She is just so cute...and getting so big!

Camp Buswell

I love camping. I love being out in the great outdoors, cooking on the camp stove, melting smores over the fire, singing songs, telling stories, hiking, sleeping under the stars (or at least trying to sleep), everything that goes along with camping. We ventured just east of San Deigo to enjoy the great outdoors for a night. It was wonderful. And that little Hallie is a trooper. She was great and she went to bed great and she slept great. And the next day we went for a hike and it was nice to be outside. Unfortunately, a fire had destroyed much of the landscape back in 2003 and the effects were still quite obvious. But it was still nice to be up, up and away.

Good morning Mr Sun!

Mom: "Apple" Hallie: "Cheese"

On our hike

Can you see the charcoal forest?

Don't mind that my eyes are closed

 

 

 

 

After we got home, we were so hot (our car doesn't have AC and we got stuck in traffic on the way back). So we decided to jump in the pool. Hallie LOVES to swim. She could be in her swimming suit all day if I let her hoping that if she is in her swimming suit maybe she will go swimming. She even carries it around the house some days. She loves to splash and kick her legs. She could be in there for hours. That little fishy. I love it when Ashton goes with us because then he is the one who gets in with her. I don't mind getting in the pool, I just wish it was warmer. That is the only time I wish it got hotter here in San Diego. That breeze just makes it so cold when you are all wet.

Say "Cheese"

Hallie loves to ride on Ashton's back like a horsey. The other day I thought that I should take a picture so I get out the camera and I say to Hallie, "Look at mama" and she looks at me and of her own accord says "Cheese." I'm pretty sure she learned that from her cousins who come over and play with our toy camera walking around telling people to say cheese so they can pretend to take a picture.

And then Hallie was being so silly trying to wear her bowl on her head after dinner. I said I should take a picture and there she was again cheezing it.

And they call the thing RODEO

Dancing for the rodeo

Jessie and Woody

Isn't she just so cute?

Rodeos are something that I seek out every summer. And being on the east coast the past few years we haven't enjoyed a good rodeo. So being in the west, although in CA, we found one up in Orange County at the fair. We made the drive north and found this rodeo to be EXTREME. Ashton's favorite thing was that they had 4 cowboys sit at a card table in the middle of the arena and let a bull charge them and the winner was whoever could stay in their chair the longest. I rather enjoyed Hallie and Ashton's reactions to everything. Especially when they would in unison shout "Woah!"

True Happiness and Joy

Waiting for the parade to start

Now THIS is joy and happiness

To say that Ashton LOVES parades is a slight understatement. I believe he has told me before that parades are just pure joy and happiness. In fact, whenever we go to a parade he reminds me to look around and take in the joy and happiness going on all around me. And what would the 4th of July be without a parade? Definitely not joyous or happy. So, in order to make the day the best it could be we ventured to Coronado to watch their annual parade. And it was filled with joy. And happiness. And heat. And people. And horse poop. Just like most other parades. Except they didn't even throw out candy. Somewhat disappointing. But nevertheless we had a great time. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and caught some waves and lots of sun at the beach later. And ended our perfect day with some fireworks. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy which also bring joy and happiness.

The Padres Present...

I suppose it has been a few months ago now, but let me tell you about Mormon night at the Padres. The San Deigo Mormon choir was to sing the National anthem for the opening of the game and Ashton was dying to do it. We missed the rehearsal because Ashton was at scout camp, but he talked his way into being able to do it. The director emailed us the music and we were in. So the night came and we enjoyed singing our little hearts out right behind second base with the beautiful choir. My favorite thing that Ashton said about this experience: "I have never known anyone who sung the national anthem at a pro baseball game before this. Now I know 2 people: you and myself." And now you all know at least 2 people too.

The Windy City

After we had ran through the windy sand

Good idea: running on the beach in San Diego in the month of May (Ashton and I did this just before Mother's Day and it was simply splendid.)

Bad idea: running on the beach in Chicago in the month of May (Hallie and I did this a few weeks ago and came to find that strong wind blowing over sand = pelting sand + crying baby + mom going too slow because the wind is too strong). Many may not think that there is a beach in Chicago, but sure enough, right off downtown there are small beaches that dot Lake Michigan. Regardless of running through the sand storm, we had a great run (once we got past the beach). There is a trail that runs 18 miles along Lake Michigan right by downtown Chicago. In fact I found the peace of the lake was a nice balance to the rushing cars. 

Needless to say we had a great time while in Chicago. Ashton worked hard (as always) training some people and acquiring a few sales himself. Hallie and I enjoyed catching up with friends and seeing a few sights. And let's just say that little Hallie is quite the trooper. Not only did she endure getting sprayed by sand, but also by rain. We went to a Cubs game and it was cold and rainy and windy. We shared a poncho and blankets so we didn't get too wet. But man, what a time we had.

Out front at Wrigley field

Sharing a poncho

Hallie is learning new things all the time and our favorite one she learned recently is "go go go." While in the halls of our hotel, the minute we put her down on the ground, she would throw her hands back, start running and say "go go go", except it sounds more like "doe doe doe." She definitely keeps me on my toe-toe-toes while she go-go-goes.

Mother's Day 2011

I know Mother's Day seems like quite a long time ago now, but I just couldn't help myself from expressing how grateful I am to be a mother, especially to my sweet little Hallie bear. She is one of my most treasured blessings. We laugh together, go on walks, go to the park, play with bubbles, take naps, read books. She has such a sweet spirit. She gives loves and kisses to all her toys and blankets and mommy and daddy. It is so cute when she sticks her big ol' lips out, puckering up. I am glad she is part of my family.

Egg Hunt

A few weekends ago Hallie and I went to our friends church for an easter egg hunt. It was so much fun. They had different activities that helped tell the story of Jesus and his crucifixion and resurrection. The last activity was the easter egg hunt. At first I was holding the bag and Hallie was sticking them all in. Then, I think she realized that it would be faster of we changed jobs---She held the bag and I put them in. She reaped a lot of treats that day. It was a hot day and all the chocolate candies melted, but luckily were saved in the fridge for me to eat later. I don't even think Ashton got any, poor guy. We had a great time at the pool afterwards cooling off from our hot egg hunt.

This egg did not even stay on the stick for a second

With the parachute

My little bunny

Bzillions of eggs

Reaping the rewards

And the Winner is....

I caught her waving "hi"

Lately Hallie has had this fascination with putting things around her neck. She found a finishing medal from my marathon earlier this year tucked in her toy basket and has been walking around the house with it for the past couple of days: putting it on, taking it off, putting it on, taking it off. She has also tried to put other things on over her head: socks, shirts, shoes, headbands, the camera—some succeed and some don’t. But we like to let her try.

Not Tonight Honey--I'm on The RAGNAR

Before Ashton's last leg

On Solana beach

Don't mind Ashton's silly stance, he's running...fast

Ashton ran the RAGNAR this past weekend with his brother Jordan, cousin Erik and 9 other people. The race started up near LA somewhere and ended down on the silver strand in San Diego. I believe it was just over 200 miles and Ashton ran about 14 of them. Hallie and I woke up early Saturday morning to watch him run one of the most beautiful stretches of the race, right along Solana beach. We had a great time cheering him on as well as the many other runners we came across. Another amusing part of the race was the names people chose for their teams—Not tonight honey, I’m on the RAGNAR; A serious case of the runs, etc. Although the first is slightly crude, I couldn’t help but laugh when Ashton told me some of the names. Creative, very creative. 

Park It

This little Hallie bear LOVES going to the park. Because we have such nice weather we go to the park multiple times a week. We go through lots of sunscreen (and still have farmers tans) and have lots of fun. Hallie's favorite thing is the slide. She climbs up in quite easily and goes down it just so she can climb back up. She also is quite fond of the swings. She rather seems to enjoy "under-dogs" seeing as I disappear, then reappear every time. She just laughs and laughs. We are loving being able to be outside so much. Not many days pass when I don't think of how grateful I am to be in a place where Hallie can play outside so much without having to bundle her up like a tick about to pop.

Hallie Giving Herself Kisses In The Mirror

San Diego Zoo

We finally made it to the San Diego Zoo. Hallie loved it. All of the animals either said “ruff ruff” or “roar.” I think she almost enjoyed watching the people more than she did seeing the animals even. 

Hallie is ONE

She also loves to brush her teeth and yours

I can’t believe that our little girl is finally 1 year old and has been for over a month now! She is such a treasure. She has finally started walking, which I love…no more nasty hands after going to the park. She loved to kiss her stuffed animals, unzip zippers, bark with the doggies, rub her hands together when you put lotion on. She can fold her arms during prayers, and loves to help do the dishes. She always gets out her spoons and tries to fit them all in one hand. And she LOVES her cousin KC. They just laugh and play so well together. They are so cute. She is starting to understand so much now. And she is very good at shaking her head “yes” and “no.” Luckily she says “yes” much more than “no.”

Hallie eating her monkey cake

Just can't fit enough in the mouth

So I decided to make this monkey cake for her birthday. My family was coming into town and so I made the cake a day ahead. It was sitting on the counter and she saw it and started pointing at it and going “mmmm” like she does when she wants something. I figured that I had to cut the top off the cake anyway to make it flat so I could decorate it. What would be the harm in letting her eat it? I put her on the counter and she went to town. Both cheeks were stuffed and she had more in her hand ready for consumption. We love our little monkey and can’t believe how fast the time has gone. Sometimes I wish I could just freeze time and enjoy this stage forever. 

Ashton = 29

Dear Ashton,

Thank you for all you do for us. We are so lucky you were born in this world and that you are a part of our lives. You are such and amazing husband and father. We loved being able to spend so much time with you on your birthday this year. Our favorite part was our picnic lunch at the temple. And sharing that yummy cake was a close second! We love you and are excited to be with you forever!

Love,

Lydia and Hallie bear

ARR Desert Classic Marathon

Pre-Race

This past weekend we went to AZ so I could run this marathon. My husband and Hallie are so supportive! I am so grateful for them. I've never had a time goal before, but I was out to qualify for Boston and needed at most 3:40.

The usually don't sleep well before races, but this night I slept great. Except I had crazy dreams. I had one dream where I was late and everyone kept telling me it was ok because it was chip timed so it doesn't really matter when you start. And then when I did start the race director said that he had to run with me and I kept thinking that he was going to slow me down. And then we had to follow all these dots and they went through office buildings and preschools and up on walls. So weird. And then I was running up this hill and I had my arms above my head and I could not put my arms down and I kept thinking "this is not helping me run fast" and then my alarm went off and I awoke to find that I was sleeping with my arms above my head!

Anyway, I wasn't late for the race, and I didn't have to run with the race director and my arms stayed down the whole time. I told Ashton that I was going to find some guy who was keeping a good pace and stick with him. And me and this one guy, whose name I came to find out was Gavin, were back and forth the whole first half, and once he passed me after the halfway mark, I knew I had to stick with him. And I did. Ashton came and ran with us a few minutes and mentioned to him that I was trying to qualify for Boston and he had his little watch that told him our time, pace, overall pace, and projected finish time. And he totally kept me on track. He led me the rest of the way to the end. Ashton was a savior too, coming to run a few minutes now and then to relive our minds off running.

Me and Gavin

There were a few things that I found particularly challenging about this course:

1. It is 13 miles uphill, and when you are running down hill, it still feels like you're running uphill.
2. Only 118 people ran the marathon (the big Rock and Roll Marathon was 2 weeks before in Tempe) and it's out in the desert. You run out 13.1 miles and then back. Because it is so small, there is virtually no one out there cheering for you. There's you, the elements and a few other runners.
3. There was a head wind the whole way back.
4. There were no time clocks so I had no idea how fast I was running. In some ways this is nice because then you just run and do your best. In other ways, if you know you're time you can push yourself.

All in all, it was a great race. The weather was beautiful. Cool enough so you're not sweating like crazy, but the sun was warm. Gavin was great. And Ashton was amazing. I'm so lucky to have him. I finished the race at 3:34:35, in plenty of time to qualify for Boston. I won't be running it this year. Registration is closed. But I'll be there 2012!

Post-race

11 Months

HALLIE:

• Loves books
• Eats anything
• Can take a few steps on her own
• Dances
• Says "hi" while waving "hi"
• Unrolls toilet paper
• Flushes the toilet
• Cannot get enough bath time
• Smiles and everyone
• Lays on the floor on her tummy and kicks one leg while playing with toys
• Lays on her back, knees bent, while playing on her toy cell phone
• Sleeps long hours in her car seat
• Loves to be a monkey jumping on the bed
• Has a grunty laugh
• Keeps us all on our toes

Christmas 2010

(We couldn't really get a good picture...Hallie is just a mover these days)

Christmas was fantastic. Hallie and I flew right from Baltimore to Arizona. We stayed with the Smiths who treat us like family. The even made us stockings because we forgot ours. We spent lots of time with family and friends. We are thankful to the many people in our lives who take such good care of us.

It was fun to have Christmas with Hallie. She didn't quite get the whole opening up presents until maybe the last one. And even then, once she could see the present she didn't care too much for trying to keep opening it up. She loves pretty much all the things she got, particularly ones that makes music and any book. She absolutely loves books! She will sit with a book for 30 minutes.

Ashton and I spent some time with the Smiths Volunteering at the Salvation Army Christmas dinner that they put on every year. That is one of our favorite things to do when we go to AZ for Christmas.

We also had a great time with our AZ friends. We loved being able to get together and catch up. Well, I loved it and Ashton loved playing with Braden.

After AZ, we went up to UT for the New Year. We loved being able to spend time with everyone in UT again. But we were certainly glad when it was time to go home. Being gone all over the place for 2 weeks was just getting a little challenging. And we were missing our own bed terribly. All in all 2010 was a great year for us. We had a baby, I graduated with a master's, Ashton finished a hard summer, we spent a month in Europe, we played more croquet, and moved to San Diego. I can't think of much that is better.