Spider Girl

We went to this great climbing gym that Luke belongs to. It's was so nice. Mellow people, great music and even treadmills. Lucia climb for 2 hours. She was so fun. I discovered that my fear of heights is still real, but I think climbing is such a great mental sport. I really loved spending that time with Lucia and seeing her feel so confident. I'm going to try and find a gym like that in Phoenix.

Library

Lucia saw this bench and immediately saw the purpose

she kept sliding back and forth along it until her sister

stopped her and put her arm around her. I loved that.

Then Lucia returned the gesture.

Lucia struck a pose. Her suggestion of course.

Just a day at the SLC downtown library.

Winter is Here

Lucia is so happy to have her sister. They were so cute and creative today as it started out 19 degrees. I love the ballet class they had. We've all been sick so were spending a lot more time inside. Today was great we just decided to play hooky from Church and spend the day as a family, and not get everyone else at church sick. Plus it was so good to have Rich home. I'm looking forward to us all being together permanently. Today Lucia said "I want to move to Phoenix at Thanksgiving so I can swim in the pool after we eat". She's just like her Dad. She likes warm weather. So I think she will be fine with the move. I think it will be more of an adjustment for me. I'll miss my friends. But you can't have it all, at least not usually.

Dallas/Fortworth Family Reunion

We rule this town. Not really but we have roots for sure.

The Kimball, cool building.

Brooke and Eden

The 39

Grandma and I discussing

Luke, Marissa, Brooke and I headed to Dallas for a family reunion. It was so good to see Dad's family. We checked out the local sights and I was surprised to learn how many cool museums were in Fortworth. I love museums and Grandma Texas and I definitely have that in common. The Kimball was my favorite I really enjoyed chatting with her and hearing the stories of our family in the museum cafe. While we were there Luke found out he got over a 99% on the MCAT. It was awesome and relieving news. So heres the infamous pic of him and Marissa making a 39. His score.

Halloween

tuckered out

Hot Hero

It was the prettiest fall night. Stella got a last minute costume. She insisted on being a Ladybug. Lucia had a great time with her friends. Then Stella got tuckered out as seen on the lawn. Her and I headed home and Lucia kept going strong.

Lucia's first day of School

 Lucia was so excited to go to school it was a long morning. She asked me seriously every 10 mins if it was time to go. Her teacher told her Aunt she was very concentrated and so excited when she asked her to pass out papers. She said "Really Me?" It's been fun to watch her enthusiasm. Poor Stella wants to join her. I'm glad she is still home with me.

Paris - La Vie en Rose

We followed Brooke to Paris. Thanks to Mom for watching the kids we had such an great experience in Paris. Highlights: Macaroons, Versailles bike riding, chillin in the Parks. Laughs with Rich. Hanging with Marissa, Mary and Brooke. The bird from up from Italy and man made eggs:)

Napa - Christian's Wedding

Kristen, Shelbs, Me and Shalyse Oldies but Goodies

Tanner, Ellie, Haley, Lucia

Me and my beautiful nieces and Brooke

Dad and Judy

Stella and Lucia Playing Bocce Ball

sweet Aunt Brooke

Ava Grace:)

Eden

Lucia had such a Blast
We had a great 4th of July in Napa. Seeing old friends and making some new ones.  It was so pretty at the Carneros Inn.  I had never been to Napa and loved it.  Rich and I went for a run through the vineyards and I understood why people love it there.   The girls had so much fun swimming, eating s'mores and being with family.  Christian and Christy had a beautiful wedding and we loved getting to know their friends.  Afterwords, we headed to San Francisco for a day in Chinatown and Ghiradelli.  Yum!  

Lucia at Stella's Age Now

Just a refresher.  They grow up so fast.  I loved the "Curious Case of Benjamin Button."  It puts the stages of life in perspective.  I came home after seeing it and watched the girls sleep for awhile.  Just taking them in.

Hawaii Feb. break

We had a fun trip keeping Rich company while he worked in Hawaii.  I love the pace and the time I had to spend with the girls.  Lucia was so sweet with Stella.  She swam everyday and learned to go across the pool on her own.  PHEW!  I'm excited to have at least one girl swimming.   Stella is so darling and talking.  I love her little expressions like "Here you go mommy."  Lucia was very adult and always wants to know if we forgot something important.  Like her swim suit.  Stella carried her lifejacket around like a blanket.  She's taking the security blanket idea literally. We stayed at a great new hotel for families and walked about the new Beach Walk street ever night to dinner.