We're tight

Yes, this is David Archuleta. And yes, he wears skinny jeans. Perhaps this isn't the best picture of him, but it's definitely him. I know because... I met him!

I played in his concert on Friday night (12/9) in Blackfoot, ID. I played... viola. First time I have opened the case since we moved here. Sad. Anyway, since I never play the viola, I didn't have a mute, which I needed for every single piece. Apparently, a dollar bill works just as well.

It was cool. It would have been cooler if we had gotten paid, but still cool enough. At least they paid us in pizza!

Halloween for the Heywoods 2011

For Halloween, we went trick-or-treating just around our neighborhood. Brady enjoyed it much more than last year, and Benson was carried around by us, just snuggling the whole time. Brady was dressed as a dragon, and Benson a dog. I made Benson's costume. The whole time I was sewing that puppy I was flying by the seat of my pants. I did the ears twice, and at the last minute decided to whip up some poorly fitting slippers. Oh well, he didn't need to walk in them. It turned out pretty well, except the length- I was using an outfit that was a little too short for a pattern. I thought I had cut it longer than the outfit, but I guess not. Anyway, we had a great time. Whenever given a choice, Brady always chose a sucker. So, thankfully, we ended up with very little chocolate! (because we all know who ends up eating it...)

Brothers

This was a LONG time ago, but as you know, I haven't really been faithful to my blog lately. This was one of those times when Benson had been crying for a few minutes, and Richard and I (shamefully) were pretending not to hear. When we finally decided to check, this is what we found. An emptied toy basket, over just Benson's head. A bandana spread across him like a blanket, and Brady taking a lesson from his parents, pretending not to hear the cries. Shame, shame.

I know it's blurry, but I love that Benson has Brady's feet.

Just playing

Sorry for their nakedness- but they're just so darn cute. Check out Benson's rolls. They're getting bigger daily. And Brady's are getting smaller. *sniff, sniff*

I'm told they'll be great friends someday. For now, sometimes they are, and sometimes Benson ends up with a toy bucket on his head. We'll get there.

On an important note- Brady is potty-training! We haven't been real consistent with getting him to try sitting on his potty, but lately, he's really been getting the hang of it! Today, we broke down and bought a pack of pull-ups, because his diaper is on and off so much. He ran in the kitchen today, no pants, and said, "Mommy, come see my tiny stinky diaper!" Indeed, it was a tiny, stinky... He was rewarded with a tootsie roll for that rather than the usual 2 marshmallows. (hee, hee)

Getting Dirty

Brady was throwing dirt up in the air, and when it landed on his face, he would brush it off. When we showed him the pictures, he touched his face like he couldn't believe that was what he really looked like.

Several times during the summer, Richard was digging holes for one reason or another in the backyard. Brady loved to tag along and "help."

That Famous Preston Night Rodeo (google it!)

Cute

Brady and cousin Eli. (Eli is more than 2 years older, yet they are VERY close in size...) Eli let Brady wear his hat so he could be a "real cowboy"

These are from the Rodeo Clown Round-Up. Brady got to be led around on a horse by one of the rodeo princesses. (no, not me...)

We loved the rodeo that night, and are so glad we live near Justin and Mindy so that we can make it a tradition for a few years!

Twenty-Seven {27} amazing things

Oh Richard- there are many (MANY) amazing things that I love about you. But, today I will stick to only 27...

1) You are a VERY hard worker

2) You live to serve

3) You went back to school, even though you never really wanted to

4) You are an amazing student (especially considering #3)

5) You are finally the age I was when we got married (hehehe)

6) You let me claim your age as my own...

7) You are an AMAZING father

8) You love to wrestle with Brady, and eventually with Benson

9) You are so sweet with Benson

10) You are considerate

11) You are an awesome husband

12) You feel responsible to provide for our family

13) You have a testimony

14) You are great at budgeting

15) You are handsome (well, hot, actually)

16) You love your family

17) You love my family

18) You love me

19) You treat me like you love me

20) You want, and truly believe you'll get, an orange corvette someday

21) You want to go on many humanitarian trips

22) You want a bunch of kids

23) You are outgoing

24) You like to be spontaneous

25) You get excited when you get to punch the gas

26) You love playing basketball

27) You're married to me! I'm so lucky!

Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you so much!

Brady is 2!

Here is the past year at a (very quick) glance...

At Disneyland

In his toddler bed for the first night (he's now back in the crib...)

being a sweet big brother

Wearing his "glasses"

With his beautiful Aunts Kristalyn and Morgan

Playing with his first dandelion

First haircut (I'm still sad those curls are gone...)

Batman for Halloween (now he'll sing his own theme song, although he wouldn't then)

taking delight in his toys

New big brother

playing with daddy

I can't believe this sweet boy is already 2. What a joy he brings to our lives! We are amazed every day at how fast he picks up on everything. His speech improves every day, and he is just so funny! He wakes up every morning saying "mommy-out!!!" over and over. What a sweet heart! We love you, buddy! Happy Birthday!