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It has been wonderful to be in Utah. I can't believe how fast time has gone. Family, friends, babies, memories, laughs. . . that is what a good vacation is all about.

My mom has won Darla over. She won't leave her side. They are the best of friends. Erik and I were even able to go on a date last night thanks to Crazy Grandma. 

Darla is beginning to walk. She is so small. Every time she takes a few steps I have to laugh.

Happy New Year to everyone. We brought ours in with a dance party and some dress-ups with the Richards clan. I couldn't take a picture of Erik. It was a little bit too scary. Let's just say - Purple silk nighty and ribbons around his thighs. Wow.

What a life.

Happy Birthday Darla!

                                   
     
                               
               
                                            

On the 28th we celebrated Darla's 1st birthday! She greatly enjoyed the frosting, but the cupcake not so much. We were grateful to be able to be in Salt Lake with so many of Darla's cousins, aunts, uncles, Crazy Grandma, and Papa! Darla is one of the happiest 1 year olds you'll ever see. She is rather close to walking - her top two teeth have broken through (thank goodness) and she is more sociable than ever. Being around all of her cousins while in Utah has helped her become more independent and talkative. 

Darla, Daddy and I love you. Every day we mention how grateful we are for such a beautiful and sweet little girl. You are the greatest blessing of our lives. Happy Birthday!

Christmastime

Christmas was just right. Endless amounts of family, music, great food, memories, and love. There truly is "no place like home for the holidays." The video is my of my sister Kathryn. She performed this song for all of us on Christmas Eve. This song is rather fitting. Nothing like wearing PJ's all day and being able to spend time with the people you love. 

Ugly Enough?

Here are the pictures from the Ugly Christmas Sweater party. 

Lovely aren't they? 

It was a wonderful time! 

able

Off to Salt Lake tomorrow! What a week it has been. Erik has now finished up his first semester of Grad school. He walked in yesterday after taking his last final and Darla and I started cheering!  Hooray! 

This past week has been full of many emotions. I've been excited, thrilled, anxious, worried, tired, frustrated, happy, grateful, humbled, humbled again, in love, amazed, curious, and prayerful. Last night as I was reading I came across these words, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." At that moment I felt able. Able to fulfill my calling. Able to tend to Darla in the night no matter how many times she wakes up.  Able to be forgiven. Able to become. 

"You better watch out. You better not cry. . ."

As soon as I set her on Santa's knee she let it all out. Even when I picked her back up she couldn't even look at him. It was classic. May be next year Santa. 

Just now. . .

I can't believe it. Last week she learns to stand, this week she's basically walking.

"feels like"

I forgot to mention that the other day we were checking the outside temperature and it said that is was 17 degrees but "feels like -1!"

Are you kidding me?

A lot Like Christmas

              

             

We've had snow this week, Christmas music playing non-stop (I'm not joking), and have now frosted sugar cookies shaped like candy-canes, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and stars. The highlight of it all would be Darla standing all by her self. No steps yet, but she is "furniture cruising" as some may call it. She has discovered the delight of unloading our canned goods cupboard. Amazing what will keep her entertained. She was also able to play with Dallin and Paige (her favorites). Lastly her FAVORITE word is "Hi". She probably says it over 100 times a day. Where ever we go, no matter who she sees - she will say it to everyone and will keep saying it until they look at her and acknowledge her. I think she already knows how cute she is. 

Quite the week and it isn't over yet - I believe we are going to make up a little homemade Cafe Rio (yes Erik and I are counting down until we can eat the real thing!) for some people that are coming over tomorrow. Erik is studying hard trying to wrap up all of his papers and assignments. This semester has gone so quickly. He has done an incredible job. I cannot believe we are where we are. 4 months has disappeared. 

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Isn't this the best picture! This is last years ugly Christmas sweater/gingerbread house party (Darla was born just a few weeks after). The Nelson's host this party each year and don't you worry we have our sweaters for this year and they are AMAZING. I probably shouldn't call them simply sweaters, but outfits. We picked them up at a Savers in a pretty frightening part of Minneapolis. We probably past about 10 liquor stores on our way there. Scary. This year the party takes place on December 20th, the day after we fly in. Erik is already growing his mustache out for the mustache growing contest. We are excited. . . to say the least.