Liam's basketball show

I heard our doorbell ring. I went to answer it and found Liam outside in a coat and a huge smile advertising a "free, totally free, basketball show- you don't even need debit or credit." This video is the promised exhibition. This kid undeniably has moves and cool vibes.

28.5, not quite 30

     "I'd like to think the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve" -John Mayer 

This past week was a half birthday- 28 and a half. And let's face it, 28.5 is no longer young and hip - it's approaching middle-aged.

This past year I have mourned the cessation of my youth. In a few quick years I went from not "believing" in sunscreen to toting it around in my purse. Yes, even in February. In those short years I went from an auspicious college-aged kid who stayed out late to a stroller pushing mom that goes to play groups for a good time. I feel like maybe I got boring really quickly.

 I need to fret less about my impending 30 and just eat up the last months of my 20s. Ten years ago age 30 felt like a deadline. It seemed like the age at which I should have life just about figured out.  It seemed like the age where I would be almost finished formulating myself. It seemed like the age where I would have found the secret to life and no longer keep my makeup in a zip-lock baggie.

But then again maybe turning 30 is a lot of what I've always wanted. In the back corner of my head I can see a clear picture of me, the a 30 year old, classy me. Yes, she's in her 30's but she's more composed than the Danielle of my 20s.  Her kids are robustly healthy and impossibly cute.  She's a marathoner and physical therapist. She has a charming house with legitimate (yes, you know what I mean) furniture and clothes that are even trendy. And at no point in the week do her eyebrows or laundry get out of control.

I guess it seems altogether like a decent trade- crows feet, a little more joint pain, and a slower pace in exchange for more stability, and less spontaneity.  Fair enough.

NBA Jimmermania

We didnt get enough of Jimmer last season at BYU so we got to see him at a Sacramento vs. DC Wizards NBA game. We went with a bunch of friends, the kids got to eat cotton candy, stay up late, and we had a great time.

Las Vegas

This weekend I met my mom and Aunt Jess in Las Vegas for 2 days of abundant sun. It was so refreshing to see my mom and watch her play with Elsie. We stayed at Ravella, a luxury resort outside of town with a lake and white sand beach. The swanky place  felt like a Tuscan get away. 

The entire time I was there I hadn't gambled until the last day Elsie wanted to play on this machine.  I  put in a single dollar and immediately won $2.50.  Then I got busted for including my baby in my gambling exploits so I had to cash out.  We bought gummy life savers with our prize money.

Elsie counting the winnings

Here's our plush resort.  For lunch we ate outside at an authentic Italian cafe by the water and ordered a tasty kalamata olive, prosciutto, and artichoke pizza.

It was great to hang out with my aunt Jess, she's super.

My cousin Brandon is on his mission in Las Vegas. We meet up with him for lunch. He seemed really happy, motivated and off to a great start.

kid quotes

My Papa Mark is half human and half doctor (talking to his friend) 

Mom, I love you more than gold, more than weapons.

That snack was so good, it turned us into food zombies

Hey, do you wanna see a free`basketball show? You don't even need debit or credit.

Elsie doesn't have any easy quotables, but she's been great (and really cute) at reciting stories and books in her 18 month old vocabulary. She also like to describe things in terms of 'bubbles!' shiny floors, waterfalls, anything that is sparkly. . .

She loves to make a grand entrance to a room by putting her hands up and yelling"back!!"
She can play hide and seek for hours. And her new favorite songs are head-shoulders-knees-and-toes and Sunbeam (she loves the jumping part). She'll ask for one more over and over.

Zoo kids