Happiness

Lauren is in nursery now. Unbelievable! The time has gone by slowly, but yet, so fast. She started last week and it seemed to go pretty well. However, a little boy started crying; therefore, Lauren started crying and she wouldn't stop until she was back with me. This week I was a little nervous. She has become somewhat shy and has started to cling to my legs when other people are around. After sacrament, I took her hand, which I still have to bend down to hold because she is so short, and we started down the hall through the crowd of people. The nursery door was open and other children were already inside. Immediately, Lauren dropped her hand from mine, and practically ran right in. I was out of there in a flash in case she changed her mind. I'm not sure how she did in there today. I think there was some crying, but no one came and got me. So I got to sit through about two hours of church...without interruptions. It has been 18 months of walking out in the hall at some point during church, to finally having one day of pure silence, relaxation, and the chance to really listen to the lessons in their entirety.
I took these pictures of Jason and Lauren after church today. I am so happy and grateful for them both.

"Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and that path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God...If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added."
-Joseph Smith

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

We went on a great trip this past weekend to Mount Vernon, WA, for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. At this festival there are many fields of tulips, daffodils, and irises. The festival also has all kinds of events for children and adults, but we didn't participate in any because of the short time we had. We left Pasco Friday morning and came back Saturday afternoon. "We" consisted of Jason, myself, Lauren, Brenda, Elaine, and Elaine's dog Scout. It was snowing really hard in Seattle when we drove through. Throughout the time we were there we experienced more snow, more rain, and little sunshine. Our luck with little sunshine came Friday evening, so we took advantage of it and went and walked around some tulip fields. Then Saturday morning it was just overcast while we were at Tulip Town. It was definitely colder than we had hoped, but not miserable.
I am so impressed with that area of Washington. When I played basketball at the University of Alaska Anchorage, we'd just pass through to Bellingham and up into Canada for our games, and then back down to Seattle. I remember thinking how beautiful it was, but I didn't fully know until now. I can't wait to go again next year.

Aunts

I have gotten a little behind on my blogging. A few weeks ago Lauren and I went down to Idaho to spend some time with family. We stayed with my parents for a week and had a great time; although, the weather was horrible most days. On our way back to Pasco, Lauren and I got to stay with Stephanie in Boise, and spend some time with Brenda and Elaine as well. We went to some parks and out to eat. Lauren enjoys being around all her aunts because she is always the center of attention.
Aunt Stephanie and Lauren at the park.
Aunt Brenda and Lauren making fish faces.