This year for Christmas, Tenley asked Santa for an extension cord (2 if possible), wrapping paper, and mom's iphone.

After visiting Santa, we joined the rest of the state of Utah and went to Temple Square.

 It was the perfect way to spend our Christmas Adam.

O Christmas Tree

I was so excited to get our tree up!  I could hardly wait for Thanksgiving to get here so I could finally put it up.  I had the best little helper this year. She seriously makes everything so much fun.  So far she is really interested in the lights, but hasn't really touched the tree. We'll see what happens once we get all the decorations put on.

Snow Canyon Half Marathon

I love to run. I'm pretty slow but I don't care. I just love to turn on my music and just go. After having Tenley, it has taken me a little while to get back in the groove of running.  With my baby being almost 8 months old, I decided it was time to get back at it. I signed up for the Snow Canyon half marathon! 

It was such a beautiful course.  I finished in 1:58 and I'm thrilled because my goal was just to finish! Maybe one day I'll get faster, but I felt good after the 13.1 miles and I'm happy. It was freezing cold for the first 10 miles of the race and then it warmed up near the finish, so yes, I look ridiculous. 

After the race we cruised down to Las Vegas to spend the rest of our weekend.

The water show at the Bellagio is one of my favorite things in Vegas and it was so fun to take Tenley and see her reaction.

She was in awe the entire time. 

She thinks it's hilarious if you throw her {gently} onto the bed. 

Candy Corn

Everything is more fun with kids. Especially Halloween. I made Tenley this Candy Corn costume for Halloween this year. She could barely move around in it, but I think she looks adorable anyway.

Tenley wanted to eat Lucy's antenna's every chance she could get!

Happy Halloween!

Rolly Polly

Where did our little newborn go? Tenley rolled over for the first time today!

War Eagle

Go Tigers! I mean go War Eagle! Wait, I'm confused Auburn. Are you Tigers or Eagles? One thing is certain, the Auburn campus is beautiful.

The trip to Auburn wouldn't be complete without stopping at the famous Toomers Corner and getting some lemonade. And yes, I'm all red and look like I ran a marathon because it's fa-reaking hot here. I should really be used to this hellish humid heat by now. 

Paint me a Birmingham

Today we drove 2+ hours to Birmingham so we could go shopping! I have been forced to do all my shopping online since there isn't much here in Montgomery.  We went shopping at the Summit and it was fantastic. On the way home we took a small detour to go see the Birmingham temple. 

 

 

Traveling Tenley

Dave's parents are visiting from Utah this week and I am so thrilled to have company! In the past we have spent summers living in  the Carolinas, Boston and even New York where there are endless things to see and do.  I had to warn them that Alabama may not have quite as much to offer. With that said, our first destination was to.....(drum roll)  the First White House of the Confederacy.  I told you there wasn't much out here.

Fun Fact: President Jefferson Davis only lived here in the spring of 1861 and then the Confederate Capital moved to Richmond, VA. 

We then wandered over to the state capitol building.  Did you know that the civil rights march for voting rights (led by Martin Luther King) ended right here on these pearly steps?  I'm full of fun facts. 

 Such a good little tourist.

Less is Best

Remember how I just said that I've learned that living with less is best? Can I take it back? We got to our new apartment only to find out that our furniture would not be arriving for another week! This should be interesting trying to feed my 3 month old baby 10 times a day. Sigh.  {1st world problems....I know}

We went and bought a blow up mattress so at least we have a bed!

This girl is always smiling and reminds me all the time that she is all I really need. 

Bye Bye Biloxi

I spent all day packing our suitcases and getting ready to make the move to Alabama.  Don't worry, we only have like 4 suitcases and most of it is for Tenley.  Dave's job has taught me that less is best. At least in the summertime.  While packing, I may have lost our baby for a minute.  She is so happy and quiet and just absolutely perfect!

The next morning Dave loaded everything in the car and we were off.  T babe was ready with her sunnies!

Today Was A Fairytale

We don't get to see a lot of Dave during the summer months because he is working like a mad fool. But Sunday's are the BEST because we get to be together.  This is our last Sunday in Biloxi and what better way to spend it than at the beach!?

Get me out of this bright sun!

Beach Bums

In about 2 weeks, we will be leaving Mississippi and moving to Alabama.  I am trying to take as much advantage of living 50 ft. away from the beach as I can.  The ocean is just so calming. I think I could come here every day, and I think that is just what we will do.

Mother's Day

Happy first Mother's Day to me! I cannot get over how lucky I am to be a mom. I prayed for the day I would become a mom so many times and often I still can't believe this is really my life.  I feel so blessed and thank my Heavenly Father every day for this opportunity.

"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for."

                                           -Neil L. Anderson

Beach Baby

I took Tenley to the beach today for the first time.  She kind of hates the bright sun but she must have loved the warmth because she snoozed the entire time. It was so relaxing for me. We will be spending many more days here this summer!

Have you ever seen anything so cute!?

Bluuuxi

Well here we are in Biloxi or as locals say, "Bluuuxi."  Everyone here talks r-e-a-l -l-y
slow and calls me "honey". Other than a whole lot of waffle houses, fried chicken and of course casinos galore, there isn't much to do here. Dang hurricane Katrina went and ruined everything.  Fortunately our apartment is just across the street from the ocean! I'm loving running along the beach in the morning.

Biloxi Bound

Let the summer adventures begin! Dave's crazy job is taking us to the deep south this year.  Dave made the 35 hour drive by himself so that T and I could stay at home a few more weeks.  After reading several blogs about traveling alone with a newborn, I decided the best way to do this was to just "wear" Tenley through the airport and pack as light as possible.  I was able to keep T in the moby wrap all the way through security and the entire process went much smoother than I could have imagined.  People around me were all so kind and helpful.  

Waiting to board the plane.

My little jet setter flew like a champ. We had 2 flights to get to Biloxi and she didn't even cry.  She slept during most of the flight and I made sure to have a bottle ready at all times. We were both so happy to land in Biloxi. 

The airline left her car seat in Dallas during our layover due to the plane being over weight. You'd think they could have made a better judgement call about leaving the 10 lb car seat behind, but no. We had to get a loaner car seat for the ride home. But no worries here, T baby was happy as a clam. 

Ra-Ra-Rochester!

My little bro Jake was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Rochester, NY.  Part of his mission will include the Sacred Grove and he will get to be involved in the Palmyra pageant.

 

Dropping him off at the MTC was such a bitter sweet day. I'm so excited for him and the people of Rochester. See ya in two years Big Jake!

Jake's Farewell

My baby brother gave his farewell talk today and I am so happy I was able to be here for it! (I was supposed to already be in Mississippi.) Jake gave such a great talk and I'm so excited for him to get to New York and be a missionary. He's going to rock it!

1 Month

Happy one month to our little Tenley girl.  I don't ever know what we did without you in our lives. Our world revolves around you and we wouldn't have it any other way.