Yet another attempt at a second car . . .

We haven't had the best luck in the transportation department, what with the scooter being stolen and the miata being totaled, but we thought we'd give it another go.
Rather than get another two seater, Peter found me the best mom car ever! We feel like we are on our way to being grown ups now, purchasing something like this. But it is such a cute car and we both love it.


It is a 2006 Ford Escape in just about perfect condition. I think baby Andrew will appreciate it.

The miata has gone the way of all the earth

Tragedy has struck our family, in that Peter's baby is totaled. He went on a ride with a friend after church and next thing he knew, the car was upside down next to a park. It started with catching some air on a dip in the road, which then sent the car wild. It got sideways and hit a pole, and then a fire hydrant, which eventually flipped them. While both the driver and Peter survived with hardly a scratch (we are counting our blessings), our little miata did not. Peter called me to come pick him up and this is the sight I saw when I arrived.



As you can see, the car is now a pancake. In the next picture you can see how far the fire hydrant was dragged. Kind of surprising that no water gushed out! Also, the city was nice enough to send a bill to our insurance to fix it.



Here you can see how the windshield just completed bent but provided just enough of a cushion for the boys to get out. Peter was able to get out by himself but the driver had a hard time getting his seatbelt undone and was cut out by the fire department.


And finally, the car after the tow guy flipped it.


It is really sad to see this car go but we are so grateful Peter was safe and watched over!

Hawaii: Take 1--Things Peter Caught

So my spry, handsome husband and I went to Hawaii for a babymoon/anniversary trip. And while I managed to lose many things, he managed to catch many more. So we just about evened out.
In this picture he is "catching" a miniature horse with one of my many snacks that I brought with us. Hopefully he likes fiber one bars! It was super random to see this horse on the Road to Hana and we also bought some amazing banana bread on this stop. (this was not shared with the horse)


On our last day, we went to the beautiful island of Lanai where we saw the funniest crabs that could only run sideways. Probably the funniest thing ever was watching Peter and these crabs dance around while he tried to catch them. As you can see in the picture, this guy isn't too happy and about 5 seconds after this picture gave Peter a good pinch.


During some snorkeling (after I lost my snorkel set for the 2nd time in a wave, only to have Peter recover it shortly thereafter) he found a rock with a few sea urchins in it. I think we both also lost our sunglasses on this beach in a wave, but found those as well.


By far the scariest thing that Peter caught was Herpies in the eye. Yup, herpies. So after some pain, an eyepatch, and an emergency room visit, his infection started to get better and he is now 100%.


Near where we were staying was Iao Valley, which had a need lava needle that was previously used by warriors to watch for enemies. Just as cool as the lava needle was the dozens of chickens running all over. Which, of course, we chased like crazy.


Also on the Road to Hana we caught some delicious bananas covered with spiders. Yummy!


More to come on our trip later, but it was such a blast.

You Spin Me Right Round Baby Right Round

Today was Peter's inaugural Autocross event. Auto crossing is a race against the clock to see who can get the best time around a course that's set up with cones. There are different classes for different engine sizes, type of tires, etc.

Here's my 6th of 8 runs:



Wow, what happened and how did I end up facing the wrong way!? This next one was my last and final one. Time around the course was 65:457, which I was thrilled with. Even managed to keep it pointed the right way!



Unfortunately for Emily, I have a new found love (third love, I guess, behind Emily and baby). This is only the first of many auto crosses that she'll likely be dragged out to. Maybe after the baby comes, we'll put Em behind the wheel!

It's a girl! At least, we are 75% sure it is . . .

Our doctor appointment was a little over 2 weeks ago, and since our little baby decided to be modest (or just is really really comfortable sitting Indian style) the doctor had quite the time trying to get a peek at the goods. We kept jiggling her around and doing everything possible--he even left for 20 min and let me walk around for a while, but in the end, we are left with a 75% answer. Here is a pic of how big she (okay, really me) has gotten:

And apparently I am carrying super super low and my belly button doesn't quite seem to agree. I think Peter carries the pregnant look off much better:
Even though we aren't positive she's a girl (even as I call her a she), I could not resist a stop at baby Gap. Some of the darling clothes I got her:
More cute clothes she can wear for a week:
Girl or boy, we are so excited! My next appointment is in about 10 days and we should have the final verdict then.

Austin, TX

So Peter and I were feeling spontaneous the other weekend, and it was nice weather, so we took a road trip in the miata (yes, with the top down) to Austin. Since we have been Texans for almost a year now, I guess it was time to visit the capital.

This is us in front of some of the beautiful buildings at University of Texas. It is a really cool and huge campus--stretched out a lot further than BYU but with a lot less stairs.
We actually had to take this picture quite a few times because Peter kept saying I was doing a "fake smile". (probably true, i am no good at pictures) I'm sure all the college kids thought we were nuts.

Peter has recently cut his hair, so it is good we have this shot to remember it! We went to a restaurant called the Oasis that sits over Lake Travis and in the evenings there is the most gorgeous view of the sunset.
Another at the same place . . .
Our Kayak adventure (not sure which river/lake) where Peter did almost entirely all the paddling. (pregnant ladies shouldn't exert themselves too much, haha)
Some turtles that we scared while kayaking
This statue was funny, because Peter goes, "That is a fierce looking lady." I look at the name plate and it is a statue of Stephen Austin. Whoops! You can't help but admire his curls, though.
A shot of the inside of the capitol building. I have never seen so many Texas stars in my life! And did you know that Texas is the only state where they are allowed to fly the state flag as high as the nation's flag?
An outside shot of the capitol on the beautiful spring day that it was.

BABY!!

Most of you probably already know, but I am with child. And we are so excited! So excited in fact, that when we went out and bought a bedroom set for said child (we got a killer deal), we stayed up until 1 putting it together that night.

Or more correctly, I attempted to help and made a mess while Peter put the furniture together. But it is great! It is the first official thing we have bought for the baby and now I can't wait to put little clothes in the drawers and little diapers on the shelves.
Our crib, currently bedding-less.
Hooray for babies!