A little Spoiled!

While Bella and I were in Maryland, BELLA stole the spotlight. And enjoyed some good old spoiling. 

I Don't Know if ....

it was the coloring,

Pancakes,

Dancing on the table,

Tickles,

Storytime,

Finger painting,

Her Very Own Bed,

Bathtime,

Trying on shoes,

Pedicures,

Super Why Watching,

or Being walked

Either way she was 

one happy little girl!

Pumpkins, Smores, Cake, and Laser Tag

While we stayed with the Martin's we lived a busy, crowded, loud, and exciting life! Miss Bella and I had lots of Maryland fun! Take a sneak peek at a few of our adventures!

Ed's Country Bakery

Shadowland Laser Tag

Backyard Gourmet Smores (and Hotdogs)

Bella's Early 1st Birthday Celebration

A tad nerve racking,

 And downright scary,

For Miss Bella. 

Pumpkin Picking 

 Miss Bella was LOVING the cool windy pumpkin picking  weather. She was in a fit of giggles the entire time! 

Airport Goodbyes

It wasn't easy to leave the Martin Family behind and travel back...

But our lonely boys at home made coming back well worth it! We missed them so much! For Shea and I seeing our tots light up when they saw each other was the best part.

Elder Martin Returns!

After two long years our Elder Martin returned! Bella and I got to fly out and meet him at the airport with the whole Martin Family!

Elder Martin served as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Florianopolis, Brazil.

FIRST DC Temple Trip
with the two oldest siblings and the parents :)

We are all so glad to have Ryan home! He has tales to tell and we love sharing all our stories. We are all so proud of him and the great work he has done, he has blessed so many lives. And he is keeping in contact with them, enjoying chatting with them now over facebook and skype. They miss him lots, but we wont be letting him go anytime soon :) 

Love, Mommy

Dear Connor,

Connor trying to take our snap shot!

You are  my little man. I love you with all my heart. Even though we are in the smack dab middle of the terrible two's I appreciate every moment I have with you, you crazy growing toddler. Our little family has been having a hard time missing Daddy lots while he is gone all day. And it kills you from the inside out to not be at your Daddy's side. I must say I get a little jealous of that dazzle in your eye every time you hear or see your Dad. 
So as we have started this new stage of life, I have been able to take notice of all your tender brotherly duties and your tickled smile as you discover. It is a magnificent journey to watch as you grow and learn every moment of the day. It makes me giggle every time I get asked "Is it boring?" in reference to being a stay at home mom. I am amazed at your energy and although I wish napping and relaxing were a little higher on your list, it is a joy to be your mother and to honestly say I am never bored. You tend to liven our lives and even in the difficult times as I chase you round the house your smile eases my stress. You make me laugh harder than anyone else, except maybe your Dad, and that makes every good day worth all the hard ones in between. 
Everyday I learn new things from you and you teach me new life lessons. Your tender heart that tears during the sad parts in movies (Finding Nemo when Marlin is in the whale, or in Were Back when Louie is trying to change Rex back into a good Dino, or Kung Fu Panda when he is walking through town and has given up), teaches me to be sensitive to others and their feelings and trials. Your tantrums have taught me to look at other mothers with fussy babies and children with an understanding and supportive heart. I try to look for something I can do to help, whether it is smiling at a crying baby or lending a knowing smile in the mother's direction. Your giddy chuckle as we step outside has taught me to take each new warm day as a chance to enjoy the world around us. Your freely given wave and "Hi" to anyone and everyone has taught me to be more friendly and outgoing as I take you on all your walks and park adventures. Your thrill and obedience to fold your arms and say "amen" has made me appreciate and love prayer all the more. Your curiosity and knack for trouble has taught me patience and forgiveness. Your big hugs and "MWAH" kisses have taught me to never underestimate the power of physical affection. Your concern when I am sick and your loving generosity to bring me all your toys when I am weakly lying about, has taught me to serve those around me. 
Overall, you have taught me to love and care and give more fully. I am a better person because of you. LOVE YOU!

Thank you Connor. I love being your Mommy and I just adore you! And will miss you lots on my trip. 

xoxoxoxo

Love,
Mommy