UTAH!!!! (August 16 - August 31)

Stella and I were lucky enough to spend 2 whole weeks home in Utah and Mike was able to take work off and join us for 10 days.

We had such a great time, we miss everyone and everything there so much. Stella was able to finally meet all of our friends (and hers!) and her cousins and Uncle Mike, her Uncle Ryan (she's named after hime!) and Sarah. She also had many first experiences on this trip... first friend, first horseback ride (with Grandpa Baltz), first Cold (poor baby). Stella got lots of grandma and grandpa time with all of the grandparents.

Oh and while we were away, we found out that Mike passed his 3rd and final CFA examination- wahoo, finally! Congratulations to Mike, I'm soooo proud of you - this is such an amazing accomplishment. We are all so happy for you!

We loved seeing everyone, thanks for finding time to hang out with us - we're so lucky to have all of you and we miss you soooooo much. We can't wait to see you all again at Christmas! Below is a collection of our favorite pictures of the trip, I know it's a lot, but trust me we took over 900 so this seems like just a few...

Stella meeting Uncle Ryan and Sarah for the first time.


Horseback ride at the ranch up Weber Canyon... it is so beautiful up there.








Jed, Stella and I (Notice Stella's onesie - especially for Jed)


Stella and Grandma Sheridan




Hanging out in my parent's backyard in Park City - one of my favorite places in the world.













This life jacket is supposedly Stella's size. She looks like Spongbob - we decided to wait until next time for the boat.


Mike and Aaron with Walt and Stella


Sonja, Jen, Stella and me


The Barkers meet Stella - can't wait for their little one to get here!


Stella spending quality time with Grandpa Vic



Dave and Stella


Sean and Stella


Hanging out with Amber and Oliva...


Stella and Olivia - BFF's



Stella and her buddy, Miles Fuller.


Kirsten and Stella


Lunch with my friends from McCann.


Stella once again, falling asleep in Grandma Baltz's arms


Stella, Grandpa and Elle


Stella and her Auntie Stacey.



Lagoon! Yes, Stella and I joined my mom, my sister and her kids and brought our very special friend along (Jed!) for a day at Lagoon. I forgot how fun that place was, we had a blast - thanks mom!




Stella and Molly


Stella and Lauren


Hanging with the Meinzers...









Stella enjoying morning cuddles with her cousin, Lexi


Bath time with Grandma Sheridan (Stella loves the bath!)

Jessica and James finally tie the knot. (August 12 - 16)

Many of you know our friends Jessica and James. I skated with them in Colorado for many years and have become really close with them. They've been dating for nearly 12 years and have been engaged for what seems like forever. Jessica bought her wedding gown when I bought mine (5 years ago!) Needless to say it's been a long time coming and we couldn't be happier for them.

This was also Stella's first plane ride and I had to go alone with her! Mike had to meet us Friday after work, so Stella and I did it alone and I have to say, she was awesome! We even had a layover in Atlanta (which was only 45 minutes - yikes!), but basically she had two flights and flew the whole day. She was so easy, it was actually really fun to travel with her and I can't wait to do it more often while she's still such a pleasure to travel with :)

My mom also came from Salt Lake to Jess's wedding and came early just to help out and spend time with Stella. I am so grateful that she came, it was so helpful and Stella is so lucky to have a grandma like her!

Daddy dropping us off at the airport for Stella's first plane ride...


First plane ride! PHL to COS. (August 12, 2009)


View from the rehearsal dinner - it was so beautiful! Ahhh... I love the mountains.


Stella and Grandma Baltz watching the cermony



Wedding Party Photos...








Partyin' it up at the reception.

And she's out.

4 Years!!! (Written August 9th)

Impromptu Family Photo Shoot

August 6 was our 4 year anniversary, so I surprised Mike with a celebration weekend in DC. It was so fun to get away for the weekend and to take time to celebrate each other and our marriage. We of course brought the wee one with us (her first trip! and first night sleeping in a strange crib that is not her own!)

We took off Saturday morning and headed to DC. When we got there, we enjoyed lunch and a stroll in Georgetown. We stayed at the Hyatt near the capital, I thought it would be nicer than it was but hey, at $99/night it was worth it. Stella was a champ, she slept great in her new and strange porta-crib. We were thrilled considering we are big travelers and we have quite the trip ahead of us!

On Sunday, we enjoyed a nice brunch outside and then headed on a jog around the mall. We decided to make a stop at the Botanical Gardens, it was beautiful.

Happy Anniversary Mike, I love you!