I Won!

I won my first blog giveaway (Alaska Swag)! I got a surprise package in the mail yesterday. I totally needed the surprise.  I have not been on many blogs this last month and I did not know I had won.  Thanks Tara! I love my new Alaska cookbook and flip book.

Check out her blog, http://weirdalaska.blogspot.com

Lilia 33 Months

Lilia you are growing up fast. You are talking a lot and surprise us with what you say. You love to wear dresses and panties. You take care of your baby dolls and are learning to share with Elayna. You are very sensitive to others feelings. You ask us if we are happy. We are happy and love you very much! You then tell is you are happy. You answer the phone if we are not quick enough.

Temple Sealing and Blessing of Elayna

Friday night we drove to the temple.  We got there around 6 pm. We are so excited to have Elayna sealed to us in the temple.  We took a few pictures before hand so that everyone was happy.  This did not work.  Lilia was not happy but cheered up later when we were in the temple. 

 When we were in the temple Elayna loved looking at the chandeliers. She was so happy and cheerful. Lilia sat with her Uncle Josh and Aunt Lin.

We took a few pictures afterwards as well.  I did not get a picture with my Aunt Cris and Uncle Carl and their son.  Need to see if they got some with the girls.

On Sunday we blessed Elayna during church.  We took a group picture after Elayna's blessing. During Elayna's blessing given by Daddy she only talked/babbled once that I heard.   

Lilia did a great job during the blessing sitting with Aunt Lin.  She loves her Aunts and Uncles.

Mommy, Elayna and Daddy

We got her to smile finially after a few tires of kissing her.  I think her Eeyore is being waved at her to get her to smile.

We headed to the park with the Grandma's, Uncle Josh and Daddy.  Lilia and Elayna love to swing. Then Uncle Josh showed Lilia the monkey bars while Elayna learned to slide. We had a great time at the park and the weather was so warm.

Swinging with Uncle Josh and Daddy.  They did this for atleast 30 minutes.  Uncle Josh would push Lilia high and run under her.  She loved all the attention.

Elayna learned to slide and loved doing it over and over.

Lilia and Uncle Josh on the monkey bars.  She did this over and over as well.

Lilia insisted on going all the way to the top before coming down to the platform.  She did this a number of times as well.  Daddy was there to grab her if she fell or needed help.

Playing with Aunt Lin

They had so much fun playing with Aunt Lin.  The mega bloks were their favorites. They built a lot of tall towers and knocked them over.

A Book, a Ballerina and Puddles

We headed to the library to hear the Nutcracker and see a ballerina.  The girls loved the toys in the library. Lilia loved seeing the ballerina dance. The second best event was playing in the rain and puddles outside with friends.

A Woman's Prerogative!!

Lilia and I went on an excursion to the dump to recycle, the gas station and to Home Depot. She had a blast. And, of course, she was dressed to the nines!  Coat, purse, phone and sunglasses!  Somewhere she has already picked up to look her best. Daddy is dressed for the dump and she's ready to attend a Broadway production!

Finding the perfect bottle

Elayna loves this cupboard!  She was so excited to find her favorite bottle.

Talking to Uncle Josh

Lilia asks every day if she can talk to her Uncle Josh. She can talk for 20 minutes or more. He listens and asks her questions. She has hung up a few times or put the phone on mute. Her cheek hits the phone just right to do these things. Thanks Uncle Josh for talking.

Smiles from Elayna

Elayna has a great smile and we love seeing it all the time.

Don't Spill the Beans

Almost 15 years ago we were given this game for our wedding.  We were to say what we loved about our spouse as we put a bean on the can.  

Lilia loves this game. She is learning how to take turns.  She loves to say, "Dont spill the beans". We have also counted the beans as we put them on the can, said things we were thankful for and loved.  There are so many possibilities.

Sleep Anywhere

Lilia can sleep anywhere!   She fell asleep in the kitchen floor!

Leaves are Falling All Around

When we got home the girls crashed and took naps.  We then headed outside to enjoy the warm weather. The swings are a must and the leaves were for Mommy. Lilia loved crumbling the leaves while Elayna wanted to eat them. They both had a great time and Elayna took a good nap when we came inside.

Lilia loves to swing and go high.  She does not like her "hairy" when it gets into her face or mouth.

Elayna is getting better at swinging.  She likes the movement but not too high.

They love each other.  Lilia loves to show Elayna things.  Elayna kept taking leaves from Lilia's lap.

I did not know if Elayna would like the texture of the leaves.  She had a great time playing in the leaves and I had to watch her that she did not eat them.

I was trying to get them to both look up and Lilia did finially but Elayna was occupied with the leaves.

The sun would poke out from behind the clouds every once in awhile and it was nice and warm on our faces.

Lilia is thinking about something and I wish I knew what it was.

Elayna is into everything and had a great time outside.

~Sisters holding hands~

I love the Fall and all its colors!  I think these pictures turned out pretty good considering I took them with my phone.  Next time I need to get the real camera out.

My "Babies"!

I have noticed that I am not in many pictures.  Hmm, here is one of my babies.  They could not hold still or look at the mirror.

Elayna's Big Day at Court

We went to court today.  Grandma R drove down with us.  We left around 7 a.m. and got there in time to meet our attorney at her office.  We walked to the county court house and went upstairs to the third floor.  It was a nice day and not too cold.  We waited in the lobby\hallway while our attorney checked the schedule.  We then went into the court room at 8 a.m.  A couple of cases went before ours.  It was very quiet and the judge talked softly.  When our case was called we went to the front of the room.  You can see in the pictures where we stood.  The judge came down for the pictures.  We were sworn in and then the case was reviewed and our attorney did most of the talking. 

Elayna was not wanting to hold still.  Asher and I kept taking turns holding her. The bailef motioned if he could hold her.  He was older man and she loved him.  His name tag said, Booker.  She loved his glasses, badge and radio.  He kept her occupied while we listened and answered questions.

I love Lilia's blankie in this picture. 

Elayna kept looking at the bailef behind us.

Coming back to Mommy.

Kay thanks for coming.  Our awesome attorney is on the right. 

A big thanks to John, who took all the wonderful pictures for us.  We are excited to work with him in Families Supporting Adoption!