I just want to freeze time

I know babies turn to toddlers and toddlers to kids but that doesn't stop me from wanting to freeze time for a bit. I am the first to admit that parts of the new born stage are not my favorite- not sleeping, constant crying, not sleeping! BUT I love the cuddles, all the firsts, newborn baby smell, the sweet looks that I know mean "thank you" and "I love you" and "I need you". 

I want to freeze Harper right where she is. She is napping on her own, sleeps pretty well at night and is so sweet. I know it gets better, but why does she want to be so big? Lucy is the kindest sister and is there to encourage her to do "big girl" things and play with big girl toys. My sweet newborn is no longer a newborn (maybe in size!) and is now a full on baby. 

 

New Years Party

Most years Evan has some siblings that have traveled for Christmas still lingering around for New Years, so his sister in Logan hosts a New Years party. This year was an off year for Pack Christmas so not too many siblings were in town. So the party wasn't going to happen this year. Since we didn't see his side of the family, we so graciously created a party in Logan so we could see everyone! His parents, a sister that lives in Idaho and another sister that lives in Logan all got together. It was fun to party until the late hours of 10 pm until the girls crashed and we headed home. I don't know why I didn't take any pictures, but here are two; Harper and I riding around in the tryke and the New Years ballon toss. We also went swimming (they have an indoors pool) and played basketball and for square- also indoors. 

Harper's Blessing

Since the majority of my siblings were home for Christmas, we thought it would be the best time to bless Harper. Evan gave the sweetest blessing and you could really feel the spirit. I love that we are able to share such a special experience with my family, and that we were able to have everyone together.  It was a spur of the moment decision to have her blessing in California, so we didn't even have a blessing dress. Going through my mom's hop chest we founda dress  that was made by my aunt Jean. My mom wore that dress for her baptism when she was a baby (she was baptized Lutheran), so it was special that she could wear a dress worn by my mom and made by my aunt who she's named after.

Christmas 2013

This Christmas season was full of lots of activities. We started out the season hiking our usual spot to find the perfect tree to cut down. This has turned into one of my favorite traditions. We might not always have the fullest/straightest/prettiest trees, but I love them. Evan and I both agree that this years tree is the best so far. We bundled up the girls, gathered a few friends and hit the snow. It was so much fun to tromp around and be outdoors. 

Our second family tradition is to go see the lights at Temple Square. Lucy loves anything to do with lights so this was probably her favorite. It was a bitter cold Sunday night. The temple was so beautiful in the foreground of all the lights. I am always in awe seeing how much work goes into lighting up all the trees. 

Christmas this year was in California. I loved that I packed all sandals and Evan wore shorts! The weather was perfect to spend some time outdoors. We kept ourselves busy by going to the beach and the SD Wild Animal Park. My sister had an open house for her wedding that took place a few months ago as well. 

Christmas morning my family always has a big breakfast then we do gifts. We spent most of the day relaxing and playing with everyone. All my siblings but one and his family were home this year so it was a lot of fun to all be in the same house. Lucy understood this year how to open presents so she opened everyone's while we were eating!