The Midnight Sun Festival

Hey everyone!! As I'm sure most of you know, yesterday was the longest day of the year. That probably doesn't mean much to anyone who doesn't live in Alaska, but we have a huge celebration downtown. Ben and I have been everyyear and we love it. This was Cloe's first experience. Just so you all know, the sun was up for a total of 21 hours and 49 minutes, but even when the sun goes down, its still really light outside. So, here are some pictures of us at the festival.


Getting ready to go downtown.

What a happy baby!

Trying some of Daddy's cotton candy.

Haha, Cloe was so tuckered out! I can believe she slept through all of the music and noise!

The Scariest Thing Ever...

Yesterday I had the scariest experience I think I've ever had.

Lately we have been having problems with Gus. He is still a puppy and that means that he has TONS of energy. He has been digging holes in the back yard so Ben and I decided that we would try to let him inside more during the day so that he doesn't get bored. Gus is very much an outside dog. He likes to be inside for just an hour or two before he wants to go back out. I was about to put Cloe down for an afternoon nap and I usually put Gus outside so that he doesn't make too much noise and wake her up. I put Cloe in her crib, but I don't think she was tired enough because I could hear her banging her pacifier on the crib. I decided that I would put Gus outside and then go and see what I could do for Cloe. I went outside to hook Gus up to his line but he was being super energetic and jumping a lot. I shut the door so that he wouldn't try to run back inside while I took care of him. I finally got him taken care of and I turned to go back inside. With absolute terror I'd realized that I had locked myself outside while Cloe was inside all alone. I had no keys, no cell phone, and no way to get ahold of anyone. I freaked out. I cried and cried and tried to think of what I could do. Suddenly I remembered that I did know one family that lived on my street. This family was converted to the church and baptized about a year and a half ago, but we have had a really difficult time getting ahold of them for the past six months or so. I didn't think twice about it as I booked it down the street as fast as I could possibly go. As I got to their door I could see that they were home. I banged on the door, shouting and crying to please let me in. After what seemed like an eternity, they opened the door. I told them what happened and they let me use their phone. I called Ben's cousin who has a key to our house and he said that he would come over right away. The husband of the family came back with me over to my house to see what he could do. He was trying to get the door open with a credit card while I went around to Cloe's window to hear if she was ok. She was crying and I could tell that she was really upset, which just sent a new wave of tears through me. I went back around to the front door as Nate (Ben's cousin) was pulling up, which also was the exact same time that my neighbor managed to break ihnto my house. I ran downstairs to get Cloe as fast as I could.
I thanked everyone for their help and just held Cloe for a while.

I know that doesn't seem very scary, but this is the first time that anything like this has ever happened to me. Cloe was only alone for like 20 minutes, but I am really glad that I had at least put her in her crib where she couldn't have gotten hurt. I was so grateful for the very spiritual impression I got to go to my neighbors house for help. I am so grateful that I was able to receive inspiration from the Spirit to tell me what to do. I know that without that prompting, I would not have reacted so quickly. I am truly thankful for the ability to receive guidance when I need it.

What's wrong? Is there something on my head?

My Cute Family

Here is a recent picture of Ben, Cloe and Gus. They are so sweet!!

Giggly Girl

Basket Baby!

Here are some pictures for Cloe's new favorite game: climbing in and out of baskets! I place baskets on the floor and she just does her own thing (as you can plainly see.)

Mommy Tag

1- Typically, what time do you wake up? Whenever Cloe wakes up, usually about 8:00am (except for this morning, she slept until 10:15!)
2- On a good night, what time are your kids in bed? We're still trying to get Cloe to sleep through the night so we don't put her to bed until about 10:00.
3- How long have you been a mommy? Only about 9 months
4- How old were you when you became a mom? 21
5- What is your favorite kids TV show? Umm, Cloe watched t.v. for the first time yesterday... She seemed to like Sesame Street the most though.
6- What is your least favorite kids TV show? Surprisingly enough, she didn't really like WonderPets, which makes me sad because I like it a lot.
7- What is your favorite chore? Vacuuming (it's so easy)
8- What is your favorite meal to cook? Anything Ben likes. His favorites are my lasagna and chicken enchiladas.
9- What meal do you cook most often? Haha, right now? I make sandwiches for Ben almost everyday.
10- What is your kids favorite meal? Cloe loves squash as far as baby food goes. She likes pickles though.
11- What's your favorite thing your husband does with your kids? Anything, I love to watch them together. Cloe gets so excited anytime she sees her daddy.
12- What are 5 things that make you smile when you're being a mom? Hearing Cloe giggle, hearing her roll her tongue, anytime she does something new, seeing her play with her daddy, and when she lets me cuddle with her.
13-If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be? Anywhere our family is, I love to see her being loved by people.
14- When was the last time you went out without your kids? Our anniversary a couple of weeks ago.
15- What is your favorite activity to do with your kids? Chasing Cloe while she is crawling, it's so cute she tries to crawl faster but she can't because she is giggling too much.
16- Name one thing you said you'd never say as a mother. "Of course you can give Cloe a pickle to suck on Honey."
17- Name something you do that your own mom did. She always made holidays and birthdays very special. I loved that.
18- What is your favorite quality your mom has? She brags about her kids (in a good way). It always made me feel so good.
19- What is your favorite kids book? I love the Poky Little Puppy.
20- What is your favorite advice for new moms? YOU know what to do. All women have insticts on motherhood regardless of their background.
21- What is your most heartbreaking moment as a mom? Seeing Cloe sick (especially when she throws up because she doesn't know whats going on and looks at me to fix it for her and I can't.)
22- What is your most joyful moment as a mom? Spending time as a family playing. I love to get down to Cloe's level and wrestle with her.
23- When is the last time you told one of your kids you loved them? This morning when I got Cloe out of her crib.
24- When was the last time you were told, "I love you" by your kids? Umm, even though she can't say it, I know that Cloe loves me. She would say it if she knew how.