June

We celebrated Allan's birthday by going camping. He's been wanting to do a family campout for a long time. Last year we planned one, but when Baby L came it got set aside. This year we took the first open weekend we had and went. Little A and Baby L were super excited! There are a lot of great camping areas near us so it was a quick drive.

There was a nature walk on the way that we stopped and walked around at. Little A loved running down the paths. A and I got over heated pretty quickly though. It was hot!

There was a nice shaded spot that we found along the nature walk that had a creek and a tire swing. It was also a GREAT climbing tree. Little A swang on the swing for a minute before we continued.

When we go to the camp ground we made quick work of setting things up. Little A really enjoyed helping carry all of the stuff into the tent and setting it up. She was super excited about her bed. Baby L enjoyed playing on the tent floor.

While Allan got dinner ready L played near him, and Little A and I explored the campground. We also sang "The Ants Go Marching" over, and over, and over again at A's request. (I'm not sure our neighbors appreciated it.)

She was so cute though. She'd say the "boom, boom, boom" part and then say "The End" when we got to the end. She loved jumping off of all the rocks.

After dinner we went on a little hike. Little A led the way.

Allan and I had a nice evening together after the girls went to sleep. The next morning we had a nice breakfast and packed up.

We went on a short hike before we left. We were planning on doing a longer one, but both the girls started to fall asleep.

They both had so much fun!

At story time the girls got a pig nose. Ha! Little A thinks it's hilarious! It's on an elastic. Baby L loves to shake it and watch it bounce up and down.

We made Allan and L brownies for their birthdays. Little A was a really good helper. She loves to lick the bowl and spoons when we're finished.

I got Allan several tools he'd been wanting. I took Little A to the store, and she picked out a gift for both Allan and L. She got Allan a yard game (which is a lot of fun), and L a musical toy that they can play with together (also a lot of fun). She loves to give surprises and will often color a picture for Allan or I and give it to us as a "prise!"

Allan had a fun birthday! He didn't even mind sharing it a little with baby L, ha!

Baby L had her first birthday! We sent off a picture wishing her little twin a happy birthday too. 

Baby L tried some brownie and ice cream. She wasn't that impressed. She loved playing with it though.

She enjoyed opening her gifts. We got her a push toy, stacking cups, and a dress (that is too small, boo.) She's loved playing with all of her new toys. Grandma and Grandpa got her a phone and some books. Grandad and Grandma H got her a musical puzzle (and sent Little A a puzzle too).

Her Aunties and Nana and Pops threw her a little party too. They got her some swimming gear, bubble machine, butterfly chime, and some cute clothes. The bubble machine was a huge hit amongst all the cousins.

Little A went to the ENT for a check up. She did great! She wanted Baby L to sit in the chair with her. L wasn't a fan.

We had a rain storm and took advantage of it to do some puddle splashing. Baby L was napping so it was just A and I. We had to stick close to the house so we could hear L through the monitor, but we had a blast!

One Sunday we had a Temple Dedication instead of our normal church meetings. Little A isn't old enough to go. She was so, SO sad. She walked around for half of the day saying "me no church" all sad. So we played church together. She gave a talk and said the prayer. I gave a talk too. Then she colored in one of her church activity books for a while. After that she seemed to feel a little better. 

Baby L has been working really hard at her physical therapy. She plays on her knees in a box to help keep her knees under her.

We also get to use this Creepster Crawler. It's awesome! She hated it at first, but now she really seems to enjoy it. She hangs from the harness on her hands and knees, and then we help her crawl. It didn't take her long to figure out how to do it herself. She hates being on her knees though.

While Allan was at Scout camp for a week we went to AG's house and stayed with her for a couple of days. It was so much fun! The girls came down with a little cold so we had to change some of our plans, but overall it was a really fun trip. We love going to see her and her family!

Allan left Monday morning for scout camp but then had to return late that night so he could do a training the following day for work. I let the girls stay up to see him since that would be the only time they'd see him until Saturday. When he got home Little A ran to him, gave him a big hug, and started crying a little. She sure loves her Daddy.

Baby L had her yearly doctor check ups this month (most of them). We saw the cardiologist, hematologist, and Pediatric specialist. They all said she looks great! They also said to lay off the formula and switch to milk because she doesn't need all the extra calories. Haha! She is pretty chubby! We did find out that she has a dairy sensitivity, so we switched her first to soy, thought better of it, and then to almond milk. She's doing really well with it.

While we were at the doctor Little A got to go play with her cousins! She had a blast! They played in the water almost the entire time and helped themselves to pancakes when they felt hungry. I think she really enjoyed the independence. She sure loves her cousins!

On one of our trips down to see her doctors L tried her first French fry. She took a bite, grimaced, spit it out, and then threw the rest on the floor. Ha! I'm just fine with her not liking fast food, lol! I'm sure she'll grow out of it eventually though.

L's birth family came for a visit! We loved having them! Unfortunately I don't have any pictures. I know they got some so I'll have to see if I can get a few from them. We got some really cute pictures of them with all of their girls! The twins didn't really care for each other. L yelled at E and E cried. Their daughter L played so good with Little A. We exchanged some gifts for the girls and each other, except I forgot to give them theirs. (Sheesh. I feel terrible and am really embarrassed about it.) We got E stacking cups and a dress that matches L's. They got L a camera kaleidoscope (it's pretty cool), teether blankie, a magnetic stacking toy, and some adorable shorts. They brought Little A her first chapter book about a little dog who got lost. She LOVED it! We read it in about 5 days. They also brought her a vet kit. She also LOVED it! She's taken it everywhere with us and shows it to everyone, ha! One set of Baby L's birth grandparents gave the girls some beautiful dolls. The other set gave Baby L a gorgeous pin that was her great grandmother's (if I'm remembering correctly).

Nana and Pops watched the girls for Allan and I while we went on a date one night. Little A brought her vet kit with her. She and all the other girls gathered around Pops, and he helped them nurse all the stuffed animals back to health, and wrap each other's owies too!

One afternoon we had a picnic with Allan's favorite, pork chops. Baby L was very determined to get some of our food. Particularly the pork chops. I thought I had them far enough away, but when I turned my head for a second she grabbed the left overs of one! She never put it in her mouth, just hung on to it looking very pleased. Ha! Her twin, E, did this when they came to visit (but she actually tasted it).

May

We celebrated 9 years of marriage this month. We just had a small at home date chatting over the fire, with s'mores of course. :) I am so grateful every day for my wonderful husband and how hard he works to provide for us and to keep our marriage and family happy and healthy. I couldn't ask for a more loving partner.

When I get ready for the day the girls either play or read books on our bed. I love it when they read together! These two love each other more and more every day.

We took the girls to one of our favorite play places. They both loved the rice bin. Baby L grabbed onto some unsuspecting woman who was passing by and gained an new fan.

Little A loves "surprises" and any kind of hide-and-seek game. These doors were a lot of fun for both of the girls. L loved that she could open one.

The music room is always a favorite. We all love this harp.

Outside was the biggest hit though. Little A loved running up and down the ramps and going up and down the stairs.

While A and I did that, Daddy stayed with Baby L in the sand box.

They caught up to us when we reached the spiders web climber. I don't have a picture, but the best thing was the zip line! Little A has eyed this zip line every time we come. She wants to go on it so bad. This time she finally got up the courage to go! She did great! She thought it was the funnest thing ever! She also loved pushing me down it. :)

The little doors are always a big hit too.

K6 had her second daughter at the end of April. We are so excited to have another cousin close by! Baby S had to be in the NICU for a little while. Unfortunately they also sold their house at this time and needed to move! For a week I helped get them packed up. They were very grateful and very glad to finally be by themselves when we were done, lol! I'm glad that I can do things like that. The girls always play so good together, and little A LOVES their dog, Nay Nay. They have a Great Pyrenees. It is the sweetest, gentlest dog! (Except it hates other dogs) Little A would follow her around all day playing, petting, laying on, etc. The dog loved it as much as A. Little A tells me all the time about how Nay Nay kissed her, ha! She thinks it's the best thing ever.

We took the girls to see another Temple Open House. Little A LOVES to see Temples, especially if she gets to go inside. It was a good opportunity to remind her of when L was sealed to us.

We've been spending a lot of time outside. One time the sun was really hot so I lathered the girls up with sunscreen and then put a hat on baby L trying to keep her out of the sun. Well, I turned around from helping Little A with something only to find L lying on her back taking in the sunshine happy as can be! Funny girl.

She also fell asleep on the swing holding onto her tongue, lol!

This is Little A's favorite way to go down the stairs! She slides down on her belly and aims for the box, usually (but not always) sliding into it, ha!

We got to go to Jackson Hole with Nana and Pops for a few days. It was a really relaxing trip. We walked all around the town and got ice cream and then candy for later at the candy shop. We loved their toy store! They had some really great toys there, and they have samples of everything out for the kids to play with them.

We walked/hiked around the resort, and then took Little A up the tram to the top of the mountain. She LOVED it! We were really worried that she would be scared. She was scared at first but then quickly relaxed and loved seeing everything. She loved that there was snow at the top of the mountain.

She and Allan walked around at the top. I watched and had a panic attack while they got closer and closer to the edge. (They weren't really very close, it just looked like it from where I was). I have a serious fear of cliffs so I didn't want to get anywhere near where they were (when I was around 6 years old my family rolled off the side of a mountain, I've been terrified every since).

Because it was still so cold at the top of the mountain, and we hadn't brought anything warm for Baby L, we left her with Pops. He really wanted some time with her anyway. He's a baby hog, lol! We found them like this when we got back. He said she cried the whole time. She wouldn't go near him for about a month!

We watched "The Voice" with Nana at the end of the day. Little A loved the snuggle time.

We had a tea party picnic with K6, cousin P, and our new cousin S. The girls had a blast!

They took turns holding S, and then all posed for a picture. Baby L was thrilled to get her hands on S's head, lol! Little A always rubs L's head. I think she was happy that she finally got to do it to someone else.

Then they played dress up until they were both exhausted.

We set them up for a little movie and quiet time while we had a chat. I'm so glad that we live near family so the girls can be close to their cousins.

Quiet time with Daddy. Curious George are Little A's favorite books right now.

April

We enjoyed watching General Conference. As always, Little A loved hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing. She is all ears for each song. Her and Baby L tag teamed us so we weren't able to watch much without being interrupted. Thank goodness for the internet so we could watch later! A1 and his family came down for a visit over conference weekend as well. We loved having them! The kids played so good together.

My Mom asked me to choreograph a dance for the musical they are doing, Alice in Wonderland. I'm doing the "Down the Rabbit Hole" scene. It ended up looking great! I think their cast thinks I'm a little crazy though. I definitely took them out of their comfort zone with some modern dance.

We went to Baby Animal Days with Little A's birth mom! It was so much fun! Little A loved riding the pony. She also really enjoyed the pigs and goats. Eating out is always a highlight for her, and we got some cotton candy to share on the way out. Baby L was a happy camper in the baby carrier. She loved seeing all the people.

Easter was a lot of fun! We went to an Easter Egg Hunt in a nearby town (ours didn't do one this year). Little A is easily overwhelmed by crowds and noise. They announced that the parents couldn't go out with the children in her age group. Poor Allan was all worried, but I just went with her anyway.

She picked up all the eggs by herself though! She mostly got army men, but she was just fine with that.

Baby L met the Easter Bunny. Little A didn't want to this year.

We colored eggs as a family. The Easter Bunny hid the eggs all around the house for the girls to find. Little A always loves that. The girls loved the gifts in their baskets. Baby L picked out hers. It was really cute. I held up two different options (a rainbow bunny or a pink lamb) and told her she could choose one. She looked at them thoughtfully for a while and then chose the pink lamb. Little A got a truck (she LOVES trucks). They both got chocolate bunnies, peeps, a Cadbury Egg, and a dress.

That Sunday we went to Nana's and Pops' house for an Easter dinner. The girls loved the Easter prizes. (Bunny purses, an outfit, bracelets, and bows!) These cute cousins always have so much fun playing together! They all looked soooo cute in their dresses!

We tried to grab a quick family picture, but miss A wasn't having it. This is the best we got.

Nana with some of her girls. (Currently Nana and Pops have 8 daughters and 6 granddaughters! Only 3 nephews so far. Poor boys are WAY out numbered)

This little Princess turned 10 months! She's so beautiful! She is such a happy little girl! She is loving eating food. Still doesn't like fruit but loves vegetables and will tolerate meats if they're mixed with vegetables. She loves music, people, and she enjoys having loud outbursts. Her favorite thing to do is wave ribbons around (or really anything that is long and shakable). She says Mama and Dada and likes to mimic Little A.

We went to visit Allan's family. Little A has always loved Uncle SB, and still does. They enjoyed watching funny animal movies together.

We're loving our newly improved playroom. Little A loves the nursery rhyme felt board stories. She's getting pretty good at telling them back to me (in her "little A" way).

One day I came back from a bathroom break to find the girls like this. Baby L had pushed herself all the way under Little A's bed, and they were playing peek-a-boo with each other! So cute!

We took Little A to see a developmental psychologist for some evaluations. We're trying to get a diagnosis so that our insurance can help cover the cost of her therapies. It was a LONG eval. She was super bored. There were two highlights though. At one point they were evaluating matching. They gave her a paint pen and asked her to "smash" the bugs that matched each other. She did a few lines and then just smashed all the bugs, while squealing in delight, lol! I got a kick out of that one. The next highlight was when they asked her to stand as still as a statue with her eyes closed for one minute. Oh. My. Goodness!!! I died! It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Bless her heart, she tried so hard. She ended up sideways in a chair with one eye open, one squinting, hands at her side, and feet flailing!

Afterward we went to lunch at her favorite restaurant, Panda Express, and then got ice cream after. She earned it!

Her favorite thing to do in Occupational Therapy is swing. This girl could literally swing all day long and be happy. While on the swing she catches and throws balls, gives high fives, pops bubbles, etc. My favorite thing is the roller. It really seems to calm her and help her organize herself. She hates it though.

She loves to paint at school! She is doing so well there and has made some really good friends. One day a new girl came to class. Little A went right up to her, grabbed her hand, and pulled her along to  play. Ava stayed with her the rest of the day. We're so proud of our friendly, loving little girl!

We celebrated my birthday by going out to eat. We were going to do more, but unfortunately Allan got called into work. Bummer. He didn't get home until about 9pm, but then made my birthday cake so we could have it the following evening. I sure love my man!

He took Little A to the store to pick out a gift for me. He told her she could get me a toy, kitchen item, or stuffed animal. She thought about it and then decided on a toy. While they were walking to the toy isle Allan tried to turn down the kitchen isle. Little A immediately shouted "No Daddy! Toy!" She knew what she wanted, ha! She picked out a coloring book for me, and immediately after opening it she took it to her table and colored in it for me, lol! She was so pleased! Allan is doing some projects in the laundry room for me.

Nana and Pops got these cuties matching shirts for Easter. Little A is over the moon about matching with Baby L. :)

Little A loves to sit on Allan's feet and have him walk her around the room like that. We were babysitting for a friend, and her little girl had to get on too! They thought it was pretty funny!

We've enjoyed really enjoyed our fire pit. It's been nice to sit and chat by the fire while the girls run around. We've really been enjoying the s'mores too!

Little A is still really enjoying using the camera. She's getting better and better at aiming and remembering to keep her finger off of the lens! She took this one of Baby L and I.