New York City!!

This post is going back to April. Kyle and I celebrated 14 years of marriage on May 10th. Kyle surprised me with a trip to New York City for a weekend! I knew we were flying somewhere but didn't know where until we were on our way to the airport. We have not been away together (alone) more than one night since we have had kids. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. Leaving Beckett was the hard part, knowing he would not do well without me at night. He had also been sick with vomiting and diarrhea. The doctor had put him on a dairy and sugar free diet to try and stop the vomiting. So...he was left sick and cranky (wanting sugar!!!). Friends and my parents helped with the kids and they all survived!!!

We had an amazing time!! It is comforting to know that after 14 years we still really enjoy each others company and being together. I really appreciated all the effort Kyle went to! He is too good to me!! We can't wait til retirement (but not the "being old" part). We stayed in a very nice hotel right off of Times Square. Kyle made reservations at two VERY fancy, expensive restaurants. I was googling menu items on my phone to try and figure out what I was ordering. Some of the food was amazing...some not so much! It was definitely an experience. We saw the musical "Memphis" and it was amazing!!! We took a helicopter ride over "The Statue of Liberty." We also toured "Ground Zero" and went to the museum/memorial they have. This was very depressing. I cried. We also had a guy pull us on his bike in a little carriage through part of Central Park. I wanted a souvenir so we went to "Tiffany's." We went to the 3rd floor (this is the floor where one can actually afford to buy something) and I got a necklace. Times Square was very crowded no matter what time it was but also very exciting. It reminded me of our times in London. I am looking forward to our next "getaway" although it might take years for my parents to recover from watching Beckett. We took a ton of pictures but here is a sampling :)

THE BASEMENT

After almost 3 years the basement is FINISHED!! When we had the house built we had the builders frame the basement. It has been 80% finished for probably the last year and half or so but most recently we put in the mini kitchen, projector and the shelving around the screen. Kyle kind of designed what he wanted around the screen and then had a cabinet maker/carpenter build it. It exceeded our expectations and we are soooo happy with it. Kyle, my dad, father-in-law and friends did most of the basement but we did hire out for some of it. Now I don't know what I will harass Kyle about doing around the house :) I have to say the kids have spend a lot more time down there since it is complete! I had planned on doing before/after pictures but the only "before" pictures I have are those of it framed....nothing inbetween. Also...I realize the bar stools don't match. They are from our former house here in town and we will be replacing them soon :)

Sewing

Faith started taking sewing lessons right after Christmas. She has made a couple of bags, a scrap caddy/pin cushion, pillow case, apron and is now working on pajamas. Everything has been so cute and I am really proud of her. I used to love to sew...yes, it is true. It has honestly been 12 years or so since I have sewn. Well...my interest has been renewed! The Young Women in our ward did a silent auction to raise money for girls camp this summer and they each had to donate a service or something they made to the auction. Faith donated the black polka dot bag (pictured) that she made in sewing class. She and I, together, made the other two bags to donate. They turned out so cute. I almost hated to part with them but am going to make some more very soon (although I am not sure what I will do with them). I am also going to attempt to make some clothes for Eden's American Girl Dolls. Hobby Lobby's fabric dept. has become one of my favorite places.

Stuff

I have so many things I want to blog about I am not sure I will ever catch up but here is an attempt....in no particular order.

Faith received a dwarf hamster for her b-day and named her "Baby Gaga." She has been an excellent, very low maintenance pet! She has never bitten and even lets Beckett hold her. Faith loves to play with her and we have a ball that is very fun to watch her run around in.

G-pa Gary also recently bought the girls this purple scooter. The three oldest can ride it really well and love it. I can even ride it and am thinking I need a bigger version. Beckett LOVES to ride on it with Faith and thinks he is big stuff!

Kyle is 39!!

This means I have less than a year to decide what to do for his 40th!! For his b-day we had steaks on the grill with sweet potato casserole (his favorite). Faith made him brownies. My parents were over that day so they joined us! We will be celebrating again on Easter with both sets of parents. Kyle always goes overboard on my b-day and other holidays and he always gets the shaft. That just proves how much better he is than I am and I love him for it. He really, truly is the best daddy and husband ever! Happy Birthday, Kyle! We love you!!!

The only two pictures I took in Chicago!

Chicago

Two weeks ago I went to Chicago for TWO WHOLE NIGHTS with my very good friends, Kristen and Jenny. We took the train on Friday morning and came back Sunday morning. We stayed in a very, very nice hotel down town that was funded by Kristen's, husband's, hotel points. Our friend, Kira (who now lives in Wisconsin) met us. We had a great time and all we did was shop and eat...and talk...and laugh. We ate at "The Melting Pot" which was delish! I was also bound and determined to buy some "Garrett's Popcorn" while there. This popcorn is some of "Oprah's" favorites. We waited in line for an hour at the end of the night and did manage to get some cheese popcorn cause they didn't have any caramel left. I am so mad that I didn't take a picture of us standing outside in the line waiting. I have been friends with these girls for around 10 years (since our oldest were toddlers). Love them all!