nesting is real

You would not believe the length of my to-do list. overwhelming. stress-inducing.

This pregnancy is flying by and I just can't find the drive and energy to get everything done that I want to before #2 comes. Plus, with the next 4 months already seemingly packed with the holidays, birthdays, etc. coming up, it's serious crunch time.
It doesn't help that any sunny, warm day, all we've wanted to do was hit the pool. Thank goodness for the Sherman's pool within walking distance! ..and staying open post-Labor Day! ;)

Now with the cooler weather and it being October, my biggest distraction is our Halloween costumes.
People usually fall into 2 categories when it comes to Halloween- those who love it and dress-up and those who don't and think it's a pagan evil.
We're proud to be in the first group.
And now that I've decided what we're going to be, I'm seriously excited about pulling our costumes together. Like, I couldn't sleep yesterday before work because of plans in my head- it'll be awesome if I can make the images in my mind come to life!

We are glad to check-off one big to-do....Claire's potty trained!
See those little cupcake panties poking out? I'm so proud. She's even learning to uh, "pass the time wisely."

We actually started the diaper weaning in August and finally reached the point of fewer-to-no accidents the end of Sept. I really am so proud! What a champ!

thumbs up!

it's a boy!



and he got a thumbs up in return from all 3 of us!
we're excited!!

IP: Beauty at it's Best

Island Park '11: Girl's Trip

I feel like I've been talking lots about the perfect weekend. Turns out there's lots of combos that make for a really awesome time.
This getaway was no different- we packed up and ventured to Idaho.
Destination: Island Park.

...and not just Island Park, a perfect log cabin right on the lake, equipped with a private dock, ski boat, water trampoline, paddle boat, 4-wheelers, sand-box and swing set (Claire's little joys).



need I say more? I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story:

where there's a baby, there's a happy Claire


A beautiful stormy view from Sawtell Mountain



those colors, the glass, blue skies, wow. beat that!
Go Stef!

me rach

lot's of lady bonding time- love it!









see below my fetus protective gear: all approved by the midwife ;)


Thanks Gretch!!

This summer is going really well, just going too fast!!

the comprehensive summer weekend

Dickson Family Reunion '11: Beaver Mtn & Friends

The Perfect Weekend started at Bear Lake.
Sunny, beautiful and surprisingly good skiing water.
I'd spend my whole summer on a lake if I could.

Next up: horseback riding.

Amazing scenery, quite romantic, no bucking.
I've always had a thing for horseback riding- wish we did more of it.

Campfires: a summer must.
mezmerizing, s'mores, good conversation



Hiking: short enough for 5 yrs olds, long enough to enjoy the mountains
...and to fall asleep in the pack


Lots 'o cousin time

Martin Harris Pageant: not too long, not too short, good small town entertainment.


clearly it was gripping


and of course plenty of beach time.
it's love.

Virginia is for {little} lovers...

Claire and I were so excited to get out to Virginia in July and visit our much loved and missed friends, the Stettlers.
As you can see, the girls were in 7th heaven all week. ...and so were the mommas!

Days in the sun, at the beach, visiting awesome historical sites and of course delicious food is how I wish every day played out.

We loved seeing Monticello. It was beautiful. It made me want to live in the 1700's on a big estate in a charming colonial house. with servants.
(and did you know it was on the nickel? i maybe didn't, or at least I forgot:)






serious garden envy. even the girls felt it, or at least loved throwing rocks into it?


3 babes all worn out


which didn't last long, they were back to climbing, running and playing in no time.




Me and baby Finn. I think we were twins at least 1/2 of the time. Go stripes!!
Such a sweet, happy little boy!



more of the darling little sillies
it's a shame they live so far apart, look at the love in their eyes!

And then it's back to the airport for Claire and I. She's a traveling champ- thank goodness for those fingers.

until next time...xoxo