Families and Babies (plural)

(Alyse and cousin Yale)

Before Alyse was born, Brandon's parents threw out a plan: let's all rendez-vous in SLC over Pres. Day weekend. We loved the idea and set out to make it a reunion with all of our families.

It seemed like a whole bunch of trips rolled into one:

visiting with the Woodlands (ALL of Brandon's siblings came for the weekend!)




We had song time and Alyse loved listening to the songs...since we've learned them (or in Brandon's case re-learned them since he'd had them sung to him growing up) they have become some of Alyse's favorites! She smiles when we start singing, "Our paddles keen and bright, flashing like silver..."


and the Harrises (my dad and Bev came from CA for several days and Lish and Whit drove up from St. George so the cousins could meet!)


We surprised my dad and Bev at the airport with a sign that my step-sis, Steph, made instructing these grandparents who hadn't met their grandbabies yet that the babies were in need of hugs and kisses.
They were pretty surprised- the grandparents and they babies!









Three generations of Harris men-- pretty cool.

and the Goodfellows (my mom and Scott kindly hosted us the whole time, complete with crib and diapers, etc!).






Grandpa Scott made these amazing toy boxes for Alyse and Yale-- we can't wait to have it in her room!

The first full day we were there was a special one because we blessed Alyse and Yale and had a wonderful dinner at my mom and Scott's house with all our family and
close family friends.





We had down time with each family just hanging out
as well as a few fun activities.


Brandon and I left Alyse to be babysat (for the first time!!! Luckily it was with Grandma Debbie!) and had a snowshoeing adventure with Derek and Carl. It was beautiful and so much fun!

We took Alyse and Yale swimming in my dad and Bev's hotel pool and they loved it!



My mom and I were even able to travel down to St. George to visit Lish and Whit in their new home and spend a few more days with them and little Yale. It was so awesome to see them as parents...Whitney is such a natural mother--I definitely picked up some tips from her-- and Lish, well, Lishy is himself...and YD loves him :)






Aunt Whitney

Watching basketball with Uncle Lish

First time she's ever seen a dog!

And I got to spend time with my nephew...I think he likes me :)

A big thanks to all of our families for coming together to make this special trip possible! And thank you to my mom and Debbie for making the Sunday get together so great! Can't wait to see you all again in the summer (we're planning a family trip in between our move from Bmore to Chicago).