Bella

This is our surprise new dog, Bella. Matt decided to get rid of his Xbox and was having a hard time deciding what to do with the money he got for it. A salt water fish tank? Too expensive. An iguana? Too big. A lizard? Yes! So he set off to pick out a lizard with the boys. However, the Humane Society was at Petsmart and there she was, an "awesome" 8 month old pit bull, boxer mix. How could he resist? Jack is having a little trouble getting used to her but he's doing better than both of us thought he would. She is so much nicer than Jack and the kids love to play with her.
Zac started walking about 3 weeks ago and we are so proud! These videos are of him and Jack "going out on a limb" to catch bubbles.

Ringing in the New Yard

With this years tax return we had some landscaping done. It doesn't look that spectacular with the grass still being yellow and trees barren but we think it's a vast improvement (and so do the neighbors!) There's still more we want to do but it'll have to wait. For now, we can't wait to get some marshmallows roasting in the fire pit! Here are the before/after pics:



Back Yard:

The yellow bark area is for a swing set we're hoping to get this year.

Front Yard:

Grandma and Pop Pop Fusano came to play for a few days this past weekend. Porter and Zac had so much fun and niether of them liked seeing them leave. We went to the aquarium and the boys took sled rides around the backyard which they loved. Porter is already plotting our next play date with his "friends" even though it will be a few months out.

Well, we're a little behind with the blogging. I've been a little crazy trying to get things under my belt with my new church calling (2nd counselor in the young women's program) and with birthdays and the holidays. But I've finally made time to get these pictures on here.

Porter is starting to earn a little cash when he does a big job for me. As soon as he gets it we're off to the store to buy a 97 cent Hot Wheels car.

Little Zac is now a big one hear old! He is still only crawling but he's started to take on the stairs and is anxious to get his point across by pointing and grunting.

Matt also had a birthday and is now a decrepit 30 year old. :) I threw a dinky surprise party for him but didn't get any pictures.

And here are our two little apple snatchers. Porter sneaks them from the fridge all the time and sometimes he'll even share with Zac.

Family Pics 2009

We had our friend, Mindy Black, take our family pictures again this year. We had a heck of a time getting Porter to be still and smile so in a lot of them you can see the strain in our faces but we got a few good ones that will make it to our walls and that's all we needed! Any grandma's or aunts that would like me to print you off any of these for your home viewing pleasure just let me know... Enjoy!

Mommy's Day

The day after my birthday, since he was working the day of, Matt dedicated the day to me and I was able to do whatever I felt like. I look forward to this every year...

I opted to get pumpkins from a pumpkin patch, go to Gardner Village and eat fudge, and do the traditional lunch at Arctic Circle, which I've been doing since I can remember. Later Matt took me to dinner and to Curtains at Hale Center Theater. Here are some pics from the day. And for those of you who don't check the blog very often, don't miss Porter's birthday post after this one.

I also have to thank my wonderful sister, Angie, for making my actual birthday feel like an actual birthday with cake, dinner and everything. She's amazing! My favorite part of that day was blowing out pretend candles with Porter.

Happy Birthday Porter!

Porter just turned 3 and we were able to celebrate his birthday with both our families this year. We took a trip to California and went to Disney Land and saw Mickey Mouse, then we went to a family reunion where we played games and had a blow up slide, and finally we ended by having a joint birthday party with a pinata! Needless to say by the time we got home we were exhausted!Both of his birthday parties were shared with cousins so we figure 2 half parties make a whole... For the birthday in Utah I made a train cake since both boys are into trains.

Porter and Zac love taking baths together now and Mommy loves cleaning the floor and walls after they're done.

Sunny California

We went to California a couple of weeks ago to visit my parents. We went to the beach, saw some seals, and had a nice relaxing trip. It was a great break from packing/moving and was good to see my family. The best part by far was when Umpa (my grandpa) got his finger pinched by a crab he was messing with and it caught him by surprise. It was hilarious! Here are a few pictures from our trip.