10 years - really? Feels like 30

How can it feel like forever ago and just yesterday at the same time? Yep, ten years ago Preston and I were married at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, Nebraska. After our hitchin' we celebrated with drinks, dancing and well, more drinks.
I can't imagine a better man for me or father for my children. Cheers Preston and thank you for an amazing life and family - it hasn't always been easy, but it's also never dull.
(Pictures above of you doing what you love, well almost as much as you love me. You love me more than skiing, right?)

First Lesson in Table Manners - check!

I think it's going well, don't you?

Missing my Connor

Connor's school takes a long break between Summer camp and the regular school year. This year my mom was kind enough to fly out here on Friday to pack up Connor and take him to the farm for the week. They flew out yesterday. He is having an amazing time, but our house just isn't the same without his spirit and energy.
Even though I'm missing him, I'm not too sad knowing that he is in one of his favorite places and having the time of his life hanging with my parents, playing with his cousin Bailey, catching frogs, swimming, riding tractors, the lawnmower and 4-wheelers. After all of that fun on the farm we will all head down to Manhattan for more fun with the Bartons. It will be the best 2 weeks of his life "for real life". Miss you dude - be safe and have fun!

My window to the world - er I mean construction

I work in an office building (Walker Building) in downtown Salt Lake City. Right on Main Street in fact. Last year they tore down some buildings diagonal from my building and are putting in a "world class" (their words, not mine) office building with underground parking. It has been incredible to watch the progress outside my office window. Even more enjoyable is to watch the crane precariously lower the port-o-potty down for cleaning.

On a side note, I can't imagine being a guest at the Hotel Monaco and opening my curtains in the morning to the construction site.

My little princess

Random

To many of you Preston and I have told the story of "Halloween Party 2000". Some of you may have even been there. Well, a friend of mine just sent me some pictures from that party, and I couldn't resist. I was dressed as a Hairband groupie and Preston was a pimp. Preston drew tattoos on my arms with a sharpie - unfortunately I drank too much that night (I know, hard to imagine) and spent most of the night leaning against my walls. There was a fair amount of repainting that took place after the party (also some carpet cleaning, wall patching, lawn repair, etc.)
Can any of you recognize who the guy in the afro is in the background of both pictures? I won't name names, but his initials are SAC. HA!
Although, if you went to high school with me you may just think - what costume? Isn't that how she always looks?

Conversations with Connor George Barton

The other night Connor and I were watching an OLD Transformers cartoon (from the movie store, as Connor refers to Blockbuster). One of the guys on the show was talking really fast, so I asked Connor, "Why is that guy talking so fast?" He shrugged his shoulders, turned to look at me and said, "I don't know...maybe he's Spanish?"

Random. Often Connor will just come up with something out of the clear blue that makes you laugh until your side hurts. The other night he said, "When Quinn grows up, she'll still be a girl. Like my friend Tia. Moms are girls too. They are never boys." Um, yes. That is correct.

Some of the best conversations with Connor are had in the car when it's just the two of you. He enjoys moments of silence, but he also revels in deep thought conversations. This morning he and Preston were driving to school and visiting.
Connor: Dada, did you know that people can touch light poles?
Preston: Really?
Connor: Yeah, but I think it's just clowns.

Day at the Lake

Our neighbors invited us to their annual lake day at Echo Reservoir. We had a great time. Connor was awesome and ready to hit the water right after we got there and covered him in sunscreen - the kid definitely has his dad's skin. He didn't hesitate to play in the water, run his trucks in the sand and play with the other neighbor kids. It was great to see him jump right into the fun.
Quinn enjoyed every bit of the lake day while watching from the blanket. But, after an hour she had enough and sacked out in the shade. Thanks to the Hammonds for inviting us!

Redo is Done

Last week I decided my dining room chairs and rug were so 4 years ago. So, on Sunday I recovered them with a new fabric and replaced the rug and a few accessories. I don't have a before or after picture, but believe me when I say that it was screaming 2004 and who wants that?

Supergirl Reaches 10 Month Mark!

Baby girl is 10 months and counting! I say this every month, but it boggles my mind how quickly time is racing by me. She already has such a personality. Right now she is completely in love with Preston and constantly says dada. She's crawling everywhere and getting into stuff we didn't even know we had (Connor's bin of Legos is a constant challenge). She's amazing, beautiful, smart and funny. We love her dearly and none of us (Connor included) can stop kissing on her.