Halloween weekend brings a new car!

I finally found a car that was a 'good' deal meaning priced below nada's average trade-in value. Only problem was it was in Utah but we went ahead and bought it anyway. Courtland's parents went and checked it all out for us and my parents drove it out to us over halloween weekend. Finally, I have a car and I couldn't be more excited to not be stuck at home anymore!

We got a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid and it's perfect for what we need.

My parents drove the car to us Friday and stayed until Tuesday when they flew back home- it was so fun to have them stay with us for the weekend.

On saturday before halloween our ward had a party- here is our little kitty cat and puppy!

Kell had fun trick-or-treating around the rooms at church.

Sunday afternoon we drove over to half moon bay to see the beach and it was gorgeous. Mckell had a blast playing in the sand.

After the beach we stopped at a pumpkin patch

 Kell had fun getting pushed around in the wheelbarrow by papa

 Papa showed Kell how to carve the pumpkin when we got home

 On Halloween day we took Kell trick-or-treating around a shopping center that was hosting a store trick or treat party and parade. She was a little shy in getting the candy, but eventually she warmed right up and had a blast.

We had such a fun time with my parents visiting- thanks so much for bringing us our new car!

Belmont, California

This town we now live in is known for it's many trails to hike and bike on. So we've been taking full advantage of the nice weather and going on lots of stroller rides. We have a fun hike up to a lake right by our apartment (the lake is small and not the prettiest I've seen but fun to walk up to). And the library is about a half a mile from our place as well with a fun park that Kell has lots of fun at.

 Kell always likes to take a snack- strawberries are her favorite.

 And as usual, Colter always gets a good snooze in along the way- how do babies sleep so awkwardly?

Happy Birthday to me!

I had the absolute best birthday ever this year and that's saying a lot coming from me because I'm not huge on birthdays but Courtland made this year's perfect!

I woke up to breakfast in bed- ham/cheese omelet with bacon, my favorite. Then I relaxed with my family for a bit before Courtland sent me off to get a massage. After my amazing massage, I went shopping for 6 hours all by myself! It was fabulous! Once you have kids, shopping becomes a 10 minute in and out of the store and try it on later kind of experience so this was heaven! And we all know I like to shop so I took full advantage and really enjoyed every minute (including ignoring everyone calling and texting me- I didn't want to waste any of my much needed alone time).  When I got back we headed out for dinner all together at a burger joint- which I love a good juicy burger and that was just what mine was. Then we headed back home and had cake that Courtland made.

It was the absolute perfect day! Thanks so much babe!

We attempted a family picture and after several attempts these were the 2 best shots- ha!

 Is he starting to look at all like me yet??? Nope, still just his daddy!

 Kell's favorite part was of course the balloons.

Normally I don't really look forward to my birthday or get too excited- boring I know but after this birthday- I'm glad to say I can't wait until my next one! Happy 26th to me! 

Stuck at home with no where to go!

Courtland and I have only ever had one car between the two of us which has been just fine since we were both in school and only needed one car. But, now with Courtland working 30-40 minutes away- he has to take the car which leaves the kids and I stranded. We go on lots of walks and find places in walking distance to help entertain (like the McDonalds with a indoor playground that's about 4 miles round trip). No fear though, we are on the hunt for a second car, which is a challenge for me because I have to find a GOOD deal (being my father's daughter- I don't pay retail value).

 This cow pillow pet is a favorite of my kids- thanks Grandma Rabe!

 Kell got a little black eye when she fell the other day, poor girl but she was a trooper.

And more of my messy little eater- loving her noodles.

 (notice the boxes in the background- I HATE unpacking and trying to find places and organize everything, we need to get rid of lots of stuff!)

 teaching Colter to crawl- such a good big sister

 and he just loves her- watches her every move

So cute! The other day Kell came out of her room with her backpack, laptop, and cell phone and said she 'meeded' to go to school. She went to the front door and started knocking saying, "mom I meed to go to school, take me to train so I go to school and work." She wants to be just like her daddy.

Can't wait until we find another car so we can get out and explore this new place.

Bitter Sweet

Today was the day I was supposed to start my new career at Ernst & Young's tax practice in San Jose, instead I'm starting my job as a resident manager. It's bitter sweet because I was excited to have a grown up job at a successful, well-known company and gain experience I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else, but sweet because instead I'm starting a job that allows me to stay home with my babies and not miss any of the special moments I will get to have with them everyday. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to stay home with my kiddos while earning additional income (especially since we're living in one of the most expensive cities). These past few months have been crazy, filled with many MANY changes- graduation, new baby, 5 moves, 3 birthdays, and 2 new jobs- but turns out I think it was all worth it. Not saying I'm 'loving' living in California but I'm giving it a chance. We really are so blessed to be where we are now with jobs and a healthy family that I couldn't be happier... well unless of course we could move back to Utah ha! jk I'll embrace the opportunity for now... we'll see how home sick I am in a few months though... Wish us luck on our new adventure!

One more car ride, and finally a 'temporary' place

I say 'place' vs home because I'm hoping we won't be here too long! As everyone knows, I'm a UTAH girl through and through so I want to move back to Utah as soon as we can. For now we are living in Belmont, CA and it's a pretty sweet set up we have here. I got a job as an onsite resident manager which means we get to live here for FREE and on top of that they pay me $600 a month. How sweet is that?! Our apartment rents for $1750 a month (2bed/2bath)- only downsides are that it's a much longer commute for Courtland, coin laundry (so SO annoying I think), and I have to be home to hand out keys to vendors and maintenance- but it hasn't been too bad so far. It's only a 19 unit complex and this is considered a part time job so free rent plus extra money a month... Can't beat that!

In the car for our final drive to Belmont- the ipad keeps her entertained.

Another big BIG thanks to Riley, Carol, and Alison Astill! They were so sweet to drive out AGAIN and help us move AGAIN! I seriously have the nicest in-laws who are always willing and ready to help us with whatever- so blessed! Thank you, Thank you Astill's!

My babies... Can't get enough

Kell teaching Colt how to stick out his tongue

 Kell sporting her cute sweater she got from Sophie- we love all of Soph's clothes that are now too small for her but perfect for Mckell

 Kell's feet FINALLY grew a little- she's been wearing 3/4's forever and they finally got too small so we got new sandals- 5's! ha

 My cute little thumb sucker

 and cheese ball

 Mckell's been in love with this dress lately (grandma Rabe got it for her) and insists on wearing it daily.

 Kell's always been a great eater, which is great because I know a lot of parent's struggle getting their little ones to eat but having a good eater comes with a price- extremely MESSY!
Eating her noodles

and her favorite strawberries

Colter is 5 months!

I cannot believe how dang big this boy is getting! Doesn't he just look so big?! Stop growing!! ha

I sure love you baby! Colter is such a sweet, sweet baby! He is just happy all the time and is rarely fussy- even taking all the beating from his sister with giggles.

 He is a rollie-pollie baby and will be crawling very soon as he's already giving it a go.

 And these two are so fun together- Kell does have her moments of jealousy but for the most part just adores her brother.

 (notice the panties on Kell- we half attempted the potty thing but decided to wait until we're a little more settled)

My Sexy Man is 26!

Courtland is 26 today! Happy Happy Birthday babe! We are so appreciative for all you do for our family and the time you sacrifice away from us- we LOVE you! You're the best husband and daddy a girl could ask for- thanks for putting up with such a crazy wife!

 Courtland had to work all day on his birthday but when he got home he was greeted by a very excited 2 year old with balloons everywhere. We went for yummy dinner and ice cream and just enjoyed spending time together as a family.

My baby is 2 years old!

I cannot believe my baby girl is 2 years old today, I can't believe I'm the mother of a 2 year old! I feel so incredibly blessed to be her mother and cannot get enough of my little spit-fire!

For Mckell's birthday we took her to chuckie cheese and she was in heaven. She ran around to each game and ride and said 'let's do this one, I want to try this one now!' Even though the food was less than good, we had a great time and of course we'd do anything to make our baby happy!

Surprisingly she loved the chuckie cheese mouse character- she kept following him around and giving him hugs. I thought for sure he'd scare her, but they became fast friends.

 After many attempts- the best picture we got. Love our sweet little family.

Mckell's 2 year check up stats:

Height: 34 inches, 60%

Weight: 22.5 lbs, 8%

Head Circ: 47 cm, 40%

So basically we have a tall skinny peanut. Her pediatrician said she's stayed pretty consistent in her growth and he predicted she'll be about 5'8"!!! I don't know where they get those predictions but we're not holding our breath! ha

Mckell is becoming more and more sassy and demanding as her fun personalitly is coming out- all I know is we have trouble on our hands, guess it's pay back from Courtland and I! ha. At the same time, she has such a tender heart and I can tell she's going to be a sensitive girl. The other day she was eating a sucker and for some reason thought her sucker was sad so she started patting her sucker and said, "you sad sucker, I'm sorry, It's ok I make you feel better." Then she rocked her sucker and said, "what's the matter sucker? Be happy please!" Pretty funny- where do kids come up with this stuff? ha

Some more tidbits from Mckell:

~talking to Colter in the car: "It's ok bud, almost there, one more minute"

~says 'more' after everything: "that NOT fair no more" "no I not tuff more" "no singing more mom"

~while driving to the store she yells from her carseat: "I not go to store more, I want chicken nuggets, french fries, and mamma's drink! NOT store more!"

talking to Colter: "Oh I love you, you so smart" while cupping his face in her hands and another conversation with him "It's not scary bud, this stick not scare you more, it's nice stick!"

~playing with her pretend cell phone: "Oh my goodness my phone's ringing, hurry you go get it"

And my favorite- Kell went running for Colter when she heard him wake up from his nap, gave him a big hug and said, "You're my best friend! I love you!" then kissed him on the lips and said, "You sleep good Colter, have good dreams? Now we play!" (talk about pull at your heart strings- too darn cute)

Mckell is such a little smartie pants and seems to talk more than the average 2 year old. She knows her abc's and can recognize many of the letters. She knows many shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval, star, heart, octagon, etc) and colors (pink, blue, green, orange, yellow, purple, white). She can count to 20 and recognizes numbers 1-9. She loves reading books and singing songs- she just soaks it all in. It amazes me how you tell her something one time and she randomly remembers it later. You cannot pull a fast one on her, for example if you try to deflect something like she wants a sucker and I tell her ok you can have one after your nap, dinner, and bath then you can have one- the girl never forgets!
Our princess is still taking 4 hour marathon naps and is a great eater (but very VERY messy eater). Her favorite and will eat at any given time foods are: any type of noodles, STRAWBERRIES, lunch meat, EGGS w/ham and cheese, cereal, chicken nuggets, apples, CHEESE, yogurt, applesauce, and well of course TREATS.

Mckell, we sure love and adore you to pieces! Even though you're stubborn like your daddy and sassy like your mamma- we can't get enough! You have us and everyone else wrapped around your little finger. Happy Birthday sweet girl!