A Weekend Away

It's cold and chilly these days and I am tired. I took a nap already today, taking my chances that Eden might be taking a longer nap. Thankfully she did. She has been grumpy because of traveling and vaccines yesterday. I can't blame her, I imagine her little chunky thighs hurt and she is so tired from taking in life around her.

Today is Davis's 29th birthday. We met when we were 19 and here we are celebrated ten years later with birthdays, a child, moves, jobs, a house, a puppy, travels, and great friends and family. I love him so very much. My heart overflows with joy walking by his side in life.

We are between two weekends of travel. This past weekend we went to Moab with our great friends and neighbors. We both have little girls and are in very similar life phases. Plus, we just really enjoy time with them. The trip was extremely enjoyable and relaxing. We love traveling around Utah, it is a gorgeous state with so much to offer. Next weekend we will take Davis's mom to Zion National Park.

So, let me photo drop now. Since the little one is stirring and I am about to be on duty again.

Third time to Arches National Park and we finally made it to Delicate Arch.
It was worth it.

Happy Family. Beautiful World.

This piece of rock is mysterious, delicate, and lovely. And very popular. We waited our turn for this shot.

Phil and Harper

The next day we went to Canyonlands National Park after a nice, long slow morning.

I love my little Eden

Kassi and Harper

Life is more fun and more challenging with children. But we all can't imagine anything better.

Her cheeks!

It's just so far.

Kassi demonstrating the safe approach to canyon viewing.
We appreciate their weirdness.

Group shot taken by a guy who almost dropped Kassi's phone. close call.

this was just a pretty little scene

Mesa Arch

Father daughter time. They are they best.

So there you go! Have a lovely day. Happy Birthday Davis!

SIX WHOLE MONTHS

I am freaking out a bit that Eden turned 6 months old on Sunday. How can it be she that is a whole half a year already?!?! Each little moment seems long but then every day seems to speed by us. My heart has never been so full and joyful but so raw and vulnerable. Children, man, they make your heart feel all sorts of things you never could imagine before them. I knew I would love her but I didn't realize how much I would love her and it continues to grow as she grows.

Happy 6 months, little lovie!

We have found so much pleasure in watching her meet milestones. She is very smiley with her big rosey cheeks. She interacts with us more and more daily and discovers cause and affect. She can roll all over the place and scoot backwards a bit. She is trying foods and sitting up in shopping carts, if they have a safety belt. She works on coordinating movements and is pretty good at it. Watching her interact with her environment is so fun. We just love her so much!

All smiles in her winter hat
(until it covers her eyes)

checking out beets for the first time

shopping cart fun!

We have just started trying out a few foods. We are doing a combination of baby led weaning and pureed foods. She likes to suck/gum on apple slices. Beets seem tasty and fun until she actually got a bit of it stuck in her mouth. She is very skeptical of most foods for whatever reason at this time. But we aren't in a hurry and she there is fun in learning about textures, tastes, smells and so on. Funny girl does like to suck on kale leaves but applesauce is way too weird for her still. If she is going to be in our house, she will eventually fall in love with food of all kinds. Well, if nature and nurture have any role in child development.

Utah Symphony date night

AND we were able to go on a real date night this past Saturday. A super sweet and awesome girl from church watched Eden for us while we went out. Funny note, she was my camper at Ridge Haven many moons ago and is now a PhD student at the University of Utah. Thank you, Elena! We haven't been to a symphony since our due day date over 6 months ago. After the symphony we had dessert together at a local restaurant. It was a lovely evening and much needed. It was strange to think that just half a year ago, our lives were just the two of us going on dates whenever we pleased. While that time was fantastic, we are so thankful for our new addition and obligations.

Halloween

Cutest little pumpkin

Eden experienced her first Halloween. Neither Davis nor I grew up celebrating much Halloween other than trick or treating and Reformation Celebrations at church. So, we weren't planning on doing much. But a five dollar pumpkin suit and a party at Davis's work seemed like a totally acceptable way to have fun! Eden picked out a few pieces of candy as we explored the building's decoration. I ate the pieces Eden picked out, thanks Eden! On Saturday we celebrated with friends who found out they will be having a boy in February. Again, Eden dressed as a pumpkin for the party. It was the perfect amount of Halloween fun for us.

Sunday best!

a little play time together

Every day seems to fly by. The weather is getting cooler and therefore harder to get outside. These two have been "playing" together on the floor. I can't believe how big Eden is getting. It is such a joy to watch her grow.