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!

Growing Up Over Night

Today Marli was sitting behind me brushing my hair when she leaned forward and asked, "Would you like a ponytail or a bun sweetheart?". At that moment I thought 2 things - a. When did my little girl get old enough to play with my hair? (I swear I remember me doing this to my mom and sisters:) and b. Why is she talking to me as if she is the adult here? Then I took these pics of her talking to Reno on the phone, and I thought wow! she looks as if she should be 16! So I'm not sure if it is because of the experiences mentioned above, or because she has to pick out her own outfit everyday (sometimes 3 times a day) or the fact that she is now POTTY TRAINED (Hooray!), but I feel like Marli is growing up so fast and I'm not sure if I love it or hate it.

What Do You Think?

The other day Reno and I were saying that we think as Laney is getting older she is starting to look more like Marli. So this morning I decided to comb through some of Marli's baby pictures and I found this one. They don't look alike in all her pictures, but in this one I think they look very similar. What do you think? (Marli's is on top and Laney's is on the bottom)

We recently moved to Alabama for the second half of the summer. We haven't had internet for awhile so here is a long list of pictures to show what we have been up to.

This little girl is not so tiny anymore. She is definitely chunking up. She is starting to smile more and so fun to have around!

Doing poppers on the 4th of July

Finally getting some time with Dad in the pool. (A very rare occasion out here...Reno is usually busy working 12 hr days and doesn't have much time for the pool)

Marli loves to read Laney books!

Marli and Noah have been playing so good together this summer! (a little too good in this pic) I hope this isn't any indication of what they will be like in ten years!

Looks like Laney may be Marli's biggest competition with Noah. The other day Jodi asked Noah if he wanted to come see Marli and he said "No, I want to see Marli's sister".

Marli's first haircut!!!!! Say good-bye to the mullet! Marli doesn't have much hair, but for some reason the back grows faster than the front so we finally decided to trim it up. It only took about two snips of the scissors, but it made a big difference.

Marli is obsessed with play-doh lately. This is her "umbrella" she made with it

She has also caught on to the Toy Story craze and loves this book my mom sent her. Thanks Mimi!!