It's A Girl

Today was our Gender Ultrasound Appt. I am just over 19 weeks along. This was the results..

Exciting news. We both thought it was a girl.

Alaska

Dylan and I went on a Babymoon for spring break. (Referring to our last "grand adventure" child-free) We had accumulated skymiles and were able to go for nearly free. In my opinion,I highly recommend Babymoons because this trip would have been rather hard to do with a little squatling to take care of.

Day .5- Redeye Flight Direct to Anchorage
Day One-Recover from all night flight, Tour Downtown Anchorage, Watch the Live coverage of the Iditarod 40 finish line from our hotel.
Day Two- Snowed in. Not much to see or do. Took a drive to the Anchorage Temple and went to a dine in Movie (I Bought A Zoo) at the Bear Tooth Theatre.
Day Three- Traveled North to get a view of Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park. Snowshoed by the river. Walked around Talkeetna, small quaint town, Went to WAL*MIKES in Trapper Creek, Drove past Sarah Palins House in Wasilla, Watched the northern lights from Hatchers Pass.
Day Four- Drove South down Seward Highway to Girdwood and Alyeska Ski Resort. Went to wildlife reserve, Saw some Glaciers and Small Icebergs. Ate Alaskan King Crab at the Double Musky Inn.
Day Five- Went to Anchorage Museum, Amazing.. Went to Alaska Mint, and a native co-op indian shop. Went to Kinkaid Park. Went to a lake on the UAA Campus.
Day 5.5- Fly from Anchorage to Minnesota then to SLC.

Here are some of the pictures. We were able to kick a bunch of things off our bucket list.

Confirmation

There is definitely something moving in there. A boy or girl? We find out April 9th.

We're Having A....

Baby!

Mexico New Years

After spending Christmas at Meganns in Sedona, Sarah picked us up on the way to Mexico to meet our friends. It was really fun. Feliz Año Nuevo!!!!!

Dad's In Town

To our surprise, my dad came into town. He has been staying with Grandma Moore and Grandpa VanLeeuwen. Last minute, Aunt Francie called and wanted the family to get together before he goes back to California. Dylan has not been able to meet him for more than a few minutes at a time, so we jumped on the opportunity to go to dinner. He is doing really well. It was great to see him happy and with family. We love him and hope that he does well in California.

The Best Two Years

Referring to our anniversary today, this has been "the best two years" of our lives.

We are so glad to be married to each other. This weekend to celebrate, we went up to Strawberry Reservoir fishing.

We stayed at the Strawberry Bay Lodge for two nights. We got to fish all day,

then went to Midway. We ate dinner at the Bear Dance Cafe where we had eaten on our Honeymoon.

For returning, they gave us a desert on the house. That night we fished at Mud Creek and caught more Cray Fish (Crawdads) than fish.

In the morning, we saw the annual Kokani Salmon spawn migration.

At the diversion, the fish were so desperate to keep moving upstream, they actually tried to jump the barriers. (Patient Photography Required)

We had such a fun weekend.

Happy Anniversary to the not so newlyweds, The Dastrups

Assume the Position

This week we watched Marie's three kids while they were in Lake Powell. Just before they left, Travis was throwing up with the 24 Hour Flu. Sunday, my mom took the kids until I was done with a training at work on Monday. She was a trooper and held on to Parker for another day, until Tuesday, while he was still sick and extremely needy. My mom must have known that I needed to do some adjusting to being a Mom of two before we added a third/sick child. As I acclimated, she threw Parker in the mix of running kids to and from school, doing meals, keeping peace, baths, homework, playtime and bedtime. Whew. Right about when Parker came over, Zack got the bug. He threw up 5 times, although he claims 7 times (because of the grand finale). Poor kid. The rest of the week, he was scared to eat, watch movies, lay down.. - because last time, "it made me throw up." The next day, he took a nap and was out like a light until dinner time. After sleepwalking (in tears), he woke up and sat down to dinner. He was quick to correct my prayer, "This isn't dinner Ali, this is breakfast." Thinking that he meant the food, (Banana dipped in Rice Krispies), I said yep, we are having breakfast for dinner because this will be gentle on your stomach. He looked at me weird then asked if he was going to school and I said no, its over already and you were still too sick to go. It wasn't until I interrupted Katie and Zacks argument of when Mommy and Daddy would be home (Katie said in 1 day, Zack was sure that it was 0 days). It was then that I realized that Zack thought his "nap" was his nights sleep. When I told him that it was 6pm and bedtime was in two hours. I turned his little life upside down. He also had no recollection of pacing around the living room in tears, screaching.. "KATIE!!!!!" He must have been feverish. That night, at 2:30 am, I got the bug. I felt like Ron on Harry Potter when his "Eat Slugs" spell reversed back onto himself. Half hour later, Parker decided that sleeping was for healthy people. He stayed awake fussing anytime he was not held while standing up until 5:30am. Luckily I had Dylan in the morning. I couldn't face the kitchen, fearing even the slightest glance at the POPS cereal box, would bring on more slugs. Dylan got the kids off to school then Sara and Janie helped with the rest of the day. They relived me to rest and for the first time that week, have time for a shower. Marie, I got to hand it to you. I promise no more joke about you guys needing to have one more kid. You have your hands full. But, it was a great learning experience and despite what you might think.. I would do it again (minus the flu).

Mid-Summer Fun

Because I have been keeping so busy. I decided to have a little fun. Here it is July and I realized that I have not done anything for recreation besides the Desolation River Trip. So, I got on KSL and found this Pool! I actually have been getting off work to swim in it BEFORE DARK! Its so refreshing to get off work when stores are still open and there is daylight to be had. I feel human again.

*Not long after getting it, the pool burst due to un-level ground. I learned my lesson. The instructions actually meant LEVELED ground not just a flat area in the backyard. Mega Bummer.

Garden

Our garden keeps me going while Dylan is gone. Everyday I work until dark then come home to water the garden and weed in the dark. It totally beats coming home to an empty house. I have a new love for the garden and its so exciting to eat the things that grow.

Capitol Reef Intern

Introducing Dylan, the new Intern at the Capitol Reef for the UVU Field Station.

Good thing is, this is a great oportunity for progressing him into his career.

Bad thing is, he will be gone Monday-Friday all summer long.

Grandpa Thayn

When Dylans Grandma passed away last fall, I learned of a tradition that his uncle Garrett does at funerals. He stays with the casket until it is lowered into the ground and covered. When my Grandpa Thayn passed, I decided to stay. It was neat to stay with him. I got to see how they lowered him down and saw that they did it respectfully. We will mis you grandpa. We love you.

Ella Bloom Salon & Spa

I just committed to working at Ella Bloom Salon and Spa. Its booth rent, so a little scary considering my wandering ways, but, this will settle me down. It is going to be perfect. My first day, I panic'd a little. I have to pay for a spot, whether I make money or not. But, I calmed myself down. I felt good about it yesterday, so the feeling still stands. My first day happened to be on the Chinese New Year and Panda Express was giving away free sides. I went there for lunch and my fortune cookie told me that "The project you have in mind will soon gain momentum." Perfect. I haven't looked back since. It is centrally located in Lindon, a short 15 minutes from my house. Also, get to do hair and skin there. I love it. I love my new owner. I love my new job. Come see me! 146 South State Street in Lindon.

Le Gran Finale Fire

Tonight, the pals, specifically Rufio, threw a party for my graduation... Rufio always finds a reason to party. We had cocoa and smores. To top off the night, Ramsay threw down an especially tasty "freestyle rap" about my abilities to wax peoples nostrils. He sang along with his iphone app beatbox. Thanks guys. You are too kind.