Ready To Rock!

This is Collin's (and Mommy's) friend Gabe. Gabe studies music at School of Rock in Sandy with all of these guys (and girls):

There's something you should know about Gabe... for a 13 year old, he is completely AMAZING! He comes by it honestly, his mom is completely amazing too. He has such a big heart and is so concerned for everyone else. This year, School of Rock did a Live Aid - Remade show. If you were around in the 80's, you might remember the original. Nationally, the proceeds went to help Haiti, locally, Gabe and his friends wanted to make a difference for people they knew. They asked if the money could be donated to Bel Haiti (the organization that is building a children's village for Collin's friends who are still in Haiti). We were thrilled. But they didn't stop there. They invited all of the kids that came home from Haiti this year to come to school to learn to play the instruments. Collin of course went straight for the drums:

The headphones had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes, but he didn't want to take them off

The kids had a chance to play any instrument they wanted and the students were THRILLED to teach/help/dodge way-ward drumsticks! When he got tired of the drums, Collin decided to play the...fan? I have no idea, but it was pretty cute. Especially with the ear plugs hanging out of his ears.

And of course, there is always time for some cool shades. Thanks Lydon!

At the end of the week, the school put on their Live Aid concert for the public, and the kids got to be a part of it. Twice. Gabe (and fellow School of Rocker's), thanks for all of your hard work and huge hearts and thanks for taking care of people so far away that you will probably never meet. It's an experience we will never forget! I'm so grateful that Collin has so many examples of selflessness, generosity and service around him.

Fun At The Zoo!

At the end of the summer we decided to go visit the zoo. Collin was so excited to see the new baby elephant Zuri. He did get a little jealous when Zuri and her mom started to play with the ball and Collin couldn't join in.

Mommy made the mistake of pointing out the carousel at the beginning of our visit, (oops, but in my defense, I didn't think he'd know what it was or have ANY interest in riding it) so after the 237th, (I might be rounding up, but not by much), time of telling him "we'll ride it in a minute", I gave in and bought the ticket. He picked the walrus. Yeah, I have no idea why...

Believe it or not, he's not completely terrified, this is actually his "happy Collin" face. I know, we're working on it...

After a little more walking, we opted for a train ride through the rest of the zoo. And by the rest of the zoo, I mean the last itty bitty corner that we handed already covered on foot, pushing a stroller. That might have been Collin's favorite part. He LOVES trains.

I can't decide which was having more fun, Collin seeing the animals up close for the first time, or Mommy watching his reaction. Seriously, how DO you explain a rhinoceros to a 2 year old Haitian?

Family Time

This summer, Collin and I went to an awesome church activity. We learned about temples and then got to build our own out of marshmallows. Here is our finished product:

Yes, I know it bears a striking resemblance to the Swamp Thing. I would have done better, but my construction manager kept eating our supplies. We also got to take some fun family photos.

Collin will climb ANYTHING, including people, as long as they standing still for a few seconds.

He also figured out, rather quickly, what happened when he looked at the camera and he wanted no part of it.

Finally we got a cute one. Special thanks to Kristin's boys for pretending to wrestle in front of him to make him laugh. What a fun day!

All Decked Out

Collin had a special day a few months ago. It was blessing day. Grandma-Great wanted to give him a blessing outfit. No big deal for an infant, but a little harder to find for a two year old, especially the day before a holiday. In the end, we found this:

Yeah, that cheesy little grin made makes me giggle too.

The next day, Grandpa gave him a special blessing (A free spirit Grandpa? Really??) Then all of our family came over for a special lunch. Yet another moment that I was reminded of what a blessing it is to be this little boys mommy! I love you so much baby boy!

Happy Fourth of July!

We've been busy this summer. Over the July 4th, weekend, we joined Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Jed and Grandma-Great at the cabin in Bear Lake. Right before we left, mommy's friend Jenn gave Collin a Lightning McQueen bike, so we thought we'd bring it along. His feet don't reach the pedals quite yet, but he doesn't let that stop him.

Of course, it wasn't all fun and games. There was also work to be done. Collin was all set to lend a hand.

Yeah, they probably fit Grandpa a little better.

Grandma got Collin his very own wheelbarrow so he could help the big boys.

But when the work was done, there was always time for fun. Collin loves the swing. And if you look really close, there's a smile on Uncle Jed's face too!

Thanks for all the fun Grandma's, Grandpa and Uncle Jed!

My Little Hero

A couple of months ago, we went to the doctor because Collin's tummy was hurting him. Two months later, we've been to Primary Children's three times, 4 different doctors and been diagnosed with the following: Giardia, parasites (there's a surprise...), H-pylori (a stomach bug that causes stomach pain, cramping, bleeding and ulcers), a heart murmur, a domed aortic something or other (it has a name, but I can't remember it and the cardiologist told me it was nothing to be too concerned about) a hernia that needs surgery, a possible aversion to all dairy products, and a cold. And yet, this is the side of Collin we generally see.


He doesn't let anything get him down. Collin, you are such an inspiration to me. I am so proud of you and so grateful to be your mommy. Thank you for reminding me every day of the kind of person I want to be. I promise, we will get you all better soon. I can't wait to see how much more fun you have in your new little world when you finally feel good! I think I'd better start resting up now...

A Little Bonding...

It's no secret that at the moment, there isn't a daddy in our home. Sometimes, (okay, most times) I feel a little bad that Collin doesn't get to experience father son bonding moments yet so, on occasion, I try to make it up to him a little. Admittedly, I'm a poor excuse for the ruggedly outdoorsy, manly type, but at least we both have fun! Along that line, I give you... Our first (yep, mine too) trip to Cabella's. What? It seemed like a "manly" thing to do...

First we started with lunch. Okay, that part might be girly, but if you know what happens when you drag a hungry 2-year old through a VERY large department store, you'll agree that I had no choice.


After our bellies were full, and Collin had patiently given "5" and "stones" to every one passing by that thought he was darling (it happens a lot cuz, well, he is), we started to wander around. I kinda wish someone had told me about THIS little guy before we got there:


As it was, Collin, who was running full throttle in front of me, turned the corner, stopped dead in his tracks, screamed and jumped into my arms. :) Apparently, polar bears on TV and in books are cute and cuddly, but angry polar bears? Not a fan.

After a little more wandering, we came upon this little fellow:


Collin was more than happy to sit in his lap and pose for mommy. Also a girlie thing to do, but give me a break, I'm trying!

Next up? I think we'll try fishing. Or, maybe I'll just leave that to grandpa and the uncles...