Early Birthday with Mema

My mom actually flew into town when we were still in Utah and was a big help with packing and driving down to Arizona and then unpacking. She helped make things go very smoothly, especially with Ivy. Thanks so much Mom! Anyways, the day before she left AZ, we decided to go to lunch and do a little mini birthday celebration for Ivy since my mom was going to just miss her birthday. I think it was good practice for Ivy, hehe. She was not afraid to get her hands on that yummy cupcake mommy had made just for her...

She devoured that thing in mere seconds. She just loves her sweets. A girl after my own heart. ;)

Thanks Mema for the fun toy! She loves it!

Hello Arizona

We are here in Tempe, AZ these days which is half way in between Phoenix and Mesa... Said goodbye to Utah (indefinitely) and made the drive down a few weeks ago. So far, I like it. We now are able to enjoy warmer pool water, Bluebell ice cream, Trader Joe's, and Jack in the Box, all while still being able to have the same things we enjoyed in Utah- dry heat, no mosquitos (yes!), cool breezy evenings, and Paradise Bakery. Some extras include being able to visit many friends who just happen to live around this area that we haven't seen in a loong time.. But that's for a another post. For now, just know that we are here, safe and sound with Sam into the full swing of selling and me busy planning Ivy's first birthday. and taking Ivy swimming almost every single day, of course. Fun stuff. 

Stopped at the Glen Canyon Dam on the way down. We will see you soon, Lake Powell. Counting down the days...

Miss Ivy loves her pool floaty. probably more than her turtle.. ok maybe not. Best $20 purchase made this summer thus far, though, that's for sure..

(yes that is a big fat scratch on her nose, yet another story for a future post)

Sam's Graduation

Well, our days at BYU have finally come to an end. I can hardly believe it! Sam is finally finished with everything in his undergrad career. When all was said and done, he received his Bachelor's degree in Economics, Minor in Business, and completed all the prerequisites for medical school. It's not really considered any sort of degree but I think it should be one because there are so many credits for it! What I mean to say is, my husband pretty much rocks. Not only does he have mad math skills for Economics and business but he really found his niche in all his science classes. He loved them. That can only mean he is headed in the right direction. :) ANYways, here are some pics from the festivities over the graduation days. Sam's mom came into town for the event as did my mom (to also help pack and move). We were just missing Sam's dad and Trish who had to stay home for some medical reasons. :( Commencement was on Thursday April 19th, then Convocation was April 20th..

On our way to Commencement. Elder Oaks was the speaker. I spent most of the time in the hall chasing down the 11 month old with too much energy but I heard it was good. Haha:

Afterwards, gotta have the pictures with family.. Sam's cousin Jenny was graduating too:

Dad, get this thing off of me...

Convocation the next morning.. It was at 8 am and we decided to leave Ivy home with Mema so we didn't have to worry about getting her ready so early or having to chase her around once we were there. I'm glad we did. I ended up going at 7am with Sam to get a good parking spot and to save a seat for Mom R. Plus it made it much easier to get pictures. Thanks Mema!

I wasn't able to get a good pic of Sam getting his diploma because I took a video.. My camera wasn't fast enough to snap a pic after he walked off the stage but thank goodness for texting.. I had him turn around real quick for a shot. :)

Gotta have the photo shoot on campus...

Here is Sam with his very generous graduation gift from his parents. He is one happy guy! We were moving the next day so we just had the piano movers (from the company they bought it from) move it right onto our moving truck. You better believe Sam got in a few songs before we loaded the rest of the boxes:

Thank you Mom and Dad!! And to Dad- So sorry we couldn't have you here with us! Hope you are recovering well! We missed you but glad things are better now!

Graduation party with the cousins for Sam and Jenny... It was nice to be able to say goodbye to his cousins before leaving Utah indefinitely...

The lovely Jenny (good thing she is already married, hehe JK!), and Sam with my rice-krispie-treat-covered daughter. She was quite the sticky mess but so darn cute:

Easter 2012

I have to admit, before this year, we've never really done a whole lot for Easter. I think having a baby to share it with makes the holiday so much more fun! While I, I mean the Easter Bunny, was shopping for Ivy, he just couldn't forget about a basket for us too! How thoughtful, that Easter Bunny. Anywho, I am so grateful for my little family. I am grateful for my Lord and Savior for making it possible for me to spend eternity with them. He is the reason we celebrate and I feel so lucky to be able to spend that time with the ones I love.

Here is my baby girl playing with her first easter basket. I think she liked it:

Pretty necklaces and marshmallows! She was having a blast..

Good morning sunshine..

After church, Ivy with her daddy. I love her squishy faced smile hehe:

After church we headed up to Joe and Emily's for an awesome steak dinner and games. Thanks for having us, guys! Afterwards, we were able to stop by Kari's friend's house where her, Mark, and the kids were staying for the week. SO fun to see them! Ivy couldn't get enough of her cousin Lilly. Pics to come later of our fun week with them...

Not a fan of the grass, hahaa:

I just love my pretty girl. She is growing up too fast:

Hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend!