I'm home sick from work for the second day in a row. As much as I love being lazy and laying around all day, part of me has a hard time doing that because I feel like I'm wasting valuable time to be productive! REST AND RELAX CAMILLE. You can do it.

Whew. Ok, anyway. I thought it time I actually did a little bit of an update on life, and since I have no other picture besides instagram photos, you lucky folks get another insta-update!

From top left:

- We went to the Utah State fair with Andrew and Elyse. We rode some silly fair rides and devoured my first funnel cake ever. (can you believe that?? I've finally lived!)
- Rocking out to Fictionist at the Rooftop Concert Series. They did awesome.
- Obsessing over Grayson any chance I get.
- Seeing Head and the Heart for the second time with Russ and Jace. They are absolutely amazing performers!
- Receiving the cutest little note from one of my piano students. Sometimes while teaching piano you feel like you aren't getting anywhere, and then there are those few lessons here and there where "it's all worth it."
- Fall leaves in Utah. I love the changing of the seasons.
- Being at the University of Utah vs. BYU game. What an experience! BYU played horribly, which was sad, but it was also pretty hilarious watching the U fans rush the field at the wrong time -- twice. Oh rivalries. Such a silly thing.
- I took Lucy out on a date (McDonald's -- her choice -- and Trafalga family fun center). She was all smiles all night long.
- Going to the symphony at Abravanel Hall. It was a tribute night to Billy Joel. Quite simply awesome.

Grayson's Blessing

It's been a while since I had a post devoted entirely to Grayson. I'm a little obsessed with his chubby cheeks (and believe me, they are chubby, but really, who would have it any other way?). Anyway, a few weeks ago Grayson was blessed. It was a perfect day, and I couldn't get enough of Grayson in his little suit. Ahhhh... that face kills me!

And that is all for today. But stay tuned, I've been working on a fun little house project that {hopefully} gets wrapped up very, very soon.

Second Annual Trinity Lake Trip

A few weeks ago we returned home from another amazing week at Trinity Lake, a remote and gorgeous lake in Shasta National Forest in Northern California. Our family is a big boating family, so this is the perfect vacation for us. By staying on a houseboat in the middle of the lake, it ensures that we catch the perfect water early in the morning and before the sun sets at the end of the day. Although catching perfect water on this lake isn't really that hard, considering we saw about 4 other boats the whole week. I'm not even kidding. It was pure heaven. Plus, I love that it's remote - ie: no cell phones, internet, etc. Completely disconnected. So without further adieu, here is a rundown of our week on Trinity Lake:

Grayson, the shark baby

We all had fun practicing our aim off the end of the boat. In case you were wondering, my aim is bad.

My cute mom

We like water sports

Brittney also has mad water-skiing skills, but since she had a baby like 5 weeks earlier, she had to refrain from showing us all up.

Stuart managed to not lose his glasses in the water this year. SUCCESS!

I like this guy.

Dude-in-laws.

More wake surfing experiments. It's hard.

My "little" bro.

A new type of water sport Stu invented, called "dragging."

We all had tons of Grayson time. I loved every second.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for planning another amazing family trip! Good memories!

Trinity Lake 2011

Lost Kid

My blog is feeling a little neglected. I apologize for a 3 week hiatus. It's been a bit crazy around here. Among all the busy-ness, I also think I was slightly avoiding writing on this here blog. Sometimes I feel like I have so much to say that I don't even know where to start. It gets overwhelming, and I'm not sure how to write all my feelings down. This blog, after all, is intended as a documentation of life -- the good and the bad.  But there are times when documenting is the furthest thing from your mind. And that seems to be me lately.

Before I get too random and theoretical on you, I'm just going to share a song that seems to be my life mantra right now. I seem to express my feelings best through music most of the time, and today is one of those days. (If you have time, you should also listen to other songs by this fun band I found a while back. I sure do like them). 

 

Again, sorry for the absence. Some real updates should be on their way soon. Hooray!

A Green Table

As much as I love a good shopping trip as the next girl, I would never consider myself a major shopper. However, a few days ago my sister and I met up a few times and had a good, healthy dose of retail therapy. Ok guys, this works sometimes. I hate to admit it. Sometimes you feel like life just is NOT working out. A lot of things you normally do to make you feel better just aren't cutting it. Enter retail therapy {and queue sigh of relief}. 

Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But really, my sister and I both picked up some fun things on a much-needed-sister-time shopping trip on a particularly crappy day. One of these random things I picked up was a bright green table. Necessity? No. Awesome? Yes.

We were at TJ Maxx and I pointed it out, and then just set it back down saying I didn't really need it or something (which I didn't). And then my sister, being the wise person she is, promptly changed my mind by saying it is only $20 and it is totally awesome. It's the perfect punch of color that my porch needed. I look out my front window and it makes me smile.

And sometimes, especially lately it seems, if a green table will do the job then so be it.

Insta-Update

Life has been so eventful lately! I feel like we do nothing but go-go-go every day! Luckily a lot of this is fun and good, so I can't complain. For documentation sake, here is an instagram-update with some of our recent happenings and events:

* Finally celebrating our 3rd anniversary at Communal restaurant -- one of our very favorite places to eat!
* A photo that makes me chuckle every time I see it -- Stu, Russ and Baby G having a "moment" at the Provo Rooftop Concert Series.
* Racking up my brand new road bike! This bike has been a long time coming. Seriously, I've waited years to have my very own bike, and I think she is quite pretty. (her name is Ruby, obvoiusly).
* Ruby's first ride, in none other than Provo Canyon. We had a great time, even despite a large, ignorant man swerving on his bike and thus crashing into me as I was cruising down the canyon. I was a bit sad, as it was literally the first time I was on my bike and the wheel got a little bent (or, as true bikers say, "out of true," which supposedly is a pretty easy fix). Got a nice big bruise on my hip as a souvenir as well. Oh well, life goes on, right?
* Crossfit -- still kicking my butt on a daily basis! I love it, though. It's been therepeutic, to say the least.
* Our first harvest from the garden -- yummy cherry tomatoes! It's so rewarding to see the fruits of your labors! :)

Russ the Spudman

For the last few months, Russ has been training so hard for the Idaho Spudman triathlon. The Spudman is an olympic length triathlon (1 mile swim, 26 mile bike, 6.2 mile run). Russ definitely doesn't mess around... especially for this being his first triathlon! Usually Russ is the supportive spouse on the sidelines cheering me on during a race, but I had a blast being on the other side. Not only was it nice not feeling completely exhausted and like I kind of want to just lay down on the side of the road :), but I loved seeing Russ achieve something he has worked so hard on. And he did amazing! He is one speedy athlete.

Russ before the race with his awesome orange swim cap.

The Spudman is one of the most organized and well-planned race I have ever seen! And believe me, I've seen some pretty poorly organized events. It's a huge race with around 1,600 people, but everything was totally seamless. And I was so happy that I even got to catch Russ at every transition point. He always flashed his classic Russ-smile. 

We still don't know his official finish time -- the number below is not accurate as he was in the second wave. But either way, he did amazing. I keep asking him if he wants to another one now -- I still haven't gotten a definitive answer. :) 

 ... all I can say is that hopefully he is up for another one, because next time I want to be out there with him! He totally inspired me. I'm so proud of my triathlete!  

THREE

3 years ago today I married my best friend, the love of my life, and the best husband I could have ever dreamed of. I'm so incredibly grateful for these last 3 years, and I can't wait for the many years to come! Life sure can be a roller coaster, but luckily I have Russ by my side, and I know with him anything is possible. 

Happy 3 year anniversary, husband! Hurry home! 

wedding day // 1st anniversary // 2nd anniversary

Sunday Drive

I'm a little sad that by posting this blog post, Grayson's face won't be the first thing you see. But I guess it was inevitable, right? We've had lots and lots of family time lately, you know, with the new and highly anticipated family member who has come into our lives and won all of our hearts over. 

Anyway, we had a lovely Sunday afternoon around the house, and then my mom had the brilliant idea of going on a little Sunday drive. I'm so glad she did. We went up the beautiful American Fork canyon that is just a short drive from our house. We ended up at Silver Lake. My dad and Russ had perma-grins on their faces as my dad pushed his Land Rover to the limits and literally "roved the land." Oh men and their machines.

Utah is so pretty with the amazing mountains that surround us. Sadly, going through the day to day routine causes one to take these mountains for granted (I know I do!), but nights like tonight remind me how grateful I am for the beautiful world God has created. This really is a beautiful place, isn't it? I feel renewed to start this next week of work, plugging away at our many responsibilities. It's amazing how a short drive out of your normal routine can remind you, once again, how good life really is.

PS. Aren't my parents cute?

Grayson Stuart

These last 48 hours have been some of the most intense and emotional, yet beautiful moments for our family. My older sister, Brittney, gave birth to her first baby, Grayson Stuart Maxfield. Many of you know a bit about my sister's story that she has so bravely shared on her blog. In a nutshell, after 3 IVF's, one miscarriage, and 4 years later, a miracle came true today. 

I will let Brittney tell the nitty gritty about her labor experience if she wants, but I do need to say that my sister is the strongest person I know. I have always known this. I look up to her in more ways than I can count. She is unwavering, decisive, independent, and resilient. She has never given up. Even during her nearly 24 hours of labor that resulted in a somewhat emotional and stressful C section. She did whatever it took to get Baby G here, safely. And yes, that includes years and years of an emotional roller coaster we call "infertility." 

But he is here. And that is all that matters. 

I feel so honored to have been by her side during the labor experience. I sat in awe of her as we waited all day Saturday, through the middle of the night, and into Sunday morning. I sat in awe of her husband, Stuart. He will be the best Dad. I was in awe of the nurses and doctors that did what had to be done. I was in awe of all the family support that was there for B and Stu. This baby will be so loved he won't know what's coming! We think he is an old soul. He cried twice when he first came out, and then was wide eyed and alert for hours, just staring at all the expectant family members who smiled and talked to him. It's like he was listening, and telling us, "It's OK guys, I'm here now!" He is such a beautiful and calm baby.

I love being an aunt to Baby Grayson. I love that B and Stu now have a family of three. Life is good.

** All photos taken by the lovely Caitlin (Stu's younger sister you see in the above pic) **

California Dreamin'

We had a fantastic week in California over the 4th of July holiday. It was absolutely lovely! I must say getting back into "real life" was quite hard, but I guess that's the mark of a good vacation, right? 

We started the week in sunny San Diego and started the whole trip by running along the beach to one of the best doughnut shops I've ever been to. That totally makes sense, right? :) We then spent a lovely day at the beach. I'm not the biggest ocean fan, so I enjoyed my time on the sand. I got to hang with this cute kid. He pretty much melts my heart.

After San Diego we drove up to the "happiest place on earth" for a few days. Disneyland is fun, no doubt, but for some reason going with little kids really makes it magical. I think little Lucy was in constant awe for a good 24 hours. Mouth dropped and everything. (see the bottom left picture. adorable.) Oh, and by the way, Cars Land in California Adventure is awesome. Everyone needs to experience the beauty of Radiator Springs in real life.

Oh, and Benny was quite the brave little boy. He even conquered Space Mountain -- twice. What a champ. :) I sure do love that kid. 

We then drove up to the absolute gorgeous city of Santa Barbara. Holy moly, that place is amazing. Picture an ocean-side town with historic buildings complete with modern amenities and magnificent mountains overlooking the valley. It's quite breathtaking. We went to attend the Lewis family reunion in Grandma Lewis' hometown. We had such a great time with the whole family (a total of about 34 people sleeping under one roof!). It was great getting to know everyone better as I'm a relatively new member of the Lewis clan. One of the highlights of the trip was the bike ride from the top of Santa Barbara to the ocean. 

Other activities include a bonfire on the beach complete with smores and beach volleyball, an epic hike to Montecito peak, shopping on main street, 4th of July parade and fireworks, seeing the Santa Barbara sites, picking oranges off the orange tree in the backyard (best oranges ever), and lots of good food and good company. 

Thanks again to all of the Lewis clan for the good times. Can't wait till next time!

** By the way, I am posting this at 2:30 am from a hospital labor and delivery waiting room. That's right... my sister is finally having her baby! As most of you know, this day is a very long time coming. Come on Baby G!!! We are waiting for you not so very patiently! :)

Calling Your Ideas!

When I hosted my sister's baby shower a few months ago, I moved the couch from the position it had been from day one (which was in the middle of the room) to the corner, simply to make space for the guests. Well that little move has led to a host of changes! For the better, I believe. We quickly fell in love with how open the space had become, and most of all, how we could sit on our couch and look at the river through the window. First, here is a picture from a few months ago that will give you a rough idea of how it was:

I love the furniture arrangement, but aesthetically I feel like we had everything piled in one corner and a huuuuge blank wall. I've been feeling a bit under the weather this weekend and have pretty much been camped out on that couch. Needless to say, I've been staring at this blank wall debating what to do. I've gone back and forth between keeping it the way it is (besides the art behind the TV, that obviously will move) and moving all the art around. This is where you, my lovely readers, come in. :) I need your opinions! Or ideas! Or whatever you can give me to help me make a decision! Here are some thoughts:

Move the art collage? And perhaps add a picture or two to take up more space? (more details on the gallery wall here)
Move my little frame behind the TV to the wall where the art collage is now?
How should I hide cables? A nice big basket for blankets? Plant? Magic??
... oh, and the TV stand will most definitely get replaced, as much as I love the Ikea Expedit.... I have some ideas a brewin'. 

So... What do you think? 

Before I end, I want to mention a few new additions to this room. First is that lovely striped rug. It sure is taking it's sweet time to flatten out (hence the wrinkles), but it is exactly what I was looking for. When the couch was no longer taking up the majority of the room, it looked super empty. I knew a big area rug would fix the problem. But dang, that search was hard. I didn't want just a plain rug, but I couldn't have anything too busy since you can see the wallpaper from the same view, and of course, it needed to not be a million dollars. Good ol' Crate and Barrel pulled through. It is the 8x10 Olin Grey Rug, and I fell in love with it and it's price. If we had wood floors (someday... someday...) I would probably need to get a pad as it is not super duper thick, but since it is on carpet it does the job perfectly.

And then we've got my new little side table/foot stand. What a deal this was! Overstock.com is based here in Salt Lake City, so one day they were having a parking lot sale. We had some family activities to attend that day, so we couldn't make it to the sale till later in the afternoon. Just as I expected, it was pretty picked over by the time we showed up, but I did find this little guy. I've been wanting something fun and decorative, yet functional. I've seen these all over Pinterest, and even thought about buying a similiar one from West Elm, but couldn't quite fork out the mula. There wasn't a price tag on this one, so when we asked the lady she looked like she was totally guessing and quoted me at $100, 70% off. Pretty good! Even though I hate negotiating prices with a passion, I threw out "how about $20?" What's the worst she's going to say? No? I bet you can guess at this point she accepted my low-ball offer and off I went! Score!

So there you have it. Questions, changes, and additions. All in one blog post. :)