What we've been up to

I'll post pictures later, I just thought I'd give an update on our lives.

First off, when Brien mentioned going to Disneyland in the last post, he meant next year, not this Fall/Winter.

So back on August 13th the baby started her army crawl in the forward direction. A few days before she made two movements forward, then stopped and continued her typically backwards squirm and belly pivots. After she discovered the beauty of forward motion there was no turning back. When we camped at Great Basin Nat'l Park (GBNP) a few days later we would sit her on a blanket outside and she would quickly head for the edge. We got to pull pine cones, twigs, rocks, and dirt out of her hands and mouth. She was really loving the dirt.

August 14th was our first night at GBNP. Before it was dark we went on a little nature walk that was near out campsite. We were up at 10,000 feet (Ely is only 6,500) and so it was a bit chillier than we are used to. The baby was great for us. On our second day after breakfast we did the Bristlecone Loop Trail. The baby fell asleep on the hike for a short while, but she woke up to see the trees. Old Bristlecone are ruggedly beautiful. It was neat to see something thousands of years old that's still alive. Later that afternoon, just in time for dinner, my sister, Lacey, arrived with her husband and two girls. We had a great dinner from Chef Brien and Lacey provided s'mores for us. Lilah and Eden loved being out in the wilderness. After dark they were being brave and walking away from the fire into to darkness with their mini lanterns to help light the way. Lilah, from Las Vegas, made a comment about all the stars and how some of them were airplanes. The next day, Saturday, we headed home early so Brien could prepare for an Elder's Quorum (church) party he was put in charge of. Lacey and company went on a hike and later headed over to Ely to spend Saturday night at our house.

It was great to have the third annual visit from Lacey and her girls (it was nice to see you too, Jon.) The girls had fun playing with Zarina, even though Lilah cried when she was left alone with the baby in the bedroom and Zarina decided to yell in delight. Lilah thought they were angry yells, hence the tears.

Brien put on a successful party. He made yummy chicken tenders and had plenty of dipping items for a chocolate fountain. It was successful enough that it was decided he should be in charge of an adult social in September, a chocolate fountain social. He's not overly excited, but it's a good opportunity to serve others.

Baby Z has become quite quick at her army crawl. She quickly moved from using her forearms to her hands, and it looks like her knees will get under her soon. I want her to get on all fours so her onesies won't get as dirty. It doesn't matter how often I sweep her shirts are gray with dirt and fuzzy with dog hair. It's pretty gross. It's now even harder to get things done with her being so mobile. I was not looking forward to this stage, moving and getting into things without having any reasoning or judgment. I know that this stage will last for a few years. Yipee.