Happiness Is...

this little girl.

A Visit to Yosemite

We spent the morning and afternoon in Yosemite National Park. We were in awe by the sights. The tourists were smitten with Abigail. She was perfect---literally---never cried once--including, but not limited to, the drive up to Yosemite, a walk around the fields and to the little chapel, the hour long lunch in the Ahwahnee, another long walk afterwards to Mirror Lake, and the drive back. The weather was perfect, Abigail was perfect, the time with my mom was perfect, it was a perfect "girls only" outing.

A Most Wonderful Weekend

Abigail in the backyard at the beach house.

At our favorite garden shop, "The Garden Shed."

Walking on the ranch.

Fun on the rocks.

My favorite picture of the trip.

Despite the uncertain face, Abigail LOVED the rocks, ocean, and exploring around.

Who wouldn't be happy in such a perfect place?

Busy exploring the tide pools.

It was a practically perfect in every weekend indeed, and could have only been made more perfect had Tyler been able to have come along.

Abigail Cuteness from California

Tyler is scoutmaster for the boys in our ward. Tyler has scout camp. Abigail and I (well, mostly I) didn't want to be alone while he is away---so we packed up, flew (4 1/2 hours with a squirmy baby girl actually went pretty well, mostly because she took a 1 1/2 hour nap) to California to spend time with my parents. We miss Tyler---but are thankful for parents taking care of me and the baby girl while he is away (and then some....scout camp is only 1 week, we will be away for 3). And thus, this is the first of many "we miss you daddy" posts with picture updates of Abigail. Yes, we have skype, but no, Abigail does not hold still long enough for the camera to catch her all that often. We love you Tyler!!

Abigail with Grandpa at the beach house.

Abigail played with the mirror for quite a while---so much to explore at Grandma's and Grandpa's house!

Don't worry Dad--I'm eating all my fruits and vegetables....especially the freshly picked strawberries.

A Chance To Grow

With the spring weather comes many glorious things---walks outside morning and night, the neighborhood pool opening, sweaters put away and short sleeves pulled out, the smells of bar-b-que, and planting!!

Pot of flowers on our back patio table (to the back left is our rosemary plant).

We are giving a garden a try this year. Small as it is, we hope for lots of yummy tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers.

Our yard is small, and the part of our yard that gets good sun is even smaller, but here is to hoping for a garden full of good things.

Color is back in the windows!! We planted red Geraniums, yellow Million Belles and some other orange flower in our window boxes.

Last year these window boxes brought humming birds, butterflies, and bees--we're hoping for a repeat of that this year.

And in our hanging baskets we planted purple million belles (a favorite around this house), white Diamond Frost, red Verbena and the mystery orange flower I can't quite remember the name of, but are still enjoying.

1 of 2 hanging baskets, right after we planted it--- now hanging in the front yard.

Check It Out

This dream kitchen, featured on Blissful Home, belongs to my mom and dad.

And if anyone deserves this dream kitchen, it is definitely my mom!

Everyone Needs a Best Friend

My freshmen year of college I was randomly assigned to be roomates with Jamie. There was nothing random about it--divine intervention is more like it. It was the start of a wonderful friendship. Despite study abroads, travels, moves across the country, and marriages we have stayed best friends.

Jamie and her husband Robert came to Georgia for a quick weekend visit from St. Louis.

Jamie and Robert in the Olympic Exhibit at the Atlanta History Center.

A walk in the park.
Abigail's first "swinging" experience. It was a perfect in everyway weekend.