Pumpkin Patch

For our Saturday adventure we decided to try something new other than the usual library, which we love!  Today our adventure was to the Staheli Family Farm.  This is a quaint farm with some old fashion fun: tractor rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and farm games.  We had a great time finding our own pumpkins and playing at the farm.

Birthday Visitors

 

Nana, Papa, and Sissa came down for a quick visit to see Emily for her birthday.  They were "Santa's Sleigh" in delivering many packages for Emily from family up north.  She got some new clothes, car walker, picnic basket, and shoes!  What a loved little girl!

Emily was so excited to have family here to laugh and play with.  We enjoyed time playing games, going for walks, and visiting Zion National Park. Emily especially loved the sweet ice cream treat in Zion's.  I was hoping to see more fall colors, but know they will be coming soon!

 

One Year Ago

Throughout the past week I cannot help but reflect on the happenings of a year ago.  Emily's spirit has been with us as long as I can remember.  Even before we knew she was joining our family, I could feel her spirit and recognize it more as she displays her joyful, determined personality.  I can remember feeling she would be coming soon last year, but not sure when.  Her birth story has replayed in my mind frequently the past few days.  Although many details, big and small, come to mind, I remember vividly the moment my sweet Tink was placed in my arms for the first time.  

It isn't the "best picture" of me (sweaty & tired from labor), but it is one of the sweetest.  I cannot help but travel back in time to that moment.  My words in that blog caught a glimpse of some of the feelings I felt:

"For months, I had dreamed and wondered what it would be like to see her for the first time.  I was worried they wouldn’t let me hold her for a while, but that was the first place they put her – in my arms.  Witnessing her arrival was a miracle.  As I saw her for the first time in my arms and heard her cry, it seemed heaven and earth connected.  I felt not only her sweet spirit enter the room, but guardian angels.  They seemed to swoop down around her and me – a touch of pixie dust.  I think they were showing her the way to earth’s Neverland adventure."  

As I rock my baby girl to sleep, I often see a flashback of seeing her for the first time.  I am brought to tears of gratitude as I rock Emily knowing that I am privileged to be her mommy.  This great calling has opened my mind and heart to understand a glimmer of the meaning of God's love for me.  It is incredible to think of the greatness of His infinite love.  I am so grateful to be a mommy!

12 Months - 1 Year

It is hard to believe Emily is 1 years old!  In some regards it feels like just yesterday she was born, and in other ways I cannot remember when she wasn't here!  I believe Emily's spirit has been with me for a long time to comfort and strengthen in challenging times.

As with previous months, Emily seems to grow and change so quickly.  Her trick bag is expanding to be a more independent toddler.  Here are some highlights of Emily this past month:

• Emily loves to do things herself.  She would prefer to feed herself than have you put anything in her mouth.  I believe she likes to investigate all aspects of what she is eating: taste, touch, smell, etc.
• Although she loves to do things herself, Emily is still a snuggler!  She will often lay on my legs or against my shoulder.  I treasure these moments!
• Hugs and kisses are sweet treats Emily's gives.  She opens her mouth wide to give kisses and pats your back for a hug.  She is practicing blowing kisses.
• Emily went to Sea World this past month.  She loved watching the animals and playing with cousins.
• "Hi" with a wave is a cute welcome Emily gives to everyone that passes her by.  She is particularly good to share it with children.
• Emily also waves and says, "Bye!"  In fact, whenever I even just pick up my keys she gets the signal to wave bye.
• Some of the other words Emily says are, "Mama," "Dada," and "Tet it" - (Get it)
• Scoots and shuffles in the name and game of Emily's crawling.  She has been doing a "sitting" crawl for sometime, rotating her legs back and forth.  This past week she has discovered the traditional crawl, but has not yet given up her "sitting shuffle."
• When Emily doesn't like a certain food she spits it out quite definitely!  Daddy sure thinks it is funny.
• Emily loves to open & close drawers, cupboards, and closets.  
• Peek-a-boo is a fun game to play with Emily.
• Emily loves opening presents, eating cake, and spending time with family on her birthday.
   

Emptying the Cabinet Game

Emily's favorite game these days is opening the DVD cabinet and emptying it ALL out.  The next part of the game is for me to put it all back, while Emily tries to keep everything out!  There is a coordinating song Emily sings throughout the whole game, but I have yet to figure out the tune - bubbles, mmm, bubbles, pop!

San Diego Temple

Nelson, JoLynn, Lee, and I went to the San Diego Temple Wednesday morning.  We were hoping to make the 9:00 am session, but with traffic we barely missed it.  Instead we participated in initiatory.  What a beautiful temple it is - inside and outside!  I look forward to doing a full endowment session someday!

San Diego Family Pictures

While in San Diego with the Yates' family, we took some family pictures.  Emily loved smiling for the camera and watching the waves wash ashore.

Sea World Adventure Park

The Yates' family has been planning a reunion to San Diego for about a year.  Thanks to Brooke & Brighton for sharing their time share we were all able to spend a few days together.  David & Heather came from Kansas City, we came from St. George, and the rest from Salt Lake.  It was a fun filled week of family time. 

Our first stop was Sea World Adventure Park.  Nelson does not recall ever going there, and I haven't been since my high school choir trip, over ten years ago!  We were surprised to see changes:  new exhibits and shows without trainers in the water.  It was a great day just being together!!!  Our favorite exhibits were the Shark Encounter, Dolphin Show, Sea Lion Show, and Arctic Encounter.  Here are a few pictures that capture our fun filled day!

It's Official

Nelson was so excited to open a special envelope in the mail today - his diploma.  He has now officially graduated.  He was thrilled to get it in a frame and put it on his wall in his office at work.  Paper or not, Nelson is a fantastic social worker!

Salsa

 

What is a girl to do with a box of 25 pounds of tomatoes?  Homemade canned salsa!  After peeling, chopping, and simmering for hours, the salsa was ready to be canned.  My favorite part was hearing the bottles "POP" when they had finished processing.  Now we can enjoy fresh salsa in the middle of winter.  I am hoping to grow my own tomatoes next year!