8 months

Here are Katie's 8 month pictures.  I am loving this age.  She interacts with us so much and is usually very happy.  She loves exploring all over the house and getting into everything.  We had to get a gate for the stairs a few weeks ago after she learned how to crawl up them.  She definitely keeps me busy, but I love it!

She is also still sticking out her tongue all the time.  Friends and strangers always comment on how cute it is. 



More pictures from Idaho

We had one more day after the wedding to spend with family.  We went to a movie, ate at Cafe Rio, and got together at Grandma and Grandpa Orchard's. 

I just love this picture of Katie with her Great-Grandpa Burch. 

                                                              Their clothes even match. :)

ShayNiel, Rachel, and Kamery

our nephews Kael, Liam, and Cyrus

G & G Orchard's beautiful garden

Katie was happy seeing a pumpkin patch for the first time. 

Nathan, Truly, and Cyrus

Grandma and Grandpa Orchard with Katie

Jana and Rob came down from Rexburg to see us for a little while.

We can't wait to go back in December and have more time to spend with everyone. 



A September Wedding

Jacob's younger sister, Cryshel, was married on Sept. 22 and we were lucky enough to get to travel for it.  We only went for a few days, but we loved being able to spend some time with family.  The weather was gorgeous!  It was wonderful to get away from the heat of Houston for a little while.  Almost made me want to move back.  Until Jacob reminded me of the winters and we decided we'll just have to take long vacations to Idaho in the summers.  :)

The ceremony was performed by Grandpa Burch in the Idaho Falls temple.  He also married us and Jacob's other married siblings and a few cousins.  This was our second time in the temple for a sealing in one week since Katie's was on Sept. 17.  It was a beautiful ceremony, but a little bittersweet since Grandma Burch wasn't there.  She passed away in August.  We waited outside the temple afterward for Cryshel and Kolban to come out.  This little courtyard was not there when we were married here almost 9 years (wow!) ago.    

Burch brothers, Harvey & Jacob

Cryshel & Kolban Scott.  They are so cute together!

Burch family

I love Cryshel!!   

Isn't her dress gorgeous?!  Her best friend's mom made it for her.

Cryshel crouched down a little so Jacob would not feel so short. :)

Their reception was held at the home of a friend of the Scott family.  She has a beautifully landscaped yard which was the perfect setting for their celebration. 

A charming, vintage backdrop.  I loved everything!

Their cake was made by Kolban's sister-in-law.  So pretty and it tasted amazing too.  Chocolate and peanut butter, yum!

Rachel, Kamery, and Harvey

us with our neice Kamery

Look at those bright blue eyes!  She's adorable.  I love her little teeth too. 

Thank goodness for horseshoes to keep the guys occupied. :)

Ah, look at all that beautiful soft green grass...

...which apparently Katie doesn't love as much as I do.  Seriously, it was a real treat to sink my bare feet into that soft bug-free grass.  (I am embarrassed of my brown, dry yard, partly due to the drought, but mostly because I forget to water!!)  I think the grass felt cold on her bare skin.  It was time for socks and a sweater! 

(These next few pics are not the best cause I was trying to stay out of the photographer's way.)

Cryshel and Kolban with the Burch siblings

Burch sisters, Rachel, Truly, Cryshel, and ShayNeil - they are all so beautiful

Jacob's dad, Nielsen, with the newest grandbaby, Cyrus

Sneaking in a snack near the end of the night.  I'm sure they were starving! 

They should be all set on things for their apartment with all these gifts!

It was such a good day and we're so happy for Cryshel and Kolban! 

Party time

Jacob and I both celebrated our birthdays in September.  It was awesome having family there for mine.  I haven't been with my family on my birthday since I was 17.  After eating pizza for dinner, we had my favorite oatmeal cake that my mom and sister made.   

Look at the glow from all 29 candles!  It's so bright!

It took me a few breaths to blow out all those candles. :)

Jacob's Grandpa and Grandma Orchard were there too.

My parents and sister, Anna

My sister, Jana

Teagan and Kaden, our adorable nephews

We were in Idaho the next week for Jacob's sister's wedding, so we were able to celebrate his birthday with his family. 

There was a surprise for Jacob when we arrived home on his birthday.  (I knew about it.)  Our sweet family and neighbors, the Kosters and Cheneys, had decorated the house for Jacob's birthday.  He loved it!  He said it made his day.  It's no fun traveling on your birthday, so this definitely helped brighten his mood. 

Well, Jacob is a little more into his thirties now and I only have one year left in my twenties.  I know it's gonna be a great year!  Thank you to everyone who helped us feel special on our birthdays!