Danny's favorite

Second to holding hands with me, of course.

Soakin it up.

Have you ever seen a more darling babe?

Me either.

Open the flood gates

cause here come the pictures.

And a few recent discoveries.


I seem to enjoy parades a bit more that Ellie.




Nothin stops Ellie from ridin her hog.


I've never had a cookie niche,
until I made these Gingerbread men.



Ellie likes a good blackberry.
Only when nibbled.
Yes, it is very messy.
(And no Ellie did not take this picture herself- she would have done a much better job.)


Disneyland isn't meant for 1 1/2 year olds


or tired, grouchy parents.

But hurray for grandparents who can make it happen.

The End.

Boo for puking through the night.

Yeah for

husbands who take over the night shift
(and it was a long one)

(just a little blast from the past)

and grandmas and sisters who take in stray children



so sick mommas can rest.

(No, not morning sick--I'm thinking the stomach flu or food poisoning)

Sweet relief.

It feels good to be back online, and feel back in the loop. Sort of. I've yet to venture into my hotmail, but I've gotten up to date on some of my favorite blogs, that I mostly just read and never comment on, (yes, I'm one of those). I almost got out the phone book this week, but I decided it'd be best just to wait it out. Good choice. No more calling my hubby for parade start times, info on immunization clinics, and whatever other random information that I seem to urgently need throughout the week. Until next time we lose service. And there is always a next time. Maybe we'll get our own connection someday. You never know, Christmas is right around the corner.

So here are a few things we've been up to:

A trip (including one very long car ride) to Utah to see our newest
Forever Family.

Lunch at The Garden with its amazing view of the Salt Lake Temple.



Some posing.

A smooch.

Yes, we were feelin' the love.

and a parade.

Well, it's good to feel connected to the rest of the world again, but my idea for an at-home date night has kinda gone out the window. Unless sitting next to your husband on the couch while you blog and he reads a book counts-I didn't think so. We'll try again tomorrow night.

Happy Halloween

From Sleeping Beauty, Prince Philip, and apple-y ever after

and Malibu Barbie.

I love to watch Ellie

watching her dad.

He was making costume #2 for this year.

Yes, a cool snowboard chick.

Tomorrow costume #1.

Don't be jealous

but our pumpkin is totally awesome.

Thanks Hubby.

English is a tricky language.

This morning I hugged Ellie and kissed her face and told her how much I loved her.

Something I don't ever want her to forget.

Her response:

"Eye" she said, as she spoked me in the eye.

Yes, something may have been lost in translation, but at least I know she heard me.

Those darn homonyms.

Confessions

Sometimes I like to spend my afternoons
in cozy pj's, fuzzy slippers.

This was definitely one of those afternoons.


Sometimes Ellie likes to wear her swimsuit
in October.

Not so crazy seeing it's 80 degrees in our house.

I am happy right not because

my house smells like freshly baked pumpkin chocolate chip bread
(a delicious first for me)

my kitchen sink is no longer backed up

(thanks to Thornton Plumming)

my husband made the bed this morning
(he does a better job than me)

and

my little bear is freshly bathed and cozily, tucked away to dreamland
(wearing nothing but a diaper)

The End.

A Welcome Wreath

I've always wanted one.

And finally the day has come
when.....

I found the right wreath
(I'm pretty picky),

for the right season
(I have a hard time purchasing something for months down the road-maybe my tastes will change),

and most importantly for the right price
(10 bucks-not bad).

It also helps that my now newly painted house colors lend themselves to a lovely ring of color on the big, shiny-black front door.
(The old maroon and gold-not so much.)

I am officially ready for this season to begin.
(But warm weather is always welcome at my house.)

Thanks to Granddad

Ellie has some sweet new duds.

Yes, an outfit for every occasion.

The evening wear



The Fall wear
(a little more coverage on the sleeves)
(...and belly)



The Winter wear

The Summer wear
(these ones are a little big, we're thinkin' ahead)



Still searching for:
The perfect jeans and cozy leggings



She sports these bad boys around like she's hot stuff.
And she is.

So Granddad,
Ellie says thanks again for the shopping spree: )

Every bathroom needs one of these

Unless my little one is the only one who makes little ones in the tub.
Enough said.

When eating peanut butter by the spoonfuls

1. Always flip the spoon upside down so you don't waste any of the yummy shmear.



2. Make the sticky roof of the mouth face.



3. Clean up after yourself.

Saturday feast.

No, I'm not referring to the Kix scattered across my living room floor.
(Ellie thinks they taste better that way.)


We feasted on the inspiration and guidance delivered by the First Presidency, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities and general officers of the Church.

It's hard to believe General Conference is here already.
(Want to know more about General conference, go here.)

We watched



We listened.
And yes,


we played.


We were filled.

I usually start out feeling a bit overwhelmed, but like always, end up feeling hopeful and full of faith, knowing a loving Heavenly Father is aware of each one of us and continues to sent us guidance and revelation. This knowledge comforts me, brings me happiness, and gives me strength to keep pluggin' along.

Yes, I think I'll watch tomorrow too.
How about you?

It's a record.

It's hard to believe just a week ago we were here




Yes, that makes 3 times in Rocky Point (so far) this year.
This being our first time going with another couple


(Philip and Melissa)

which was lots of fun.

We must do it again.

Soon.

Backwards

She finally decided to give up

after a long, tantrum-filled morning.

On her own terms of course.

In the living room, on her chair, by herself.

I noticed it was way too quiet in the house, and then wandered upon Ellie there in her chair, staring off into space. Seconds later she nodded off and was out. It was quite a site.

I would like to point out that it may not be a coincidence that her beloved chair, which was with her for the three days her vacationing parents were soakin' up the beach in Rocky Point, is the one thing that could put her to sleep.
No offense taken, I guess.
We'll see who's back on top once it's time for lunch.

Rocky Point was fabulous by the way. Pictures to be posted soon.