She is 4!

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She is 4 years old today and she couldn't be more excited about it. We had a little friend birthday party for her on the 10th of December before her friends left for relatives houses for the holidays. Ever since then she has been saying she is 4, but today it is official! Darla is a delight. She is the best mother, sister, friend, daughter, and helper. She is so thoughtful. She is very organized and likes to understand how things work. She is very smart doing 100 piece puzzles all by herself, writing every word, coloring perfectly and counting as high as she wants. She loves her little playgroup/preschool. She has loved riding her bike this year especially with her friend Jack. She loves all of her friends (Audrey, Brielle, Eva, Ivie, Grace, Abe, etc etc etc). She is so good at making friends. She sometimes still takes naps and loves to sleep with the following all on her bed - her three pink blankets, 2 stuffed animal dogs, a moose, a polar bear, minnie mouse, Olivia, giraffe, Kiki (her monkey), a little elephant, Snow White, Tinkerbell, 2 other blankets one pink and one polka-dot, and her pillow. These items need to be placed perfectly before she goes to bed. She loves strawberry shortcake, princesses, building with legos, playing games, and creating worlds with figurines in her little pink house. Her favorite colors are pink, purple and red. She loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Tinkerbell, Lion King, Little Einstein's, and Mickey Mouse clubhouse shows. Most importantly Darla loves to go to primary, pay her tithing, share her testimony at Family Home Evening, and say her prayers. Every night she like to underline certain words in her Book of Mormon while we read. Darla I love you. I'm so grateful that you are our little girl. We couldn't be happier to have you in our family! Happy Birthday!

and life goes on

 We shaved Bennett's head. SO DARLING. It just makes him seem like a true little boy. This kid is hilarious.

 Sleepy Heads

 Still slightly warm enough to go to the Zoo after Thanksgiving. That is saying a lot for Minnesota.

Here is Tate - healing up nicely. All of his steri strips have now come off and he is looking great! Cute baby.

home has never seemed so sweet

Tate came home on November 15th. One week after surgery. That is remarkable. Before he was born the doctors told us that babies typically need to be in the hospital 2 - 4 weeks. He surpassed every expectation. I cannot believe what I have felt through all of this - just over 2 weeks of Tate's life. I know he was sent to our family to teach us. I know that Jesus Christ is real and that He lives. I know that the power of the priesthood has been restored to this Earth. I know that those who are worthy priesthood holders have been blessed with power, faith, nobility. I could not be more grateful for Erik. He is a man of God. I know that I have a family that has been sealed together. The faith, prayers and love of the diligent people that surround me has carried me each and every day since we first heard of Tate's heart defect. I know God answers prayers. I know He loves His little children, even those who are adults. I pray with all my soul that I will never forget the thoughts, feelings, moments, and comfort that I feel. I am full of thanksgiving. My cup runneth over. . .

getting closer

He only has that simple oxygen tube left and that is all! He has been eating great - nursing and bottles. Last night we were able to be all together for the first time in the hospital. We are crossing our fingers that he'll be able to come home later in the week. He is unbelievable - a miracle really.

Tate Richards Nelson

Tate was born November 3, 2011. 6 lbs 14 oz. More to come as his precious life unfolds. We love you Tate.

Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood. . .

Had a great Halloween Party this year (if I do say so myself). Bennett couldn't get enough of the gigantic pillow that his costume is stuffed with. He would run full speed and belly flop on the ground. Ate a few doughnuts as well. There is something so fun about dressing up.

quick update.

 day at the zoo

 34 weeks

 watching conference

 cutest face.

 she is so little

bare chested under snow pants is the way to go - NO it hasn't snowed yet in Minnesota - thank goodness.

Bennett is 2

Bennett turned two on the 6th of September! It took a little while to realize that the presents were for him, the party was for him etc. But by the end of the day he was walking around singing "Birthday to me!" He enjoyed his first time camping the weekend before his birthday, and then a great little get together on Sunday night with the Albano's and Ohlson's. These people truly are his best friends. He was spoiled with a basketball hoop, a dinosaur that moves and makes noise and a "choo-choo train". He is the happiest the little boy. We love you Bennett.

3D ultrasound

It has been fun to get so many ultrasound pictures this pregnancy. This is a 3D ultrasound picture that was taken on Tuesday. I'm almost 30 weeks! Crazy. I cannot believe what they can do with technology.

Out West

We began our trek around the 7th of July. First stop was Salt Lake City to see friends and family but most importantly to say farewell to my brother and his family who were on their way to California for a job. We loved having them in Utah for the past two years. When we were in town the time spent with them was some of our favorite. After Salt Lake we were off to Flaming Gorge with the Nelson crew. I loved Flaming Gorge. Being somewhere new with the Nelson's was a great experience. The surroundings are beautiful and the cabin was a perfect set up for such a gathering. Our weekend there was quick. I could have stayed a whole week. The kids loved it. We packed it up again and started the drive to Hebgen. The 7 hours seem to go fast and be ever so worth it when we pulled into that dirt road. What is it about Hebgen? The rest of our trip was spent sitting at the lake. Darla was brave and tried both the knee board and rode on the tube. I love that our kids can run free in these open, natural environments. I feel like they actually get to be kids simply by exploring and building relationships with the many cousins around them. I was so grateful this trip for such a supportive family. The love is endless. It is something we carried back to Minnesota with us.

underbite any one?