Weekend Getaway

Now, I know everyone says the last two months of your pregnancy seem never ending, but I feel like mine are going to fly by. So, Ryan and I thought we'd get in one last weekend getaway before the baby comes since everyone's been telling us "you won't be able to do that once your baby is here" and "your lives are totally going to change" Yes, we know it won't be the same once the baby comes, that's why we are trying to get it all in now. So, we got work of Friday and drove to Newport Beach. We were kind of bummed when we got there 'cause the weather wasn't too great, but we made the most of it and went to Balboa Island to do some dinner and get my favorite chocolate covered bananas. Saturday morning we woke up and drove to Long Beach to take the Catalina Express over to Catalina Island for the day. It was raining when we boarded the boat and was still a little cloudy when we got to the island, but only for about an hour. Then it was nice enough to lay on the beach and do some swimming. We showed Mark and TJ around the island a little and did some shopping, eating, and relaxing. It really was the perfect way to spend a day at Catalina Island. We woke up Sunday to some more sad weather so we decided to pack up and head home a little early. It was kind of a bummer 'cause we wanted to hit up Sea World or maybe Newport Beach but that's no fun if the weather is bad, so- maybe next time. At least we have Lake Powell to look forward to in just a few weeks! Here are some more pics of our day at Cat.Ryan and I just chillin' on the beach while TJ swam in the ocean for the first time.

All of us at one of my favorite restaurants on the Island, Armstrong's Seafood.

This was what the weather was like on our way to Catalina......and this was the beautiful sunset we saw on the way back.

A Wedding Shower and Some Birthdays!

Lindsey R, Rachel, Jenny, Me, Teisha,

the bride to be - Lisa, Lindsey L, and Blair

So, this last weekend was one of many showers I will be attending this summer. My friend Lisa is getting married the end of July and so Teisha and I thought we'd throw her a wedding shower while our weekends were still open. It was fun to see everyone since I hadn't seen some girls since my junior year of high school. Thanks Teish for throwing such a fun shower- sorry I wasn't of much help living 2 hours away!We also celebrated some birthdays this weekend and it seems like there are just more to come. Thursday night we celebrated our nephew Tyler's birthday by doing some dinner and cake and ice cream, then (my favorite father-in-law) Mark turned the big 5-0 yesterday. I also wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to my Dad whose birthday was the 6th of this month and our brother-in-law, A-rus whose birthday was on Saturday. Happy Birthday to my sister Teneil and friend Teisha whose birthday is tomorrow. And I suppose I can't forget my niece Chloe who turns 2 on the 31st. Happy Birthday to all of you! (and anyone else who has a birthday in May I may have forgotten)

Our Mothers

Well, yesterday was a fun day. How awesome is it that there is actually a holiday to celebrate our mothers and all that they do for us. I mean, if you think about it... where would we be without our moms? I know mine has done so much for me and I don't know what I'd do without my mother-in-law. I am one of the very few who is blessed with both a wonderful mom and mother-in-law. I've heard horror stories of people who just can't stand their mother-in-laws but I feel like both Ryan and I got pretty lucky with ours. I just wanted to let everyone know how thankful I am for my mom. She really is the best and love her so much. She has taught me so much over my 21 years- like how to love and raise kids, how to cook and clean, and most importantly, how to bargain shop. I'm not kidding, my mom is the pro at shopping and she always finds the best stuff for the best price! We have had some good times at Ross, TJ Maxx, Big Lots etc. She was always the . . . how do I say this- Well, you know how there is one parent who you always go to first 'cause you know they'll say yes? That was my mom. We were never scared to ask her anything because she was always so nice about everything and was always trying to make us happy. Now, I know everyone thinks they have the best mom, and you probably do... for you- but my mom really was the best for me. I love her so much and don't know how I'll ever re-pay her for all that she's done for me. I don't think a gift and card on Mother's Day cut it, but I hope she knows how much she means to me and I will always love her no matter what! Now, as most of you know I am also very very close with my mother-in-law Cathie. I really, truly don't know what I'd do without her. She has been such a blessing to me in so many ways. She is like the best friend I never had. She is willing to drop anything for me and Ryan. There have been countless times where she has gotten off work to be with us and is calling me every week just to see how I'm doing and ask if I want to go to the next expo with her. We are expo, scrapbook, shopping and movie buddies. We just love being together and doing things that our husbands won't do with us. I really do love her so much and wouldn't give her up for anything. Thank you Mom and Cath for being such amazing mothers. We really do love you so much! I can only hope I'll be as good a mom to my kids, as you both are to yours.

Decisions, Decisions .... What to Do?!

So, as you know, I'm 7 months along and am getting closer to my due date. Right now, every weekend from now until I'm due is booked. I not only have my showers, but I have two friends getting married this summer and their showers and birthing classes and vacations etc. And I can't really figure out a time to go and register. Since we both live in Bear Lake and work full time, and the closest city we have is Logan which doesn't have either Babies R Us or Target. So, I've been doing some of my registry online and making sure I only register for things you can find in the stores. But for some reason I am really struggling with finding a good stroller and car seat travel system. I find it really helpful to go off of other customers reviews but I can always find something good and bad about every one, and I just don't know which brand is the safest, and best price for the quality. So, I thought I'd ask all you ladies that are already moms and know what to look for in a stroller/car seat. Here are some that I am debating about . . . 2 are from Babies R Us and 2 are from Target, yet they are all different brands.

Chicco Travel System
$280.00
4 1/2 STARS

Graco Travel System
Price: $200.00
Customer reviews gave it 4 1/2 stars

Baby Trend Travel System

$200.00

4 STARS

Aura Travel System

$160.00

3 1/2 STARS

So, do I go with the cheaper one, even though it didn't get as many stars? Or do I go with the more expensive one with more stars? Do any of you mothers have any of these brands? What do you think? Are these prices pretty reasonable? I just have no idea. I really just need to go to the store and see them and feel them, but I'd like to get all your advice ahead of time. So, give me your opinions and let me know what you think! Thanks!