The Aquarium

Thanks to Ben's Dad, we got to go to Legislative night at the Aquarium! We had so much fun being there with the family.

I was grateful for their help in keeping track of the kids since Ben was at a work thing that night. Our favorite thing was touching the Sting Rays! Garett just liked playing in the water, but Grace REALLY wanted to touch them. The problem was the Sting Rays kept swimming away from her. She ran around the exhibit like five times trying to get to the right spot. Finally, I grabbed and pushed her arm into one of the deepest spots and she got one! She came out dripping wet, but she touched it and was so proud!

We also got to touch some other sea creatures, which was fun!
The most exciting thing was when Grandpa showed up. He had a long day at the capitol and Grace made him feel very welcome!
Grace also discovered some puzzles they had there. She is sooo into puzzles lately! She is so smart and can figure them out by herself. It's a really great quiet time activity!

They had some photographers there taking pictures, so I got one of me and Garett in front of the sharks, except you can't see the sharks.

We were excited to see the new South America exhibit. This wasn't open last year when we went and we thought it was really cool!

Fieldtrip to Cabella's

Jan 27th was Grace's preschool Fieldtrip to Cabella's. We had a lot of fun looking at the fish in the aquariums and the stuffed animals.

The favorite thing was feeding the fish!Garett turned into a big kid on this trip. No more hanging out in the stroller for him! He wanted to be out and walking around with all the other kids. Where did my baby go!

Garett

Garett is full of mischief these days. He loves to climb, play in the pantry and throw things down the stairs. He LOVES Nala and goes for her kennel anytime the door is open. Ben discovered him one day like this. He was covered in hair by the time we got him out.

The poor boy has also been sick a lot. He had an ear infection from Christmas past Valentines Day. We finally cleared it up at the end of Feb, but has another one now. We'll be seeing the specialist for tubes the first week of April.

This is one of his favorite past times. If the pantry is open he's in it playing. Better for my house and my stomache to keep it closed!

He is so sweet and learning so much. I love to hear him say new words. My favorite was when he learned to say No. He would scrunch up his eyebrows, pout his lips and say, "no". He's become very posessive of me and anything he thinks is his. He started saying "mine". He also says, mama, dada, uh oh, nose, eye, Nala, vroom, and bye. I love you Garett!

Welcome Home Elder Hardy!

My brother got home from his mission on Monday! He served in the Spokane WA mission and did an awesome job! He even ended with TWO Baptisms on Saturday. Way to go Elder Hardy! We are soooo proud of you!

Todd's Homecoming

My little brother Todd came home from his mission in Spokane, WA on Jan 11. We were all sooo excited to see him! Grace helped me make this sign to welcome him home.

We thought we weren't going to make it. My mom called me as we were getting off the freeway to tell us his plane was already there! I ran inside as fast as I could leaving Ben to park the car. He made it in plenty of time and we still stood around waiting for 10-15 min. I guess he wanted to make an entrance. A huge Cheer broke out when we saw him coming down the escalator!

My mom got the first hug of course, but before my Dad could get in there Grace ran right up to him and stole him away. she hung on to him forever. She was so excited!

This was the first time Garett has met Uncle Todd. He wasn't shy at all

and was totally content snuggling up to Uncle Todd.

Then we had to wait for his luggage to come.

After the airport we all headed to breakfast at Kneaders. It was so yummy!

As we were walking in Grace and Avery were holding hands. They looked so cute wearing matching outfits!

It is so good to have him home!

Thanks to Jessica for sharing your pictures! They look awesome! If you want to check her out go to whitedandelionphotography.blogspot.com. She's awesome!

Clarissa and David's Wedding

Clarissa and David got married Jan 5th. It was a fun day starting with a yummy luncheon. Grace was sooo excited to be dressed up in her fancy dress, and see Aunt Rissa in her Princess dress!

After the luncheon we headed over to the reception center to get ready for the wedding. The first thing I noticed was her beautiful cake!
Grace REALLY wanted to be involved in the wedding. She had to practice walking down the stairs. Unfortunately this was a no kid kind of wedding and Grace spent the time downstairs with some babyistters. She didn't realize she was missing the actual wedding until I told her and then she cried for about 10 minutes. I had no idea she wanted to see the Wedding part so much!

She was consoled somewhat when Aunt Cynthi let her carry around her bouquet.

Garett had a hayday escaping for us as much as he could. This kid loves to be chased.

Grace had to try the stair walk again, this time like Cinderella.

The reception was wonderful with lots of yummy food.

David and Clarissa Apple, cutting their cake.

Then the real fun began! Rissa and Gpa Harper dancing.

Daddy and Gracie Dancing.Garett had been sick and messed up his cute wedding clothes. Luckily I brought his jammies so he had something to wear!

Grace was so enthralled with Rissa the whole day. She wanted the full attention of the Princess and loved dancing with her.

I got in a fun dance with Garett. He loves to move!

We polished off the night with some yummy cake!

We are so happy to have David be part of the family! Congrats David and Rissa!

That week we were really blessed. We each took a turn with the stomach flu, but for the day of the wedding we were all healthy! We we so glad not to miss it!

Sharing Lunch

Ben's Sister Sarah and her family were here for a few weeks after Christmas in preparation for Clarissa's Wedding. After Rissa's wedding shower on the 2nd of Jan we stayed to play and have dinner. With lack of straps to keep this booster on a chair we opted to do dinner for Garett on the floor. He was enjoying it, but liked it even better when Brieya came to share.

She was such a good helper in feeding him!
Love for the cousins! These two are just over a month apart.