And the green grass grows all around...

We have really enjoyed being able to get outside. Dev loves it! Sunday after conference we headed to the backyard to play. Of course, Dev spent most of the time exploring the grass and everything she could get her hands on. We also enjoyed seeing a little more of Colb since he has been really busy with school. I tried to take a few pictures, but haven't been able to catch her holding still since she became mobile. However, they still tell a story and show her funny expressions, her love for that "dada" of hers (and his for her), and all of the new things she learns and experiences so here they are.

Another Spring Break

The week after Colb's spring break was Halli's spring break. Dad was busy with work, so Mom and Hal decided to come to Milwaukee. Poor Dad and Colb missed out on most of the festivities, but the girls played hard. We spent a day at the children's museum, played at the park, shopped 'til we dropped, and watch movies and chatted into the late hours of the night. It felt so good to have them here! Now Dev and I can't wait go to Utah in May!

Spring Break

Colby had Spring Break last week. It was pretty low-key this year. He caught up on some school stuff and life was pretty much the same as usual for Dev and me other than we did see Colb more. The weather was fabulous all week, and we loved being outside. Friday we decided to have a picnic by the lake. It was freezing! I forgot how much cooler it was right next to the water. We ended up eating our lunch and heading home much sooner than planned. I packed the camera, but the cold weather deterred our photo shoot so we just snapped a couple quick pictures. We're headed back when the weather really warms up again.

Freedom

I love this new stay-at-home mom life! The decrease in my stress level is amazing! I love not having so many crazy deadlines. I love having routine and freedom! What? We want to go to the zoo today? Okay, let's move laundry day to tomorrow. Done! This last week we did just that. We picked a warm day and headed to the zoo with some friends. Dev slept through most of it, but loved playing outside. Also, have I mentioned the fact that we have a walker at our house? She started about a month ago, but was walking well by 10 months. It kind of looks more like a little waddle, but we think it's pretty cute! She brings so much joy to our lives!

Playing outside at the zoo

The one animal Dev was awake for
Our walker
Happy girl!Our new cheesy grin

Early Retirement

Once upon a time there was a girl who wanted to work in skyscrapers and wear business suits. She grew up, went to college, and started living her dreams. She spent time working in London riding the subway to and from work everyday. She worked five busy seasons and put in many long hours. She spent lots of time in airports and flying to different clients. She wore heels, had business meetings, and hauled around her laptop. She was living the dream.

Then one day after an early morning train ride to Chicago, she found herself outside walking through streets looking up at all the skyscrapers. She remembered the girl with a dream to work in skyscrapers and wear business suits. As she felt the baby kick and wiggle within her, she realized she had fulfilled that dream and had much bigger dreams to live. Months later as she held that baby in her arms she knew skyscrapers and business suits were a thing of the past, and she wanted to spend everyday at home with her baby girl.

I am finally living THE dream! Friday was my last day of work, and now I am officially a stay-at-home mom. I love it! Look at this cute girl that I spend all day, every day with! Lucky me!

Feast Upon the Words

This morning Colb was taking a test and I was trying to get a few work things done, so I was just letting Dev play in her room while I worked from the rocker next to her. She, of course, wanted to get into everything besides her toys. She finally settled on the books in her bookcase (not something I usually let her play with alone) and I heard myself say, "Dev, we don't eat scriptures." Then I laughed as I thought about "feasting upon the words of Christ." I doubt Nephi had such a literal meaning of feasting in mind when he wrote that. I had to get a couple pictures. We feast upon the words at our house.

As of late...

Nothing too new is going on here...just school, work, church, and Dev. Colb got his schedule for next year when he starts his hospital rotations, so that was pretty exciting. We're almost half way done! We also just finished up an eagle project that happened in almost three weeks. We made 60 fleece blankets and put together care packages for Children's Hospital. (He is the YM pres in our ward). Winter came and already melted in Wisconsin, so we have enjoyed the warmer weather. We are staying busy and happy!

And then she was done smiling for the camera...