Numbers

My mind is going crazy this week with so many numbers going through it.

First off, on a positive note, Ellie had her 1-year check up this week (a little late, but we were out of town). Here are her current stats:
Height- 32"
Weight- 21 lbs 3.5 oz
Head Circumference (although I've never had anyone ask how big my baby's head is)- 45.5 cm

The other reason for the numbers is the summer diet. James decided he would like to lose weight. I am appreciating and following his example, as I also am not a healthy weight for my height. We eat a well balanced diet, (lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains) just too much of it. So this week I was counting, measuring, weighing, charting and graphing our food. A little obsessive, maybe...but it better work!

This picture is slightly embarrassing, but will give us motivation to work off the extra pounds. We are still trying to decide some good goals and incentives. Any good ideas?

Learning to Walk

We caught on video the first attempts of walking. She is still very wobbly, but I'm sure she will be off and running in no time. I just hope I'll be able to keep up with her.

Hawaii

It is hard to choose. I'm trying to narrow down the pictures to post, but with 2 weeks worth of pictures, it is tough.

So here are a few of the favorites:

Beautiful Beach Babe

The flower behind the right ear means she is available. Of course, you'll have to wait at least 15 years (and then face her dad) if you are interested in a date.

She loved playing in the sand!

Fun Family Time

We loved walking along the beaches.

Visiting Pearl Harbor

Chinaman's Hat


Crazy Crawling Cousins

They have matching favorite blankies, and would often try to steal it from one another.

The best beach babysitter...dig a pit and let them play!

They haven't quite figured out how to snorkel yet, but they are getting close.

By the end of the trip they were holding hands. At least until they saw something more interesting to crawl towards.


The Whole Crew

Our favorite spot for shaved ice. A perfect treat after the salty beach.

We had a fun picnic at Chinaman's hat before leaving to go back to the mainland.

More walks on the beach.

Thanks to the two youngest for staying home to watch the babies while the rest of us went to the temple!

And Even More

We love diving. James spotted an octopus as soon as we went down. We also saw a few eels and more fish than I could count.

The U.S.S Arizona Memorial

The (almost) veterinary to the rescue! The turtle got hooked by the fishing line. James got it unhooked and then carried it back out to the ocean where it quickly swam away.

Just playing and having fun at Shark's Cove.

And finally, one of our favorite past times...Boogie Boarding!

Utah-travel log

I'm finally taking the time to catch up on our trip. And wow! There is a lot to catch up on.
This is just the 1st week.

I lived in Utah for 18 years. Usually when I go back it feels like a place to lounge around the house and be with family. This time we took a different approach and decided to be busy tourists. It was lots of fun! Thank you to my family that took time out of their normal busy schedules to play, play play!!

Thanksgiving Point Gardens



If I lived close to the Gardens I might get a membership to go walk there everyday. It is beautiful and relaxing. I worked at Thanksgiving Point before moving to Michigan and it still holds a special place in my heart. That being said, the honest truth is that I am glad we could get in for free.

Bingham Canyon Copper Mine

I think it is so cool that I grew up with this in my backyard. (Well, it is less than 10 miles away, so close enough) It makes you feel pretty small peeking over the huge copper pit.

Utah Children's Museum

Ellie loved splashing in the water station. This museum has a lot of hands-on activities which I love. However, the honest truth again is that although it is lots of fun, it wasn't worth paying $8.50 for a 1-year-old.

The Aquarium

This is a small aquarium (they are still planning to expand) but what they have is really interesting. I love being able to pet the stingrays, they are kind of slimy.

Downtown Salt Lake City

The flowers were amazing! We ate lunch at the Lion House Pantry, which was very tasty.

Heritage Park (This is the Place)




Ellie was so, so excited to pet the baby animals. She was letting the lambs suck on her fingers. I could have spent more time here going through the historical homes.

Hogle Zoo


It was really fun to meet up with my college roommate and her 2 kids. I was excited to be able to use my Lansing zoo membership to get in the Utah zoo for free. It was well worth taking the time to go (even in the colder weather). James loved the white crocodile.

Other activities not even pictured:
Planetarium
5-k run (walk)
Visiting family/friends and BYU campus in Provo
Cinco de Mayo party
Cafe Rio!
Cabelas

I'm a big girl now!

I went to get 1-year-old pictures taken at the studio, but the camera was scary. So when we got home Mom took some more pictures to show that yes, I do know how to smile.

My name is: Brielle (aka Ellie, Roots, Snorts)
I'm: 1 year old today!
Things I love:
-My Blanket
-When Daddy comes home
-Dogs
-Being Outside
-Baths
-Story Time
-Mom's purse
-Eating cell phones
Favorite book: Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins
Pet Peeve: Getting Diaper Changed
Catch Phrase: Haaaayy!

I loved opening my presents

This is what was in all those wrapped up boxes.

Dad baked my cake, Mom decorated is to look like "little fish" from my favorite book.

And it tasted sooooo good!

Join the party

James decided we needed cupcakes to go with the cake. I didn't think that for just the three of us that was entirely necessary, however when Ellie was through with her share I was wondering if she was going to save any for us at all!

This is a very, very, very long video of the Birthday girl enjoying her cake. We don't have time to edit it right now, so you can just watch bits and pieces as you want to get the full effect.

Enjoy!

Happy May Day

What were you doing 5 years ago today? Maybe you don't remember for sure, but I do. I was getting married!







Since then we moved over 1500 miles away from family, bought a house, had a baby, and have grown--mentally, spiritually and (unfortunately wider) physically--to be our own little family.

I love being married. I have such a great husband. Here is a list of some of the things I appreciate about him, in no particular order. (Don't fall in love with him though, because he is already taken!)

-he loves me (even when I'm tired and ornery)
-he works hard in school
-loves to learn
-is aware of my feelings
-communicates regularly with his family and helps them
-tells me I'm attractive
-is responsible
-encourages us to have family prayer, scriptures and home evening
-is a worthy priesthood holder
-cuddles with me
-loves Brielle
-reads stories to Ellie, plays with her and makes her smile
-is really good with people
-does not waste money
-brags about me to other people, and then tells me about it so I feel appreciated
-is not messy
-does not have dumb or expensive hobbies that take away from out time together
-still makes me smile when he walks in the room
-he tells me to relax and take a bath while he does dishes
-he loves to travel as much as I do
-he is patient
-he gets better and better everyday, and I love him!!