the next day, it snowed.

After Max's afternoon nap, he's usually NOT in the best mood. I usually try to remedy this with a change of pace. We walk over to a neighbor's house, play at the playground, whatever. Today being no exception, we just needed to get OUT, despite the fact it was raining a little. 

He perked right up at the mention of going outside.

Unfortunately, by the time he was bundled up and we got Max and his car outside, it was starting to snow. But I thought, since we were out there, why not just see what happens.

This happened. The funny thing is, I think he was more mad that I was in his way trying to take a picture than he was about the snow. Regardless, we went in.

He didn't like that idea one bit. 

Maybe tomorrow will be better, little guy. 

Sunshiney Day

Today was JUST what I needed. 82 degrees. Good friends. Shopping. Fun. 

Laci, Chelsea and I (not to mention our slew of munchkins) went on down to the Gateway for little fun in the city. We spent like 50 hours at Forever 21, where our children all went psycho (seriously I think the sales associates were ready to murder us), there was no air conditioning, and we took many trips in and out and up and down the elevator. For the record, Forever 21 has no elevator or escalator, meaning that if you are a stroller clad mama like myself, you pick out clothes on the first level, start a room, go outside to the elevator, enter the upper level F21, pick out more clothes, send an associate down with your clothes or run downstairs while a friend watches your rugrat, and then go back out and down the elevator. Nightmare. Heaven forbid you grab the WRONG size. Oh and did I mention they have no bathroom? Poor Navi had to pee. Twice. Poor Laci had to take her to old navy. Twice. But in the end, it was so worth it. We loaded UP!

After melting off a good 20 pounds in the store (at least we will look fab in our new clothes) we hit the fountains! Sweet relief. Kids out, cooled off, we sat. 

At first, 

she watched. 

he watched. 

And then, 

she got brave

and soaked. 

And he

got brave, and a little wet. 

p.s. I look wretched and giant in the above photo. Don't judge me. 

Not EVERYONE was too sure about the water. 

But Lauren (I think? Why can I never tell them apart in pictures!? I swear I can in person.) had a blast running around the outside and clapping for really good bursts of water. It was hilarious!

After that we shopped some more and ate cookies. Because no outing is complete with out a little chocolate chip love. 

Thanks girls for the crazy fun day. Love ya. 

Children's Museum with the Rands Boys/ Tylerisms

On Monday, Max and I went to the children's museum with Tyler (who was more excited than Max) and my Dad ( who was a very good sport). As soon as we got there Tyler went NUTS, running wild all over the place! I loved it. He was way too excited to check out one room at a time. So after about a half hour of sprinting here there and everywhere, he seemed to have an idea of the best rooms, and spent most of his time playing in the ball room and at the water center.

 Max was pretty chill, unfortunately he's a little too small for much of what the museum has to offer, but give him six months, it's going to be a whole new ball game. I'm thinkin' season passes. So fellow moms, let's unite in pass purchasing this fall. What a perfect winter outing!
Dad and Ty, thank you so much for coming out to stay with us last week. We had a blast! I love you guys. Thanks for the fun. 

....Scroll down for a GREAT Tyler stories....

{climbing}

{sliding}

{Max and "pops" as I like to call him}

{my brother Tyler. He's the best.}

There are of course, numerous moments of every day you spend with Tyler when you would like to just laugh forever at some of the things that come out of Tyler's mouth. Every time he speaks to Max, he calls him "Maxwell" or "little buddy" it melts me. Especially when he scoops him up and talks to him face to face and tells him that he is a handsome little prince. We miss this guy already!

I have narrowed it down to the TOP TWO Tyler moments of the trip. 

{THE LONG GOODBYE ... or so he thought.}

On sunday, we went down to Provo to be a part of Jordan's big day- he was ordained an elder!

We spent some time afterward just shooting the breeze in the lounge area of Stover Hall, which is so chic by the way (but it was the only place I was allowed).

We talked about Jordan's upcoming mission, where he will go, how he will open his call, what we're going to do with his stuff when he leaves. You know. The usual.  Then we talked about who would be the most upset when we said our final goodbyes to Jord. All votes go to mom, but Mackenzie and I came in second, and Dad said he would cry, but not fall apart (like the girls). We then Turned to Tyler.

"Ty, are you going to cry when you say goodbye to Jordan before his mission?"

"mmmm, No." (nonchalantly)

"why not?"

"Because I'll see him real soon" (in his typical singsongy voice)

We then explain that when Jord goes on his mission, that we won't see or talk to him for TWO YEARS. He accepts our explanation, seemingly unfazed. 

Later Jordan walks us out to the car. Everyone says their goodbyes, leaving Tyler and Jordan. 

Let me paint a picture for you. 

My two brothers. About the same height, Tyler in one of his usual Adidas get ups. Jordan in his usual button up and skinny jeans. They stand about a foot away from eachother, hands straight down at their sides. They each have this funny little smirky smiles on their faces. It's a Tyler face. 

"Goodbye Tyler"

"Goodbye Jordan"

 

...pause...

"See you in two years!" (upbeat)

I LITERALLY CANNOT REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I LAUGHED THIS HARD. I think I almost fell over. For real. We all about died trying to suck in some air as we laughed and explained that he didn't have to say goodbye to Jordan for his mission yet. HILLARIOUS, SWEET, SILLY BROTHER, I LOVE YOU. How boring life would be without you to entertain us!

Ok, sorry. I'm so tired. I will have to save story #2 for tomorrow.