Labor Day getaway

Last Tuesday, I surprised Ethan with a camping trip up at Big Bear Lake. I'm not the most avid camper (in fact my brother called me when he heard to make sure it was true), so it was kind of a big deal for me to say, "Let's go camping."

Because it was so last minute, especially for such a busy weekend, we were only able to get one night, which was perfect for us! We headed out Friday afternoon after Ethan got off work. The traffic was pretty bad going up, so it took us about 3 hours to get up there. Luckily, Nixon did great basically the whole trip.

We pulled in to Hanna Flats campground around 6:00 and got to our spot. It was seriously the best spot there, especially since we only had three to choose from when we made the reservation. It was completely blocked off from all the other sites which made it feel just a little bit more secluded, even though we were surrounded by 100+ people.

The outdoorsman manning the tent while I manned the baby and camera.

So excited for camping!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm really not much of an outdoor person. There is something so comforting and calming about sitting under the beautifully clear, star studded sky, while watching flames flicker that brings everything home. We had some amazing conversation sitting by this beauty.

We had a little bit of a rougher night than we've had in a LONG time. It was definitely a lot cooler up in the mountains than we're used to. Even with all of the blankets and layers we had Nixon in, we forgot a hat. About 3:00 am he woke up and was not a happy camper. Ethan decided to cuddle up with him to keep him warm, and he was perfectly content sleeping with his dad. We all woke up around 8:30 happy as could be!

We brought some bagels and cream cheese for breakfast and hung out for a little bit before it was time to pack up camp.

Since he's a lot more mobile these days, this is where we kept Nixon to make sure he stayed put! I think he enjoyed himself. It looked pretty comfy.

We had to check out of camp by noon, but we weren't ready to go home just yet. We headed towards the actual city of Big Bear Lake and came up on the Big Bear Discovery Center. We had to check it out!

Outside, they had gold panning you could do for $3.00, but Ethan said there probably wasn't even any gold, so we kept our money.

On the inside the had a few different displays. I do have to say, as far as discovery centers go, this definitely wasn't a top contender I've ever been to, but they did have a few cool elements. This was a fluorescent mineral display that was kind of cool.

I have to say Ethan was being a very good sport for me. He really didn't want to take this picture, but he obliged!

Flag display.

Nixon was sleeping, but we decided to at least get a picture of us!

We didn't even realize we were both wearing BYU shirts (I noticed a little bit later, but it wasn't worth changing my shirt). A couple in the center asked if we knew who won the game. I knew what they were talking about (the BYU game the night before) but Ethan was clueless. He thought it was so weird they would ask us that. It wasn't until we got home and were looking at the pictures that he realized we were both wearing BYU shirts and finally got why the people had asked us about the game.

We finished up and decided to get some lunch at a little place called Hacienda sports bar and grill. It was fantastic! Definitely a place we'll go to again when we go up to that area again. It was that time for us to head home so we got back in the truck and started on our way.

Nixon slept the whole way home (holla!) which left plenty of time for Ethan and I to have some more one-on-one time to talk. It was the perfect end to our Labor Day getaway, and one we'll remember for years to come.

17 Weeks

A little late but here's to being 17 weeks! He is such a sweetheart. His favorite songs are currently, You Are My Sunshine, A Bushel and a Peck, and The Little Green Frog (with facial expressions). He's at such a fun stage and we're loving it!

Anniversary weekend

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated our two year anniversary. We decided to keep it low-key and it was great!

We started off the weekend with dinner at a BBQ place here called Lucille's. They have these sweet biscuits that they bring to you with some type of delicious sweet butter. It was amazing. Ethan got some ribs, and I, like always, got a nice cheeseburger. It was fantastic! Nixon had a good time too. We had him in a car seat sling up to the table and he was SO loud. He wasn't crying or fussing, he just wanted to make sure everyone heard him talking, and the did. People kept smiling at us and I just had to smile back. Hey, at least he wasn't screaming right? 

Saturday night we had our friends Leslie and Martin in town. I cannot tell you how much I miss this girl! The funniest thing happened. We met them at a restaurant, and right when we saw each other we had to laugh. This is what both of us wore to dinner. We hadn't even talked to each other that day. Great minds think alike! (I'm so mad at myself for not getting a picture with all of us!)

 Her kids Calvin and Corina were having fun in old navy with all of the mannequins they had. Corina gave each one a hug probably five times. It was adorable.

Sunday they decided to go to church with us and we were so happy to have them with us. We said our tearful goodbyes after Sacrament meeting and it just reminded me why I love their friendship so much. It's so easy and we can pick up right where we left off, as if we had never left.

Sunday evening we had my favorite part--our Nothing Bundt Cake Bundtini. It's basically the cupcake version of our wedding cake we had. It was so delicious!! It's kind of fantastic that we have one less than a block away, (although that's the first time we've gone).

It was the perfect ending to a fun filled weekend. I can't wait to see what this upcoming year brings!

Meeting Grammy & Pa

This past week Nixon got to meet his Grammy and Pa for the first time (in person). They were an instant hit and he was all smiles for them most of the week.

Sarah (Grammy) flew in last Tuesday. Ethan was still having to work, so we spent our time just hanging out and getting her fix of our sweet little guy. Dwayne (Pa) flew in on Thursday and everyone was finally here!

On Friday, we decided to do, what else, a trip to the beach! We packed everyone in the car and drove down to Aliso Creek Beach down in Laguna Beach. Dwayne and Ethan decided to jumped into some of the waves (which evidently were surrounded by red flags warning not to go in the water), and Sarah, Nixon and I enjoyed the weather being dry.

After a couple hours we decided to drive on the Pacific Coast Highway along the coast. You can only drive along the coast so far before you start to get into the heart of Laguna Beach, and it just gets way too packed. We decided we had enough of the traffic and headed back home.

We got back home and put Nixon down for a nap, and the rest of us got rinsed off and ready for dinner. We went to Claim Jumper which is one of my favorite restaurants here. Other than a fast food In N' Out burger, Claim Jumper has the best burger hands down! I savor that thing. We ended the night with cake, ice cream, card game and lots of great conversation.

Saturday we decided to hit up the Orange County Marketplace. This is the same marketplace we got so much produce for super cheap when we went last. It was a great day for walking around because it wasn't too hot which made it a lot more enjoyable. We spend a good three hours or so there, and then it was time for the fair to close. We headed home and spent the rest of the night watching a movie (while I worked on my lesson for Sunday), and more games and conversation. Those kind of nights are my favorite!

Sunday morning we had church and it was great. I love that every Sunday we get to hear uplifting messages and to feel the spirit. I decided I wanted some photos of Nixon with Dwayne and Sarah while they were all dressed up, and it turned into a little bit of a photo shoot which I loved! Nixon was on which made it even better!

Nixon with Grammy and Pa.

 Our little family.

 I wanted to make sure that I got a three generation picture. Don't these guys look great?

 My two favorite guys in the entire world. I love them both so much!

 Is that not the cutest little face you've ever seen?

 I absolutely love this picture.

After our little photo session, we headed home to get ready for a family dinner with Dwayne's uncle and aunt, Paul and Cheri, that lives in the area. We made some Oreo truffle pops and cake mix chocolate-chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Dinner was great and there were lots of people there! I think there was about 35 people there and they only had half of their kids there. I brought my camera to get a few pictures since they only see each other every five or ten years!

And because we hadn't taken enough pictures that day, one more of the group!

We had to say our goodbyes today. It's always hard to say goodbye to family, but it just makes us that more excited to see them when we go out to North Carolina for Christmas!

Thanks for visiting us Grammy and Pa, we loved having you here and can't wait until we see you next!