Backyard fun

Robert took the girls outside this afternoon and look what they found! There was a parrot next door! Meredith was so excited...but as you can see, a bit nervous about holding this giant bird...with a giant (sharp!) beak!

she got really nervous when he started to nibble at her hair!

Trying to be brave...such a cutie! I love that she is so adventurous!

9 months and counting

Yes, it's that time of month again. The 26th of March means Nora is 9 months old tomorrow. I can't believe it. Our little girl is still as sweet as ever, but definitely getting more active. She doesn't crawl yet, but she rolls and scoots and reaches and grabs and leans. She can get around pretty well for someone who doesn't crawl. She says mama, dada...and a bunch of other adorable gibberish. She doesn't have any teeth yet, but she has 4 teeth that are just about through. I thought I better grab some pics before her sweet gummy little smile is full of pearly whites! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this girl! Having 2 little ones to take care of is definitely a LOT of work, but my little girls make it so worth it! I'm a lucky (albeit tired) girl!

Whale watching & cupcakes

Last Monday we went on a whale-watching adventure, thanks to my friend Lisa! We had so much fun! Robert was able to come along...plus my sister and her 3 kids...and my cousin and her 2 kids came along, too! It was a big party. We got to see a ton of Dolphins, 2 different kinds...1 seal...a bunch of sea lions...and 1 baby grey whale! I was so happy to see the whale, but it was kind-of far away and it was hard to catch a good glimpse while fighting everyone else on the boat for a view. Still, it was a great experience and I'd love to go again.

Here's the whale...I only had my 50mm lens, grr. Robert couldn't get a great shot...sorry!

Maritza, her kids...and Meredith!

After we got back to shore, we hit McDonald's and then went to a great little bakery in Newport, called Wonderland. They have absolutely adorable cupcakes for the kids. Yes, a bit indulgent...but totally worth it...very fun! Thanks to my sweet cousin, Marisa, all the kids got to pick out their own cupcakes. It was a great day! Exhuasting...but great!

How cute is that cupcake?

I love this look! Sam was serious about eating his pirate cupcake!

Here's my cousin's wife, Marisa. Thanks again for the sweet treats! :)

little Porter

Elise, Marisa's little girl

Yes, we all have the same van. Hilarious...had to take a pic!

Trip to Arizona

So, as you can see...I'm still playing catch-up. I don't know if I'll actually ever get completely up to date...but I'm trying. That's what counts, right?

Here are some pictures from our trip to Arizona over Valentine's Day/President's weekend. My Grandma Barlow was in-town visiting at the same time, so we had a great time catching up with her. She is a special lady! The Barlow family took my dad in after he joined the church.

Pics from Valentine's Day...my mom got the girls cute little goodies...including socks. They loved them!

Here is daddy & his love bug!

Grandma Barlow & Nora

Grandma Barlow & my parents

My cute boy!

We went to the Phx Children's Museum on President's Day...Meredith loved it! It was a great place to visit...not too big, but packed full of fun for the little ones!

Meredith & Ellie got crazy one day and decided to go swimming in the FREEZING COLD pool. They didn't exactly "swim"...more like splash around on the steps...but I still can't believe they did it. I'm hoping this means Meredith will be a little more brave about swimming in the ocean this summer....I guess we'll see.

Me & Robert on my bday.

Me, Nora & my mom on my bday