Priceless

Professional photographer................. $40
Coordinating outfits ........................ $15.26
Frames and mat board ......................$35.72
Finally having family pictures that we can hang on the wall and not have to cry every time we look at them................................................ priceless.

*These were taken by Carly Carlson - whom I would highly recommend to any of you in the greater Rexburg area. (You can check out her website at: carlycarlson.com)

Cheap Thrills

On Saturday the girls woke me up at 7:50 and refused to go back to sleep - so for lack of something better to do, we went garage sale hunting! I have never done this before in my life, but I was told that the garage sales out here are a thing to behold and they sure were!! People here have so much stuff! (Or maybe we just don't have anything :) I found a pair of pink and gray Nike shoes for Brooklyn for $1, a Little Tikes Castle with a slide that Brooklyn wouldn't get off of for $40 and a crawling, singing, lighting up Minnie Mouse toy for Aubrey for $.50!! Those two toys have entertained them for the entire last 4 days and it has been awesome! I just might have to make this a Saturday tradition...

The Cookie Monster and the Funny Face

Today, Aubrey somehow got a hold of an entire bag of cookies, and she has never had a better time in her life!! I couldn't take them away from her since she was enjoying herself so much, so we just gave in and pigged out! Brooklyn has started doing what we refer to as her "funny face." She will do it if she thinks I'm being weird, if Daddy is bugging her, or if she just feels like it! And I'm not complaining... these kids crack me up!

Our WILD day at the Zoo!

Today we went to the zoo with some amazing new girls from our ward and it was a blast! The zoo was perfect - and Brooklyn has been learning all the animals from Baby Einsteins and she recognized way more than I thought she would. And Aubrey is our little animal enthusiast! She loved watching all the animals. She even got to play with the ducks and was cracking up hysterically while they nibbled on her fingers!!

Our Pretty Little Princesses

Brooklyn loves to do everything her mommy does and Aubrey loves to do everything Brooklyn does. So, while I was painting my toes, Brooklyn came over and wanted to paint hers to. Now, for any of you who know Brooklyn, giving her anything colorful and permanent would lead to disaster. So, thinking very quickly on my feet, I got Brooklyn her own "clear" (aka. water) toe nail polish. A few minutes later, I come into the room, and Brooklyn had Aubrey sitting down in front of her (just like how I have Brooklyn sit in front of me) and she's painting her toes! They were both having so much fun - it was just one of those moments where the stress of being a mom becomes all worth it.

Design on a Dime

This week I finished (mostly) our living room! I got tired of the maroon, so I did a complete overhaul and changed everything to brown and blue. I know it's not all that impressive (especially for an interior design grad.) but I had so much fun doing it! If you're not impressed at all, just keep in mind that EVERYTHING in it is from either Wal-Mart, Target, or TJ Max. Sorry the pictures aren't that great - it looks much better in person.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Three years ago today I married the man of my dreams. We both agree that it seems about twice that long (but in a good way). Unfortunately, we did nothing to celebrate it except attend a picnic at DMU, but at least it was a step up from last year (which sadly, included icecream at McDonalds - seriously). Marrying him was the best decision I ever made. I love you Luke!

"Is this heaven?" "No, it's Iowa."

It's definitely NOT heaven, but yes, it is Iowa. We are finally here after our horrific 18 hour drive. I'll spare you all the dirty details, but it did involve a hotel light bulb with poop rubbed all over it, Brooklyn locking herself in the car at the hotel parking lot, and our portable DVD player malfunctioning 10 minutes into the drive. But at least we got here in one piece!

Iowa Positives:
1.)The complex we live in has 2 playgrounds, a pool, and a fitness room.
2.)Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! We have a HUGE mall about 3 minutes from our house that includes everything from Forever 21 to Pottery Barn. There's also a Super Target, Super Walmart, Kohls, TJ Max, and too many great restaurants to list.
3.)We were invited over to dinner to two different families within the first 45 minutes of entering the state. (A.K.A. The people here are really great.)
4.)Brooklyn's new "boyfriend" Drew is the sweetest boy (and our next-door neighbor)!

Iowa Negatives:
1.)We miss our family and friends! It's hard to make new friends here when you know you already found the best people in the world!
2.)I killed (this is not a joke) 12 spiders the first day we were here! And the trend has continued every day since.
3.)I want a Snowasis! Getting one every day this summer and then trying to quit cold turkey was a bad idea!! (only Rexburgians will truly feel my pain.)