Mini-cation

During the week before our "Bar Fest" (which of course had nothing to do with alcohol :) we headed down to San Diego for a little vacation with my parents.  The first day we went down to Coronado Island and walked around and enjoyed a little beach (well my kids and I did, not sure if my dad did... he got a little burned, which then required sunscreen at Sea World, which then caused a nasty eye irritation to the sunscreen, series of unfortunate events). 

 

We then went to Old Town.  I love going there and pretty much think every time I go to San Diego I make it there.  The have redone the Mormon Battalion center there and it is really impressive.  You start by watching the narrators talking to you in picture frames (seriously Disneyland quality) and then you move through different rooms and here the story.  At the end the kids got to pan for gold, use a water pump, stack up adobe bricks, and they even have a photo booth set up.

(Brody is willing to try on his military issue Mormon Battalion gear... Orin, however, would not... he was quite shy, which seemed a bit out of character)

(Brody does not look entirely happy about the fact that Papa was trying to show him how to properly pan for gold)

We then ate at Old Town Mexican Restaurant which was perfect, cheap Tuesday tacos, score.  And once we made it back to the hotel my kids of course had to swim for a bit... it was quite the day.

The next day, Shawn and my brother Matt met us down at Sea World. (My mom has pictures on her camera). My kids LOVED it and I think their favorite things were seeing Shamu, riding the little rides, and feeding the seals (courtesy of Uncle Matt who got hooked up with a few extra fish, cause Matt seems to always get special treatment, everybody loves Matt).  Journey to Atlantis was fun, Shawn was too big of baby to go! :)

We loved getting away for a bit! Thanks mom and dad!

Sworn

It all become "official" Tuesday, July 26th when Shawn was sworn in as an attorney.  It was ironically the first day of the California Bar exam!  A date we normally would dread!  Mason & Melina came with us and we celebrated by going to Cheesecake Factory (yummy! love their Banana Cream cheesecake)! We were so glad they could be there, yet again for us, since they have been so willing to sacrifice and help our family over these past few years. 

 Anyone need an attorney? 

I know a good one! :)

BAR fest 2011

In honor of Shawn's passing, Pat & Hershel (Shawn's boss and his wife) hosted a TWO day EXTRAGANZA!  Cause well, a LARGE celebration was definitely in order! 

Friday's party

The first night was completely family themed.  Pat & I came up with some fun games for the kids, complete with prizes: Patriotic Walk, Fishing game, Cornhole, Lawyer Relay, Sack Race, Ring Toss, bead bracelet craft, BINGO...  like I said it was quite the fiesta! 

 Pretty sure Brody ate about eight bags of Cheetos... he kept asking different people to get a bag! That boys loves him some Cheetos!

Saturday night:

The second night was more for clients and adult family.  We served New York steaks and sides!  If was so nice to just get a chance to remember that Shawn did actually pass (I have had to keep reminding myself) and to spend time with our family and friends, who without their love and support, we wouldn't be where we are.  Both sides of our families were almost all there and we both feel blessed to have "Won the parent/family lottery!" Our family is truly blessed to have such amazing people in our lives and are very grateful to Shawn's boss and his lovely wife for all they have done and do for us! 

 and YAY for Shawn! 

 (Okay I'm almost through blogging about the BAR... but it's been a large part of our lives these past few years... so it's worth some bloggin' about!)
P.S. (The invited I designed can be viewed here!) 

pampered

I'm spoiled! 

When we brought Wyatt home, my mom & sister & her husband were here! 

Here is why I was spoiled:

*My mom...

*made my favorite dessert - chocolate pudding dessert 

*bought us a trampoline

*made Lehi Mills Raspberry muffins- my favorite

*made Beignets from Cafe Du Monde

*gave Wyatt his first bath

*watched kids so I could nap everyday

*cooked dinners- & Jenna too!

*cleaned... even bathrooms! (with some little helpin hands)

*Jenna & Josh...

*made the best Stir Crazy popcorn

*took the kids to San Bernardino Museum & dinosuars (my boys favorite spot)

*spent HOURS jumping on the tramp with kids

*held the baby

*helped cook & clean & change diapers!

I'm spoiled.

But also incredibly grateful.  I'm one lucy girl to have such an amazing family... it was so hard to see them go... they made this transition into being a mother of three much easier!

Birth

Wyatt James Patterson.

This little boy's birth day was totally planned.  I had spent hours planning out my maternity leave so that it would be just right.  It all was a bit stressful the week before (the bar results, Orin being in Allyson's wedding- he was adorable as a ring bearer!) and we found out my c-section wasn't actually scheduled! Luckily, a time opened up and we had him just how I had planned it all to happen.

We showed up at the hospital around 7 am, and from there is just seemed to go so smoothly.  The nurses were nice, they got the IV in on the first attempt (wheww... I hate that part)! By 10:13 our baby boy was here.  I cry everytime I hear that first cry. 

 It's just such a miracle.

Since I have c-sections, I can't see the baby right when they pull him out (which we actually have a picture of this time.  Shawn was a little shocked when they asked him if he wanted to take a picture of the baby coming out)!  Shawn's first impression of Wyatt was that he looked a bit like Orin.  I think now he's just a mix of both boys and a bit of himself too!  After they cleaned him up and did what ever they do right after he comes out, they brought him over to me.  I can't hold him (I'm strapped down!), but at least I get to see him briefly before they take him to the recovery room (the other two boys had to go to the NICU).  This time, after being stitched up... which I hate that part, always gag, Wyatt was there waiting for me in the recovery room.  The room was just for us and I got to hold me baby and he nursed right away.  Actually, he didn't want to stop nursing for hours! It all went so smoothly, and it still is!

The boys LOVED him!  When they came to see them, the baby was in the nursery having his first bath, so it was nice to have a little time with just them.  They were both so careful and calm (shocking) as they sat next to me on the hospital bed.  When the baby came in, it was so fun to see how they just loved this new little guy.  This has just continued... the loving on Wyatt!  

When Glenna took the boys back home after the first visit, Orin was crying in the back seat because the baby wasn't come home.  Almost daily, Ory says, "Oh he's so cute," or "I just love my baby," or "Can we keep him."

Brody loves Wyatt too, but he's just not as careful.  He'll give lots of kisses and then "tickle" his face or poke his eye or twist his ear.  He's been getting a little bit better lately, but most the time when Wyatt & I hear Brody's voice coming we both look a bit worried! But, he's always saying, "I wove my baby."

We feel so blessed to have another sweet baby boy!  I've really enjoying him. I look at him and wonder who he'll become and am so grateful he's mine!

Wyatt

Born May 16, 2011 

8 lb 4 oz

19 1/2 in.

I'm obsessed with this little man.

He's perfect.