Weekend Adventure

This past weekend, our family was really blessed to take a short trip down to Utah. Since Ian's brother, Jordan, recently returned home from his mission (just last week!) we were able to help his parents surprise him with a weekend in Orem with the family!

We headed down Friday to pick him up from the airport. We had some extra time before his flight arrived, so we decided to take Atley on his first trip to Temple Square. On this trip we came to a few conclusions: 1. Salt Lake City is a scary place (outside of Temple Square) 2. The newly renovated Tabernacle looks great and 3. I never ever want to live in a big city! Ian and I both felt as if it was just the two of us we would have no worries, but all of a sudden, walking city streets with a baby was scary! Here are some pictures of our trip!

This organ is so iconic in LDS culture. If you don't believe me, just check out the front of the hymnal. We just had to take pictures with it!

Atley loved the Christus statue and the other art in the Visitor's Center. He even took of walking towards in when he saw it!

Temple Square is certainly a safe haven in Salt Lake City and we loved our visit!

As time got closer, we headed to the airport to pick up Jordan. That evening, he, Ian, and Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen all visited the temple together while Atley and I visited with his Aunts Amy and Maria.

Saturday I cut all my hair off! Just kidding. It certainly is much shorter than I've had it in a long time though! Ian and Jordan spent the day preparing for the football game by watching more football, and I spent more time with my sisters at a baby shower for my sister-in-law Jennifer.

As I rushed off to the football game leaving Atley behind to play with his cousin Cadence, I felt a little sad he wasn't coming along. The truly sad thing was, he probably had a TON more fun than we did. Unfortunately BYU lost the game. As Ian and I discussed our loyalty to the team, we decided that win or lose, BYU will almost always be a good team to stand behind. They represent the school of course, but more so, we decided that they are great representatives of integrity. With all the stories about football players and even whole teams being suspended for poor conduct, we felt good throwing our money behind a team that doesn't experience the same problems, even if they tend to lose a game once in a while.

Sunday was church day and Grandma Sorensen made a wonderful dinner. We shared that with everyone, enjoyed a quick video chat with Ian's family back in San Diego, and headed for home! We made it home safe and sound, but I must admit we were all a tad on the grumpy side. Next time I think we'll be leaving a little earlier!

Laugh

Atley has a unique laugh that is quite contagious. Ian got him really going one day, so we took a video to share. Enjoy!

Birthdays!

September is a fun time for our family. My birthday is on the 12th and Ian's is the 14th! This past weekend we were able to celebrate together, though I must apologize for the lack of pictures. We kinds of got caught up in everything else and forgot.

Saturday morning, Ian made me breakfast (French toast) and then we opened presents. Ian got me a digital picture frame and I got him some of his favorite snacks and a history book. Atley was good enough to take a nap!

After lunch we headed to a new black light mini golf place in Rexburg. It was a fun game, even though Ian won. We played some arcade games too and Ian set the record on a basketball game!

The next thing we knew the BYU game was on television so we watched that until it was time for dinner. Some friends of ours watched Atley so we could spend some time alone. We were treated to dinner by Ian's parents at Stockman's Steakhouse. The food was great a very filling!

When we picked Atley up we decided to stay a while and watch another football game. By the end of the night, I was beat and went to bed nice and soundly.

Sunday we had some friends over for cake and ice cream. It was fun and Ian got to play a game he really loves.

Today, we received our package from my Mom. It was fun to open because it had presents for everyone! Atley got a new outfit, I got a necklace, the new baby got some clothes, and Ian got his jacket back that he left in Florida!

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. We really did have great birthdays and felt very loved!

10 Months

Atley is now 10 months old. He's getting to be so big! The good thing however, is that some things never change.

He still has a beautiful smile.

He still loves the swing.


Other things, are new discoveries. Ian showed Atley the keyboard and gave him a front row seat to playing it. He had a blast!

Also, we've discovered that Atley loves camping. Even though it was freezing, he did a great job and fussed very little. He was able to see his first real fire, crawl on the ground, sleep in a tent, and chew on all the rocks he could find! As for me, I enjoyed our experience, and I will never again complain that we run out of hot water too fast!

Vacation

Well, a lot has been going on for our family. First, I think we'd better give the update on our trip to Florida and California.

There are a lot of pictures, so here's a sideshow for your entertainment.

We had a great time visiting both of our families. Atley did wonderful on the plane (he slept most of the way), but he had a hard time adjusting once we got where we were going. Ian was glad to get away from work, and I was glad to be able to celebrate never having to do homework again!

Since we did so much, the details would be a little cumbersome, but enjoy the pictures and we'll deliver details by request.