Love Mommy

Dear Bella,

I have been wanting to write to you for awhile, but am just getting around to finishing up. So it is in two distinct parts.

(3/5/2013)
Wow it is hard to believe you are growing so fast. You are still the sweetest thing alive. And you have proved to be the biggest mouch ever, you stand beside everyone begging for food even if you just ate. You are also seriously stubborn, I just have to laugh sometimes with all the faces you pull to get your way. You have started in on the world of defiance and it break our hearts everytime we tell you "No", you follow up our "No" with a break down in a fit of cries and just stare at us with tears dripping down your cheeks and you are never settled until we hug you and say it is alright. Sometimes you test us a little, and after a pouty lip and some tears you will go back watching us as you make each and every step. Only to hear the word "No" again, which leaves you with a run back and more cries and tears. I hope this is evidence of your future love for obedience. It is kind of nice to have you listen, Connor used to just laugh at the word "No". As you grow you still remain our careful and sensitive girl, especially when playing with brother and friends. The other night Connor decided to mimic the running cartoons on TV (as he loves to do), he started his take off and ran smack into the oven (no matter how many times Mommy tells him not to) with arms outstretched and then turns right around to run into the wall with as much force as he could muster. The bigger the impact the more delighted it makes him. Good thing your brother is tough. And you wanted to join in on his game as he giggled at full speed past you. So you slowly walk to the wall and very carefully touch your head to the wall and then your cheek. And then so sweetly you look to me and push your cheek to your shoulder as you stumble over to me to get our of your rampaging brothers way. Once you reached me you just collapse in my arms. Serious cuteness right there. Then you looked at Con as he was already on his way back and clapped for him. You recently started sucking your thumb randomly, and I admit I find it irresistibly cute. Daddy is a little more realistic and is worried about the side effects if this becomes a constant habit. Your new screechs fill our home, excited or mad. It is hard to not thinking their adorable right now. But I admit I fear how loud they may become :)
 
(7/ 11/2013)
I am so amazed by how fast your growing, each every day you learn something new. In the last couple weeks you have started saying a new word practically every day. Your becoming quite the little smartie. One of my favorite things about you is getting to watch your personality develop. You are hilarious. You bring people to fits of laughter with all your silly faces. I am seriously in love with your kisses and hugs. The sweetest little "sorry" comes from your mouth when you apoligize. I LOVE doing your hair and making you irresistably cute to all the passerbyers. Watching you take an interest more and more in your brother as he plays is one of the best gifts you can give me. Whether it is chase, or hide-and-seek, or tickle fights, watching you two play is above all my favorite thing in the world. I love when you catch me watching you and your face just lights up into this sweet little full faced smile. You still tend to be hushed around strangers and I don't mind, it makes us feel special that we get to see your personality bloom. I have been so impressed with your willingness to attend nursery, you have only been brought to us once. I bet it has something to do with the baby strollers, you are in love with pushing strollers. I wish you would slow down a little so I can just live in all these precious moments forever; I hope you keep your sensitive nature and quiet love for curiosity. You are the sweetest little sneak I know. Getting into trouble right behind my back. As much as I love seeing my little baby Bella in you, I admit that as you grow each new stage is a wondrous adventure that makes life even more remarkable. I am enjoying your current stage of talking where you try so hard to say new words. You are my baby girl and I love you so much. Each and everyone of us are so grateful that we get to kiss, snuggle, and love you each and everyday.
 

Love, Mommy
 

Connor photobombed, isn't he the cutest :)

 

 

Content sitting in Mommy's lap while everyone is playing.

 

 

 

 

Still obsessed with stairs. And if you
 can't tell by that face she is hating the heat!

 

 

And while we did our photo shoot
this boy was content to play in the sprinklers.

Happy Fourth!

With my sister and brother in town (Amberlee visiting and Ryan attending BYUI) we wanted to make the 4th of July special. So we had a big day planned.

We started off with a trip to the Rexburg parade in the morning. It was hot and sunny, but well worth all of Connor's giggles as he got to catch candy that was being thrown his way. Bella was in a fit of squirms as she anxiously wanted to exert her independence and walk/run/escape freely. We had two active children, and lots of help containing them, considering Shea's family met us at the parade.

 

The loud bag pipes or band were a "little loud".

 

After the parade we headed home for a big brunch and some napping. Unfortunately Bella was the only one to get a successful nap in. Connor refused to shut his eyes for one minute, even if his head was nodding a little in some doozing fashion. We enjoyed french toast, and our version of Monte Cristos, hashbrowns, and Bacon. It was so yummy we filled up fast and enjoyed every bite. Amberlee even finished making my Mom's famous Flag cake.

Connor tried frozen grapes, our new favorite treat!
 He was a little surprised at first, but loves them!

 

 

Licking the buttercream frosting off the beaters!

 

It was nice to relax and lounge for a bit before we were off to dinner at the park. We were worried about crowds of people, but we picked a good time and it wasn't crowded at all. The sprinkly rain might have had a little something to do with that. But a few drops couldn't dampen our spirits, and in reality the only thing the rain did was cool down the weather for us. Shea grilled us burgers and we settled at a picnic table as we watched Connor and Bella enjoy the playground.

She was a little nervous about not being
able to get near Daddy while he grilled.

Watching children while Shea's grilling.

Playing in the dirt. No surprise.

Red nails in honor of our Red,White, and Blue attire :)



 

Bella's new word "CHEESE",
for pictures! Adorable.
 

 

 

She only smiles this big for Daddy.

Soon enough it was time to pack up and start our way home. We dropped off all our leftovers, and let Connor take a short nap, before we were on the road headed to Idaho Falls for fireworks. We wanted to get there early. It was a little difficult finding a spot, considering we didn't want to be caught in the massive crowds. So we tried to find one not too far away. Since we had only seen the Melaleuca Fireworks once before and we were right on the river that time, we weren't the best judge of distance. So after an hour of delay (someone had fallen in the river and Search and Rescue was looking for them), the fireworks finally started. The kids were fighting sleep the entire time so they didn't get to enjoy it much. Connor was caught wimpering "I want to go home" more than a few times, especially when he heard a loud firework. The show was AWESOME! But I would have liked a closer view. All in all it was a jampacked day of 4th of July fun.

 

Bella wasn't quite sure about the fireworks at first.

Both Bella and Connor only wanted to sit with Daddy.

 

Bella got used to the noise and soon enough she was ready
 and willing to play a game of chase while we watched.

Proud to live in the USA!
We are so grateful for all the opportunities that are provided to us and the fact that our country was founded by God-fearing men.We enjoyed paying tribute to those that fight for our country past and present, on this holiday. We are reminded of the freedom, strength, and strong patriotism that resides in this beautiful land. We are so blessed to live in a land protected by God.
I am proud to be an American.