Gardner Village

One of my favortie places to go in the fall is Gardner Village. They have a bunch of cute shops and I love their Halloween decorations (they put up all these fun witches among other decor). Todd and I took McKayla on Saturday for a family outing and we had a great time. The weather was wonderful (70s) and we had so much fun going through the petting zoo with Kayla. She was mooing at the pigs but then she wouldn't moo at the baby calf...oh well...at least when you ask her what a cow says, she says "moooo" :-).

P.S. I've never mentioned this, but if you want to see any of the pictures bigger from the blog all you have to do is click on it ;-)

Running in the leaves
Looking at the Hula Hooping witch w/ Daddy
Ewww, witchy poo

Mooing at the pigs

Checking out the baby goat

Petting the bunny

McKayla's weekend

While we were in Cabo McKayla had a great time with Paka and Gigi. She played dress up and went to a pumpkin patch among many other things. Here are some pictures...

Kayla the witch

Kayla in a spooky house
Trying to pick up the pumpkins

Pirate Kayla and Pirate Paka

Posing with Gigi

Kitty Kayla

In her tutu that I made for her

Cabo trip

Well we did it...we took our first trip away from McKayla. I think Todd was pretty proud of how well I did. Don't get me wrong...it was sooo hard and I had teary eyes when we left, when I saw other kids in the airport, when the plane took off, when my parents sent pics to us of her, when I saw other kids at the resort, when I heard her voice on the phone...you get the idea. Anyway, it was tough but Todd and I really enjoyed being together and getting some relax time. I have to give my parents a HUGE thank you for watching Kayla while we were gone and my sis and soon to be bro in law for watching our animals and house.
We went to Cabo for a friends wedding and it was a BEAUTIFUL wedding. They had it at the One and Only Palmilla which is a gorgeous resort (Emeril and Bill Gates were there while we were). It stormed the last day and a half we were there, but we still got time in the pool and on the beach. We got drenched taking a walk on the beach and decided to sit in the hot tub during the rain (don't worry...there wasn't any lightening). Todd played golf with the guys on Saturday and I lounged by the pool and people watched. Everyone was so nice and the Westin (where we stayed) was awesome.
It was a short vacation, but it was a lot of fun and we definitely enjoyed the wedding!

Cabo Marina

Beautiful dinner tables @ the wedding

Our room

Rehearsal dinner on the beach

Me and Jenney at the wedding reception

Out to a nice dinner

Todd, Chad, Garrett

At the rehearsal dinner

Busy Weekend

We had one busy weekend, but it was a lot of fun. McKayla was a perfect little Ute cheerleader on Saturday as we all enjoyed our Ute's victory. On Sunday we took my Dad to lunch as a gift for his birthday, went on a drive up East Canyon to see the changing leaves (absolutely beautiful!!), checked out some more wedding dresses for my sis and went to a farewell party for one of Todd's friends. I have to say McKayla was cracking me up all day...at church I was talking to some folks when they said "well, your little one is definitely popular"...I looked over and Kayla was sitting on the floor with 6 kids surrounding her saying "baby,ahhh, baby" and petting her head, playing with her, ect. Then at the going away party she was playing with the big kids and would run and pretend like she didn't see us when Todd or I came over (apparently parents aren't cool). She soaked it all up and loooooved playing with all the kids!!!!!! She also got some play time with her cousin Laelia and would mimic everything she did. It really was a great weekend with family and friends :-)

Go Utes!

East Canyon

Little Princess

A look back...

1 Year ago...

McKayla's 1st Birthday Party

We had McKayla's 1st birthday party on August 28th. It was a ladybug theme in our backyard with a yummy deli dinner, a photo and video table (all Kayla of course), a pool of balls and party favors for the kiddos, a ladybug cake for McKayla and ladybug cupcakes for the guests. We were so happy to celebrate with so many of our friends and family and very much appreciate the love and support for Kayla. The little lady was very spoiled with some fabulous gifts including a swing,talking.singing pony/Raggedy ann doll, books, wagon, activity table, blocks, baby doll & stroller, and so much more (don't worry, we're going to space out the toys so she doesn't get them all at once). McKayla did great and even through all the people and activity she didn't get overwelmed and didn't go to bed until around 9pm (little party girl!). Thanks again to all our family and friends for making this such a special day and year for McKayla!!!!

Cake/Chocolate for the first time...YUM!

Checking out her first birthday cake

Sign made just for the Princess

Riding on her new pony (it even sings and make all sorts of noises)

Riding in her new wagon w/ her bday tiara & 2nd bday outfit

Trying out her new chair

Guarding her gifts

Look at that cuuute ladybug tush

Drink table

Food table

Some of the other decor

The McKayla video & picture table

Happy 1st Birthday McKayla!

Our baby girl is 1 today and we can't believe it! A year ago we met the most precious angel for the first time and have been lucky enough to watch her learn and grow. She has gone from being completely dependent to eating big girl food by herself, walking, talking and so much more. She makes us laugh all the time and she has so many funny faces. She loves to cuddle and loves it when she knows you are proud of her. Her eyes sparkle with life and she has a fabulous and outgoing personality. She loves her doggy and kitty, goofs around w/ Daddy, and gives loves with mommy. She gives "muhs" with her forehead (aka kisses) and loves to look at all of her books. She prefers to walk over crawling, sleeps with her pink teddy and raggedy ann doll every night and dances any time she hears a beat. She is the absolute love of our lives and she reminds us how precious every minute is. We feel soooo incredibly blessed to be McKayla's parents and we look forward to all the years ahead. Update: She is 16lbs. 9.5 oz and 28 1/2 in.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BABY GIRL!!!!!!

Walking around after her bday lunch

playing w/ one of her birthday balloons
hanging w/ mom after lunch
having some bday chocolate chip cookie

birthday girl and daddy