Caleb's Dun Dun Party

Since Mommy was under the weather for Caleb's 2nd birthday, we planned on having a birthday party a few weeks later to celebrate our cute little man. We've know for months and months that his next birthday party had to be a Star Wars party, or "Dun Dun" as Caleb calls it. Mommy had lots of fun planning and preparing for this party.We had such a great evening!

 Mommy made Light Saber cupcakes, Princess Leia cupcakes, and Storm Trooper cupcakes

 Mommy made some Tie Fighters to hang as decorations and we planned all the food around Star Wars characters or place. 

 We had Cantina chicken sandwiches with Leia buns, tie fighter pasta salad, Padowan potato salad, Chewy chips, Vader veggies, Droid dip, Boba fruit, and we even had Han Solo in carbonite Jell-O. 

 I attempted to make X wing fighters and Tie fighters out of vegetables. 

 Caleb was hilarious to watch opening his presents. He would open one and refuse to put it down. Until he got a peek at the next present Mommy would start to open, then he would throw the present in his hand on the floor and quickly try to unwrap the new present. His facial expressions and reactions to everything were so fun to watch!

 While he was trying out his new, cozy chair, a special visitor came walking down the stairs! Caleb's first reaction was totally amazed and quite excited. Then Darth Vader got closer, and suddenly Caleb wasn't quite as excited. 

 Someone threw Caleb a light saber and he immediately turned it on and held it up to defend himself. It was so funny!!

 He did not want to be close to Darth Vader at all. The closer we made him go, the more he fussed and tried to run away. 

 It was so nice of Uncle Ben to make Caleb's birthday party so fun! Another favorite part of our evening, was when Caleb put on a Kylo Ren mask and ran around trying to use the force on everyone. 

 He was excited to blow out his candles and since he did such a good job blowing candles out on his actual birthday, we didn't think he'd have a problem this time around. But instead of blowing he kept spitting. And then he couldn't figure out why the flame wouldn't go out. So he would spit harder. Soon we had some nice, drooly spit falling down his chin onto his cupcake. Eventually, he spit hard enough to get his candles out!

Check out that drool....we saved those cupcakes just for him!

 It was such fun party and he had so much fun with everyone! 

 He got some pretty fun stuff! He loves all his new Kachow's and Dun Dun's.

 The next morning he was still on a birthday high. He drove Gwen crazy with his light sabers and broke in his new chair. He's the cutest two year old around!! Happy 2nd Birthday, Little Man!!

Tessa's Baptism Day

On September 3rd, Tessa was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a beautiful day and we were so excited to spend the day celebrating Tessa and her decision to be baptized. She looked beautiful in her white dress. She was sick the night before, so a lot of prayers were offered in her behalf so she would feel well enough for her day. She was up in the middle of the night asking Daddy for a blessing so she would feel better. We all breathed a sigh of relief when she woke up feeling better and ready to get baptized!

We attempted some family pictures, but between Mommy's ridiculous smile and uncooperative children, this was the best we got. 

 Tessa said the water was so warm. Uncle Ben and Uncle Alex were her witnesses. She said she felt so happy when she came out of the water. She was also very emotional after her confirmation. She was fighting to keep the tears back. She said she was just so happy. 

Tessa was so happy to have our family there to support her. She was able to get a picture with everyone who came!

Ma and Pa-Pa gave the talk on the Holy Ghost

Cooper and Presley Gallegos (and Kristin)

 Uncle Alex

 Uncle Ben and Aunt Clarissa

 The Troncale's-Michael, Kathleen and Kelsey

 Scott and Maggie

 Aunt Katy-Katy gave the closing prayer

 Aunt Gillian, Uncle Matt, and Gia (and Gillian's mom)

 Ares and Uncle Danny 

 Dee and Eddie-Dee played the piano for us

 Tessa shared her baptism and program with Abby Valdez

 Aunt Jodi saved Mommy and did Tessa's hair before the baptism. It held up beautifully all day-even after going under the water.

 We were glad to have a nice luncheon with our family and friends after the baptism. Mommy did lots of cooking for it and was so happy to get to do something special for Tessa. It was such a wonderful day for our family!

What's Been Happening...

Things around our house are pretty slow and mellow these days while Mommy is recovering and has very little energy. Here are some shots from the last couple of weeks. 

Caleb hates when Daddy leaves for work. His go-to spot for pouting is on the side of the fridge. 

 After 4 weeks of using these, Mommy finally got upgraded to a straw and I can now take my bands on and off without the forceps. Progress!!

 It's hard work being two!

 Mommy was sneaky and took this picture one night after Daddy fell asleep. I love when he falls asleep holding my hand. 

 Gwen is loving dance! She listens so well and tries to hard to do exactly what her teacher tells the class. I think we found her happy place. 

 The kids got to watch a quick show before bed one evening. I loved how they plopped down in birth order. 

 Adam loves taking pictures of the cities he builds. 

 Pa treated us to a fun night at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. It was so funny and I loved hearing Adam and Tessa belly laugh all night long. Mommy's face was sore from laughing (and trying to laugh) all night long. 

 It was Tessa's first year and she loved it!

 Mommy needed some retail therapy, so Mommy and Tessa got to have some one on one time and went to the mall for a bit. We got new sunglasses and Tessa got some new earrings. 

 We had a fun Labor Day BBQ at Ma and Pa's house and we had a fun evening playing 9 square in the Air. 

 Caleb loves doughnuts! We all cracked up at how he ate his chocolate doughnut one morning. 

 Mommy, Gwen, and Caleb ventured out one morning and went to story time at the BYU Art Museum under the rainbow. 

 Gwen decided to work on her art. She is hard work sometimes!

Daddy took the kids to the park one evening. Caleb has always been afraid of the swings, but Daddy forced him into one. By the look on his face, I'd say he changed his mind!

 Caleb is such a rotten eater. When he finally decides he wants to eat something, we happily oblige. Even if his meal is completely ridiculous.