Ranch Reunion

We had our first Morgan Reunion with Troy's immediate family (25 people +1 on board) at Reid Ranch in the mountains past Strawberry. I highly recommend it for any family or large group. They had something for everyone: fishing, horseback riding, swimming (3 pools & hot tub), paddle boats, archery, mini golf, basketball, playground, campfires and they cooked all our meals - cafeteria style. Each group stays in a big lodge with tons of bedrooms, beds and most rooms have their own bathrooms.

Not surprisingly, Christian was voted as the family member who had the most fun - he really did every single activity and didn't stop until the wee hours of the night. He especially loved fishing with Daddy and his new Spiderman fishing pole. Snacktime after swimming, my cute cuddly duck!

Grandpa's biggest catch

Cheesy Couple Pose - Beautiful Backdrop

They made us wear these dorky helmets and lifevests on the horses, apparently they didn't want anyone drowning if we fell off??A real weapon in my son's hand, watch out!Daddy/Son Time

The kids made twice daily trips to the "Trading Post" to pick out treats, snowcones and icecream. That's what vacation is all about, right?

Water Boy loves loves to swim, can't get him out of the water!

My cute boys with their "walking sticks" - aka SWORDS

Child's Prayer

I have to document Christian's priceless prayer tonight..."bless that I can see Bob & Nat, bless that I can play with I.I. (cousins), bless that I can play with that dragon sword at Grandma's, bless that I can be a good boy to mom and dad, bless that I can be good to Mason, bless that I can play with that dragon sword before Bob gets it, bless my lightsaver sword with the button like Bob's green lightsaver sword"...I jump in, "in the name of Jesus Christ Amen." Christian, "no Mom, I forgot something, dear Heavenly Father, bless that I can play with that dragon sword..." You get the point, apparently if you repetitively ask for something, it will come true. Then I compliment him, "good prayer bud, Heavenly Father will like that one." Christian, "yea and he really likes that dragon sword."

The Weapon Obsession Continues...too funny!

More New York

Check out the posts below for the full details and more pics, here are some fun, random highlights from our FABULOUS VACA...

The paparazzi...and Troy (fits right in).

Fergie Ferg

Liberty Ladies

Great Show

Another one for the kids, yes life-size Elmo, kind of creepy.

Meg Ryan & Son from behind - she wasn't too thrilled with my camera but did say hi as she passed.

World Trade Center Firefighter Memorial

Rob's New Girlfriend

Another one for Christian, where else can you see Spiderman walking the streets?

Wall Street/New York Stock Exchange

Love in the Big Apple

Me and My Love
Thanks to a good friend getting hitched, Troy and I got to escape to New York City and the Jersey shore...kidless. Haleluja! It was a fabulous, whirlwind adventure in the Big Apple and Jersey Shore. I forgot what it was like to walk hand in hand with my hubby and cuddle while sitting next to each other and actually have conversation without getting interupted by whining or a poopy diaper. It made us realize - hey, we actually do like each other and there's a reason we fell in love in the first place. The flame has been rekindled. If you aren't having those thoughts about your spouse these days, it's time to book a night away to be reminded.

Trip Highlights: strolling the streets of Soho with Meg Ryan...stalking stars with the paparazzi outside a swanky hotel - Ronaldinho (Brazilian soccer player) and Fergie...jamming to Black Eyed Peas Live on the Today Show (with thousands of screaming fans)...dining at the star-studded Nobu Sushi...Troy hitting the Mets game and golfing with the Guys...lunch at the Waldorf...Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity (twice)...seeing a friend perform as the lead in the Fantastiks on Broadway...wild pedi-cab ride around the city...serenading waiters at Ellen's Diner...World Trade Center St. Paul's Chapel (love my new heart box charm necklace)...Wall Street and Battery Park with views of Lady Liberty...lots of shopping...Fabulous Food (neverending feast)...hanging with great family and friends we love and to top it all off, attending the Wedding of all Weddings (see post below).

This one's for Christian, our Batman fanatic - yes, Grandpa requested to be kicked in the groin (in not so appropriate words).

Jersey Wedding

The Happy Couple, Mr. & Mrs. PlantTroy's parents with the Groom, their adopted son and Chad's best friend.

Congrats to Danielle & Eric and thanks for the fabulous 3-day wedding affair! We were honored to be part of your special day. Beautiful sunset boat tour of Long Beach Island, lovely church ceremony, fabulous Country Club 4-course dinner, hanging with great company and busting our moves on the dance floor til the wee hours. What a perfect wedding weekend! We can't wait to meet up for family vacations on the Jersey shore with our kids someday.The Groomsmen, who's that handsome guy on the left?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Quite well in all this rain. Now bring on the sunshine. Yep, we are domestic and loving our garden.
It's always an experiment to see what will grow and this year we tried it all - corn, peas, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, carrots, melons, peppers, basil, zuccini & squash.

If there's a disaster - food storage in our yard for all. So far the lettuce and spinach has produced quite well. It's great walking out to pick some fresh greens for a sandwich or salad. Now if our tomatoes would start producing, we'd be in great shape. Mmmm...can't wait for caprese salads and fresh salsa. Love the fresh flavors of SUMMER.

Playdate with Old Friends

A couple weeks ago, my old Ogden friends had a playdate with all our kidos at an awesome splashpad in O-Town. It was so great seeing all the cute kids together in one place and catching up with old friends. How fun that we can now bond over the joys of mommyhood. 13 kids (including new twin girls) +1 on the way...impressive. Let's do it again soon ladies - love you all! My Ever Busy Mason (nicknamed Master of Chaos by Nana & Jace) was eatin' mud in no time.
Can't take my eyes off this boy for a second!

Cali Trip Slideshow

Memorial Weekend at THE BEACH

Mom and her boys headed to Cali again to visit family before they move away from the beach (we will miss it). We hit the Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland, Dave and Busters, the beach and did lots of eating out. I also escaped for a girl's night on the town with old friends, such a treat! Thanks Nat & Andrew for letting us bombard your house one last time and thanks Grandma & Grandpa for all your help with the boys, we had a great trip!

Sandy Faced Boy - Poor Mason took a few face plants and ate a mouthful but he loved it. He kept crawling full speed toward the ocean and Grandpa took him all the way in. Mom's Beach Boys love the beach as much as her...

Girl's Night in San Diego

Thanks to my friend Whitney's upcoming nuptials, some of my old friends planned a girl's trip to San Diego. While the kidos kept me from staying the entire time, I was able to join them for a night out on the town in the fun Gaslamp District - dinner at the Ivy Hotel (loved the ambiance) and dancing til the wee hours (something I'm much too old for but still have it in me). It was so fun hanging with the ladies, we'll have to do it again...

Sand Discovery

Oh the simple joy of running sand through your fingers for the first time...and then shoving a handful into your mouth and grinding it in your teeth. TASTY. If only we were all so easily entertained. And then getting pushed out of the way by big brother and crashing your poor head into the ground with a scream. "Sorry Mason," he yells as he pushes. Just another bruise to add to the collection. Oh how we love playing outdoors. Hooray for summer!

Conversations with Christian

While driving in the car the other day, Mason was making a very loud EEEEE sound over and over again. Christian turns to him and says, "No Mason, we're not playing EEEE, I don't know how to play that game." I love that he fully thought Mason was having a conversation with him.

My mom was walking him to the bathroom and he was spinning in circles, when she asked why he said, "when you spin around and around it holds the pee in." Whatever works I guess!

Everything lately is in terms of "yesterday, tomorrow and last night" but he really has no concept of time. While Troy was getting his Vespa out the other day Christian says, "tomorrow I will grow into a dad," obviously wishing he could drive the scooter. Or he'll say, "last night when I was a talking baby I wored diapers in a crib but now I'm the biggest boy." Yes, time really does fly by that fast but please enjoy being young and innocent as long as possible!

Fighting the "Bad Guys" with my latest weapon - we're currently obsessed with swords, guns

and anything that resembles a weapon but watch out, the "bad guy face" comes out in full force. Check out that scowl, we catch him practicing in the mirror.