Maine.. why not??

It has been far too long since I have blogged, but I guess it's better late than never.. These past few months have been soo incredibly busy, I now understand why families have only two kids. Poor Zach has also been super sick ever since he was born with stinkin ear infections. We finally got the go ahead to get tubes in his ears about a month ago, and he's finally been ear infection free for exactly 30 days. Yea!

So right after he got his tubes, I took the chance of a lifetime and snuck away from my kids for a week and went on a little vacation with Shawn. He was selling security for the month of August in Memphis, so I flew into Atlanta when we was done. He drove down to pick me up and we had planned to spend a few days in Atlanta, and then slowly head back home. But of course Shawn got a wild hair and we took advantage of the no kids, and drove up to Main and spent a few days up there. We also visited Boston on the way, Palmyra, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Cape Cod, and that's about it. It was an amazing trip! We had so so so much fun, and I absolutely feel in love with Maine! I've decided it's my calling in life to retire there, and run a bed and breakfast. Let the saving begin! Here's our pics. Enjoy!

this is us enjoying the city where we fell in love ... with the food... and each other! hotlanta baby!

 this is in the center of Boston. McKenzie would love the giant mac and cheese behind us.

                                          not sure what Shawn was doing to the city of Boston.

                  on the coast in the beautiful tiny town of Gloucester, in cape cod. love it here.

                              Shawn and i lobstering. we're so good at it, we caught a whole zero!

              obviously eating the lobster someone else caught. when in Maine, must east lobster.

           in the small town of onquinquit... i will retire here. once i learn how to spell it of course.

                            in the small town of york. right next to the lighthouse. simply beautiful.

                                                               the lighthouse in york.

                                                      can you guess where this is????

 enjoying Niagara falls a little too close for my comfort. but luckily the blue ponchos do oh so much.

                                              can you guess where I'm at?? yep! that's Chicago!

                 that building to the left of the boat, is where Derek rose just bought a condo. nice.

                                                our boat ride through the city. so pretty!

Picture overload

Ok, these are long overdue, but I just finally got the energy to unload my camera and share some fun pictures of when Zach was first born... I am also shown posing next to our snowman we made the day I went into labor. .. Had no idea I was going to be at the hospital later that night waiting to have a baby. These pictures also prove that Shawn does indeed have a heart, as he is shown crying as he was holding Zach for the first time. We also went to Arizona to visit Aunt Melanie when he was 2 weeks old so she could see him before he became ginormous. It just amazes me how fast they grow up. And in his case, he is definitely growing! Enjoy!

A Baby Blessing

We blessed Zach this past Fast Sunday. It was so much fun to have all our family and loved ones with us. My Dad was able to join the circle which meant so much to me! We also had the Rindlisbacher's come, and thanks to Felisha, we had yummy ham right when we got back to the house for lunch. Thanks so much for your help! I was worried about the space for everyone in my little house, but it worked out great! I now know I can host the coolest and largest New Year's party for 2013. And a shout out to sweet neighbor Jordan for lending us a beautiful blessing outfit for Zach. Thank Heaven he did not poop two seconds before his blessing, like his older sister did. Fun Fun!

Happy Easter!

We decided to join the family in St. George this year for Easter. Zach is a hefty 12.7 pounds and 21 inches long at two months, so he was plenty big enough to handle the trip. Mom is still hefty too. But that's another story.

We had a great time playing in the water at Sand hollow. I couldn't help but take pictures of McKenzie in her undies as Mom forgot the swim suit. She had a blast playing with her cousin Addison. We had a great time with the ever eventful easter egg hunt, and McKenzie loved getting a basket filled with stickers and treats this year.

I am forever grateful for the true meaning of Easter. I love reflecting on my savior and his sweet sacrifice for me and You. Amid our chocolate binging, may we remember the one who loves us enough to sacrifice for us.

I love my cute little family and love being able to spend fun weekends with them! Enjoy the pics!

Introducing Zachary

Well, we went and had ourselves another Baby! His name is Zachary Paul Gates! He was born on February 16th, 2012, weighed 7 pounds 2 oz, and was 18 inches long. He shares a birthday with his Aunt Tiffany. Sorry Tiff, for stealing your thunder. He was a week early, and I was mentally not ready. I thought I had another week to prepare myself for all that fun pain we call labor. But he came none the less, and it went really well. He is as cute as a bug, and loves to snuggle. Oh, and Daddy's bright blue eyes are shining through... Pretty sure they'll be as bright as his Sister's. Enjoy!

I have a 3 year old, I must be getting old!

Somebody turned 3 this year. Wow how the time flies!! I can't believe my cute little bug is 3. That means I must be getting old! Oh well, since I was way too tired this year to make the most of it, I baked a cake and we had a small family party this year for McKenzie's birthday. Again, I have no skill when it comes to baking. I leave that to my neighbor who makes art out of cake.






Happy Birthday bug! I love you so much and i love how you always make me laugh! You are one funny Lady!