a special trip

for Katie's Baptism! This adorable girl dressed in white above is one of Christian's really good friends from Arizona- SUCH a great girl. She has been friends with members of the church for years and years, but has always been very active in her Christian church. However, a few months ago she started learning more about the LDS church and after much study and prayer decided to get baptized! We couldn't miss it- and I'm so glad we didn't. Her baptismal service was so powerful. We are so happy for her. 

We also had a really great time with Christian's family. We went to my favorite place IN the world- La Grande Orange. 

 The cutest Papi in the world. He is CRAZY protective of Sydney, and it's adorable. 

together again

 The week that Sydney and I spent in Maryland was the first that Christian had been apart from her. He didn't like it at all. And though I love going home SO much, I have to say that I really don't like being away from him either. It just doesn't feel right - especially now more than ever. Turns out that its really hard to take care of a little girl all by yourself. Which I can't even say that I did, because my Mom and Julianne helped me LIKE CRAZY. But either way, I am more grateful than ever for the way Christian takes care of Sydney. He is the best Dad ever.

After spending a week indoors in MD, we enjoyed going to the beach more than ever. 

This has got to be my favorite picture of all time. 

Cousins

 Christian had to be away last week for work, so Sydney and I took the opportunity to get away! We hopped on the plane and went home to Maryland to spend the week with sisters, cousins, neices and nephews and my wonderful parents. It was so nice to be there. I think we only left the house twice because it was so cold, but it didn't make one bit of difference to me.  Sydney met a lot of her cousins (not all of them, we are going to see the Bennions next week (!) and she still has to meet her closest cousin, Thomas James Pratt). They were SO cute with her. I love cousins. I love that Sydney is going to have a zillion cousins to be best friends with, look up to, depend on, and confide in. Friends are wonderful, but cousins are sometimes even more wonderful.

Yes, this is how adorable Claire Henriod smiles. 

Sydney's first airplane experience

I had to add these pictures that I took on my phone of Sydney's first airplane ride.  I was so nervous about taking my 5-week-old on a 6 hour flight by myself. SHE WAS PERFECT.