Family Birthday Dinner

After rushing back from the cabin, Ben's talk and Eliza's catastrophe, we went to my Dad's house for dinner. Jess of course made homemade spaghetti and meatballs. That's what my Mom always made for my birthday, it's my fave. It was SO yummy. Jess also made an adorable cake. She said it didn't look how she wanted but I thought it was great, and it tasted delicious. Jess also helped me pick out a spring outfit which I conveniently wore the day I knew she was too. Yay for color blocking. It was a great day with lots of yummy food. Hopefully my cute outfit fits after today!

Growing up too fast...

A few weeks ago Ben got this email from the Primary Presidency...

We have assigned Eliza to enter nursery C with Brother and Sister Cook. Nursery C is located in the east side of the building by the mother's room. Nursery C starts with bubbles and lesson and coloring followed by snack time, right after that they do singing time and at the end is free play time.

Welcome to the nursery Eliza!

When Ben read it to me tears came to my eyes. I have been DYING for Eliza to be in nursery. It's so hard taking her to Sunday School and Relief Society, especially when I have to conduct and Ben has to teach. Well, the day came and Eliza went to nursery. She ran right in and hopped in a wagon. I couldn't help but snap a photo. I went to Sunday School and Ben went to teach Primary. After a few minutes they came in and got me from class. I was so sad! I wanted her to like nursery so bad. Well, she had fallen on the wagon and was gushing blood. She had bruises and red marks all over her face. She had a super swollen and purple nose. Luckily it's her favorite color! After she calmed down and the bleeding stopped she wanted to go back. I went with her for a little bit then left. They said she cried a little when other moms came in and out but otherwise loved it. She's growing up too fast. This is just a huge reminder of how fast time flies and how fast she is growing up. A reminder to me to spend as much time as I can with her and to enjoy it.  All of it!

Let the birthday games begin!

It's been too long since we've ventured to the cabin. We decided to go up and start my birthday celebrations!!! Friday we drove up. Dad picked us up and we all went together. I was so excited to eat at the fish place. I was craving fish tacos. They close at 7 but we called at about 6:50 and my dad talked them into making our order for us. They love the single old man from Bountiful! Saturday we went to Jackson. We were so excited to finally go the Snake River Grill and try their Eskimo Bars that we saw on the Food Network. They don't open until 5:30 so we had to wait until then. We decided to keep ourselves busy by eating! We went to Billy's to get lunch. It was delish. We needed a treat so we went to the Bunnery to see what we could find. Dad got his usual raisin cookie dipped in chocolate. I got an amazing carrot cake cupcake. Ben didn't get anything. I guess he isn't quite used to the Jackson eating yet. We walked around the stores, rested at the Wort, checked out the snow, and had a great time. It was finally time to go get dessert. We walked over and there was a girl lighting candles. We asked about the Eskimo Bars. She said oh, they aren't on the menu tonight. We were so mad! We waited around and wasted time to no avail. They said they would have them in the summer so we'll be back. We left Jackson and went to dinner at Juan's. Yummy again. We were going to watch a movie at the cabin but we all fell asleep. We woke up early Sunday morning and headed home for Ben to speak. he did an amazing job, as always. It was a short but sweet trip!

Eliza loves stairs. I think because we don't have any at our house. She always goes straight for the loft at the cabin. Those stairs make me a little nervous. But, she did great!

Ben and Eliza on the exciting ride to Jackson.

Look at the happiness on his face. He loves raisin cookies!

Eating again...

Waiting...

and waiting...

and waiting for Snake River Grill.

The coolest/weirdest chair at the toy store.

She loves to push grocery carts but does not like sitting in them!

Eliza was done waiting.

We found these pink cowgirl boots and bandana. We didn't get them but she LOVED them. Maybe when she's a little bigger.

Waiting again...

Don't they look worth the wait! I guess we have to keep waiting.

Someone was lucky enough to bite in, but it wasn't us...

Spring Time Sand

While we were waiting to go to the cabin we ventured to the park next door. Half the neighborhood was there! Eliza LOVED it!!! Summer is going to be busy and MESSY with Eliza this year.

Rock of Ages doensn't rock but my dad does

Ben wasn't feeling well so I decided to invite my Dad to the musical Rock of Ages. When I got these tickets the lady told me it's fun for all age, it's just like going to a concert, and it's mostly Journey music. Sounds fun right? Wrong. It was so trashy. It was super uncomfortable sitting by my dad during this kind of thing. I turned to Jess and said we should go. She said lets wait a few minutes and see what happens. After a few more minutes and not one Journey song, I turned to my dad and asked if he cared if we left. He said he'd like nothing better. So one at a time we left the show. We decided to go shopping instead. It was so much fun. It was like the good old days before I was married. Just the three of us doing our thing. Shopping and eating. We then went to dinner. My dad wanted to take me to Mandarin for my birthday but the wait was over an hour and we were starving. We ended up at the China Platter and it was pretty tasty. I was reminded of a few things today. One, I am so grateful that I could get up and leave a show and be supported by my family. Two, my dad is so great. He does so much for his family. I couldn't ask for a better dad. He deserves to have my mom here with him. But, he has done ok for now. So if you go to Rock of Ages, don't say I didn't warn you. And, go hang out with your dad.

Runny Nose

Eliza's runny nose is long lingering. But, she's still so cute. Look at her little face. Love her!

Don't judge me...

Eliza is not a good shopping partner. I hope that she will be someday. But for now, I have started going grocery shopping and running errands when Ben is home to watch her. That isn't always ideal when something comes up and we need something. We are also going to Disney Land in September and I don't want her getting snatched. So, Eliza has a leash. She still tried to go where she wanted to go but at least she couldn't run off. It's hilarious really. But, a mom does what she has to do right?!?! At least it's a backpack too so it's not totally lame...

Great Grandma Tolman

Grandma always says Eliza has a special place in her heart for Eliza. I think it's because she was sent straight from my Mom in Heaven. Grandma has a special place in our hearts too.

Climber

I can't take my eyes off of her for one second these day!

OJ

This one is for Great Grandma Hodgkinson. Eliza couldn't get enough of oranges and orange juice. We were juicing a few times a day!