...and she's off!

We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July.  We certainly did!  Thursday night we went and stayed the night at my Dad and Deana's house.  We woke up early on the 4th and went and played golf.  I  got Charles some new golf clubs for Father's Day so he has taken every opportunity he can to get out and play.  I was a little nervous about how Isabelle would do for 18 holes, but she hung in there like a champ.  She even drove the golf cart some.  We had a wonderful time.

Isabelle and Deana riding in the golf cart

After my Dad's house we went on down to Vero and stayed with Ma.  We watched the fireworks from Ma's backyard since they were being shot off just across the bay.  Surprisingly, Isabelle wasn't scared at all.  She just watched in awe.

Watching the fireworks with Papa

Mommy and Isa enjoying the fireworks

Ma made ribs for dinner and Isa went to town gnawing in the bones... what a treat

I've always heard people say that babies grow so fast, now I am a true believer in that.  Isabelle has made so many advancements in the last month...it is crazy.  When I think about where Isabelle was at 6 months and where she is now I would think that a lot more time has gone by.  At Isabelle's 6 month check up I was telling her doctor that she still wasn't really rolling over.  She would roll occasionally, but not very often and not with ease.  I thought that was strange considering she had already been sitting for almost 3 months.  But I wasn't complaining, it definitely made my life easier, I could still set her on my bed and not worry about it.  Within 3 days of her 6 month check up Isabelle was rolling non stop.  A couple days later (on Memorial Day) she cut her first tooth.  About a week before Isabelle turned 7 months old she had a really big day, let me give you a little background first.  Isabelle still sleeps in our room, but at least not in our bed.  She has her pack 'n play in there and it had a little bassinet part up top.  One Friday morning I sat her in the bassinet part as I was brushing my teeth.  Next thing I knew she had pulled herself up to standing in the bassinet... not good.  I was talking to my mom a little while later and told her about Isabelle standing.  I said, as soon as she can get herself to the sitting position without me sitting her down then the bassinet would have to come out.  Next thing I know Isabelle went from laying down to sitting up.  That night I put Isabelle to bed in the bassinet.  I had the TV on and the next thing I knew Isabelle was sitting up in her bed watching TV.  I guess whatever we were watching was pretty exciting because she pulled herself up to standing and started bouncing with joy.  Charles and I looked at each other and we knew the bassinet had to go.  It was sad to take it out, our little girl is growing so fast.  That same day Isabelle started crawling FORWARD.  She had been doing the circle thing and crawling backward but now she was off.  She also cut her second tooth that same day.  What a big day! Of all her advancements, I think my favorite is her new favorite word... Mama.  Isabelle is now a week shy of 8 months and she is all over the place.  She loves climbing up on everything and walking along furniture.  It is so fun to see her little personality come out.  She is becoming a little person.  

A Tribute to Fathers

"To her the name of father was another name for love."

~~By Fanny Fern~~

Sunday we had the opportunity to honor and show love to fathers everywhere.  This was an extra special Father's Day for us, since it was Charles' first Father's Day.  I could not ask for a better father for Isabelle.  Charles absolutely adores her and would do anything for her.  I am not surprised by this at all though, he was trained by his father, who is one of the most wonderful men I have ever met.  I want to thank my father, as well as the other men in my life whose fatherhood has helped sculpt who I am.  I love you all.

Charles' first Father's Day with Isabelle.  They absolutely adore each other.

Swimming with Papa

My father and I have always had special bond.  He means the world to me.  I love you Dad!

Roland has been a wonderful step-father, always putting the family first.  He has a heart of Gold!

I am so grateful for the wonderful example of love and compassion my father-in-law  has been for Charles and all who know him.

My Pa.  I miss him dearly, but I will never forget how much he cared about everyone, especially me.  I love him more than words can say.

My Grand-daddy Buck and his 3 boys.  I wish I could spend more time with him, but his example shines through his 3 sons, who are all wonderful fathers.

Granddad Charles shows such love for his family.  He took great care of my Grandma Jeanette, I couldn't have asked for more.

There are many father figures in our lives, I hope we will each take a chance to let them know how much we appreciate them, not only on Father's Day, but everyday.

Dear Friends

The past couple weeks were filled with fun.  My dear friend Andrea from Arizona came to visit us with her two precious girls, Tati and Hailey.  Drea moved to Arizona after high school, but it hasn't kept us from visiting each other.  This was a special visit because we finally got to spend time with each others' kids.  We went swimming a lot... in my mom's pool, at Wet 'n Wild, and at the beach.  While Drea was here we also had our 10 year High School Reunion.  Time really does fly.  I only went to one of the 3 events over the weekend, the family picnic.  Needless to say, not many people had kids yet, so the attendance was low, but it was still a fun time.  Drea also went to Prom 2 on Saturday night.  She had a great time there.  I stayed home, but loved all the pictures that Drea brought back.  Some people looked exactly the same, while others looked totally different.  It was very fun to reunite with old friends.  

Hailey, me, Andrea, and Tati

Carol and her girls also came for a week.  Carol is still feeling pretty sick, but she is at least starting to have some good moments (I won't say days yet, but hopefully she'll have whole days where she feels better soon).  We also did a lot of swimming and enjoyed spending time with each other.  Carol came with her girls to the picnic, which was fun.  Last year I went with her to her high school reunion picnic.  Ironically we were both pregnant at each others picnic.  I was starting to show though, and she isn't showing at all yet.  Next month we are going to Tennessee for a couple weeks, so that will be the next time I get to see her, Brian and the girls. Maybe by then she will start to have a little baby bump.  

Tati and I playing in my mom's pool

Chloe and Cassie playing with Tati, they adored each other

Isabelle and I taking a break from the sun at Wet 'n Wild

Isabelle wanted the lemon, so I gave it to her.  What a priceless expression.

Out to dinner with Drea, Tati and Alison Grund (a good friend from high school)

Isabelle at the High School Family Picnic

Graduates of the class of '98 Kristine Guttentag, Kathryn Baird, Jordan Wiens, Alison Grund, Brad, Drea, and me

Bowling with Brad, Liz, Drea and kids for Liz's birthday

More dear friends...On Sunday last week the Villets flew into town.  Bob and Donna were missionaries with us in Reunion.  They were practically our parents while we were there.  They have been dear to us ever since.  They also came down for our wedding 4 years ago.  This time they came with their grandson Tony, who is living with them.  He is such a sweet boy and he has grown up so much since the last time we saw him in Utah.  They were here staying in a time share at Disney and now they just left on a a cruise till the end of the week.  Sounds like an exciting trip to me.  Charles, Isabelle and I went over and visited them at their time share and made a nice dinner for them since they flew in on Sunday.  It was so wonderful to spend time with them and for them to finally meet our little angel Isabelle.  

Me, Isa, Tony, Donna, Charles and Bob

Isabelle with Donna and me

Isa and Bob

Isabelle's first time playing in the sand at the beach

We are so grateful for the time we had to spend with all of our dear friends and family this past couple of weeks.  We hope to have many more opportunities to see everyone soon.

Top Models

We got our photos back from Isabelle's 6 month photo shoot.  I think they turned out pretty good.  I hope you like them.