Smiles

Crazy amount of updates

Ok, these pictures aren't in order, but here we go:  Andrew turned 2.  He had a tractor cake and loved it.  You can see the first thing he used his new tractor for.  His favorite things are tractors, choo choo trains and dinosaurs.  He's still a very happy and sweet little boy.  We're so glad he's part of our family.

 We had a big snow storm and got almost a foot of snow.  So, Andrew Ryan and I built a snowman.  Andrew asks about everyday now if we can go build a snowman.  He loved the snow!

We blessed Ariana the fast sunday of November.  We had lots of family come and we are so grateful for them and their love and support.  My mom made this beautiful dress for her.

Almost a smile. . .

 Ariana grew a bunch and keeps growing.  I can't believe that she's already over 3 months old.  It seems to have gone a lot faster with Ariana than it did with Andrew.  She loves people and likes to be talked to and played with.  She does not, however, like to be cuddled.  Her favorite thing is to lay on the floor and wiggle.  She'll just scream if you cuddle her.  Even when going to bed she doesn't like to be rocked.  She's rather be layed down and do her own self-soothing.  That's ok with me- though it would be nice to snuggle sometimes.  She's now also gone a good 5 nights running sleeping 10 to 12 hours- Awesome!  (especially since her older brother still doesn't sleep through the night)

This little girl loves the tub. It calms her right down and she smiles and coos.

I caught one- adorable!

We're still here too!

 We got some fun pictures of Andrew.  Ryan's aunt and uncle sent this Oregon Ducks outfit for Andrew, so we got some good old football pictures with him wearing it.

 And Halloween.  Ryan was an army guy from Toy Story, I was a vampire and we had Mickey and Minnie Mouse with us.  This is the only picture we have of Andrew wearing the ears.

Sleepy Minnie

Ryan just finished his first year of grad school.  One down, one to go. His hours at work are ramping up with the launching of the new program coming next year and he's still serving as Elder's Quorum President.  Our life is pretty busy, but we're doing our best to spend time together and enjoy what life brings our way.

Christmas is around the corner and I think we're ready.  Only a couple things to wrap and we're done.  Andrew and Ariana both love to stare at the Christmas tree and Andrew redecorates it several times a day. 

I Spy . . .

We had chicken for dinner last night.  Andrew saw it in the pan and wanted to try some.  He stood up and his chair said, "tryit?" and proceeded to grab an entire piece of chicken.  He put it in his mouth to take a bite and then immediately removed it after it had touched his tongue (I guess he didn't like the flavor) and put it back in the pan.  I told him I was glad he would try things.  He looked at me, then quickly snatched the roll off my plate and took a bite.  Still looking at me he said, "Mmm, good," took another bite and then handed it back to me.  :)  I wasn't expecting that one.

What a picture!  Andrew hanging out in the bumbo reading Jurassic Park!  He would point to the cover and say, "Di-so-nore, scary.  Rrarrr!"  (just for the record, we don't let him watch Jurassic Park)

Little Sweetie

She's Here!

Our little girl came into the world on August 24th.  She was 7 lbs, 12 oz and 20.5 in long.  We named her Ariana Rose.  She's so small, especially compared to Andrew.  I never thought I'd have a baby that size newborn clothes were too big for.  We love holding and snuggling her.  She's a happy baby.  She only cries when hungry and otherwise just whimpers a bit to tell you she's uncomfortable.

The whole birth was much better this time too.  It was a c-section, but the spinal was a much better experience than being knocked out.  I remember what happened.  Ryan was able to be there with me and we got to see Ariana right after she was born.  She didn't have any problems either so she was able to be with us instead of in the NICU.  Just the fact that she was in the same hospital made a world of difference.

We're so glad she's here and part of our family.  Andrew even seems to like her so far.  He has to check on her and tries to feed her pretzels and graham crackers.  He calls her "baby."  He can say "Ari", but hasn't connected the name with his sister yet.

Ariana is one week old in these pictures.  I my be biased, but I think she is beautiful.

Bear Lake

We took a day and went up to Bear Lake.  The water was so high that most of the beach was mud and rock and there were weeds clear out into the lake.  We were able to find a fairly clear spot though and it had shade to boot.  Andrew had a great time playing in the water and the dirt.

After playing in and by the water for a few hours we went and had dinner at the Pickleville Playhouse.  The food was great and it was a really fun atmosphere with music and eating outdoors.  It was a day well spent together.

Flying a kite in the wind



Daddy Daughter Trip

We took our annual Daddy/daughter trip a week or so ago and for the first time in a while, all of us were able to come. We went up to the Tetons, spent a day in Yellowstone, rode the boat across Jenny Lake, hiked, slept in a tent cabin, told stories, laughed and had a grand time. 

By Jenny Lake

Ryan was here too- look by my feet.  :)

Yellowstone walkway



Ann Marie and Lynette by Riverside Geyser

Jen and Deanna by Riverside geyser

The tent cabin, part cabin, part canvas with built-in cots.

by the marina near our campsite

Out on the docks at the marina

My Daddy and me

Hiking up to Inspiration Point.  Marissa and I and our babies.