I'm Going to the Temple

Landon and I had a few errands to run in Portland, so we decided to make a day trip with the family. The highlight of the day, going to the temple. We don't get many opportunities to take our girls to see and walk the grounds of our "local" temple, so this was a big deal. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. As we were exploring the grounds, we were able to see a new bride. Ella was smitten. She began begging us, "I want to get married!" This turned into a wonderful teaching moment. I began by telling her that I too want her to get married in the temple and that when she is older and finds a boy that she wants to be with forever, we will return to the temple for her to be married. She looked up at us and said, "I want Daddy." I again smiled and told her that I was so happy that she wants to be with Daddy forever, but that she can't marry him because Mommy married Daddy. But because Mommy and Daddy got married in the temple, we are sealed as a family forever, and she gets to be with her whole family . . . forever.

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Hey Pumpkin!

A few weekends ago, we took our annual hey-ride out to the pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkins. It was a beautiful day and both girls loved being outdoors.

The corn box was a hit! As you all know, Ella is my digger and was in absolute heaven. Addi was a little unsure at first, but warmed up quickly. And as soon as she was sure she was safe, she dug her fingers into that wonderful substance beneath her legs, grabbed a handful of that wonderful stuff and shoved it into her mouth. Unfortunately, that ended her time in the corn. : )

This final pic is one of Addi's most common expressions. It's so funny to see each child's individual personality.

A Day to Puree

In my ward, several of us women had babies this past spring and summer. It was fun to enjoy our pregnancies together, and later, swap labor stories (isn't that what all mothers do?). Well, one ingenious mother decided to invite us all to get together and make baby food. Now our poor infants won't have to suffer through a months worth of squash before moving on to pears. It was a fun morning that concluded with a yummy lunch together.

No, we didn't eat the pureed delights.

No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk

In our case, spilt paint. Ella was so excited to paint her pumpkin tonight. The actual painting process went off without any problem, it was the cleaning up that brought about the mishap, . . . but what can you do? . . .

Hug the daughter who was just trying to help, take a picture, and clean it up.

The Letter of the Day

In my efforts to prepare Ella for preschool we have started some learning exercises at home. She has already mastered many things, but there are several more things I'd like to cover. So, we have begun "The Letter (and number) of the Day." Sesame Street has been doing it for years, so there must be some good coming from it. Our routine is to put one letter and one number on the fridge every day. We talk about it over breakfast, then review it through the day.

Here's to learning!

Da Num Num - Take 2

I'm sure many of you can remember Ella's unique way of sucking her pacifier (num num). I wasn't so concerned when Addi expressed a liking to having multiple binkies in her bed. After all, it's a big crib for such a little person, especially when searching for a binky in the dark. But I'm now concerned that she may be taking on another trait passed on by her sister.