Little Swimmers

We kicked off the summer right with some trip to the pool! It's a little challenging for me to take both girls by myself but so far it's worked out! And we've all had an absolute blast and started to get a little brown (and a little red in some cases...).

Splash pad! She will only play on it if we get there early before it's crowded.

 Daryn's very first time swimming. It took about 30 seconds before she was completely in love and trying to dive away from me. The Roy pool is our favorite.

But the indoor/outdoor Clearfield one is also awesome, mostly because of these:

 Pruny baby feet!

We're looking forward to many more days in the sun this summer. Hopefully Lance will be able to come with us soon!

A Memorable Memorial Day

After everything was over with Daryn's birthday, we were all just exhausted from a very long week. So we spent most of Saturday relaxing, hanging out, and cleaning up. We did take the time to set up Daryn's big birthday present, a sand/water table, and the girls loved it.

 So cute to see them playing together.

 Sunday we went up to Park City and had a quiet dinner with Lance's family. Reagan was still getting over a bad cold, so we took it easy.

 But by Monday, we were ready for some fun!

 Back up to PC again for some swimming and sun and lots of grandparent time!

 All dressed in their patriotic best to honor our soldiers.

 After a wonderful, warm afternoon (I still have the sunburn to prove it), we came home to make shish-kabobs and fruit pizza for dinner.

A perfect end to the weekend.

Daryn at 12 months

 Daryn was so excited to go to the doctor's and see how big she was, that she practiced at home!

 "I'm so big, Mom!"

And she really was. She weighed in at 16 lbs 5 oz, which finally put her on the chart at around the 6th percentile! That also means she gained exactly 11 lbs in 11 months. Length was 27 inches, around the 1st percentile. We're thrilled :).

Daryn was so patient and sweet at the doctor's, and didn't cry one bit for her shot or toe prick. So brave!

A little about Daryn at 1 year:

- says "Mama" and "all done" and "up"

- blabbers, talks, growls, and spits constantly

- gives kisses (but only to me :) )

- cruises, crawls, and climbs everywhere

- takes a few steps with a walker

- is starting to dance and shake toys to a beat

- sleeps 2 2-hr naps and 11-12 hrs at night

- nurses 4 times a day and eats 3 meals

- favorite food is meat

- loves taking her baths

- loves being outside and swinging and is starting to tolerate the grass

- which, incidentally, we've now learned she's allergic to

- wear mostly 6-9 month clothes but some 12 month and size 1 or 2 shoes

- loves to play with her sister, especially with dishes or magnets

- favorite game is peek-a-boo

- is really starting to get stranger danger and can be clingy if I try to hand her off

- but loves to make new friends from the safety of my arms

Our baby is really starting to grow up and we're so proud of her!

"Sometimes first birthdays are extra special"

At least according to Meagan, and we agree. Friday marked one year since Daryn joined our family, and what a year it's been. Her name is special- it means gift of light, and she has truly been a light to our family. She has changed all of us in her short time here. So we really wanted to celebrate! The big day started off early with a trip to the pediatrician and a polio vaccine, but our sweet girl shed nary a tear. After a nap and lunch, it was time for presents with Lance's family! (And my mom and Evan on skype.)

 Time to get down to business.

 Daryn carefully read every card and examined every present.

 At the end of the day, I think the biggest hits were her ABC magnets.

 Then another nap before the real party! We threw a big casual bbq at a park for any of our friends and family that wanted to come celebrate with us. Other than the rain at the beginning, it was a smashing success. 

Daryn had nothing but 2/3 of a hamburger patty for dinner, and she was in heaven. Our little carnivore.

 This is what happened when she ran out of meat:

Finally it was time for singing and cake!

  I made Daryn's little smash cake myself (if you can't tell...), and it was quite yummy! At least according to all two people that ate some. They weren't the toughest critics, though. Daryn was a little hesitant at first, but then dug right in.

 Everyone else got Sam's Club cake, which sadly got partially smashed when we hit a bump on the way over. It was still pretty yummy.

 But not as yummy as the ice cream from the soft serve machine we rented! And we have a bunch left over in our freezer :)

Since it was her first birthday and we were at a park, I thought it would be a good time for her first slide. Sadly, her foot caught on the side and she was not impressed.

 Even going with Mommy didn't help.

 One happy? family.

 Two ecstatic cousins.

 The fun finally ended, and we all went home and crashed. It was an exhausting week. Neither girl had slept well for a few nights because of colds and teething, so we were all very tired. Tired but very happy to celebrate our sweet little girl. Thanks to everyone that came and especially to Lance's family for helping!