Happy Birthday Gabby! Happy Birthday Tami!

Temple trip adventures

Rody came with Momma to the temple. Relief Society offered free child care at the church - thanks! After Momma was finished, we walked around the temple. Rody got to touch the temple wall and smell the flowers. We sat on a bench and sang one of his favorite songs "I Love to See the Temple."

We talked about how because of the temple, Papa, Momma and Rody get to live together forever as a family. We are so grateful for the temple and the blessings we receive through keeping our covenants.

What do Minnesota and Bolivia have in common?

I've never felt such high humidity/heat-induced lethargy than in Minnesota and Bolivia. Until last night I never worried about getting heat stroke at midnight in my own bedroom.

For those who hail from Southern California or somewhere equally unbearable in the summer, I feel for you and I covet your A/C.

Okay, I think I'm finished with my whining session. Thanks for your patience.

On a upbeat, Rody got his first underwater swimming experience in a neighbor's thigh-high pool. He was very brave, but declined when asked if he wanted to do it again.

Cheers!

Semi-guilty pleasures

I am eating cookie dough and blogging about it to get my strength up so I can attack the montrous mountain of dishes threatening to take over the rest of our apartment after they finish off the kitchen.

What are your guily pleasures or strength-building (aka procrastination) techniques?

"appy! appy!" with Nana & Grandpa Blake

Graduation!

Congratulations, Pedro! Hail the conquering hero! He has slain the law school dragon!

His son shouted his favorite cheer "Hoo-ray! Hoo-ray! Hoo-ray!" for his Papa and yelled "I LOVE MAMA!"  during Vice-President Walter Mondale's speech in the stadium full of silent grad-supporters at commencement.

We were happy that Pedro's parents could be here. Our dear friends who attended our Graduation Celebration BBQ were happy to eat the nearly 120 tortillas Alma made by hand.

  

Happy Mother's Day!

In nursury, at church, my son made a Mother's Day card with a crayon outline of his hand inside. Excitedly, he gave it to me with the most beautiful smile ever seen in creation. It doesn't get better than that. I love being his mom!

Thanks, Mom, for showing me how to love being a mom! You are amazing!

Thanks, Pedro, for making me feel so special today. The blackberry crepes for breakfast and the shrimp tacos with mango salsa for dinner were absolutely divine.

"Yup", disco dancing, bubble wrap, etc

Rody's favorite reply to any question: "yup"

Enjoy some clips to prove we are still alive and haven't disappeared into oblivion.

Rody escaped the confines of the indoor playland tunnels to bust a move under the disco ball.

How we celebrated St. Patrick's Day: Dancing to Celtic music on bubble wrap is as close to river dancing as I'll ever get.

How to entertain my boy for hours: a few balls and water

Our favorite furry friend in Mendon

What the cool kids do