3 Months

I can't believe Eloise is already 3 months old!  This last month has brought many smiles and giggles, and the ability to roll over from tummy to back (at only 11 weeks, mind you!).  Here are a couple of shots from her 3 month photo shoot:

Descanso Gardens

Eloise and I had such a lovely day yesterday.  We met Grandma KayLynn at Descanso Gardens in LaCañada.  The grounds were beautiful!  KayLynn tells me there are better seasons to visit but I was thoroughly fulfilled by what I saw!  I was craving fresh air and beautiful greenery, so Descanso was just the ticket.  After exploring some of the grounds, we had a delicious lunch at the cafe.  Eloise napped while KayLynn and I enjoyed one another's company.

Hansen was working late so I was thrilled to get an invitation back to Grandma & Grandpa's house. We got to see Grandpa Smith (always a treat),  and we enjoyed more great food and company.  It was a very happy Friday!  

Sunday School Highlights

Let's be honest. Isn't this:

what we'd all like to do in Sunday School?  I couldn't resist snapping this shot in church today.  I love how she's reverently folding her arms in an attempt, perhaps, to disguise her nap?  What you can't see, however, is how she's snoring-- a total giveaway.  

Monitor Candids

We got this GREAT baby monitor from my in-laws.  I love it.  Hansen and I are convinced that Eloise knows we can see her through it. She'll wake up and smile directly at the monitor camera as if to say, "Okay, I'm up now! Come and get me!" Check this out:

A Day in the Park

Eloise and I needed to get out of the house on Wednesday, so we decided to take a trip to Griffith Park.  I still consider myself a newcomer to LA and I'm working on discovering all the fun places to visit.  Griffith Park has a Zoo, Botanical Garden, Merry-Go-Round, Golf Course, Pony Ride, Train, Observatory and a Concert Venue.

But even with all of those great options, THIS is what we decided to do all day:

And it was PERFECT.  We relaxed for hours under the same tree.  I read and picnicked while Eloise studied the trees and bird sounds.  We both figured there would be time for all that other stuff in future visits.  

Aren't Grandmas 'Great'?

After Anders and Cami's wedding in Logan we had the opportunity to drive to Provo to see Grandma Smith, one of Eloise's Great Grandparents (She has 3 living Great Grandparents-- isn't she a lucky girl?).  It was so wonderful to see her again!  It was a lovely afternoon chatting with her and eating pizza and milkshakes.  Yum.

Meeting Grandma Great

Saturday in San Diego

Last Saturday we spent the day in San Diego!  We went down there for Anders & Cami's BBQ celebration, in honor of their nuptials.  

Eloise and Grandma KL, before the party. 

  KayLynn: Hostess with the Mostess

The couple of honor

At one point I saw Grandpa Rees carrying Eloise around, presumably showing her off (or perhaps trying to sell her).  So cute...

The party took place in a beautiful park right on the bay.  It was a little overcast, but that didn't take away from the fun!

Anders & Cami

Anders and Cami were married in Logan, Utah on June 25, 2010.  It was a beautiful day and we were so happy we had the opportunity to celebrate with them.  Cami was a GORGEOUS bride with a stunning smile.  Honestly her face must have been aching from all the grinning by the end of the day.  The highlight of the day for me was the ceremony that took place in the Logan Temple.  I've been to a lot of weddings in my day, but I have to say this particular sealing was especially beautiful.  I really appreciated the officiators words, reminding us of the eternal nature of the ceremony and the importance of the temple ordinances.  It was a valuable reminder of what is most important in this life. Isn't a freshened perspective a wonderful thing?  

It was also the first trip we've taken as a family!  We were a little nervous to take Eloise on her first plane ride, but she did great!  

Making funny faces on the plane.

Here are some pics of the wedding day, courtesy of Aunt Sydney (Hansen and I left our camera at home):

What a good looking couple, huh?!

Cami hugging KayLynn

Our little family (plus a cameo from Phil) in front of the Logan Temple.

Proud Parents

The Brothers Smith

A Tale of Two Baths

When Eloise was about 4 weeks old, we gave her a bath.  Up until that point we had only been giving her sponge baths.  This is how her first real bath went:

Let the torture begin.

She hated it.

I mean REALLY hated it.

AH! Safe and warm again!

Now, here is Eloise's bath time this morning: 

I think she likes it now.

Happy Bath Time

Fourth of July

We celebrated the 4th of July on the 5th of July this year.  We spent the day at The Smith's house. As usual, the food was delicious and the company was even better.  Here are some pictures capturing the fun of that day:

The Family, minus KayLynn.  She was taking the picture. 

I think they like her.

Smiles for Uncle Phil

Proud Daddy

4th of July Nap

Before we arrived, Phil was given the task of cleaning off the cement patio.  The pressure sprayer ended up serving a more artistic purpose:

Two Months Young

Blessing Day

Eloise was blessed on June 6, 2010.  What a beautiful day for our family!  Hansen gave such a tender blessing.  Her Grandpa Smith and Uncles Phil and Anders stood in.  Here are some pictures of her in her blessing outfit.  This dress was made by my Great Grandmother, Rhoda Pope.  It's the same dress I wore for my own blessing. 

Here are some pictures from the day: 

Left to Right: Anders, Cami, KayLynn, Rees, Me, Hansen, Phil, Leslie

After church, we all went back to our place for lunch.  Leslie made an amazing Korean BBQ dinner.  Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Phil joined us there.  It was the perfect end to a perfect day.  

Eloise and Phyllis meet