1977 and Counting...

For 36 years, the Don & Vera Watts family have been gathering from all over for our annual Labor Day camping weekend. This year was special to me because I can now bring my child into the tradition. Dean is part of the Watts 5th generation. 

Packing for a 3 day camping trip for two adults, one baby and a dog is . . . difficult :) Nevertheless, we made it! The dog had to sit on my lap on the way down so, we were all glad to finally make it to the KOA in Nephi, Utah.

 We were so excited to use our brand new Kelty tent! It was super easy to put up and definitely enough room for mom, dad, baby & dog :)

Dean was more interested in our neighbor campers...

 

 Bubba Bruce

 What a stud!

We decided to go boating on Saturday at Yuba Lake. Baby's first time playing in a lake and going on a boat. He seemed to think the water was too cold and he thought he would like the taste of sand (he didn't).

 Momma & Dean

 Beached Baby

 Surprisingly Bruce followed us right into the water. He looked like he was in duress while swimming and once he caught up to me in the water, he tried climbing up on me :) We'll keep working on the swimming skills

 

Kenzie (Z-Z), Grandma (Kitty), & Dean

He wasn't a fan of the life jacket but seemed to like everything else

 Sexy Kenzie

 Calin about to jump into the freezing water to wakeboard for the first time. He did a pretty good job and got up once for a couple of seconds :)

Not to brag or nothin' but I was the only member of my family (Dad, Mom, Kenz & Calin) that could get up and board for awhile. 

 All tuckered out

 So, somehow my child removed his long sleeve, long pant onesie while sleeping... now that's talent!

 Tired and sunburt

 Remember that one time we bought a very expensive tent? Yeah, well Bruce decided it was lacking a doggie door... Thanks Bruce :) Good thing you're cute. . .

 Favorite part of the trip? My dad's bed head every morning!

 Grandma Kitty and Dean playing at the park

Only 7 months old and he's already giving me 'tude. Just look at that stink eye!

Camping with the family was a blast and I can't wait to go next year for my 25th year in a row! Proud to be a Watts :)

Operation NoBelly Prize: Update

August 17, 2013

Yesterday I posted onto Facebook a family picture of Me, Calin & Dean at the Davis County Fair. I thought it was a nice photo because of the bright blue background and that we were all looking at the camera at the same time :)

Well, my dearest friend Becca Springhill (who sadly lives too stinkin' far away) made a comment... "You look great!!"

My husband tells me those same words everyday and I appreciate it BUT when a girlfriend takes the time to tell me the same thing, I actually believe it.

So, thanks Becca :) You seriously made my day!

I hadn't been religiously weighing myself or following any form of diet for a couple of months. So, when I pulled out my super-duper-skinny jeans this morning I was astounded that they fit! They are a tiny bit snug on the waist but not enough to stop me from wearing them.

I haven't been able to wear my skinnys since April 2012. So excited to have another pair of jeans fit! I've been stuck with one pair of blue jeans and one pair of colored jeans. 

Since having my handsome baby boy I have dropped exactly 40lbs!

Check out my BEFORE & NOW pic

Crazy, right?!

I've still got 30lbs to go. With a renewed energy I'm ready for the challenge :)

Six Months and Growing...

July 22, 2013

I cannot believe how fast time flies. It is ridiculous! How did my sweet baby grow up so fast? I remember it was just yesterday that he needed to be swaddled to go to sleep, could barely lift his head and his only sounds were cries.

Now? 

Giggles

Fake Coughs

Rolls onto his tummy to sleep

Sleeps with his teddy bear

Jumps

Grabs and Licks EVERYTHING

Sitting

Scooting

Being a mom is the greatest blessing ever! It is by far the most challenging work but so rewarding. I love my Turtle more than anything.

 While living in China (2009) I bought a boy and girl chinese outfit. Dean is finally big enough to wear it! 

These two love each other so much! Melts my heart :)

Catching Up

July 19, 2013

Holy crap-ola! I can't believe my last post was in April. Life has obviously been extremely busy. March-June was the most stress I've endured since...well, EVER! Not even the high intensity of college, huge life changes of marriage, pregnancy and newcomer Dean, can compare to the stress I felt while trying to find a home.

After finding the home, the process to own was a giant roller coaster that I wanted OFF. Maybe in a different post I'll dive into specifics.

Dean is SO grown up! We've had a ton of fun so far this summer and here are the pictures to prove it :)

Home Sweet Home

Kenzie helping with the cleaning

Changing the locks

Wendover & Salt Flats

I thought I could take a picture with my sunglasses off... I underestimated the power of the sun and white-ness of the Flats

Grandma Shirley & Dean

Dean is absolutely in LOVE with Mariah

Kenzie's Graduation Dinner

First Father's Day

First 4th of July

Swimming for the first time

Idaho 

(I couldn't find my camera before we left so I don't have too many pics...)

Calin and his cousins were the pallbearers for Grandpa Ted Hess

(photo courtesy of Mariah)

We will miss you.

(photo courtesy of Mariah)

Calin and I were talking about how amazing it is to be a part of Grandpa Ted's legacy. We quickly realized only Calin and his cousin Keaton can continue the Hess name. I am excited to give Dean siblings. Hopefully a bunch of brothers to help carry the wonderful name of Hess.

Five Generations!

All of the Hess cousins