4th of July 2016

Bryce had to work in the morning on the 4th of July this year so I took the kids to the parade in Morgan with my parents.  

Claire was not in the mood for pictures in the morning haha :).  

Waiting for the parade to start with her Papa.

My Grandpa Mecham carrying one of the flags (very back on the right).

First attempt at getting a picture of Claire and Peter together.  

And second attempt.  You can't really see Peter's face but at least Claire is smiling!

After the parade we went to the 4th of July celebration at the park in Henefer and afterwards went to my Grandpa & Grandma Richins' house for a family party.  I thought Claire would love the bounce house, but she was not a fan.  She only lasted about 5 seconds in this one and refused to go back in.  Maybe next year haha ;).

Claire was so excited to get to play with her cousin Lydia.

Cute little besties.  

Claire & her Nana.

After a long day of celebrating we went back to my parents house and I unsuccessfully tried to get Claire to take a nap so she could stay up for fireworks.  We met up at the Leishmans later that night after Bryce had gotten off work and did a few fireworks in the driveway with the kids.  Claire thought it was so fun, she didn't even mind her sparkler was a dud.  

Claire throwing poppers with dad.

We called it an early night and headed home around 9:30.  We were all way too tired to stay for the firework show in Morgan but we ended up getting to see quite a few fireworks in Ogden on our drive home. Claire loved watching for them and seeing them out her window.  It was a fun day but we were all so tired, I think we all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit our pillows!

SaveSave

Splash Pad Fun

A few weeks ago on one of Bryce's days off we packed a picnic and took the kids to the splash pad!  It was a hot day when temps were in the 100s so it was the perfect activity to keep Claire cool while she got some energy out.    
Claire loved it just as much as she did last year.  She was squealing and laughing the whole time.  Bryce and I took turns playing in the water with her while one of us stayed with Peter.   
And this is how Peter spent his first trip to the splash pad, snoozing away in the shade.  I'm not one to wish away time when it comes to my babies but I couldn't help but think how much fun it will be next year when Claire and Peter can play in it together!  

Summer Days

Summer is flying by!  We haven't gone on many outings with a newborn in tow, so most of our days look like this.  Trying to keep one kid happy who wants to be held all day long, trying to keep the other kid happy with a steady stream of princess dialogue, while trying to sneak in some laundry folding.  As crazy, exhausting, and busy as it is, I absolutely love being a mom and getting to spend my days at home with my babies.   
The sock bandit strikes again!  Claire likes to steal my socks and decided to add a fox mask one day.  It was too cute, I had to sneak a few pictures! 

When Peter is napping our days look like this.  Claire loves playing in the water and the dirt!  She hates coming back inside and would stay outside all day long if I let her.
Claire is still very much in love with all things princess.  Her great-grandma Mecham got this tiara for her and she has loved dressing up with it.  She insisted on wearing it outside one day while cruising around on her ladybug.  She even added a royal sceptor all on her own.     

Peter Bryson Week by Week: 5 Weeks

Peter at 5 weeks old all ready for church!

Family Pictures

As per tradition, we took a few family pictures once Peter turned 1 month, like we did with Claire.  We just set up the tripod and took a few on our bed.  Adding two kids to the mix definitely makes it a bit more difficult to take your own pictures, but we still got a few cute ones!
I also had Bryce take a couple of me doing one of my favorite things, reading with my babies.  
Even though sometimes it is a pain, I'm glad I make time to take our family photos so often...and I'm glad my family is willing to put up with it :).  

Peter Bryson Week by Week: 1 Month

Dear Peter,

Today you turned 1 month old.  I think it has been the fastest month of my life.  Taking care of you and your big sister Claire keeps me so busy the days just seem to fly by.  You have been such a sweet addition to our family.  It's hard to even remember what it was like before you were here as it already feels like you've always been with us.   
Your big sister Claire adores you.  It has been so fun for me to see her embrace her new role as a big sister.  She is always helping me with diaper changes, burping, getting your binky etc., and is constantly smothering you with hugs and kisses.  Luckily you don't seem to mind and tolerate it pretty well.
You are a really easy baby, which has made the transition from one to two kids relatively easy on your mama.  You love to sleep, and LOVE to eat.  You eat every two hours around the clock.  While I'm a bit tired from the constant feedings, especially the night ones, you rarely cry or fuss so I won't complain too much!   
Thanks to your constant eating, you have gotten nice and chubby in the last month.  My wish for an extra chubby baby came true this time around!  You were born smaller than your big sister, but already outweigh what she did at one month.  At your 2 week appointment you already weighed 9 lb 3 oz and according to our scale at home you are now already over 10 pounds!
You still have your cute old man hair you were born with; lots in the back, a little on the top, and no hair in the front.  Your eyes are still really blue and I'm really crossing my fingers they will stay blue or turn green like your dad's.  Your dad doesn't think they will stay and thinks they will likely go brown like mine and your sister's.  Time will tell!  I'm usually right though so you better not let your dad win this one ;). 

You have been such a great blessing in our lives and we are beyond grateful to have you in our family.  You are already so loved!  I'm so excited to watch you grow and change and see the person you will grow up to be.  

Love you too much,

Mom

Claire & Peter

I took a few pictures of Claire & Peter in the nursery and I love how they turned out.  They are such a cute little duo.  I love them both to pieces.


After a few shots Claire decided she wanted to take some pictures of Peter too.  She's definitely seen her mom do this a few times ;).