Family Picnic

Reno's last day of the summer was on Saturday, hooray!! So Sunday we went on a little picnic at the park to celebrate. Marli loves loves loves picnics so this was like a dream come true for her. At least 5 times a day Marli says to me, "I have an idea! Lets have a pic-nic!" and she jumps up with her hands in the air. I wish I had taken a picture of her laying on her tummy (which she makes us all do if it is a true picnic) with the whole canister of Pringles, chowing down on chips. She's just laying there kicking her legs then looks up at us and asks her other famous catchphrase - "So, what should we do next?". I love how happy Marli is and how she makes such simple things, like a picnic at the park, seem like the best day of her life.

Marli's Girl

Today I was asking Laney if she was going to be a "daddy's girl" too and Marli said, "No, she's not Daddy's girl, she's my girl!" Which is probably more accurate. Marli loves holding, reading to and laying by (and sometimes on top of) her little sister. I can't wait til Laney is a little older and they can actually play together, but for now she just has to put up with being "Marli's girl".

3 Months Old

Laney is now three months old! She has been such a sweet baby, and so good to put up with whatever our crazy life brings. So far she has lived in 3 different states, traveled cross-country twice and survived millions of hugs and kisses from her big sister. Lately she has been so smily and even starting to laugh. I love that look she gives me every morning when I go to get her out of her crib - that sweet smile melts my heart everytime! This cute babe loves her daddy!!!

A Day to Remember

Reno and I had a quick trip back to Utah to attend the funeral of one of his very best friends, Aaron Garrett. We had a few roadblocks to overcome to get there, but we made it and are SO happy that we did. Although we were only there for one day, this past Monday was a day we will always remember.

Remembering Aaron: Aaron's sister Meagan was one of my best friends all through high school, so at first Aaron was always just the big brother that all the girls had a crush on. But as I started dating Reno I became friends with Aaron as well, and I feel so blessed to have known him. He was always so kind and respectful to me, and such a loyal friend to Reno. We have so many fun memories with him and will miss him so much!

Remembering Friends: Reno has a great group of friends that have been friends since 2nd grade. It is so fun getting all together to laugh and share stories (even if I've heard some of them a hundred times). But Monday my heart ached as I saw them gather together around the casket of one of their "brothers" and weep as they said good-bye to him. I cried as they sang "Called to Serve" at his funeral, but I felt the strength and power as they sang the words "...Press forward ever called to serve our King!". I know they will continue to support one another and that Aaron has been called to serve a special mission. He will forever be in their hearts.

Remembering (meeting) Reno: After the funeral they had a beautiful BBQ where we all got together to celebrate memories of Aaron. On our way there Reno and I realized that is was at this place, almost exactly 7 yrs ago, that the two of us met. It was Meagan's wedding dinner, I was there with all my friends and Reno was there with his. He asked me my name and if I had a boyfriend, I of course said no. Then he went back to talking to his friends and we didn't speak the rest of the night :). Three weeks later, he finally called and asked me out. And the rest is history!

I just want to say thank you to the Garrett Family for letting us be a part of the most amazing funeral services I have ever attended. We loved Aaron and we love your family. We will continue to keep you in our prayers!