2 years later...

Engaged. . . wedding. . .

newly weds. . . prego. . .

Darla. . . little family. . .

Tomorrow is our two year anniversary. I feel like it was just yesterday that we were hanging out at East together. It is amazing all the little things that change in just two years. One example would be: staying up until 3 AM and sleeping in till 11 AM vs. going to bed as fast as you can at 9:30 PM and waking up at the crack of dawn 5 AM. Marrying Erik was the best decision I have ever made. He continues to impress me. From the day we started dating I was constantly astonished how my feelings for him would get stronger. They would never level off and disappear. What I feel for Erik now is something that I never thought possible. Erik makes being a wife and mother easy. He truly is one of a kind. Last night while reading the Book of Mormon, I couldn't help but feel how this life is literally a gift. We have been given this time and opportunity to live, grow, change and become. I couldn't be more grateful for these days in my life that I have been given.

Memorial Day Weekend

Another great weekend. We were up at my parents house and were able to spend a lot of time with family! We got to relax, laugh, and catch up with those we love. It was a special treat to be able to see Grandma and Grandpa Nelson for an afternoon. They were so kind to help us find some clothes for Darla since she is almost 6 months old and is quickly growing out of what is in her closet. I love weekends especially because Erik is around. Darla loves hanging out with Dad. He is so good with her. Even though I am tired today, the memories that we created the past couple days were well worth it. 

Babies, Babies everywhere!

This face is classic...I mainly just wanted to take a picture of her little hair-do. I finally bought little elastics. She didn't seem to mind it too much. 

After having cousin Rachie in town last weekend, we were surprised to celebrate the arrival of Kate! We are so happy for TJ and Sarah. She is such a beautiful baby. How fun is that! We have three little girl cousins right in a row - each about 2 months apart! It was incredible though how big Darla seemed when I was holding Kate. Time goes so fast. We were also happy to welcome my sister Emily and her two kids back to Salt Lake last night! They are going to be around for the summer before they move to California. I'm sure in future posts there will be many fun pictures of our summer adventures with them. Erik and I are excited about moving to Minnesota. Yet, it is after weekends such as these that you realize all you will miss - the people, the events, etc. But in a way it makes it all the more special when you get together again. Oh the joys of family. I can never get enough.

a complete weekend

 What a great weekend! It all started with my sister-in-law Mindy and her little girl Rachel coming into town. Darla and Rachel are just two months apart and have such darling pink matching outfits - we just couldn't help but take millions of pictures. I also had my first Mother's Day! It was wonderful to be able to celebrate with my sisters and with my own mom. Not to mention we all got to talk to my brother Jon on his mission. He inspired me to pray harder and share my testimony to those around me. He is thriving. Jon was meant to be a missionary. Isn't my sister Kathryn beautiful? You should hear her sing. If anyone ever needs a great musical number, call me and I'll get you in touch with Kathryn. Her voice will change your life. Oh to be able to sing like Kathryn.

"I gather the blossoms..."

Ok, so let me explain. This is basically what you see when you look out my front door. Since it is glass, and when sitting on the couch in our house I can see this tree. It has been incredible to me as I have watched it bloom. Erik has been teasing me as I have taken these pictures. But my favorite moment was when I looked outside the other day and it was snowing...not snowflakes, but blossoms. Spring is officially here if it is snowing blossoms. This has to be one of my favorite seasons. 

As for these two pictures - I love it when Darla is just out of the bath, all wrapped up in her towel. She is so adorable. Those are some of her most  pleasant moments. As soon as I pull the onesie over her head, it's all over. 

The pink picture well this face is CLASSIC Darla! She is always doing this little flat smile. She is just about rolling over. All the little tricks and new learned behaviors are so fun to watch and discover. She is so smart. We don't stop laughing at her (Erik especially).

What a life!

Spring has sprung! We are loving this warm weather and are just praying that it is here to stay. I am in heaven with Erik's new schedule. He has Monday's completely free. To enjoy and celebrate that freedom we hung around Salt Lake yesterday and my mom was able to watch Darla while we went on a date...ALL BY OURSELVES! It was the best to have one on one time together. While at Gateway who did we bump into (not very hard to miss) Mehmet Okur. Kind of cool to see someone that tall in real life and not just on the telly. So once again it was heaven to be with Erik. Thank goodness for Darla's wonderful "crazy grandma" that is always so willing to watch her.