Miss Princess John Deere

On Monday my mom sewed Katie this pink John Deere summer dress. It was one of those easy patterns where the dress is pretty much already sewn (the top is gathered elastic and the bottom is already hemmed) and all you have to do is measure it around Katie and sew up the sides. That's MY kind of sewing... quick and easy!!

Katie showing off her new dress.. she even found a pair of yellow princess heels to match

Katie and Trent ~ for some reason Trent was looking a little grumpy!

Trent has been enjoying the new foods we've been giving him lately. So far he's had squash, carrots, green beans, pears, bananas and his usual nightly rice cereal. Too bad he won't take a bottle as easily! We've tried all sorts of ways to get him to take a bottle (different types of bottles, formula etc) but all he does is cry, whine, play with the nipple, spit out the milk and eventually fall asleep from exhaustion!! I have a feeling he's going to be like Katie... skip the bottle and go straight to a sippy cup.

Monday morning

With their sister at Nana's house, the boys are spending some good quality time together this morning! I can't believe how fast time flew by last week and here we are again, beginning a whole new one! Even though it rained off and on over the weekend (and pretty much since last week) we had a good one. On Saturday we went to our cousin Amy's 8th grade graduation bbq at the park. The kids always love playing with their friends and, Katie got to ride on a see-saw for the first time :) Yesterday we had covered dish after the morning service then, in the evening we all went over to Judy and Ken's for pizza and homemade ice cream. Casey has been working nights since Friday....
The weather is finally looking good this morning - clear and sunny skies. My mom and I are planning on getting some weeding done in the garden (all this recent rain has really helped those weeds grow) and taking the kids for a bike ride. But first, I have lots and lots of laundry to do this morning!

more pictures

Here are a few more pictures from our trip... they're all of Trent! Even though we really missed Katie and Tys, it was also great to have some one on one time with Trent. He is such a joy and so easy going! Hanging out in the hotel room

We did some shopping on Tuesday, after Trent's appointments. We spent a couple of hours in the biggest Cabela's I had ever been to! It was two levels with more animal displays than your typical Cabelas... we got a late lunch there. Also, we bought Tys his first Cars fishing pole and a much needed EZ-UP shade tent (since our one only lasted just one trip to Angel Lake before falling to pieces!)

Trent and Casey at Cabela's

Showing off his big smiles

Trent and I hanging out on Tuesday evening at the hotel, after having dinner at the Olive Garden. We also went to the hot tub (Trent hung out in his car seat) and watched some t.v.... very relaxing after a busy day with the doctors and shopping.

Never mind me in this picture - I'm trying to lift Trent up. What cracks me up is his goofy face! He's already learned how to stick his tongue out for the camera!

On our way home we stopped just outside Wendover at the Bonneville Speedway Salt Flats. I had been there many times before while growing up but, now have a deeper appreciation for it after watching the movie The Indian.

Trent didn't care too much for the salt flats because it was so bright outside and he didn't get to have any sunglasses! However, he WAS happy to get out of his car seat for a little while.... It was great to be home again and see the kids! When I told Katie that Trent was going to get a helmet soon she happily exclaimed "Trent is getting a helmet? Wow! Now he can ride a bike"!!!

Trent's doctor visit

We arrived home safely from Salt Lake City this afternoon and, it's been a very long day so I'll just give a quick update before heading to bed. Then, I'll post a few more pictures from our trip later. Casey and I left for SLC on Tuesday afternoon... we were going to leave Wed. morning but the doctor's office had called and asked us to come in Wed. morning. This way we could meet with the helmet specialist as well (if needed) Casey was able to get off of work around 2pm and the drive there was rainy but, uneventful. My parents stayed with Katie and Tys while were gone. WEDNESDAY ~ First of all, we stayed in a VERY nice area of Salt Lake, called Draper. Everything was high class (expensive sports cars and 3 level houses everywhere!) and I was happy to see two malls, the Olive Garden and Super Target all just around the corner from our hotel :) Anyhow, we met with the doctor (who specialized in adult plastic surgery and craniofacial pediatrics) and immediately liked him. After checking out Trent he recommended that we get a helmet for Trent due to the abnormal way that the right side of his head is forming as he grows. Basically, it's like the back right side of his head is pushing everything forward, causing his ear and forehead to also be pushed forward. On a scale of 0-10 ( 0 is normal, 10 is severe) Trent was a 7. This doesn't affect his brain at all however, is cosmetic and will just get worse as he grows. It is hard to see the abnormality in pictures but is definitely there! So, with a helmet this will reshape his head and we are catching it at a good time. After meeting with the doctor, we then saw the helmet specialist. Trent's head was scanned and measured for his helmet. We will go back to Salt Lake in 2 weeks to get the helmet then, we'll be going back there every 2 weeks after that (except for the initial 1 week check up after we get the helmet. It just so happens we were going to be SL that week anyways for our trip to Lagoon with my parents) We'll go every 2 weeks for the next 3-4 months.... it's about a 5 hour drive one way! Yes, lots of driving for just a short check up but, the helmet clinic seems to be very accomodating and will fit us in no matter how busy they are. I am thankful that no surgery will be involved and also that the seams in his skull are fusing together ok (another concern we initially had) I will post more about our trip soon.... Trent was so happy to be out of his car seat and was stretching out on the hotel bed

A few change in plans for our trip to Salt Lake. Trent's doctor's office called this morning and said the helmet specialist is going to be at the office tomorrow (this only happens once a month.. isn't God's timing perfect?!) and if we can be there in the morning then they'd be able to get Trent in to see the specialist for his helmet fitting (if he does need a helmet) This eliminates a possible additional trip to Salt Lake.... So, Casey and I will leave for SLC tonight, after Casey gets off work.

tractor

We've been pretty busy lately with just everyday stuff... which means I haven't taken very many pictures. But, here's one of Katie and Tys from yesterday morning. Judy and Ken gave the tractor to them last year and Tys has been totally in love with it this summer!! He spends hours pushing it around in the front yard and getting on and off, on and off. We received lots of rain over the weekend which, is always a nice thing in our desert area. Everything is so green and colorful right now and, I love the smell of the sagebrush! Casey and I are getting ready to leave for SLC tomorrow morning, for Trent's appointment with the craniofacial specialist. He'll have his appt. tomorrow afternoon then, we'll come home on Thursday. I looked online and found all sorts of shopping and restaurants near our hotel :)
My parents will stay with Katie and Tys while we're gone.... please pray for things to go well at Trent's appt.
On a side note, Katie's bedroom ant issue has been resolved!!! Thanks to the exterminator, Papa, and his hard work!!