California

We have finally made the very anticipated move to California! Tim doesn't start his job with KPMG until September so we are just chillin' at his parents house in Los Angeles until we move to Orange County. (Rent is about $1900/month for a two bedroom apartment so we are grateful for the help.) We are extremely anxious to start "real" life and not be students anymore. I especially look forward to the area we are going to be living. The community seems very family-oriented. There are lots of young families with young children. There are waterparks, parks, pools, you name it it's most likely there. Plus, it's clean, new, and very beautiful. And who can object to living close to the beach?? I think it is a great place to raise kids. =o)
As for Marisa, she keeps shocking us everyday with something new. She is holding up her head better on her own and she is starting to sit up. In this picture I was trying to take a picture of her in her carseat when all of a sudden she sits up! I thought she was going to fall out! Marisa has also realized that she has hands and fingers and loves to suck three fingers. She also smiles soooo much more now, especially in the morning, and she is constantly making noises. One of my favorite things to do with her is to hold her in the rocking chair and talk with her. She talks back! She likes to mimic my voice and it is the absolute cutest thing in the world. Tim and I laugh a lot with her because she likes to babble. We could be in the kitchen just talking and all of a sudden hear a high pitched squeal followed with several minutes of the sweetest noises we have ever heard.

Georgia...on my mind.

We spent the last three weeks in my small hometown in GA. It was so fun and a very much needed break for our little family. I was especially spoiled because my parents (first-time grandparents) did EVERYTHING for me. They helped me with Marisa in every way possible while I slept and just relaxed. It was extremely helpful because since Marisa has been born it has been pretty hard, stressful, and exhausting. Thanks Mami and Papi!
Marisa was spoiled too. Being the first and only grandchild she was always held, never cried, and always smothered with kisses. She also made a lot of milestones in Georgia. She learned to smile, make small random noises, grew from 19 inches to 23.2 inches, and 8.5 pounds to 11.7 pounds! Marisa definetly grew up!
A few of the fun things we did: Leslie's high school graduation and graduation party, GA Aquarium, Stone Mountain, my 5 year high school reunion, and visited Savannah and Helen, GA! We already miss everybody!

Our Anniversary

THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives- mothers and fathers - will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared be a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, love, respect, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, father and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Death, disability, and other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptations. Extended families should lend support when needed.


I love you Tim! This past year has been amazing and I look forward to many more unforgettable years.