New Additon

We have a new addition to the Dudley clan, Lil' Viv!  Of course the logical thing to do was to take a family picture.  I love so many things about this picture: Faye's awkward pose, my charming brothers who were hamming it up moments before the camera timer went off, having this picture taken in front of the plum tree, and everybody in it, especially the wee one!

Another Portrait Session

I've really been into Groupons this year, it's a bit pathetic.  Mom and I picked out a Groupon deal through JCPennies Portraits for Vivvy and Faye to use during their birthday month.  However, Faye decided today was a good day to show her development of the Terrible Twos.  I've never had to work that hard to get my child to cooperate before.  She was running out of the portrait studio into the store (that girl is FAST), getting into the studio's prop closet, making backdrops fall, ripping out her hair-do, and refusing to look at the camera.  I was worn out after making my usual noises and antics for a half an hour, and we were both done.  Luckily we got 3 good images, which is what came with the package deal.

Two years old!  I love the backwards number two.

Not the most photogenic of poses, but I had to keep it to remember her personality as well as what kind of a day it turned out to be. 

It's a miracle we got a shot of Faye looking at the camera and giving us a genuine smile at the same time.  I can't believe how much she looks like Heidi, especially now that her eyes have turned more brown.

Learning to Ride a Bike

Grandma Lisa gave Faye a shiny new bike for her birthday!  Faye has been content to sit on the bike for well over a half an hour at a time.  However, we decided to show her the "proper" way to enjoy a bike.  We'd take turns pushing Faye's little feet on the pedals then give her a chance to do it herself.  Faye is little-miss-independant and started getting frustrated when we would try to help her- she definitely belongs to me.

Grandma Lisa giving Faye some sass after one of her "let me do it" moments.

My little girl definitely isn't a baby any more!  Look at her go.

Cousin Vivian

We waited until Heidi and Ryan were home from the hospital to introduce Faye to her new cousin, Vivian.  The two girls share the same birthday week!  We were so excited to see how Faye reacted to the little one, but, to our surprise, she wanted nothing to do with baby Vivy.  This picture sums things up pretty well: 

Grandma Lisa with her girls.

Two Years Old

Happy Birthday to Faye!  Our little two year old had quite the party!  We invited our family to come celebrate with us.  I'm still surprised with how big our family has grown!

Grandpa Bill and Grandma Myrna were so good to come!  They even made a full tub of Marble Slab's Chocolate Swiss ice cream for everybody to enjoy. 

Faye and Cambrie enjoying cake and ice cream. 

Miss Paisley.

Little Miss Myriah.

Tilly and Lyam.

We wisely moved the party to Grandma Lisa's house.  The swing set and soccer goal were a big hit with the kids.  

I kept Faye's birthday cake simple this year- we'll do something more elaborate when she's able to request a theme.  The ruffled rainbow cake was a big hit!

Faye still hasn't worked out opening presents.  Luckily Uncle Reed was willing to get her started.

After a few moments of Reed's help, we accepted help from Cambrie, Tilly, and Myriah in the present opening department.  It was a bit of mass mayhem.

While her cousins were opening gifts, Faye was content to stick her newly open scooter's handle in her mouth.

OooooWeeeeeOoooo!

 Our latest love as a family has been Doctor Who. 

Who's the Doctor? He's the doctor!  The seasons with the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, have been our favorite.

I found a Groupon deal a few months back for a portrait session that was a whole $16.  What was I thinking?  We do family pictures all the time and Mom does a fabulous job with those.  So, we decided to have some fun with it and, yes, had a Doctor Who themed photo shoot.  We had recently purchased a new suit for Alan, which was a slim fit and similar to that of the 10th Doctor's, and he received a sonic screwdriver for Father's Day this year.  I found a Tardis colored skirt from savers and was able to sew on some "windows" to make a tasteful costume for me.  Faye, we decided, should be a Dalek.

"Exterminate!"

I found a set of gold pillowcases from Savers and fashioned her a costume for the occasion.  Unfortunately it was a bit tight, but for less than $5 to make the ensemble, I was okay to cut her out of the dress and throw it away post photo shoot.

I need to scan in the picture, but I'm so excited with how it turned out! I'm glad we had fun with this.  even with the costumes, it was much cheaper than a day at Lagoon!

Amber Waves of Grain

Somebody's turning two soon!  Therefore, many many photo shoots are in order.  To start the festivities off, Mom and I decided to fulfill a vision the two of us have shared for several years: A little girl in a sun dress playing in a field of golden grain.  We set out for our adventure with a particular wheat field in mind and looming black storm clouds in the distance.  We had to wait out a heavy summer rain storm, but luckily it didn't last long. 

Pensive Faye.

I was trying my hardest to get Faye to smile.  She was pretty cute to mimic my crazy antics.

She's such a remarkable little girl.  I'm so grateful to have her in my life, happy and healthy. 

Thanks, Mom, for all the pictures!

Observant Child

As mentioned before, Faye still isn't talking much- not much English anyway.  She'll jabber away in her own language until the cows come home.  However, we do know that she is a very observant little lady.  For instance, yesterday while Greg and I were sitting on the porch, Faye came up and took my keys. She found the car key, walked down to my car an put the key in the door. Then, with a little help from her Uncle, got the door open, crawled into the driver's seat, and put the keys in the ignition. That's as far as we let her get on this adventure.  Faye is rather obsessed with sitting in the driver's seat, come to think of it.

Temple Square

Grandpa Hazen and Agnetha stayed a few days latter than the rest of the relatives.  It was nice to have some quiet time with both of them.  Agnetha asked if we could take a trip to Temple Square, never having been before.  So Alan, Faye and I gladly joined them for a trip down town. 

"It's like you just stepped out of the Tardis!" 

Faye and the Missionaries!  I love the idea of Faye wanting to go on a mission one day.  Only time will tell, though.

Agnetha loved all of the large paintings and the statue of Jesus in the North Visitors Center. 

We were fortunate enough to walk past the Tabernachel as a crowd was entering to enjoy an organ recital.  I absolutely love the Tabernachel Organ, especially since it will always make me think of my sweet friend, Celeste, and the best field trip of my childhood.

Faye, our little wiggle worm, did surprising well during the recital.  She clearly loved the music and was fascinated by each song performed.

Checking out the exhibits in the South Visitors Center.

I'm so grateful to have had a chance to show Agnetha Temple Square.  I personally loved the excuse to enjoy the spirit and excitement that comes with being around the Salt Lake Temple and to learn something new about the history of our church. 

Birthday Bash

 Before the extended fam started heading home after the wedding, we decided to have a big birthday party since so many summer birthdays are so close together.  Mom and I made and decorated 12 personal cakes for each of the great grand-kids, Spencer, Alex, and Grandpa got a regular cake decorated by Kendra.

Little Miss Edy turned one just last week!  She was our inspiration for the little cakes.

Everybody seemed to enjoy their cake, though many of the cakes were left partially eaten.

The big boys were sweet enough to feed each other their cakes.

The whole clan together.  Goodness knows when we'll see everybody again, but I'm glad they came out this summer!