Labor Day Hike

We totally hemmed and hawed about what to do with our Labor Day after a busy weekend, and we really just needed some family time, so we went to Snowbird and had ourselves a little hike and some lunch.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and the fresh air was just what the doctor ordered.

At the top of the mountain where the tram dropped us off...and where Kristoffer proposed to me over 6 years ago.  And here we are, 4 states and 2 kids later!

After lunch, getting ready to load little Owen in his carrier.  Owen LOVES his carrier.  He gets to be up high and see it all AND be right next to daddy, his favorite pal.  He is one happy boy.

 Marin also loved the same carrier when SHE was a little tyke, and she was hoping to sneak in without anyone noticing.  Owen was less than thrilled with big sister's plan and squawked at her until mommy booted her out.

It didn't take long for Owen to drift off to dreamland.

Um, gorgeous much!

Happy and TIRED girl.  I'll spare you the details of the this sweet girl on the hike back UP the mountain.

Headed back down on the tram.

Snowbird was hosting an Oktober-fest the same day, so we got Marin a little chocolate dipped German waffle.

Happy!

A September Wedding

Kristoffer's gorgeous little sister (ok, so she's really 25) fell in love and married the love of her life this past Saturday.  Marin and I went to her bridal shower last Tuesday and we all attended the wedding on Saturday.  It was absolutely lovely.  The bride was stunning, the groom was handsome, the food was delicious, the music was intoxicating and the happy couple was deliriously happy.  It was so wonderful that we were able to participate in their happy day, and we wish them nothing but the best for the future.  They are honeymooning in Hawaii this week, and I would be lying if I told you I wasn't jealous at all.... ;)

The front table with pictures of the happy couple and page cards to sign for each family.  They put up their i-pad and had everyone take a picture in front of it to glue on their page card for their wedding guest book.  Such a cute idea!

 The reception was inside their home and was cozy and happy.

 The wooden stairs to the bottom lawn where they had the ceremony.

 GG and Marin.

 Hanging candles.

 Coming down the stairs together as single people for the last time.

 Taking their vows.

 Justin, the groom, has a daughter from a previous marriage named Estelle.  Marin loves Estelle (although Estelle is just shy of 8) and they are so so SO cute together.

Sharing little girl secrets.

 A very happy bride.

 The newly married couple!!  Melodie and Justin are just the perfect couple.

 Their little dog Charlotte took a seat on the train of Melodie's dress.

 First family photo.

 Owen, my sweet little buddy was just wiped out, and snuggle into his favorite pal for a rest.

It has not rained in Utah for the entire summer (just about), and it was scheduled to rain on the wedding day.  Of course!  Poor Melodie must have been beside herself worrying about it.  But the rain held off just long enough to finish the ceremony and take pictures, and then we had a soft rain-shower after we were inside and tucked away for our dinner.  Check out this gorgeous view from their balcony.  Absolutely stunning.

 It really was breathtaking.  A picture doesn't do justice.

 Marin and mama.  Not sure why my hair is so fluffy...

 I just couldn't stop taking pictures.

 Just imagine yourself here and take a deep breath of fresh, rain-y air!

 My cutie girl.

Cake cutting with Estelle.

 I loved the after-sunset remnants of wispy clouds, trailing the final drops of rain onto the city.

 A little string trio playing French bistro music all evening?  Yes, please!

 The dessert table.  Full of the most delicious treats known to women everywhere.  The classic wedding cake, a strawberry cake, a German chocolate cake, macaroons, pistachio tartlettes, coconut yummy bars (this is what I call them since I don't know the real name).  Let's just say I overspent my daily caloric budget just a touch for this table of goodies.

We spent the night at the house after the party; this way, we could put the kids to bed and keep partying!  We are so happy for the cute new couple, congrats Justin and Melodie!!

6 Years of Love

Can it be that Kristoffer and I have really just celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary?!  It seems like just yesterday that we were married and yet, with everything life has brought to us, it seems like we have been married for ages!  I'm sure you know what I mean ;)

This year, Kris took me to Log Haven, up Millcreek Canyon. We don't eat out often, but when it's our anniversary, we take full advantage.  It was peaceful and beautiful and delicious, the perfect way to celebrate 6 long, hard, totally worth it years of marriage.

 2011, fresh transplants in Salt Lake City.

 2010, fresh transplants to Oregon, and pregnant with Owen!

 2009, our final fall in Vegas.

 2008, celebrating with a brand new baby Marin!

 2007, at the Las Vegas Temple staring into a bright, hot sun.

 August 17th, 2006, The Day.

 

I am extremely grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me such an incredible husband.  He is my rock.  He is so kind and generous and hardworking.  He has never spoken an unkind word to me and loves me despite my girly ways which can be just plain silly sometimes.  He loves our sweet children and wants to give me the world.  He works with me to accomplish our goals and is always willing to help despite what he wants for himself.  We have each had to make sacrifices, but it's part of what makes a great marriage. Never for a minute have I regretted my decision to marry this man, and I am looking forward to what the next 6 years (and more) have to offer us!

Owen-Up!

This little buddy spent this last Sunday in NURSERY!!  His very first nursery experience now that he is 18 months old, and he seemed to do pretty well.  I love my sweet babies, but I don't really do the whole clingy-child thing, I want them to love me, but be able to be adaptable and be without me for a few hours, I think it's a healthy thing on both sides. 

I can't believe my little Owen is 18 months!  He is growing so FAST, it blows me away.  Some of Owen's latest things include:

*Climbing *everything*, chairs, tables, cribs, beds, stools, bathtubs, bookshelves, you name it, he will climb it.  And it's exhausting!

*Owen says a handful of words: Mama, dada, dog, baba (for bottle), pizza, shoes, no.  He doesn't say a lot, but I can hear him trying to sound out words, and I remember with Marin that her vocabulary just *exploded* one day, so that's what I'll look for with Owen. 

*Follows commands very well and helps put books away, put his diapers in the garbage, sits on his bottom when I ask.

*When he's hungry, he'll climb up into his high chair and whimper until mommy gets him some food.  It's pretty cute.

Both of the kids had their check-ups today and are healthy and growing!  

Owen

24.5 pounds, 30th percentile (good progress with the goats milk, up 10%). 33.75 inches, 86th percentile.

Marin

32.2 pounds, 26th percentile (she lives in this percentile).  40.5 inches 68th percentile.

The Birthday Party

I think Marin has officially had her first "real" little girl birthday party, and it was super cute.  She had three little friends there, and they were all doing their thing, such four year olds!  I told myself I wasn't going to make a lot of food and overwhelm myself with being stuck in the kitchen, which I accomplished, but I think I overwhelmed myself with everything else!  With helping four 4-year olds decorate pizzas and run them inside to to bake and play games and hand out prizes and help with drinks and fruit and veggies and cutting the pizza and blowing on the pizza and helping them to eat the pizza.  Oh my goodness, I don't think I talked to one adult the whole time!  Thank goodness the party was only 90 minutes.  I was exhausted at the end, phew!!

Here are the cute little girlies!  And then the cupcakes in the second picture, with strawberry frosting, Marin's request.  And then the little pizza's in the third picture (sorry it's sideways); I bought some pizza dough and let the girls decorate their own little pizzas, it was super cute and they LOVED it....getting them to actually *eat* it was a totally different story.

 Little Owen partying with Grandad and his own slice of pizza.

 Blowing out her candles!!!

 Funny girl, she was so embarrassed when we were singing to her!

 Handing out party favors!

 My happy birthday girl.

 We played a game called "Give Princess Violet a Hand".  I drew a little princess and had the girls try to tape them on without looking.  Almost like pin the tail on the donkey.

 Drinking strawberry lemonade!

 Owen trying to get in on the action.

The party was exhausting, but totally worth it and waaay fun!  I'm so glad we were able to have a party for Marin, she scored some super cute gifts including a bike from mom and dad, a helmet and shoes from bestemor, some games and crafts from grandma and grandpa, a necklace, some little toys, a gorgeous quilt from Sallie and more.