a reader

Reading books to RJ is one of my favorite things to do. It's fun to see her love for books grow every month. I'm excited for the times when she can understand the stories, ask questions, and ask me to read "the one where _____ does ____. I love that one!" Reading together is our special time to bond and I hope I will always make time for it with our future children. It's also my wish that she will continue this desire as she grows up in a world full of technology.

Pictured below is a corner of RJ's room (the guest bed corner) that we turned into a little book nook. We could spend hours here if hunger, sleep, and work weren't factored into our daily schedules. Here the world stops, for a small moment, as RJ listens, pretends to say words and eagerly turns the pages book after book.

Each night before bed our whole family of three cuddles as we read a story and say a family prayer. I love the routines and traditions we are starting, they make me forever grateful for families.

Summer time

RJ is 11 months old and will be one before we know it. This year has gone by so fast, I want to soak it all in and remember everything. Little miss rylie jane is so playful and interactive. She will play lots of different games with you once she warms up. She is constantly moving her arms and legs. CONSTANTLY.  I've never seen another baby wiggle her wrists like she does. Getting the mail everyday is her favorite "chore." She can do it almost all by herself. She can barely hold in her excitement when we go outside, which is why I am so excited that summer is here! We've already gone swimming a handful of times. She loves the water, so we are loading up on sunscreen for our little redhead! We aren't going anywhere this year, just planning on having some Utah fun for the next few months. Here are a few glimpses of RJ's first summer so far. (all iPhone photos :/ my goal is to take more photos with a real camera next year)

First of many water park trips with best friend Zenna

Sister Bennion

A few weeks ago RJ and I flew to California to be with my family for the last time before Haley became a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We played games, watched movies, and enjoyed each other. On Sunday we were able to hear Haley speak in our ward (LDS church congregation) and it made my big-sister-heart swell. I couldn't be more proud of her.

RJ and Gramma B setting up the lemonade stand for
Haley's Farewell party. It doubles as a kissing booth.

I had the privelege of traveling with Haley (Sister Bennion) to Utah and spending a little more time with her before taking her to the MTC. It was very bittersweet and it all happened so fast. I helped her get her stuff out of the car and gave her a big hug. (The sister missionary picking her up at the curb asked if I was her mom or sister...yikes. I'm only two years older than her.) When I got back to the front of my car I turned around hoping to see her walk off and she had already disappeared with the other missionaries. That's when it hit me that I wouldn't see her again for a long time and I cried on the drive home. But they were happy tears.

Earlier this week she left the MTC to fly to Phoenix, Arizona where she is called to serve for the next 18 months. My Mother in Law works at the SLC airport for Delta airlines and they ran into each other right before she boarded. How neat is that? It was fun to get this photo and a phone call from her while she was at the airport. She sounds so good. I can't wait to hear how her first week in Arizona has been going!

Now RJ and I have two missionaries to write and send fun pictures to! My best friend from High School is currently serving a mission in Portugal. RJ has a lot of great women in her life that she can look up to. I am so grateful for that.