Happy Birthday!!!

This year, for my birthday, we had to take what time we could get. Steve was at Youth Conference, for our ward, until about 2pm on my birthday. After that, I took Reagan and Cole to a birthday party for one of our dance class friends and then returned home just as Steve returned from picking up the babysitter. Then we headed out to celebrate my birthday. We went to our favorite restaurant (I know... again. I love it there!). After dinner, we just took our time and walked around the grounds, talked and reminisced. It was there that Steve took me for one of our first dates - also on my birthday. He had arranged for them to have a cake for me (this time I was given a sparkler firework inside a chocolate covered strawberry) and we walked around and talked, just getting to know each other. My how the years have passed. This time, we are talking about Reagan and Cole, our callings, our friends and family, our business, our country, and our lives. I know I've said it before, but who knew life could be so good? We are so very blessed and we are so very grateful.

After leaving the restaurant, we went to visit with Steve's parents (we needed to return a book to them) and had fun just chatting with them - I love them dearly. We watched the sun set and them returned home to Reagan and Cole. Even though I could only be with Steve for half of my birthday this year, I wouldn't have it any other way. Our ward had a wonderful Youth Conference (a topic for another post) and I'm so glad that he joined them on their activities. Thanks for making a great birthday for me Reagan, Cole and Steve - I loved it!

Dance Class - Dress Rehearsal

Beauty and the Beast is our dance class recital theme this year. Reagan is a bat and the bats have been practicing and practicing. Well, Monday night brought our dress rehearsal. So, they didn't have the backdrops and the props on the stage, but the dancers were all in full costume and make up. It was darling!!! The group that rehearsed before us was the "Be My Guest" number - LOVED IT! I was in tears - they did such a great job. Steve laughed at me and joked "your child isn't even on the stage and you are tearing up". He's right - it was great. Then, our little bats came on stage to "torment" Belle. They were so cute! Some followed the dance just as they had practiced, some not so much. They ran through it twice and the first time, Reagan bumped into someone and we had some tears - the next time, she did better. I've included some pics and a video. We laughed that on the video you can totally tell which one Reagan is if you know her. She definitely has the hip action going on. She seems to think that "dancing" means doing a hula-type hip move (could it be those Hawaii trips?) and she certainly uses it in this bat dance. When they are surrounding Belle, Reagan is directly in front of the camera, blocking Belle. When they line up, she is the one who waves. Check her out:

I don't have pics of the actual performance because the studio won't let you take pics or video during the performance - they film it (of course) and sell the dvd (of course). So, when I get the dvd, I'll post that. Also, I didn't take my camera the night of the performance, so, I'll need to get the pics from the other moms who were more prepared (I didn't even think about taking pics in the dressing room.... duh mom!!).

Happy Father's Day (weekend)!!!!

For us, Father's Day wasn't just a day, it was a weekend full of celebration. Falling right on the heels of Steve's birthday, we were already in a festive mood. Father's Day just topped it off. Saturday was spent visiting Steve's Dad and my Dad. Steve's Dad instructed Reagan and Cole on how to scatter the birdseed just right, what the plants in the garden will grow to be, and how the bird bath and bird feeder work. They listed so intently and followed Jay all around the yard - too cute. Of course, they always love to swing and to jump on the trampoline.

After that, we headed out to my parents' house and then back to meet Rachel and her family for Toy Story 3 (it was great!!!!). Then, we ran home, changed clothes and went to Tuscany for a wedding reception. When we finally returned home after 10pm, we fell into bed exhausted from a day of fun and visiting.



Sunday, Steve helped with sharing time (along with 2 other dads) by telling the children about becoming a father (he had Reagan's first year book to share pics). It was so cute - Reagan and Cole helped him by standing with him. Our primary and nursery children decorated back scratchers for the dads and made cards. Also, the children sang Happy Birthday to Steve and Molly Miller. Since the birthday hat wouldn't fit on Steve's head, Reagan helped him by standing at the front of the room, wearing the hat. Then, the primary children sang in Sacrament Meeting (always a favorite of mine). Later in the day, Rachel and her family, Matt, and April joined us for dinner and fun in the yard. What a nice Father's Day!!!!

I love that we have a day to think about, to thank and to celebrate our fathers. I think, sometimes, they don't get enough credit for all that they do for their families. I so appreciate all that my Dad has done for me - he has always given me such love and support. I always knew I could count on him to be my biggest fan.

I also so appreciate Steve's Dad for the wonderful father that he is to Steve and for the great way he leads our, big, Petersen family.

Most of all, I think Steve is an amazing Dad. He is doing it for the second time and he does a great job. Reagan and Cole (and I) adore him. Thanks for all you do for us Steve - and Happy Father's Day... We Love You!!!

Happy Birthday Steve!!!

We celebrated Steve's birthday this week. He turned 40 again :) He worked a half-day (who does that?), so, Reagan, Cole and I joined some of the dance class moms and took a hike up Donut Falls. It was great - I've driven past the sign for this hike many times and Steve and I have talked several times about taking this hike, but today was my first time up there. It was great - perfect for Reagan and Cole - not too steep or too rough. There were actually patches of snow on the ground even though the weather was hot. The water was running fast and our group loved seeing the waterfalls. I had to laugh how venus/mars the kids were. Reagan didn't want to get dirty or wet and was very concerned about protecting her ladybug backpack while the boys just wanted to throw rocks! Seriously - as big of a rock as they could lift, they would pick up and throw into the water. I was worried that Cole would inadvertently throw himself into the water along with the rock - he had to use his whole body to throw some of those rocks. Such a boy! We saw chipmunks and Reagan would tell us whether the chipmunk was a boy or girl and what song the chipmunk sang: boys sing "Round and Round" and girls sing "All the Single Ladies". Maybe we've watched the chipmunk movies too many times :)

Our hike occupied our morning and then Steve came home. After playing for an hour or so, Amber, Mikkena and Jared watched Reagan and Cole while Steve and I headed to Park City. We love that place because you feel like you are out of town without driving too far. It was such a beautiful day and we were so enjoying just talking and reminiscing together that we decided to keep driving up to the Unintas. We brought a blanket and the computer and we thought we'd sit by Mirror Lake and enjoy the weather, read or set some goals. Not! Mirror Lake was frozen over and covered with snow. Steve said that he has never seen it be frozen this late in the year. So, we just came back down the mountain a bit and stopped by Bald Mountain and at a couple of other places. The water was just rushing!!! It was beautiful and the weather was nice and warm although it was windy.

We drove back down to Park City, had dinner and, of course, stopped to shop at the outlets. What a nice day! We had fun, enjoyed the outdoors and celebrated Steve's birthday along the way. Happy Birthday Steve - we love you - you get better every year!!!!

Fun in the Yard

With the weather getting better and better, we love to spend every night in the yard. Reagan and Cole love to explore, to play and to just "be". They have endless energy and it is so fun to just sit and talk with them or to follow their lead and see where they will take us. Reagan is always in control with Cole being her minion (I'm sure that will change sometime soon). I guess as a result of all the water we've received, the stream has been running for weeks and we love it. We don't even turn on the waterfalls; the sound of the stream running is enough and oh so relaxing. One night last week, the sun was perfect, the temperature was perfect and we had a ball until well after the sun had set. It was a perfect night ... until someone got hit in the face with a squirt gun. Oh well, you need some drama on a perfect night too, right? Here's some pics of our night:

Another Trip to the Natural History Museum

You'll remember that a bunch of our dance class friends took us to the Natural History Museum a couple of months ago. Well, last week, Rachel called and asked if we wanted to accompany her (and Anistyn and Stockton) to the Natural History Museum. Not an hour later, one of the moms from dance class texted and asked the same thing. So, we all headed to the U. With school being out, it was MUCH more crowded this time and super hot. We enjoyed ourselves, but were very refreshed to leave the building and head to the park. Here's a look at our trip.

Fathers & Sons Campout

Since finding out that Cole would be a boy, Steve has looked forward to taking him on a Fathers & Sons campout. Finally (over 2 1/2 years later), our stake announced a campout. Steve was all set: he blocked that weekend off on our calendar, he got out the tents and camping/fishing supplies, he talked to Cole about what they would do on their campout and emphasized that it was "just for boys". As the weekend neared, the weather turned. Steve called several fathers in our ward only to learn that most were not planning on attending. Discouraged, but not dissauded, he called his youngest brother Brett and invited he and 3 year old Drew to join in on the adventure. Brett was in and even offered to bring his RV (getting away from the "camping" part of the campout, but.... still going). Then, the day before the campout, the weather seriously turned and our stake cancelled the campout. Steve and Brett... er, I mean Drew and Cole were so disappointed that the guys decided to go anyway. To add to the fun, they called another brother David and invited he and Bridger to go along. Dave's ward actually had planned their Fathers & Sons campout for the same night and theirs hadn't been cancelled. So, Dave and Bridger brought along Steve, Cole, Brett, Drew, AND the RV. They packed up and left with high hopes. Well, those hopes were dampened when later that afternoon, Dave's ward cancelled their campout. Our crew and a few other groups didn't get the message in time and showed up at the campsite. It didn't matter who was there because the Petersen boys had a blast. Rain, fog, cold, .... no matter... they had an RV!!! They played, ate, watched dvds (again - getting away from the "camping" part a bit), laughed and had a great time. Cole did great and enjoyed every bit of it. So, thanks to Brett for providing the facilities, thanks to Dave for providing the campsite and thanks to Steve for providing Cole with a great first Fathers & Sons campout!!

The ps to this story is that while we were "hyping" up the campout for Cole, I promised Reagan that we would do some fun stuff while the boys were gone, but that she couldn't mention it to Cole, otherwise he would want to stay with us. She was great - helped him get excited about going, helped him pack, gave kisses when he left and waved until they left the driveway. Then, she turned to me and said "now, let's do stuff for ME". A promise is a promise and we were off to a park to watch a singing/dancing act, then to the children's museum, then to the library for princess books and movies, then to dinner with our friend Stacey, then shoe shopping with Stacey, then to Target for a toy for Reagan and then home after 10pm to fall into bed and sleep. The next day, I expected her to be ready to go again, doing fun, girlie things. However, all she wanted to do was stay home and watch for Cole and Daddy to come home. By lunch time, she was calling Steve saying that he needed to come home RIGHT then and that she had waited long enough and she "misted" them soooo much. They couldn't even get out of the car before she was on top of them with kisses and hugs. So glad that they are back home safe and sound - it just wasn't the same without them :)

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. We spent Friday night playing in the yard with Reagan and Cole. They have SO much energy. They want to walk and follow Steve everywhere - exploring new areas in the yard and playing in their favorite spots. They love to play games like tag or red light/green light and will throw frisbees, kick soccer balls and throw or hit baseballs until we finally pull the plug and force them to come inside.

Saturday afternoon we had a babysitter for Reagan and Cole while Steve and I headed up to Park City for some shopping. We always love to go there. It is not too far a drive, but you feel like you are far from home. The weather was great, the deals were great and just being together and able to talk (without getting hit in the head with a sippy cup) was fabulous.

Sunday we each had presentations to make. I was in charge of sharing time and Steve had to do 1/2 of the "joint" Relief Society and Priesthood meeting since it was the 5th Sunday. Sunday afternoon was spent playing in the yard (again) and enjoying being together.




Monday morning, the Davis family called. They were planning a hike up Bell Canyon (Taylor is preparing for Trek) and they invited us to go. Funny, that is where we hiked last Memorial Day (with Rachel and her family and Shannon, Matt and Matt's Dad). With only a little while to prepare, we were in!

Reagan and Cole did great - we didn't take the backpack carrier this time - they walked the whole way! Little troopers! Once we reached the reservoir, they wanted to play in the water. Good luck keeping them dry, so, finally we relented and they had so much fun just playing in the water. Steve spent much of our time by the water carting Reagan and Cole back and forth across the stream - he has some serious balance. I love it! After our hike, we had lunch at our house, played basketball and lounged in the sun - what a nice day. Matt joined us for a few hours and we enjoyed getting to see him as well. Thanks Davis family for the invite - we had a great time!