Utah Trip

As you know, last week we spent the whole week in Utah for Mike's dad's funeral. We spent the week with family, catching up, reminiscing, and planning for the future. I didn't take many pictures of the actual funeral events because we had our friend Adam help out with that. But, I have lots of pictures of the family to share! (In case you don't know the family, Jil is Mike's mom, and his siblings are Kris, Miriam, Nate, Mignonne, Paul, Rachelle, and Jennifer).

This isn't the best picture, but I thought it was sweet. This is Jil and her five daughters outside the funeral.




This was a rare scene while we were in Utah. Ethan didn't do well in his pack n play. Although, we were in the same room, and I think we jumped up to get him all too quickly when he would start to make noise.
This was a much more common scene:

Mike and Paul played "Oh My Father" at the funeral with Mignonne accompanying.Watching the rehearsal:

Kris and Mike working on figuring out the financial stuff.
Taking a break on the road trip.

Uncle Paul was telling some funny secrets.

Our nephews welcomed Ethan whole-heartedly into the group!
Can you find Ethan?

Nieces at the viewing

Ethan taking a little break from all of the action.
During the viewing, the kids still found a place to get their wiggles out. Isn't Utah beautiful?

I love this picture!
Watching the slide show of Grandpa.


We met up with my good friend Steff at Taco Amigo one night. If only we could do this more often--I think Jaxon and Ethan could be great friends!


Ethan' cousin Valerie was really sweet to him! He loved playing with her and loved the balloon she got for him!
He would chew on the string and watch the balloon bob above his head.

It was a long trip, but we look forward to doing it again ASAP!

Wicked

Did you know Wicked is coming to Phoenix?!? I have Wicked on my mind due to all the blog posts, advertisements, and conversations centered around it (not to mention the Wicked t-shirt I am wearing today). In case you don't know, Wicked is a musical that tells the story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda became the Good Witch of the North . It is my favorite musical. I got to see it in LA a few years ago and it was amazing! If you're in Phoenix, tickets went on sale on Saturday, and I would totally recommend seeing it, but you better act fast because Wicked always sells out very quickly!

New favorite toy

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We miss you!

Ethan loves his Grandma Abegg! She can always make him smile! This is one picture of our trip to Utah last week. Eventually you will see more. We already looking forward to the next time we see you Grandma!
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Roll-over

Before I forget to document this, Ethan has been rolling to his tummy lately. He still pins one arm underneath his body when he turns over, so he doesn't stay there for long. It is harder to change his diaper now that he has acquired this new skill. : ). Also, when he sits he leans forward onto his hands and starts straightening his legs so that he is on all fours. Of course right now that stance quickly turns into a face plant, but it is fun to see him experimenting.

He is struggling to sleep through the night here, which is hard on the three of us. I think a combination of being overly stimulated, not being at home, having a stuffy nose, and having us sleep in the same room, is throwing his sleep all out of whack. We are also suspicious of incoming teeth... Wish us sleep!
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Utah

After learning that Mike's dad had paased away Friday, we decided to drive up to Utah. We left early Sunday morning. We made a wrong turn that added an hour to our drive, but Ethan still did really well. He fussed for a total of maybe 10 minutes. Since getting here we have spent our time planning the funeral, which will be Friday morning, and hanging out with the family. Ethan loves playing with his cousins! I didn't bring my camera transfer cord with me, so expect lots of pictures next week when I get back.
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Sad News

We received some very sad news today. Mike's dad passed away in his sleep this morning. His health had declined in the past year, but he was not diagnosed with anything in particular. He will be missed by his wife of 50 years, 8 children, 23 (about to be 24) grandchildren, and many others.

Phoenix Public Library

I am excited about two features of the Phoenix Public Library.

1) I can download audio books. Now I have entertainment while I work even if I can't get out to the library.

2) Culture Passes! For at least the next year I can check out a free pass to many zoos and museums in Phoenix and get 4 people in for free. I am SO excited!

C25K Lives Again

Quite awhile ago I got a jogging stroller and started the couch to 5k program. Unfortunately, jogging with a stroller must have used a muscle in my ankle I usually don't usually use, and after 2 weeks it hurt too much to run. I got some advice from an awesome personal trainer and then recovered quickly. Now, after two sicknesses and a week of vacation, I am getting into a set schedule for the first time at home. Last week I began babysitting full time which enforces a schedule and makes my single jogger stroller not so helpful during the day. SO, this morning I finally made good on all my talk and got up at 530 to jog. My history of getting up in the morning to exercise is not great, but I want to enjoy the cool morning weather while it is still here and I do enjoy jogging once I get out and do it. So, wish me luck in my new start of the C25K program.
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Do You Like Being a Twin?

I can't tell you how many times I have answered that question in my lifetime. My usual answer is, "I don't know what it is like not to be a twin." But lately I've been thinking about how much I like being a twin, so here is a post dedicated to my twin.

Lisa came out at the beginning of the month. I still feel bad that I didn't take her out to do anything exciting while she was here, but having her stay with me reminded me of what an awesome mom she is! She and James were sick for a little while during their stay, and she was so incredibly patient with him even when she was sick and he was throwing a tantrum. She was up earlier than I was every morning and did more cleaning the couple days she was here than I did.

Lisa has taught me so much about being a mom! I watched her with James and try to emulate many of her mothering qualities. She sings constantly with James. I have tried very hard to remember all the songs she sings with him and sing them with Ethan. She also spends a lot of time explaining things to JJ instead of just telling him no. For example, when we were at my mom's house, JJ went over by one of my mom's dogs while she was eating. The conversation between Lisa and JJ went something like this:

Lisa: JJ, can I talk to you?
JJ: Yeah
Lisa: Do you like the dogs?
JJ: Yeah
Lisa: Do you think the dogs like their treats?
JJ: Yeah
Lisa: If you go over there, the dogs might think you are trying to take their treats. How do you think the dogs would feel if you took their treats?
JJ: Sad
Lisa: Yeah, and they might even get mad and try to bite you. So let's stay away from the dogs while they are eating.

Way better than, "No!" She is always so positive!

I miss having Lisa here, but the nice thing is, it kinda feels like she does live near by. It is because of her that I need unlimited text messages and Sprint to Sprint cell phone minutes. I love having someone I can call or text about anything. With us, even the smallest things like losing a pound, or a change in our babies' poop warrants a text message. I call her about everything, and she always let's me vent until I get it all out. She is a great listener and full of good advice.

Lisa is also incredibly smart! She graduated Summa Cum Laude in BYU's Audiology and Speech Language Pathology department and spoke at graduation! Then she went on to complete her Master's in one year, getting all A's, with a new born! And, I don't remember what her GRE score was, but I know it was awesome!

Lisa is very creative and generous. She has done a lot of painting and decorating around her house and makes really cute homemade cards and gifts. Since elementary school, she has had a gift for poetry. I still remember the award she got in first or second grade. As silly as it sounds, anytime I need something turned into a rhyme, I call her and she can do it. She has even made up special verses to songs for James (if I had more time I would link to her posts about them). She has gone on service trips to Kenya and Mexico and has aspirations of saving the African children--even if that means Dan never gets his dream car. ;)

So do I like being a twin?
When my twin is Lisa: YES!

P.S. Any of you who knew us pre-college are probably picking your jaws up off the floor right now. Let's just say I haven't always thought so highly about Lisa, but we both know we didn't mean all those mean words that were exchanged. :)

Talking, Rocking, and the Vacuum

Ethan has gotten very vocal. He sings (grunts) himself to sleep and makes all sorts of noises when he is awake. Here is one of his noises. Notice at the end how he rocks forward. This was a little while ago, so now he rocks forward even more and pushes with his arms like he is trying to stand.



Ethan has always liked the vacuum, but now he tries to get it. Before I got the camera he was diving for it with both arms, but he had calmed down by the time I took this.

Pictures!

A few weeks ago, when Ethan was first getting good at sitting up, this was my view of him from the kitchen. Maybe it was because he looked so different sitting up, but I though it was adorable!
The boys playing.

Mike getting all fancy with his picture taking.
Enjoying the sunshine before it gets too hot.


Bath time--I was very indecisive, so you get to see the whole photo shoot.





Ha ha.



Splash splash.