Malorie's 1st Birthday

We were able to celebrate Malorie's first birthday several times. We were able to celebrate her birthday at the aquarium in Utah, with my family in VA, and finally with Jeff's family in Washington. As we were driving home from Washington on Malorie's actual birthday, we celebrated a day early. One thing Jeff & I learned early on in our marriage is that while it is important to celebrate milestones, it doesn't always have to be on the exact day.(Having a birthday around Thanksgiving, Malorie will learn this quickly as well!)

We decided to open presents before cake. Which turned out to be an excellent plan. I think Lily and Rory were more excited about opening presents than Malorie.

 

Next up, cake! Jenna made a beautiful smash cake for Malorie. She wasn't too sure at first, but then dug in. Sadly, she ended up in tears when some of the sprinkles got in her eyes. Not to worry, once she was bathed and clean all was right with the world.

We are so grateful for the joy that this little girl has brought into our lives. It is hard to believe that it has already been a year. We are grateful that we were able to celebrate her first year of life with so much family!

November 28, 2020

Lake Forest Park, WA

November Trip - Seattle Thanksgiving

Malorie and I flew straight from VA to Seattle for Thanksgiving & Malorie's birthday. Jeff drove up from Utah with his family and met us there. After having Malorie glued to my side the entire trip to VA, I was ready to meet up with Jeff. Malorie had fun playing with her cousins, Lily & Rory while we waited for Jeff.

 

Everyone was excited to see each other. Malorie was more excited to see Grandma Beth, than Jeff. Apparently she blamed him for not coming to VA with us.

 

 

We enjoyed spending time with Jeff's side of the family at Daniel & Jenna's new house in Lake Forest Park. 

 

 

 

Daniel and Jenna have three cats. Malorie was fascinated by them and did not fear them. She tried to crawl into their cat carries with them, but we stopped that before the cats did. (Minerva pictured below.)

My cousin, Rachel, is living in Washington right now. She was able to join us for Thanksgiving. It was so nice to catch up with her!

 Jenna's family came to town for Thanksgiving as well. We were all able to go to the zoo the day after Thanksgiving.

 

  

   

 

 

This peacock was roaming around at the zoo. Malorie was fascinated and again had no fear. If I had let her she would have pet it.

 

After the zoo, we went to a park along the water to let the kids play.

We ended up driving home on Malorie's birthday so we celebrated her birthday a day early. I will do a separate post for Malorie's birthday.

On the drive home, Malorie loved to sit next to Grandma Beth and be entertained. If we wanted Malorie to sleep we switched things up and sat Marianne next to Malorie. They would play together for a little while and then both end up asleep. Traveling is much easier when you have two aunts and grandma along!

November 23-29, 2015

Lake Forest Park, WA

November Trip - VA

In November, my parents flew Malorie and me to Virginia for a visit. They had wanted to come see Malorie for her birthday, but timing and cost were against them. We realized it would be cheaper and work better for Malorie & me to fly out. An added bonus was that I got to see my Grandpa.

Malorie and I ended up with a SUPER EARLY flight to VA. I was very nervous about flying alone with Malorie, but thankfully she was very good and there are many nice people in this world. I had so many people offer to help carry things, pick up things that I dropped, entertain Malorie on the plane, and the list goes on. I wish I could thank those people personally, but this will have to do. 

On the plane ready to leave Utah!

It was a long day, but we made it to VA!

Malorie wasn't so sure about the trip the whole time. She stuck close to me the entire time. It was pretty exhausting, but it was still nice to have her get to know my family better. (They ended up coming out in January and she was way more friendly on her own turf).

The first day there, I was able to get a haircut from my old YW's leader. I had planned on side bangs, but this as a bit different than I planned!

Malorie and my mom ended up coming with me. Malorie screamed unless she was in my lap, which is very abnormal for her. 

Later that day we went to visit my Grandpa. He had been declining for awhile, so I am grateful we got to spend time with him on this trip. 

I love this picture of them looking at each other. 

 

We were able to get a four generation picture, although Malorie and Grandpa weren't looking.

The next day, Malorie, Dad, and I went to McDonald's for breakfast. It was nice to have a chance to sit and talk with my dad. 

When I was little my dad used to take us on walks in our Radio Flyer wagon. That wagon is not in the best of shape now, but Dad has a new one. We were able to squeeze in a walk or two. I am sure there will be many more of these to come! 

Malorie enjoyed getting to know Aunt Miriam. We video chat a lot, but it was great to spend time in person.

One of the days we went to breakfast at McDonalds with everyone.

 

 

 

She pushed the highchair back to it's spot. Everyone else in the restaurant thought she was adorable.

On Saturday, we were able to be at a ceremony honoring Grandpa for his military service. So grateful for this wonderful man.

 

My cousin, Doug, was there for the ceremony as well.

Malorie loved Miriam's shoes.

She would only sleep in the bed with me, she refused to sleep in the pack n play.

Malorie and I were there for my birthday and Dad's. We celebrated all three of our birthday's while we were there. I missed seeing Jeff on my birthday, but it was fun to see my parents and sister! 

Dad bought this for the little ones to play on at Christmas. Malorie had fun having it all to herself!

Malorie had fun showing Grandpa how to use her tablet.

We had so much fun visiting with Grandma & Grandpa and Miriam.

Thanks Mom & Dad for flying us out!

 

 

 

Herndon, VA

November 18-23, 2015