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.

My Valentine

I printed off a few Valentine cards for RJ's grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I sent them a week late, but they were just too cute and punny not to send. I didn't print a ton, so I hope others can enjoy them here.

This last one is a personalized valentine made for my Dad and siblings. If you haven't seen Dana Carvey's sketch, ''Choppin' Broccoli,'' from his SNL audition, then watch it here. You won't regret it. We quote it all the time in the Bennion home. I wouldn't be surprised if this Valentine card inspires a music video of RJ chompin' broccoli while her Grandpa sings some weird parody to the original.

Happy Valentine's Day two weeks ago!

Update

THREE MONTHS

Circus family for Halloween

FOUR MONTHS

In California with the Bennions

FIVE MONTHS

In Virginia with the Redferns

SIX MONTHS

SEVEN MONTHS

And she will be eight months old in less than two weeks. WHAT.

She is sitting up by herself and always rolling over. (Right now she is working her way over to me from the other side of the room.)

She loves to hold her arms out and twirl her wrists like she's directing a choir. It's pretty adorable.

She's recently started noticing her tongue and will stick it out at you.

She has a lot of red hair on the top of her head, and pretty much nothing everywhere else. So, basically she is a hipster boy.

She eats mashed fruits and veggies like a big girl...and tries to eat everything else that is within reach.
We love to read together, dance, play peek-a-boo, and do other fun baby things.

She's the best.

three months

RJ is three months old and she drools all over the place. Seriously, so slobbery.

She loves to suck on her fists and fingers unless she has her binky or teething toy...then she is all over that.

She is super fidgety, she waves her arms and hands around like crazy. She has been like this from the beginning, but she has only gotten more wiggly.

She is strong and likes to stand up while holding onto my fingers.

She grabs onto everything, especially linens like clothes or blankets. She talks by making humming noises in her throat. She loves to smile back at you if you smile at her. She will also copy you if you open your mouth really wide.

She loves to face outward in the Baby Bjorn and look at everything as we go on walks outside.

She is growing more hair on the top of her head everyday and when we go outside it glows red.

She doesn't throw up anymore (at two months she had been throwing up everyday because of acid reflux) hallelujah!! Sometimes she gets scared and she has the cutest scared frown/cry. Is that bad of me for saying that?

She is a true BYU fan.

She sleeps through the night pretty well. I wake up a few times in the night to feed her and put her back in the cradle right by our bed. Every morning at about 7 or 8 when she wakes up I bring her into our bed and it is probably her favorite part of the day. And probably ours as well. She is always so giddy and smiley, we love her.

Blessing Day

Chris's sister, Bree, got married two weeks after RJ was born. A lot of family from far away would be coming into town, so we decided to have her blessed that same weekend. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful blessing given by her sweet daddy at our church.

The Spirit was strong as he blessed her to be a shining light for her brothers and sisters to follow. RJ is lucky to have a dad that loves her so much.

She was blessed in a dress that was hand made by her great grandmother. The same dress that her aunties Bree and Haylea were blessed in.