Family pictures

There are perks of being a photographer, like swapping shoots with another talented photographer.

Thanks to Captured in Time photography, we were able to make this day happen.

These are a few of my favorite.

 

 

 

 

I told Tug this picture would have been perfect if I had a ring on my finger... hint, hint.

 

 

 

 

 

Although Tug isn't technically family yet. He feels that way to us.

and I love my little family.

the Road to Disney

Let the vacation begin! We woke up to this bright eyed bushy headed boy.

He was ready to party and start the vacation.

 

 

We spent the day in St George. Hiking a sweet little slot canyon. The name was the best part.

 

 

Drove to a little ghost town in Calico, California.

 

We didn't stay long because we wanted to play at the beach as long as we could.

 

 

I am so happy that Mazor loves the beach as much as I do. I would move us there if I could.

For now, we will visit as often as we can.

Mazors favorite part was having the waves destroy his castles,

and being buried like a zombie in a grave.

 

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We did it! We snuck him onto the big ride!

This was a huge moment, and we planned and prepared big time for it.

So we took full advantage of riding the bigger rides. Mazor loved Tower of Terror

"terror of the town" and it was so much fun taking him.

 

 

This was the best time to take Maz because they had all of the Halloween stuff out,

including all of the candies and treats!

 

 

Lines are the only hard part about Disneyland.

Maz was either perfect or the devil.... or extra affectionate.

What the heck are you supposed to do while the

kid with the magic shoes takes a nap in Disneyland?

 

Eat a Turkey leg!

 

Needless to say, we had so much fun at Disney.

 On our way home we stayed in Vegas, and walked on the strip for a few hours.

Then ended the day swimming in Aunt Lynda's pool. 

 

  Oh, Tug also made a new friend on the way home.

First day of school

We started the morning off strong with a donut bigger than Mazors head.

 

but then it was time for school..

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  I even made a sign for Tug, since it was his first day back too.

This was actually a backup plan in case Mazor would

 not cooperate but I love the way it turned out.

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 Before we got in the car to go to school, I was rushing, we were running late and

 I kept hurrying Mazor telling him it was time for school.

As I scooped him up and put him into his car seat buckling him like a speed demon,

 he looked at me trying hard not to poke out his big sad lip and softly said,

"..are the other kids going to hate me? "

Punch to the heart, I know.

It was then I turned from a strong, energetic, organized mom into a big mommy mush pile.

 

I walked with Maz to his class, and watched him timidly study each of the other

stranger kids while still holding on tight to my hand.

The teacher had me sign in, as another teacher showed Mazor his cubby.

We said goodbyes and they closed the door.

I stayed and watched Mazor through the long skinny window until

I heard a dinging kind of bell. (SO not the loud obnoxious bell I grew up with)

I realized I was the only one left in the hallway and class started.

(or they sounded the alarm that some psycho woman was peering in at children in the halls)

 I went and sat in my car in the parking lot. I didn't want to leave.

 I didn't want him to think I abandoned him there.

After talking to Tug for a min, I felt better and a little bit crazy.

 

 I didn't think I would be a mom that would get emotional when my kids go off to school,

especially now, I am getting used to saying goodbye to Mazor when he goes to his dads.

I didn't even really cry, but it was for sure an emotional day for me.

I cant believe how fast my boy is growing up. I am so proud you Mazor.

 

Mirror Lake

We had a fun time camping at Mirror lake last week!
The weather was perfect and it felt amazing to be in the mountains again.
 

 

 

 Tug brought his Grandpas spring bar tent, that has more meaning to me now then ever.

 (SIDE NOTE: I was looking through some old scrapbooks of Tugs family and this tent goes all the way back to when his mom was little, seriously! I saw her standing in front of it about Mazors age, so it is very special that we get to use it like we do.)

 

 We spent most of the time down at the lake, which was about 15 steps from our campsite (I may or may not be exaggerating a bit).

For the most part we didn't have any luck until Tug did his "Fish Whisper" and was on fire.

The first second he cast in he reeled one in, it was so fun.

Maz would get so excited (notice his jazz hands) every time Tug would catch a fish, and he was cute to let him reel it in almost every time.

 

 A little off subject, but if you are trying to potty train a kid, take him to the lake.

Mazor seriously peed every 3-5 min. and most of the time it was all by himself.

It was almost embarrassing because he would just suddenly say, "I gotta go potty" then whip his pants down and go! He didn't care who saw his little peter.

I think we may have scared off a few tourists.

 

 

Maz singin the baby blues on potty trainin. Ain't it rough kid.
 

On the way to Mirror we stopped at the ranch to get firewood. Some of the family were there hunting so we invited whoever to come fish at Mirror the next day if they wanted.

and looked who actually showed up! It was awesome and a total surprise.

 

 

 

 I had so much fun with my family and I love these two more than anything.