Camera Strap

I couldn't get Elise's attention for these photos . . . 

finally I got her to look at the camera . . . . but this was as much excitement as I could get from her. 

. . . . that is, until she saw the camera strap attached to my camera.

Wow, it's amazing how much fun an infant can have with such a simple thing.

It looks like we have her hooked up to a sling shot here, but I promise it's just Elise grabbing onto the strap as it hangs down from the camera while I snap a photo. . . no danger involved.

Well no danger, that is, until daddy gets involved and decides to hang our daughter upside down with the strap still in her hand.

It's all fun until someone gets tired. 

At least we finally got her to smile for the camera.

6 Months and Paid Off!!

Elise is already past her 6 month mark!

We paid her last medical bill this month, too- what a relief!  

Every time Tyson and I pooled together our money to make ends meet for those hefty medical bills, in spite of how stressful that was for us, at the same time, though, I couldn't help but think that it was also a privilege to pay off Elise's expenses.

But really . . . money can be a huge stress at times, but when viewed through the life of a child, it is such a meaningless thing to give up in exchange for an eternal miracle.   That is what Elise is to us- a miracle.  

How we love you, our dear little one.  Thank you for being healthy and strong, alert, and happy, in spite of your difficult start to life.    We're so proud of you for pulling through it all.

In the Jungle

All bundled up as we head off into the cold, Salt Lake air. 

I wish I could still pull off overalls like this myself.  Oh, and this beautiful quilt she is sitting on was made by my mother.  

Go BYU!

Elise's First Pedicure

Juliet Clark, Elise's WONDERFUL babysitter for the hours that I teach at WSU each week, painted Elise's toes the other day!  The pictures don't capture how cute a baby's pedicure really looks.  (It was also way too hard to capture a shot when Elise kicks her feet as much as she does.) Anyone with a baby girl should try it- - it's priceless to see chubby baby feet all decked out.

I can't imagine why her toe nail polish is already beginning to wear off though . . . . 

Elise's Favorite Thing to Do . . . .

Elise LOVES balancing on Tyson's hand. It's become a nightly tradition around here. 

Christmas, Texas Style

We spent Christmas at my brother Brent's home in Austin.  I can't believe how fast that week flew by . . . way too fast.  My parents, and brother Ben came as well.   

Avery, Ty, Elise, and Payton- these are Brent 's 3 children--- Paige has less than a month to go before they have their 4th child.  

Avery & Payton on the swings in the backyard

Paige was an angel and Brent was a king for the Nativity on Christmas Eve

Ben- another one of the kings for the Nativity. He's still available all you single ladies. 

Tyson and I were the shepherds-- but I looked more like a pirate.

My Dad struggled a little with the shepherd head gear, lol!  

Elise and my Mom were the "star"

Payton, Avery, & Ty

Elise got lots of tummy time in Austin

Payton, Avery, Elise, Ty

We ate out at Torchy's and at Rudy's- delicious cuisine . . . while Elise got to sit in her first restaurant high chair and watch us eat.  Poor thing. 

Paige's family thinks that Avery looks like my mom - - -I think it's that they have similar eyes.  

Mimi & Boompa, or my parents.  I am always so sad to see them go.  

Merry Christmas!!

Elise's First Flight

I was 5 months old when I flew on an airplane for the first time.  A couple weeks ago, (when traveling to Austin, TX for Christmas) Elise flew on an airplane for the very first time at 5 1/2 months old. Like mother, like daughter I guess.

A fun benefit about traveling with a child on Southwest Airlines is that when people are choosing their seats and see you with a baby, they tend to stray as far away from you as possible.  Ha!  On our first flight, there was only one unused seat on the plane . . . and that seat was next to me and Tyson & Elise!     We didn't complain. 

To top it off, Elise was SO GOOD for every flight!   Keeping a binky in her mouth during the ascent and descent seemed to keep her ears happy.  Tyson and I were pleasantly surprised as Elise just sat there quietly in our laps, played with some toys, and slept alot.  She only got a little fussy when she was hungry.  (Fortunately for me, and all those sitting around us, remedying that problem was pretty easy.)
Yea for Elise!!

The flight attendant was so impressed that she gave Elise some airplane wings and a certificate for a successful first time journey.  Here is a picture from when we stopped over in the Las Vegas Airport.

Christmas 2011 in Utah with the Walkers

Tyson and I are spending this year's Christmas in Austin with my side of the family.  So, two days before Christmas, before we jumped on our flight to Austin, the Walker family all got together for a little pre-Christmas celebration while everyone was still in Utah.  Good times!

Picture of the Great-Grandkids with Tyson's Grandmother:

And here's a picture of the adults attempting to get the Grandkids to all smile at the camera for that picture . . . . 

What's Christmas without matching Christmas pajamas for the kids? Thank you Aunt Tori.

Cousin Bonding, (Paelyn was just about to kiss Elise on the forehead in this picture)