Requested Update

Many of you have been asking me for an update on how it is going here in our new home. Here is the latest on our move...we are loving it here in St. George. We live by two fantastic parks and a great bike trail. Haley and I go on a bike ride every morning before it gets too hot. We stay indoors during the hot hours and then usually have dinner outside on our deck. Our house is finally all put together (no more boxes) and we love having the extra space. Haley has a darling room with an entire wall of windows. It is so bright and nice. It's great now that our living room does not have to also be Haley's toy room. JR is liking his new job and it is much more flexible. I am loving it because he can usually come home for dinner and does not work late as often. We are excited to go to church tomorrow and see how we like the ward. Our church is at 11am, which is a much better time for Haley's nap schedule, so we are happy about that. Well, there is the update. We feel so blessed by the Lord and we hope life is going as well for all of you.

Wednesday Words on New Discoveries

The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
---Mark van Doren

I think the greatest part of motherhood, so far, is watching Haley discover the world around her. Everything is new and exciting to her. I get such a thrill from helping her experience this amazing world. New flowers, foods, activities, and sights make up the best parts of our days together. She is at such a great age. She reacts now with giggles, claps, and wide eyes. I feel so lucky to witness it.

Some of her latest and greatest discoveries include:

Blueberries - squishy, tasty, two thumbs up

Cheerios - fun to pick up, hard to get into mouth, yummy once accomplished

Standing up in her crib - exhilerating, free, glowing with pride

In-N-Out Burger - not quite sure why Daddy wants to go there daily (don't worry, he doesn't...he just wants to), pretty sure it is the reason he wanted to move to St. George

The baby pool - wild fun, refreshing, even tastes good (I am just assuming because she consistently attempts to drink from it)

Clapping - comes in handy, makes me happy and seems to make everyone else happy too

Babbling "Ba, ba, ba" - fun to do with my lips, the louder I get the more attention I seem to get

Okay, Jokes on You

Ha, ha, ha...just to clear things up, that is a lovely home, it's just not our home. I think I am hilarious. We have actually moved into a condo while we look for a home and save money. We do have an extra bedroom, though, for any of you who need a sunny place to stay. We'd love to have you.

Home Sweet Home

Yes, we have finally moved to sunny St. George, Utah. Our move went smoothly, but we are still in the midst of boxes. We are very excited to have much more room now and a beautiful deck for barbecues. So if you are ever down south our way, give us a call. Thanks to all our friends and family who helped us move and who went out of their way to send us off with a goodbye. We will miss many people, but we are excited to meet new friends and renew our Las Vegas friendships.

Just Her Own

Our sweet friends, the Gustafsons, made Haley this gorgeous quilt. It is so soft and pretty. We absolutely love it! It also has Haley's name and birthdate embroydered on it. It was such a thoughtful moving gift. She will love it forever.

Family Hike

We had a family reunion with JR's mom's family up in Tabiona this weekend. It was fun to do some camping and fishing and be with family. We went on a family hike and Haley got tuckered out.

Bed Buddies

Haley with JR's brother's dog, Gizmo. They were immediate friends.

Fun With the Cousins

My sister, Tif, is in town from New Mexico with her two darling children, Logan and Peyton. We have had way too much fun together. We sure miss Natalie and wish she and Cameryn could be here too. Soon we will all be together in Texas when Natalie's baby arrives. I can't wait!

4th of July Celebrations!

Wednesday Words

May laughter fill your home, relieve your stress, and strengthen your friendships.

---Catherine Pulsifer,
from Seven Gifts To Give To A Friend

Daddy Daughter Favorites

HALEY
Favorite Food (right now): Any vegetables or fruits
Favorite Toy: Tiny Rainbow Colored Teddy Bear
Favorite Pastime: Playing at Lacie’s where it looks like Toys-R-Us exploded
Favorite Game: Seeing how fast I can put things in my mouth before Mommy grabs it

JR
Favorite Food (right now): Meats on the barbecue
Favorite Toy: His new bike
Favorite Pastime: Playing sports or games with his family
Favorite Game: New Aerosmith Guitar Hero game