The mystery castle...

Since Eliza can only think of all things princess she has a slight obsession with a mysterious castle next to the library.There is this really great garden area and in the children's section of it there is a shed which is painted to look like a castle. Unfortunately, Eliza refuses to understand why I don't have the key, why I can't ask someone for the key, or why daddy just can't bring the key.So as hard as she tries to get in she just can't seem to figure it out. Even after one day being able to see inside a pile of hoses, rakes, etc. it still doesn't make much sense.However thrilled and excited she is when we get there it always turn into this look of frustration and confusion. Someday she will enter that castle...I can just see the wheels in her brain turning!

One last summer weekend...

We got to enjoy one last summer weekend at Cocolalla. Saturday was absolutely beautiful! Weather in the 80's, no wind, smooth water, and not a cloud in sight!We played in the shade with cousins.Eliza tubed with Alissa, Bella, Myanna, and even Daddy.This is what Talia does every time we get in the boat.Pretty darn cute. I think she takes after her uncle Dallin...the boat is like her sleeping pill.Cousins relaxing in the hammock. Nothing quite like a weekend at the lake!

Happy Birthday to Talia!

Out little Talia turned 1 year old on the 13th. She had a pretty fun day!As you can see she was thrilled to have birthday cake!And boy was it yummy!We had dinner at Grandpa and Grandma Hague's house so we could enjoy being out in the backyard. Which still looks amazing from the wedding!I had to add this picture cause it cracks me up. I never know what's going on in Eliza's head!After dinner Talia opened presents and tried them out!The next day we had a special lunch with Nana and Papa and opened more presents! She's not real keen on sharing her toys with big sister but at the same time she does enjoy watching how Eliza does it all.

Happy birthday to our sweet girl! We love you so much! This last year has gone by amazingly fast but we have loved every second of having you in it! You bring such joy into our home! We look forward to watching you learn and grown even more this next year. We love you Tal Tal!

A prisoner in her own home!

Let me out of here!

I'm sure Talia is wondering why it is that with her new found freedom of crawling is she being corralled into certain areas. I was trying to add a video of her crawling but it was taking a century to download. So just picture Talia crawling like crazy, copying lots of words, pulling herself up on things, and getting into everything big sister doesn't want her to get into!

This girl has officially entered the "busy stage."

Eliza's new friend...

Eliza was very excited by the praying mantis on our front porch.So excited that she suggested we take a picture of it. Let us introduce you to our new friend!

Labor Day Weekend

What we love about spending a 3 day weekend at Cocolalla...The wildlife...The "real" wildlife...Boating (don't you love infant life jackets!)...The food...The company...Kayaking...More kayaking...And playing on the beach!

It's safe to say we love EVERYTHING about Cocolalla!

Month in review...

The month of August flew by for us...and brought a lot of changes for our little family.

*Family pictures...before our girls change toooo much. (Hopefully I'll have those to post soon.)

*Eliza attended her first birthday party...and LOVED it!

*Eliza took swim lessons.

*Elayna and Mitch were sealed on August 13th...which means a new brother-in-law/uncle!

*Eliza turned 3!

*Talia is officially on the move. We can give that credit to cousin Brayden...he showed her the benefits of breaking out on her own! She is loving the freedom of crawling. Mostly because now she can play with all of big sister's toys that she's only watched her play with for months!

*And Eliza started Joy school!

Crazy fun month...the changes come more often now but they're good ones! Here's to the month of September! Which starts off with a BANG - 3 day weekend and BYU football!

Where our couch and recliner are in the family room they make a little "cave." Eliza always crawled in there and now Talia is. However, Talia hasn't quiet figured out how to get out of it. So why not lay back, relax, and suck on those fingers. Hopefully I can post some video of her crawling soon...you know how it it, on the move until the camera is out. Sigh.

Joy school has begun...

Our big girl started Preschool today. (Joy school actually...I just can't get her to call it that!) She was pretty excited! She requested to have her picture taken by the car. Whatever will make her smile in a picture!I'm really not sure who is more excited about Joy school. Eliza...because she's feeling awfully grown up? Mom...because that's a couple extra hours a week to get a little more done? Or Talia...because that means free reign on ALL of big sister's toys - without big sister there? My vote is for Talia...you should have seen that girl this morning!

We're just excited for Eliza to start this new adventure. It's the perfect opportunity for her to have a little time out of the house, to learn new things, and for me to be teaching again once in awhile. Smiles all around at our house!

Happy Birthday Eliza!

Eliza turned 3 years old on Tuesday!She has been so excited for this birthday! She went swimming, watched a movie, had grandparents over for dinner and cake, and opened presents.The proud girl with all her loot! She got princess dress up clothes. It didn't take long before she was ready to model for the camera.Belle.Snow White.Sleeping Beauty.At her request...a pink cake - inside and outside.

Eliza we love you so much! You have been a joy in our lives these last three years! You learn so much every day! It's a blessing to watch you grow older. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter!

Happy Birthday!

Time for a break!

With the wedding behind us we headed to Cocolalla for a few days to take a break and relax!It was great! Eliza became a little fisherman. There was plenty of games to be played.Fun in the sand and sun.And Oreos that had to be eaten with Grandpa.Luckily at this point a fish is a fish...it didn't matter to Eliza the size or type she just had a good time catching them. And Talia loved looking at them up close!On a walk with Grandpa and Grandma.Our girls love boating!Darran and I getting our turn on the tubes. Though it's nothing compared to the rides my brothers take we thought it was great! Man we're getting old!Eliza loves to tube! Especially with her aunts!Riding with Aunt Julie and talking with Aunt Cassie. Darran and I are yet to actually be on a tube with her...good thing she has aunts that she adores!Eliza and Darran kayaking.A trip to Cocolalla isn't complete without a fire!Unlce Dallin and Talia.Bring on the foil dinners! They were delicious!And of course s'mores. But I don't think Eliza ever actually had one...what's the need when the marshmallow bag is sitting right in front of you!

Flowers...

Eliza has always enjoyed helping her daddy in the garden.This year she chose to plant some wild flowers along with all that went into the garden. She's pretty proud of them and they've turned out to be quite beautiful flowers.