The Birthday Boy

Grant turned 3 last month and we had so much fun celebrating it. We headed down to Orem and it worked out great to have both my family and Chris's there to celebrate it. That morning we went up to Sundance to see if they were still doing ski lift rides and to see the leaves. The lift was already closed for the season but Grant had a blast running around with his cousins and using his little camera to take pictures. We went to BYU and ate at the Cougareat for lunch and then walked around the Bookstore. Later that evening we had everyone over for an "Orange" birthday party. Every time I would ask Grant what he wanted for his birthday he would say, "orange cake, orange balloons, and orange presents." So that's what we did. Thanks to everyone that helped him have such a great birthday!

We sure love you Grant and are glad you are a part of our family!

Halloween

Grant wanted to be Mario for Halloween this year. The mustache was huge and glued his mouth shut. It was pretty funny to hear him try to talk with it on.

Chris made his Mario costume the Halloween he and I were engaged. I was Princess Peach but unfortunately that costume didn't fit me for this Halloween. He had thought about converting his into Luigi but ran out of time. I think they look pretty good as Big and Little Mario.

Eleanor was a leopard.

She also was this darling skeleton. So cute!

The Super Marios!

Eleanor Eva Barlow

We blessed Eleanor over Labor Day weekend. My brother Matt went into the MTC that following week and we wanted to have him there for the blessing. Sam and Michelle blessed Lily that weekend as well and it was wonderful to share this special time with them and all of our family.



This is the dress that I and my two sisters wore when we were blessed. My Grandma Bunker made it right before my baby blessing. It is simple and beautiful and I loved having the opportunity to use it for Eleanor.



Lily and Eleanor in their blessing dresses.



The Dads.



The Moms.



Sunday dinner group babies: John, Eleanor, Lily, Elle.



Sam & Michelle blessed Lily in Jeff and Suz's home later Sunday night. This was the first Sunday that we had all of the new babies together. We put them on the couch for a picture and it was so funny to see the big crowd gather to admire them. Though I can't blame them. All the babies are pretty darn cute.

1 month already?

I can't believe that a month has gone by already. It seems like time has passed by in long days and fast weeks. Things are slowly falling into place. Having 2 kids is tricky. Having a newborn baby and an almost 3 yr old is tricky. I've been trying to be patient with myself and with them, constantly reminding myself that it won't always be like this. Not that things are bad.....just tricky. I am amazed though at how much love feels my heart for these 2 little ones and their wonderful Dad. I'm grateful that that feeling of love can just continue to expand and grow.

I know I should write a little more to fill in the details but by the sound of things naptime is rapidly coming to an end. Here are a bunch of pictures (I apologize for the quality on some of them) from the past few weeks.

Our little family at Dane and Brittany's wedding reception.

Eleanor taking a nap with Aunt Caroline. My mom, Caroline and Stone stayed with us for about a week after Eleanor was born. They were all so much help. Oh how I wish they lived closer!

Cousins and Best Friends, Lily and Eleanor. These two are only 2 weeks apart.

All the grandchildren. Doesn't Grant look huge?

Grant has been able to spend time playing with cousins, watching TV, tagging along with us to different events, watching TV and oh probably some more watching of TV. (He was the life of the party at the wedding reception. He put on quite the show during the dancing. The picture below doesn't do it justice.)