Calvin learns to ride a bike

Calvin has been riding a strider bike and has been talking about wanting to get a 2-wheeler. Dal decided that he wanted to make him earn it so he had a sticker chart that required him to earn 30 stickers before he could go get his new bike. He was so obsessed with that chart and worked so hard! Once he took a toy out of mae's hands so he got a sticker taken off the chart and he cried for a solid ten minutes, haha. 

It was like Christmas day when we finally got to take him to Walmart to pick him out a new bike. The strider bike really helped and he just took off riding the first  5 minutes trying! It was awesome and he was very proud of himself. The bike that we got him was a little too big so he couldn't start off without one of us helping him. I borrowed a neighbor's smaller 2 wheeler for him to ride for a few weeks while he got used to it. To that Calvin said, "thanks mom, but brave boys never give up" (what 4 year old says that??). He rode his bike literally every waking moment after that. He fell right on his face 100 times. Sometimes he would get discouraged and take a break for a little while. But now he can do it! I am so proud and inspired by him. I hope he is always this determined. and this CUUUUTE. I love this kid so much. 

Sweaty after a long day of bike riding

Utah. Feb 2017.

We had the best week in Utah following the wedding. Dal and I got to go on several dates (snowboarding and top golf!). Free babysitters are the best. We celebrated valentines day, went to see Max's new house, and went to Mexican karaoke with my entire family. The highlight of the trip for Calvin was going to the aquarium with my parents and getting to go into a special room to feed penguins. He hasn't stopped talking about it since!

There is a lot that I like about our unstable medical army life... living away from family is not one of them. I consider it a trial in my life and am so grateful for all the time we get with them. 

Our flight home- best flight ever!!!!!!

sweet Ellie

MAREN + BRYAN!

The reason for our trip to Utah was that my beautiful sister got married! Bryan makes her happy which makes us happy. 

Mae was a flower girl. She had been pretty moody the days before the wedding. The day before we had a rehearsal where we planned on teaching Mae how to throw flowers as she walked down the isle. Not only would she not throw flowers, she wouldn't come within ten feet of the isle or basket. She screamed the entire time. On the day of the wedding she smiled sweetly and threw the flowers exactly like she was supposed to. She ate a pedal, but did perfectly besides that! It was so so dang cute. I have watched the video of her walking down the isle one million times since that day.

Calvin had Bryan's nephew were little studs with the rings. They did great and even had the same haircut! It was a really special evening. The food was delicious and we had a blast dancing afterwards (always love dancing with my family- especially Max). Mae really loved the reception and danced the night away.

There are way too many pictures down here but I just love them all. Yay for Maren and Bryan, so happy to Bry as a new part of our family. 

admiring herself in the mirror