Winter, winter

For those of you who talk to us often, you know that we are a touch tired of winter weather... This one in particular has been especially long. Last winter, we had just moved here and everything was new and exciting. We made snowmen and snow angels and, well, it was fun. I don't know if it is the enormous amount of snow we've had this year or just being a little homesick but we are definately ready for spring. Did I mention that Wyoming has the most amazing summers? Ahh, no humidity, open windows and lots of walks and time outside. Anyway, the point of this is that we have taken for granted the beauty that is truely all around us here. This will be our last year here and we will treasure all the memories we've made. I know we will also look back on this time and wish we had treasured it a little more. Last weekend was Zack's birthday and we went to Jackson Hole to celebrate. We went on a sleigh ride through the elk refuge and Lily and her daddy loved it! (Once last year was enough for me) She kept pointing at them and saying "Deer, Deer!" We also saw two moose (in the first pic-look close) It is truely a beautiful place to be. But I still wouldn't mind a day of temperatures above freezing... 
 
 
 

My new hobby

My sweet husband got me the best gift back in September...a sewing/embroidery machine! I had really wanted it for a while and done quite a bit of convincing before he went for it. However, just about the time it arrived in the mail I found out I was expecting again and found myself spending most of my time on the couch or hovering the toilet. Ugh. There was also the other fact that I have never touched a sewing machine before. So, it took a while to teach myself how to use it but now I am loving it! Here are a few things I have been working on lately... 
 
 

Funny Story

 
Although not really at the time.... Today, I had an intense craving so we headed to the grocery store (which is my second home). Lily has become really independant and hates to ride in the cart, after all she is a "big girl" and would rather walk. So, we were on a mission for only two things (powdered doughnuts and mozzerella sticks-mmmm) and I thought she could walk beside me and hold my hand this time. She did great-feeling all grown up and smiled and waved at everyone. And then just as we were headed to the check-out she spotted it...a valentine display! Ugh, with hundreds of stuffed animals and chocolate galore-her two favorite things. She took off running and immediately latched on to one of the bears. I tried to quietly explain that yes, it was cute but put it back we have 20 of those at home. Nope. Her first real grocery store meltdown with flailing body parts and crying. So with everyone's eyes on me, I tried to calmly lean down, pick her up and look her right in the eyes to tell her to stand up and hold my hand and we were going-without the bear. She got over it and we got out of there as quickly as possible. Oh the good ole times. I'm sure this will not be the last time we do this and I'm sure it will be worse somewhere else. However, for the most part I should say that she is well-behaved and loving (with a side of stubborness) and very, VERY entertaining.

Sled Time

We decided to make the most of this weather and took Lily sledding. We have been (and by we I mean Zack, and I just watch and wave from the window) pulling her around the yard on this sled but that was getting a little old. Some friends of ours from church live in a beautiful house outside of town and invited us to do the real thing. It was a lot of work (again, for Zack) and the snow was so deep out there. It took a few tries to get the hang of it since we are not pros at snow ourselves. I'm sure Zack burned quite a few calories doing this. I was the official photographer. We weren't sure if Lily liked it or not because she did not smile at all and just had a worried look on her face. However, when we started to leave she pitched a huge fit and cried so I guess she did like it. It was a beautiful, quiet afternoon in God's creation and I'm sure we'll do it again! 
 
 
 

A Day at the Zoo

Last weekend we packed up and headed to Billings, Montana for the weekend. We had a blast shopping, eating at some of our favorite places and the best thing was that we got to take Lily to the zoo for the first time. She is an absolute animal lover and she did not get this from me. She had the best time. She oohed and ahhed through the whole thing along with making each of the animal noises as she watched them. It was actually nice weather even though we look bundled up. Her favorite was the barn with regular ole barn animals like ducks, chickens and horses. Zack says thats good because we can have all of those things when we move back (yeah right). Anyway, she made the 5 hour (one way) drive like a champ. I think she was just as excited to get out of the house as we were! 
 
 
 

18 Months

I can't believe my baby is 18 months old now. Where has the time gone? Today, we had a little photo shoot at home (since its freezing out) and here are some of my faves. We had Lily's 18 mo checkup this week and she's still tall and still a little skinny thing. She still only weighs 21 lbs. The doctor says shes just going to be small but she should hit a growth spurt soon. She is talking up a storm repeating everything she hears. The cutest is when she says "more please" when she needs a refill even though it sounds more like "mo peas". Just about melts my heart. God has blessed us with such a smart little girl and I just know she is going to be a great big sister (ok...I'll go cry now)! 
 
 
 

Lily and the fam...

I know Christmas is over...I was just looking through the pics and decided to share a few more of my faves. It's not often we get to go home and visit everyone so its hard to get it all in one post. Since we have arrived back, we (and by we I mean me) are focused on baby mode. I am trying to get the clothes prepared, the baby toys out, and spruce up the place. We don't know what this baby is (although we are convinced it is another girl:) so preparing for the unknown is not something I am accustomed to. However, I am so excited about what 2010 is going to bring our family. A new baby, a BIG move back to AL and Zack starting a career there. And most of all, we are looking forward to lots more of these pics and lots more time with family and friends! Happy New Year! 
 
 
&nbr