Perpetual Motion

She is always going, always into something. I hope she always has this much energy throughout her life, hopefully it will serve her well.

Ragamuffin

Olivia picked out this outfit all by herself. Mike and I think she looks like she should be named Tammy.

Doting Big Sister = Patient Baby Brother

Grandmas are Special

I'm trying to get caught up on my blogging to keep a better record of some of the fun moments in our children's lives. Olivia really loves both of her Grandmas and talks about them both all the time. In April, after JT was born, my mother came out to visit. She did me a great service by keeping Olivia happy and entertained.

Especially since my parents don't get to see my kids too often, when they do come to visit, Nana has fun doting on Olivia's every wish and whim. Olivia loves being spoiled by Nana!

These pictures say it all. Notice the princess sun glasses on Olivia's face as she rides the Dumbo ride outside the store. Snug in her pocket is the chapstick Nana was happy to buy as well. Nana and Olivia also made these fabulous pink, heart, stick-on earrings. Thanks for coming Mom, and for being such a fun Nana!

At this time, Olivia and JT are also being blessed by their other grandmother, Grandma Benson, as she sets a good example for them by serving an 18 month volunteer mission in Chile for our church.

Briedal Viel Falls: Then and Now

Last October, when our family of four was still a family of three (amazing how different your life can be from just one year to the next!), we did this beautiful hike in Provo canyon. There is nothing like the clean air in the mountains.

Here we are then:

We did this same hike on a mild summer morning in July of this year, this time with JT too.




Mike flexing (trying to give us a gun show) . . .

"Brrr! I'm cold Mom . . ."

"I think I need a hoodie."
"Well okay. I mean it did get down to 80 degrees today."
After finding the "red, snowflake hoodie?" she specifically requested:
"Mom, JT needs a hoodie too."

Just one the everyday cute moments that fill my days.

Playmates and Summer Memories

I just wanted to document some of Olivia's favorite friends at this time in her life. Of course, I'd like to think that her little brother and her mommy and daddy are her favorite playmates, but these are some of her other pals . . .



The cool Bowlden brothers that Olivia can't get enough of . . .




Riverton neighbors Caden, Broox, and Abby . . .

Maddie and Olivia helping to make vegan brownies . . .

Olivia and cousin Nicole. Brownies: a reoccurring theme here?

Super Readers Olivia and Tyler; they always get along so well!

Alyssa and Olivia in a rare moment of harmony. They have a love/hate relationship with each other: they love to tease and yell at each other. Olivia loves playing with Alyssa, yet all they do is scream "Mine!" at each other the entire time.