The Ranch

Marley had her first trip to the ranch for the annual pheasant hunting gathering. She loved being out in the beautiful fields and playing with all the rocks. It was a great trip, even though Marley came down with a little cold.

Fall Fun

Marley is having a blast with the new season. She runs almost everywhere she goes and has become quite the talker. I think my favorite new word she says is "balloon" which sounds more like "bluhbluhbluhbluh." She is curious about everything and likes to repeat words you say. She has started "singing" along with her favorite songs and it is so precious. I love how friendly she is; she says "hi" to everything from people to animals to passing cars.

For those of you who didn't know, I started a new job in Duarte USD in mid September and am really enjoying counseling at the Junior High level. Although the commute is long and it is hard being away from Marley full time, the staff is wonderful and I am blessed to be employed in this uncertain economy. Here are some pictures of the season:

Swim lessons!

Marley sleeps with her booty up in the air, but somehow she managed to get her blankee on her back in the middle of the night too!

Pumpkin patch fun

Marley dressed up as a bear for our church Harvest Fair, but she thought it was a dog and went around saying "Arf" all night. I dressed as Marley in onsie pajamas and so she was my teddy bear.

A Rare Treat

Last Saturday, my family got to see Andre Agassi in person playing tennis. This was his first public playing experience this year and it was to help the Bryan Brothers Raise money for their foundation they were launching with this event: The All-Star Tennis Smash. There were current famous tennis players there like James Blake, Robby Ginepri, of course Bob and Mike Bryan, and some celebrites, as well including Jon Lovitz.

But for me, it was all about seeing Andre. He was and is my tennis inspiration so this was a true rare treat to see my tennis hero in a relaxed environment, where I was able to get quite close to enjoy the beauty of his game and get some pictures.

Here are some of my best shots that I edited and had some fun with.

B

Our Little Toddler

This toddler stage is just so much fun. It's like Marley learns a new word and new skills everyday. It is a joy to watch her discover her world. She is going all the time and getting into things at every moment of her curiosity. She waves to cars that pass our house and is obsessed with shoes and phones (already such a girl). She can make the animal noises for a dog, cat, cow, duck and monkey (which might be my favorite because it's "oo...oo...oo!"). She likes having music on most of the time and does a little squatting or stomping dance. We have started swim lesssons which she is doing really well in; she loves the water. It's crazy to see how much she has changed in a little over a year, and to realize you never knew you could love like this. Thank you Jesus, for this imperfect glimpse of how much you really love us, even though we are just as naive and selfish and stubborn as children sometimes.

Goofy face

Tickle attack from Auntie Hailey

Our little singer

Bath time with Emma, or as Marley says: "ENNAH!"

Marley decided to pack herself up!

Trying on mommy's shoes, already!

1st Birthday Party

Marley's first birthday was a blast. We had it at Yorba Regional Park and many pitched in to decorate and bring food. It was a beautiful day and so many of Marley's friend were able to come. Daddy showed her how to really dig into a birthday cake, much to everyones amusement. We are so blessed by our family and friends, thank you for loving and supporting us so well!

Auntie Heather made amazing cupcakes for the occasion!

Is frosting good for your hair?

Reading a new book with Uncle Kenton

Marley and her friend practicing their new walking skills

Cabin, Here We Come!

Marley's first trip to the cabin was fantastic! We delayed a little because of the fires, but that just meant we got to spend more time with Grandma and Grandpa Martin.

Grandma Sara Lee taking good care of me. She's funny!

Grandpa Glenn helping me slide down the slide. I was cracking up!

I put the "Joy" in Marley Joy!

I am a water baby for sure! This is at the pool of the hotel where we stayed while waiting for the smoke to clear near the cabin.

I love books, and my Mommy loves to read them to me.

I spent a lot of time in the "gated community" but my friend Bridget and Daddy kept me entertained.

Ok, have you seen how tall the trees are? This was my first attempt to see the top of a really big one!

I'm walking much better, and Grandpa helps me

The Equitz/Quirk trip to the creek. There was lots of rock throwing and dog splashing.

Happy Fourth of July! All I need is a broom and a hoolahoop to be happy.

My first taste of homemade peach ice cream...MMMMM!

Goofy Girl

My first steps all by myself. Can you see how excited I am?!

How about how excited mommy is?