Week 50: Yup, I'm 30

My lovely family whisked me away to Vail for the weekend to celebrate my 30th. My folks have a lot of friends in the Vail area and my godmother Linda and her friend Dagmar were gracious enough to host my birthday at the big Piper house. I had my 16th birthday there and my bachelorette party. Needless to say they are way to good to me.

My parents, Mason, and I headed up Thursday and the rest of the crowd came up on Friday.

Every room had a phone like this and Mason was obsessed with them so I finally unplugged one and let him have his way with it.


Friday morning we headed outside to play (before the huge snowstorm hit). Mason was intrigued with the pine cones

If he can climb on it, he loves it!!!

Mom's balloons were pretty fun. The ceilings in the main living room are 40-feet tall so we were doing are best to get the suckers tied before the kids let them take a trip to the ceiling.

Friday evening was a lot of fun and my friends and family came to celebrate. I did turn 30 on Friday the 13th and thank god my friends and family that braved the icy roads and blizzard conditions to be there made it safe and sound.

I was having so much fun that I forgot to get a lot of pictures...BUT I know others who did take some so I will post them soon.

Me and my sister (from another mother), love her.

She and her boyfriend Jason came up for the weekend to celebrate. They are two cool cats.

The next morning Mason woke at his usual time, 6:30. He missed the memo about sleeping in the morning after my birthday but his dad seemed to have gotten it:)

The morning after my birthday he was quite the ball of energy. Shedding his clothes and diaper quickly.

Naked chair pushing, what a sport and what a cute tosh.

He did go down for a nice morning nap and Matt and I were able to relax in the hottub.

Keegan and Mason got in some hut tub time with Grandma and Grandpa, later that day.

Mason is so in love with his Grandpa Will.

We were missing Cormic in this picture but next time he will be big enough to join in.

Saturday afternoon Mason and I took a nice long walk around Pilgrim Downs. All that cheesecake and yummy food was beging to be burned off:)

It was a gorgeous Winter Wonderland and I enjoyed the quiet landscape. Mason missed most of the hour outing because he was snuggled up in the pack taking his afternoon nap.

When we got back Mason stayed in his long underwear and helped Dad tend to the fire.

He's just too cute.

Jason and Ang played some "penguin pile-up" and Jason beat her two out of three times. This game is Keegan's so we are really proud of them for being able to excel at it.

Mason's fairy grandmother Linda was hoping he wouldn't pop any of these!

Mason and Aunt "Bob". He calls her Bob , not sure where he picked this up but it is pretty cute.

I had a wonderful and relaxing birthday. I am really excited for my 30's and even more excited to spend time with all of you. Thanks for all the birthday wishes and thoughts from those there and those unable to join us. If my next 30 years are anything like my first I will be feeling very blessed.

Week 49: Approaching Toddlerhood

A quick post this week. We are beginning to enter the next phase.....TODDLERHOOD.

Lots of messes, I must pick up our living room at least 8 times a day.



Hmmm, that movie will not be watched until you are at least 18 (Half Baked).

"Well my work is done here, what else can I get into?"

Mason is talking quite a bit these days, most of it we do not understand but he seems to understand a lot more than he can say. He loves to talk on his fake cell phone while walking around the house. He puts on quite the show on our fireplace, flexing his vocal cords and working on his jumping. When I tell him "no" he looks at me and says "yup." He is quite the little character and 90% of the time has us rolling with laughter BUT the first temper tantrums have raised their ugly heads. The removal of his own diaper is a daily occurrence followed by a scream out when I try to put another one on.

Saturday we were invited to Matt's previous boss's home for a "going away party." Matt asked if children were invited and they were. Well his boss failed to mention it was an intimate dinner party....ummm we have an 11 month old and you have a beautiful home with LOTS of stairs. It was an exhausting evening for Matt and I. While everyone drank and conversed we chased a very mobile child who is obsessed with climbing, jumping, and yelling "DA DA." All of the guests thought it was hilarious and when we decided to leave before dessert, one of the guests remarked "can't you just set him on the couch to go to sleep?"

Please do not take this as me bitching more of it is the humour of us entering this phase. All the criticism we have had about other people's children and of course the things we put our parents through is beginning to bite us in the rear...but as we always say "We wouldn't change it for the world." and we truly wouldn't.

Week 47 and 48: Fresh air, Snowed in with the flu and Halloween

I know I say this a lot but we love Colorado! Fresh air sure does the soul well. Matt, Mason and I took a nice hike near our home a few weeks ago. We hiked a new leg of a hike we do frequently. This leg is called the "Enchanted Forest."


The hike lived up to its name. We kept a look out for Snow white and the seven dwarfs but they were no where to be seen.

Mason was a trooper as usual, 6 miles later he was still a happy camper.

After we got home he needed to burn some energy off, after all he just sat there while Dad and I took turns carrying him.

There is a saying in Colorado "If you don't like the weather just wait an hour." Its true, we were enjoying lovely fall temps.

Playing in the leaves.

Taking long walks....and than.

We got blasted with our first major snowfall. We only got 16-inches but many nearby towns saw more than 2-feet. Now we usually love being snowed in but a day before the snow hit Mason came down with the flu. We are pretty sure it was H1N1. Our doctor diagnosed it per Mason's symptoms and told us to just stay home, give him Tylenol and lots of love. This is the first time he has been sick and it was scary a few times. The second night I woke up around 1 to take his temp, it was 101 so I gave him some Tylenol and went back to bed. At 3 I woke to someone gently rubbing my hand (Matt was on the other side of the bed) so I think Grandma Nancy was watching us. I went in to find Mason with a 104 temp, vomit all over his crib and a very messy diaper. We quickly cleaned up the mess and I took a bath with him and we were able to bring the temp down. The next few days he spent with an upset tummy, a fever, and lots of crying. Man your heart hurts when your baby does not feel well.

When the Tylenol or Motrin kicked in he would regain his normal spirit.

But when it wore off he just wanted to cuddle. I am not sure how Ang, Matt and I escaped this but we are thankful. We all kissed and hugged our little bugger a lot. Matt had to go into work both days and I have to say being snowed in with one of my best buddies, Angela, was a lot of fun. Thanks for all your help with Mason and by keeping me sane when I wanted to jump into the snow bank. I love you.

We were going to have a Halloween party but decided because of the germs to cancel. We did disinfect the entire house and Ang's boyfriend Jason and her best buddy Ashley still came over to help celebrate.

Mason was a monkey, kind of the theme of his first year.

We didn't even get to carve our pumpkins this year. Oh well there are many Halloweens to be had.

Daddy Monkey and Baby Monkey.

Mommy Monkey and grumpy monkey.

Two cute chicks and flirty monkey.

Ang. and some crazy guy on our porch.

Jason was our humour of the evening. He would hide in our driveway and jump out and scare people. He only did this to the older kids because Ang was insistent he not scare our little trick or treaters.

Halloween was nice, we laughed a lot and let loose. And I would like to mention that I beat everyone at Wii hula hoop:)

Weeks:43-46, a really tough post

Dearest Mason,

The past few weeks have been tough ones in our lives.

We have lost someone very near and dear to our hearts, your Grandma Nancy. You have been quite the trooper through all the hospital visits, the tears, the late nights, the go go go days, all the family and friends (some meeting you for the first time), and the planning and attending of a funeral for your grandma. You have kept us grounded, kept us smiling when the reality sets in that we lost someone we love so much at far to young an age. You even picked up and started walking during this time. Which is a reminder that life does march forward even when your heart is breaking.

Though you will not have physical memories of your grandma, your dad and I, Uncle Nick and Aunt Angela will be sure to keep her memory alive.


In your short 10 months you were loved without reservation by your grandmother and I know you now have a guardian angel.

When we first told Grandma the news that we were having a baby she literally screamed with excitement, she was so excited for dad and I to be parents. She loved being a mom and would always tell me "you have no idea the kind of love you will feel for that baby someday." She was right.

But she also told me she had no idea the love she would feel for a grandchild. She loves you as much as she loves your dad, Uncle Nick, and Aunt Angela.

Here she is when your dad was a baby. My goodness you look like your father.
I know raising her children were some of the happiest times in her life. I believe that was one of God's jobs for her here on earth.

Even when they were all grown up she looked forward to anytime she got to spend with them. She loved who they had become and that's because they are truly wonderful adults.

Your grandmother was a beautiful woman inside and out. She valued family greatly and lived her life always thinking of others.

She loved your grandpa Steve and spent 29 years of her life married to him.

She loved her parents, GG Larry and GG Bert and was truly the apple of their eye.

I feel blessed to be her daughter in law. From the beginning she welcomed me into the family as one of her own. We would talk weekly like old girlfriends about everything under the sun. She was a very funny person who could cook a mean green chili and bake a delicious pecan pie. She loved Holidays and giving gifts and she always made you feel special on your birthday. She loved the company of friends. She loved watching your Uncles and Aunt play sports. She hated to be cold and would constantly be trying to turn up the thermostat, even in the summer. In her youth she was a beautiful skier and a cheerleader. She attended the same highschool your dad graduated from, Arvada High. These are just a few tid bits that made up this amazing woman.

In the 7 years I spent knowing and loving your grandma a true friendship grew. I see bits of her everyday in her children and in you Mason. In a breath of time we will see her again but for now our work on earth is to continue, she would want you to live your life to the fullest always thinking of others and valuing your family, for family is what you have when the rest of the world goes dark. A mothers love never stops and grandmother's feel the same way.

Lastly, I love this picture of your grandma. She is only 18 or 19 in this picture and so radiant.

All my love,

Mom

Part 3: Family and a beautiful wedding

The remainder of our trip was spent in Banning where a lot of my dad's side of the family lives. It really is my second home and I have a lot of wonderful memories there. Both of my dad's sisters live there and a lot of my cousins. It is where Grandma June and Grandpa Seth lived, whom I miss so much.



We arrived the day before Kate and David's wedding and were excited to be included in the rehearsal dinner activities at my Aunt Kel's house.

It was a bit hotter in Banning than San Diego (by about 20 degrees) so as soon as we arrived we had to go for a quick dip next store at my Auntie Sue's and Uncle Bob's house. Our second cousin's Ethan and Haley were there swimming, what a nice after school activity. Grandma Sue picks them up a lot and they get to go have sweets and swim....

Mason loves other kids and all the cousins had so much fun together.

Grandpa Will had to get in on the swimming action. I think my dad was a fish in a previous life:) Our love for the water comes from both of my parents and I hope Mason can share the same joy.

After we got our swimming fix we headed back to Kelly's to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. I guess I was so excited to catch up with everyone that I forgot to take pictures (it could also have something to do with the whiskey and cokes I had what can I say we are a big Irish Family).

We finally got to meet sweet Karly Anne. My cousin Kelsie and her husband Ricky had their first baby two months after Mason was born. Its great because a lot of us have blogs so we are able to keep up with each other and we couldn't wait to meet Karly and kiss those sweet cheekies. She is one cute lil' bug. For the most part the two got along, I think Karly was more interested in being friends and Mason had to decide if he was game or not. Girls are so much more mature:)

Diaper time. Awww, we miss you Karly.

Karly is becoming quite mobile, I think the next time we see her Mason better watch out.

Just a silly picture of Mason getting into a house plant (have I mentioned he is into EVERYTHING?)

The morning of the wedding, our sexy little bride was excited the big day was finally here.

The wedding was about an hour away at a gorgeous little winery in Temecula. I love weddings and this one was truly beautiful.

Before the ceremony we took some photos. This is my Uncle Mike, whom I was named after, kind of. If I would have been a boy I would have been a Michael. Anyway he is my dad's only brother and the two of them are quite the comic duo. It was so great to see him and he loves kiddos so you can imagine how he gravitated to Karly and Mason.

Everyone was dressed for the affair....

Ethan look handsome as usual.

And Haley was gorgeous in her purple dress.

The flowers were spectacular.


Grandma and Grandpa were glowing and happy.

Mason was adorable.

The bridesmaids looked radiant and flower girls just darling.

The ring bearer, Owen was so cute and full of snails and puppy dog tails.

And of course the bride stole the show. Kate is such a graceful, kind and real person. She is the kind of girl you want as a friend. The two have dated since high school so David has been part of the family for a while, September 18th it became official. He is thoughtful, smart, and funny and they are perfect for each other.

My handsome husband.

Armstead Siblings: Mike, Sue, Kelly, and Will.

The bride and groom sharing a moment before they great all their guests.

The gorgeous couple.

A beautiful sunset on a lovely day.

Happy Trails to you....

Part two: San Diego

After flying into Orange County and getting the car with car seat rental we headed south to San Diego. I found a really great deal for a five star hotel for a quarter of the price. We stayed at the US Grant in the gas lamp district. The hotel was built in 1910 and recently underwent a 16 million dollar renovation, 10 US presidents have stayed there and the decor inside was gorgeous. So when we arrived shabby from traveling with 9 month in toe, we had to laugh. I had reserved a crib and they gave us a corner room (I am assuming to provide quietness for the rest of the guests). We were one happy family in that room.

Mason loved to play on our big bed.

We enjoyed sleeping in our big bed sans our son who slept very well in his crib near us.



There weren't many safety issues in the room so we let Mason go crazy and motor everywhere.

He was fascinated with the bathroom so we had to keep the door shut.

Both nights we were there we had dinner with Mike. He is such a good friend of ours and we love visiting with him. He was one of Matt's best men at our wedding. The first night we had a nice fish dinner on the water. Mason and I called it an early night so the boys could go watch the rest of the Rockies game at a nearby bar and catch up....but before they did I had to get a few photos.

Cerbo is not the most experienced with small kiddos but he can borrow ours anytime he wants to use him to pull ladies:) "Hey I'm just the kids uncle ladies."

The next morning we went to the San Diego Zoo. I have been to San Diego several times and never seem to get to the zoo. Finally we made it there and let me say it was AWESOME! Matt and I love having a kid and one of the reasons is you get to do all the fun kid stuff all over again. We rented a stroller and spent the entire day seeing the zoo. I think we saw 90% of it and got a workout too. For those who have not been it is very hilly.

There were a lot of monkeys.

This bear is from Asia and he reminded me of our chocolate lab Hunter.

We took a lot of animal pictures and I have made them into a book for Mason but I will not post all of them on here. The one animal we forgot to get a picture of was the mountain lion. We stood 3-feet from that amazing creature and I was mesmerized by its beauty and the fact I could run into one in my backyard.

That evening we headed to the beach to meet Mike and some of his friends who were playing a beach volleyball game. Matt and I LOVE the ocean and it was really cute to see how mysterious it seemed to Mason. The water was chilly so we only touched Mason toes.

My two handsome guys.

Matt is doing a Baywatch pose and really that is ocean spray on his pants.

The next morning we ventured around the city a bit on foot and found a neat little city market to have breakfast.

Mason is so serious about his food, he gets that from his mom.

The boys in front of our hotel.

After breakfast we packed up and headed east to Banning where my family lives, a 1.5 hour drive. We enjoyed our San Diego trip immensely and we look forward to going back when Mason is older.

Next post is family and wedding photos!!!

Week 41 and 42: Car wreck and Part 1 of our trip

The day before we left for California we had to go and release my car. It is officially "totalled." It was kind of sad. It was the first car I bought and helped me get where I needed to be the last 5 years (kind of the point of a car, right?) The most important part is that Mason, myself and the driver of the other vehicle are fine.

The F250 I hit definitely won that battle.

Our trip to California was refreshing, wonderful, and surprisingly easy. I have so many pictures that I am going to post in a few parts. We decided to go without car seat and stroller...risky but it worked out fine.

We let Mason go crazy in the airport prolonging his morning nap.

After he was nice and tired we submerged him in hand sanitizer and boarded. We are big believers that kids can read your mood (much like your pets) so we decided for our first time traveling we would be positive and easy going. It seemed to work.

He slept during take off and for the first 45 minutes. He woke refreshed so we pulled out our bag of tricks....all worked beautifully EXCEPT for the sucker. It was everywhere. He also had a massive blowout on decent and we had to sit on the tarmac for 20 minutes for our gate to open, a little stinky. All in all both airplane trips were easy. Next post in a few days, San Diego:)