I Love you, you love me....

We're a happy family!

We turned Barney on and this is what happened. They were all so focused---for a bout 5 mins :)

Food and Hair

This was Josie's first time eating food :)

This post is for my sisters to show them that I can be girly and do Marlee's hair!

Trip to Utah and thanks, thanks, and more thanks...

This is the shortened version of the story...

I recently got back from an unexpected trip to Utah. Nicole was in the hospital and her chances of surviving weren't looking so good. We flew up to Utah and had the opportunity to be with her. Through MANY prayers, priesthood blessings, and support, she was able to turn a corner and start on the road to recovery. I normally don't tell too much of my personal life in my blog, but with an experience like this I can't help but share my faith and strengthened testimony of the power of prayers. There were so many people praying for Nicole. I would get at least ten text messages a day asking how she was and saying that people are praying for her.

A girl that was 24 years old, had the same thing Nicole had, and died while Nicole was in the hospital. The doctor told Nicole this to let her know how serious it was an how amazing it was that she is able to fight it and get better. The Lord truly had a hand in this! We love you Nicole and can't wait to see you once you've overcome this!'

Here are pictures and notes about our trip...

Nicole was feeling much better and actually agreed to let me take a picture of her.

This was the day that I left.

So cute!Anyone that went into Nicole's room had to wear this cute gear. Mask, gloves and gown. But is was well worth it to spend time with her. This picture was taken by Nicole on the first night that we all got there. We were able to all be together as a family. It was such a great night! We took shifts being with Nicole in the hospital so here are pictures of what we did during the downtime of things.

Photo shoot of Josie and her cousin Evie...Michala made these cute tutu's and bought the leggings for them. Soooooo darling--thanks kayla for everything.
These cute pictures were taken at my friend Josie's house. (Yeah, my Josie finally got to meet Josie-who I love and wouldn't have chosen that name for Josie if she wasn't such a great person.)
We stayed at the Christiansen's a few of the nights and they even let us borrow their car.
Now onto Julie...
We definitely couldn't have done it without the help of Julie, Nick and Preston. They were kind enough to let us stay at their house, pick us up from the airport and watch Josie too. That's what you call true friendship. Love you Jules and thanks for EVERYTHING!

Another true friend of mine, Lindsay, watched both Evie and Josie so we could all be at the hospital together with Nicole. Thanks Lindsay!

We all went out for dinner afterward and Julie and Preston joined us!

Me and Nat on the airplane home. (Thanks Nat, for all your help with Josie-)

I can't say THANK YOU enough to all of the people who helped our families out down in AZ too!

This picture was taken by my friend Kalyn, who was one of the many people that watched Marlee for us. She said Marlee was so tired, that she fell asleep on top of a children's songbook. Too cute!

Enjoying the fruits of our labor

We enjoyed our first apple off of our own apple tree. It is the first fruit/veggie that we've grown since we've been here. We are excited for more veggies and fruits to come!

Yellow Jammies

I love taking pictures of Josie and Marlee in the same outfit to see if they really do look a like or not. I don't think they look alike in these pictures...what do you think?

Marlee above

Josie below

Indoors and outdoors

INDOOR randomness...

Josie is such a cutie-she loves to laugh and smile

Marlee got attacked by mosquitoes and kept itching and saying "bite--itch--got it"


Marlee is finally in the stage of wearing every one's shoes

Yes, she got into my lipstick and thought it was eyeshadow. i was so sad because my sister, Nicole had just given it to me and I loved the color :(

I was preparing a meal and put Josie in the highchair and realized she had fallen asleep. She actually slept for a while like this...

...doesn't look very comfortable to me.

Marlee emptied the toy baskets and decided to climb in it

Photos of us when we are just hanging OUTSIDE in the blazing heat!

I looked out the window and saw Marlee sitting on the lawn mower.

Marlee loves to do puzzles
Swimming is so fun, especially with a baby doll

(thanks Lindsay for letting us borrow the waterproof baby)

Marlee took this picture of Josie--I had to crop it and straighten it up a little

Marlee imitating a lizard

Cutie

Marlee loves to take the camera and take pictures.

One day she pointed it at us and said, "mile"(smile)

Anyone that spends a lot of time with Marlee knows how much she LOVES to wing..(swing)

Marlee and Mabel (back in May)

Collin, Amanda, Mabel and grandpa Lanier came down for Casey's graduation. We had a grand ol' time like we always do when we get together :)