Arizona

So since Jas is spending most of the next few months in Tucson, I decided to take a few day off to fly out and see him.   His schedule is roughly work three wks(7 days a week/13 hrs a day) and then come home for three days.  The day I flew in he worked 6.5 hrs before picking me up at the airport at 1pm.  Nuts right?  Anyway, this was my first time away from Chaser for more than a night, so even though it was nice to get away, it was hard to not miss him like crazy.  We decided that his first flight should be with both Mommy and Daddy, and frankly I don't know if he would sit still on an airplane.  Jas also worked the whole time I was at the resort anyway, so it wouldn't have been that much fun for the little man.

The resort was beautiful, nestled in the Tuscon Mountain Park overlooking the city.  My luck of course was that the spa was closed for renovations the exact four days I was visiting.  I ended up relaxing, reading the last two books of Fifty Shades, hiking, and vegging by the pool with drinks.  Every night when Jas got home from being out in the desert we'd hang around the resort or head into town for delicious food and libations.  My last night he did comment however, that my visit almost made things worse because it would just mean he'd be more lonely when I left:(  Skyping for 3 wks just doesn't cut it!! 

The Resort

Golf Course

 Sunrise

 Morning Hikes

Mule Deer

Saguaro Cactus grow mostly facing Southwest

Matt my tour guide

Snake!

   

Prickly Pear Cactus made for some delicious margaritas!

Lantana are perennials in AZ!

Attempt at a shot from our room balcony with the self timer.  All dressed up for a night out:)

And of course from Instagram...

My daily view

The lazy river

Post hike pick-me-up and relaxation

 And of course some drinks and food!!!

All of the drinks were spicy and delicious!

Our first time having bone marrow....decadent!

Award winning Pozole and a Summer sangria

Tequila shots at 5:30 on the patio

 One of my favorite shots-

The resort wasn't crowded midweek, so I had the whole restaurant to myself

The trip was short and hot, but super relaxing.  I loved seeing Jas-but couldn't wait to get back to see the little man.

Chase Runs the Show

About a month ago Chase started a new nighttime routine.  It involves laying in bed with Jas or I before he goes in his crib. No biggie right?  Not so fast.  This routine is on Chase's terms, and you need to oblige.  After brushing his teeth he runs into the hallway saying "Mama/Dada's oom, bed". Chase shimmies up into bed. He lays on his back with the covers pulled up, and plays with his hair until he falls asleep.  On a good night the process takes fifteen minutes.  Some nights however, he squirms around like crazy for a good while, then tires himself out.

Some Chase imposed rules that apply:
1) You also must be in the exact same position as him.  No moving to your side or he will yell "Back Mama" while yanking your shoulder or patting the bed.
2) He must be touching you in some fashion(this really stinks because he is a sweatball when he sleeps)
3) When he is finally transferred to his room his light-up ladybug needs to be on "blue" and he wants a blanket no matter how hot it is!

 Depending on the night he will sleep through. Other nights he wakes up, and we have no choice but go in to get him.  We haven't converted to the toddler bed yet.  One day when he was supposed to be napping he climbed/fell out because I think he stood on his beloved ladybug.  Otherwise he doesn't mind being in the crib, and we'd like to keep him in it as long as possible!

Since Jas has been gone most of the month, Chase and I spend our nights going through his routine.  I often don't make it back downstairs to blog.   Trying to catch up while he sleeps extra long today!!

Family Photo Update

If you tried to go to the link and it didn't direct you to our pictures, you can click on the link in the previous post, and type in "Swanson" to be redirected.  You can also go to http://www.caitlinscottphotography.com/blog/ and scroll down to our section:)

Family Photos

It's been over a year and a half since we had our first set of family photos taken.  Despite the fact that I'm rarely without my camera, and I think I do a pretty good job, I frankly still have a lot to learn.  I kept saying last year that I wanted to get photos done again, and since our wedding/family photographer moved back to Cali, we needed to find the right person.  Fast forward to this spring and my meeting the fantastic Caitlin Scott.  I've posted some of Cait's photos here before, and of course rave about how well we get along to just about everyone.  

Sidenote-Both she and Jas have been away for the past two weeks, so I'm going a little stir crazy  here:)  

Anyway, I convinced Cait to squeeze us in  for a shoot on what felt like one of the hottest days so far.  She was a trooper, and we and we all ended up dripping with sweat, but I couldn't have asked for better shots.  As many of you know Chase can be a serious little man sometimes, and his giggles and smiles are sometimes difficult to catch with the camera.  Luckily he knows Cait really well and she knows just how to act like a nut to get him smiling.  During the shoot Jas and I acted like our goofy selves, and ran around with Chase.  We weren't looking for posed/formal shots.  That's just not us:)  We a blast, and I think Cait really captured who we are.  

Check out some of our shoot on Cait's blog to see for yourself:)

http://www.caitlinscottphotography.com/blog/2012/07/18/lifestyle-the-swanson-family-south-jersey-family-photographer/

Oh by the way, once you look at the shots don't forget to post a comment on her blog.  The more raves we get in the section, the more likely we are to get a free print or so.  Its a comment contest and I'd love to see how we do:)

The set of shots on the blog are only a fraction of the pictures she sent me.  Some of the candid ones are awesome.  One of my faves is of Jason grabbing my ass with a smirk on his face.  It is a classic, and might just deserve to be blown up and hung in our home.  I will post a few other faves not on her blog when I have access.  ENJOY!!

Beach and Baseball

I have a confession.  I have become a little bit of an Instagramaholic recently, so therefore I've been neglecting my blogging duties.  Its quick and easy, and I can post pictures during the day while monkey man is running around.  For my transgressions, I apologize to our faithful blog followers.  

Since Jas will be traveling for work most of the summer, we won't be able to take a vacation this year.  Actually its been a few years since we've gotten away in general.  We both had some time off work after my brother's wedding so we figured we'd squeeze in a few day trips.  Our beach trip was supposed to be for a whole weekend.  This however, did not happen.  Chase had other plans.  He didn't sleep, and was into everything.  We made it 1 1/2 days before deciding to head home.  Since I had gone down the week prior, and dropped off the BOB and pack-n-play, we we didn't need the roof top carrier this time! You really have to lug so much crap when you have a toddler. We did up throwing our bikes on top of the car and trekking from 54th St. to Wonderland on the O.C. boardwalk while we were there. It was a great ride, and despite the fact that it was over 10 miles round trip(I know not that much), but we had a blast:)

I'm currently in "training" with our SLR.  HaHa only 3 1/2 yrs after getting it.  Anyway, this trip was my first attempt at messing with the shutter etc. in manual mode.  Still learning, clearly!

Ocean City, NJ

Storm was rolling in over the beach, so we headed back to the house

Stuck inside cuz it was storming.  Watching videos on Dada's giant phone
For you 90's children-think Zack Morris' phone

I think I'll hang here and watch you go in

Making progress

Concentrating on making the pile huge

Cheeese

Taking a break from biking. A coffee and monkey bread break:)

A day on the boardwalk

Getting an early start driving

Phillies game

Right before Utley and Howard came back we took Chase to a nighttime Phils' game.  Not only was Chase a trooper since it was a 7:05 game, but they won too!

Although we had to leave before the fireworks, Chase stuck it out most of the game.  The people in the seats next to us were very patient, and it didn't hurt that MomMom, PopPop, and Aunt Zandy took turns keeping him occupied.

Looking a little tired since it was my bedtime.  I cheered like crazy though!