A Day in Nature

Gwen has finally recovered from her little cold and we decided that we desperately needed some sun. Layla chose to feed the ducks, so off to Nature Park we went!

This picture was taken moments before Gwen stuffed a huge handful of grass in her mouth and consequently threw up all over the place. Wonderful imagery right?

Layla was DEATHLY afraid of the geese, saying, "Please don't eat me!!!! I'm a nice girl!" over and over. I placed her on top of a picnic table and made her feel much more secure. She was content with throwing her bread from up high and although she didn't smile much, she really did enjoy herself.

We walked to a little bridge and spotted a lone duck below. Layla insisted that this was her ducky and he was SOOOOO hungry for his dinner.

Our little duck friend.

She kept saying, "He's saying, "Thank you, thank you Layla. This bread is soooooo tasty!"

A shady spot to relax... and take pictures.

A BIG dandelion.

When Layla saw this picture, she exclaimed, "I look like the Santa Claus! Like my beard?"

Here's some proof that I truly exist... and have dirt smudged on my forehead. Lovely.

Beautiful Spiky Plants

Luckily, our townhouse is located in the very back of the complex. We get to enjoy our views of the fields behind us, instead of gazing directly at another building. This has to be one of my favorite times of year, because the green field behind us has recently transformed into this golden sea and when the wind blows, it's magical. It literally looks like an ocean with waves that swirl and dance to the rhythm of the wind. I'll have to catch it on video.

I found these prickly plants out next to the field and really have no clue as to what they are. But they're pretty to me.

Sometimes I think we forget all the beauty in the opposition of life. Those hard trials that we face and struggle to overcome, eventually can help us view life through slightly clearer lenses. I'd like to be able to find the splendor in tough times and realize their ultimate purpose. Not to torture or scar us, but to help shape and strengthen us.

Lately I've had a tough time trying to sort through life's challenges and realize just how wonderful and precious these present moments are. I don't want to miss out on any more beauty that life has to offer me.

Fuzzy Blankies

My girls and their "fuzzy blankies". Our good friend Erin made each of the girls blankets before they were born, both adorned with fuzzy fabric. Layla is extremely attached to hers. It is an absolute necessity for a successful nights sleep and she can't ever be too far away from it during the day. When she was a baby, she would rub it on her face for comfort and still does. It now looks as though little Gwen is taking after her big sister... she too loves her blankie.

I love my sillies!

Gwen, Gwennie, Squeaky, Gus Gus?

Our little Gwen goes by many names.

I mostly call her Gwen.

Gwennie is another cute favorite.

Recently, Layla has decided that the name Cinderella suits her better, therefore we all must be re-named.

Daddy: Prince

Mommy: Fairy Godmother or The Nice Queen

(occasionally, depending on her mood, I'm assigned "The Evil Queen")

And Gwen is left being Gus (the mouse).

our little Gus Gus.

Super Layla!

All in a days work.

4 years

We celebrated our 4th Anniversary on June 30th. There are times where it seems like just yesterday we met and then times I feel as though I've always known him. Either way, I know that I could never live without him now.

(back during our dating days at Zoolights)

(Wedding day June 30, 2006 Seattle Temple)

(Honeymooning in Maui... look how tan and sexy we look)

The man I love.

Our date was a little lame, but fun non the less. We went to Millhollow, one of our favorite sandwich shops here in Rexburg and then ate as quickly as possible in order to catch Robin Hood at the cheap theater.

It was a relaxing evening together. Really, anytime we have a second to ourselves these days is a major treat! Thanks Nonna for watching the girls!

8 mo. Gwen

You are the cutest little crawler on the planet. I can't believe that 8 mo. has already come and gone. You have accomplished so much in such a short while...

Like learning to crawl.

You are so interested in this big world around you. Constantly exploring.

Very loving... and tolerant of your big sister Layla.

You have the most gorgeous true blue eyes. And the silliest faces.

The sweetest disposition. I didn't know babies could be as calm and easy going as you are.

Truly a pleasure.

(she also now has her two top teeth! pictures will be posted shortly)

Happy 3rd of July!!

This year we stayed here in Rexburg for Independence Day, which ended up being a lot of fun! Because the holiday landed on a Sunday, we chose to celebrate it on Saturday, along with the rest of Rexburg and surrounding areas. We went to the parade downtown and then spent the evening building a fire and eating delicious food with the Marecle's. Loud sirens, scared girls, tons of candy, strawberry cream cheese pie, the best berry cobbler, good company, first sparklers, a few minor injuries, sugar highs... all in all a super fun holiday!