September 30, 2011

The most wonderful time of the year

As many of you know, fall is my favorite season. I love the cooling temperatures, pumpkin pie, football games, the smell of the crisp, autumn mornings, but especially the beautiful splashes of gold, red, and orange on the mountains.

Last Thursday afternoon Nick surprised me with suggesting we take a drive through the Alpine Loop (from Provo Canyon to American Fork canyon). I was thrilled at this spontaneous little adventure. We enjoyed our trip so much we decided to go up again today. Take a gander at some of the pictures.




I especially loved all the Aspen trees. And yes, they did have something to do with why we named our daughter Aspen. :)


But as much as I love this time of year, this fall season has been laced with a bit of sadness as I reflect on the last holidays I spent with my sister. It still seems so strange to think she was actually alive this time last year. If only I had known what was coming in just a few short months. But such is life I guess.
Amidst the tears, the one thing that gives me strength as we near the 1 year mark is that soon we will be able to do her temple work. I've felt so strongly that Mikel is truly preparing for that glorious day.
And I cannot wait to be apart of it. :)


Still love and miss you so much, sweet sister.

September 19, 2011

Cinco

Our little Aspen turned 5 months yesterday. She is nice and plump and oh-so-cuddly. We started her on rice cereal a few weeks back. She didn't seem to like it at first, so we switched to an organic brand and now she loves the stuff. Funny thing, Toby was the same way.


She's still waking up about every 3 hours, but one week she gave me a few nights of only waking up once. It was heaven. And for the most part, she is still a cat-napper. However, as of late she has been giving me random 1.5-2 hour naps at different times every day. So that has been nice, but I just wish I knew when they were going to be so I could plan my days better. Those little breaks are crucial to a mom's sanity I tell ya!

Aspen is such a happy baby though. So smiley and good-natured. No matter how tired I am, sometimes all it takes is seeing one of her huge, gummy smiles and my day seems a little brighter.


We had her blessed last month. It was a great day. Nick gave a beautiful blessing. Now I just need to remember to write down what he said before I forget it all like I did when Toby was blessed.


I actually borrowed my nieces blessing dress. I guess I'm not sentimental enough to drop $50 on a dress she will only wear once.


Toby with his buddy Canton and my friend Deborah.


Ness was the only sister able to make it to the blessing. But I wore my purple necklace so I could have a little piece of Mikel with me. :)

Enjoy the rest of the pics. I kind of just pointed the camera and snapped random photos if you can't tell. :)


My cute mom.


So I have MUCH more catching up to do, so stay tuned for a plethora of posts...