Memorial Day

We spent Memorial Day with the fam-- first at the Sanfords for a steak BBQ feast, then at the Norman's house for lots of playtime and dessert.
(When we got to Grandpa and Baba's house, Bella assumed that Oakley would be there, so she ran in the house all excited saying "Oak-ee! Oak-ee!" and when we broke the news to her that she wasn't going to be there, she cried her hardest cry.. the kind when she doesn't breathe for a minute. It was so heartbreaking, but so cute at the same time because she loves her cousin so much. So of course we took her to see Oakley afterwards, and then she didn't want to leave her side.)

(Bella painting my nails with chalk, and painting her toenails. She also painted Daddy's toenails, Grandpa's and even Max's.)

(Bella brought that placemat to us and said "Fort!" so Baba happily played in the little fort with her, and said it was the longest Bella has ever sat in her lap since she was a newborn.)

It was nice that everyone had the day off so that we could be together. 

We're unbelievably grateful for those who serve our country so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we do.

Mother's Day

We spent Mother's Day together in Herriman.

We had a BBQ outside and enjoyed the warm weather (teriyaki chicken burgers, broccoli salad, and fruit pizza were on the menu).

Going for a Walk

Easter

On Easter we headed over to church with the family to hear Evan sing.

(He did an amazing job!)

While he was singing, Bella saw him up on the stand and started singing along with him. ("singing" meant her saying "laaaa laaaaa laaaa"). Haha I was doing my best to keep her quiet.

After church was over, Dad Sanford said it was such a neat feeling to have us all there, sitting together. It really was nice.

 Bella was a little burst of energy the whole day, and since the Normans weren't able to be there, she was the only kid and got loooots of attention. She loved every second of it.

We ate dinner together and then worked it off by playing a bunch of games of ping pong afterwards. 

Then we ended the night by eating Nicole's beautiful (and delicious!) cake.

I didn't even want the cake to be cut because it was so pretty to look at.

Seriously- look at that basket weave! She's got an amazing talent.

Such a fun day from beginning to end.

It was a great Easter.

Family in Town

We had such a great week with family in town.

Lessley and her fam came to visit from Oregon.

It's been almost a year since we've seen them (and this was the first time they've seen Bella!).

Everyone soaked each other up.

We played lots and lots over the past week.

On Friday the guys went shooting while the girls entertained the kids, and we all met back up for a BBQ. (I don't think we could've asked for better weather.)

(That's Rick blabbering at me to stop being the paparazzi, even though he secretly loves it.)

It was fun having the whole Sanford family all together. 

Hopefully it'll happen again this summer!