Growing and Learning

In the words of Hazel today, "Mom you should see what Lenora just did! Aww, she's growing up and learning!" Yep, little cutie is growing up. She's now 9 months old, 17 pounds even, and 27 inches tall.

Right now Lenora:
- makes the cutest grunting sound when she wants something (usually food)
- loves to eat!
- has two little teeth
- is just starting to crawl but prefers to let big sisters bring her things
- often has her cute little feet crossed
- has the cutest rolls you've ever seen
- says "mama" and "dada" when she sees us
- signs "milk" "more" "mom" "dad" and "up" (she has been my fastest to pick up signs!)
- will lay her head on your shoulder to cuddle and say "mmmm" which melts my heart every time
- smacks her lips when she knows it's time to nurse
- loves watching the big girls play and screams/laughs for more
- melts the heart of everyone she meets

Signing Daddy

Rocking her legwarmers 

Watching the girls at the park

Grunting for more food

I know I saw it all the time, but Lenora is the sweetest baby and everyone just adores her. We love you little cutie!

We have a house!!!!

We feel so blessed to FINALLY call ourselves homeowners. We've talked and dreamed about this day for a long time! 

And it's truly miraculous how it all worked out. As soon as we found out we were moving we began looking for homes in Ames. But what we could afford in Ames was not great. Then I get a text from Michael one day saying he found the perfect house in a town of 12,000 people about 20 minutes from Ames. After a Skype tour of the home we loved it and put in an offer. Yep, we bought a home in a town we'd never been to after seeing it once on Skype. It just felt right! 

And it is! It's an OLD house (built in 1910!) but it has been completely remodeled/updated and feels so new. It's cute and functional and there's room for us to grow here. Best of all, the price was right, we were able to keep the playground they had installed, and we can literally walk to our church building! Where outside of Utah does that happen? 

One of my favorite things about this house is how the style is new and modern but they kept original elements of the home that are stunning. Here are some of my favorite features...

Kitchen

Entry way and stairs

Mantel in the master bedroom

Mantel details

As for the town, I love it more than I ever dreamed I'd love a small town. The people are wonderfully nice, our ward is great, the schools are good, and there is plenty of things to do for fun. We are all enjoying the slower pace and feel it will really help us spend more time together as a family which is what matters most. 

Here's to putting down some roots! In Iowa of all places haha. The Lord has a plan for us that is certain and so far it's been full of wonderful things.

Story City Carousel

One town north of us there is a beautiful old-fashioned carousel. A few weeks ago we spent 2 hours with a few other families working as volunteers. The adults took turns running the carousel and popcorn machine while the kids got unlimited rides for free! It was a really fun day!