Cabin fever!

We went to the cabin for the first time of the season and it didn't disappoint. Max had so much fun just running around, playing with his aunts and uncle and going up and down the stairs. He loved throwing rocks in the lake and laughed so hard every time mommy threw the big rocks in because they made a huge splash! It's so fun to do stuff with Max, especially now that he actually has fun. We didn't take many pictures, but here are a few good ones. We look forward to many more trips this summer!

Family pictures

Check out our family pictures taken by the talented Stacia Klemas. Considering that it was past bedtime and we were trying to get a very distractable 18 month old to smile, they turned out really cute. Check them out here.

18 months and crazy!

Max has entered the crazy stage. He is just cute enough to make up for his naughtiness. We sure do love him though!

Max just discovered fry sauce. He's a huge fan!

Bad habit makes it's return!

A tribute to mothers

Being a mom is hard work. I feel like I've had my patience tested to its limit this week. But then I look at this beautiful little boy and remember that being a mom is the best job I've ever had. It's definitely an adventure, but it's my favorite adventure. I am so grateful for all the wonderful examples I have around me. My mom and sisters (Smiths and Pattersons) are so amazing and I am so grateful to be able to learn from them.

Max,

Someday when you read this I want you to know that I have learned so much from you.

You've taught me how to earnestly pray.

You've taught me that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us.

You've taught me that even that smallest spirits have the largest hearts.

You've taught me what a contagious laugh sounds like.

You have taught me what it really means to have unconditional love for someone.

You've taught me how to let loose and let things get destroyed. 

And most importantly, you've taught me how to be a mother, I will always be in debt to you for this gift. 

(No, I did not come up with that on my own. I wish. I saw it on this blog and thought it wrapped up my feelings nicely) 

That awkward moment...

When you realize you didn't wear pants to church...

Max spilled water all over his pants during nursery so I figured I would just take them off. He was happy either way, but I realized that he may be scarred later in life. George thought it would be funny to take a picture to show Max when he's older and gets embarrassed easily. He still looks dang cute, with pants or without them!

Cute pictures

 My neighbor, Stacia, was at it again. Cami and Katie were watching Max while I was working and I came home to find that he had an impromptu photo shoot. I love it! They lathered him in sunscreen and I love that you can see some on his nose and in his hair. Good memories!

The Bean and Aviary

We went to the Bean museum as a family and Max loved it. He did all the animal sounds he knew.

We also went to the Tracy Aviary with our good friends Laura and Seth. It was perfect weather and free! You just can't beat that!

George hasn't been to the Aviary since he was in 5th grade, but in his 5th grade mind this was the biggest bird ever! He said it was as tall as a door with a huge wingspan. Unfortunately this is all we saw when we sought out to find out if this was all true. To be fair, the old bird is about 60 years old so it's all good.

Seth and Max

This Bald Eagle wasn't even in a cage because it's too injured to fly. It was sad.

We are just looking for Nemo

Max found some rocks

The flamingos really steal the show in this exhibit

Not your typical rooster

I just think this is cute. We babysat Seth and George basically took care of both of these boys the whole time. And yes, they read that whole stack of books.