Go. Fight. Win.

They always say your cousins are your first best friends. In that case, Ashlee has always been mine. Born just 3 months after me, I think we were inseparable since birth. She was always my fashion "go to"- I knew frogs, Jack Skellington, Geribauds, Bjork, perms and Cottonwood Mall were cool because of her. I always knew I had a friend and someone at every family party to pal around with.  She has always been beautiful. I still regret not being there for her wedding- deadline week at work and I didn't end up flying home. I missed her trend setting short wedding dress and didn't get to meet her Love for a few months.

I still remember the day she called to tell me SHE was pregnant...I was pregnant too (and had yet to tell anyone), our due dates just days apart,  and it was in that moment that we arrived at momhood together. She found out she was having twins so what was an October due date became August and Mckinley decided to be six days late. She is an amazing mom. I love that Sophs showed up to a play date in an Elsa gown. I love that her life revolves around what makes them happy. I love that she isn't afraid to lick Van's sucker that is soggy with toddler goo,  but he asks her to "taste".  Holidays, birthdays, her leprechaun...all of it perfect.

She has always been a sounding board. She has always been an anchor. She has always been someone that understands. She gets me.

The email came last week. As Audy puts it "it is still hard to say or write"- Ash has cancer. Stage 4. Colon. In my moment of sadness, I can't help but think about my sweet cousin, her sweet babies and how she must be feeling. The prognosis is scary. The treatment, inhumane. 32 years old and in the fight of her life. Fight. That's what she will do with hundreds by her side. That's what she does best. This chick can ride a bike 100 miles. This chick can carry twins and one more. This chick can tell you like it is. This chick isn't afraid of the unknown. This chick holds it all together. This chick has seen the world, married her best friend and will kick cancer's ass. That's just how it will be. We have too many more "Princess Pat" songs to sing and babies to raise- I love you, Ashlee Smoot!

iii of xii

U2 sums it up quite nicely.

"Baby slow down
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart"

Mr Enzo is three months old! Man did that zip by! I was really worried this time about making it through the newborn/ recovery phase and it literally feels like it never happened. Lorenzo is such a happy/easy baby. He is on an excellent schedule- eating 4-5 ounces and sleeping from 8-4 at night. He loves his bath. Loves to carry on a conversation and definitely loves to be held. He has found his hands and feet and is so close to having the eye/hand coordination to grab. He loves to have the blanket next to his cheeks, his swing and watching brother and sissy play.

This kid is a chunk! Unfortunately, he is so short that size 3-6 months pants are too long and 0-3 month pants are too tight around the middle. We are making due with one piece outfits and sweatpants (perfectly acceptable for babies).  

We love to kiss his cheeks, pinch his little thighs and hold our lips to his fuzzy little head when he's over our shoulders.

Daddy stopped in for a little chat one morning. We are all smitten with this little boy.

Lorenzo's first movie was the Boxtrolls with brother, sister and cousin Brynlee.

Happy to see me after a 10 hour night of sleep.

Disneyland 2014

A year of planning and it seems that our trip to Disneyland was over in a blink! We started planning pre-Enzo and when all was said and done, it was a great vaca to end the summer. We opted to fly this time which by all accounts was MUCH better than driving. Enzo slept the whole flight nestled in with Auntie Britty and before we knew it, we were in Cali. It was yet again unseasonably warm (see Disney 2012) but, we had the benefit of Brittnee and her scooter to push us to the front of the lines. We rode everything! Mc rode Tower of Terror (probably the one and only time- "I never want to ride the Tower of Terror again! I would rather ride the Tower of Laughter or Happiness."). She loved Thunder Mountain, Pirates, Ariel and Cars. Kingston wasn't quite tall enough for most of the rides but preferred the rides without "hills" and any ride that he liked, instantly, we had to ride again. Lorenzo mostly stayed in his car seat but it should be mentioned that his first ride at Disneyland was Pirates of the Caribbean. We had quite the system of staying with the baby while the other carted the kids. Dad was a trooper and let us hit the Tower of Terror, the Matterhorn, Space Mountain and all those "big kid" rides while he stayed with the littles. My favorite is sitting next to Mark on the Tower of Terror and listening to him laugh like a school girl.

 

Plane ride to LAX

The Desert Palms treated us well and the walk to and from the park (albeit hot) wasn't too bad. Thursday was our first day at the Park where we hit Ariel's Grotto for the Princess Breakfast courtesy of Mimi & Papa.We got to see some princesses, have some tasty food and then start at Car's Land for the rides. Most days, we headed back to the hotel to cool off and take naps. Friday we were there to see the Haunted Mansion transform into Christmas Town from Nightmare Before Christmas and also, be there with 1,000's for "Dapper Day"- season ticket holders dress up in 50's apparel, complete with nylons, headpieces and suits (keep in mind it was 96 degrees out). Saturday was our Magic Morning and last day. The kids were worn out but didn't want to leave. We made it home with only one major tragedy. "Pepper"- the mangled stuffed cat from Mc's 5th birthday, and our Ipad charger were left behind. It took Mc four days to notice that "cat" was gone and once she remembered many tears were shed.

There is a $300 bet out there that I will get the itch to hit Disneyland again next year. I am holding strong to a trip back in 2017 when K is tall enough to ride everything and we can get by with an umbrella stroller. I will admit, there is something that keeps luring me back no matter the cost or inconvenience. I love spending that time with my kids and can't wait to go back.

Lorenzo slept in a suitcase and seemed perfectly content to do so.

Kingston at the Princess breakfast.

The girlies and Sophia the First. It should be noted that Kingston had NO desire to talk to, look at or wait in line for any of the characters. Mickey included.

Watching the fireworks- notice Kingston holding his ears.

Lorenzo wasn't a fan of Dumbo.

All the girls in their Minnie shirts.

Two of the 300 Elsas we saw.

The face that makes all the planning, money, heat and waiting worth it. She was awestruck by the princesses.

Mc was smart- when the stroller was taken Aunt Britty provided a comfy, fast moving place to sleep.

Nail painting the night before our first day. From left to right: Brynlee, Brittnee, Mimi, Mc & K with his one blue nail.

Mimi and the kids.

Mc losing her mind and Brynlee emotionless right behind. 

the Greats

Brynlee, Kingston, Mc, Maddie, Kenny, & Ames

Our  kids are pretty lucky. Not only do they have a Great Grandma on Mark's side (Grandma Irene) but, they also have Grandma Cookie and Grandpa Donut on my mom's side. We all got together, as tradition states, to celebrate Grandma's 75th birthday. She's an amazing lady and these babies sure love her. She always has a treat for you (hence her nickname) and is a special lady. I remember her always matching her jewelry to her dress and every holiday and Sunday we spent at her house eating Jell-O popsicles out of ice cube trays, watching America's Funniest Home Videos, and banging pots and pans like crazy people on New Years. We LOVE you Grandma Cookie!

The name which he will be known...

Blessing days are glorious days. It's a rare occasion when you have such a large family that everyone gets together to celebrate and even more rare that 50 people cram  into our tiny house.

Mark gave a beautiful blessing and it was awesome to see all those men holding my baby as he was given a name. A few key pieces:

- saved to come forth because of your faithfulness

- blessed to be diligent in your callings

-have a thirst for knowledge

- Seek the Lord's counsel

- be a good missionary and (my favorite part) use your calm demeanor and loving spirit to spread the Gospel

I am so grateful for Mark and all the worthy men in our lives that were able to gather around our baby boy. It was an amazing day and we are so blessed to be able to spend it with our family.

Slept the day away. Wearing the same shirt Kingston wore except we had to undo the top bottom because you were a little too chunky.

Love my boys.

Mark, Enzo and G.

Enzo & Ezra. A mere 20 days apart and it looks like Lorenzo is scoping him out for dinner.

The girl table (and Jake). Good thing baby Enzo came along so Kingston has another boy to pal around with.

Expanding minds

Am I really old enough to have two children in school!?

 Mc headed off first to Heartland Elementary to spend the year with Ms. Lebegue (or Ms. L). I was a little apprehensive about sending her to all day Kindergarten but I think (in the 4 full days she has gone) that she has done pretty well. She loves that I pack her lunch, loves recess and her friend Shelby that compliments her hair every day. Her back to school dinner was supposed to be Texas Roadhouse but we went to Mimi's to swim and ended up staying to have  BBQ with Brynlee which I think was just as successful. It was particularly sweet to watch her sitting cross-legged on the chair as Mark gave her a father's blessing- her arms folded with a cherubic smile on her face. We (Alex, Kingston and I) sure did miss her during the day. She was SO excited to see Lorenzo when she got home ("I just can't stop kissing him") and had plenty of stories about her teacher, her class and how someday she hopes to go on a field trip. She wants to grow to up to be a "Fashion Design" and said that (for now) she is glad that I walk her to school every day. This picture snagged 100 likes on FB and the blue chucks added to the "sass" that seems to ooze from the picture of this beautiful girl.

Kingston started a week later and was equally as excited to head to the Little Blue Schoolhouse like his sissy. He was set on singing and walked right in after giving me a big smooch on the lips. His blessing from Mark was also pretty sweet- this tiny boy going off to Pre-K. That one got me choked up a little. His personality and desire to make friends and make people laugh should suit him well. Mark was glad he chose the Hot Wheels backpack and I was happy that he was so ready to go. He only went one day before we went to Disneyland so it should be fun to have him have another "first day" when he goes back tomorrow.

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TWO MONTHS! 

Sweet Enzo, my baby. How have 60 days already gone by?! 4-5 ounce bottles (you don't waste a drop), 5 hour stretches at night, found your smile with the edible dimples, your laugh and your voice. At your two month appointment, I expected you to weigh 10 lbs and was quite shocked to see the scale shoot to 12 lbs 9 ozs! The shots broke your heart and the Motrin was even more offensive. Everyone comments on what a good natured baby you are and how lucky we are to have you. I couldn't agree more. Mc was so excited to rush home from school to give you a kiss and I love that you definitely know that I am your momma. You are so responsive, so alert and a dream baby that completes our little family.

Telling me a story.

Talking to the fan.

Wearing hand-me-downs from Kingston a month sooner than he was able to fit into them. I think you look particularly like your daddy in this picture.