Hello, everyone!
We’ve got a lot to catch up on! First, we’ve got some pretty big news that most of you have probably already heard by now….I’m pregnant! We’re expecting our second child next year, January 25. We don’t plan to find out the sex, so you will all have to wait to find out just like us. We’ll keep you posted on how things are going.
Also, Ariel made a huge leap into the “big girl” world in May when we moved her from a crib to a toddler bed. She loves her new bed! We also introduced the potty this month, and we’re working on it—slow but sure. ;)
We had such a great May! Chris (David’s dad) visited us from New Zealand for a few weeks. It was so nice having him here, and Ariel took to him very quickly. She smiled & said “hi” quite a bit, and when Chris asked her where his hair was, she wasn’t too sure what to think. She said, “Oh no!” She seemed to accept the explanation that he “left it in New Zealand.” :) Here are some photos from his visit:
I had my 2nd Mother’s Day, and it was such a great day! David made me breakfast & got Ariel & I matching aprons and more lovely gifts. My sister, Angie, & I took mom out for brunch & a little shopping. Then David, Ariel & I went to Mountain Home for a combination celebration of Mother’s Day, Laurice & John (David’s grandparents) & Jordan’s (David’s 2nd cousin) birthdays.
Patrice (David’s sister) graduated with her Masters degree in Social Work from Boise State University in May as well. We’re so proud of her! We celebrated her achievement along with a going-away party at Janeen’s house, and the weather was so beautiful for the occasion! Patrice & her boyfriend, Tom, moved to San Diego. We miss them, but we’re so happy for them too. Here are some photos from the party:
And finally, Nathan had his 31st birthday on the 24th. We celebrated at Janeen’s house, and Nathan let Ariel help blow out his candle. Here are a few photos:
Then in June, David did his annual training with the Army. It was a tough two weeks without him, and we definitely missed him; but between my family & Janeen’s help, we got through it. Here are some photos David took:
We celebrated Father’s Day & Alan’s birthday here at our house this year. It was fun having the family together, though we missed David.
We celebrated a belated Father’s Day with David once he returned. We had a nice pancake breakfast & then went to Settler’s Park for a picnic & some fun! We went to the pool in our community later in the day, so Ariel was pretty exhausted by the end of the day!
Now, July is already here! Ariel & I met up with my best friend from high school, Veronica, & her four children early in the month. It was so great catching up with all of them, & Ariel really enjoyed hanging out with the kids. Unfortunately, Veronica & I both forgot our cameras with everything else you have to pack with children, so we plan to meet up again this summer & take photos.
We celebrated Janeen’s birthday on the 4th this year at our house since David has more army duties coming up.
And today, we celebrated my mom’s birthday here at our house. It’s been a busy month already! Ariel is getting anxious for her own birthday party next month with all these celebrations for everyone else! She loves having cake though, and she always seems to get gifts on other peoples’ birthdays… :) Grama & Grampa bought her a tricycle today, so she was pretty excited about that!
Other than all the celebrations we’ve had, we have been busy working on yard projects & getting outside with Ariel. She’s getting so big & adding new words to her vocabulary every day. A few new ones are: thank you, love you, happy, purple, white, yellow, black, brown, orange, green, Barbie, down, hurry, potty, and of course, poop. She officially knows all her colors & has the alphabet down too, as well as her shapes. She’s gearing up for preschool, though it will be awhile yet before we sign her up.
In other news, my little sister Jackie is expecting her first baby in September, so Ariel will have her first little cousin. It’s a boy, and she’s naming him Daniel James. My best friend, Maria, is also pregnant & expecting her second child (also a boy) in only a few more weeks. We’re excited for both of them! Here are some photos from Maria’s baby shower:
And our friends, the Stanfield family, have moved to Washington. So we definitely miss them—Ariel & I really enjoyed seeing Brenna & Asher on Thursday mornings to do crafts, baking, & other activities. We wish them the best of luck on their new adventure & their second baby (a girl), due early next month!
We hope you are all doing well! Love to you all!
Tammy, David, & Ariel
BONUS PICTURES:
