Luke and Daddy

I was at work last Friday when I got this email from Kiel. We both thought it was so funny. Luke is very well-mannered. :)

"Also, Luke finaly melted my resolve for putting him down for a nap. I put him down and he cried a little but I told him he needs to nap . . then a few minutes later he was not crying but was just talking .. . then I coughed a couple times and I could hear him through the door saying "bless you, bless you , bless you". . it made me feel bad so I went in and got him . . crafty little fella."

New Carpet! (before and after)

We are still loving our new carpet! It's so nice to be able to go downstairs and hang out in the basement. We already put a lot of Luke's toys down there, and we got a new cover for our LoveSac which was exciting (because we got it for a great deal - $26!) But, it's still a work in progress and we have lots of little things to finish up. It will be a good winter project to get everything organized and set up the way we want it. We'll finish up the bathroom in the winter too, which shouldn't be too hard...

Here are a few before and after pictures of the carpet!

Tell Your Story

This is a print I found on Etsy that I want to get for my room downstairs. I love it, and I just wanted to share! Has anyone browsed Etsy before? It's really cool - handmade stuff by artisans from all over the world.

Let it Snow

Snow, snow, snow! More snow today - the ground is covered and everything is white. It's so much more beautiful than the dreary gray and brown that covers Utah this time of year. I wouldn't be surprised if we had a white Christmas...although we'll be enjoying a sunny (hopefully), blue-skied California Christmas this year!

Here's another picture of Luke from our amateur photo shoot last Saturday. We didn't venture out in the cold today.

Local theater

Tonight I saw the "1940s Radio Hour" at the community theater in Centerville with Laura from my ward. Her husband was performing in it and she wanted someone to go with her. I didn't know anything about the show, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It was entertaining and well-done. It was fun listening to the music of the 40s and they had a live band for all of the numbers. Plus, the stage was set for Christmas and there were a few Christmas numbers. Going to plays and musicals is one of my very favorite things to do.

Good news

Luke is officially walking now!He's been walking since July, but just with his walker and in between things. Finally this week he is just taking off and walking around the house and exploring. It's so nice to get him off the floor and have him be a little more independent. I'm very proud of him. I'll try to post a video later.

Luke in the Snow

It snowed practically all day today! We woke up to loads of snow, and it just kept going! Everything looks so beautiful outside.

Once it stopped, we took Luke outside hoping to get a cute picture for our Christmas cards this year. That is definitely a two-person job! I had the camera, and Kiel was behind me juggling (yes, Kiel can juggle!) balls, and dropping them and doing anything silly he could think of to get Luke to smile - or at least look at the camera! I was too busy just trying to snap the picture as soon as Luke looked at the camera that I forgot to make sure the picture was in focus. So, out of the 30 odd pictures we took, we got about 4 good ones. Luke kept doing this demented kind of laugh - see picture - it was hilarious but wouldn't quite make sense on a Christmas card. :)

Now my indecisiveness shows its face- which picture to choose and which photo card to put it on? And did I mention that because our last name takes up a whole line itself, that it really limits my options on writing a message? Such is life when your last name is 16 letters long!


Bytheway, I tried this photo session on my own with Luke earlier in the week and this picture about sums up the experience:

Cute Movie

Enchanted was such a fun, cute movie. Leslie, Kim and I went to see a late night showing after all our kids were asleep. I love movies that just leave you feeling happy at the end.

Books in Winter

I just discovered and fell in love with this print by
Jessie Wilcox-Smith.

Thanksgiving

We had a nice pleasant Thanksgiving at our house this year. Kiel's family came down to our house for the day and we had a nice dinner, and Christmas exchange.

But first, I started the day by running a 5k with my sister-in-law, Holly (V.) The 5k was through the rec center that we go to, and it started at 9am. I was feeling anxious before it started because I have never ran a 5k before! And I hate running, and hate being cold - so I was wondering what I was thinking! But, it turned out great. I did better than I thought I would, I did a combo of running and walking but I ran more than I even thought I would. It definitely wasn't easy for me - especially with the cold air - but I did it! Holly was ahead of me but she came back after finishing to run in with me, and Kiel and Luke, and Kurt, Megan and Lauren were at the finish line to show support and cheer for us. So, all in all, even though I was sore for days!, it was a great way to start Thanksgiving day.

As I said, the dinner turned out really nice. Megan made the stuffing and green beans, Holly and Jordan made the mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, and Holly made pies. And I made the turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls (actually Parsons bakery made the rolls!) I'm lucky that my sister-in-laws are so great at helping out.

The kids all had fun playing together. I think Luke loved having so many kids to play with. It was really nice having carpet in our basement so that the kids could play down there. Luke had a good 2nd Thanksgiving - all he wanted to eat was mashed potatoes. I couldn't blame him because they were really good!

After dinner we had our Christmas exchange since we won't be together for Christmas. It was fun to watch the kids open gifts, and then open gifts ourselves! We had a fun white elephant exchange too, which we do every year.

Kurt and Megan and Lauren stayed with us for a few nights and it was fun to spend time with them. Lauren is so cute and well behaved. She talks a lot and has the cutest voice. She was always saying, "What are you doing?"

Thanksgiving was a fun day and I was happy with the way everything turned out.

Grateful Thoughts

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought I'd share a few things I'm grateful for.

I'm grateful for my own little family. Both Kiel and Luke bring me so much happiness. I'm lucky to have 2 such wonderful guys in my life.

I'm so grateful for my family. I have the best family in the world. I'm sad that we won't be together for Thanksgiving, but so excited to see them for a week at Christmas.

I'm grateful for my in-laws. The whole von Niederhausern clan is coming over to our house tomorrow for Thanksgiving. We always have fun together and I'm grateful that we have a home to be able to gather the family in.

I'm grateful for good friends who always support me. I am lucky to have good friends in my ward, in California, in Salt Lake, in my family, at work, and throughout the country, really - how everyone has spread! - I am grateful for the friendships that enrich my life.

Of course there are thousands of other little things I am grateful for (like new carpet!)

In Elder Eyring's talk in conference, he talked about recognizing God's hand in your life everyday. He said that by trying to remember, God would show you what he has done in your life. I know that I am so blessed - I am grateful for the gospel in my life, and for knowing that I will be with my family forever.

November Afternoon

Luke was keeping me company while raking leaves today. He was such a good boy and just explored the front yard. Here's a cute picture of him.

Shannon Hale

Yesterday I went with my book club to a book signing with Shannon Hale, one of my favorite authors at the moment. She spoke and answered questions for about an hour. She is so fun to listen to because she's really down-to-earth, funny and she gives a good perspective on being a writer. After she spoke we went to dinner, came back and still waited in a very long line, and then she signed our books. Even though she had been signing books for over an hour once we reached her, she still took time to talk to us and joke around. She definitely seems like someone you could be friends with.

(This is a picture of me and Leslie and Shannon Hale when we went to her book signing in Orem this summer. We promised her that we weren't stalkers!)

She is a local writer, she graduated from the U of U, and she's a member of the church. She is an amazing writer. She writes in the Young Adult genre and many of her stories are based on fairy tales. There were quite a few little girls there. When I was 10 years old, I wanted to be an author (this is even recorded in my elementary school year book), and I would have been in heaven if I had met someone then like Shannon Hale. I think she's a good role model for young girls who love to write.

My favorite book of hers is a tie between "Goose Girl" and "Book of a Thousand Days." The latter is on my top 5 books of the year list (a list I am making in my head and will share at the end of the year). It sounds like she's working on a few more books, so I will be looking forward to those!

Home

Today, I am grateful for...

Our home

And our almost-finished basement! If everything goes according to plan, the carpet goes in next week! Here's a picture of Kiel earlier in the year, drywalling the bedroom. He has done all the work himself and has done an amazing job. More before and after pictures to come!

Cute Halloween Video

Here's a cute, short video of Luke with our pumpkins.

Halloween

We had a pretty low-key Halloween. We just stayed home and had a Halloween dinner and answered the door to trick-or-treaters. Luke was funny and wanted to stay right at the door to wait for the kids to come. Then he thought that if other kids were outside, ohe wanted to be outside too. So he walked his little walker right up to the door and tried to get out. Kiel was a good daddy and went for a short walk with him down our sidewalk. Halloween is much more fun now that we have Luke in our family.

ABC Tag

Jaime tagged me with this one, so here it goes....

A-Attached or Single: Attached

B-Best friend: Kiel

C-Cake or pie: This time of year, pumpkin pie!

D-Day of Choice: I love Fridays. For one, because I go into the office to work. And for two, because I love looking forward to the weekend.

Like Jaime, I notice there's no "E"...weird.

F-Favorite color: I love turquoise blue...and recently, purple, and green...

G-Gummy bears or worms: Gummy bears, or better yet, cinnamon bears.

H-Hometown: Torrance, California

I-Indulgence: Dark chocolate, bringing back a magazine from the grocery store, bubble bath and a book

J-January or July: July without a doubt...there's no snow in July!

K-Kids: Of course, I love kids. I love Luke, my nieces and nephews, my friends' kids, my cousins, my primary kids...

L-Life is incomplete without: Books (and family and friends of course)

M-Marriage Date: June 9, 2001

N-Number of Siblings: 1 cool brother (and 4 sister-in-laws, and 4 brother-in-laws)

O-Oranges or Apples: Apples...lately we've been having apple tastings at our house. I've been trying to decide which kind of apple is my favorite, so everytime I go to the store I bring back different apples to try. So far I like "Braeburn" best.

P-Phobias or Fears: I'm always on edge that something is going to jump out at me in the dark...I could blame that on having a little brother who loved doing that to me... :)

Q-Quote: "Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% what you do with it." (that just popped into my head)

R-Reason to smile: Luke has started saying "Yeah" this week. And "Yes!" He has me smiling all the time.

S- Season: Summer...I miss you already...

T-Tag three: Shannon, Laurie, and Nettie

U-Unknown facts about me: I don't know if much is unknown, but here are a random few...I hate pickles, I love anything pumpkin, and this month I'm trying new recipes from "The Mormon Cookbook"

V-Vegetarian or oppressor of animals: Oppressor? I think a vegetarian wrote this question! I've never been vegetarian.

W-Worst habit: Lately - buying bags of candy corn

X-Xrays or Ultrasounds: I don't really get this question either, but I loved my ultrasound of Luke. Modern technology is so amazing. :)

Y-Your favorite food: Ice cream comes to mind... I really like the Dreyer's Slow Churned kind...it's a little bit more guilt free than the full-fat kind.

Z-Zodiac: Leo

Leafy Treetops

My part time job in the fall is in full swing. Raking leaves! I love all the trees on our property, but it keeps me busy...raking, raking, raking. And I actually don't mind raking leaves, I just hate bagging them. So if you were to see my front and back yard right now, you would just see nice piles of leaves...just begging to be jumped in.

I found this picture and it made me laugh. I don't think I look half as happy or well-put-together as this woman raking leaves..(of course, no one has ever stopped by wanting to do a photo shoot of me raking leaves either...)

Fall Fun

Luke and I have been celebrating fall this week. The weather has been so beautiful. Sunny, pleasant, and colorful. This picture is of the aspens in our front yard.
First we went to the Pack's Pumpkin Patch in Farmington with our friends from the ward. We picked out several pumpkins that we're going to carve this weekend. Luke knows what pumpkins are and he calls them "pump." He wasn't very happy in this picture.
Then yesterday morning, Luke and I went to Wheeler Farm. It's a historic, working farm that has animals and tractors, and lots of open space. There were hundreds of ducks there. We brought bread to feed the ducks and whenever I gave Luke a piece of bread to feed the ducks, he'd stick it in his mouth and eat it! So he was my little duck. Here's a picture of him in front of the ducks eating the piece of bread (that should have been for the ducks!)
Luke loves his tractor book that he reads at home. So he really liked seeing the tractors at the farm. After the farm we had lunch at Hires Big H. Luke was so good at the farm and at lunch. I again appreciated that I can spend my time with him and I'm planning on reminding him that we went on some really great dates when he was a baby!
Last night was the Halloween kiddie carnival at the church. Luke was the cutest BYU football player I've ever seen. :)

Disneyland

While Luke and I were in California, the week before last, Mom took us to Disneyland. It was a little more crowded than we anticipated, but that didn't stop us from having a great day! The area "Woody's Roundup" was decorated so cute for Halloween. I love this picture of Luke and mom together with great big smiles. Luke loves his grandma, and I know the feeling is mutual!

Going to Disneyland in October is fun because of all the fall decorations they do. Luke wasn't being too cooperative in these pictures, but in California Adventure, they had the cutest decorations with candy corn.


Taking Luke to Disneyland is fun because I love seeing his reaction to everything. It's fun to see what he thinks is funny, or what makes him dance and clap his hands. This trip he really liked the Tiki Room - he just danced and clapped his hands the whole time! One thing about taking him at this age is that he didn't want to sit in the stroller the whole time - he wanted to be the one to push the stroller! So of course, this trip to Disneyland was catered around him and we took lots of breaks and just took our time. I think that's a great way to enjoy the day though. It's nice to be able to do a lot of things, but just enjoy being at Disneyland and not feel like you have to rush to every ride. It was just fun to spend time with Mom and Luke together for a whole day!
Overall, our trip to California was really fun. Luke got to spend lots of time with mom and dad, and Shasta (Luke loved to follow Shasta around the backyard and even said her name). Disneyland was fun, my reunion was great, and I even had a date night with my dad. We went to the King's hockey game Friday night. I'm so lucky to have such great parents.

Torrance High

My 10 year high school reunion was last weekend in Torrance. I can't believe it's been 10 years. It was fun to be there with my great group of friends, and to talk to people I haven't seen since high school! It was at Lucky Strike bowling alley, which was a fun place to have it. I'm glad I went. And I feel lucky to have such good friends who have stayed in touch with me even though I've been living in Utah for so long now!

Analise Nicole

My new cousin, Analise Nicole Wimer, was born on Thursday, October 11. She weighed 7 lbs and 14 oz and was 20.25 inches. She looks so sweet and cute and I can't wait to visit Colorado to meet her one day.

In the sky

Our airplane ride yesterday went very smoothly! It was like one of those days where everything just fell in place. When I got to the airport, the sky cab guy approached me and took my bags and helped me. The line at security was non-existent, and the TSA man helped me with the stroller. Then, fortunately, the flight wasn't full, so Luke and I had the whole row to ourselves.

Luke was so excited to be on the airplane. A whole new world to explore! He played with the seatback tray, the seatbelt, then the arm rests....and when the captain's voice came over the intercom, Luke looked right up and put his hands up in a question, like, "who is that and where is it coming from?"

Once the plane took off, my prayers were answered...with Luke on my lap, the plane went into the air, and within 5 minutes, Luke was asleep! Because we had the whole row to ourselves, I laid him down on the bench, and I got to read a magazine!

He slept for about half of the flight, and when he woke up we just played with his books and toys. And when the plane landed, Luke clapped his hands. :) He's already been having so much fun in California with Grandma and Grandpa. He's started calling my dad "papa" - but it sounds like "baapa." He's such a good boy - and turning out to be a good travel companion too. (knock on wood).


This picture is Luke's very first airplane ride to California when he was about 2 months old. How things have changed!

My Buddy

Today Luke and I spent the day together, as usual, but I want to remember today especially. Luke is my little companion in everything I do. Today we did some shopping, then had an impromptu picnic at Sugarhouse Park where we ate, played in the playground, fed the geese, and then just sat on the grass and played with the fallen leaves on the ground.

It was sitting on the grass, twirling and waving the leaves that I reflected on how lucky I am to spend my days with Luke. I thought about how he helps me notice the small things - how a leaf can crinkle up in your hand, how fascinating it can be to watch the birds scoot across the grass, how the wind moves the tree branches...how nice it is to just sit and enjoy the day.

It was windy at the park and when the wind would really blow, Luke would raise his hands in the air. How often do we even pay attention to the wind? I'm always just annoyed by wind, how it blows my hair and howls by our windows...but today at the park, Luke and I just experienced it.

In all the small ways, Luke helps me slow down and appreciate life more fully. He's experiencing everything in this world for the first time, and I'm lucky to witness that and take part. Today I'm reminded to treasure these days with Luke, because time goes so quickly.

No Pants

Luke still loves the push toy. He walks with it inside and outside. He uses it to get anywhere in the house. After church last week he was walking around with it, and his church pants were a little big on him, so they slipped right off as he was walking. It was a funny sight to come into the living room and see Luke in his shirt and sweater vest and dark socks...with no pants! As you can tell, he looks pretty happy with that arrangement.

Music Discoveries

I've never felt very hip when it comes to music - I tend to stick with what's comfortable and familiar to me. I like pretty much everything, but just don't expand my horizons much beyond what I have and what's always on the radio. Luckily, I'm married to Kiel who is more on trend and hip when it comes to music so he introduces me to new things. However, I'm feeling hip now because I've discovered a few new singers that I like! I'm sure I'm still behind the times and maybe jumping on the wagon late, but that's ok.

I'm really liking the song One Two Three Four by Feist - the one featured in the iPod commercial. It's catchy and I like the tune. And I LOVE the music video, it's a little strange but fun to watch - so I'm posting it here. Kiel found it for me because he's sweet.

I like KT Tunstall. And I like Colbie Callait, who I've heard on the radio lately. I just made the connection from reading Jaime's blog that she's the one who performed at Thanksgiving Point a few weeks ago. See what I mean about being behind the times? If I had realized that I liked her even a few weeks ago I could have seen her in concert!

Anyways, it's not everyday that I find new music that I really like, so it just makes me happy.

The Milk Standoff

Welcome to the Great Milk Standoff of 2007. Who's more determined, me or Luke?

Ever since he learned to drink from a sippy cup, and since he was weaned, Luke has refused to drink milk. We tried giving it to him in different cups, warming it up, putting chocolate or strawberry Quik in it, etc. For months we've consistently been trying to get him to drink milk. And he would just shake his head no, or push it away. When he would take a few sips, he would let it trickle down his front and look at us like, what are you doing? He would drink water, but not milk.

Last week we took Luke to his pediatrician, Dr. Doug (who we love), and asked him about it. Dr. Doug told us to stop giving him anything but milk and that eventually he would take it. (As long as he was having 3 wet diapers a day he would be fine). So, after lunch on Sunday, we started only offering him milk. Sunday he refused. Monday he refused. Tuesday morning he refused. I started doubting Dr. Doug...then Tuesday afternoon sitting on the couch eating a snack (peanut butter crackers - ok, it was a strategic snack), he drank milk from his sippy cup! He took a sip, pulled back and looked at it, and then took another drink. Progress!! Wednesday morning he refused again. But, Wednesday afternoon he drank milk again, and with dinner!

Whenever he would take a drink, I'd pretend not to notice so that he wouldn't get distracted or start complaining. But as soon as he finished I gave him lots of praise and kisses. So, it's only Wednesday night...we'll see what he does tomorrow, but I'm so happy to see him drinking milk. I told him that now he'll grow up big and strong. So, in this case, I stayed determined and didn't buckle and give him a drink of something else. But let me tell you, he is one stubborn boy!

I've been tagged - 7 random things about me

(Here's a picture of me a few years ago in front of
Louisa May Alcott's house - so cool!)

I've been tagged by Laurie to share 7 random facts about me, so here it goes...

1. Every year for Christmas my parents put a sweet potato in the toe of my stocking. They started that when I was in high school, because I do love sweet potatoes, and it has continued ever since!

2. The song running through my head on most days lately is the theme song to "Little Einsteins."

3. It really bugs me when people wear sunglasses indoors.

4. I've been a bridesmaid 5 times.

5. I "shop" online but rarely buy anything because I'm too cheap to pay for shipping.

6. I can't take Luke outside to play without compulsively starting to pull weeds in our lawn (good thing we have a lot)

7. I can be a total procrastinator sometimes.

Now I'd like to tag Nettie, Shannon, and Heather to share random thoughts about themselves on their blogs!

Luke's New Tricks

Luke is doing new things all the time. Just recently he has started to say "na na" for banana - which he says first thing when he wakes up in the morning! And he says "buh buh" for bubbles and even knows the concept of blowing bubbles. (He'll blow at the stick but doesn't have the breath to make them yet) And now he clearly says "ma ma!" That's been very exciting- nice to hear after hearing him say "da da" for the last 2 months!

He walks along all the furniture and even the walls and with our fingers. He still does his sign language - he taps his fingers together for "more," touches his finger to his mouth for "drink" and pats his side for "kitty." He started moving his hand in a circle to mean turn around and go downstairs, but now he does it to signal that he wants to go outside. It's pretty funny.

He is still a happy guy and pretty content to go anywhere. He loves his toy trucks and pushes them all around the house. We read to him every night before bed and he pays attention and points to things in the book. Of course, Kiel and I think he's a genius!


I'm going to try to take a video of his new words and sign language. Last night on the computer I showed him pictures and videos of him as a newborn and he sat there and stared at them with a big grin on his face. He's such a good boy.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

I just finished reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. It's one of the best books I've read all year. I love the way he writes - his language is so descriptive, but natural and simple. He pulls you into the characters' lives and their environment. I could hardly put it down because I just wanted to know how the characters would survive.

There are a few elements I could comment on, but I don't want to give anything away. Plus, I'm still absorbing it all. One thing is that it's set in Afghanistan and spans the last 30 years. Because it is set in the midst of wars and turmoil, and so much bloodshed and violence, it made me appreciate the safety and freedom I have here in the United States. I love books that open my eyes to a world that I don't know much about, and that make me reflect on the blessings I have in my life.

I read the "Kite Runner" earlier this year, and really enjoyed it. But, I liked "A Thousand Splendid Suns" better because the characters were women and you could be a part of their internal struggles as mothers, daughters, friends, and wives.

Without giving anything away, I loved the way it ended. Much of the book is sad and bittersweet, but the ending felt redemptive and hopeful. I hope this author continues to write! (and I hope I haven't given anything away - if anyone reads this, let me know so we can discuss!)

Baby Beluga

Upon Kiel's suggestion, I'm posting this picture of Luke and I watching the beluga whale at SeaWorld. It was really cool to see it swimming so close to us. It would come and swim right by the glass. Belugas look like friendly creatures because it looks like they're smiling all the time.

Obsession

Luke's favorite thing right now is walking with this push toy. Holly let us take it home and borrow it and now Luke is obsessed! All he wants to do is walk with it - inside, outside - anywhere! We took this video one of the first times he tried it outside. That was just a few days ago, and now he's a pro. He walks (with me following) from our back patio, down the driveway, and down our sidewalk to the other driveway. And he's so proud of himself!

It's a little high maintenance because when he runs into something, or comes to the edge of the patio, he makes some noise and waits for you to come and point it in another direction. When he didn't think I was watching, he moved it himself. But, of course he has me wrapped around his finger and gets me to do things for him whenever possible. :) Yesterday he wore shoes outside while walking for the first time. It took him a few steps to figure out how to walk with the shoes, but he got it down pretty quickly. At this pace, he'll be walking on his own in no time! (and then the chasing begins...)

Labor Day BBQ

On Saturday we had a fun Labor Day BBQ with Holly and Jordan, Kurt and Megan, Boyd and Holly - and the kids. We went to Holly and Jordan's church that has a big picnic area, and a field. It was great! Jordan brought his grill over and grilled burgers and everyone else brought food. We ate, and played ultimate frisbee, made snow cones, and went ice blocking on the hill. We stayed until it got dark and the mosquitoes came out...and then went back to Holly's house to have rootbeer floats. It was fun to get together.

The Last Days of Summer

Even though the weather is still hot hot hot, I can feel that fall is just around the corner. So, inspired by Jody, who emailed me a list of how she's enjoying the last days of summer, here's my list:

1. Wearing sandals, capris, and skirts every chance I get
2. Playing outside in the sprinklers with Luke
3. Family BBQ this weekend
4. Going for walks with Luke and looking at everyone's flowers
5. Going to farmers' stands to get fresh produce - there's a great place in Bountiful to get corn on the cob
6. Reading outside on my patio - if I get the chance!
7. Reminding myself to enjoy the summer while it's here because winter seems to last forever!

Side note- This summer I realized I might be getting old...
For the first time, I'm starting to choose sitting in the shade instead of the sun! How sensible!

My favorite things about our trip to California

1. Chad and Whitney's wedding!
2. Luke's cute tuxedo outfit he wore at the wedding

3. Going to SeaWorld and seeing the Shamu shows

4. Watching Luke clap for all the shows










5. Spending time with Kiel in California - he loves Foster's Freeze
6. Jeff and Gina playing with Luke the week before the wedding
7. Going on the scariest rollercoaster I've ever been on: "Ghost Rider" at Knott's Berry Farm w/ Brenda and Gina
8. Spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Jensen and my aunts and uncles on my mom's side of the family
9. Spending time with Grandma Davenport at our house
10. Luke and Brett's cute matching shirts from Lanita
11. Shopping with mom and getting our nails done together! (It was her first time!)
12. Seeing how Luke responds to mom and dad - he knows each of them and goes right to them and gives them hugs
13. Spending a little bit of time with Brooke (wish we had more time!)
14. Watching Chad and Whitney together and remembering how fun it was to be a newlywed
15. Going to the beach- we had perfect beach weather!
16. Just being "home"
17. Being able to manage Luke successfully on both flights by myself!