July 13

I'm quite a bit behind on this so I'll just jump back in and hope it works.

I spent the week home. We went to the cabin for a couple days and the girls had a blast. I think they totally wore Mom out, but they had fun and were quite hilarious roasting hot dogs. Chels saw a bat while changing clothes and ran out the room, then Steve and I got to do the "bat dance" and got the bat to go out the window. We had a few screams and hollers, but then a lot of laughs. The next day Mikiya was afraid to go upstairs. Back at Mom's the kids had a blast in the pool. Quaid even got brave enough to walk along the edge and not have me hold him, although he did go under once.

We had a little b-day party for Quaid yesterday with Mike's siblings that live over here. I think Mikiya had more fun than Quaid, but it works. She sings happy birthday 80 times a day and finds all sorts of toys to put in bags to "give" him. He took two steps yesterday and three today. I think it's quite exciting. He was a little unsure about cake, but likes the frosting after some experimentation. However, he LOVES vanilla ice cream, as long as the bites are small enough he doesn't get an ice cream headache.

More Pictures

Mother's Day

I walk into the hall after church today, and Mikiya is grinning and holding something behind her back. When I get to her she excitedly pulls out a card and necklace she made in Primary, and hollers, "Happy Valentine's Day!" I thought it so cute and so sweet.

Mikiya is getting more and more excited about learning letters and how they work together. When we see something with words on it, she tells us all the letters. This morning she pointed out the letters on a cereal box to Mike, then ran her finger along the word and said, "box." She's definitely becoming an emergent reader.

Quiad no longer sits to do much of anything. I often find him pulling books and video cords off shelves, opening drawers, and pulling things out of cupboards. Even in the bath he prefers to stand and play with the facet and pull the shower thing. He is getting confident in standing while holding on with one hand, and has even braved letting go altogether. That results in falling, but it's another step in balance.

We are enjoying the warm weather and Mikiya loves getting to play outside every day. Quaid is even getting used to sitting on the slide, but still doesn't like to sit in the grass or bark.

We hope all you mother's have a happy day. We love you all.

Splish! Splash!

We're mostly settled into our new apartment. Thanks to Wayne for the help moving! It was fun to have Mom and Dad Walton out here shortly after. Mikiya loved the visit and to show off her new room. One of these days the last few boxes will disappear and it will really feel like home.

Last week was spring break. We enjoyed the week even though it got off to a rough start with Mikiya's flu bug and Quaid's RSV. Both seem to be doing better now, just a little cold.

The best part of the week was getting to go to the Temple with McKenzie. It was a great and busy few days. Mike was able to get our car fixed, yeah! We had a little birthday party for Mikiya. She wanted a lady bug cake, which I think was adorable. She loves the new wardrobe and sleeps with Lilo the lion every night. We enjoyed being there for Kason to bless Amelia.

It's nice and warm here and Mikiya is taking full advantage. She is also very into princesses. When asked to do something responded with a, "yes your majesty." Quaid loves to play! He is loving the bathtub more and more. First he loved splashing, then crawling around and draining the water, now he drinks the water and stands up. He's quite entertaining. He says mama, dada and mmmma for Mikiya.

Another Option

I posted the first video directly from the creator's website to make sure he was recognized and to get the purest version, but it doesn't appear to be replaying as well in the new format. So I am adding a copy from You Tube, to cover a wider range of player capabilities and connection speeds. If you are using dial-up, it will play best if you pause it when it first starts and then let it load halfway or so.

Seasons

As those of you living below 3,000 ft. know, spring is coming despite the fight old man winter is giving it. This type of weather always makes me think about the future and the changes I can make in my life. Yesterday I came across this video. Despite what your political views may be, I think this video and speech encapsulate the feelings all citizens of this country should have. If you don't like something, if you think something should be better, if your heart tells you that there is a better way; then raise your voice and be a proponent for positive change and progression. I think we can all learn from mom's example. Nothing gets done sitting around and wishing. It requires pro-activity, some risk, and a belief in the value you add as an individual.

Anyway, no matter what your persuasion is, I hope you all take a part in making your little corners of the globe a better place. And remember to knowledgeably vote.

Growing Up

Quaid is growing up. He now eats vegetables, mush, juice (ironically out of a bottle), and baby snacks. He is also learning mobility as you can see in the video. He is getting tired of not being able to follow Mikiya when she leaves the room or seeing a toy or other crumply looking object just out of his reach.

Mikiya is excited to move to her new house that has a slide in a month. Megan and I are also hoping that Quaid having his own room will help him learn to go to sleep on his own better. And we can let him cry it out a little.

Mikiya and I came to school today to use the high speed internet. The local car wash digital sign said it was 53 degrees, but with the breeze it feels like only 47 or 48. :) I love sunshine, can you tell? After the winter we have had so far though, I am not holding my breath that the snow is entirely done yet.

We'll let you all know our new address when we have it for sure. Our phone number will stay the same, as we are just moving to the south end of town.