Springtime in Provo

This is what we woke up to Sunday morning!

I'm used to spring storms bringing rain, lightening, thunder and TORNADOES....not snow! I should be getting used to spring snowstorms though with this being my third spring in Utah. I would much rather take snow any day over tornadoes...so bring it on! I have to admit though that I am anxious for warm weather to get here soon!

It has been awhile!

I haven't done a post in awhile because I've been busy! I finally have a few moments to update my blog. Because of the recent birth of a new niece, her big sister turning 2, Easter and the blessing of the new baby I decided to travel to Kansas for all of these special events. I'm so glad that I was able to be involved in all of these special occasions in my brother's family's life! It was a VERY busy visit, but I had a GREAT time!! Thanks to all for making my visit wonderful! I love you all and appreciate all you do for me. I've posted a few of my favorite pictures from my trip. Hope you enjoy!

Keaghan turns 2!

On Keaghan's actual birthday (March 20th) my mom and I decided to take over a treat and a card so she could celebrate her actual day even though she was having an official party on Saturday (March 22nd). She was very excited to open her card and to chow down on her M&M ice cream cookie although she decided all she really liked was the M&Ms on top. Keaghan's new little sister, Laiken, slept through the entire event, but towards the end of the evening I was able to get one picture of her with her eyes open...amazing!

Great Aunt Cathy meets Laiken!

Grandma and Great Aunt Cathy admiring beautiful Laiken!


Cathy and Keaghan building a paper towel tower

Mommy and Laiken


Presents!

Before Keaghan's actual birthday party began, we decided that our side of the family would celebrate multiple events all at one time. We celebrated Keaghan's 2nd birthday, the fact that Laiken was born, Laiken's blessing and Easter. I think we totally overwhelmed Keaghan with all of the presents! She liked the tissue paper and the gift bags more than the actual gifts!

Andy and Johanna reading their Easter card

Easter baskets for the girls!

Keaghan eating a chocolate covered marshmallow bunny

Opening presents!!

Aunt Holly and Keaghan looking through Laiken's baby book


Keaghan's birthday party!

Eating goodies off her cake

I think this video is very cute, but you have to be patient for the cute part! Keaghan kept running out of my view, but towards the end she runs back in the view of the camera and does a little dance. It is so cute!


Grandma made Keaghan a swing made out of two bricks! Can you believe it? It was a HUGE hit at the party though for the little kids.


Laiken's blessing

In our church, babies are not baptized like in other churches, but rather are given a blessing by their father. On Easter Sunday my brother blessed their new little one. It was a very special occasion for our family. My brother has only been a member of our church for a few years so it is always neat for me to see him doing ordinances in the church. He is a good father!

Squirmy baby

Keaghan didn't want to go to nursery and held her mommy tight!

For all of you that I wasn't able to see while I was in Kansas, I do apologize! As you can tell from the pictures I was very busy. Dave and I hope to travel back to Kansas sometime this summer though so he can meet Laiken for himself. Hopefully we will have more time during that visit so we can "make our rounds." We love you all and miss you dearly!

New couch and chair

After six weeks of waiting, we finally got our new couch and chair!! We ordered it from a local furniture store in Orem, UT (McCoy's) and were surprised to find out that it would take 6 to 8 weeks to get here from California. It was well worth the wait though. We've essentially been looking for a new couch off and on for about 2 1/2 years. The couch had to be exactly what we were looking for or we just wouldn't get it because we've had bad couches in the past. The only problem now is I don't think the color we picked out matches my brown walls...I may just have to repaint!

Powder Mountain

We had a GREAT weekend up at Powder Mountain (19 miles NE of Ogden, UT) skiing with my aunt and uncle. They own a timeshare and spend one week in early March there every year. This is only our second trip with them, but we enjoy it so much that we hope to do it every year!!

Getting ready to hit the slopes!

Me & my aunt getting ready to hit the slopes!

While trying to get my "ski legs" back I had a mental breakdown on the side of the mountain and felt that I was totally stuck. I had to convince my brain that I could do this! My aunt Cathy was standing by offering me support along the way.

SUCCESS getting down the mountain! My uncle George is on the right and my aunt Cathy is on the left. They were GREAT teachers and nice to have around!

Holly, George & Cathy skiing

Dave smiling for the camera

Cathy posing for the camera

As you can probably tell from the pictures, on the first day we went skiing it was kind of a yucky day! It snowed off and on and over the course of the day it got really hard to see anything. The second day was absolutely gorgeous!!!

Trees covered in fresh snow outside the condo




Dave being silly! He really can ski faster than that!


Having fun on the ski lift! I finally conquered that process this year! Dave has been a pro from the beginning.


A beautiful view from the ski lift




Dave showing off his skills


On the drive home we noticed this guy hangin' out by a stream that ran along side of the road. For those who know me really well, know that I was in heaven! I absolutely LOVE moose! This is the first moose I've seen in Utah. I've only been privileged to see them before in Idaho and Alaska.

We had a wonderful weekend and feel like we are a little bit better skiers. Every year we will feel more and more confident in our skills I'm sure. Thanks George & Cathy for inviting us! We had a blast!

More pictures of the new arrival

Laiken Melody

I can open my eyes!

Grandma (my mom) and Laiken

Andy (my brother) and Laiken

Johanna (my sister-in-law) and Keaghan (my niece) coloring in the
hospital bed while Laiken is being held by one of her many visitors