Ben's Bday, Scarecrow Fest, and Hiking

There are a few pictures where Maia and Kona are hiding. Try to spot them!

Two weekends ago was Ben's Birthday and we headed to Mesquite for a spa weekend. Ben's dad was nice enough to get us and Ashley's parents a three bedroom suite and all of the spa appointments we wanted. We spent time at the ice cold pool (yes, it really was like dipping your feet in ice and yes, Ashley actually got in her pregnancy swimming suit) and dining at Catherine's on some pretty rich food. It was a lot of fun!

Maia really missed Kona. When we got home she petted her, read to her, and hugged and kissed her for at least 30 min. There are a couple of pictures above of her and Kona cuddling. Kona was in good hands, though. We hired Jodie, The Pet Nanny, to visit and feed her. She was incredible and we will recommend her to whoever needs a pet sitter!

Last weekend, Maia met her goals of sitting at the table with her face forward and getting ready for bed without crying. When Maia meets her goals, she gets to go to a store and pick out a prize. We decided to take her to Fish-4-U to get her prize. (We are currently trying to get her own room set up and thought she would like to have a pet to keep her company). She picked out a red betta and named it Fee or Phi (not sure of the spelling). She loves to watch it and has set up a pretend school in her room where they have an aquarium. Great job, Maia!

This weekend was full of activities for Maia.

Friday, after driving for what seemed like years with the hot sun slamming our car and nearly blinding us as well as a potty and food break for Maia (alright, food for Ben), we arrived in Utah County. Why would you go there, you might ask. Well, we went for Scarecrow Festival Entertainment at Thanksgiving Point! Somehow, it was all worth it because we got in for free with our friends Catherine and Jeff. It was like a child's heaven. Bouncy houses, inflatable slides, games, trains, dancing, animals, a headless horseman and more. Ashley remembers going to the Festival when it was at Wheeler Farm, but screamed about going. It must have not been as much fun. Maia on the other hand had a blast and ended up wearing herself out.

Saturday, we went to visit Papa Jake (T2) and Millie Jacobson. T2 had updated (cleaned, painted, repaired) their playhouse just for Maia. Unfortunately, we left our camera home and were unable to get a picture of the glee that was on Maia's face when she saw it. The look was priceless! Even as an adult it was difficult not to stare in amazement at the beauty of this two story playhouse with a red door and lanterns to match, hand-painted floors, hand-sewed checked curtains, and a little stone path leading up to it. The Jacobson’s even included little chairs, a drawing paper and supplies, and toy food. It is amazing! Maia is lucky to have such adoring and handy grandparents! And we are lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives! Maia also got to jump on the clean trampoline and go out to eat lunch (including ice cream), lucky girl.

Sunday, we all went for a hike. We went up Neff’s Canyon again because it the colors were so gorgeous the last time we went. They are still just as spectacular only there are more covering the ground. It was nice to get out for a cool morning stroll. A little later in the day we got to the point in our organizing and cleaning of our house that we were able to move Maia’s bed into the adjacent bedroom. She slept comfortably in there (with Ben) without having to hear Ashley’s tossing and turning and blowing nose (pregnancy, ain’t it fun).