Bear Lake

Wow. We've been at Bear Lake since last Wednesday and just got home last night.  It was a wonderful to be with all of Erik's family. Everyone was there. I think it is amazing to just sit and watch big families when they are actually all together. There is a certain love, and spirit that is unlike anywhere else. We were celebrating Erik's parents and their 40 years of marriage! That number is getting more and more uncommon these days . . . sadly enough. It was heaven though to just sit at the beach, watch the grandkids play and catch up with everyone. It was perfect weather the whole time and I was actually able to get an ounce of sun on my white body (it's about time!).  The last picture of Erik's face is him completely out. We were really tired last night after playing to hard. It was also nice this morning to be able to give Darla a real bath. It was an adventure and we are off for another one this weekend. We will be heading to Hebgen for Darla's first time! I can't wait.  I love summer.

today...

I have a beautiful girl, a roller hockey champion, and tiny nails to cut. What more could a girl ask for?

Life's Surprises

We have been surprised this week. Not only by Darla, but also by another Grad School acceptance. In the mail this past week was a letter from University of Michigan. This was Erik's original top pick, but we hadn't heard anything back from them so we kind of just pushed it aside and out of our minds. We were excited, yet also not really wanting to make another decision. Decisions such as these are hard. We've been thinking, debating, praying, researching and know that whether we go to Minnesota or Michigan we will be taken care of. Michigan is feeling better and better to us the more we think about it. I wouldn't be surprised if that is where we end up going. All in all I am just so proud of Erik. He got into every single school he applied for. He is incredible. I am glad the schools recognized that. 

Darla has been full of surprises this week as well. She is downing rice cereal. She loves it (that is the first picture), she is SO close to sitting up all by herself (second picture), and she is doing so much better in the night! Long story short, she is growing up. Seriously every day Erik and I just watch her in amazement because she is changing so fast. She truly is the happiness in our lives. We live to care, love, watch and be taught by our little Darla Anne.

Can't return ANYTHING!

Ok, so I just came home from Gap where I was returning a swimsuit that I had bought for Darla, but then I found a different, cheaper, and cuter one. I had the receipt for the swimsuit. I even had the receipt from the purchase before that where I had exchanged something in order to buy the original swimsuit. So, I had two receipts showing how I purchased them etc etc. The lady behind the counter said, "I'm sorry, we can only send you mail receipt (which is a gift card or store credit) for the amount of the purchase." I said, "Even though I have receipts I can't return this item and get my money refunded? I have to have store credit?" 

That makes no sense! I may be understand the whole store credit thing if you don't have a receipt, but if you have a receipt why can't they give you your money back? This whole thing make me want to not buy anything unless I KNOW I am going to keep it. Peoples return policies these days are ridiculous! 

la la la

She had just woken up. Hilarious. Talk about bed head.  Photo shoot with the new little hat that matches her swimsuit for this summer.

That flower headband made her seem so grown up yesterday at church. She is growing up and we are realizing that more and more every day. She is grabbing everything now and it goes right to her mouth, she is closer and closer to sitting up and rolling over, she is laughing all the time, and of course gets more beautiful each time we look at her. She is a little stinker though when it comes to sleep. We do what we can, but wow...I'll just say it's amazing what you can live off of. Oh the life of a mother. She is a doll.

 

5 months old . . . due for a cold.

Yes, it's true Darla got her first cold this week. I keep telling myself that I can't complain because she really has been quite the healthy kid. I just feel so bad though when her whole face is draining- eyes, nose, and mouth. I admit I came home early from church with her today because I couldn't wipe her face one more time with toilet paper. I needed a warm cloth. Now she is resting (thank goodness) and I probably should be too. Last night was a little long. Poor thing. I hope she gets feeling better soon. She is actually quite cheerful for how bad this cold is. She is a trooper. Being sick sure makes you grateful for health and strength, especially when it comes to your child.  I do love Sunday's though. I think my love for them came when I was in London on my study abroad. I had to actually travel about an hour to get to church. Sundays we would go to parks, gardens, read, and write. There are such BEAUTIFUL parks in London. Oh I miss it. I learned much from that experience. I'll get back there one day. Anybody want to come with?       These pics were taken on our anniversary. What a wonderful day that was. Erik was able to get work off so we got to spend the whole day together! LOVE IT! We made ourselves an incredible breakfast. Then later went on a walk to the park where these pictures were taken. Erik surprised me with two (notice number significance) gerbera daisies. My mom was so kind to come down and watch Darla while we went out to eat. Macaroni Grill is so delicious! Then we hung out and watch Brian Regan (stand up comedian) before going to bed. Hilarious. I loved having that time with Erik. The two year mark was well celebrated.