Rounding Up

I am for sure closer to 30 now.
I don't feel like that.
I know I am not the only one who thinks like that.
I have had a nice day.
All the friends and family that have celebrated with me and sent bday wishes are much appreciated.
Made me feel special.
Lyla said "ma-ma-ma-ma" for the first time TODAY.
That made it even better.
I don't need to put a picture because I don't feel the need to document how I've changed in the last year.
Hopefully there have been more inward changes than outward.
I am blessed.
I will keep growing up...
I think I'm ok with that.
Life really is a beautiful thing.

A Mini-Vacation for 4

An unexpected and fabulous Christmas present this time around was this Flagstaff get-away. We stayed at a fantastic condo and relaxed for two days. Lyla had her own "staycation" with the Becks so it was sleep-through-the-night, eat-a-meal-without-interruption, no-diaper-changes kind of fun! I felt guilty leaving her at first, but I got over it...quickly. Emma and Regan had fun playing in the snow, so great to have a built-in bff. There wasn't a ton of snow but just enough to impress and entertain the girls for hours. So glad we don't live in it, but it makes a really awesome weekend trip! And, I decided there should always be some kind of trip in January...something to pick-me-up after my annual "post Christmas-crash".
Thanks for the great present, Lance & Pam!

Lyla @ 8 months

Always so entranced with what is going on...this baby's "curious" face is fun to watch. She is so aware of her big sisters and loves when they come to play with her. Dad coming home from work each day is so exciting too. (for everyone:) She is very into food, but you wouldn't know it by looking at her!

2 Things About Preschool

Regan just got home from preschool.

I still miss her every time she goes.
She came home today and said,
"Mom. (with one hand on her hip and one hand gesturing as she spoke) Two things about preschool today. It was good that Isaac got in trouble so then he had to sit by me. And I want to wear a totally cute outfit on Friday cause we are having popcorn...cause we are like having a letter 'P' week!"

How do I reply to that? I just hugged her and told her she can never leave the house again.
She giggle & rolled her eyes.
And yes, I know. In about 10 years I am in trouble!!

Christmas was...

...full of firsts for Lyla...
among other things army-crawled for the first time on Christmas Eve
...the most exciting thing EVER for Regan...
seriously overjoyed with all the candy & jumped up and down for her favorite gifts
...full of surprises for Emma...
loved seeing Regan's face when she gave her a present & got things she "didn't know she wanted"
...our 9th together & the best yet!
it was a beautiful holiday spent with people we love & full hearts

Better Every Year

ZooLights. Our favorite.

Lyla @ 7 Months

This little doll is bringing joy to our home in ways that we never thought possible. She is full of smiles, chuckles, & open-mouthed kisses that keep us loving and laughing all day long!
This month we did the zoo (hated her stroller, loved the baby bjorn~of course) & peas (don't know where she got that)

Baby in a Basket

Lyla has figured out how to be silly. The best part of her discovery stage is the way E & R go hysterical over just about everything she does! Every time I lay her down she rolls herself to her basket of toys, manages to get everything out of it, and then puts it over her entire body...only peeking out to see if anyone is watching! On this day she managed to scoot herself out of her leggings {Emma had tears from laughing so hard} and then added to the fun by getting in her basket!

Another Holiday, More Cookies!

These 2 really love to bake/eat way too much cookie dough!

Christmas in AZ

If you live in Arizona, the LDS Mesa Temple lights are a "must see". We went with the Becks & Taysoms and had fun wandering the grounds since there weren't too many people that night. I guess that's what happens when you go on a rainy day. Emma's favorite was the nativity display in the visitor's center...she was kinda sad there wasn't one from Ecuador, but was happy to see Brady's mission represented. Lyla was happy to be outside and being in her baby bjorn...she LOVES that thing!