Wednesday, August 31, 2011

August Adieu

August has been a really great month!  But, like so many others, it seemed to fly by and was over before we even knew it.  Here are a few of our fun pictures for you to enjoy as we say adieu to August!!!
Earlier this month, the Young Women in our ward had an activity where we learned Polynesian dancing.  Nia did a fabulous job teaching us and even had a lava lava there for Tori!!!
Just by looking at this picture - whose idea do you think it was to go outside and play in the rain?
I don't know what was going on - but Tori seemed very concerned about it!!!
On this occasion, we played with colored bubbles and then had Oreos for our Family Home Evening activity and treat.
Tori loved every part of our evening!!!
It totally cracks me up that Tori will move everything off of her bed- all of her blankets and stuffed animals- move them into a corner in her room, and then fall asleep on the floor.  Surely her bed has to be more comfortable!
I think Daddy was reminded that playing with Tori can sure tucker you out!
Luckily, several of her friends make great pillows and nap buddies!!!
Tonight we went swimming with the youth in our ward.  Tori was gearing up for it all day long by playing with her star floatie toy!!!
Yeah for our fun swimming activity - we all had a great time!
Farewell August - you were a grand month!!!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

To Shoot or not to Shoot?

This weekend the youth in our ward were able to participate in a campout/gun shooting activity in Terre Haute.  Basically, the Scouts camped out last night and then the Young Women came up to join them this morning to take part in the shooting portion.  Tori and I really weren't planning on attending since Jared was going to the whole activity.  But a very last minute change came up and we were able to come up last night as well - although we got to "campout" in the house!!!  Prince was also able to come with us and he loved being outside so much and having so much new attention! 
Tori took a little extra time waking up this morning! 
Jared got to be one of the station supervisor people.  (Go Katie!!!)
Don't you think this is just an awesome picture?  And check out all of that fabulous use of hearing protection!  It made my little audiologist heart very happy!!!
Even I took a few shots - heck yes!!!  Sadly, they didn't take a picture of me shooting the Desert Eagle 44 caliber (I think that is right)!
Tori had a great time being outside all day, and loved eating many things off of the ground- like her pretzels for example!
Marina was the only girl that even attempted to shoot this huge shotgun - way to go!
And while shooting it she brought down the entire line of targets - awesome!!!
After all of the youth were done, the grown-up-boys were able to have a crack at everything.  And they had a great time!  Jared was able to shoot every gun at least once - his favorite ended up being the 223 semi-automatic rifle!  Here he is shooting the 9mm semi-automatic handgun (I am so glad he remembers all these numbers and names)!!! 
By all accounts, this activity was a huge success!  No one got hurt - except for a few bruises from kickbacks.  The location and food were amazing!!!  I am so glad that our family was able to participate!
I just have to say that I love the youth in our ward - they are absolutely fantastic!  I am so glad that Jared and I get to serve them and feel of their strong testimonies at this time!  You are all amazing examples to us!!!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Continued Celebrations

 Let's just face it, living away from family stinks - especially around birthdays and holidays.  But, if there is one good thing about it, it may be that you get to extend those celebrations out while things arrive in the mail!  Tori has been totally enjoying her extended birthday celebrations!!!  Her first package arrived from Georgia - thanks so much Uncle Willie, Aunt Krista, Parker, Lincoln, and Henry! 
Tori wasted no time getting into this one!
Yeah for a fun new towel and adorable card!
She loves this towel (although, she calls it her blanket!), and I think we have used it almost every night since it arrived!!!
Next came a package from Uncle Jer and Aunt Kim in Utah!  Since Jared wasn't home yet, Tori had to anxiously await his arrival before she could open this one!
What could it be?
She loves her new dog Dug (sadly I missed catching her giving him a kiss with our camera)!
And of course, the Cinderella book was a huge hit!!!  Thanks so much Uncle Jer and Aunt Kim!!!
Tori's next package was from Grandma Harrison and Aunt Anna in Utah!  The packing stuff was definitely an added present - she had so much fun playing with it!!!
Tori's very own computer - time to start working on sending emails and her own blog!
And then she found the pajamas with tutus - she had to try them on right away!
Hurrah for a new dress - she is going to look adorable!!!
Yep, Tori loves her new computer- she even tried to take it to bed with her!!!
The last birthday package arrived from Grandma and Grandpa Allen, Uncle Alec, and Uncle Dillon in Texas! So many presents, where to start?
Luckily Uncle Alec was looking out for Tori and let us know the order!
Oh how fun - Tori loves her new doll (especially since she can dress her up and comb her hair)!!!
Yeah for another new dress - she will continue to be the belle of the ball (or at least our ward)!!!
Tori loves her new dollie - she has been playing with her all morning long (so cute)!!!
An enormous thank you to all of our family for making Tori's second birthday so memorable!  It has been a blast watching her totally enjoy each new gift as it has arrived!  Love you all!!!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Our Little Book Worm

Tori has really loved books for the longest time!  She loves it when we read books to her.  She loves flipping through and looking at books by herself.  You name it - if a book is involved she loves it!  And now we have moved on to the next step, Tori is starting to read books along with us!  Here she is reading Moo, Baa, La La La! (by Sandra Boynton - we love all of her books) along with Daddy!!!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

New Family Pics!!!

When we were visiting our families this June, we were able to get some new family and cousin pictures taken!  I am so glad - our last real family photos were taken when Tori was about 5 months old and she is almost two.  Without further ado - our pictures from Texas!  Sadly, Tori wasn't in the most smiley mood - but the pictures still turned out great (thanks Rigo)!!!
Our big girl!
Tori and Linken!
I love this one of Tori and Jared!!!
Yeah for our cute family!!!
And a few more fun cousin shots!!!

Now, for our pictures from Utah (thanks for being our photographer Mom)!  For this photo shoot we were able to find some awesome spots in Grandma Harrison's backyard.  Tori was in a better mood for this one, but much more wiggly!
Hurrah for a family photo and a smile from Tori!!!
I love how this one turned out! 
Another fun family shot!
And now for the cousin photo shoot - all I can say, we didn't pick a good time for this one at all.  But it makes me laugh to look back at it now!!!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Two Peas in a Pod!!!

Tori and Prince are just getting more and more cute around each other every day!  Don't get me wrong- we still have our Prince biting and Tori kicking or hitting moments, but they are getting less common.  Some of the latest developments: when Tori and I go downstairs in the mornings Tori greets Prince by putting her fingers down for him to lick them - so adorable!   
She also loves to lay down on the ground and play with Prince!
And I love watching Prince be so playful back with her (without any nipping)!!!
Sometimes we think Tori thinks she is a puppy too - yummy water (bleh)!
Recently, Tori has become very helpful with Prince.  Whenever we are going to be gone for a long time, we set up our bathroom downstairs as his playroom.  Tori will move his bed and all of his toys into the room for him.  Then when we get back she goes right to the door to help let him out and puts all of his things away! 
Tori also loves helping us get Prince his food and says "good boy" to him all the time!
Sometimes she is a little too helpful with his food! 
This is one of my favorites- when Tori gives Prince kisses!!! (And I love how patient he is with her!)
Tori is very good at keeping Prince nice and comfy - even if it means wrapping him up in her own blanket! And of course she makes sure he has Nino as well!!!
Yeah for our two peas in a pod - it is going to be so fun watching them grow up together!!!