Family Pics 2011

I think I have finally learned my lesson and will schedule family pictures in September or inside someplace warm. The last two years we have had our pictures taken outside and it has been so cold. Our photographer, Jen, was a great sport even though it was nearly freezing. The 90 minute session was torture for Liv and she cried almost the entire time. This kid won't fall for anything (well, except sugar...we bribed her with smarties so there are a few pics where she is holding smarties). We all kept trying to trick her into smiling but she would look at us like she was saying, "You people are nuts! I know there is not a frog on the camera...". Brett and I discussed how Jen would have to be magic in order for any pictures turn out. These were taken at Daybreak, a large community about 5 miles from our house.

Snow! ... and a little dirt

Liv wasn't old enough last year to really play in the snow so the falling white stuff is new to her. She is a tough little kid and loves to play outside in the freezing cold. This video was shot at 7 am on a Sunday morning... 'cause we had nothing better to do. Liv talks more towards the end of the video.

Halloween 2011

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. The weather was beautiful and Mallory and Grandma TT were able to join us for trick-or-treating. Liv had a great time figuring out the whole idea of going house to house and collecting candy. She is a big fan of suckers and would dig through the candy bowls to get the suckers. She is learning her colors and numbers and speaking in sentences. While trick-or-treating, she would get really excited, unwrap her suckers and run down the sidewalk saying, "two suckers!!" She also prefers blue suckers and will get upset when you give her another color, she will get upset and yell "blue sucker!!" Oh no!

We can't seem to catch a picture of this girl where she is not moving.

Mouth full of something sweet...

Ever since her birthday, Liv is obsessed with lit candles. Nearly every day we have to light the candles in the house so she can try and blow them out. Needless to say, she loved all of the pumpkins and lanterns.

Our little ladybug!!

Moab, Arches and Canyonlands - October 2011

We took a quick trip to Moab last weekend to get away and do some hiking. It was beautiful eighty-degree weather and really busy. We enjoyed every second... it was like an extension of Summer. Liv loves to be in the backpack and to say "HI!" to every person we pass on the trails. She takes most people by suprise when she peeks around and says "HI!" as loud as she can, and it's a kick to see people's reaction...it's almost like she is saying "BOO". Most people say hello back and get a good laugh. She is a riot!

This is Brett and Liv at Delicate Arch... one of the most beautiful sites on earth. We have hiked to Delicate Arch a bunch of times and it is amazing every time.

Landscape Arch

Liv must have spent 8 or more hours in the backpack during our trip and she loved every minute... not one tear the entire time. She snuck in quite a few naps...

Sand Dune Arch, or as Brett and I refer to it... Darva Conger Arch :)

This is a side shot of Delicate Arch and that is Liv and me at the base of the arch.

Canyonlands

This picture reminds us of Aunt Lori... they look so much alike!

Liv is a rock hound like her Dad... collecting rocks wherever she goes.

Below is us attempting a self-timer shot...after 3 attempts, we gave up. Liv wanted to run around and collect rocks!

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands... what you can't see is the 300 foot cliff a few feet from where Brett was standing. Incredible!

This was a trail marker until Liv got her hands on it...

Mom helped her build it back up...

I had to force the backpack away from Brett.

I just noticed Liv is about half my height in this picture.... She is growing up fast!

Vacation and More!

We have had a fantastic Summer and I am dreading that it will ever come to an end. If this picture is not proof enough, let me just tell you... this kid is an angel! We have been hanging out a lot, just Liv and me, while dad is away.

Showing off Liv's first coat of nail polish and our twinner pedicures.

Here are some pics of our family vacation to Brian Head. We had a great time hanging out with lots of family. My pics are out of order but most of these were taken at Panguitch Lake. I didn't expect for Liv to want to swim so I didn't bring her suit but she ran in the lake (completely clothed) with no fear. This is her in mom's jacket since her clothes were all wet.

We rode the lift up at the ski resort and hiked down. Liv LOVES hiking in the backpack. She even took little naps on the lift and in the pack.

Cousins at the cabin: Hazel, Charlotte, Gwen, Carson, and Luke

Thanks to Mallory for all the great pics... we didn't even pull out the camera the whole vacation (terrible, I know!) I am so excited about Liv's little personality... she is such a sweetheart with a touch of feisty!

Liv's bestie/cousin... Baby Grace