Picnic in the park

On Saturday S and I met our friends Leilani, A and B at the park for a picnic. S and A played happily on the blanket until S decided she wanted A's hat.

S reached and pulled A back on to her and then decided she really did not want the hat.

Luckily they made up a couple of minutes later.

We then tried to take some photos as they played on the swings and slide, but they had other ideas.


It was a beautiful day to be outside. It is days like this that make me happy to be living in Southern California.

Our new purchase

My good dependable old Corolla. This car was the very first car I ever purchased. It has been with me since I graduated BYU some ten years ago. I drove it down to California when I decided to up and move here nine years ago, and it has kept me save through all the crazy LA traffic. I love this car, but it was time for a change.

Last night Steve and I went to pick up our new Toyota 4Runner. A buddy from work was selling it for a very good price and Steve just couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a more "Macho" looking car (even though I will be driving it most of the time).

We are lucky the guy that owned it was obsessive about keeping it clean and running good.

Sienna even liked the look of her new wheels. She is already begging her daddy to let her drive.

Sienna and I decided to pose for a picture in front of our new car. I think it's a good fit for us.

I'm not tired yet......

It is so fun cuddling up with Sienna when she is tired and she wants to go to sleep. Not so fun when it is nap time and she fights with you, pinches you and pulls your hair to try and avoid going to sleep.

We are getting her used to just reading a story and laying down in her crib. It usually ends up with her standing up and crying for a few minutes before she realizes Mom and Dad aren't coming to save her and she nods off.


Today she is still recovering from bronchitis and was being stubborn, but after five minutes I went in to check on her and she was out cold. I don't know how this is a comfortable position, but she didn't seem to mind. Kids are so cute.

Crazy Hair

Oh, Hello mom . . . is it time to get up yet?

Ok, I would love to get up from my nap . . . but wait what about my hair?Closer mom, get a closer shot and show all my fans what my hair looks like after my nap.

Great! I have hair that can really be styled.

To pierce or not to pierce . . .

We decided to pierce and doesn't she look adorable!

Watch out here she comes!

The other day I heard Sienna talking in her crib after nap time.

I came in to see this. Isn't she adorable. . . and wait when did she learn to pull herself up in her crib?!? She was so proud of her self and happy to see me that I couldn't resist laughing to myself. I am so glad we lowered the crib a couple of months ago.

Now when Sienna wakes up in the morning or from a nap I can be sure that she is standing or kneeling in her crib looking towards the door for her mommy or daddy to come get her.

Then with in the same week we had another surprise. Sienna used to be content sitting on her blanket playing with her toys.

Not anymore. Now she is off and crawling and pulling herself up on everything!

Look at my little girl go.

Special Days

"Life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away."

My sister Joyce gave me this quote last month when we went to the Manhattan LDS Temple with our daughter. I have since read this quote many times and felt happy to have been blessed with our daughter. Over the last eight months there have been several moments that have taken my breath away. The first day I held Sienna, the night I brought her home, many nights as I rock her to sleep and when she grabs my face and gives me very wet kisses. The last three months have been extra special because we were able to go to court in November to finalize our adoption, in December we were able to go to the temple with our little girl and last Sunday we were able to bless her. Doesn't she look beautiful in white.


The evening we went to the temple. It was to dark and cold to get pictures outside in front of the temple, but we were to happy to enjoy this special moment with family anyways.


Sienna looking beautiful in her white dress. (And yes I don't know what is up with her and her tongue. Her new favorite face to make is with her tongue out)


Many of our family and friends were able to attend the Sienna's blessing on Sunday.


As you can see, Sienna is very happy. She smiled and screamed out for joy. I will treasure each moment that takes my breath away and I look forward to many more.

I love the fall, but . . .

When I woke up one morning (In New Jersey) and realized that it had snowed I got very excited. I have not seen snow in years and even though it was only a little snow I ran to get my camera to capture the moment. I loved how the sun was shining through the trees and the icicles



Originally I was going to take a picture of the bird feeder with the cardinal, but as I stepped closer for a better shot he flew away.



I did get one of him hiding in the trees. I wish he had been a little more cooperative for me. :-)

Fun Christmas

Yea it is Christmas.....

We had a busy Vacation. Sienna took her first Airplane ride, saw snow for the first time, met her Aunts and Uncle on Kim's side of the family and enjoyed her first Christmas. She was spoiled with new clothes and fun toys.

She also got to see New York City for the first time. She was awestruck by all the noise and people.

The Big Bad Santa

Tis the season to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. We thought that Sienna would be excited to meet Santa Clause, especially since she was so happy to see Mickey Mouse and has always loved meeting new people.

We were wrong. . . So very wrong. Oh well Maybe next year.