Two?!?

Our little Sarah turned 2 on the 27th! Some days it seemed like time was going by so slowly and then, now, looking back, I'm not sure where the time has gone!


My chunky little newborn



My happy little one year old



My sweet smart two year old



I didn't throw a party for her this year. I know, TERRIBLE! I'm going to hear about it in 10 years, I'm sure. But, with surgery, etc...I didn't want to plan something that wouldn't be fun, and I like having a month to plan a party at least...which I didn't have. So we did a low-key party with Grandma and Grandpa G at home.

Ice Cream cake from Scooptacular (haven't been there yet? What's wrong with you??)


I have a sad video of Sarah crying as we sang "Happy Birthday" to her...but it will not upload to youtube! Argh!

After the tears, she loved the cake.


Sarah and her Grandma and Grandpa!



Then we opened gifts. (She got clothes. Lots of clothes - she's currently in 4T!)


She had her 2 year check up today and is doing fantastic. She's 36.5" tall (97th percentile) and 32.5lbs (90th percentile). She knows about half the alphabet (WHAT?) and is starting to use several word phrases. She still speaks toddler-English, so she requires a translator, but it's getting better. In the last few days I've gone from "Mama" to "Mommeeeeyy!!" And right now she's asking me to read a book, and of course I will!

Goodbye...for now...

This is going to be a long post, just to warn you. The last three days have been spent saying "goodbye" to a sweet friend who is moving from Phoenix to Portland, OR. I've only known Brittany (and her adorable, brilliant boys Holden and Archer, along with her husband Justin) for about 2 1/2 years. But it feels like I've known her a lot longer - she's one of those people that you can talk to and not feel like you're judged or anything. I am going to miss seeing her - thank God for Facebook, blogs, cell phones, etc so we still keep in touch.

Goodbye cookout Saturday night

Playgroup Mamas

Lily, Holden and Jeremiah

Sarah + Archer

Sunday - girls night out

Me, Brittany, Kelley, and Kim

Last photo of Brittany and I (for awhile)

Monday - today - I 'helped' Kim out at her house by bringing my kids by while she watched Holden and Archer.

Then, just like that, it was time to say goodbye.

I will miss my friend so much, but I know that we'll always be close no matter where we live or circumnstances in our lives - she'll always be someone I know I can count on.

Fun in the Sun

The latest in the Roland house:

Shawn and I were invited to the Suns and Stars Gala Friday night. Yes, 8 days after gallbladder surgery. I took my painkillers, threw on the makeup, and off we went.


This is like a "Where's Waldo" photo - only it's "Where's Sarah?"



Dinner was very fancy. Dessert was tasty, but according to Shawn, it was a bad idea to eat the basketball.



Shawn and I at dinner. My friend, Katherine, took a close-up because from further away we "looked like we were at a convention in Vegas." (Like my eye makeup? I'm having a giveaway on my other blog for some, if you're interested!)



Huey Lewis and the News performed after a very expensive live auction. I would have danced if I wasn't so concerned with ripping my stitches.



The next day we took off to Indian School park to enjoy the gorgeous weather. The kids ignored the playground and instead had a blast running up and down this huge hill. Shawn was in charge of chasing them, of course.



They also found a huge ant hill. (Ants not pictured.)



Then we hung out and took photos at home.




Jeremiah is an aspiring photographer.




OH MY GOSH! A family photo. Everyone looking. No one crying. I honestly cannot believe it.



Like our new sunglasses?  Sarah likes my white ones. Also, we're at Giant Coffee in Phoenix...the honey vanilla latte is my favorite drink ever. And they have awesome baked goods. Perfect little coffee shop.

Who needs a trampoline?

This happens almost daily after Sarah's nap.

Howdy!

Just a quick update - surgery went well - I was home about 11am yesterday morning. I'm sore, but I think that's pretty normal. Shawn's taking care of everything and spoiling me. Thanks for all the prayers!

Dza Dza is in town!

My Dad, who is also known as Dza Dza, came to visit for almost FIVE days this last week. It was great! We had so much fun.


The kids immediately jumped all over him!



We had fun eating our way through the valley...The Farm for breakfast...


Five Guys for dinner...


Peter Piper for pizza and games...


Hey wait - a non-eating photo?


That's better - we went to Scooptacular, too. A Lot.


We also visited the train park in Scottsdale.


J chose to be locked up in cattle car.


J and Dza Dza on the merry go round.



And just like that, his visit was over :(

We had so much fun!

In gallbladder news, I'm having surgery to remove it tomorrow (Thursday 3/3) morning at 730am. So if you think of it, please pray for me.