Denver

Heidi and I took the kids to Denver for a couple days to go winter shopping, and because we've never been there.  There wasn't really an agenda except to shop (thats all the agenda I need).  The drive there went really quick and the kids were so good we promised we'd get them a toy when we got there.  

We had no idea anything of Denver, it was an adventure trip.  The first exit we got off on just happened to have everything we needed.  Super Target (which was where we got just bout everything anyway), Macaroni Grill (with the best salmon EVER) and our hotel complete with indoor pool, ping pong and golf (which we didn't play just swam).

This was how happy they were in the car.  Roux's toy was a guitar that plays songs and noises.  He loves it and Deegan played rock star on the beds.  They fell asleep by 9.  It was awesome!

We walked down the 16th st Mall which is a mile long street with shops and fun stuff.  At the end of the mall there was a park (which we thought was going to have play stuff but was just grassy) and an Obama rally going on that Heidi was so mad about, it was pretty funny.  We played tag and just as we were leaving the park spotted some squirrels (as Roux is pointing out).  They chased them around and tried catching them and would get mad when they ran up the trees and wouldn't come down.  We then took the mall bus back up to the other end and Heidi said it was her first time on one, not too exciting are they.  But very fun to people watch.  Used to take the bus a lot in Hawaii and met some very interesting people.  And we would hitch hike, that was always fun too.  Good times.
There was this huge 40' blue bear at the convention center that peaks inside that is pretty cool.  This is taken from the inside on the second floor and didn't turn out very well.  Someone told me that the biggest ball of yarn was in Denver but after doing some extensive research found out it was a big fat lie.  Which was good to know because I'm sure Heidi and I would have tried to look for it, we were pretty excited.  He said it started in Cleveland  and it got to Denver and they had to stop.  
On the way back it took a bit longer since the kids were tired of being in the car.  We stopped at some outlets that seemed pretty cool if I was shopping for myself, but wasn't.  And I'm just to glad I don't live in Veil, there was already snow!  Deegan and Roux played in the melted stuff for a minute.  Then we stopped at this park that was like a mini one for small people.  Roux was able to do it all by himself where usually I have to help him.  

Let me tell you the best part though.  I bought some lunchables for Roux since they are easy to eat in the car.  I opened one for him and he didn't want it so I ate it.  Well about four Sunday morning I woke up feeling really really sick.  I had a mild case of food poisoning from the meat in it.  Good thing it was me and not Roux.  I was puking for a few hours and my stomach still isn't 100% but doing much better.  While I was hunched over the pot I thought of the line from "The Devil Wears Prada", "I'm just a stomach flu away from my goal weight".  I think I exceeded that.  

DK

DK was in Salt Lake visiting his kids for the weekend so Roux and I came out to see him for a day as well.  First we went to the Children's Museum at the Gateway and played with the "Beehive" (the pictures uploaded backwards).  He loves to push things and found this little stroller with a baby and was pushing it all over the place.  There was a fake horse and I went to put him in it and he got scared.  He's even afraid of the plastic animals!

We went to Sugarhouse park and played with the ducks and geese.  We had this pretty gross freeze dried veggies I thought Roux would like (and he did) and fed them to the birds.  Roux would grab a handful and throw it then chase the birds away.  He finally got tired of throwing handfuls and (after we put the lid on) grabbed the container and threw it at the birds.  He'd pick it up then throw it again.  Was pretty funny.  Then DK took him to chase the geese and make them fly into the pond.  He loved it and was laughing really hard, until he fell in a mud hole.  He was so tired we went for a ride to get Roux to sleep then met Lars and Lauren for dinner at Market Street Broiler where Roux rained us all with rice.  Thanks for the fun day!

AZ Trip

We went to Arizona for a week and got back Thursday.  Had a great time!  Went swimming and shopping with DK, shopping with Sunni, to Alissa's baby shower (where Roux showed off and entertained everyone), Family Home Evening with Papa, and played Rock band with Cody.  Roux was so worn out every night that he slept really well and by the time we got back he was so exhausted.  He's still pretty tired and trying to play catch up.  

Roux loved being outside again and in the pool.  DK has an awesome pool with a little rock waterfall and cave that Roux loved to play in.  He had tons of fun over there.  

We went over to Papa's for FHE and played a game and colored a picture.  And Diego scared him so bad it made him jump and scream.  Was pretty funny.  The little guy in the bouncy seat Roux's uncle Johan.  
Cody taught Roux how to play the drums and guitar.  Roux thought it was so much fun.  Took a video on my phone but didn't turn out very well and not sure how to put them on the blog.  Was fun hanging out with the Paredes'.  
Part of the reason I went down was for a make up class that ended up being really sweet.  Had some really good ideas for when I start doing my own photo shoots and salon.  Have some pix but forgot to post them, I will later. 

Sure do miss it down there but it's nice being around family (even though Roosevelt doesn't agree with me).  It's looking like we'll be headed back there in a few short months.  

For Oma

Oma wrote her favorite memory of Sven about him sleeping in her suitcase when visiting mom before I was born.  The suitcase is out for me to use this weekend and the first thing Roux did was tip it over and sit in it.  It was pretty cute so decided to take picture.  Oma, you should email me the pics of Sven. 

This was last week when Heidi and I went to the park with some gals in her ward and Roux was running and having so much fun when he ate dirt, literally.  Biffed it right in a patch of soft loose dirt and it went up his nose and in his mouth.  This is the best picture we got of it

India

For dinner tonight we had chicken, couscous, and broccoli.  I decided I don't know how people in India and middle eastern countries teach their children how to eat with their hands because Roux sure made a huge mess of it all.  He loved the food and eating with his hands and especially playing in the food and throwing it on the floor.  Fun.

Thankful

Roux wanted to wear Poppa's cowboy boots so we put them one.  It was so funny.  He tipped over and couldn't get up.

I was just thinking today of things I'm grateful for.  Here are just a few (the list would be too long)  I love when Roux makes messes.  Seriously, I think it is cute and means he's exploring and learning.  I'm grateful he's healthy and smart.  I'm grateful for Heidi and her family and how much she's helped me out these last few months with watching Roux and more.  I'm really grateful for my family and the love and support they give and show me.  I love art and am so grateful I can see and appreciate and create it.  

Mom and I gave Roux an apple to eat cuz he likes to eat them whole.  Some times he chokes on the peelings so we decided to peel it this time for him and he started bawling and chewing mom out.  It was so funny.  I'm grateful for all of those moments that are one of a kind.  

Since having Roux I have really come to love and understand and appreciate my family and the meaning of family.  I was just thinking about it today and that's what sparked my thoughts of gratitude.  There are so many more things the list could go on and on but this will do for today.

Reading

Mom took these pictures and I didn't even know but Roux loves to read.  He reads books, magazines, paper, anything that has words and yes, he does know what words and letter are.  Obviously can't read them but recognizes what they are.