Don't call us, its the Fourth

Every year we spend the fourth of July in Richfield; no exceptions! Brandon has only missed it twice (and he was on his mission, so those two times don't really count). It is redneck celebrating at its best. What would the fourth be without family (sporting matching t-shirts), good food, diaper derbies, parades featuring trucks and tractors, uncle Vics cotton candy, bounce houses, and a front lawn covered in tents? Yup we wouldn't miss it. Madelaine's first fourth was a tiring success!

Our patrotic baby tuckered out!

The family was in the shade this year.

Madelaine checking out the candy Dad scored for her. Oh, the candy lover in training.

Tinfoil dinners at Monrovian Park.

Hiking up waterfall canyon. Luckily for Andy there weren't any snakes this year.

Madelaine would have nipped this contest in the bud if it were a few months later. Our diaper derby winner!

Crazy Cousins

When Madelaine was first born Allison was so excited to meet her in the hospital. Since their introductions they have become inseparable. Wherever Allison goes she takes Madelaine with her, whether they crawl, or walk hand in hand. Madelaine squeals and waves her arms with excitement when she hears her cousins at the door. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy Allison and Ian's company every day.

Ian is always there to comfort Madelaine and make her giggle. These cousins have crazy, fun whenever they are together.

First Pig-Tails

These first pig-tails occurred in July.

Shout out to Centerville

First, congratulations to Jess!! She is getting married in T minus thirty six days and counting. We are so excited for her. Welcome to the family Jordan! I'm not sure what this face is that Madelaine is making... elation, excitement, fear, or maybe she is just a freezing chili. Thanks for the onesie, Jess. We love you.

Shout out to Seattle

Thanks to Michelle and Korynne for the super cute outfit for Madelaine. This was one of my favorites and I was bummed when she grew out of it.

April Conference Weekend

The time seems to fly by so quickly, and a lot has happened since my last post, so here is an attempt to catch up. April's General Conference was inspiring, and a special one because we spent it at the Barker's cabin, with family. Brandon and I had the opportunity to go snowshoeing together. It was so amazing! The last time we went, I was pregnant. I didn't realize how much I missed it. The snow was falling and everything was fresh and serene. Thank you to Grandma and Heather for keeping Madelaine company while we were gone.

It was one of the first times Madelaine spent a lot of time with her cousins and she had a ball. She loves her cousin Josh.

Helping Hands

Introductions

Max and Maureen drove up from New Mexico to visit in March. Madelaine was thrilled to finally meet her Uncle and Aunt.

While Max and Maureen were here we went Geocaching at Emigration Canyon Dog Park, which I have never done. I must admit the thrill of the hunt was pretty intense, and painful, when Brandon led us through a marsh and then some prickly underbrush. Perhaps we will think twice next time about letting him lead with the GPS. He seems to blaze new trails wherever he goes. Geocaching also turned out to be terrifying. All those four-legged pets running around, Ian was facing one of his greatest fears. Dogs! Madelaine didn't seem to mind though, she giggled the entire time.

It was great to be together. We have really missed having Max and Maureen close.

A Typical Response to Dad

Shock.


Annoyance.

Reluctant acceptance.

Tea Party Time!

February 14th is the bringer of love and (at the Harrison's) the North Wind. This year he made an extra stop at the Diaz home, bringing Alli and Ian a tea set.

So... we enjoyed having a Tea Party with another Valentine's Day tradition, decorating sugar cookies. The cookies weren't exactly crumpets, but they were delicious all the same. And luckily for Ian, Grandma was ready to pour...

...and pour. Mmmmm pink lemonade.

White Shoes Forever

"I don't believe you still wear those shoes!" exclaimed Shane when he stopped by from Vietnam en route to Vegas. He bought the antiques back in 1984 at a Kelly Magleby yard sale, used. Brandon inherited them when Shane went on his mission in 1990.

My first encounter occurred in 2000 when Brandon took me, in the LUV, with him to copy some papers for work. He was dressed to the nines in a pair of blue windbreaker pants, the white shoes, a t-shirt (it may have even been the cow shirt), and his grandfather's mustard colored Mr. Rogers sweater jacket.

Eight years later, while remodeling our upstairs, Brandon asked me to cut some wood. I informed him I didn't have any shoes, or socks.

"Just slip on my white shoes." he told me.

Of course I laughed and went back downstairs. When I relayed the event to my good friend, Amor, she said it best, "he asked you to put your feet where?!"

Grandma and Giggles

Grandma and Aunt Jessica came to visit on Super Bowl Sunday. There were some great plays, but Madelaine stole the show.

Bows?

A last minute addition to a near perfect blessing ensemble. I never thought I would be adding a bow to anything.