*Farewell to 1229

I had mixed feelings standing on the sidewalk looking up at 1229. The shuttle van had arrived to take us to Dulles International. As we loaded our luggage I couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful home we would probably never come back to. The quaint little green 2 story house in the middle of a bustling city, had been one of the most memorable places I'd ever visited. Our short stay in Washington was again, another amazing culture and history feast for me. I am amazed at all there is to see and do, and especially, what there is to learn in DC. We again traveled to the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument to name a few. Every site unique to it's history. The Lincoln Memorial is quite the humbling site. To stare up into the marble statue of President Lincoln's face you can't help but be washed over with a sense of gratitude at the tasks the 16th president completed, that changed our nation. We got to experience some of the sights in the DC rain (it was awesome and freezing!) I have NEVER experienced a rain like this. Literally sheets and sheets came down on us. Amie stayed home with the babies, and when I came home she said it looked like I took a bath with all my clothes on! It doesn't rain like that in Utah!
Another highlight was Eastern Market. Being that I love food, you could always find me drooling over the pastries, and fresh shrimp. My mom made an awesome Sunday dinner to celebrate Amie and Josh's completion of there "nerve racking" talks they had to give and didn't dodge (even though it was their last week in the ward! Sucka's!) I wanted to experience a ward outside of Utah, and I truly felt a unique spirit in the atmosphere of their amazing ward with devoted members. Gracie and Oaklee had lots of baths, (of course) and time together, which is precious to me. It was such a great week and I hope someday, my travels will bring me back to beautiful DC.

*BeSt sUrPRiSe EVER!
DC HERE I COME! Better yet GRACIE HERE I COME! oh and Amie and Josh too :) I got the best surprise from my Mom yesterday. My Mom, Dad, Bro Chad, His GF Micah, and Colt (going on a Turkey hunt) Will all be gone next week. I was kind of feeling sad thinking, "What am I going to do all by myself for 5 days!?" I think my mom could read my mind. I came to her house yesterday and she said "So... you have Oaklee's stroller right?" "Yes" "and you have a pack and play right?" "Yes??" I still didn't get it... Very nonchalantly my mom said "Ok so all you need to do is pack your bags and be at the Airport on Wednesday" It took a moment to register.... "For what?" then It finally clicked! So Amie, Josh, and Grace.. get ready for Oaklee and I to rock your world cause here we come!
Thanks mom I love you!

*100th Percentile

I have been a slacker lately when it comes to posts. I think it has part to do with the craziness of our past week. Now that the chaotic atmosphere is fading, I can get back to sitting in my favorite chair of our house, and relieving stress with my new addiction (blogging!) Oaklee had her 6 month check last Friday. The nurses did the routine head, length, and weight measurements. Weeks prior to this I had noticed that Oaklee seemed to be getting heavier to carry. When people would ask me how much she weighs I would say "Oh 16, 17 pounds" I was used to this, she has always been a chubby baby, however I about fell off my chair in the doctors office when she told me Oaklee was in the 100th percentile for her weight topping the baby scale at 2o pounds! 6 months old! I had never heard of the 100th percentile before! No wonder my back and arms are sore at the end of the day. I also made mention in earlier post that Oaklee got her ears pierced. I was very reluctant to this idea, however pressure from Amie caved my walls, and the bribe that I could stay in the car to avoid Oaklee sure to be heart broken cries tempted the offer. After posing as Oaklee's mom, Amie and Oaklee came out of the store just as they went in, smiling from ear to now pierced ear! That made me feel better! Also to continue on in my vainness, Oaklee has her 2 bottom teeth. After weeks of pee-a-boo they finally broke through the gums, which is a relief, they looked painful! Well that is our life in a nutshell!
**and p.s. to answer Bobbi's question.. Coltons exact words were as he first noticed her earrings "So has Oaklee had her ears pierced for a while?" haha He didn't even notice, it kills me! I was like "ohhhh ummm ya she has!" JK but he thinks their cute!

This slide is for you aim!!!!

*Catch Up

As most of you know, Amie and Gracie came to Utah to surprise my dad and celebrate Amie's 25th birthday. It was bittersweet to watch Grandpa and Gracie see each other for the first time in months. I'm sorry for all of you that wanted video, but I couldn't capture this precious moment and post it due to the fact that it was special to my dad to keep it between him and Gracie, so out of respect I will keep it that way. He was so surprised to see his bubbling sassy Granddaughter waving and yelling "baaa paaa" on the porch as he pulled in our driveway. He had to blink the confusion away a few times to make sure she wasn't a figment of his imagination. We loved listening to Gracie's new vocabulary and witnessing her little sassy attitude. Oaklee would watch Gracie intently and smile her whole face smile as Gracie would run around my Mom's living room. Our week consisted of ear piercing (Oaklee's) nights out with friends (big thanks to Meg for letting us invade her house) and lots of family time in the living room just watching Gracie. Mom's house is empty without the running, talking, squealing, and sass filled Gracie. We already miss you guys!!

Side note* Sorry for the lack of more interesting pictures and ones with Gracie and Oaklee together. Amie and I were sick with a cold and my mom is digitally challenged. I have lots of excuses, but we were crazy busy that week!!

Happy "Late" Birthday you piece of crap!

*We Love and miss you