A much needed reunion

We moved to Salt Lake City in January of 2006.  It took us awhile to meet friends.  Steve worked in a very small office, and I also worked in a small office-- and let's be honest, although I loved, loved, loved all my co-workers, none of them were going to be going to Happy Hour with me after work, or making an afternoon Starbucks run. 

So we always wondered if we would ever find friends like the great group of friends we had left behind in Virginia.  Well, in August 2006 we decided to join a kickball team.  Afterall, we had joined a team in DC which had added to our already wonderful, fun-loving group. 

So, we went to the field in August 2006-- we had joined a random team.  Didn't know anyone.  I immediately gravitated towards this cute little brunette girl, and we hit it off.  She proceeded to tell me that her roommate was on our team too--only she wasn't there that week.  She was in Hawaii. 

So, thus began my friendship with Jana and Lauren.  And that year they both had big what would-be life changing events as well.  Through kickball, they both met their soon-to-be husbands, Johnny and Zach (who were on our rival team of course).  Zach and Lauren were married in June 2009, and Johnny and Jana were married in September 2009. 

Here are some pics of the good ol' days.

Boys trip to Moab

Trip to Yellowstone- 'You've seen one Geyser, you've seen em' all'

One of many Utah hikes

Famous sushi nights

Hiking in Zion

Snowshoeing

Trip to San Francisco

Trip to Portland- they got engaged that trip!

Lauren & Zach's wedding- Lake Tahoe

Jana & Johnny's wedding- St. George

So, we hadn't seen this group since September 2009.  We actually had found out we were pregnant right before Jana & Johnny's wedding, and we knew that we would have to fill everyone in, since I obviously wouldn't be drinking any champagne that weekend.  They would know something was up.  These guys knew about the new lil Skarsgard before our families even did.  So, we were ready for a reunion....but with busy lives and schedules, and a new baby for us-- it was difficult to meet up.  Thank goodness it finally worked out that we were able to have a reunion here in Colorado just this past weekend.  It was so good to finally see all of them-- and for them to meet Berit!  We had a great time just being together and catching up.  We grilled out, took a day-trip to Golden, went for runs, and of course had a sushi night (but a little more tame since we had a 14 month old at one end of the table). 

Great deli in Golden

Group at Coors Brewing Factory

Sushi dinner out!

Giving Aunt Jana a high-five!

Hangin' with the boys

Group shot-- love them!

Hoping for another reunion sometime soon!  Thanks so much for visiting!!

14 Months!!!

Yesterday, Lil Bean turned 14 months old.  Here are some fun facts about the little lady:

• She loves to hug all her animals....she especially loves Pepper the Pig, Elmo, and Cheech the Monkey
• She has gotten much better at going down for her nap.  Doesn't necessarily need to be soothed to sleep anymore (it's about time!!!)
• Doesn't seem to care for TV (despite the fact Mom could use a small break every now and then) :)
• Gives kisses (when she feels like it of course) to Mom, Dad, Maya and her stuffed animals
• Scared of thunder
• Strictly using the sippy cup! Yeah Bean!
• Loves the sprinkler and the hose
• Bedtime has been moved BACK to 8ish
• Favorite Foods:  Sweet Potatoes, PBJ, Watermelon, Pizza, Ice Cream Sandwich, Yogurt, Baby Donuts (but only every now and then of course!)

She continues to make us laugh and smile daily!  Oh, how we love our Berit Bean! 

Happy Birthday Steve/DADDY!!!

7.17.77-- the day Steven Michael Skarsgard was born.  This year was the number 34!  We decided to go up to Vail just for a little get away.  We went up Saturday morning and came back Sunday.  It was a great time, and Lil Bean did great and had so much fun.  We checked into our hotel Saturday morning and went to lunch at the Red Lion.  They had live music which Berit loved!  She kept turning around the whole time to watch the musician, and when we were done with lunch we let her run around and dance to the music. 

Wow, this guy's good!

Rainstorm's over!

Dad and Berit- Vail Village

After lunch we stumbled upon a little kid's park.  At first Berit was scared of the windchimes, but eventually decided they weren't so bad. 

Berit needed a nap of course, so we put her in the BOB and strolled up and down the streets and she eventually fell asleep (and can I just say, that Vail was BOB central-- so many little babies up there!).  We stumbled upon a residential area and were amazed at the houses.  Seriously insane.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.Someday.................................

Not too shabby.



I could see myself here......

 Oh, and I wonder how much the city of Vail (or the residents of Vail through tax dollars) spend on flowers....they were all over and amazing.  How come mine never look like that? 

After naptime, we went swimming.  It rained off and on all day, so we had a short swim.  But it was enough for a one-year old. 

I don't know Mom-- it looks like it may rain.

Showing off my figure.

Milk Break.

Saturday night we ate at a really good pizza place in Lionshead and walked along the river after dinner. 

A few other things I'd like to note....Berit loved the hotel and being thrown into the pillows by Dad.  And second, Steve is obsessed with putting a diaper on Berit's head.  He calls it her 'powder wig.'  So we had about a million pics of her with her powder wig on.  Here's just one.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!  MAY THIS BE YOUR BEST YEAR YET!

USA! USA!

Today, we'll be watching the US Women's World Cup Final.  Here's Berit watching the game....OK, so this is actually the game vs. France.  She won't be watching the Finals as we are just getting back from the Mountains and she has a prior committment (nap).  Let's go USA!!! Beat Japan!!!

Focused

Photos to make your day!

These were snapped in the backyard yesterday.....Love this girl! 

Hangin' in ABQ...

After Carlsbad, Steve went back to Denver and Berit and I went to Albuquerque for a few days to hang with Granny and Big A.  Unfortunately, we were unable to go to Steve's family reunion in North Dakota due to the flooding there.  But we are planning another trip at the end of the month in lieu of our ND trip (more on that later...)

Running around!

Queen of the baby pool!

Divin' in!

Loves to walk the planter! 

Precious person!

Sharing cheese with Granny!

4th of July!!!

We love the 4th of July.  In 2005 we had a family reunion at my Aunt's house down in Carlsbad, and ever since then it has become a tradition.  We haven't made it every year, but we've made it every year since 2008 I believe.  2008 was the last year that Granny was with us-- and ever since then it seems even more important to make the trek down to Carlsbad and gather with family.  She would want it that way.  She would want us all to have fun on the river, eat ice cream, and just be together. 

2011 was no different.  We had a great time.  Every year seems to be better than the last.  We swam, ate, drank and laughed.  This year was so much fun because Berit was able to play around and go in the water.  She loved it.  I hope she will always treasure our time down in Carlsbad as a kid-- much like I did...and still do.  Aunt Judy, Uncle Joe, Aunt Franni, and Uncle Jeff are the best hosts and we are very appreciative of their hospitality every year.  Here are some pics of our trip.

Meeting Katie for the first time!

First time in the river!  I promise-- she really did like it! 



The Mary Gold Thomas Firecracker Fun Run!



Granny's famous Oreo ice cream!



Cooling off!  Temperatures reached 117 in the sun! 

 Family Picture!

Sleepy Girl!  Carlsbad is hard work!