16 months

this girl loves to be outside,

 walk, climb stairs, imagine that the kids at church or the park are chasing her, give momma hugs and kisses (miracle, indeed), have a say in what she wears,

try new foods and say "mmm," have conversations with me in the car (vocabulary isn't quite there, but her pragmatic awareness is better than most adults), dance to primary songs, lead the music at church (since she was a couple of months old-- weird), and be carried around by daddy. Some things don't change, right?

do you know

today is national donut day?

Nohemi does!

We tried going here for their heavenly treats, but they'd closed shop and taken all the treasure to Fountain Square downtown. I have no idea where that is, and it's more than I was willing to drive. Instead we went here for their pretty-good treats. We bought a glazed cake donut (I know, but everyone in line had ordered one, so...) and a "fried danish" (no, it's not worth the calories), and they gave us two heart-shaped donuts and a tea cookie. Somebody was so sad when the cookie was gone that she refused to eat a donut. See how long that lasted?

Happy Holidays!

Have you tried

this

(no explanation needed)

or this?

(lasts 7 days! if it is too thick, add a drop of nail polish remover. 2 coats and then 6 days of, "It hasn't chipped yet??")

You should!

And some baby pics:

Nohemi with her favorite tio and favorite empty orange juice jug.

We're back!

We went to Los Colmos park and enjoyed the Japanese garden and the duck pond. I met a Japanese-Mexican rat, Noah and Abuela fed squirrels, and Nohemi did laps with her abuelo.

 (Bet you'd like to know if Nohemi drank from that cup after this!)

Later that night we met up with my study abroad "familia." I can't believe it's been almost 11 years!

Papa quickly changed from an enemy to an ally, we ate salchichas (Mexican hot dogs), nieve (a really tasty, natural kind of sno cone in a cup), and went to the temple to use our connections to see if we'd be able to get in the next day.

(Anyone know where my wallet--with my temple recommend-- is?? Nomhemi, do you know where it is?)

we're in mexico

enjoying momma's favorite treat

 finding treasure,

 and playing (fighting?) with inflated worm walking toys.

not enough pictues

yes, my fans, i've been busy.

 i enjoyed the snow (from inside!) on valentine's day,

 met my nice friends and one of their big chickens, carefully held the tiny chicken's tinier egg,

 went crazy for two of their rabbits,

 enjoyed a tour of local parks and the wonders of spring after a real (part of a) winter,

got older, tried some new hairstyles for my flowing locks,

and celebrated Easter by going to church and eating chocolate. i liked it!

For Tisha

Sorry my homework was late!

We are

still alive. I think you were wondering.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

This little girl has changed our lives for the better in so many ways.

She's taught us about ourselves and the people around us.

She makes every day special and fun just by being herself. 

The days go by too quickly and every evening we're surprised and grateful for another perfect day. (We tell her so, too!)

 She finds joy in so many simple things: the kitty on one birthday card, the puppy on another...

She is our greatest blessing.

Happy birthday, angel baby! We're SO lucky you're ours! Or we're yours...

papel picado party preview

We (Michelle and I) made these to decorate for Nohemi's party.

 We thought it would be a quick project, but nothing ever is. Imagine poking out every piece. It was a good excuse to enjoy a few days together, though.

 More than 40 flags later, we had a very festive porch.

Now let's see her party!