Trip to California

Enjoying Hula's

We went to California this weekend for Jeff and Marlena's ring ceremony and for the blessing of little baby Shade. We had such a wonderful time, even if it was a whirlwind weekend. We left Thursday night after Russ got off of work and drove till Klamath Falls, OR where we stopped for the night. Then we got up early the next morning to finish off the trip. We stopped in good ol' Chico and met up with our good friends Megan and Josh and got some yummy Mongolian Bar-b-que at Hula's. Then we hurried home to be greeted by family anxiously waiting for us to arrive so we could all go out on the boat. Uncle Jim brought his boat, and Dad got his boat working, plus we had 3 jet skis for 12 people (including Mirian). It was crazy, but so much fun! Mirian was a little nervous at first being out on the boat, but then Grandpa let her drive and then she thought it was pretty cool! We tried taking her out on the tube, but that was too scary for her.

I'm not sure about this Mom!


Driving the boat with Grandpa is fun!


Look at that worried face

We planned on going out on the boat all day on Saturday too, but it ended up being freezing cold with little sprinkles. We were all really nervous, because the ring ceremony was going to be outside. Luckily, the weather held out for us during the ceremony. Jeff and Marlena looked so nice and baby Shade was as adorable as ever. We finished off the evening with a massive game of Scum.

All the Carter kids with Marlena


Cute baby Shade with Russ


And this lovely picture taken by my Fabulous Sis-in-Law, Olivia!


What do I do with these petals?


Cute Flower Girls!!

On Sunday, Shade was blessed at church. It was such a nice blessing and it was so fun to see people that we hadn't seen in a while. We spent the rest of the day cleaning up from the reception the night before and playing more Scum. We had such a great time and we were sad to have to leave on Monday morning. We love getting to spend time with family.

Playing Grandpa's Piano

Mirian's Traveling Antics

We just got home from our quick weekend trip to Cali. It was a long drive but totally worth it. We got to attend Jeff and Marlena's ring ceremony and the baby blessing of their little boy Shade Vivaldi Carter. Pictures while in Cali to come when we aren't exhausted.

However, Mirian LOVES to do a few little things when she travels.

1. Play peek a boo
2. Love her baby
3. Make animal sounds (all the sounds are a roar so we ask her to make the sounds of any animal that roars, LOL)

Unfortunately, we only got video of the first two, but the good news is, we got video of the first two!!!!! The videos were only taken from Russ' phone so the quality isn't great, but it's enough to make you smile. Enjoy!!!!!!

Aunty Triss

I've been meaning to post pictures for a while of the dress that my Aunty Triss made for Mirian's blessing. I don't have any really good pictures of it, but it was such a beautiful dress, I have to post something. She made everything by hand, she even crocheted the lace that goes around her chest. Mirian was so beautiful in it. Thanks Aunty Triss for everything! You are the best!

Wow, we have been super busy . . . . .

So you haven't seen any posts from us in a while because we have been swamped. We will attach a few photos of what has been going on in our lives.

We made the adoption legal. Yay, can you tell Mirian is excited!!!!



We had many friends and family come from near and far
to be with us as we were sealed together for time and all eternity and also blessed Mirian.





We took Mirian swimming for the first time at our favorite
neighbors' house. Bob and Rhinda are awesome.




Russ had a business trip up to Lynden, WA so Em and Mirian joined the journey.
While there we took the ferry and then headed over to Sequim to see good friends from years ago, the Krumbaughs.


Finally, we got to go ice blocking with Steve and Erin and also Josh and Megan (Erin was there in spirit as she had to work). While we iceblocked Franklin Park, Mirian slept.

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!

We received wonderful news!!!!!! We originally had to wait for 6 months (as per LDS Family Services) to have Mirian blessed and sealed to us. We received an email the other day informing us that the new policy is that we only have to wait for the state requirements, which in the state of Washington means, asap. We will go to the temple on July 18 at 1:00 pm and have Mirian sealed to us and then we will bless her on July 19. We are so excited. Please come to the baby blessing and share in our excitement. Church starts at 9:00 AM and the address is 4307 Englewood Ave. in Yakima, Washington.