Summertime!!

The weather has been GORGEOUS (ninety degrees plus) these past few days here in Missoula. We took advantage of the nice weather by putting our swimsuits and sunglasses on and running through the sprinkler! Haven loves the water and just finished swimming lessons at the local YMCA. She was one of the few toddlers that enjoyed being dunked under water. She doesn't fear much!

Trying on mama's clothes

Haven found the little cubby in my closet where I keep my swimsuits and summer wear, and had to try it all on for herself!! She came proudly out to the kitchen to give us a fashion show. What do you think?!

Drinking the Dr. Pepper

Nate left a few drops of Dr. Pepper in the can for Haven to try (she was asking for daddy's "baba", which means his bottle, or soda can, in this case). For some reason, you have to like Dr. Pepper if you live in Montana. It is definitely a farm favorite at my grandparents ranch up in Havre. Obviously, this isn't a problem for Haven because she kept demanding more... and more...

Mom and Dad's new house!

My parents new home in Cle Elum, WA, is almost finished! They hope to move in at the end of June. They picked up some supplies this weekend, since Montana doesn't have sales tax!

Silly Girl

This is just a brief snapshot of how silly our little girl can be. She is becoming quite the character!

Family Gathering

My family made the trek over for Mother's Day weekend. We had a full house and enjoyed the stream of loved ones in and out of our home. My cousin, Nikki, graduated from Pharmacy School at the U of Montana, and there was a picnic at Bonnor Park on Saturday in honor of her. Haven found a new friend, Reid, who likes animal crackers as much as she does!

Tulips

Haven with the beautiful tulips my neighbor brought over. Haven has learned that you first sniff and smell flowers.

Nana's Visit

We all had so much fun with Nate's mom, Nana Jill, arrived for a week! Haven had LOTS of play time with Nana, and constantly took advantage of Nana Jill's willingness to do whatever Haven wanted. =0) Plus, the weather was beautiful, so we enjoyed being outside in the sun.

New Table and Chairs for the Big Girl!

We just purchased a new little table and chairs set for Haven. She is picking up crayons (jumbo size) and enjoys coloring. But she is very proud of the fact that she can climb up on the chair to sit - all by herself. She is definitely becoming more independent!

CHEESE!

What a great smile... She is saying "CHEESE"!

Bath Time!

This will be great bribing material when Haven and Evan are older! =0) Kendra and Evan came over the other day, and it was getting to be Haven's bedtime, so we threw both kids in the tub together since Evan was very eager to join in on the water fun!

Feeding Baby Polar Bear

I found Haven feeding her baby polar bear with a bottle that came with a toy baby the other day, and I thought this sight was too cute. It is amazing what she picks up from our habits and cues, because she sure figures things out fast! She understands more than we give her credit for and can follow directions and instruction without the verbal ability to communicate clearly on her own.

Haven's Hobby

Haven enjoys playing with the magnets on the fridge and loves to take them off and on... off and on... off and on.

Sunday Best

It is so fun to have a girl to dress up on Easter morning! I love bows, patent leather shoes, matching hats and hair accessories, white purses and tights... maybe this is why God gave me a girl. However, I often need to remind myself that Easter isn't about all of the above, or the delicious chocolates and sugar coated goodies we like to pass around. We celebrate Easter to remember and honor what Christ did for us on Easter day.... gave us eternal life!! An amazing gift that means more to me than frilly dresses each year. Something I hope Haven will also come to know and understand as each Easter passes...

Teeth!

As you can see, Haven is showing you her new teeth. She now has two on top and four on the bottom. However, her top two side or "eye" teeth are about to push through any day! Haven will be glad to show you her teeth while proudly saying, "teeeese" , which of course, is her word for teeth. She can also successfully manage to pronounce the following: cheese, keys, please, all done, hi, ball, ba-ba (bottle/cup), on, off, mama, dada, papa, GG (grandma Gayle), nana, and continues to use her sign language as a means of expression and communication as well. We were in the clinic this last week for a 15 month check-up and she still hasn't reached the 20 pound bench mark, weighing in at just 19 pounds, 13 ounces still. She is now 31 inches in length. Haven is very active, strong and always has to have something to occupy her little hands and mind. She definitely keeps me on my toes!!

Easter Morning....

Haven found TWO Easter baskets waiting for her this morning! She is so fortunate to have two loving grandmas, uh, I mean, Easter bunnies that love and spoil her!