Happy Birthday, Birthday, Birthday!

Holy Smokes, it's been awhile since my last post, but it's good to have my life back. We had a busy summer and things finally seem back to normal (well, as normal as they can get around here:) Come August and September it's like Christmas for us. I have to start planning for Birthdays weeks in advance so I don't get too overwhelmed. Josh, Bailee and Gabe all have birthdays within 2 weeks of eachother. This year was especially crazy since Josh was turning the big 3-0, it was Gabe's first birthday, Josh was going to be in AK on his birthday and Bailee in ID, so we had to plan accordingly. I decided to throw Josh an OSU themed surprise party on Gabe's birthday (two birds with one stone...if you know what I mean;) and that way he was pretty surprised. I wanted to have it outside, but it ended up raining so we had to have it at the church. We were greatful that so many of our friends and family joined us for the celebration and they made for a great party! As for Bailee's birthday we spent it with the Cartwright's in Boise. Josh went to Alaska for two weeks, so I figured I'd brave the plane ride (never again I might add...that experience is a whole other post), and go see my other half and her fam. We had such a great time together and were lucky enough to have most of my family come visit us. Bailee had her birthday planned out, down to the cake and balloons, she had a princess cake and decorations, but little did I know she would have a life changing experience when she opened her Doodlebops DVD. Many of you have probably never heard of the Doodlebops (consider yourself blessed), however Bailee has formed a small obsession with them. She has a crush on Moe and insists she be "Moe" for Halloween. I told her she couldn't be Moe...he's a boy and that she could be Dee Dee instead. She replied, "I won't go trick-or-treating then...it's scary anyways." So, much to my chagrin, it looks like Bailee with enter the cross dressing world at age 3...oh well. Anyhow, we really enjoyed our little vacation and thanks to the Cartwright's for letting us invade for awhile. So, we're all one year older and wiser (and a few pounds heavier too...that's what three birthdays with cake and ice cream will do to ya:), but I'm grateful we were able to celebrate the lives of these three wonderful, special, amazing people in my life.

Grandma's favorite granddaughter...two peas in a pod :)

Gabe was a little sick on his b-day and didn't get to enjoy his cake. So he made up for it and loved Bailee's cake. ;)

Can we say spoiled?

One of the games we played for the kiddies...Pin the tutu on the Michigan wolverine (only true buckeye fans will fully appreciate this.)

O-H-I-O! Go Bucks!

Wild, wild west

Our trip out to the wild, wild west could be summed up in three words, family, cheese balls and water. We got our fair share of all three. We had a great time in Rexburg visiting family, and staying with "Grandma Lora". Dad and Nick kept us busy, taking us to the spray park and carousel(multiple times), riding on the scooter, playing with Nick's new dog and boating in Island Park. Grandpa H bought a giant container of cheeseballs and Bailee...okay, and I were in heaven. Bailee ate so many, I thought before we left that her skin was going to turn orange. It's always good to go back home and always hard leave! We then headed to Utah for our Peterson family reunion. We look forward to it every year and since I didn't get to go last year, it was great being able to see all the family that I haven't seen in a while. We went to a water park, which I haven't done in a while and the kids (young and old) thoroughly enjoyed it. Nick pretty much threw me onto the scariest slide there (you know, the one that shoots straight down, and a mega wedgie is inevitable. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it brought back memories of the good ol' days when I wasn't such a wimp. Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Pete for always puttin on a great time. We spent a couple days with mom but as always time flies way to fast when you're having a good time, and the next thing I knew I was on the plane back to Ohio. Even though it can get pretty pricey visiting family as much as I do, it's worth every penny to get to see and spend time with the best family in the world!

This is as daring as my kids would get..the smallest fountain at the park...and lovin it!
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So, true to Idaho form, it was super windy when we went boating. There was no one else on the reservoir, but I told myself I came all this way and I was going to ride something. Needless to say, it was very choppy but I held on tight and survived.:) Oh, and that's a thumb's up...

Windy indeed...but again, lovin it!

There's a little cheeser to go along with the cheeseballs. (Don't worry the only thing that ended up turning orange was her thumb :)

Coops and Bai

Connor found a quicker way to get around, thanks to Uncle Ty.

Great Grandma and Bai, two lovely ladies...

Gabe was pretty tuckered out at the water park, luckily grandma was pretty ingenuitive and made Gabe a comfy little place to rest.

Nick's one and only true love ;)

Family Pics=Sad Babies

Okay, okay, so it wasn't that bad, but in all honesty who likes to fake smile and get their picture taken, over and over. When we got home from "out west" we had a Dean family reunion with all of Josh's siblings and their families. We really had a great time, and as always with any Dean get together lots of food, lots of fun, and of course lots of...kids! My camera was full ( I know, I'm as bad as Mama Dean, but I have every intention of taking care of that asap.), so I didn't take hardly any pics, however I did capture one pic of Mama and Papa Dean with all the little munchkins. Take note of how Gabe just happens to be the only child throwing an absolute fit, Also take note that the last time we attempted a grandparent/grandchildren pic, Bailee was the one acting like Gabe...seriously...what can I say, like mother like child (cause really inside every time we have family pictures, I feel crying like that). I think it is due to the fact that my family had professional family pictures taken every year of our lives until we moved away. They are great to look back on now, but they are still not my most favorite past time. Anyhow, I have the most wonderful in-laws and we always have a great time when we get together.

Hope you had a Happy 4th... (of July...and Aug.)

We have done lots of fun things this summer and I've got a lot to update so hold on...First off, we had a great Fourth of July. We did the usual parade and fireworks (only I am a little concerned that we need to work on Bailee's parade etiquette. She really made no effort to get any candy. But, it didn't make matters any better that the little girl in front of us was so sweet and kept bringing back Bailee candy as she lounged in her chair. What is this world coming to, I thought I taught her better than that. We're talking elbows out, bag ready, etc...oh well.) As for the fireworks, my in-laws neighbor puts on quite a show (an illegal one) but a great one at that. Bai was scared...shocker, I know, but she was just fine watching them through the window. All in all we had a great day and a what better reason than to celebrate our freedom!

My House To The White House...CHECK!

Cross it off the to-do list, four days and 450+ miles later Josh just got home from riding his bike from OH to Wash. DC. He had a great time and I can't believe he's hardly even sore today. They stopped a couple places along the way, and met some nice, friendly, and quite interesting people. They definitely had their ups and downs (literally), with flat tires and walking through mud, to 45 mile an hour speeds...crazy! We missed him while he was gone, but we are so proud he was able to accomplish this "feat". It's great to have him back, however I know his mind is already racing, planning the next adventure...who knows maybe "My town to Chi town?" Way to go Josh, you never cease to amaze me!!

To the White House or Bust!


They had a few minor setbacks...


did I mention the killer mountains of West Virginia...


but also some beautiful scenery


Mission Accomplished!

So Long, Farewell...

I surprised my family last weekend and when my mom pulled into the drive way, everyone took a double take when I popped out of the trunk. I've surprised them before, but the execution on this one was pretty impressive. haha I took a quick trip home to help my parents move and kiss my childhood home good bye (not literally, but I could've). Anyhow, we worked hard and fast but managed to stay sane and happy by having some good ol fashioned (no pun intended) fun! It was good to see my fam and thanks to Josh for staying back with the kids so I could actually be helpful...915 Greenhaven, you've been good to us!!

Kacie was clearly surprised after my "grand entrance", obviously happy to see me :)

Nick needs to patten his "gork". He welded his golf club and a fork together which makes for a great wenie roaster. I thought it was hilarious...so Nick.

We hit the jackpot in one of the boxes in storage we were going through and found g ma's old dress we used to use for dress-ups, and of course moms box of sweet glasses...classic!

Posing for "Sr. pictures...oh so photogenic.

My Mama's...

I just wanted to wish all the Mother's in my life a very Happy Mother's Day! I have been blessed with an amazing mother, a awesome mother-in-law, and two of the sweetest Grandmother's ever...I am one lucky girl to have these women to look up to. I think Abe Lincoln said it best when he said, "All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother(s)." You are all truly the BEST! Love you lots! xoxoxo (Grandma P. that's for you :)