Quick trip to Idaho

A few weeks ago my brother Adam got married so we were able to fly out to Idaho for the wedding. The trip was to quick, just a long weekend really. We flew out Thursday after Paul got off work. After both flights were delayed we finally made it to SLC only to have to drive another 3-4 hours to my parents home. We of course had to ride in style so when the rental car company offered us a good deal on a Hummer we had to take it. So with the keys in hand we started off and Paul drove as the sun came up. (Aiden and I enjoyed the ride by catching up on some much needed sleep)

The wedding was that morning at 11:00 so we were able catch a few more Z’s in a real bed before wedding filled day began. The sealing was wonderful. It was so awesome to see how far he has come in the last five years and to see him and Ashlee sealed in the temple for time and eternity. Congratulations guys we are so happy for you.

The next day we were able to spend time with family and friends and I was able to go see Chanda at the hospital and spend some time with her. She is so positive during this whole experience and I really admire her strength as she is going through all of this. I pray for her and the baby everyday. I just wish I could have had more time with her and the rest of my family but Sunday we headed back to SLC to spend time with Heather and our good friends the Grovers(who had also come up to Idaho that weekend to hang out with us), and to catch our flight on Monday. Even though it was short I am so glad we were able to go and see everyone. I had a few other friends that I didn’t get to catch up with but hopefully I will be able to next time. It is always hard to leave family behind but I am grateful for the time we were able to spend with them.

Beach Week!!!

Earlier this month we went with Paul's family on our annual beach trip. The past two years we have gone in Aug/Sep but since we barley missed a hurricane both years we decided to try going in June. I am so glad we did. It was so beautiful. The weather was perfect all week. However we were struck with a little bit of illness. Darrell and Aiden both got a virus and were both down for most of the week. Having a sick baby is never fun but fortunately I had lots of help and on the upside a very cuddly baby which is not the norm at our house. But sickness and all we still had a great time and we are ready to go back.

We celebrated Paul's birthday while we were there. Happy Birthday babe!

Our Little Man

These are just some one year shots I took of Aiden. They did not go as I had hoped because all he wanted to do was run around so I ended up chasing him and snapping pictures as I went. But all in all I think I ended up with a few cute ones.

My latest hobby

For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed taking pictures. And for a long time photography was something I wanted to pursue so I took a class here and there but never really did anything beyond that. I had been eying a DSLR for awhile but I figured it was just a distant dream. Despite my lack of camera I still signed up for a photography class with my friend Lisa. About a week before the class started my wonderful husband surprised me with a late Christmas present. It was a Canon Rebel. I have lots of fun with it and I recently upgraded my Photoshop. (Elements 5 was just not doing it for me anymore) I have been trying to practice with both the camera and Photoshop so while Chanda was here I took some pictures of Oaklee. She was such a perfect little model in all of her sassiness and charm. We had so much fun.

Aiden's First Birthday Party

I can not believe my baby is one! I know I say that with every milestone but the time just flies. His birthday was on a Saturday so we had some family and close friends over for a little party. I think Paul might have thought I went a little far on the decorations but I thought it was just about right. Even my first attempt at a fondant cake turned out better than I expected. Aiden had a fun day and enjoyed all the attention he was getting. We are so glad that we were able to be with our family and friends to help celebrate Aiden’s birthday and we missed the ones that were not there.

He had lots of helping opening his presents and even more help playing with them once they were all open

He went to town on that cake

Happy 1st Birthday!

Dear Aiden,

I can not believe a year has already come and gone since you came into our world. What a blessing you have been. Everyday you make us smile. You are such a happy little boy. No longer our little baby anymore you are now running all over the place as a toddler. What a joy it is to watch you play and learn new things everyday. You are so curious about anything new. You have no fear which can be a little scary at times like when we see you trying to climb anything and everything you can. I am afraid the crib will be next. You have brought on a whole new adventure for us we are loving every minute of it. We love you more then words can say. Happy First Birthday baby!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Aiden's First Haircut

Before

After

Paul decided to give himself a haircut too

I go to a Photography class every Monday which give Paul and Aiden some Daddy/Son bonding time. While I was in my class tonight I got a text from Paul with a picture saying "Aiden's first haircut. I hope mommy doesn't think it is too short." We have been saying for a few weeks now that Aiden needs a haircut but I just wasn't expecting it to happen tonight. The cell phone picture was not looking to promising so I was a little nervous to see what I might come home to. Luckily it turned out just fine. Aiden still looks as cute as ever.