He's 2!!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Beckam turned two while we were on our family vacation. To help celebrate the day he got the chance to look at airplanes and helicopters, two of his loves right now. We love this little guy to bits. He may drive us crazy and challenge us almost everyday, but the funny things he does and the joy he brings more then make up for it. We're so glad you're part of our family Beckam!!

At two Beckam:

- Is finally starting to talk and put multiple words together.

- Goes no where with at least one of his blankets.

- Uses his own words for common items (good luck to anyone who isn't around him constantly in understanding what he means)

- Is Brylie's shadow. Wherever she is, he isn't far behind

- Unlocks both locks and the front and back door and goes outside by himself, not always with me knowing.

- Loves trains (choo-choo as he calls it), cars, airplanes and helicopters

- Is quite the monkey - He'll swing from anything

- Loves to wrestle and ruff house

- Can put on his crocs by himself

- Loves to play outside and "ride" his bike

- Is becoming more independent every day

- Is starting to watch videos (yeah for me!)

- Is in the 60% for height and weight - If he keeps on the same curve he'll be 5'10" as an adult.

- Gets into everything he shouldn't - nothing is safe!

- Cracks me up everyday and is very often my comic relief

I love this little guy and can't imagine my life or little family without him.

Dinosaur Outing

Earlier this week we took advantage of $2 Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point. Brandon got home from a work a little early so we headed on down to the Dinosaur Museum (Museum of Ancient Life). We were so glad that Brandon's dad and sister were able to come. It was great having the extra sets of eyes to watch the kids, and boy did they need watching. The kids just ran from exhibit to exhibit. Dinosaurs had been a topic in our house for a little while and Brylie liked seeing how big they had been. We all had a lot of fun and look forward to going again.

Family Reunion 2009

Last week was my family's every two year gigantic family reunion. Every couple of years my grandpa (on my dad's side), his siblings, and their families get together to have some major fun! We were really lucky that it was held in Utah so we were able to make most of the festivities. Friday was the first day. The kids and I didn't make it to lunch but we made it for the traditional fried chicken dinner. (The Dahl's love fried chicken. It's always part of any gathering that is more then a day.) After dinner we headed to a pool that had been reserved and Brandon met us there. The kids loved the water and Brylie especially liked that she could touch the bottom when she wanted to. Beckam was brave and went on the big water slide with Brandon a couple of times.

Saturday was a full day at the park. There was plenty of food (and candy for the kids), people to talk to and kids to play with, football games, and of course a water fight (another reunion tradition). I had run to the store really quickly and returned to a water fight in full swing. Somehow Brandon stayed safe through the whole thing, I on the other hand was included by my cousin. Once your wet it's fair game so I got soaked after that and did my fair share of retaliating. When Brandon left to go play football I got him just so he wouldn't feel excluded (at least that's my reasoning). Brylie had to be convinced it was o.k. to get wet, but once she warmed up to the idea she only had one target, Brandon. He was a sport and let her throw water on him whenever she wanted. We just need to work on her sneaking up skills.

(The newest member of our extended family with her dad.)

After Brylie got out of her wet clothes she got Brandon to take her down to the river. When they got back we decided to take Beckam down but first he wanted to have some fun in the mud.

After dinner my dad did a little geneology activity and told the famous water balloons in Waterton story. There were also other stories shared and I once again realized what a great family I'm part of.

(Jack Dahl Family - And at least 17 people had left before this picture was taken.)

It was great seeing everyone again and we can't wait for Canada in 2011. See you there!

Canyon Outing

With the lovely hot weather we've been having, Brandon and I thought it would be nice to leave it all behind and take the family up the canyon for some exploring time. We've lived in our house for five years and this was the first time we've made it to the mountains during the summer. The kids loved it and ran everywhere. Brandon had to really watch Beckam around any water or he would have jumped right in. There were fields and fields of wildflowers. Brandon was a sport and stopped whenever I wanted to take pictures. Brylie didn't want to leave and can't wait to go again.

It was really nice, not too many bugs and a great escape from the heat. Hopefully it stays as nice when we got camping in a few weeks.

24th at Butlerville Days

We have never really done anything special for the 24th, so this year when I found out Cottonwood Heights had a celebration (thanks Viv) we decided to head on over. I was worried the kids would get bored waiting for the fireworks, but there was plenty for them to do. The bounce houses/slides were a hit. Once Beckam went on one he wanted to go on all of them.

They played on the playground, got balloon dogs, talked to police and firemen, practiced cartwheels and somersaults and had dad to play with. Randy and Viv and kids came a little before the fireworks started. It was great hanging out with them and just letting the kids play. I was surprised the kids lasted through the fireworks.

It was a great night and something I look forward to doing every year.