Uncle Cory's Visit

Uncle Cory (my "little" brother) came all the way from New York to visit us the first week in August! We were sooo excited to have him here, and so grateful he was willing to spend his hard-earned summer money on a trip to the HOT desert! Caden and Dallin had a blast playing with their uncle and joining in on all the fun activities. We spent a day in Sedona doing some hiking, shopping, and taking in the beautiful scenery around us. Caden LOVED hiking up the mountains and of course, THROWING ROCKS!!

Dallin can't wait for the hiking to begin!!

The boys: Caden, Daddy, Dallin, and Cory

Sedona's beautiful views.. the pictures don't do it justice, but they are truly breathtaking!

Caden's rocks- he insisted on carrying them everywhere, even up the steepest parts of the hike! Then when he found the ideal location, he threw them down the mountain and promptly found two new rock companions to carry.

Cory and Laurie taking a break to pose...

Uncle Cory helping Caden...

Our little family enjoying a beautiful day.

We enjoyed spending time with our Aunt Kathy and Uncle David from Tempe, who treated us to a night at Peter Piper Pizza. Caden was beyond thrilled! He really got "into" the games....

Caden and Dallin have some fun!!
Of course the boys had to get in a day at the golf course to make the week complete. They were brave to battle a heat advisory of 114 degrees and a tee time of 10:00 am!! They had a great time nonetheless!

Justin and Cory.. before the rivalry begins!

Justin and Spencer... before the Becks move to Colorado. We'll miss you guys!

Cory perfecting his swing.

Justin hoping for an eagle!

The course....
Caden had the most fun playing with his Uncle Cory. They played games in the back yard, watched lots of "Cars", and got lots of reading time in. We're so glad the boys got to hang out with their awesome uncle.


Come back soon Cory!

Jennell and Mauli's Wedding

On July 18, 2009, Justin's sister Jennell was married to Mauli Hodge at the Mesa Temple. It was a quick engagement, but the wedding and reception turned out beautifully. We were up late the night before setting up all the decorations, but the boys were troopers! They had a blast running around the church with their cousins until almost midnight. Justin and I were so happy to be a part of their ceremony in the temple. We had family pictures outside afterwards (I have to note the 115 degree temperature at 3:00 pm!), but the photographer did a great job and got us in and out quickly. Thanks Boyd!
The boys had fun dancing and running around at the reception. It's great to have Dallin walking around and able to hold his own! We are so happy for Jennell and Mauli and wish them lots of love and happiness together!


Caden with some sweet moves!

Daddy and his boys....


Dallin is enjoying the party!



Marcus and Caden.. cousins forever

Caden turns 2!!

Our little man is growing up! It's hard to believe Caden is officially 2 years old! We'll probably say that every year from here on out, but time sure does fly. We are so grateful to have been blessed with such a curious, fun, and lively little boy. It's fascinating to watch his little mind work as he explores the world around him. It amazes us how his vocabulary has developed in such a short period of time. Our favorite phrases are: "I yike this song", "Go hockey game", "I wuv mommy", and "fight daddy." HIS favorite phrases are: "No, I do it" and "I don't WANT to."
Caden's birthday party was a blast and he enjoyed spending time with his family. We were especially happy to have Papa and Jean make the trek from Tucson. Here is Caden helping Daddy mow the lawn in preparation for the big celebration.

Caden checks out his birthday cake!
Lovin all these presents!

Caden tries on his new baseball helmet!

Thanks for the squirt guns, Aunt Stacia!

Thank you to all our family and friends who came to share in Caden's special day! We love you Caden!

Halloween Happiness

Caden and Dallin received a Halloween package today from Grandma and Grandpa in New York. Caden was so exicted, he could hardly wait to dig right in!

He was especially exicted about the Halloween flashlight that plays spooky sounds. He is always trying to steal Daddy's flashlight, so it was a perfect gift!


He also got some sweet new coloring books! Caden is just starting to enjoy sitting down using his very own crayons. They're the "twisty" kind of course, because he tries to eat them. He's already put them to good use!


A final Halloween surprise was a book with Elmo playing basketball. Caden loves basketball! You can see his delight as he realizes the book is all HIS! He is mouthing the word "hoop" to those that are wondering...



Dallin loved the special gifts as well, but took a particular liking to the Halloween candy bag. A sweet tooth like his mommy! He enjoyed a good game of peek-a-boo with it!
Finally, I told Caden to give Grandma and Grandpa his best "thank you" pose. When he matter of factly told me "no", I bribed him with an icee. This is what I got...

THANKS FOR THE GREAT PRESENTS GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!

Dallin at 4 months

Our little guy is 4 months old today! He is very close to rolling over and has started eating "solids." With a little oatmeal in his nighttime bottle, he usually sleeps until 5:30 or 6 am. I REALLY like that part of him growing up! He is still handsome, happy, and plump! He weighs in at 16 lbs even and is 25 inches long. He is really starting to notice his big brother, who can always seem to get a smile out of him! A few of Dallin's favorite things are: looking outside, getting tickled, pulling Mommy's hair, watching Caden, talking, bath time, being a "big boy" with Daddy, eating, and being naked! We love our little Dallin!

Pumpkin Carve-Off 2008

We hosted the 4th Annual Ramirez Pumpkin Carve-off at our house this weekend. The rules were simple- Bring your own pumpkin and Bring it on! We enjoyed a frightfully delicious feast and the company of one another!
Jaden, Chandra, Ashley, Caden, Justin, Jaela, Amara, and Buckabizzle
Jalen, Tata, Marissa, Nana, Leara, Stacia, Jaren, Lauren, and Jennell
Aunt Ashley helping Caden dig in!
Megan, Kristen, and Mason
Check out some of the creative carvings!
Laurie's Cat and Justin's Witch
Caden's Goblin (so appropriate...!)
Marissa, Lauren, and Kristen's
Dallin's Happy Face and Chandra's Spider web
David's Witch
Caden blowing out all the candles!
We only had one small mishap, when Justin's brother, David, cut right through his finger!


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!