Darla Anne

              
                                             

Big week for Darla! She is officially walking. I still get confused when she comes around the corner and she is on her feet instead of on all four. She is hilarious. Thanks to all of her many cousins that sent her Valentines. She loved them - especially the stickers from Grandma. The bottom picture is posted because that tan item she is wearing on her right forearm is the coat from her teddy bear. Of course she wore that on her arm, all morning the other day. I'm loving this stage!

climbing

Look who figured out how to climb on the coffee table. She gets a little frustrated when she can't find the floor when she is trying to get down - but - what a girl!

E. J. D. and ?

Look at these muscles!

Favorite Aunt Debbie

Jon with the some of our nieces and nephews

Sisters, Sisters. . .

Jon didn't want to give her up. They became friends rather quickly. Being home in Salt Lake again, especially with Jon was fabulous. My brother and his wife made a surprise visit for the weekend as well. It is always wonderful to be together. I can't believe how quickly a week can go - let alone two whole years. Jon was made for his mission. The most phenomenal thing that happened the whole week was that Darla slept through the night the last night we were there. 8:30 until 7:45. She is growing up! It was also a wonderful time to be able to talk all the baby talk with my sisters-in-law Marcie and Debbie. Marcie is expecting twins in August, Debbie is expecting in July and I'm expecting in September! Another Baby Nelson is on the way! 

all in a days work.

One shoe on. One shoe off.

Darling Hat for a Darling Girl.

This little girl is silly. The first picture of her feet - notice one shoe on and one shoe off. She brought me the shoe last night at about 6:00 PM for me to put on her foot. Don't worry she crawled around, played, and other common activities until 8:00 PM with just one shoe on. I LOVE things like that. She is hilarious. Speaking of hilarious, you should see her hair right now. Everything I've put in her hair today to keep it out of her face has either been pulled out, or has broken. Typical. Darla and I leave on Tuesday morning for Salt Lake. My brother Jon is coming back from his mission and we are excited to see him - especially for him to meet Darla! Hopefully Erik will survive without us here for a week. He'll survive right?

this face. . .

Lately, more than ever she has grown up. She is a little girl that is for sure. Drama, squeals, laughter, a flirt, loving, hair-do's, and big blue eyes. I think I've kissed those cheeks more than I ever thought possible. I'm in love with Darla Anne.

Messy Messy Messy

          
                      
                                 
                                          

Gotta love Spaghetti! 

headband anyone?

I was organizing the little place where I keep Darla's clips, elastics, headbands etc. She handed one headband to me and touched her head, so I put it on. Then she grabbed another and another. This was the end result. She didn't even try and pull them off. I was showing her in the mirror what she looked like and she just smiled away.

Pictures of Life

Freezing in Minnesota

Wonderful time in Utah! (Oh how we miss it!)

Back to real life.  Freezing cold, real life. All is well - we are happy and gearing up for a new semester. Now time to make dinner. Post more details later.

home

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!