and life goes on

Ready for Church.

 How do your fingers taste?

The whole family went camping to a great spot just 20 minutes away. My genius plan was to hang out until everyone was going to bed and then drive home the quick 20 minutes so Tate and I could sleep in our own comfortable beds, but I got lost - so that 20 minutes turned into a hour+ drive! We met back up with everyone in the morning and had a great time together with the Albanos, Mitchells, James, and Robisons! There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire. Reminds me of being at Hebgen.

We love when the wading pool at Van Cleve Park opens up. Darla and Bennett are big enough now that they can run around by themselves. They love it - if you can't tell.

When we go outside Bennett either takes one of his big sticks out with us, or he finds another to add to his collection. He never wears shoes, and is the cutest boy in the WORLD!

 Erik's parents we able to visit for a couple days! We loved being with them again and can't wait to see them when we get to Utah in July. I love being with people who love and adore my kids as much as I do.

 So this empty bench isn't meant to be depressing, but it is put here for a reminder. The past four years here at Como when the weather was nice have been spent on this bench. It is beside a park with swings, slides, and sand. When sitting on this bench we are surrounded by a group of people that are dear friends with kids that are best friends with mine. So many of these people have now finished school and have moved away, on to the next chapter. I have realized that it isn't just a new chapter for them, but also for myself and my family. We've had to say a lot of good-byes even though we have remained right where we are - the world around us has once again changed. I'm praying that some new families with kids will move in. If not, then we will learn to entertain ourselves. :) The past few weeks without all of these people has made me realize how blessed we are to have relationships. I am so grateful that the greatest part of this life is people. Others, that help us learn, grow and become who we need to be. I look forward to this next chapter here as students, but will NEVER forget the time on this bench with families who have changed me for good.

my Darla

It's May?

 Darla and Audrey were both 8 months old when we moved to Minnesota. They are the best of friends. It is crazy to think that the time has come for so many of our dear friends to graduate and move away from the student life.

 Darla and Jack . . . man they make a cute couple.

 Uncle Jeff (Erik's Brother . . . if you can't tell) came to visit. The kids LOVED Uncle Jeff the second he stepped foot in our apartment. It's always fun to have a visitor! Thanks to the State of Utah for taking us all to dinner!

 Precious.

 Taken on Erik's 28th birthday! They were so excited to celebrate him. Cheesecake . . . yum.

 Tate is now sitting!!! He is 6 months old, 16 pounds and is the happiest baby.

 Hello eyes.

Darla has pretty much taught herself how to read. She is amazing. She read those three books she is holding up, word for word all on her own. She is 4. What is happening? She looks at books and is trying to figure out words all day long. I love how determined she is and how much time she spends on it. Her focus is incredible.

fullness of heart

General Conference weekend and Easter right in a row have encouraged me to think about life and these three faces you see pictured above. I can't stand how quickly time moves. Bennett is now potty trained, Darla is teaching herself how to read and Tate wants to sit up and reach everything in sight. All three of them have become so strong in just a few short weeks. Had the chance to meet with the cardiologist this week and Tate is doing perfect. He is no longer on his dose of Aspirin and doesn't have to be seen again until a year from now. Whenever I stop to think about his little life I am speechless. He is literally a angel.
While watching General Conference I was emotional. I felt connected to more talks than in past years. Those eight hours seemed to be eight minutes. Darla watched and was still for pretty much the whole thing. Remarkable. Bennett would run up to the TV screen and say "Hello President Eyring!" over and over again. They loved the music and were so much a part of the Spirit of the whole weekend. I don't seem to have the words lately to express the fullness of my heart. How blessed we are.

SPRING break

 Notice the pinkie . . .

 We took a trip to the Minnesota Zoo over spring break. Thanks to the Balukoff's for letting us tag along! 

Lots to see and even more to smell :)

 Went swimming with the Ohlson's and I don't remember the last time I saw Bennett so happy.

 Tate is always so happy.

After countless tries the other night, I finally got one with all three looking. We call Darla Mowgli these days. On past spring breaks I've taken pictures of the drifts of snow still outside our windows but the weather has been amazing!!! So grateful for the sunshine.

every day

 We had a wonderful time with Crazy Grandma and Papa coming to visit! The kids were in heaven (as was I). My Dad was so sweet with Tate. The first time he held him he said, "I feel like I'm holding an angel." Thanks for spoiling us Crazy and Ring Pop Head (those are nicknames Darla uses).

 These two above pictures are SO Bennett. I know his face is disgusting in the pirate one, but what are you going to do. That is what he looks like all day long every day, no matter how many times I wipe his face or his nose. I LOVE this little boy!

Last night we went bowling with some friends. The time was spent mainly waiting for the kids bowling balls to roll down the lane r  a  t  h  e  r  slowly, but they would eventually make it!

 Darla always has to wear all pink lately. Pink pants, pink shirt. Every day.
Reminds me of myself when I was little.

 Tate is 4 months old today! He rolled over (once) and is the happiest/easiest baby ever!

This is Bennett's every day and night outfit. Every day.

It's March! I can't believe it. We couldn't be happier.

favorite things

 

The above pictures are a few of my least favorite things. Soggy, not eaten cereal/yogurt every single morning and a hour later my kids are begging me for more food! Just eat the cereal! I also dislike the bottom of my stairs. There is always some kind of pile. Always. I need to figure some kind of contraption to zip those things up the stairs for me. Funny thing is, even if I take the time to bend over, pick up the items and take them upstairs with me, they just end up in other piles up there - whether that be in front of bedroom doors, or on my floor or by the dirty clothes basket. 

The above pictures are my MOST favorite things. Their smiling faces and hilarious personalities make every single day worth it. No matter what.

Tate's Blessing

We were able to bless Tate this past Sunday. He was very calm and Erik gave a beautiful blessing. Grandma and Grandpa Nelson were in town. We were so grateful to have Grandpa in the circle as well has numerous dear friends. Tate is a good good baby. He is so mellow. Erik and I joke that the theme of his life is "Feed him and leave him". Being the third kid may be that is just how it goes. I can't believe he is almost 3 months old. Time moves quickly. We've done more running around this weekend with the Nelson's in town. The train museum was a great stop, as well as shopping, and eating out. Darla loved just sitting down and watching/reading Beauty and the Beast with Grandpa. We love you Tate - you may have just received your blessing, but you've been blessing our lives since the moment you were born.