More to Life

Okay, Okay, there is more to life than taking pictures....or at least that's what some people say. I'm not going to do any more photo shoots until I can take pictures of our regular day to day activities. So look for a post next week of things that are actually interesting :) I will post more pictures from this photo shoot on my photo blog for those who are interested, which is not many ;)

I have been blessed

We blessed Lydia DeNae on Sunday the 13th. Margo and Clay (Ryan's parents) drove down from Oregon and we were so BLESSED to have them there. We were able to enjoy a home blessing in my parent's backyard, just as we did with Emma's blessing. The day couldn't have been more beautiful and peaceful. My dad did a great job with having a little program and I bore my testimony at the end. It was so special to have everything quiet and intimate.

Mike Rhodes, the Bishop from my parent's ward presided over the blessing and I was so happy to have him and his wife Julie join us, I respect them so much and miss being in their ward. Also Ryan's childhood best friend, Darren, drove up with his family from Draper and we were really touched by their effort and support. I know Lydia won't remember any of this, but it really means so much to US.

Sara, my sister, and Emma must have got together earlier and decided to be matchy matchy, it was cute.

Darren and Traci Johnson with their three little girls, Emme, Ally and Eliza.

Lydia's blessing day really helped me reflect on just how truly blessed I am. Things aren't always easy for us and they don't always go my way. But at the end of the day I am so thankful to have Ryan, my best friend as my husband. Emma who is just so well behaved and has such a tender heart. Now to throw in Lydia, who may cry a lot sometimes, but she is truly heaven sent. This is so sappy, but all true. My parents and Ryan's parents are some of our most favorite company and we're so BLESSED to have them as FRIENDS. Thank you to the Petersens and Johnsons for coming out, it really meant a lot. I know Ryan's siblings would've loved to have come and the Lakes as well, but maybe we'll make it up to Oregon for the next baby blessing.

Weekend Fun

We had the best Labor Day weekend. Friday we picked Ryan up from the airport. He is all done with training, for now, and Emma was beside herself with excitement to see him. I loved noticing how much she really missed him.

We went straight to Snow Basin and met my family for the Full Moon Gondola ride up to the top of the mountain where we brought a picnic and enjoyed the telescopes that people had brought up with them. The moon has never looked more beautiful.

My parents rode in one Gondola with the grand kids so we could enjoy some quiet time with Sara and Cody. This definitely takes the cake for my favorite date of the year.

For Labor Day my cousin Jessica came out and spent the night with us so she could have a full day of snuggling with Lydia while we took Emma off on an adventure with us. Thanks again Jessie.

So we took Emma and drove up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We had never been there and couldn't get over how beautiful it was and all it had to offer. We'll definitely be heading back again sometime.

Our first stop was Silver Lake. It was beautiful and had a great boardwalk that went all the way around it. This was something we could've brought Lydia to do with us, but I'm glad she was at home :) I asked Emma if she was having so much fun being alone with just me and dad and she said "Yes, except I wish Lydia was here." That's nice to hear, but I didn't agree.

We also did a great little hike up to Doughnut Falls. This picture doesn't do it justice because the waterfall was much bigger than this. Ryan hiked up the waterfall with Emma, I was not amused but we do call Ryan a Mountain Goat and he lived up to his reputation and brought her back without a scratch.

We ended with a yummy dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Old Spaghetti Factory. Then we enjoyed a quiet ride home, with no questions and no interruptions while Emma had a nice long nap :) This was such a fun day and I hope to make a better habit out of doing things one on one with our kids as they grow older.

I just can't help myself

From my blog posts one would think all I do is take pictures of the girls, which isn't entirely false. I have had some fun parties with friends and done a lot with family and my mom while Ryan has been out of town. But I am still just loving the fact that I have two little girls. This is everything I've wanted ever since I can remember. I just love these little girls so much and although it's draining at times, I am so thankful to be a mom, and not just any mom, Emma and Lydia's mom.