faces of summer

These two photos will have to do for now. We are still in Utah and will be until Bennett's 1st birthday (Sept. 6th). While here we have been with a number of people we love, while being in the places we love. More to come once we have returned to our daily life in Minneapolis. For now, just know that we are having the time of our life.

girl and boy

New favorite picture. Just had to share.

Erik John Nelson

I have the best husband. Little tired today - some may call it "a case of the Mondays", but whatever you want to call it - Erik is amazing. He did all the dishes (you should have seen the pile), he vacuumed (upstairs and down), he carried all the laundry downstairs (quite the feat), took the children outside so I could make dinner in peace, and the list goes on and on and on. He's incredible to me. It's no wonder why I chose him.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10!!!!

Ten months. Where does the time go? Bennett is so cheerful. He just hangs out all day long. He is a great napper (we are still working on the nights). He LOVES Darla and is even happier when she is around. He is starting to get up on all fours - soon the movement will happen. He'll get there. He loves to stack things  and knock over towers. He loves the sound of his own voice when he realizes he's somewhere with a nice echo. His hair sticks straight up. There's nothing we can do about it. His eyes are BIG and BLUE. He loves water - whether he is in the tub, at the pool or at a lake. He would eat oatmeal all day long if mom let him - and he also loves the Gerber Lil' Crunchies (Darla calls them his french fries). His laughter fill our ears every day - especially if his big sister is doing something silly. I am IN LOVE with this little boy. I've decided every mom needs a baby boy to love. We love you Bennett.

"why are you growing up?"

That is frequent question around our house - "Why are you growing up?" Darla is most definitely 2 and 1/2. Emotions (happy and sad) are flying around our house. She is amazing and I love how well she communicates - it is so helpful in moments of tears.  The other day I said, "Darla you are so cute and dainty." That night when saying her bedtime prayers, she said, "Heavenly Father, thank you that I am dainty." I love it. Bennett is starting to realize that sitting is boring. He's not quite crawling, but is determined to figure it out. Erik celebrated another Father's day - this time with two beautiful children to claim. What a great dad he is! Truly he is incredible. But being the dad or the mom will certainly remind you that you are growing up. Hopefully as we grow, we will all become.

summertime

I mainly just wanted to post a few pictures. I don't have much to say - besides the fact that I LOVE chocolate chip cookies. Anybody have the "perfect" recipe out there?
Bennett is 9 months old! 24 pounds and 30 inches. I love it.
Things are good around here. What a life.

Really?

Masters

Well he did it! GOOD JOB ERIK! We had a wonderful weekend with Erik's parents (Nunu and Grandpa) and Mindy. We went on quite a few adventures around the Twin Cities. We loved having visitors.
The best part was as Erik's name was being read at the graduation, Darla started cheering and jumping up and down. While jumping her mouth bumped the chair in front of her so she started to cry. Bennett then started crying because he was worried about her. So I pick up both kids (that's 24 pounds in each arm) and head for the door which happened to be the door right where Erik was exiting off the stage. He kissed Darla as he headed back to his seat and I headed out of the auditorium. Of course everyone was crying at the moment we should be jumping for joy! Gotta love it!

those were the days

on the beach, every day, all day long, not a care in the world.

Motherhood = Guessing Game

Last night I was trying to figure out why Bennett kept waking up. Today when rocking Bennett to sleep I had this thought, "Come what may and love it" (Elder Wirthlin). My life will be full of many different seasons. My season right now is to raise my children with as much love, patience and dedication as I can give them. So instead of getting frustrated with a waking baby, or an emotional toddler I am going to try, to strive to love it. Don't get me wrong, I do love it. I LOVE being a mom, but just like any mom would tell you it is the hardest thing you'll ever do. But I guess that is what makes it so worth it.