Cousin Guy's Mad Guitar Skills

My cousin guy came up from Arizona for Bubba's homecoming. He is amazing on the guitar, and luckily it is one of his favorite things to just sit and play. So we were serenaded almost all weekend with his amazing classical guitar pieces. He's only 14, but is probably the best guitarist I've ever met. Very very amazing. The video also shows Aunt Kathy playing with baby Kate, Bubba doing the dishes (well, picking up the plate that he broke while doing the dishes), and my cousin Taylor curling Courtney's hair (Courtney had to speak at a regional YSA fireside last night and did awesome). We all just sat around and tried to look busy all day while we listened to Guy play.

Meeting Family

Kate Fay with one of her namesakes (there are a few), my Aunt Kathy (Fay)

Kate with my mom's mom, Grandma Bonnie

Kate with my dad's mom, Grandma Roundy

Kate with my brother, Bubba (Preston)

Kate with my brother Jaeson's wife, Sarah

Kate got to meet more of the family this weekend. Jaeson's family, Grandma Roundy, Grandma Bonnie and Ralph, and Aunt Kathi's family all came out for the celebration of Bubba's homecoming. It was great to have so much family around. In fact, I think that spending time with family is probably one of my very favorite past times. It is a blessing to know that we can be together forever. Now that she's met almost all of her family, I think it's about time that she meets her dad (that'll be the next post...he comes home very soon!!!)

Folofola Mai A Sisu

Bubba just returned from serving a mission in LA. Although he was supposed to be speaking Spanish most of the time, he ended up spending a large part of the mission with Tongans. This is his favorite song from the Tongan hymnal. My cousin, Guy, is on the guitar (he's amazing-I'll post more of him in a minute).

Bath Time

Bath time became quite exciting since Kate discovered her hand. She loves sucking on her hand, especially when she's in the bath and gets a fist full of water every time. Since she realized that, bath time has become very busy: seeing how many times she can dip her hand in the water and then suck it dry. She's a busy busy girl.

Playing Dress Up

Katrina gave Kate the cutest bathrobe EVER! It's perfect for lounging around before bedtime.

This was our attempt at some pseudo-professional-looking photography. We would have taken more but Kate woke up cranky...we'll try again later (if you have any creative pose ideas please share).

Look at those eyes! I wonder if they'll stay blue...

I actually ironed this dress so she could wear it to church on Sunday.

Swimming at Jen's

Kate and I went swimming for the first time this summer (Kate's first time ever) at Jen's house (thanks for having us over Jen-it was great to see you!). The water was heated to a toasty 92 degrees and Kate loved it...all 5 minutes of it. It got pretty windy and cold so we didn't last too long. Oh well. We'll have plenty of opportunities to go to the pool when it's 100 degrees back in 29 Palms...

So Much Hair!

Kate's head full of hair is proving to be fun for all the women in the family. Grandma Kristi, Aunt Courtney, and I have been quite enjoying trying out new accessories and styles. The favorite after bath time is a faux hawk that curls at the top. The curl disappears once her hair dries, but the faux hawk stays until her next bath (amazing hold!). She's going to have pig tails soon...and braids...I love having a little girl!

Welcome Home Bubba

Just trying a new hairdo. I'll have to start putting her hair up-adorable!

We went to the Loveland Loves Barbeque Event downtown today. It was super sunny, so I went rummaging in Kate's drawers to find a hat. The hat that fits her best has a matching outfit, so I got her all dressed up. The chin strap on the hat is so high on her chin because the only other option was to lift up all her chin fat and put the strap under it. That would have worked pretty well I guess-it would have held that strap tight. Maybe next time.

Grandma Kristi with Kate. She's going to miss you when we move at the end of the month! We'll have to come and visit often.

I think this picture gives us some insight into what Kate will look like in about 70 years.

My brother Bubba just got home from his mission this week! He served in Los Angeles and had a fabulous experience. It's great to have him home. He's already influencing me to be a better person just by how confident and focused he is on doing what's right. He's been a good reminder of how important it is to work on your spirituality every day to stay strong. My little brother is a great example to me.

Bobble Head Baby

98% of the time, Kate holds her head up like a champ. The other 2% is displayed in this video, and I'm afraid she might have whiplash as a result. Actually, she didn't seem to mind it by the looks of the grin she flashed a minute later. I think she makes about 50 different faces in just a few seconds. In fact, I think she's in the 95th percentile for making faces in her age group (such an overachiever!).

Posing for the camera

Another Kate update: She's 8 weeks old tomorrow. She's just over 10 pounds and is already starting to develop some very shapely roles. I've been trying to get her in a routine with eating and sleeping but she is fighting it. She sleeps pretty well at night, waking up to eat every few hours but going right back to sleep (usually). Her daytime naps are super unpredictable too-some are just 30 minutes, some are 2 1/2 hours. I guess we'll get there...eventually.

I just put her down for bed 10 minutes ago and she's awake again...gotta go.