We've Escaped... and Returned

Yes we have escaped and were missing in action last night. I decided to "surprise" Eric and plan a family camping trip at a local camp ground about an hour away. I use the word "surprise" loosely, because almost every surprise that I have planned has been discovered by Eric or some other person unintentionally. This little get away was no different. About a week ago a friend told me about this campground that they go to as a family. Since Eric had this coming Friday off and the weather seemed to be cooperating, I decided to plan a secret get away. Well a few days later while equipment was being collected, packed and prepared, Eric happened to see me looking at a camping website that I was looking at. Even though I closed it as fast as I could the damage was done. So, yes Eric, we are going camping!
We picked Eric up after work on Thursday and traveled to the campsite. It was a great location, one that we plan to use again (thanks, Kim). We set up our tent and got the preparations going. Thanks to the Eagle scout in our family, we had a blazing fire in no time. A little while later our bellies were full with hot dogs, chips, fruit, and smores. Yumm Yumm!!!
We got Alex ready for bed and said prayers. Alex slept really well in the pack'n play. Sarah slept like a trooper. She slept while we set up camp, ate, and also while putting Alex down for the night. We woke her up and fed her. Eric and I enjoyed looking up at the thousand stars up above and chatting the night away. Although it wasn't the most restful night's sleep Eric and I had we were glad that we were there as a family.
There were only a few minor mishaps, (Erika- burned finger, Alex- bug bites and a few scrapes, and Sarah- a few bruises wiggling out of her car seat while sleeping at night) but that is what makes the camping trip memorable.
After a breakfast of French toast and juice, we packed up and enjoyed a nice drive back home. What a fun time to spend as a family.

Double Vision????

A few weeks ago we were able to watch our friend's children for them while they went to our ward's temple night. We had gone to the temple earlier in the week while they watched them for us. We have children the same age so our two oldest ones are partners in crime together while the little ladies are just content to be held. Here are some pictures of the fun double trouble. I can't believe that we were outnumbered that evening. In the bottom picture Sarah is on the right and is about 3 weeks older than Brielle, but about 3 pounds lighter than her. They are just two precious little girls.

Cute Little Valentines

Here are some more pictures of our cute little valentines. Alex is getting more excited to take/pose for pictures for us.

Love is all around

I am just posting this video of Alex giving kisses to Sarah. He was excited to give them to her. This was the first time that he actually came back to give her extra love. He is a very affectionate little boy, and I am glad that we got to capture it on video.

Pictures are worth a thousand words

We have been waiting a long time for these. I am blessed to have a wonderful photographer and friend in our ward, who is willing to come and take pictures of you newborn baby as her gift to you. Ginger, I can't say it enough, You are amazing. Thank you so much for your gift to our family.

I was blessed to have her take pictures of Alex for us when he was so tiny too. Eric wasn't able to be at the shoot with Alex, but he was able to be here for Sarah's pictures. Daddy's little girl. She has him wrapped around her tiny little fingers.
It is amazing to see how much they change in a few short months. The new picture on our blog title is one that she did. She came over last night and brought the disc of the pictures she had taken. I love them!!! Here are just a few that she had done of Sarah and the family.