bugged the heck out of Blake so the haircut battle began.

Can you tell that it's really long above both his ears? We had to give him his lion cup so he would let us take a picture.

His hair following tears, head jerks and then some calm understanding.

Our little boy playing in the bath afterwards. He is so cute in the tub. He really like to lay on his tummy, kick his feet, move his arms, and blow bubbles. I will try to get it on video. We have a Michael Phelps in training (minus the drug issues).
I still feel it will be a long time before he sees the inside of a barber shop. Not only because there is lack of hair, but it is so much cheaper for Blake and I to do it ourselves. And Blake just informed me that, and I quote, "he will NEVER go to a barber shop. I am your barber!" Sorry Braden, dad wins this battle.

Make It & Love It.

I know several of you have asked about where I got the idea to make the table fort. I don't know where I found this blog, but I LOVE IT. It's called Make It and Love It. You should check it out. She is also doing a cute give away with 3T jeans, belt and purse. Let me know what you think.

Our Helpful Toddler

Braden has been so active lately. He totally gets how to use things; the phone, remote, trying to be helpful, etc.

Braden sure loves his blanket (which pretty much is any of his blankets) and his sippy.

We had Braden's friend Avery over the other. She started to put something into the bass hole. Braden quickly learned this trick. We had to put a cup in the hole so he would stop putting stuff down there.
The next day I emptied out the bass to discover several Christmas ornaments and toys. I guess Avery didn't teach Braden this trick. Blake and I just can't remember seeing Braden put all this stuff down there.

Since Avery is potty trained now, Jessica brought us over her size 5 diapers. I caught Braden trying to be helpful.He was quite mad when I decided he needed some help the rest of the way. He just doesn't understand that the bag weighs at least half of his weight. He did make it up 5 stairs. I was pretty impressed.

It will be fun to see what other things he starts to do over the next several months and years.

Half Marathon

I did it! I participated in the 30th Annual Snake River Canyon Half Marathon. It was my first and by No means my last. I will take you through the 13.1 miles.

The morning of the race. (Temp 29 degrees with 7 mph wind)

I rode down with some people in my ward who were running. Blake stayed at home and played with Braden. This is what they did. It looks like a little bit more fun.

Like I said before, the weather was a bit chilly, so I started the race with a long sleeve shirt, jacket, thick headband to cover my ears and gloves. Even though the wind was blowing in my face, the gloves came off at mile 1 and the jacket at mile 2.

I had some wonderful supporters from my ward (well, the Bishop and his wife were there to support their son, as well as my Primary President's family) at mile 4. Once I reached the half way point (6.55 miles) and turned around, I swear the temperature warmed by 20 degrees. needless to say, the headband and long sleeve shirt came off at mile 7.

By mile 10 I was tired, but not exhausted. I picked up a new running mate for the last 3 miles. She was an older lady from Pullman. I wish I would of had a running mate the whole way through. At mile 12 I turned to this sweet lady and said, "It's official, I have NO desire to run a marathon." I thought I might after running this, but nope.

I decided to sprint the last quarter of a mile. I could see my two handsome boys waiting for me at the finish line, so I had to get there quick.I was told that there is a photographer at the finish line, so I had to smile with my hands up and NOT be stopping my watch. The above photo is the professional one and Blake is taking the one below. Officially stopping my watch. In the picture above it says my time was 2:27.20, but I clocked 2:27 and on the official records my time in 2:26.58. I will take it, 2 seconds faster than my watch.I felt amazing after the race, just thirsty. It wasn't until I got home that I realized I have terrible knees. I felt so good that Blake was the one to take an afternoon nap, not me. That night we watched a movie while I iced my knees. By Sunday morning I could have run again, maybe not 13 miles, but at least a couple.My next goal... a sprint triathlon. I am already looking for the perfect one to sign up for. I have some good friends and a sister-in-law who are willing to do this with me. I will keep you updated with this, maybe you could join. It will be sometime this summer.

And for the record, if I can run a half marathon, ANYONE can. I was not a runner before this, but am starting to consider myself one. I mean, I do have a running shirt.

Hats

I tried to find the song 'Hats' by Amy Grant. Does anyone remember that song? It was on the first cassette I ever got (for Easter). Anyways, Blake and I try and figure out new things we can do with Braden. Last night we decided to have hat night. We pulled down all ours and Braden's hats. Enjoy the fun pics.

Blake loves this backwards pimpin hat. The hat being warn properly There were some hats he loved to wear And others he didn't He really loved it when Blake and I would put on our hats. He climbed all over us to get them off. For all those with toddlers, hats are a great way to play for a half an our or so.