Tetons and Yellowstone

We decided to go on a little vacation for our 4 year anniversary. We wanted to take advantage of cool stuff around Utah before we move to California, so we went to Jackson Hole. First we went to Rexburg and stayed with Mike and Jess in their cute townhome. Then we stayed in a really nice lodge in Teton Village. Mike and Jess babysat Maddie for us while we went out to dinner and sat in the spa on the roof of the hotel. The next day we went on a hike to find Hidden Falls. We actually never found them. They really were hidden. But we did see a moose!

JD did great carrying Maddie, and she was content the whole time. She did crash after a couple hours.

We took her swimming for the first time. She loved it!

We saw tons of wild life. I really wanted to see a bear, and as we were driving out of the park, we saw a huge grizzly bear right off the road.

Before heading back, we stopped in Jackson and had some delicious BBQ.

What a fun way to celebrate the best 4 years ever!

Reflections of a Mother

What a joyful Mother's Day it was for me. Not only was I showered with love and affection by my husband and daughter, sent flowers at work (yes, I started working one night a week again), given lovely gold sandals, and fed my favorite- breakfast for dinner, but all day I secretly reveled in my own motherhood. I've been thinking about last year's Mother's Day, and all of the grief I was going through at that time because I wanted to be a mother so bad. When I think about the patience and gratitude that I gained from my experiences, I know that it was pain with a purpose. Like labor pains. Having to wait, wish, and pray for my miracle has truly made it all the more sweeter for me. I love being a mother so much. There's nothing better in the whole world.

I love the feeling of my baby's body relaxing against mine. I love the way she stares up at me after she's nursed. I love kissing her irresistable cheeks and squeezing her chubby thighs. It's so fun to watch her grow and learn new things every day. I can't wait to dress her up all cute for the day and take her places. She's my little buddy. I love our conversations- her little words melt my heart. I love that she is so serious, but I love her smiles so much more. I love that she is healthy and strong, and determined to get what she wants. I love that she always clings to my shirt, making it hard for me to put her down. I love that she's making me a better person. Most of all, I love that she's mine and that I get her forever.

Happy Birthday Grammy!!!

Hope you have a happy day. We love you!

We're Back

Well, after spending almost a month in California, we finally came back to our life and home. We had so much fun with family and friends while we were there, but I was ready to come home by the end. We went down for a few different reasons, one being that JD had a job interview. He ended up getting offered the job, and we feel really good about taking it. Although it's a great opportunity and we are beyond excited, I feel bittersweet about it. I have grown to love my life in Utah. I'm going to miss our little condo, our community, our ward, my job, and mostly our friends. We'll have to move in with my parents for a few months while JD trains, and then we'll most likely go somewhere in northern or southern California. It's such a blessing that we'll be able to save money while living with my parents, but it'll be hard going from having our own space to living in someone else's. Good thing my parents are awesome! Here are a few more pictures from our trip.

The reason we stayed so long was because all of JD's relatives on his mom's side were coming into town for Grandma Lugene's birthday. It was so worth it! We had a blast seeing everyone.She loves to stand up.

There were so many great grand babies there.

We tried to get a picture of all the babies. I had to wake Maddison up for it and she wasn't happy.
I want to hang out with all my friends a ton before I go. And I know we'll come back to visit lots!

3 Months Old

Maddie Update

We've been having fun in California. Maddie loves the sunshine and loves being outside. We do miss our friends in Utah though! She's growing so fast. She'll be 3 months in a few days. She's getting really tall, talking and cooing all the time, smiling (although she refuses to smile for pictures!), rolling over from her tummy to her back, getting some cute dark fuzz on the top of her head, and making me fall more in love with her every day! She's totally mellowed out, but definitely still has her feisty moments. Here's a few pictures of what we've been up to...

Maddison and Briggs. They were such angels during our crazy busy wedding weekend.

Easter

Tummy Time

First day at the beach. Our second day was better cuz we actually brought our suits and the umbrella.

Isn't she the most adorable thing you've ever seen?

Swinging at Grammy and Papa's house.

The Reception

Lingerie Shower

The Wedding

My little sister's married! We came down to California for Jess and Mike's wedding almost two weeks ago. They were married on April 11 in the San Diego temple. It was a beautiful sealing, and so wonderful to be all together as a family in the temple. Things are finally slowing down a little bit after a crazy couple of weeks! I'll try to give the brief recap in pictures.

These Days...

Maddison's been busy loungin in her bouncy chair,

Sucking on her binky and sleeping in her crib,
Getting dressed up for church (she's got to wear all her adorable dresses before she grows out of them!),
Playing with her favorite toy, Mr. Octopus (notice how she managed to hook her iron grip around the orange fish...genius or luck?),

And just being her adorable self!