A Fun Saturday Hikin' and Hangin'

A little over a year ago my good friend Sue's mother passed away somewhat unexpectedly. Since the anniversary of her passing Sue has been working to get all of her temple work done. So last Saturday Sue, Brittany, Sara, Justin and I went to the Salt Lake Temple so that she could seal her mother to her grandparents. It was an honor for Justin and I to act for her grandparents and to feel the spirit so strongly as an eternal family was created. In the room also was another family who was having four sisters sealed to their parents, and Brittany, Sue, and Sara got to be at the altar for that sealing. I don't think I've ever seen such a large family sealed together like that and it was very special to witness. It really is such a sweet feeling to be with friends and family in the temple.

My cousin Paul was awesome enough to watch Nolan for us while we were in the temple and since he lives at the Brigham Apartments downtown it was super convenient! From the pictures Paul took it looks like they had a blast!

 Scripture study. I always know Paul will help us take care of Nolan's religious education.

Joking aside though, I'm in love with this picture! 

 Familiarizing Nolan with a paintball gun so he can take him in the near future. Mom says no though ☺

 Reading with Brother Brigham.

 Fun at the dinosaur play area at City Creek!

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Timpanogos Cave National Monument

We've been wanting to hike Timpanogos Caves for a while now, but always thought of it on a Friday night when it was too late to get tickets for the next day. Finally we did some planning ahead and made it happen. So worth it! It was a paved path, and not very long (maybe 1.5 to 2 miles), but pretty steep in parts. The views were amazing and the caves were cool to walk through!

I borrowed a baby carrier from a coworker, and our friends Brian and Liz, as well as Brianna came with us for the hike. Nolan had a blast and even fell asleep a couple of times in the carrier haha. Speaking of the carrier, it took some getting used to to carry the extra weight. After all, Nolan is 20 lbs now! So we took turns carrying him. Brian even took a turn saying he needs some practice since they are expecting their first baby in February ☺ It was pretty cute.

 Beautiful view down American Fork Canyon!

 Sleeping Nolan walking up to the caves.

 Waiting for the cave tour.

  Justin took this awesome picture right at the entrance to the cave.

It was a little chilly in the caves and I didn't even think to bring jackets! A good Samaritan however offered his jacket to put around Nolan which was so sweet. Luckily it wasn't too cold, but I was still glad to have it for him.

We teased Brianna a little bit that she wanted to take her turn with the carrier on the way down ☺ 

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Other Random Fun

 Trying to crawl away from us while wrapped up in a huge towel. Also, you know you're a parent when...the smallest member of the family has the largest, softest bath towel. AmIright?

At dinner with Carli for her birthday.

He is always such a good boy at softball, even during the late games! Here he is eating Ritz crackers and cheering the team on with Liz.

Being a good boy at church on Sunday. He likes to crawl around and make lots of noise in the Family History Center, but he still manages to charm everyone in there. Justin has been doing a lot of research on his family the last couple of months.

   

He loves drinking out of a glass these days and it's pretty cute. As you bring the glass to his lips he opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue. Then as the water is coming in he pumps his mouth open and shut like he's trying to chew something haha. He loves it though and is able to get most of the water without spilling too much!

I tried to get a video of him trying to pick up food and eat it, but he decided to just be cute instead.

Nolan passed the beginner swimming class and is a "Super Swimmer!"