Strawberry Valentine

Zak put in his notice two weeks ago, so Valentine's Day was his last day as an employee before venturing out on his own as a full-time web designer. V and I ate lunch with him yesterday, and today we surprised him with some strawberry "roses" surrounded by a host of valentine cards. We got some beautiful homemade cards from Aunt Niki, and V got "My First Valentine" pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa.

This will be a fresh start, and Zak has prepared so much for this opportunity. We're so proud of him.

To Ikea

In preparation to do full-time freelance web design, Zak found a desk online at Ikea. I figured we could also replace the cardboard boxes we've been using as drawers for V with an actual dresser. As there are zero Ikea stores in Idaho, and only one in Utah, we decided to made a trip of it. It worked out perfectly so were were able to visit with the Porters, experience the store, and go to the wedding reception of one of Zak's friends.

Grandma has been preparing for grandchildren for a while, saving all sorts of mini kitchen items to use for play, and getting a bucket for the supported-sitter phase. Needless to say, V loved it. I kept laughing at how similar Zak is to the rest of his family. Without planning, they coordinated nicely in their gray t-shirts and dark basketball shorts.

Uncle Cohen came with us to the store, where we sampled some tasty swedish meatballs and furniture, and then he and Zak utilized their spatial reasoning skills to fit the long boxes, three passengers, and a carseat into our 4runner. I can see how that store would be extra fun for kids, albeit adding a little stress to parents lives. I'm pretty sure V had a great time with Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Niki while we were gone.

The newlyweds and family did a great job putting together a compilation video of the couple, and we realized that V was dressed to match the wedding colors. I'm definitely a homebody, but I look forward so much to these trips, and they don't disappoint.

During a visit in December

Pink Polka Dots

My little supported sitter. She can now roll from belly to back, as of yesterday.

Winter Shut-Ins

 

Zak was very excited for his new work laptop

The Hooper family Christmas party was postponed, so Great Grandma and Grandpa let us stay at the cabin for a few days, along with Zak's parents.

 

After Thanksgiving Porter Visit

Our travel arrangements may change in the future, but around the holidays we've been trying to visit both sides of the family. After we enjoyed Thanksgiving with Grandma Hooper's side of the family, we drove to Grandma and Grandpa Porter's house to get the whole family together. We even got Aunt Niki to drive with us to Temple Square, although with a baby it's a different experience, so we stayed in the car and drove around Temple Square instead of parking a mile away and walking without the stroller. A bit dismayed that I didn't get ready enough for us to get a big family picture, I think we all had a lot of fun.

Making faces with Grandma

Fun with Aunt Niki

Shrek ears

Grandpa teaching V how to fly model aircrafts on the computer

Temple Square from without the walls, plus Grandpa in his capote.

Thanksgiving Meal 2013

This Thanksgiving we met up with the Johnsons for some delicious food and baby spoiling. We were not disappointed. I did miss writing on the Thanksgiving tablecloth, which Zak's family introduced to me, but I think I'll just write V's name in big letters next year. She's growing so fast.

Baby Recreation

After Thanksgiving dinner Grandma Hooper and Baby V had fun on my cousin's, Jason's, bike. When I showed Zak the pictures, he thought of this one of him on Great-grandpa Manwill's motorcycle before Mom and Dad moved him across the country.

V's scalp has been kind of dry, so we lotioned it up one night, which showed off her magnificent mohawk. A few years ago during spring break my friend, Elise, and I decided to pretend we were rebels and tried for my very own mohawk. Mine may have been taller, but V's hair was made for it.