there's no place like home

We just returned from visiting my parents in California. We flew to CA last Thursday night. Friday morning, my parents went to the gym early (I was tried to go but was uninvited) and while they were gone, my sister Melissa (who lives in Hawaii) called on their home phone. Our conversation went something like this:

Miss: I thought I called mom and dad...did I call your phone by accident?

Me: Nope...I'm at mom and dad's.

Miss: I didn't know you were going home - when did you get there?

Me: We got here last night.

Miss: What are you doing today?

Me: We're headed to the beach.

And then my sister - did I mention she lives in Hawaii? - walks into my mom and dad's kitchen!

I was totally shocked and frankly, a bit confused. We were still talking on the phone so I can hear her on the phone and then I see her in the kitchen. I jumped up and hugged her and started crying.

So Day 1? pretty darn fun. We headed to Santa Cruz for Ryan's first real beach experience. It was a tad bit on the cold side, but so, so fun.

Thanks for the fun surprise Auntie Melissa!

three years and counting

Tony and I celebrated our anniversary at La Caille this past weekend. When the waitress surprised us with chocolate covered strawberries with a sparkler in it, the neighboring table offered their congratulations and asked us how many years we've been married.

When I replied "three", I thought that couldn't be right. It had to be more than three! Wasn't it more like nine or ten? But I quickly calculated 2011 minus 2008 and yes, that was indeed three. Not that it seems like three years = forever, but honestly....I can hardly remember my life before Tony.

We sat on the patio and enjoyed one of Utah's lovely summer nights. And as we were chatting, Tony said somewhat non-chalantly, "I've been meaning to ask if you want to start on the adoption process."

I looked over at my husband of three years and I kid you not. My heart melted. Earlier that day at the farmer's market, we saw three little Asian girls. Tony saw them, called my name and I could see the look in his eyes. He was smitten.

So with the morning's memory fresh on my mind, I replied, "Are you ready? You know our little girl will have you wrapped around her little finger." Tony said he didn't think it would be any more than Ryan having his daddy wrapped around his little chubby fingers, but I know better.

So I guess this is it. The beginning of another adventure...

the farmer's market drummer boy

For those of you who go to the SLC farmer's market...have you seen this kid? We've seen him quite a few times and he's amazing.

For those of you who haven't been to the SLC farmer's market, you should go. If for no other reason than to see this kid. I think he's going to be famous some day.

He's ten and a half.

first steps...

It's always hard being away from home, but this time I was SO afraid I was going to miss Ryan's first steps. I kept telling Tony to make sure Ryan DIDN'T take his first steps while I was in New York. He was to do whatever it took - duct tape wasn't beyond the realm of possibilities.

And if by chance, Ryan did take those first few steps, Tony wasn't, under any circumstances, to tell me about it. I didn't want to know I missed another first - especially this one.

So yesterday afternoon I arrived back home. We went straight over to pick him up and I spent several hours just playing with him. And a few hours after I was home, he did took his first steps! Yes, he's holding onto the strings from the blinds, but we'll take it.

I love the look he gives the camera just before he falls so gracefully backward...

ryan and charlotte

Cousin Charlotte came over to play the other day. It was actually the first time the two cousins sorta interacted.

And I have to say, it was so darn cute.

Although Charlotte wasn't too keen on sharing her binky.

Can't say that I blame her though.

look what we had in our backyard last week....

We actually had two of them, but I only got a good picture of the one. It was really amazing to see them but they sorta creeped me out how they were watching Abby so intently just below them.

On another note, I'm headed to New York tonight and may or may not be able to post until I get home end of next week. It's the New York Gift Fair which is a fun show, but August is NOT my favorite time of year to be in New York.

ryan's birthday

For Ryan's 1st birthday, Tony and I took him to the zoo. He loved looking at all the animals, but I think his favorites were the giraffes with the elephants in a close second. I loved watching the look of wonder in his eyes as he tried to process what these large animals were.

I loved that we had a low-key celebration without a lot of fanfare and gifts. All we really wanted was to spend time with our little boy. And that's just what we did.

So we did without the big party. We did without the birthday cake. And we even did without a lot of presents. Grandma and Grandpa Mano sent some great books which we love and some cute clothes and he loved the books books and toys from cousins. We gave him a snappy little $5 car that says "Finn McMissile...British Intelligence" which he loves.


Afterall, besides spending a day with mommy and daddy at the zoo, what more could a one-year old ask for?