Hello from Idaho

I know I've been a total blog slacker lately, but it's been tough to find some quiet time in a house with 10 people (and sometimes more) and a baby who has decided not to sleep ... ever! But we've been in Idaho for almost three weeks now and the pictures are starting to pile up so I've got to get something done!

Maddie has loved playing with all her aunts and uncles but sometimes has to remind them (loudly) that she really doesn't like to be picked up; every time she tries to go anywhere, she ends up off the ground before she can make it. But she's getting very good at walking, which is fun to see. She also spends lots of time reading and splashing in the bath with Grandma. The weather here has been awful so we haven't gotten to swim at all, making bath time pretty much the highlight! We've also discovered that she loves dogs, which is a big uh-oh for me. I'm definitely NOT a pet person. Thankfully our apartment in Tenn., doesn't allow pets so I can at least use that as an excuse for a while. She's really cute with them though; she sneaks up and tries to pet them but as soon as they turn toward her, she literally runs the other direction. She also loves to talk to them and feed them. My only complaint is that she seriously has only slept through the night once since we've been here, which is totally unlike her. But I'm trying to be patient and remind myself that this is all very different for her and I should be grateful that's the only thing she's really had issues with. Too bad we still have six more weeks to go before we have a home again - I don't know if I can make it six more weeks with this kind of sleep schedule :)

We're leaving next Monday to head to Jordan's house in Arizona. It will be weird knowing that when we leave, it will probably be 18 months before I see any of my family again. That's the longest we've ever gone without seeing each other. But I'm grateful that we've gotten to spend so much time together in the last couple weeks, and I'm still really looking forward to getting out to Tenn. and all the adventures that await us there. We've even got our new apartment all secured, which was very exciting! In the meantime, we're just having fun!

Playing at a family BBQ with Aunt Grace, cousin Bryant and Uncle Adam

Already a chocolate lover!

Kickin' back with Grandma

Checking out the dam on the Spokane River in Post Falls with Dad and Grandpa. In addition to the bad weather, the water levels are so high most of the beaches are closed for swimming anyway

We decorated my sister Casey's car for her last day of high school. She'll be attending BYU Idaho in January after she comes with us to Tenn. for a few months to help watch Maddie while I work!!

 The cute girl and her Dad before Casey's graduation. I love these shots!

Maddie's favorite pastime

Blowing bubbles with Grandma on the back porch during a rare moment of sunshine!

Reading with Dad - I seriously can't describe how much this girl loves to read. She even loves to plop down in the living room and read out loud to herself!

Yogurt, bananas and toast - a deadly combination! Good thing Grandma loves giving baths :)

Gotta get that last bite!!