Good-bye Arizona

Although we are of course excited to be here in Washington, leaving all of our friends and family there was really hard! The last week or two was filled with lots of packing and cleaning, and lots of lasts:
Last time babysitting my sweet Brooke:
Last time hanging out with Jill and her kiddos:
Last mutual (softball):

All the YW at the end of the game... sorry my flash caught all of the dust that had just been kicked up:
Macey and Sarah:Caitlin after her awesome slide:Megan, Mary, Deanna, and Erika:
Last time seeing Grandad and Tami for a while:
Last dinner with my best friend Jatana: (or as she called it: The Last Supper)Jatana's daughter Alex with Adin:Adin playing with their big dog:I love you all in Arizona, and we really do miss you!!!!

Long time no Blog!

Hi everyone... I know it has been a while for me. We have been pretty busy the last little while, but I haven't really had the camera out much. I am not going to fill you in on all the details... the only important thing here is that I'll be arriving in Washington in ONE week!!!!! I still have quite a bit of packing to do, but I at least want to blog about the baby shower I threw for my friend, Jatana, on Saturday. It is the first shower I have ever thrown, and since she is having a girl, I kind of went crazy :)
Here is the name banner I made for her daughter's nursery:
And the outfits I got for her:
This isn't the greatest picutre, but here are the booties I crocheted:
The spread:
Games:
Our guest of honor with a beautiful blanket that a resident at our complex made for her:
I was unprepared... forgot to charge the batteries for my camera, so unfortunately, that is all the pictures I was able to get. Thankfully, you can get the idea. I am going to miss my dear friend, but am thankful that I will finally be closer to my family.

Field of Flags

Today we went over to Tempe Town lake to view the "Healing fields" in honor of those who died on September 11th. It was absolutely beautiful! I feel it is important to remember all those, and what a beautiful way to do so.Each flag represented one person, and affixed to each was a card with their name, where they were killed, and a little personal tribute. It was truly touching.
The ones with Teddy bears, were the ones to represent children.

May we Always Remember

Great Giveaways

Who doesn't love a good giveaway?!?! How about a BUNCH of giveaways?????
I have two websites for you to visit:
1. There are about 10 giveaways currently going on at Forever and Always
2. And over 20 at A Family Completed

There are shoes, toys, blankets... all sorts of great stuff. So check 'em out!

Utah Trip and Adin's First FIRST Birthday

I had the opportunity to go up to Utah to visit with Miah's mom. I drove up with Adin on Monday, July 13th, and then Miah flew in the next Wednesday, the 22nd. We had a lot of fun!!!
The first weekend we were there, it was "Draper Days", and so we went and watched the parade Saturday morning, and then the fireworks at night.
Watching the firetrucks
Enjoying a sucker thrown during the parade

Possibly the best video EVER... this is Adin enjoying the Fireworks!




ADIN's BIRTHDAY
Saturday, July 25th was Adin's first Brithday. We celebrated it with Myself, Daddy, Grammy, and Adin of course. When Adin woke up from his nap, he climbed up stairs to find his party all ready for him. Of course, we could have ended it as soon as he saw his bouquet of "ba-ooms"
So excited, he's getting all tangled up!After the excitement of those died down a little, we sang to him and gave him his first birthday cake. He didn't much know what to do with the cake, but he wanted to grab the candle. Then once he touched the cake and got the sticky frosting on his fingers, he wanted nothing to do with it. We put a piece on a plate for him, and practically had to force feed him the first bite. After trying some though, he thoroughly enjoyed it!

Then we helped Adin open presents.
Grammy got him a super cute Safari outfit... but I think I am more excited than he is!
We got him a mini Radio flyer wagon, some little carsa shape matching toy and some books.
Happy Birthday Adin!! We are so grateful to have you in our lives.

Thank you Grammy for a wonderful visit! We Love you!!!!

BIG Week!

WISDOM TEETH
Well, I finally got my wisdom teeth out on Thursday. No fun! But it really wasn't too bad... of course- I was a sight to see. lol
ADIN's FIRST STEPS
We had a huge milestone!!! On Friday, Adin took about 5 or six steps from me on the couch, to Dad a few steps away. I grabbed the camera, as we tried to coerce him to walk some more. We got a little recorded. Please keep in mind, that my mouth is stuffed with gauze as I was recording, so I sound a little muffled.



ADIN's FIRST INDEPENDENCE DAYI hope that everyone had a fabulous 4th of July! Ours was pretty low key. We took naps, played some games. Miah made a rotisserie chicken on our BBQ... which I could only gum a few bites of- but it was DELICIOUS!!! We kept Adin up, and drove over and parked at the Chandler Airstrip so we could get a good view of the fireworks. Adin and I with some fireworks in the background (Try to ignore me... I am still not 100%)Adin was MESMERIZED!!!! (Just look at his face)

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE!!!!

Finished... FINALLY

Remember that sneak peak... from like a year ago??? (Here's a reminder)
Well, right after that little peak, we moved and I misplaced the squares I had made, which really bummed me. Then I finally decided a couple of months ago to just start over (and don't you know they showed up!) But then I needed more yarn, so I went back to Walmart, where I had originally purchased the red and white, and go figure, they didn't carry it anymore! I checked JoAnns and Michaels... no luck. That means I had to order it online (which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't charge a million dollars for shipping). So I pouted about that for a while, until I finally decided I just really wanted to finish this adorable little blanket. I sucked it up, and ordered the yarn... and now it is FINALLY FINISHED!!!!! Hoo-ray!!!!!!!
And a close up of the monkey and the edging detail
Thank you to all of you who are an inspiration... I love looking at all the amazing creations you come up with! You truly inspire me to try to be more creative, and to be proud of the work I do! Thanks!!