Finding our way :)

We have been feeling more settled this week. Malaina started a gymnastics class that she just LOVES! It is a fun gym. They apparently do very well with their team placing at Nationals most years. It will be fun to see Malaina learn so much. Maren has just started to take steps. Just one or two when she isn't paying attention to what she is doing. She says quite a few words now and signs when she feels like it. She has been having fun just pointing at things she wants. :)

The summer so far has been mild with a hot day here and there, so we have been enjoying going to the park and playing out back. This week we found a new story time to go to. Malaina loves listening and Maren loves to visit all the babies and any girls wearing pink and accessories (trying to pull off their necklaces), walk, crawl and climb on everything in the room. No sitting for me :) Maren has also been teething like crazy this last week! She is working on 4 teeth on the top. Poor baby, has been miserable :(

I have been getting out and making friends, and finding new things to explore. (see FB)

The girls just love living with Grandpa and Grandma. We are so fortunate to have such a supportive and loving family to help us get through this. They have been so kind and thoughtful and have really done a lot to make us feel at home. Thank you Mom & Dad!! We love you!

Maren is so inquisitive. She is always pointing to things and says "dat", wanting to know what it is.

Such a big girl now!! Standing by herself all the time.

Having fun and feeling good at the park.

Malaina and Maren have been spending lots of time playing in the sand box, pool and swings together.

Went with Grandpa and Grandma on a beautiful coastal cliff hike for Father's Day (It was a bit colder than we expected and very windy. We still had a good time though.), followed by a backyard BBQ and a visit from Uncle Stephen and family. A very nice day!!!

Beautiful girl, beautiful wildflowers, beautiful day!

Beautiful views all along the cliffs!

Enjoying the scenery.

Great Day!

We had such a nice day today! I got to start my day out on the most amazing run through Annadel State Park!! It was 8 miles of beautiful! I saw wild turkeys and deer, ran through meadows, oak forests, around a lake, streams, amazing views, and down through a forest of redwoods. Does it get any better than this?? I'll hike it some time so I can take pics to post. I just love how beautiful it is here! The rest of the day the girls & I played in the sand box, went to the park to play with friends and cousins in Windsor (a really cute little town, with a park in the middle of the downtown area), and when Maren was napping, helped Malaina ride her bike with no training wheels! She is improving fast and getting more comfortable. We are still working on balancing, but I think she will get the hang of it soon. Maren is free standing all the time now and wants to walk SOOOO bad. She tries to say new words everyday. I think she will be quite the chatter box when she figures it all out! :) Another beautiful day!

Happy Birthday Maren!!

Today we went to the beach to celebrate Maren's 1st Birthday. It was windy and a little chilly, but we had a great time anyway. Playing in the sand and tide pools, crawling and walking on the beach, and a picnic lunch completed the day for little Maren.

The girls had fun playing together with their new sand toys.

Mommy kisses- I still can't believe my little baby has just turned one today. Although her first year of life is not at all what I expected for her, I am continually amazed at what a bright and shinning spirit she has. She is literally a ray of sunshine in our lives. Every day I am awed by her and struck with such a sense of gratitude for this little being in my life. I am so thankful I have been blessed not once but twice with the most amazing daughter. Both of the girls are amazing spirits and touch my heart constantly. Happy Birthday my sweet Maren, I love you!!!

Make it stop!!!! No more Maren's Birthday!! :)

Eating Birthday blueberry muffins for dessert, another of my favorites.

Maren's 1st Birthday Party

Maren wasn't too sure of what to do with her cake. She daintily licked the frosting and then looked at everyone almost asking "what now?" It was very cute. She loved it though. She also just smiled ear to ear and giggled when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

Playing in the ball pit was lots of fun!! Lots of giggles and squeals.

Swinging is always a favorite.

Maren has not quite committed to walking. She "crab-walks" quite a bit now.

Birthday Girl!!

Playing with cousin Carter in Birthday party attire :).

Maren was really good at opening her presents. It must be all that practice playing with paper :).

Getting some help from big sister.

Had a really great day. Maren had so much fun and just seems to be growing up so fast!! A warm sunny day, loving family, swimming, BBQ, (Salmon & Asparagus Maren's favorites), cake and lots of playing.....a perfect 1st Birthday Party.

Enjoying our first few days in Cali

This week was on the mellow side for us. We all need to catch up on some sleep, relaxing and fun. We went to the park a lot, took naps together, and enjoyed all the attention from Grandma and Grandpa. We spent some time getting to know the area and have already met some cool people. We have some really fun sounding hikes and camping trips planned!! Being back in CA is so nice. Happened upon a street fair/farmers market this week while out walking the town. It was full of fun booths, music and lots of yummy food (that I could eat!! Everyone has GF options here :) The girls seem to feel really at home and we are all loving the weather!! It's been mid 70's all week (sorry UT friends :)- ) just perfect! We will be hitting the beach next week, celebrating Maren's 1st Birthday, and registering Malaina for Kindergarten. I can't believe the last two. My babies are growing so fast!