Pictures of Cannon

These pictures are not "good pictures" by any means but they are some of my absolute favorite. One of the most treasured gifts of Cannon's birthday was our blog being made into a book. I am so thankful for that priceless present. Having the blog book of Cannon's first year inspired me to keep updating pictures and stories so I can't print a book each year. We have had so much fun looking back on all the memories we have made, and having it in a book makes it very easy to look at, as a family, often.

Poor baby threw up in his car seat. I have now learned to keep a spare outfit in the car at all times.
Ella and her friends wanted to play dress up with Cannon. He did NOT like wearing princess shoes. Haha!

Button Surgery

My nerves from his first surgery, last December, to this one vary drastically. This time around I was glad that Kent was able to get work off to come with me, I was glad that we have wonderful friends that kept Ella and Ethan home instead of needing to worry about them in the waiting room, and I was glad that Cannon wouldn't have any new incisions with this surgery. Initially we were told that Cannon would be released right about the operation, but just before the procedure, the doctors told us that they wanted to have Cannon admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. Menkes tends to scare doctors because they don't know what it is and from what they read about it, moments before they meet Cannon, they get scared and nervous. I appreciate their concern and I am thankful that, if needed, they will take extra care of him. Kent and I knew that Cannon was healthy (for Cannon) and that a hospital stay wouldn't benefit him but possible pose danger- with germs and possible diseases. Since Cannon did so well through the surgery and responded quickly after, the doctors agreed that he was strong enough to go home without a hospital stay. Good job, little fighter boy!

Right after surgery.

I'm very tired- I don't think I've ever looked so worn out. Please don't judge :)

San Diego

Our trip to San Diego, without the kids, was JUST WHAT WE NEEDED! We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather which made for a perfect weekend. We were worried about leaving because only days prior, Cannon had his first visible seizures (more on that in an upcoming post). My mom and dad, with an amazing support system, felt they would be just fine watching all three kids while we were gone. I am glad the tickets were already bought and paid for, making it very hard to back out. On our trip, Kent and I were able to reconnect and relax. We spent more time laughing and talking instead of worrying and stressing. Thank you all that helped make that possible for us. Life has been pretty trying at times and we feel undeserving of the wonderful weekend we had (but we hope to do it again soon!). The first two nights, we stayed down town in the Gas Lamp District. We loved walking the streets, listening to live music, eating amazing food and shopping the unique little shops.

This place was great! You order your food and then grill it yourself at a huge grill in the middle of the restaurant. Not all of this food was mine, we shared with several other tables. I promise!

I really wanted to go do some shopping at the markets in Tijuana. It was a quite a trip. When we crossed the border going to Mexico, we didn't realize there is a 3 hour line to get back into the U.S. Someone told us they would take us on a bus and get us through the line in less than 15 minutes. To make a long story short, we waited on the bus almost an hour. Our bus driver finally ditched the van and left us there because the traffic hadn't even moved. Kent led the way as we also ditched the van and made our way into the line. Needless to say, I was ready to get back and soak in the hot tub at the hotel.

Kent booked a dinner cruise for the evening. It was a lot of fun to get dressed up and do something out of the ordinary. We had a good time getting to know the other people at our table. We laughed and danced the night away!

The skyline from the boat.

The last night of our vacation we stayed in a hotel on the beach. This pier was a short walk from our room that had an ocean view. It was so peaceful to leave the door open all night to hear the waves of the ocean.

I was really excited because as we were standing on the pier, we saw four dolphins jumping the waves. It was incredible.

From the pool at our hotel, you could see and hear the ocean. There is no better way to unwind and let your worries melt away!When I saw this darling Fiji Yogurt shop, we just HAD to go there.

They had card games to play while you ate your yogurt. Super fun!

Are you seeing the trend that we really loved eating on this trip? This place had the best wings! No wonder Kent and I are on a diet now. HaHa!
Here we are in the cab, riding back to the airport. Happy and Happy.

Happy May Day

As long as I can remember, my mom has always wished me a Happy May Day. Ethan and Ella helped me make cookies for our neighbors because nothing says Happy May Day like a plate of spring shaped sugar cookies!

Easter Weekend

Easter Egg Hunt at the Rodriguez's house followed up with a BBQ at the Sullivan's? Nothing better for one of the first sunny days of Spring.
I think it is safe to say that the more dirt, the more fun!

Happy Birthday Erin!

We wanted to have a "New York City meets Sunnyside" party for Erin this year to incorporate both sides of Erin's life. We wanted to set up this gorgeous mirrors, glass and candles table in the Martin's barn. We were going to hang a chandelier from the beams and sit on bails of hay. The night before the party a skunk came in and sprayed the barn!!! We switched locations from the barn to my living room- not the same feel but it was still a wonderful night! Happy Birthday to our real life Superstar!!!

Cannon and Lilly

Utah 2011

Birthday Pictures

I added more pictures to Cannon's birthday post. Scroll down to see them.