Acrobat Baby

How comfortable could this really be?

Surprise 40th

Earlier in the week of my birthday, Joel called to tell me he'd gone to lunch at a place he thought I'd like. So, he'd made reservations for my birthday. He didn't say what it was called. I thought that strange but didn't say anything. Before we left that night he said he had to run by the Welch's to pick up something he would need for Seminary. Didn't really think about the fact that she could bring it to church for him. As we drove up to Welch's he invited me to come in with him. We were running "late" and I said that I'd wait in the car. He said I should come in to ask about the photographer that took their family pictures. OK, weird. I pointed out that I would end up talking to Cindy too long and we were already running late. He said it would be fine. Weird. I could see people milling about inside the textured glass on the door and pointed out that they had people over. (They had welcome home signs up for their return missionary) It was a great surprise anyway. Joel had invited some of my favorite people and had had the party catered. The big girls had helped pick out the beautiful cake. A chance to socialize is one of the best gifts I could get!

On the way home Joel asked if I knew about the party. I answered no after a small hesitation. Because that was true. No one had spilled the beans or hinted at anything. But, there were several things through the week and that night that were a bit weird and suspicious.

Anarya Smiles on camera

Anarya smiles

Anarya is 10 weeks old tonight. She has been smiling since she was about 6 weeks old and I have been trying to get pictures of it since then.

But every time I would get the camera out, she would stop smiling and look at the camera like it was something to be wary of. So this last picture is a bit weird because I put the camera down out of sight, talked to her to get her to smile and quickly raised it in an attempt to capture her sweet smile.

Even still, a picture can't do justice to the way her smile lights her face. It's precious.